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Nucleic acid-based therapeutics are a common approach that is increasingly popular for a wide spectrum of diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising delivery carriers that provide RNA stability, with strong transfection efficiency, favorable and tailorable pharmacokinetics, limited toxicity, and established translatability. In this review article, we describe the lipid-based delivery systems, focusing on lipid nanoparticles, the need of their use, provide a comprehensive analysis of each component, and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the existing manufacturing processes. We further summarize the ongoing and completed clinical trials utilizing LNPs, indicating important aspects/questions worth of investigation, and analyze the future perspectives of this significant and promising therapeutic approach.

Flemingia macrophylla has traditionally been applied to relieve inflammation, diabetes, and circulatory complications. The leaf extract of F. macrophylla and its fractions were investigated for their in-vitro antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. The phytochemical screening showed valuable phytochemicals, including glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, etc. GC‒MS analysis of the phytochemicals in the methanol extract detected 19 bioactive compounds. Among the diverse fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction (EFM) exhibited the highest phenol and flavonoid contents of 557 mg GAE/g and 326 mg QCE/g, respectively. The total antioxidant content of EFM was found to be 292.41±19.16 mg AAE/g, while its antidiabetic study showed the greatest level of α -glucosidase (IC50: 11.27±1.25 µg/mL) and α -amylase (IC50: 10.04±0.63 µg/mL) inhibitory effects. The docking results showed that C6 had the highest binding scores of -9.0, -7.4, and -7.6 kcal/mol against antioxidant (6NGJ), α-glucosidase (5NN5), and α-amylase (4GQR) proteins, respectively. The dynamics simulation disclosed that C6-receptor protein complexes remained stable at the binding pocket under human body conditions and retained their stiff morphology for 100 nanoseconds (ns). ADMET results demonstrated their noncarcinogenic and well-absorbed properties, where PASS prediction data confirmed their efficacy as an antioxidant, antiulcerative, thrombolytic, and antidiabetic. Therefore, F. macrophylla has potential health benefits.

Abstract Precisely measuring pressure in microfluidic flows is essential for flow control, fluid characterization, and monitoring, but faces specific challenges such as achieving sufficient resolution, non-invasiveness, or ease of use. Here, we demonstrate a fully integrated multiplexed optofluidic pressure sensor, entirely decoupled from the flow path, that enables local pressure measurements along any microfluidic channel without altering its flow geometry. The sensor itself relies on the compression of a soft mechano-actuated hydrogel, changing color in response to a pressure change. The hydrogel is separated from the fluid circulating in the channel by a thin membrane, allowing for the unrestricted use of different types of fluids. Imaging the gel through the transparent PDMS with a color camera provides a direct, easy, and contact-free determination of the fluid pressure at the sensing location for pressures as small as 20mbar with a resolution of around 10mbar. The sensitivity and accessible pressure range can be tuned via the mechanical properties of the sensing unit. The photonic gel can also be used to acquire 2D pressure or deformation maps, taking advantage of the fast response time and fine spatial resolution.

The use of synthetic dyes in the textile industry is mostly non-degradable, which are carcinogenic and pollute the environment severely. Natural dyes have gained significant attention recently due to their potential to mitigate the environmental challenges associated with synthetic colorants. This investigation is centered around the extraction of natural dyes sourced from mahogany trees and the exploration of environmentally friendly techniques for coloring jute fabric. The derived dyes were procured from distinct segments of the mahogany tree: namely, the bark, fruits, and wood remnants. Employing an aqueous extraction methodology, inherent coloring agents were meticulously separated and subsequently applied to jute fabric subsequent to appropriate mordanting employing a variety of mordant categories. An exhaustive assessment encompassing wash, light, rubbing, and perspiration resistance was conducted on jute fabric that was subjected to dyeing using three distinct variants of mahogany tree-derived dyes. Notably, jute fabric treated with wood wastage-sourced dye exhibited commendable to exceptional resistance properties. The efficacy of this dyeing process was further substantiated through diverse characterization techniques, inclusive of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which unequivocally affirmed the successful bonding of mahogany-derived dyes onto the surface of the jute fabric. The textile industry, particularly dyeing operations that use large, designed colors and synthetic chemicals, is wreaking havoc on the sea-going environment by dumping emissions directly into bodies of water. Synthetic colors are commonly used to dye jute fabric, which has major health and environmental consequences. Therefore, concerning the environmental challenges, the dyeing of jute fabric using naturally extracted dyes from mahogany trees can be a suitable alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry.

Abstract Background and Aims Monkeypox (Mpox) has become a concern worldwide after spreading into nonendemic countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this a public health emergency of international concern and recommended to get vaccinated first who are at the highest risk. Risk perception and subjective norms can influence the decision of vaccine uptake. Therefore, we intended to perform a cross‐sectional study on the male population in our country to assess their risk perception and subjective norms on Mpox. Methods We measured participants' risk perception and subjective norms using Google form. Demographic profile of participants was obtained using a structured questionnaire. We performed a χ2 test to compare the levels of risk perception and subjective norm perception and multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the association between the study parameters and the sociodemographic profile of the participants. Results Among the participants, 93 (23.72%), 288 (73.47%), and 11 (2.81%) had high, medium, and low‐risk perceptions, respectively. For subjective norms, we observed 288 (58.16%) participants had a medium, 117 (29.85%) had high, and 47 (11.99%) had low levels of subjective norms, respectively. Most participants possessed medium risk perception (73.47%) and subjective norms (58.16%). Moreover, we observed that moderate risk perception was prevalent in people with body mass index (BMI) level between 18.5 and 25 (73.3%), married (63.5%), low economic background (94.1%), living with a family (77.1%), smokers (68.4%), heterosexuals (99%), people with no/little impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) on life (91%). Proportions of people with moderate subjective norms BMI level of 18.5–25 (73.2%), married (60.5%), low economic status (93.9%), rural (58.8%), living with family (77.2%), nonsmokers (71.1%), and people with no/little impact of Covid‐19 in their lives (91.2%). Conclusion The majority of participants perceived medium risk perception and subjective norms related to Mpox. Furthermore, we observed a significant association between the study parameters and the sociodemographic characteristics of our study participants. We recommend that further longitudinal studies to yield more accurate results.

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra, is one of the most widely used vegetable crops currently used for diabetes treatment as well. It is thought that the large amount of soluble dietary fibers present in okra is responsible for the slowing of the absorption of glucose from the gut. However, its role in concomitant administration with commonly prescribed medications, including metformin (MET) and acarbose (ACR) for diabetes, is unclear. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of A. esculentus pod extract (AEE) administered concomitantly with MET and ACR in the glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice model. The AEE was prepared using green okra pods. In this experiment, each male Swiss Webster mouse was administered a 2.5 gm/kg/BW dose of glucose via gastric lavage to induce hyperglycemia. The experimental animals were divided into five groups: (i) negative control, (ii) positive control, (iii) MET only, (iv) MET and ACR, and (v) MET, ACR, and AEE. The orally administered doses of the MET, ACR, and the extract were 150 mg/kg/BW, 15 mg/kg/BW, and 0.2 mL/kg/BW, respectively. We found that MET only and a combination of MET and ACR reduced glucose levels significantly (p < 0.01) compared to the positive control. On the other hand, when MET, ACR, and AEE were administered simultaneously, the synergistic antihyperglycemic action of the MET and ACR was diminished. After 150 min, the blood glucose level was 4.50 ± 0.189 mmol/L (iv) and 6.58 ± 0.172 mmol/L (v). This study suggests that taking AEE concurrently with MET and ACR would reduce the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs; thereby, concomitant administration of these antidiabetic agents is not recommended. This study provides an essential basis for decision-making about the consumption of AEE with conventional medicine. Further study is required to find the molecular insight of drug interactions in combination therapy of medicinal plants for diabetes.

Oligo(L-lactic acid) (OLLA) was synthesized by ring opening polymerization of L-lactides using stannous octoate (0.03 wt% of lactide). While this served as the initiator, L-lactic acids were the co-initiators at 140 °C for 10 h, wherein L-lactic acids were prepared by hydrolytic degradation of L-lactides at 100 °C for 1 h. The molecular weight or degree of polymerization was controlled with monomer/co-initiator ratio (mol/mol). α-cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were extracted from jute fiber by subsequent treatment with sodium chlorite (Na2ClO2), NaOH and H2SO4. Grafting of OLLA onto α-cellulose and MCC in toluene was carried out using para-toluene sulphonic acid as a catalyst and potassium persulphate (KPS) as an initiator at 130 °C under 380 mm (Hg) pressure for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 h. New properties of α-cellulose and MCC were observed due to the successful grafting onto α-cellulose and MCC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were conducted in order to confirm grafting of OLLA onto cellulose and MCC. The FTIR analysis results showed there are some new characteristic absorption peaks appeared (1728 to 1732 cm−1) in the spectrum, which confirmed the grafting of OLLA onto α-cellulose and MCC was successful. SEM images of α-cellulose and MCC before and after grafting revealed significant changes in surface morphology. Grafting of MCC could be more effective for further application in comparison to α-cellulose.

Abstract Bangladesh is located in Southeast Asia that has a high population density. It is a lower‐middle‐income country. The COVID‐19 pandemic severely impacted the nation that slowed its economic growth. It halted major industries, crippling the nation's economy. The students were uncertain after the declaration of school closures. Hospitals could not treat other patients properly due to the vast health burden of COVID‐19. Bangladesh put up a solid fight during COVID‐19 as a lower‐middle‐income country. Prompt action, early vaccination drives, effective awareness campaigns, and widespread public involvement have enabled Bangladesh to bring more than 90% of its population into COVID‐19 vaccination coverage. It was possible by the effective diplomatic and local health strategy implemented by the Bangladeshi government, the country's extensive prior experience, and its long history of achieving a high success rate in other vaccination campaigns. Bangladesh was able to flatten the curve sooner than other developed countries. Therefore, the cogs of everyday social life and the economy begin to turn once more. The strategy Bangladesh used to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic through vaccination and diplomatic policy by calling on its prior experience has the potential to serve as a model for other low‐ and middle‐income countries and an example for developed nations.

Background Mpox (monkeypox) infection has become a global concern for healthcare authorities after spreading in multiple non-endemic countries. Following the sudden multi-country outbreak of Mpox, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern. We do not have any vaccines approved for the prevention of Mpox infection. Therefore, international healthcare authorities endorsed smallpox vaccines for the prevention of Mpox disease. Here we intended to perform this cross-sectional study among the adult males in Bangladesh to assess the Mpox vaccine perception and vaccination intention. Methods We conducted this web-based survey among the adult males in Bangladesh from September 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022, using Google Forms. We assessed the Mpox vaccine perception and vaccination intention. We performed a chi-square test to compare vaccine perception and vaccination intention levels. Also, we performed multiple logistic regression analyses to determine the association between the study parameters and the sociodemographic profile of the participants. Results According to the present study, the Mpox vaccine perception was high among 60.54% of the respondents. Also, 60.05% of respondents showed medium vaccination intention. Mpox vaccine perception and vaccination intention were strongly associated with the sociodemographic profiles of the participants. Furthermore, we discovered a significant association between the level of education and vaccination intention among the respondents. Also, age and marital status played a role in the Mpox vaccine perception and vaccination intention. Conclusion Our findings showed a significant association between sociodemographic characteristics and the Mpox vaccine perception/vaccination intention. Along with the country’s long experience in mass immunization, campaigns about Covid-19 vaccines and high vaccination rates might play a role in Mpox vaccine perception and vaccination intention. We recommend more social awareness and educational communications or seminars for the target population to bring more positive changes in their attitude towards Mpox prevention.

With the improvement of living standards, everybody is very much conscious about the environmental protection and health safety. Natural dyes have attracted more attention to the industry due to exhibiting better biodegradability and more compatibility with the environment. Characteristic colours that are gathered from common assets can be categorized as either plant, creature, mineral, or microbial colours and can be used for colouring a wide range of regular filaments. Late examination shows that it can likewise be utilized to colour a portion of the manufactured filaments too. Normal colours are not just utilized in the shading of material filaments, they are also utilized for food, prescriptions, handiwork articles, and leather preparing. Extraction and purification play a vital role in the processing of natural dyes. There are different types of extraction process currently available for these natural dyes, such as solvent extraction, aqueous extraction, enzymatic extraction and fermentation, extraction with microwave or ultrasonic energy, supercritical fluid extraction, and alkaline or acid extraction. All these extraction processes have their own advantages as well as some drawbacks depending on the parameters that need to be maintained during the extraction process. Appropriate extraction can be beneficial for specific types of such dyes. In this paper, the classification, characteristics, extraction methods, and the application of natural dyes are introduced in an organized manner.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been successfully prepared using Cocos nucifera leaf extract and their antimicrobial, antioxidant and photocatalytic activity investigated. The structural, compositional and morphological properties of the NPs were recorded and studied systematically to confirm the synthesis. The aqueous suspension of NPs showed an ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption maxima of 370 nm, indicating primarily its formation. X-ray diffraction analysis identified the NPs with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and an average particle size of 16.6 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis identified some biomolecules and functional groups in the leaf extract as responsible for the encapsulation and stabilization of ZnO NPs. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed the desired elemental compositions in the material. A flower-shaped morphology of ZnO NPs was observed by scanning electron microscopy, with a grain size of around 15 nm. The optical properties of the NPs were studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy, and the band gap was calculated as 3.37 eV. The prepared ZnO NPs have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against T. harzianum and S. aureus, with a zone of inhibition of 14 and 10 mm, respectively. The photocatalytic behaviour of ZnO NPs showed absorbance degradation at around 640 nm and it discoloured methylene blue dye after 1 h, with a degradation maximum of 84.29%. Thus, the prepared ZnO NPs could potentially be used in antibiotic development and pharmaceutical industries, and as photocatalysts.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It was an epidemic infection among African countries over the last few decades. In 2022, MPXV has been broke through in Africa, America, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific region. This widespread infection of MPXV has created panic across the nations, and the WHO has declared a global public health emergency due to the multi-country MPX outbreak. We prepared this brief report on the MPX outbreak 2022 by extracting data from Scopus, PubMed, and website databases. We manually read all the relevant articles from our target databases. The rapid spread of MPX infection in around a 100 countries has threatened the global healthcare systems. The available epidemiological data revealed that sexual orientations and encounters are potential contributing factors for monkeypox infections. However, it has not been categorized as a sexually transmitted infection. Also, MPXV can transfer from 1 individual to others in many ways. The empowerment of this old foe has created additional pressure and threat on the healthcare authorities during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Effective preventive measures, social awareness, and therapeutic approaches can reduce this extra burden on the healthcare system across the countries. Focusing only on sexual orientations and encounters as risk factors for MPX infection might increase stigma that will be another barrier to controlling and preventing MPXV spread. Therefore, we should be careful in delivering messages about MPX infection to the general population. Also, we recommend repositioning the existing smallpox vaccines and antivirals in MPX infection until the development of specific antiviral agents against this infection.

Traditional textile colorations and functionalization consume a lot of energy, take a long time, and use a lot of chemicals; hence, cost-effective and eco-friendly natural dyeing and finishing have become a prime concern. In this study, natural dyes of black rice extract was extracted and used for the coloration and functionalization of wool fabric without using any hazardous dyes. The dyeing conditions were monitored using a one-variable-at-a-time technique, and it was discovered that the optimal dyeing conditions were M: L = 1:100, pH = 3, time = 60 min, and temperature = 90 °C. The dyed wool fabric with Al2(SO4)3 mordant shows higher fastness ratings of 4–5 for wash, 6 for light, 4–5 for dry rubbing & 4 for wet rubbing. SEM photographs confirmed the successful deposition of black rice extract on wool fabrics. In addition, mechanical properties, UV protection, and antimicrobial tests also revealed that the treated wool fabric has excellent UV protection capability and good antimicrobial properties along with adequate strengths. The ultraviolet protection factor was more than 35 in optimized conditions, and the strength increased more than 10% comparing untreated wool fabric. The antibacterial performances shown more than 80% reduction rate after 20 washing cycles. Therefore, the black rice extract are very promising and can be considered as the potential candidate for the sustainable dyeing and functionalization of wool fabric in the textile industry.

Effect of stocking densities on the growth, survival and production of bata, Labeo bata fry and fingerlings were tested in a primary nursery rearing system. The experiment was conducted for a period of 4 weeks in six earthen nursery ponds having an area of 0.032 ha each. Four-day-old fry stocked at 1.0 million/ha was designated as treatment-1 (T1), 1.5 million/ha as treatment-2 (T2) and 2.0 million/ ha as treatment-3 (T3). At stocking, all fry were of same age with a mean length and weight of 1.03±0.03 cm and 0.12±0.01 g, respectively. Fry in all the treatments were fed with Mega commercial fish feed. Physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, transparency, dissolve oxygen, pH and total alkalinity in all the treatments were suitable ranges for fry and fingerling rearing. Plankton population (both phytoplankton and zooplankton) were found to be at optimum level for fish culture. Highest weight gain was observed in T1 (3.46±0.08) and lowest in T3 (1.98±0.03). Final length, final weight and survival of fingerlings also followed the same trends as weight gain. Fingerlings in T1 produced significantly higher specific growth rate (12.15±0.08) than T2 (11.31±0.03) and T2 (10.22±0.05). Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in T1 (0.26±0.01) than T2 (0.42±0.02) and T3 (0.65±0.01). Significantly higher number of fingerlings was produced in T3 (1177700±4700) than T2 (963300±9900) and T1 (717850±7350), respectively. Despite of this, consistently higher net benefits were found from T1 than T2 and T3. Overall, highest growth (3.60±0.16 g), survival (71.79 ± 1.04%) and net benefits (TK. 127,087.00) of fingerlings were obtained at a density of 1.0 million hatchlings/ha. Therefore, out of three stocking densities, 1.0 million fry/ha appears to be most suitable stocking density for nursing and rearing of L. bata fry and fingerlings in primary nursing.

The applications of surfactants and drugs in a wide variety of fields such as pharmaceuticals, food industry, textile, fabrics, etc. are increasing significantly. Herein, we investigated the clouding behavior and thermodynamics of triton X-100 (TX-100) and metformin hydrochloride (MNH) drug mixture in the effect of several polyols and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer. The phase separation behavior of the mixture of TX-100 + MNH has been deduced with the help of the cloud point technique. The cloud point (CP) values for the TX-100 and drug mixtures were documented in a decreased and increased manner with the augmentation of the concentration of polyol and PEG respectively. With the subsequent enhancement of polyol and PEG content, the CP values were recorded in the following order: $ \textrm{C}{\textrm{P}_{{\textrm{H}_2}\textrm{O} + \textrm{PEG }}} \gt \textrm{C}{\textrm{P}_{{\textrm{H}_2}\textrm{O} + \textrm{fructose}}} \gt \textrm{C}{\textrm{P}_{{\textrm{H}_2}\textrm{O} + \textrm{glucose}}} \gt \textrm{C}{\textrm{P}_{{\textrm{H}_2}\textrm{O} + \textrm{galactose}}} \gt \textrm{C}{\textrm{P}_{{\textrm{H}_2}\textrm{O} + \textrm{maltose}}} $ C P H 2 O + PEG > C P H 2 O + fructose > C P H 2 O + glucose > C P H 2 O + galactose > C P H 2 O + maltose . The standard enthalpy change ( $ \Delta H_c^o $ Δ H c o ) and entropy change ( $ \Delta S_c^o $ Δ S c o ), of TX-100 + MNH mixture in aq. polyols solutions were documented as negative; the negative values reduce in magnitudes with the polyols contents and become positive at the highest polyol content while opposite trend was obtained in presence of PEG. The presence of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions among TX-100/MNH/polyols/polymer has been recommended as the interaction forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the phase separation of triton X-100 (TNX-100) and cephradine monohydrate (CPM) drug (a first-generation cephalosporin family drug) mixture was studied in aqueous and in various aq. electrolytes (Na and K-based salts) media. As compared to the water environment, TNX 100 + CPM system demonstrated lower magnitudes of CP values in electrolytes solution. The outcomes exhibited dwindling CP values are: MCl < M2CO3 < M2SO4; (M = Na, K). Moreover, the $ \Delta H_c^0 $ Δ H c 0 (enthalpy change), $ \Delta G_c^0 $ Δ G c 0 (free energy change) and $ \Delta S_c^0 $ Δ S c 0 (entropy change), compensation temperature ( $ {T_c} $ T c ) and intrinsic enthalpy gain $ (\Delta H_c^{0,\ast }) $ (Δ H c 0 , ∗) were also computed in the circumstances of TNX 100 + CPM mixture in water and aq. electrolytes media. The values of $ \Delta G_c^0 $ Δ G c 0 were obtained to be positive demonstrating the non-spontaneity of the process. The $ \Delta H_c^0 $ Δ H c 0 and $ \Delta S_c^0 $ Δ S c 0 values were positive in aq. medium and negative in aq. salts solutions where the magnitudes $ \Delta H_c^0 $ Δ H c 0 and $ \Delta S_c^0 $ Δ S c 0 values decreased with the growing contents of TNX 100/salts. The results suggest that the interaction forces between TNX 100 and CPM in a water environment are hydrophobic in nature with π–π interactions whereas in aq. salts media the recommended forces are hydrophobic and exothermic forces along with π–π interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a rubberlike elastic hydrogelcontainingmicrodomains of bilayers periodically stacked into the polymer networkthat satisfy the Bragg’s law of diffraction. The rubberlikeelastic hydrogel has been synthesized by applying double network principleinto a viscoelastic hydrogel containing single-domain macroscopiclamellar bilayer. The hydrogel is able to tune the magnificent structuralcolor reversibly over the entire wavelength range of visible spectrumas fast as the uniaxial tensile stretching and compressive deformationare applied and released. Owing to the strength, softness, and rubberlikeelastic deformability, the tunable hydrogel can be used extensivelyto design a new class of soft tactile sensor as an advanced stresssensor that is able to detect a local deformation of a complicatedforce field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ibuprofen is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is employed as an initial treatment option for its non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antipyretic properties. However, Ibuprofen is linked to specific well-known gastrointestinal adverse effects like ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. It has been linked to harmful effects on the liver, kidney, and heart. The purpose of the study is to create novel and potential IBU analogue with reduced side effects with the enhancement of their medicinal effects, so as to advance the overall safety profile of the drug. The addition of some novel functional groups including CH3, F, CF3, OCF3, Cl, and OH at various locations in its core structure suggestively boost the chemical as well as biological action. The properties of these newly designed structures were analyzed through chemical, physical, and spectral calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT through B3LYP/6-31 g (d,p) basis set for geometry optimization. Molecular docking and non-bonding interaction studies were conducted by means of the human prostaglandin synthase protein (PDB ID: 5F19) to predict binding affinity, interaction patterns, and the stability of the protein-drug complex. Additionally, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) predictions were employed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of these structures. Importantly, most of the analogues displayed reduced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and carcinogenicity in comparison to the original drug. Moreover, molecular docking analyses indicated improved medicinal outcomes, which were further supported by pharmacokinetic calculations. Together, these findings suggest that the modified structures have reduced adverse effects along with improved therapeutic action compared to the parent drug.

Scientists identified SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China. Soon after its identification, Covid-19 spreads almost everywhere. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Countries are facing multiple waves due to the different variants of the coronavirus. Personal preventive measures, vaccines, and antiviral drugs are the approaches to control Covid-19. However, these approaches are being implemented in different countries at different levels because of the availability of personal protective measures and antiviral agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of practicing measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Here we searched relevant literature from PubMed and Scopus using the keywords such as personal protective measures, antiviral agents, and vaccine effectiveness. According to the present findings, protective measures were found comparatively less effective. Nevertheless, these measures can be used to limit the spreading of Covid-19. Antiviral agents can reduce the hospitalization rate and are more effective than personal protective measures. The most effective strategy against Covid-19 is early vaccination or multiple vaccination dose. The respective authorities should ensure equal distribution of vaccines, free availability of antiviral drugs, and personal protective measure in poor and developing countries. We recommend more studies to describe the effectiveness of practicing preventive measures and antiviral agents against recent variants of the coronavirus.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the morpho-physiological changes of Acacia auriculiformis in response to seawater induced salinity stress along with its tolerance limit. Area of study: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh. Material and methods: Three saline treatments (4, 8, 12 dS m-1) were applied to six-month aged Acacia auriculiformis seedlings from January 2014 to June 2014 and the tap water was used as control treatment. To observe salinity effects, the following parameters were measured by using various established techniques: plant height and leaf number, plant biomass, shoot and root distribution as well as shoot and root density, water uptake capacity (WUC), water saturation deficit (WSD) and water retention capacity (WRC), exudation rate, and cell membrane stability. Main results: Diluted seawater caused a notable reduction in shoot and root distribution in addition to shoot and root density, though plant height, leaf number and plant biomass were found to be decreased to some extent compared to control plants. Water status of the plant also altered when plants were subjected to salinity stress. Nevertheless, membrane stability revealed good findings towards salinity tolerance. Research highlights: Considering the above facts, despite salinity exerts some negative effects on overall plant performance, interestingly the percent reduction value doesn’t exceed 50% as compared to control plants, and the plants were successful to tolerate salinity stress till the end of the experiment (150 days) through adopting some tolerance mechanisms. Additional key words: Salt stress; halophytes; growth parameters; WUC; exudation rate; membrane stability. Abbreviations used: BSMRAU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University); RCBD (randomized complete block design); DATI (days after treatment imposition); RWC (relative water content); WUC (water uptake capacity); WSD (water saturation deficit); WRC (water retention capacity); FW (fresh weight); DW (dry weight); TW (turgid weight); ROS (reactive oxygen species).