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BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 conditions (PCCs), also known as long COVID, is persistently debilitating disorders that need investigation on their incidence, morbidity, and case-fatality rate. PURPOSE: The objectives of this cohort study were to determine the incidence, characteristics, case-fatality, morbidity, and recovery of post-COVID-19 symptoms throughout a two-year period of observation. METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study of post-COVID-19 cases among 12,925 SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals in eight administrative districts of Bangladesh between July and December 2021-2023. PCC was diagnosed according to WHO clinical diagnostic criteria, and the screening procedure was completed through a household screening process. RESULTS: The incidence of PCC was 3.6%, the case-fatality rate was 1.92%, and the recovery rate was 9.0%. The significant predictors of PCC morbidity were geographical distribution, vaccination, comorbidities, and a longer duration of symptoms or multiple symptoms (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nearly 465 out of 522 people suffering from PCC are persistent and have a significant disability. However, the rate of recovery was 9.0%. It is necessary to investigate approaches to improve the recovery of PCC in Bangladesh.

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BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a consequence of significant disability and health issues globally, and long COVID represents the symptoms of neuro-musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory complications. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the symptom responses and disease burden of long COVID in individuals with spinal cord injury. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on patients with SCI residing at a specialised rehabilitation centre in Bangladesh. Forty patients with SCI with and without long COVID symptoms (LCS) were enrolled in this study at a 1:1 ratio according to WHO criteria. RESULT: Twelve LCS were observed in patients with SCI, including fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, memory loss, headache, respiratory problems, anxiety, depression, insomnia, problem in ADL problem in work, palpitation, and weakness. The predictors of developing long COVID include increasing age (p<0.002), increasing BMI (p<0.03), and longer duration of spinal cord injury (p<0.004). A significant difference (p<0.01) in overall years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD) for non-long COVID cases was 2.04±0.596 compared to long COVID (LC) cases 1.22±2.09 was observed. CONCLUSION: Bangladeshi patients of SCI presented 12 long COVID symptoms and have a significant disease burden compared to non long COVID cases.

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BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy interventions effectively improved fatigue and physical functioning in non-COVID patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). There is a research gap on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions versus drug management on ME/CFS in post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). METHODS: We planned a three-arm prospective randomized control trial on 135 PCC cases with ME/CFS who are diagnosed between 20 November 2023 and 20 May 2024 from a population-based cohort. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions as adapted physical activity and therapeutic exercise (APTE) provided in institution-based care versus telemedicine compared with drug management (DM). Participants will be assigned to three groups with the concealed location process and block randomization with an enrollment ratio of 1:1:1. The post-treatment evaluation will be employed after 2 months of interventions, and follow-up will be taken after 6 months post-intervention. The Chalder fatigue scale will measure the primary outcome of fatigue. SF-36 and the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) will measure the secondary outcome of physical functioning and episodic disability. DISCUSSION: This study will address the research gap to determine the appropriate approach of physiotherapy or drug management for ME/CFS in PCC cases. The future direction of the study will contribute to developing evidence-based practice in post-COVID-19 condition rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered prospectively from a primary Clinical Trial Registry side of WHO CTRI/2024/01/061987. Registered on 29 January 2024.

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BACKGROUND: Pain is one of the prevalent Long COVID Symptoms (LCS). Pain interferes with the quality of life (QoL) and induces disease burden. PURPOSE: The study aimed to elicit the clinical presentation of pain and determine the relationships between QoL and pain in LCS. METHODS: This household cross-sectional study of 12,925 SARS-CoV-2 cases between July and December 2021 was carried out in eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Stratified random sampling from the cases retrieved from the Ministry of Health was employed. Symptom screening was performed through COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale, and long COVID was diagnosed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS (Version 20.00). RESULTS: The prevalence of pain in long COVID was between 01 and 3.1% in the studied population. The study also found five categories of pain symptoms as LCS in Bangladesh: muscle pain 3.1% (95% CI; 2.4-3.8), chest pain 2.4% (95% CI; 1.8-3.1), joint pain 2.8% (95% CI; 2.2-2.3), headache 3.1% (95% CI; 2.4-3.8), and abdominal pain 0.3% (95% CI; 0.01-0.5). People with LCS as pain, multiple LCS, and longer duration of LCS had significantly lower quality of life across all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF (P < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic cases. CONCLUSION: Three out of ten people with long COVID experience painful symptoms, which can significantly reduce their quality of life. Comprehensive rehabilitation can improve the symptoms and reduce the burden of the disease.

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Introduction: Chronic cervical radiculopathy is a common condition characterised by neck and arm pain, numbness and weakness. Both neck muscle activation and strengthening exercises are widely recognised treatments for cervical radiculopathy, but there is a research gap on the efficacy of neck muscle activation versus strengthening. This protocol will determine the efficacy of neck muscle activation alongside conventional care versus strengthening exercise and conventional care for cervical radiculopathy. Methods and analysis: We planned a 5-week parallel, two-arm randomised clinical trial on 80 participants with chronic cervical radiculopathy (lasting over 3 months) between July and December 2023. Participants will be recruited from Dhaka's Agrani Specialised Physiotherapy Centre in Bangladesh and randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive 14 sessions, each lasting 30-45 min. Post-treatment evaluations will be employed on Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), range of motion, craniovertebral angle (CVA), strength, endurance and Neck Disability Index (NDI) after 5 weeks and follow-up after 12 weeks of post-test analysis. Primary outcomes (strength, endurance and CVA) will be measured using a handheld dynamometer, digital inclinometer and goniometer. Secondary outcomes (pain, range of motion and disability) will be assessed through the BPI scale, digital inclinometer and NDI. Ethics and dissemination: The Institute of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation and Research of Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association has approved the study. All participants will provide informed consent, and data will be anonymised and accessible only to authorised personnel. The study's findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Clinical trial registry India: CTRI/2023/09/057587 (13/09/2023).

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Abstract Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

Resumo A análise da capacidade de combinação fornece informações úteis para a seleção dos pais, também informações sobre a natureza e a magnitude das ações dos genes envolvidos. A melhoria das safras envolve estratégias para aumentar a potencialidade da produção e os componentes de qualidade. Visando ao aprimoramento dos respectivos caracteres em cabaça-amarga, capacidade de combinação e parâmetros genéticos para 19 caracteres, foram estimados a partir de uma técnica de análise dialélica completa 6 × 6. Os resultados revelaram que as variâncias, devido à capacidade geral de combinação (GCA) e capacidade específica de combinação (SCA), foram altamente significativas para a maioria dos caracteres importantes. Indicou a importância das ações gênicas aditivas e não aditivas. As variâncias GCA foram maiores em magnitude do que as variâncias SCA para todos os caracteres estudados, indicando a predominância dos efeitos do gene aditivo em sua herança. O pai P2 (BG 009) apareceu como o melhor combinador geral para o início; P1 (BG 006) para número de frutos, peso médio de um único fruto e produção de frutos; P4 (BG 027) para número de nó da primeira flor fêmea e dias para a maturidade do fruto da semente; P3 (BG 011) para comprimento do fruto e espessura da polpa do fruto; P5 (BG 033) para peso de 100 sementes; e P6 para o número de nós por videira principal. O efeito SCA, bem como o efeito recíproco, também foi significativo para a maioria dos personagens importantes em cruzamentos diferentes.

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Abstract Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

Resumo A análise da capacidade de combinação fornece informações úteis para a seleção dos pais, também informações sobre a natureza e a magnitude das ações dos genes envolvidos. A melhoria das safras envolve estratégias para aumentar a potencialidade da produção e os componentes de qualidade. Visando ao aprimoramento dos respectivos caracteres em cabaça-amarga, capacidade de combinação e parâmetros genéticos para 19 caracteres, foram estimados a partir de uma técnica de análise dialélica completa 6 × 6. Os resultados revelaram que as variâncias, devido à capacidade geral de combinação (GCA) e capacidade específica de combinação (SCA), foram altamente significativas para a maioria dos caracteres importantes. Indicou a importância das ações gênicas aditivas e não aditivas. As variâncias GCA foram maiores em magnitude do que as variâncias SCA para todos os caracteres estudados, indicando a predominância dos efeitos do gene aditivo em sua herança. O pai P2 (BG 009) apareceu como o melhor combinador geral para o início; P1 (BG 006) para número de frutos, peso médio de um único fruto e produção de frutos; P4 (BG 027) para número de nó da primeira flor fêmea e dias para a maturidade do fruto da semente; P3 (BG 011) para comprimento do fruto e espessura da polpa do fruto; P5 (BG 033) para peso de 100 sementes; e P6 para o número de nós por videira principal. O efeito SCA, bem como o efeito recíproco, também foi significativo para a maioria dos personagens importantes em cruzamentos diferentes.

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BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a lifelong impact on behavior, communication, cognitive function, education, physical functioning, and personal, or social life. Separate studies suggest, Therapeutic and dietary interventions are effective to some extent in managing these issues. No study integrated the nutrition and therapeutic approaches and examined the outcome on disease severity, overall health, and behavioral status in ASD. The proposed study is designed to evaluate the combined effect of regular therapy (RT) and structured diet (SD) compared to the usual diet (UD) for Adolescents with ASD. METHODS: The proposed study will be a randomized clinical trial (RCT) with the assessor, therapist, and participants blinded to group allocation. Seventy ASD children with malnutrition will be enrolled in two different facilities of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) between January 2023 and June 2023. Participants will be enrolled through a hospital-based randomization process from a population-based screening dataset, and with a concealed group allocation to either RT+ SD or RT+ UD group with a 1:1 ratio. The outcome measures are the Childhood Autism Rating Scale as per DSM-5 to determine the severity of ASD, Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and BMI for nutritional status, and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-2) to assess the behavioral status. Post-test will be performed after 12 weeks of intervention, and Follow-up will be taken after 6 months of post-test. PERSPECTIVES: The result of the study will contribute to the provision of a comprehensive approach to malnourished Adolescents with ASD, and manage the issues related to the severity of ASD, stereotypical behavior, and anticipated health hazards. CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER: CTRI/2022/11/047653.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is important to determine the profile of long COVID (LC) symptoms within the scope of rehabilitation in Bangladesh. This study's objective was to estimate the newly experienced long COVID symptoms needing rehabilitation by determining the prevalence and spectrum of impairments due to LC in Bangladesh. METHODS: A Cross-sectional household survey of 12,925 COVID-19 patients confirmed by RT-PCR from 24 testing facilities in Bangladesh. LC was diagnosed according to WHO working group definition. COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (C19-YRS) was used to determine the symptom responses, symptom severity, new long COVID symptoms, and scope of rehabilitation. RESULTS: The population proportion of LC symptoms requiring rehabilitation interventions are 0.22 [95% CI, 0.20-0.24] in Bangladeshi people diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Among them, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.07-0.09] had mild, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.06-0.09] had moderate, and 0.05 [95% CI, 0.04-0.06] had severe long COVID symptoms (LCS). There was a significant positive correlation between LCS and functional disabilities (r = 0.889, p < 0.001), while a negative correlation was observed between the severity of symptoms and overall health (r=-0.658, p < 0.001). In comparison to the pre-COVID status, 17 new LCS were observed and the increase in the scope of rehabilitation intervention among LCS ranged between 0.01 [95% CI, 0.001-0.01] and 0.21 [95% CI, 0.19-0.22]. In Bangladesh, 59% (n = 334) of the LC cases are out of reach for any rehabilitation interventions. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-fourth of Bangladeshi Post-COVID-19 have long COVID (LC). Seventeen symptoms (LCS) were observed and more than half of the populations having long COVID are out of reach of any rehabilitation facilities.

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Structural Diagnosis and Management (SDM) approach with Myofascial Release (MFR) in improving plantar heel pain, ankle range of motion, and disability. [Subjects] Sixty-four subjects, aged 30-60 years, with a diagnosis of plantar heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or calcaneal spur by a physician according to ICD-10, were equally allocated to the MFR (n = 32) and SDM (n = 32) groups by hospital randomization and concealed allocation. [Methods] In this assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial, the control group performed MFR to the plantar surface of the foot, triceps surae, and deep posterior compartment calf muscles, while the experimental group performed a multimodal approach utilizing the SDM concept for 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Both groups also received strengthening exercises, ice compression, and ultrasound therapy. Pain, activity limitations and disability were assessed as primary outcomes using the Foot Function Index (FFI) and Range of motion (ROM) assessment of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors using a universal goniometer. Secondary outcomes were measured using the Foot Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and a 10-point manual muscle testing process for the ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors. [Results] Both MFR and SDM groups exhibited significant improvements from baseline in all outcome variables, including pain, activity level, disability, range of motion, and function after the 12-week intervention period (p < .05). The SDM group showed more improvements than MFR for FFI pain (p < .01), FFI activity (p < .01), FFI (p < .01) and FADI (p = <.01). [Conclusion] Both MFR and SDM approaches are effective in reducing pain, improving function, ankle range of motion, and reducing disability in plantar heel pain, however, the SDM approach may be a preferred treatment option.

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Background: The study aimed to determine the outcome of Multidisciplinary physiotherapist-led conservative treatment of lumbar disc herniation at an in-patient set-up of a specialized spine center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 228 cases completing treatment and follow-up sessions. The outcome was evaluated as pain at rest and five different functional positions, neurological recovery, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes during discharge and follow-up. Results: 80.3% had a complete recovery with a typical motor and sensory status, no limitations in straight leg raise (SLR), no cauda equina symptom (CES), and no or <3 pain during more than 30 minutes of daily living activities. Statistically significant changes were noted at all outcome measures at the follow-up (day 90), compared to baseline (day 1) P<0.01. In the posthoc tests, pain, SLR, and CES had the most significant improvement at discharge (day 12) compared to the baseline (P < 0.01) and at follow-up compared to discharge (P < 0.01). No major adverse events noted. Conclusion: Physiotherapist-led in-patient treatment results in significant resting and functional pain outcomes in 12 days. Also, the improvements in neurological recovery and normalizing disc position are statistically significant in 90 days.

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Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that significantly impact the state of health, especially in older people. The study, which employed a cross-sectional design and practical sampling, included 206 participants among them 124 (62.2%) were men and 82 (39.8%) were women, from all over Bangladesh with musculoskeletal issues of varying severity and impact. The mean age of the participants was 64.9 (SD 4.3). The study was carried out between January and June of 2022. The majority of participants experienced musculoskeletal pain. Back pain was the most commonly complained of symptom among the participants (74.9%). It was also common to have limited mobility as a result of arthritic change, which eventually affected daily activities like taking care of oneself. To improve the health of the older adult population, more studies must be conducted to identify the many factors that contribute to musculoskeletal issues. The development of effective prevention and rehabilitation programs must then be based on this knowledge.

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In this study, combined DFT, SCAPS-1D, and wxAMPS frameworks are used to investigate the optimized designs of Cs2BiAgI6 double perovskite-based solar cells. First-principles calculations are employed to investigate the structural stability, optical responses, and electronic contribution of the constituent elements in Cs2BiAgI6 absorber material, where SCAPS-1D and wxAMPS simulators are used to scrutinize different configurations of Cs2BiAgI6 solar cells. Here, PCBM, ZnO, TiO2, C60, IGZO, SnO2, WS2, and CeO2 are used as ETL, and Cu2O, CuSCN, CuSbS2, NiO, P3HT, PEDOT:PSS, spiro-MeOTAD, CuI, CuO, V2O5, CBTS, CFTS are used as HTL, and Au is used as a back contact. About ninety-six combinations of Cs2BiAgI6-based solar cell structures are investigated, in which eight sets of solar cell structures are identified as the most efficient structures. Besides, holistic investigation on the effect of different factors such as the thickness of different layers, series and shunt resistances, temperature, capacitance, Mott-Schottky and generation-recombination rates, and J-V (current-voltage density) and QE (quantum efficiency) characteristics is performed. The results show CBTS as the best HTL for Cs2BiAgI6 with all eight ETLs used in this work, resulting in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.99%, 21.55%, 21.59%, 17.47%, 20.42%, 21.52%, 14.44%, 21.43% with PCBM, TiO2, ZnO, C60, IGZO, SnO2, CeO2, WS2, respectively. The proposed strategy may pave the way for further design optimization of lead-free double perovskite solar cells.

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Multidrug-resistant (MDR) foodborne pathogens have created a great challenge to the supply and consumption of safe & healthy animal-source foods. The study was conducted to identify the common foodborne pathogens from animal-source foods & by-products with their antimicrobial drug susceptibility and resistance gene profile. The common foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Campylobacter species were identified in livestock and poultry food products. The prevalence of foodborne pathogens was found higher in poultry food & by-product compared with livestock (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial drug susceptibility results revealed decreased susceptibility to penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, neomycin, streptomycin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim whilst gentamicin was found comparatively more sensitive. Regardless of sources, the overall MDR pattern of E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus were found to be 88.33%, 75%, 95%, and 100%, respectively. The genotypic resistance showed a prevalence of blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCMY, tetA, tetB, sul1, aadA1, aac(3)-IV, and ereA resistance genes. The phenotype and genotype resistance patterns of isolated pathogens from livestock and poultry had harmony and good concordance, and sul1 & tetA resistance genes had a higher prevalence. Good agricultural practices along with proper biosecurity may reduce the rampant use of antimicrobial drugs. In addition, proper handling, processing, storage, and transportation of foods may decline the spread of MDR foodborne pathogens in the food chain.

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Traditional treatment approaches for cancer involve intravenous chemotherapy or other forms of drug delivery. These therapeutic measures suffer from several limitations such as nonspecific targeting, poor biodistribution, and buildup of drug resistances. However, significant technological advancements have been made in terms of superior modes of drug delivery over the last few decades. Technical capability in analyzing the molecular mechanisms of tumor biology, nanotechnology─particularly the development of biocompatible nanoparticles, surface modification techniques, microelectronics, and material sciences─has increased. As a result, a significant number of nanostructured carriers that can deliver drugs to specific cancerous sites with high efficiency have been developed. This particular maneuver that enables the introduction of a therapeutic nanostructured substance in the body by controlling the rate, time, and place is defined as the nanostructured drug delivery system (NDDS). Because of their versatility and ability to incorporate features such as specific targeting, water solubility, stability, biocompatibility, degradability, and ability to reverse drug resistance, they have attracted the interest of the scientific community, in general, and nanotechnologists as well as biomedical scientists. To keep pace with the rapid advancement of nanotechnology, specific technical aspects of the recent NDDSs and their prospects need to be reported coherently. To address these ongoing issues, this review article provides an overview of different NDDSs such as lipids, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles. In addition, this review also reports the challenges of current NDDSs and points out the prospective research directions of these nanocarriers. From our focused review, we conclude that still now the most advanced and potent field of application for NDDSs is lipid-based, while other significantly potential fields include polymer-based and inorganic NDDSs. However, despite the promises, challenges remain in practical implementations of such NDDSs in terms of dosage and stability, and caution should be exercised regarding biocompatibility of materials. Considering these aspects objectively, this review on NDDSs will be particularly of interest for small-to-large scale industrial researchers and academicians with expertise in drug delivery, cancer research, and nanotechnology.

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Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

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BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of long COVID symptoms in a large cohort of people living with and affected by long COVID and identify any potential associated risk factors. METHODS: A prospective survey was undertaken of an inception cohort of confirmed people living with and affected by long COVID (aged 18-87 years). 14392 participants were recruited from 24 testing facilities across Bangladesh between June and November 2020. All participants had a previously confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis, and reported persistent symptoms and difficulties in performing daily activities. Participants who consented were contacted by face-to-face interview, and were interviewed regarding long COVID, and restriction of activities of daily living using post COVID-19 functional status scale. Cardiorespiratory parameters measured at rest (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, maximal oxygen consumption, inspiratory and expiratory lung volume) were also measured. RESULTS: Among 2198 participants, the prevalence of long COVID symptoms at 12 weeks was 16.1%. Overall, eight long COVID symptoms were identified and in descending order of prominence are: fatigue, pain, dyspnoea, cough, anosmia, appetite loss, headache and chest pain. People living with and affected by long COVID experienced between 1 and 8 long COVID symptoms with an overall duration period of 21.8±5.2 weeks. Structural equation modelling predicted the length of long COVID to be related to younger age, female gender, rural residence, prior functional limitation and smoking. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, at 31 weeks post diagnosis, the prevalence of long COVID symptoms was 16.1%. The risk factors identified for presence and longer length of long COVID symptoms warrant further research and consideration to support public health initiatives.

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AIM: The aim of this research is to focus on gaining an insight into the knowledge, attitudes, behavioural practises (KAP), and psychological impact relating to COVID-19 among the people living with spinal cord injury receiving in-patient rehabilitation. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional survey of people with SCI (N = 207), who were in active in-patient rehabilitation from two tertiary SCI Rehabilitation Centres in Bangladesh. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews, after voluntary consent, using a pretested, language validated questionnaire on Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioural practises (KAP) and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Ethical approval and trial registration were obtained prospectively. RESULTS: A total of 207 people with SCI responded, among which 87% were men and 13% were women, with a mean age of 34.18 ± 12.9 years. Within the sample group, people living with tetraplegia comprised 33.8%, and people living with paraplegia comprised 66.2%. Overall, 63.8% of the participants were diagnosed with an SCI categorised as ASIA-A. Overall, the "knowledge score" was 8.59 ± 2.3 out of 12, "depression" was 11.18 ± 8, "anxiety" was 7.72 ± 5.1, and "stress" was 9.32 ± 6.7 from a total of 21 scores each category. The strong correlation was between knowledge, DASS scores, and age (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a strong correlation between knowledge, gender (p < 0.05) and education (p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression found a stronger association of knowledge and DASS scores with gender, young age, illiteracy (p < 0.01), and rural residence (p < 0.05). A positive relationship was found between depression and anxiety scores (p < 0.01) and a moderate positive relationship was found between depression and stress scores (p < 0.01). A positive attitude was reported by the majority of participants (p < 0.05). In terms of behavioural practises, participants reported both self and caregiver had followed health advice with regard to consulting health professionals (65.7%), implementing isolation (63.8%), taking droplet precaution care (87.4%), and hygiene care (90.3%). CONCLUSION: Participants in this study reported high levels of knowledge, adoption of positive attitudes, and the practise of positive health advisory behaviours related to COVID-19 prevention procedures. However, high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were also reported. Overall, women and younger participants were more likely to have high KAP, whereas those living in rural areas and with literacy challenges were less likely to report high knowledge scores.

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The study aims to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) related to COVID-19 preventive health habits and perception of fear towards COVID-19 in subjects living in Bangladesh. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional survey of (n = 2157) male and female subjects, 13-88 years of age, living in Bangladesh. METHODS: Ethical approval and trial registration were obtained before the commencement of the study. Subjects who volunteered to participate and signed the informed consent were enrolled in the study and completed the structured questionnaire on KAP and Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent (28.69%) of subjects reported one or more COVID-19 symptoms, and 21.4% of subjects reported one or more co-morbidities. Knowledge scores were slightly higher in males (8.75± 1.58) than females (8.66± 1.70). Knowledge was significantly correlated with age (p < .005), an education level (p < .001), attitude (p < .001), and urban location (p < .001). Knowledge scores showed an inverse correlation with fear scores (p < .001). Eighty-three percent (83.7%) of subjects with COVID-19 symptoms reported wearing a mask in public, and 75.4% of subjects reported staying away from crowded places. Subjects with one or more symptoms reported higher fear compared to subjects without (18.73± 4.6; 18.45± 5.1). CONCLUSION: Bangladeshis reported a high prevalence of self-isolation, positive preventive health behaviors related to COVID-19, and moderate to high fear levels. Higher knowledge and Practice were found in males, higher education levels, older age, and urban location. Fear of COVID-19 was more prevalent in female and elderly subjects. A positive attitude was reported for the majority of subjects, reflecting the belief that COVID-19 was controllable and containable.

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