Pooled evidence conveys the association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and infectious disease. SARS-CoV-2, an enveloped mRNA virus, was also reported to interact with polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present review explores the possible mode of action, immunology, and consequences of these polyunsaturated fatty acids during the viral infection. Polyunsaturated fatty acids control protein complex formation in lipid rafts associated with the function of two SARS-CoV-2 entry gateways: angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and cellular protease transmembrane protease serine-2. Therefore, the viral entry can be mitigated by modulating polyunsaturated fatty acids contents in the body. α-Linolenic acid is the precursor of two clinically important eicosanoids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the members of ω-3 fats. Resolvins, protectins, and maresins derived from docosahexaenoic acid suppress inflammation and augment phagocytosis that lessens microbial loads. Prostaglandins of 3 series, leukotrienes of 5 series, and thromboxane A 3 from eicosapentaenoic acid exhibit anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and platelet anti-aggregatory effects that may also contribute to the control of pre-existing pulmonary and cardiac diseases. In contrast, ω-6 linoleic acid-derived arachidonic acid increases the prostaglandin G 2 , lipoxins A 4 and B 4 , and thromboxane A 2 . These cytokines are pro-inflammatory and enhance the immune response but aggravate the COVID-19 severity. Therefore, the rational intake of ω-3-enriched foods or supplements might lessen the complications in COVID-19 and might be a preventive measure.

Background The outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) is globally deemed a significant threat to human life. Researchers are searching for prevention strategies, mitigation interventions, and potential therapeutics that may reduce the infection’s severity. One such means that is highly being talked in online and in social media is vitamin C. Main text Vitamin C is a robust antioxidant that boosts the immune system of the human body. It helps in normal neutrophil function, scavenging of oxidative species, regeneration of vitamin E, modulation of signaling pathways, activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors, activation of the signaling cascade, regulation of inflammatory mediators, and phagocytosis and increases neutrophil motility to the site of infection. All of these immunological functions are required for the prevention of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion Considering the role of vitamin C, it would be imperative to administrate vitamin C for the management of severe COVID-19. However, there is no specific clinical data available to confirm the use of vitamin C in the current pandemic.

Background and Aims The dengue virus is widespread throughout Bangladesh and significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. One effective method for preventing further dengue epidemics is to reduce mosquito breeding at the most opportune period each year. This study aims to determine dengue prevalence in 2022 by comparing previous years' data and estimating the period of this disease's most significant incidence. Methods From the beginning of 2008–December 15, 2022, we looked at the monthly reports of cases made to the Bangladesh Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research. Results According to our findings, there were 61089 confirmed dengue cases in 2022, with 269 fatalities ‐ the highest annual death toll for this disease since 2000. Almost one‐third (32.14%) of all dengue deaths in Bangladesh occurred in 2022 (1 January–15 December), highlighting the severity of the threat posed by this disease in the coming year. Furthermore, we observe that the months in the second half of any year in Bangladesh are the most at risk for dengue transmission. In 2022, Dhaka city and Chittagong are hit the hardest (incidence: 63.07% vs. 14.42%; morality: 63.34% vs. 24.16%), showing the relevance of population density in spreading this fatal disease. Conclusion Statistics show an increase in dengue cases every day, and the year 2022 will be marked as the peak of the disease's death prevalence. Both the individuals and the government of Bangladesh need to take action to reduce the dissemination of this epidemic. If not, the country will soon be in great peril.

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. In this decade it has expanded to new countries and from urban to rural areas. Limited awareness and nonsystematized health education programmes have contributed adversely to the increase in dengue incidence due to limited attention which has positively contributed to the increase in vector receptivity. The current study was conducted to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and Preventive measures regarding Dengue fever among the students of various universities in Bangladesh. Study design: A cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess the Knowledge, Awareness and Preventive measures (KAP) among the students of various universities in Bangladesh. Methodology: Between August 2020 & November 2020, an epidemiological survey was conducted among 199 students of various universities throughout Bangladesh. We collected information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and their knowledge, attitude and Preventive measures regarding DF using a structured questionnaire. Majority of the questions were dichotomous (Yes/No type) and some questions were asked using five point Likert scale.  We then statistically compared their knowledge, attitude and Preventive measures in regard to socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents to identify possible causes of observed differences using SPSS version 23. Results: Total number of students from Diploma, Undergraduate (Honor's), Postgraduate (Master's) were 199 who had given voluntary consent and participated in this study willingly.  The sample comprised more males (56%) than females (44%), and almost 50% of respondents were from allied health science (Pharmacy, Microbiology, Public health, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry etc) background. Respondents had relatively good knowledge about aspects of Dengue fever. Out of 199 individuals interviewed, 97% had heard of DF. They had good knowledge score regarding dengue symptoms but comparatively moderate knowledge score regarding dengue transmission and management. The knowledge, attitude and Preventive measures level of study respondents was found statistically significant in relation to the academic attainment of the respondents. Conclusion: We recommend implementing mass educational programmes throughout the country in order to raise the awareness and to translate knowledge into sound practice to control dengue disease epidemics in Bangladesh.

Abstract. Hossain MM, Uddin MS, Baral PK, Ferdus M, Bhowmik S. 2022. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Ipomoea hederifolia stems: A potential medicinal plant. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 20: 41-47. Ipomoea hederifolia L., a plant of Convolvulaceae family, popularly known as morning glory, possesses numerous medicinal values. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of I. hederifolia stems (IHS). The IHS was soaked in methanol for 21 days. The filtrate was concentrated using rotary evaporator after filtration to obtain IHS extract which is subjected to phytochemical screening using various tests. Antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power activity (RPA) methods. The phytochemical screenings revealed that IHS extract possesses carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, saponin, alkaloids, steroids, anthraquinones, and cardiac glycosides. The antioxidant activity of IHS extract in DPPH model was moderate (IC50 :174.08 µg/ml) in comparison with standards (IC50: 102.28 µg/mL AA; IC50: 88.52 µg/mL for BHT). It indicates that IHS exerts free radical scavenging power in dose dependent fashion. The RPA model also produced moderate antioxidant potential (EC50: 279.58 µg/mL for IHS; EC50: 23.121 µg/mL for AA; EC50: 50.84 µg/mL for BHT) depending on increasing order of dose. Based on the findings of this investigation, we can conclude that IHS extract possesses various bioactive compounds and moderate antioxidant potentials which may be path to discovery of traditional medicines and remedies for many critical diseases.