ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 27, 2025
Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Chronic Illness Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Bilkis Sultana, Kowsar Ahmed, Rana M Pir, Mohammed Sakir Ahmed, Syeda Rafiquen Nessa, Md. Sadequr Rahman
Page no 256-262 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i05.006
Background: Chronic illnesses are increasingly prevalent worldwide and often coexist with psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, which negatively impact patients’ quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. Despite this burden, data on the prevalence of depression and anxiety among hospitalized chronic illness patients in Bangladesh, especially in tertiary care, remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among chronic illness patients admitted into medicine department at Al Haramain Hospital, Sylhet and to explore associated demographic and clinical factors. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2023 to March 2024 where 302 adult patients were diagnosed with chronic diseases. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through structured interviews and medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Among patients, 38.4% were aged over 60 years, and 53.6% were male. Diabetes Mellitus (35.8%) and Hypertension (31.8%) were the most common chronic illnesses. Most patients (43.0%) had illness duration exceeding five years. Depression was identified in 72.2% of patients, predominantly mild (31.8%) and moderate (24.5%). Anxiety was present in 68.2%, mainly mild (33.8%) and moderate (21.2%). Females had higher rates of depression (76.4%) and anxiety (71.4%) than males. Depression prevalence increased with illness duration, reaching 78.5% among those ill for over five years, and was highest in patients with chronic kidney disease (81%) and diabetes (76.9%). Overall, 47.4% experienced mental health issues; 20.5% had both depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Routine mental health screening and integrated interventions are urgently needed in chronic illness care to improve outcomes and quality of life. Multidisciplinary approaches including mental health professionals are recommended, alongside further multicenter research to develop culturally appropriate interventions in Bangladesh.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 27, 2025
Understanding Niqris (Gout) in Unani Medicine: Classical Perspectives on Etiopathogenesis
Ahmad Zeeshan, Mohammad Shamsul Huda, Irfan Ahmad, Arshad Kafi
Page no 87-93 |
https://doi.org10.36348/sijtcm.2025.v08i05.005
Gout is a metabolic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of acute arthritis, primarily resulting from the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in and around the joints. Recognized as one of the oldest known diseases, it is referred to as Niqris in the Unani system of medicine. This system is based on the Hippocratic concept of the four humours (Akhlāṭ): Dam (blood), Balgham (phlegm), Ṣafrā’ (yellow bile), and Sawdā’(black bile). According to Unani medicine, such disorders arise from an imbalance of these humours, alteration in Mizāj’(temperament), and the accumulation of abnormal substances (Mawad-e-Fasida) in the joint spaces. Classical Unani physicians believed that Niqris typically affects individuals who have an excessive buildup of abnormal humours and are unable to eliminate them from the body. These retained substances settle in the joints, set off inflammatory responses marked by sharp pain, swelling, redness, and heat. This study aims to analyze the Unani perspective on the etiopathogenesis and clinical features of gout, as documented in classical texts, research articles, and manuscripts. The findings highlight the depth of Unani medical understanding and its potential role in guiding effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for the management of gout.
LETTER TO EDITOR | May 27, 2025
ACL Reconstruction in Low-Income Communities: Bridging the Gap between Surgical Innovation and Equitable Access: Letter to the Editor
Ebrahim Piri
Page no 68-69 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/jaspe.2025.v08i04.002
When capital consultants invest in a business, they are likely to bear risks, especially property risks. The law has provided clear regulations on the property responsibilities of consultants, specifically members of limited liability companies and shareholders of joint stock companies. Accordingly, the property liability regime is a type of civil liability that members of a limited liability company and shareholders of a joint stock company may have to bear when contributing capital to the company. Although this is a liability regime, it is also a guarantee and a manifestation of the state's viewpoint and attitude toward investors. This liability regime includes two types: liability for the company's debts and property obligations within the scope of the capital contributed to the company, also known as the limited liability regime and the "personal" property liability regime arising in some special cases as prescribed by law.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 27, 2025
Maternal Serum Ferritin and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis between Preterm and Term Labor
Kundu PR, Chowdhury JF, Sumi KA, Aktar MN, Shilpi US, Hossain T, Tarafder S, Sarmin R
Page no 194-198 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2025.v08i05.009
Background: Preterm labor remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that maternal iron status, particularly elevated serum ferritin levels, may be associated with preterm labor through mechanisms involving inflammation or oxidative stress. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, from June 2022 to May 2023. A total of 88 pregnant women were enrolled, with 44 cases in the preterm labor group and 44 in the term labor (control) group. Maternal serum ferritin levels were measured and compared between the two groups. Sociodemographic and obstetric data were also analyzed. Statistical significance was determined using appropriate tests, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean maternal age was 25.59 ± 5.80 years in the preterm labor group and 24.56 ± 5.41 years in the term group (p = 0.076). A higher proportion of preterm labor cases were multiparous (59.1%), whereas most term deliveries were in primiparous women (52.3%), though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.285). Serum ferritin levels were significantly elevated in the preterm labor group (89.09 ± 106.07 ng/mL) compared to the term group (32.13 ± 31.40 ng/mL), with a p-value of 0.004. A significant negative correlation was found between ferritin levels and gestational age (r = -0.313, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Elevated maternal serum ferritin levels are significantly associated with preterm labor and inversely correlated with gestational age. Serum ferritin may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying women at risk of preterm delivery.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 26, 2025
Thermal and Structural Analyses of Aluminium Matrix Composite Reinforced with Palm Kernel Shell, Bamboo Fibre, Rice Husk and Groundnut Shell
Eboigbe, C. I, Ajitaadun, O. J
Page no 243-251 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2025.v10i05.004
This research presents a comprehensive thermal and structural evaluation of a newly developed aluminium matrix composite reinforced with selected agricultural by-products—palm kernel shell, bamboo fibre, rice husk, and groundnut shell—using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) within the ANSYS 2025 environment. Aluminium scrap served as the matrix material in the composite fabrication. The experimental design followed a D-Optimal mixture approach, yielding twenty-five specimen combinations, each tested thrice, with mean values recorded. Specimen fabrication employed the stir casting technique. Optimization of process parameters and response outcomes was performed using Design Expert software. The composite model was developed using SOLIDWORKS for subsequent simulation analysis. Results from the thermal and structural simulations indicate a fatigue life of 1 × 10⁶ cycles. The computed maximum and minimum total heat fluxes were 1.8122 × 10⁶ W/m² and 1.515 × 10⁶ W/m², respectively, while the fatigue damage factor reached 1000. The safety factor varied between 4.836 and 15. Temperature values ranged from 23.685°C to 170.000°C. The composite exhibited equivalent elastic strain values between 1.054 × 10⁻⁶ and 2.9051 × 10⁻⁵. Directional deformation along the x-axis ranged from –2.5905 × 10⁻⁷ m to 2.5889 × 10⁻⁷ m. Equivalent (Von-Mises) stress was recorded between 1.3224 × 10⁵ Pa and 5.8104 × 10⁷ Pa, while total deformation ranged from 0.0000 m to 2.5912 × 10⁻⁷ m. These findings underscore the mechanical and thermal reliability of the developed composite material for engineering applications under variable thermal and mechanical loads.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 26, 2025
Juridical Analysis of Defamation Against State Officials Through the Internet: A Case Study on Central Java Regional Police
Wahyu Widodo, Toebagus Galang, Nurul Fatimatus Sholihah, Nadea Lathifah Nugraheni
Page no 105-110 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2025.v08i05.003
This study examines the juridical aspects of cyber defamation against state officials through internet media in Semarang, Indonesia, with a focus on the enforcement practices of the Central Java Regional Police (Polda Jateng). The research aims to analyze the phenomenon, legal challenges, and potential solutions to cyber defamation, which undermines the authority of state officials and public trust in governance. Employing a qualitative juridical approach, the study combines normative legal analysis with a case study of Polda Jateng’s handling of defamation cases. Data were collected through legal document reviews, including Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transaction Law (UU ITE) and Constitutional Court rulings, alongside interviews with law enforcement officials. Findings reveal that cyber defamation is driven by public dissatisfaction, political conflicts, and legal ignorance, exacerbated by the broad interpretation of UU ITE’s defamation provisions. The study highlights the tension between protecting state officials and safeguarding freedom of expression, as excessive use of UU ITE risks criminalizing legitimate criticism. Proposed solutions include preventive education on internet ethics, stricter enforcement protocols, and enhanced victim support mechanisms. This research contributes to the development of criminal law and information law, offering practical recommendations for balancing state authority and individual rights in the digital age.
The three-year course of the Ukrainian war suggests one possibility. Mathematical models can be used to calculate or predict complex and large-scale coalition wars. A mathematical model created in 2022 suggests that the Ukrainian war will be a long-term struggle in the area between the L1 and the L2 line. This model also assumes a high-risk scenario. In the future of 2026, if there is a full-scale war between the US alliance and the Chinese alliance in East Asia, it will be difficult for the US alliance to win. If this model is verified again in 2026, the mathematical model can be used to predict a large-scale coalition war.
CASE SERIES | May 26, 2025
Prenatal Diagnosis and Optimal Management of Occipital Encephalocele: A Report of Four Cases and Literature Review
Ayoub Ezzidi, Bouchra Fakhir, Abderrahim Aboulfalah, Hamid Asmouki, Abderraouf Soummani
Page no 186-193 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2025.v08i05.008
Occipital encephalocele, a rare congenital malformation resulting from defective neural tube closure, accounts for 20.4% of cerebral encephaloceles, with surgical repair being the only effective treatment. This retrospective study presents four cases diagnosed at Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, highlighting prognostic variability based on lesion characteristics. The four patients, who had not received periconceptional folic acid supplementation and had inadequate prenatal follow-up, were incidentally diagnosed between 34 and 39 weeks of gestation. The first case involved an isolated encephalocele containing only cerebellar herniation, surgically treated on day 5 with a favorable outcome despite mild neurodevelopmental delay. The second case presented a massive encephalocele associated with spina bifida and clubfoot, requiring combined neurosurgical and orthopedic management, resulting in moderate sensorimotor deficits. The third case exhibited a giant encephalocele with severe cerebral herniation and secondary microcephaly, while the fourth case showed associated craniofacial anomalies; both of these latter cases resulted in early neonatal demise. This study underscores several key aspects: the importance of ultrasound as an initial screening tool, supplemented by fetal MRI for precise prognostic evaluation; the critical need for early multidisciplinary management involving obstetricians, radiologists, neurosurgeons, and pediatricians; and the essential role of periconceptional folic acid supplementation, particularly in populations at risk of nutritional deficiency or consanguinity.
Politics is an essential element of a country. Bangladesh is no different. Politics must work in a way that the people can get benefits from it and help them to improve their quality of life, address their concerns, and contribute to the development of a fair and just society. This study explores the existing connection between politics and corruption in Bangladesh, focusing on their underlying motives and objectives. It explores the corrupt practices of politicians in Bangladesh and their influence in public sectors’ corruption. A qualitative research approach is implied to get secondary data from investigative reports, newspaper articles, and research articles. The article goes through extensive case study analysis and finds out how the corruption is intertwined with politics. The findings of this study reveal that politicians leverage their positions for monetary gain, creating patronage networks, and the exercise of power and influence. The study also highlights how corruption undermines governance, disrupt services, and create inequality among the people of the country. The insights of the findings put emphasize for systemic reforms in anti-corruption commission, judiciary as well as to form independent oversight bodies and build citizen engagement to restore public trust and promote accountability.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 24, 2025
Prescribing Patterns in Moderate to Severe Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Associated Comorbidities
Gincy Varghese, Indraja K C, Jisni Jayaraj, Vaishnavi V Gopal, Dr. Vini Pavithran, Dr. Leena Jose
Page no 80-86 |
https://doi.org10.36348/sijtcm.2025.v08i05.004
Introduction: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis reported that chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a worldwide prevalence of around 13.4%, underscoring its emergence as a global health concern [1,2]. Alongside CKD, patients are often affected by multiple co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders [2-4] Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months in the Department of Nephrology at Karuna Medical College Hospital, Chittur, Palakkad. The study enrolled adult participants aged 18 to 70 years with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients were classified into CKD stages G1, G2, G3a, G3b, G4, and G5[5] Results: Table 1 shows the association of CKD stages across various demographic factors, BMI, and comorbidities. There was no statistically significant association between age and CKD stages. Among 188 patients maximum cases were observed in CKD stage V (34.57%), followed by CKD stage IV (27.65%). Table 3 shows that a higher number of patients were prescribed cilnidipine (27.4%), followed by telmisartan (19.0%), and the lowest number of patients were prescribed metolazone (1%), vasopressin (1%), and verapamil (1%). Table 4 shows that a higher number of patients were prescribed insulin (32.25%), followed by linagliptin (28.0%), and the lowest number of patients were prescribed voglibose (0.53%). Conclusion: This study emphasized the complexities involved in treating patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly when co-existing health conditions are present. It provided valuable information on current clinical practices and foundational data relevant to managing such patients.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 24, 2025
Coronary Angiographic Profile of the Diabetic Patients with Chronic Stable Angina and Grade –IV Diastolic Dysfunction
Dr. Md. Harisul Hoque, Dr. Mohammad Al Mamun, Dr. Khurshed Ahmed, Dr. Nilufar Fatema
Page no 425-428 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i05.010
Background: Ischaemia or infarction occurring due to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) causes left ventricular systolic and Diastolic dysfunction (DD). DM speeds up the process of coronary atherosclerosis as well as functional and structural cardiac impairments, exhibiting DD at the early stages. Severity of CAD is best assessed by coronary Angiography (CAG). Early diagnosis of this condition is warranted as the mortality risk from it is high. The objective of this study was to detect the CAD in diabetic chronic stable angina with grade IV DD. Material and Methods: 74 Diabetic patients with chronic stable angina with grade-IV diastolic dysfunction were included in this cross-sectional observation study which was done in department of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2023 to June 2024. Results: 32 (43.24%) subjects in rural and 42 (56.75%) subjects in urban areas. Proportion of males was 55%. Mean age of study population was (43 + 4.50) years. Mean age(57+7.0 vs 40+8.21years) in rural was significantly higher than urban subjects. 69 (51.06%) were SOB, 26 (19.24%) were tachycardic, 14 (10.36%) had bradycardia, 59 (43.66%) had hypotension, 21(15.54%) had raised JVP, 19(14.06%) had basal crepitation, 19(14.06%) had dependent oedema, 7(5.18%) had hepatomegaly and only 6(4.44%) had Ascites. Most of the dyspneic patients were in NYHA III stage. Around 30% patients were right dominant coronary artery. Most patients had significant stenosis in both LAD and LCX. About one third patients had insignificant stenosis in RCA. Conclusion: There is a relationship between coronary artery disease and Grade IV DD.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 23, 2025
Emphasizing the Importance of Outcome-Based Assessment Question Bank - Zoology: Course - Biosystematics Using Bloom's Taxonomy Framework
Swaraj Kumar Sarkar, Sankar Ghosh, Subhanjan Majumder, Dipankar Saha, Somnath Basak
Page no 224-233 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/jaep.2025.v09i05.003
This study emphasizes the importance of creating an outcome-based question bank using Bloom's Taxonomy as a framework, with an example drawn from the subject of Zoology and the course Biosystematics. A sample question bank was developed and utilized to generate multiple assessment question sets. The findings highlight that a question bank designed with Bloom's Taxonomy is a valuable tool in Outcome-Based Education (OBE). It facilitates systematic evaluation, enhances conceptual clarity, identifies slow learners, and fosters critical thinking, continuous learning, research, and innovation.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 23, 2025
Effect of Chloroform Extract of Nigella Sativa Seed in the Treatment of Palmar Arsenical Keratosis
Farhana Nargis, Mir Misbahuddin, Md. Moklesur Rahman, Md. Shafiuzzaman, Humayra Rumu, Israt Zahan Zarin
Page no 418-424 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i05.009
Background: Arsenical keratosis, a chronic skin disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic, poses a significant public health challenge in arsenic-endemic regions like Bangladesh. Characterized by hyperkeratotic lesions, particularly on the palms and soles, the condition is a known precursor to skin cancer. Current treatment options offer limited efficacy, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of Nigella sativa seed extract and assess its therapeutic potential in the management of palmar arsenical keratosis. Methods: Conducted over 17 months, this observational study involved 32 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe palmar arsenical keratosis from two high-risk unions in Chuadanga, Bangladesh. Nigella sativa seed extract ointment was formulated and applied topically. The primary outcome was the reduction in the size of keratotic nodules, measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment using vernier slide calipers. Arsenic levels in patients’ water and nail samples were analyzed using a modified silver diethyldithiocarbamate method. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results: Topical application of Nigella sativa seed extract resulted in a statistically significant 72.8% reduction in mean lesion size (from 55.4 ± 29.8 mm² to 15.1 ± 10.8 mm²; p < 0.0001). No significant correlation was found between lesion size reduction and duration of arsenic exposure (r = -0.28), duration of lesion appearance (r = -0.17), or arsenic concentration in drinking water (r = -0.19). Patient adherence to treatment was high (mean adherence: 94.0 ± 6.6%), and only one case of mild, transient local irritation was reported. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that Nigella sativa seed extract exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity against hyperproliferative keratinocytes, making it a promising, well-tolerated topical therapeutic for palmar arsenical keratosis. Compared to previous treatments, this natural formulation offers superior efficacy and minimal side effects, warranting further investigation through larger clinical trials.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 23, 2025
Correlation between Endometrial Thickness on Transvaginal Ultrasonography and Histopathological Findings in Postmenopausal Bleeding
Sanjana Rahman, Taslim Ara Nila, Alif Laila, Nargis Sultana, Fatema Akter, Umme Salma Shilpi, Tanzin Hossain
Page no 180-185 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2025.v08i05.007
Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding in peri- and postmenopausal women often raises concern for underlying pathology such as endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between endometrial thickness on transvaginal ultrasonography and histopathological findings in postmenopausal bleeding. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between endometrial thickness on transvaginal ultrasonography and histopathological findings in postmenopausal bleeding, identifying predictive relationships for clinical assessment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from June 2022 to May 2023, including 65 postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) was performed to measure endometrial thickness, followed by fractional curettage for histopathological analysis at the Department of Pathology, DMC. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and patients were categorized by endometrial thickness (≤5 mm or >5 mm), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 65 postmenopausal bleeding patients, 58.5% had endometrial thickness >5 mm (mean 9.1 ± 6.1 mm). Histopathology showed 70.8% had abnormal findings, mainly endometrial hyperplasia (47.8%). A significant association (p = 0.001) was found between endometrial thickness and pathology, with >5 mm thickness linked to hyperplasia, carcinoma, and polyp, and ≤5 mm thickness linked to atrophy. Conclusion: Endometrial thickness on transvaginal ultrasonography is a significant predictor of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal bleeding, aiding in clinical assessment.