International humanitarian law and international human rights law are two distinct but complementary bodies of law. They are both concerned with the protection of the life, health and dignity of individuals. IHL applies in armed conflict while human rights law applies at all times, in peace and in war. The interplay between human rights and humanitarian law in armed conflict remains a critical area of legal and ethical discourse. While international humanitarian law (IHL) governs the conduct of hostilities, human rights law ensures fundamental freedoms and protections even in war. This article examines the practical challenges in implementing these legal frameworks, the role of state and non-state actors, and mechanisms for enforcement and accountability. Through an analytical approach, the study evaluates case studies from recent conflicts to assess the effectiveness of international legal instruments.

Background and Objective: In Pakistan, the demand for surgery is not being met due to a shortage of both surgical equipment and healthcare workers. This gap in the availability of surgical equipment hinders the provision of safe surgeries. To develop strategies to improve availability, it is essential to understand the use of surgical equipment in this context. This study aims to: (1) map out the different phases that surgical equipment goes through during its lifespan (i.e., the surgical equipment journey) in Pakistan, and (2) identify the barriers perceived by biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs). Material and Methods: Seven semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 BMETs working in Pakistan. These participants were from 6 different hospitals (4 public, one private, and one mission). The interviews took place between December 2016 and December 2018. Participants were asked to describe or illustrate the surgical equipment journey and to identify perceived barriers during this journey. Results: The surgical equipment journey comprises three phases: procurement, usage, and disposal. Key stakeholders in this journey include users, BMETs, procurement officers, local distributors, and, in the case of donations, donation agencies. Identified barriers include bureaucratic hurdles during procurement, difficulties in obtaining consumables and spare parts (especially for donated equipment), cleaning with harsh chemicals, and usage in challenging environments. Conclusion: To optimize the surgical equipment journey in Pakistani hospitals, sustainable interventions at multiple organizational levels are necessary. Participants in this study identified several strategies to increase the availability of surgical equipment in Pakistan: implementing policies on donations, procuring durable equipment, training more BMETs and university-trained biomedical engineers, and developing designs and business models suited to local conditions in Pakistan and potentially other countries in the region.

Infertility remains a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, with evolving socio-demographic, medical, and lifestyle factors influencing reproductive health. This study compares infertility patterns among Bangladeshi couples between 2007 and 2024 to identify key contributing factors and assess changes over time. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 2007 and 2024. The study population included couples seeking infertility treatment at selected healthcare centers in Bangladesh. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17 to evaluate trends in infertility prevalence, associated factors, and reproductive health outcomes. Among couples seeking infertility treatment, the proportion of female infertility cases increased from 43% in 2007 to 94.2% in 2024, while male infertility cases declined from 36% to 9.1%. Primary infertility cases accounted for 67% in 2007 but decreased to 51.9% in 2024, whereas secondary infertility increased from 33% to 48.1% over the same period. The proportion of women with irregular menstrual cycles and endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), rose significantly. Positive lifestyle modifications were observed, including reduced smoking and increased physical activity. Surgical histories showed a decline in laparotomy procedures among females and a shift toward minimally invasive interventions. The findings highlight shifting infertility trends, with a rise in female infertility and associated endocrine disorders. Improvements in lifestyle factors and reproductive healthcare access suggest progress in infertility management. Targeted public health strategies, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and evidence-based interventions are essential to address the evolving infertility landscape in Bangladesh.

Background: Hypertension frequently coexists with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications. This dual burden escalates morbidity and mortality, emphasizing the need for early detection and effective management. However, there is limited research on hypertension prevalence among T2DM patients in Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and to identify associated risk factors in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh, from June 2022 to December 2022. A total of 83 T2DM patients were selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, focusing on demographic characteristics, diabetes duration, body mass index (BMI), glycemic control, and blood pressure readings. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension in T2DM patients was found to be 70.1%. Among the hypertensive patients, 42.2% had Stage 1 hypertension, while 27.9% had Stage 2 hypertension. Hypertension was significantly associated with the duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%), and a BMI greater than 25 kg/m². Conclusion: Hypertension is highly prevalent among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, with poor glycemic control and obesity being significant risk factors. Regular monitoring and effective management of hypertension in T2DM patients are essential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and carbon nanodots (CNDs) represent a revolutionary new frontier in nanotechnology with their distinct structural, optical, and chemical characteristics. Their unique properties have allowed them to be incorporated into various scientific and industrial applications. This comprehensive study delves into the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of CNPs and CNDs, exploring the concepts underlying their remarkable qualities, which include excellent photostability, adjustable fluorescence, biocompatibility, and simplicity of surface modification. These nanostructures have various industrial applications, including electronics, energy, environmental research, and healthcare. Their potential to transform healthcare is fascinating, highlighted by their use in photothermal treatment, bioimaging, and drug delivery systems in biomedicine. The ability of CNPs and CNDs to tackle urgent ecological issues is further demonstrated by their application in environmental restoration, including water purification and pollution detection. The use of CNPs and CNDs in optoelectronics and energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries further illustrates their value in developing efficient and sustainable technologies. Even with these encouraging advancements, issues remain to be resolved, such as maximizing large-scale manufacturing, maintaining consistency, and dealing with long-term environmental effects. To overcome these obstacles and realize the full potential of carbon-based nanomaterials, this analysis highlights the necessity of multidisciplinary cooperation, which will eventually open the door for creative answers to pressing global issues.

Background: Chest pain is a prevalent complaint in emergency departments (EDs) and is associated with significant clinical decision-making challenges. The HEART score is a validated tool used for risk stratification of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the HEART score in risk stratification and patient outcomes at Northern Emirates Hospital, UAE. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 79 patients who presented with chest pain at Northern Emirates Hospital in January 2021. From the available date in patient record, the patients were classified into three risk categories based on the HEART score, and their actual dispositions were compared. Results: Of the 79 patients, 70.8% had a low HEART score (0–3), 25.3% had a moderate score (4–6), and 3.7% had a high score (>7). Discharge rates were 83.9% for low-risk, 70% for moderate-risk, and 33% for high-risk patients while the actual major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rates available from available data were 0%, 15%, and 66.6% for low, moderate, and high-risk patients, respectively. Conclusion: If used, the HEART score can useful in effectively stratifying chest pain patients, aiding in decision-making regarding discharge and admission. Its implementation in EDs could enhance patient care and resource allocation.

Background: Drug-eluting stents have significantly lowered the risk of restenosis. However, how to treat restenosis inside a DES is unknown. While the number of severe adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) linked to drug-eluting stents (DES) has significantly decreased, stent thrombosis (STH) and in-stent restenosis (ISR) continue to be significant clinical problems. Materials and Methods: This observation cohort study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Universal Medical College and Northeast Medical College, Sylhet. During study period 2016 to 2020 Universal Medical College and 2020 to 2022 Northeast Medical College. Among 509 lesions treated with DES, 26 required clinically driven revascularization for ISR. We identified 26 consecutive patients who developed ISR, among them Homo-Stents (n=17), Hetero-Stents (n=5) and (n=4) treated by other. Results: Three cases (75%) in the other ISR group and one (20%) in the hetero-stent group had a history of congestive heart failure. Of the three groups, only one had clinical characteristics that were statistically significant (p<0.05), whereas the other two did not (p>0.05). In the hospital, the differences between the three groups at six and twelve months were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is a high long-term rate of MACE associated with current DES therapies for ISR or STH.