bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geriatrics: Gateway to Next Medicine§
Authors: Bortz Walter M.
Published: February 2015

As Current Medicine faces the mandate for massive reformulation geriatrics provides the template. In it are found the critical new basic science that underlies life-long health, and the time honored tradition of “caring.”
Effect of Micro Health Insurance on Access and Utilization of Health Services in Karnataka
Authors: Savitha S.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Lack of sustainable and affordable health financing mechanisms in India has exposed the poor ininformal sector to iatrogenic poverty. Hardship financing of health services has negative financial consequences on thefuture income of these households. This can be mitigated through micro health insurance (MHI) because it aims to removefinancial barriers to access and utilize health services.

Objectives:

Recognizing the dearth of studies on impact of MHI schemes in India, we carried out an in-depth study onSampoorna Suraksha Programme (SSP) in Karnataka to assess the effect on access and utilization of healthcare services.

Methods:

We designed a descriptive cross sectional household survey that collected data from 1146 households toevaluate the impact using logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Insured individuals were more likely to access and utilize inpatient services compared to uninsured individuals.Moral hazard measured as length of stay in the hospital was absent. Horizontal equity in utilization based on gender andincome was observed. Insured used private providers than public hospitals or self-medicine. The results of the studysupport the positive impact of MHI on access and utilization of health services.

Conclusion:

The findings of the study enhance our understanding of the positive role of MHI in the promotion of betterhealth behavior of the poor people who usually forego treatment during illness. This would reinforce policymakers toadvocate MHI to mitigate iatrogenic poverty in India, the land of villages.
Encapsulation of α-lipoic acid intochitosan and alginate/gelatin hydrogel microparticles and its in vitro antioxidant activity
Authors: Vidovic Bojana , Milasinovic Nikola , Kotur-Stevuljevic Jelena , Dilber Sanda , Kalagasidis-Krusic Melina , Djordjevic Brizita , Knezevic-Jugovic Zorica
Published: February 2015

Alpha-lipoic acidis an organosulphur compound well-known for its therapeutic
potential and antioxidant properties. However, the effective use of ?-lipoic
acid depends on biological plasma half-life and its preserving stability,
which could be improved by encapsulation. In this study, ?-lipoic acid was
incorporated into chitosan microparticles obtained by reverse emulsion
crosslinking technique, as well as into microparticles of alginate/gelatin
crosslinked with zinc ions. Encapsulation of ?-lipoic acid in both cases was
carried out by swelling of synthesized dried microparticles by their dipping
in a solution of the active substance under strictly controlled conditions.
Encapsulation efficiency of ?-lipoic acid obtained in this study was up to
53.9 %. The structural interaction of ?-lipoic acid with the carriers was
revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro released
studies showed that controlled release of ?-lipoic acid was achieved through
its encapsulation into chitosan microparticles. The results of in vitro
antioxidative activity assays of released ?-lipoic acid indicated that
antioxidant activity was preserved at a satisfactory level. These obtained
results suggested that chitosan microparticles could be suitable for modeling
the controlled release of ?-lipoic acid.
Antibacterial activity of copper-containing clinoptilolite/PVC composites toward clinical isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Milenkovic Jelena , Hrenovic Jasna , Goic-Barisic Ivana , Tomic Milos , Rajic Nevenka
Published: February 2015

The multidrug resistant bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii cause serious
hospital infections. Commercial poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) used for
endotracheal tubes was modified in order to obtain the composite with
antibacterial effect towards clinical isolate of A. baumannii ST145. The
composites were prepared by addition of different amounts of
copper-containing zeolite tuff (CuZ) and by successive impregnation with
D-Tyrosine (D-Tyr) solution. The composites which were obtained by addition
of CuZ (CuZ-PVC) only did not exhibit antibacterial effect. The impregnation
of the CuZ-PVC by D-Tyr resulted in an antibacterial effect which is
explained by a synergistic effect of CuZ and D-Tyr. Rheological tests
confirmed that the modification of PVC by CuZ does not affect its
processability and reformability.
Contamination of Composite Resin by Glove Powder and Saliva Contaminants: Impact on Mechanical Properties and Incremental Layer Debonding
Authors: Martins NM , Schmitt GU , Oliveira HL , Madruga MM , Moraes RR , Cenci MS
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the influence of digital manipulation of a composite resin (Z250; 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) with gloves contaminated with powder and/or human stimulated saliva on the mechanical properties and incremental layer debonding of the restorative. The six groups tested were powdered gloves with or without saliva, powder-free gloves with or without saliva, powdered gloves with saliva cleaned with 70% ethanol, and no digital manipulation or contamination (control). Diametral tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and incremental layer shear bond strength were evaluated. Each composite increment was digitally manipulated for 10 seconds. Data from each test were separately analyzed using analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05). No significant differences for diametral tensile strength were observed. Manipulation of the composite using powder-free gloves with saliva or using gloves cleaned with ethanol generated higher flexural strength and modulus compared to the other groups. The control group and the group manipulated using powdered gloves with saliva generally showed lower mechanical performances. Lower incremental layer bond strength was observed for the group manipulated with powdered gloves without saliva. The control group and the groups manipulated with powdered gloves with saliva or cleaned with ethanol showed higher shear bond strengths. Most of the failures were cohesive. In conclusion, digital manipulation might be important for the composite resin to achieve better mechanical performance and incremental layer bond strength, provided that the gloves are not contaminated. Cleaning the gloves with ethanol might avoid the negative effects of digital manipulation using contaminated gloves.
Localized and Generalized Simulated Wear of Resin Composites
Authors: Barkmeier WW , Takamizawa T , Erickson RL , Tsujimoto A , Latta M , Miyazaki M
Published: February 2015

A laboratory study was conducted to examine the wear of resin composite materials using both a localized and generalized wear simulation model. Twenty specimens each of seven resin composites (Esthet•X HD [HD], Filtek Supreme Ultra [SU], Herculite Ultra [HU], SonicFill [SF], Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill [TB], Venus Diamond [VD], and Z100 Restorative [Z]) were subjected to a wear challenge of 400,000 cycles for both localized and generalized wear in a Leinfelder-Suzuki wear simulator (Alabama machine). The materials were placed in custom cylinder-shaped stainless steel fixtures. A stainless steel ball bearing (r=2.387 mm) was used as the antagonist for localized wear, and a stainless steel, cylindrical antagonist with a flat tip was used for generalized wear. A water slurry of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads was used as the abrasive media. A noncontact profilometer (Proscan 2100) with Proscan software was used to digitize the surface contours of the pretest and posttest specimens. AnSur 3D software was used for wear assessment. For localized testing, maximum facet depth (μm) and volume loss (mm3) were used to compare the materials. The mean depth of the facet surface (μm) and volume loss (mm3) were used for comparison of the generalized wear specimens. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test were used for data analysis of volume loss for both localized and generalized wear, maximum facet depth for localized wear, and mean depth of the facet for generalized wear. The results for localized wear simulation were as follows [mean (standard deviation)]: maximum facet depth (μm)—Z, 59.5 (14.7); HU, 99.3 (16.3); SU, 102.8 (13.8); HD, 110.2 (13.3); VD, 114.0 (10.3); TB, 125.5 (12.1); SF, 195.9 (16.9); volume loss (mm3)— Z, 0.013 (0.002); SU, 0.026 (0.006); HU, 0.043 (0.008); VD, 0.057 (0.009); HD, 0.058 (0.014); TB, 0.061 (0.010); SF, 0.135 (0.024). Generalized wear simulation results were as follows: mean depth of facet (μm)—Z, 9.3 (3.4); SU, 12.8 (3.1); HU, 15.6 (3.2); TB, 19.2 (4.8); HD, 26.8 (6.5); VD, 29.1 (5.5); SF, 35.6 (8.4); volume loss (mm3)—Z, 0.132 (0.049); SU, 0.0179 (0.042); HU, 0.224 (0.044); TB, 0.274 (0.065); HD, 0.386 (0.101); VD, 0.417 (0.076); SF, 0.505 (0.105). The ANOVA showed a significant difference among materials (p<0.001) for facet depth and volume loss for both localized and generalized wear. The post hoc test revealed differences (p<0.05) in localized and generalized wear values among the seven resin composites examined in this study. The findings provide valuable information regarding the relative wear characteristics of the materials in this study.
Effect of Phosphoric Acid Pre-etching on Fatigue Limits of Self-etching Adhesives
Authors: Takamizawa T , Barkmeier WW , Tsujimoto A , Scheidel DD , Erickson RL , Latta MA , Miyazaki M
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to use shear bond strength (SBS) and shear fatigue limit (SFL) testing to determine the effect of phosphoric acid pre-etching of enamel and dentin prior to application of self-etch adhesives for bonding resin composite to these substrates. Three self-etch adhesives—1) G- ænial Bond (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan); 2) OptiBond XTR (Kerr Corp, Orange, CA, USA); and 3) Scotchbond Universal (3M ESPE Dental Products, St Paul, MN, USA)—were used to bond Z100 Restorative resin composite to enamel and dentin surfaces. A stainless-steel metal ring with an inner diameter of 2.4 mm was used to bond the resin composite to flat-ground (4000 grit) tooth surfaces for determination of both SBS and SFL. Fifteen specimens each were used to determine initial SBS to human enamel/dentin, with and without pre-etching with a 35% phosphoric acid (Ultra-Etch, Ultradent Products Inc, South Jordan, UT, USA) for 15 seconds prior to the application of the adhesives. A staircase method of fatigue testing (25 specimens for each test) was then used to determine the SFL of resin composite bonded to enamel/dentin using a frequency of 10 Hz for 50,000 cycles or until failure occurred. A two-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test were used for analysis of SBS data, and a modified t-test with Bonferroni correction was used for the SFL data. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the area of the bonded restorative/tooth interface. For all three adhesive systems, phosphoric acid pre-etching of enamel demonstrated significantly higher (p<0.05) SBS and SFL with pre-etching than it did without pre-etching. The SBS and SFL of dentin bonds decreased with phosphoric acid pre-etching. The SBS and SFL of bonds using phosphoric acid prior to application of self-etching adhesives clearly demonstrated different tendencies between enamel and dentin. The effect of using phosphoric acid, prior to the application of the self-etching adhesives, on SBS and SFL was dependent on the adhesive material and tooth substrate and should be carefully considered in clinical situations.
Associations between Skill Perceptions and Young Children's Actual Fundamental Movement Skills
Authors: Liong Grace H. E. , Ridgers Nicola D. , Barnett Lisa M.
Published: February 2015

Given that children with low movement skill competence engage in less physical activity, it is important to understand how children's perceptions relate to actual movement competence. This study examined relationships between (i) children's self-perception and objective assessments of their movement skills (object control and locomotor) and (ii) parents' perceptions of the children's movement skills and objective assessment. Children's skill perceptions were assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children. Parent perceptions of their child's skills were assessed using a modified version of this instrument. The Test of Gross Motor Development–2nd edition assessed children's skills objectively. Participants were 136 Australian children (51% boys; M = 6.5 yr., SD = 1.1) and 133 parents. Regression analyses (by sex) examined the relationship between perceptions and children's scores for actual skilled performance. Boys' perceptions were associated with their actual object control ability. Parents accurately perceived boys' object control ability and girls' locomotor ability, but not the reverse. This suggests interventions aiming to improve children's movement skills could target parents and be designed to teach parents how to recognize good and poor skill performance in their children.
A Cosmopolitan Perspective of Globalization: Cultural and Aesthetic Consumption Among Young People
Authors: Cicchelli Vincenzo , Octobre Sylvie
Published: February 2015

Author's focuses on understanding in which way people relate with globalization and what kind of imaginative process they engage in to do so in their everyday life. Article deals with the emerging cosmopolitan consciousness and practices that derive from young people's experiences of a globalized world. The paper is based on two different researches of young people, the rationale for such a choice being to understand the impact of emerging transformations on young people - who are often the barometers of societal change from both generational and life cycle perspectives.
Barriers to Successful Entrepreneurship for Women in Ukraine
Authors: Garten Edward , Johnson John S. , Buko Svitlana
Published: February 2015

Article focuses on the analysis of successful businesses in Ukraine started and operated by women-owners, focusing on personal experiences of women-entrepreneurs and their perceptions of drivers and barriers of their businesses/
GIS and Multi Criteria Decision Method Based Approach of Identifying Appropriate Landfill Sites for the City Of Chittagong
Authors: Ashraf M. Ali , Islam Md. Rezuanul , Adnan Sarfaraz Gani
Published: February 2015

Urban solid waste management is a serious environmental issue confronting the cities in developing countries like Bangladesh. Apathy towards the problem, inadequacy of field level information and data, and resource constraints may be blamed for the dismal situation of solid waste management often visible in our cities. The most common problems associated with the absence of sustainable solid waste management practice include diseases transmission, odour nuisance, atmospheric and water pollution, visual blight, fire hazards and economic losses. In the three major cities of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Chittagong & Khulna, per capita production of solid waste is around 0.4kg /capita / day, but only a fraction of this waste is carried to the final disposal site. A recent study on Municipal Solid Waste Management found that waste generated in Chittagong was 0.352kg/cap/day. Considering per capita generation of solid waste as 0.352kg to 0.4kg per capita per day, for a population of 25, 92,459 distributed within the 41 wards of the city (BBS, 2011), total solid waste generated in Chittagong will be around 913 tons to 1037 tons per day in 2012. Currently, Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) has only two dumping yards: one at Ananda Bazar, Halishahar at the mid western part of the city and the other at Arefin Nagar, Pahartali at the northern tip of the city. None of these sites are sanitary landfill. Considering the city area of 168 sq. kms, only two dumping sites are not sufficient to cater to the requirement of the city. Long distances between the collection points and the disposal site are responsible for inefficient utilization of the CCC trucks and the resulting increase in the haulage time that eventually increases the costs of collection and disposal. This study utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Method (MCDM) for the identification and selection of appropriate landfill sites within the city of Chittagong. Thirteen sites were identified initially. Out of these sites four were found to be most appropriate and suitable for use as landfill. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12174International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, page: 1-15
PCBs Contamination among Distribution Transformers in the Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Kattel Ruska , Devkota Bhupendra
Published: February 2015

Transformer is the crucial part in any electrical system, however there are many risks associated with its use. Thus this study was focused on assessing the status of PCBs contamination and distribution of transformers in Distribution Centre-North of the Kathmandu valley along with PCBs contamination in them. Each transformer within the study area was closely observed to obtain information about all transformers. The dielectric oil samples from the transformers were collected, safely stored and analyzed in Test Kits (L2000DX Chloride Analyzer System, recommended by UNEP). Among 111 samples of transformer oil analyzed, 4 transformers were found PCBs contaminated and they were manufactured before 1990s. The total amount of PCBs contaminated transformer oil in these transformers was 479.6 Kg. Seven transformers were found leaking, four transformers located at residential area were found emitting a low frequency tonal noise, two transformers were located within school compound, nine transformers were located near water body and around 1.44 square meters of soil surface was found contaminated by transformer oil. Though there is no way to eliminate all the risk and consequences of operating oil filled transformers, scientific distribution and proper handling could be the reasonable approaches to reduce the risks.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12175International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 16-29
Physiochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Selected Sachet Water in Jere and Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria
Authors: Aji Mohammed Modu , Kyar Shettima Abba , Hussaini Mustapha
Published: February 2015

The study involved the determination of some physiochemical and bacteriological properties in sachet-water samples taken within selected geopolitical wards in Jere and Maiduguri Metropolis. The purpose was to ascertain the quality of sachet water sold for consumption within the area. Ten samples were drawn, five from each study area. The samples were analysed for temperature, colour, turbidity, pH, conductivity, iron, total alkalinity and total dissolved solid. Bacteriological analysis was also carried out using multiple tube (most probable number) technique for enumeration of both total coli form count and differential Escherichia coli count. Other physical examination like volume, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, batch number, production date and expiry date were also examined. The results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO), NAFDAC and Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Variations were observed among the entire samples in comparison with the standard. Some of the parameters conform to the standard like the Tempreture, pH, colour, odour, iron content and NAFDAC registration number while others like TDS, total alkalinity and volumetric quantity fell below the standard. The bacteriological analysis also showed that 80% of the samples studied revealed the presence of coliforms. Hence, there is need for regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify effort in the routine monitoring of quality of sachet water marketed for consumption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12177 International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, page: 48-57
Bioethanol Production from Indigenous Algae
Authors: Roy Madhuka , Kundu Krishnendu , Dahake V. R.
Published: February 2015

Enhanced rate of fossil fuel extraction is likely to deplete limited natural resources over short period of time. So search for alternative fuel is only the way to overcome this problem of upcoming energy crisis. In this aspect biofuel is a sustainable option. Agricultural lands cannot be compromised for biofuel production due to the requirement of food for the increasing population. Certain species of algae can produce ethanol during anaerobic fermentation and thus serve as a direct source for bioethanol production. The high content of complex carbohydrates entrapped in the cell wall of the microalgae makes it essential to incorporate a pre-treatment stage to release and convert these complex carbohydrates into simple sugars prior to the fermentation process. There have been researches on production of bioethanol from a particular species of algae, but this work was an attempt to produce bioethanol from easily available indigenous algae. Acid hydrolysis was carried out as pre-treatment. Gas Chromatographic analysis showed that 5 days’ fermentation by baker’s yeast had yielded 93% pure bioethanol. The fuel characterization of the bioethanol with respect to gasoline showed comparable and quite satisfactory results for its use as an alternative fuel.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12182International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, page: 112-120
Isolation and Characterization of Three and Four Ring Pahs Degrading Bacteria from Contaminated Sites, Ankleshwar, Gujarat, India
Authors: Patel Jignasha G. , Kumar J.I. Nirmal , Kumar Rita N , Khan Shamiyan R.
Published: February 2015

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading bacteria were isolated from prolong contaminated Amalakhadi sediment and crude oil polluted soil Telva, near Ankleshwar Gujarat India. Organisms were treated with two-model PAHs compound Anthracene (ANT), and Pyrene (PYR) as the sole source of carbon and energy. Identification of the isolates was carried out based on their morphological and partial 16S rRNA gene sequences, which revealed that the isolates belong to two main bacterial groups: gram-negative pseudomonas indoxyladons and gram-positive, spore-forming group, Bacillus benzoevorans. GC-MS based degradation study demonstrated that P. indoxyladons efficiently degrade 98% of ANT and PYR by 93.2 % when treated with 250 mg L-1. However, B. benzoevorans could tolerate to 200 mg L-1of PYR. Thus, the findings of the study provide novel bacterial sp. having different capacity to degrade model PAHs compounds and further could be utilized for the standardization of bioremediation protocols for ex situ and in situ studies in aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystem.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12184International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 130-140
Study of Root-Knot Problems in Ajiwa Dam Area, Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors: Dalhatu A. K. , Khan A. A. , Umar Z. D.
Published: February 2015

The present study was undertaken to observe the root-knot problems in Ajiwa dam area, Katsina state. Surveys were done to determine the level of infestation, incidence, intensity and frequency of root-knot disease and to identify the root-knot nematodes associated with vegetables. The study showed that root-knot disease incidence in the area was fairly very high. Of the fields visited, about 42% fields were infested. Incidence of the disease in different fields and on different vegetables showed wide variation. Short pepper and tomato were most affected crops followed by onion, lettuce and carrot. Spinach was less affected. Two species M. incognita and M. javanica of root-knot nematodes were identified. M. incognita showed highest frequency (71.4%) and was dominant species in the studied area. M. javanica has lowest frequency (28.5%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12189International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 204-209
Tractor Effects on Soil Properties and the Consequences on Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Yield in Ultisol
Authors: Edem I. D. , Udoinyang U. C. , Udounang P. I.
Published: February 2015

Physical degradation of the soil could be said to mean the loss of soil’s structural quality. It is observed both on the surface where thin crust may be seen and also below th e surface in or below the ploughed horizon where compacted layers may be formed, particularly in conditions of excess moisture. The experiment assessed the influence of the weight of tractor passage on soil failure and compaction. The study of resistance to penetration is produced on three worked soils; unploughed, single ploughed and double ploughed at 0-30 and 30-60 cm depths. This study showed that the number of passage of the tractor affects resistance to penetration by 44 % compared to the initial state (passage 0) and the second pass makes accentuation of 11% relative to the first pass; which shows that the first pass performs compaction most important and most severe. Thus, after sometimes, it was noticed that there's a decrease compaction at 30-60cm depth which shows that the ground based of the ploughed soil experienced a decreasing compaction function..DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12190International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 210-223
Hazards of hospital cleaners in a tertiary health facility in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ilesanmi Olayinka Stephen , Omotoso Bridget , Falana Darlington
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Hospital cleaning job is outsourced to companies that employ unskilled cleaners. Despite the importance of hospital cleaners little attention is paid to the work place hazards they are exposed to.Objective: This study therefore aimed at determining the prevalence of and factors associated with occurrence of work related hazards among hospital cleaners at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 249 hospital cleaning staff was conducted. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and work place related hazards. Descriptive statistics were done and associations were explored with the chi square test at 5% level of significance.Result: The mean age of respondent was 34 ± 7 years, (range 20 - 60 years), 142(57.0%) attended secondary school. In all, 67.7% of the cleaners spent less than 8 hours at work daily. Chemical hazards affected 79.1% females compared to 57.9% of the males (p=0.03). Also, 60% of those with primary education had mechanical hazards compared to 39.1% of those with tertiary education. (p=0.02). Mechanical hazards occur in 53.8% cleaners sitting for < 5hours compared to 38.1% sitting ≥ 5hours at work daily (p=0.03). Hazards of greatest concern were dust 13.3%, and insect bite 4.8%. Respondents were exposed to physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological hazards. Low income was a major source of concern to 80% of them.Conclusion: Various forms of hazards were reported by the cleaners studied. Research examining ways to reduce it should be done.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.10083
Occupational Health, Safety and Extreme Poverty: A Qualitative Perspective from Bangladesh
Authors: Akram Owasim
Published: February 2015

Poor occupational health and safety damages many lives and livelihoods which impedes economic growth. Poor and unsafe work conditions are both a cause and consequence of extreme poverty. Both reinforce each other negatively. The significance of occupational health and safety is particularly strong in countries like Bangladesh where it is not addressed or explored much. This study focuses on urban and peri-urban Bangladesh drawing from: 15 Life History (LH) interviews with people who became disabled during work, 10 in-depth interviews with vulnerable workers in high risk environments; and key informant interviews (KII) with five senior management officials in high risk workplaces. Other studies have also been consulted on occupation safety in rural and urban Bangladesh. Findings confirm that extreme poor people are not only disproportionately drawn into high risk and unhealthy jobs but also the accidents and health problems that arise from these jobs exacerbate poverty. Employers were found to be reluctant to take responsibility for workers and any support offered to injured workers was mainly done out of charity. Sub-contracting was found to be potentially harmful practice of the business/industry owners which makes workers more vulnerable. The paper concludes that occupational health and safety in Bangladesh should be a higher priority in discussions of extreme poverty, its consequences and its solutions.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.10654
In vitro identification and Antifungal susceptibility of different Candida Species isolated from patients with or without Diabetes having Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Chaurasia Deepti , Gupta Mukesh , Kulshrestha Reena , Biswas Jayant , Dutta Smita D , Matsyapal Chandan Kumar , Sharma Neha
Published: February 2015

Background: Candida albicans is the commonly associated species with oral lesions, but other Candida spp., such as C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. dubliniensis have also been isolated from the human saliva, even irrespective to the oral candidiasis. Candidal colonization has also been documented from subgingival plaque of adults with periodontitis.Objective: Nowadays there is a great demand of natural herbal medicines. For a Diabetic person having Periodontitis, the use antifungal drugs are must. Therefore the antifungal capacity of the commonly used drug and herbs has been evaluated.Methods: For the study, the patients were screened and categorised into two study and one control group, having 20 patients in each group, on the basis of their respective Blood Glucose level and Dental status using standard clinical parameters. Oral rinse of 60 patients including both gender were selected from the Out Patient Department of Periodontitis, Rungta College of Dental Sciences and Research, Chhattisgarh. Chrome Candida Agar Media was used to identify Candida albicans and NAC. In vitro tests of the effectiveness of selected antimycotic agents against test candidal isolates recovered from the patient were performed to check the efficacy of the antifungal agents by the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method.Result: We found that by the use of this chromogenic media most of the commonly recovered NAC can be easily distinguished as each species produced the widest range of colours and morphologies. The herbal extracts Aloe Vera and Garlic failed to inhibit the growth of the candidal species but Neem, Meetha Neem, Triphala, Tulsi showed sensitivity to varying degree. Now a day there are much popularity of using herbal products, having its extracts incorporated in the cosmetics and other products used by humans.Conclusion: We conducted the sensitivity check of the candidal isolates against the dental dentrifices and found that however all the toothpastes contained herbal extracts capable of destroying bacteria but it did not showed good results against candidal species except the Patanjali Toothpaste. This may be due the fact that Patanjali Dant Kanti Dental Cream has the combination of all the herbal extract mixed altogether. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12164
Assessment of dental erosion status among battery factory workers in Mandideep, India
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Tripathi Geeta Mishra , Saxena Vrinda , Singh Neha , Sharva Vijayta , Yadav Kaluram
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Occupational factors may be considered responsible for dental erosion among battery  factory workers since they were exposed to sulfuric acid fumes created by the harmful processes known as forming and charging.Methods: A sample consisted of 138 battery factory workers (85 acid exposed workers and 53 controls) drawn as a convenient sample from 3 different battery factories of Mandideep, India. A pre-tested proforma, completed by interview, was used to collect information on medical and dental histories. Clinical examination of battery factory workers was done to assess dental erosion using tooth wear index given by Smith and Knight. Data related to dental erosion score of acid worker and  control group was compared using Mann Whitney U test. Categorical data was analyzed by chi-square test.Results: The battery factory workers showed a propensity for higher erosion scores. The result of present survey showed a total of 74 percent of acid exposed workers had erosion compared to 37.7   percent of the controls. Statistical difference in erosion scores between acid exposed group and control group was found significant (p value<0.05).Conclusion: Present study revealed that long term exposure of sulphuric acid mists in the working environment significantly increased the chances of dental erosion among exposed workers. There is urgent need for surveillance and routine monitoring of acid fumes at workplace coupled with education about occupational hazards, positive worksite oral health promotion and training for standardized behaviors such as use of personal protective equipment to decrease occupational erosion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12165
Surgical Management of Mucocele by Using Diode Laser: Two Case Reports
Authors: Srinivasa T. S , Farista Sana , Agrawal Parul , Jain Priya , Deonani Sushmita , Goswami Varsha
Published: February 2015

Mucoceles are benign, mucus-containing cystic lesions of the minor salivary glands. They are not true cysts since most of them lack an epithelial lining. These lesion occur most commonly in the lower lip.  This case report presents two cases of mucocele on the lower and upper lips. This lesion was diagnosed based on history, clinical finding and histopathological examination. The excision of the lesion was planed using diode laser. After re-evaluation of both the patients healing was satisfactory.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12167
A Knowledge and Practices study of health hazards among animal handlers in zoological gardens
Authors: Bagaria Anjali , Sharma Arun Kumar
Published: February 2015

Background- Close association with animals makes zookeepers a high risk group for suffering from various zoonotic diseases. Thus, it is important that they are able to protect themselves from these diseases and injuries through prevention awareness. Objective- To study the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding health hazards among animal handlers in zoological gardens. Materials and Methods- A questionnaire based cross-sectional study conducted in the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, India involving all 66 employees, including 49 who were directly involved in taking care of animals. Result- About 86% of the total participants perceived a risk of suffering from disease or injury due to animal handling. Allergies, tuberculosis and bird flu were commonly perceived risks from animal handling. Majority (69.7%) suggested isolation of animals with infectious diseases. About 65% and 37% were vaccinated for tetanus and rabies respectively. Headache (83.3%), itching (80.3%) and vomiting (77.3%) were the most commonly stated symptoms of zoonotic diseases. While handling animals 59.2% had at least once got injured, after which they were mostly taken to the doctor (79.3%). Only 24.5% had attended training program on zoonotic diseases. Conclusion- There were many lacunae in the knowledge and practices of animal handlers regarding prevention, control and treatment of zoonotic disease and injuries due to animal handling. Training sessions for prevention of zoonotic diseases and injuries are absent. It is important that these issues are addressed promptly and adequately. Also, such study must be conducted in other zoos as situation analysis activity to plan training programmes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.9146
Microatmosphere sintering of Fe-3.2Mn-1.5Si-0.5C steel in flowing technical nitrogen
Authors: Cias Andrzej
Published: February 2015

The dependence of properties of sintered Fe–Mn steels, produced with commercial ferromanganese and ferrosilicon, on processing parameters are examined. By controlling the local “microclimate”, using a semiclosed container/getter/activator combination, Fe-3.2Mn-1.4Si-0.5C steel was successfully sintered in flowing technical nitrogen or 95 vol.% N2/5 vol.% H2 furnace atmosphere. The getters were naphthalene and ferromanganese. The necessary reducing reactions involving manganese vapour and nascent carbon with water vapour and manganese and silicon oxides took place in the dry “microatmosphere” within and around the specimens. The resultant average values of ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% offset yield stress and elongation were 871 MPa, 561 MPa, and 2.21%, respectively, not significantly different from literature values for steels produced on the basis of Fe–Si–Mn ferroalloys sintered in dry hydrogen.
Effect of Mo/B atomic ratio on the properties of Mo2NiB2-based cermets
Authors: Xie Lang , Li XiaoBo , Zhang Dan , Yi Li , Gao XiaoQing
Published: February 2015

Using three elementary substances, Mo, Ni, and amorphous B as raw materials, four series of Mo2NiB2-based cermets with the Mo/B atomic ratio ranging from 0.9 to 1.2 were successfully prepared via reaction sintering. The effect of Mo/B atomic ratio on the microstructure and properties was studied for the cermets. The results indicate that there is a strong correlation between the Mo/B atomic ratio and properties. The transverse rupture strength of the cermets increases with an increase in Mo/B ratio and shows a maximum value of 1 872 MPa at an Mo/B atomic ratio of 1.1 and then decreases with increasing Mo/B atomic ratio. The hardness and the corrosion resistance of the cermets increase monotonically with an increase in Mo/B atomic ratio. In Mo-rich cermets with an atomic ratio of Mo/B above 1.1, a small amount Ni–Mo intermetallic compound is found precipitated at the interface of Mo2NiB2 grains.
Child Vaccination and its Impacts on Health and Health Related Matters in Noakhali Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Tanna Md Tanvir Haider , Ahmed Jamiuddin , Debnath Pankaj Chandra , Moghal Md Mizanur Rahman , Hasan Moynul
Published: February 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of vaccination and its impacts on the children in four upazilas which were Noakhali sadar, Begumgonj, Companygonj and Chatkhil of Noakhali district. The study was carried out during the period of November 15, 2011 to December 15, 2011. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews, focus group discussions and cross check interviews. It was found that all interviewed parents of all ages and educational levels are aware about vaccination of their child. The study conducted on the rate of giving vaccines, (Tuberculosis, Polio, DPT, Measles and Hepatitis B) showed serious reactions in a few children after taking vaccine and occurrences of disease after taking the corresponding vaccine. The rate of vaccination in the four upazilas - Noakhali sadar, Begumgonj, Companygonj and Chatkhil were found to be 84, 86.6, 75.4 and 82%, respectively. No serious reactions were found among 120 children in four upazilas. Among thirty, two children suffered from Measles and one from Hepatitis B after taking the vaccine in sadar upazila. Three children suffered from Measles after Begumgonj and one suffered from Measles in Chatkhil. There were no children found to have a disease after taking the corresponding vaccination in Companygonj. Though the rate of vaccination in these areas is not so little the government should take necessary steps to ensure maximum rate of vaccination. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22292 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 125-129, 2013
Thrombolytic and Cytotoxic Activities of Terminalia bellerica Roxb.
Authors: Ali M Sekendar , Faruq Kazi Omar , Islam Atiqul , Nurullah AMM , Chowdhury Kazi Ashfak Ahmed , Sayeed Mohammed Abu
Published: February 2015

The present study was designed to investigate the thrombolytic activity and cytotoxic potential of the methanolic extract of bark of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. The cytotoxicity was assessed with the brine shrimp lethality bioassay and thrombolytic effect with human blood. The brine shrimp lethality bioassay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity (LC50 = 3.21 ?g/ml) compared to vincristine of sulphate (LC50 = 0.512 ?g /ml). It was also evaluated as thrombolytic agent as compared to streptokinase. It has significant thrombolytic activity (32.95%) compared to standard streptokinase (70%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22293 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 131-135, 2013
Development and Validation of a Simple RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Naproxen in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Tanjin Saleha , Islam Farhana , Sultan Md Zakir , Rahman Asma , Chowdhury Sharmin Reza , Sharmin Tasnuva , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

A simple, sensitive and precise reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method has been developed for the estimation of naproxen in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method was developed using the mobile phase comprising of dibasic sodium phosphate buffer (Na2HPO4) at pH 7.80 (adjusted by sodium hydroxide) and acetonitrile in the ratio of 70:30 (v/v) over C-18 column (250 x 4.6 mm, 5?m, Phenomenex Inc.) at ambient temperature. The flow rate was at 0.7 ml/min and the column washing was monitored by UV detector at 225 nm. The retention time of naproxen was 4.8 ± 0.1 min. The recovery was found to be >97% which is demonstrative of accuracy of the protocol. Inter-day and intra-day precision of the newly developed method were less than the maximum allowable limit (RSD% ? 2.0) according to ICH, USP and FDA guidelines. The method showed linear response with correlation coefficient (r2) value of 0.9991. Therefore, the method was found to be accurate, reproducible, sensitive and less time consuming and can be successfully applied for routine analysis of naproxen in pharmaceutical formulations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22295 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 137-141, 2013
Nigella sativa Oil Potentiates the Effects of Pioglitazone on Long Term Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Rahman AFM Towheedur , Islam Md Saiful , Ali Md Hazrat , Alam AHM Khurshid , Rahman Md Aziz Abdur , Sadik Md Golam , Rashid Mamunur
Published: February 2015

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of combination of Nigella sativa oil and pioglitazone on long-term alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In short-term (two weeks) alloxan-induced diabetic rats, N. sativa oil (NSO) reduced significant amount of glucose in blood, TC, TG and LDL-C and increased significant amount of HDL-C compared to diabetic rats. However, pathological changes of pancreass Islets of Langerhans were observed after long-term (four weeks) induction of alloxan in rats. Administration of NSO recovered Langerhans cells from shrinkage whereas pioglitazone displayed slight recovery. But the combination therapy showed complete recovery of Langerhans cells as compared with diabetic rats. Combination of drugs significantly reduced the TC, TG and LDL-C level as well as increased significant amount of HDL-C level to the normal level. Combination also increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity compared with diabetic rats. The results suggest that treatment with combination therapy was more effective than mono-therapy for preventing diabetes as N. sativa oil potentiates the effects of pioglitazone on long term alloxan-induced diabetic rats. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22296 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 143-151, 2013
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxic Property of Methanolic Extract of Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.)
Authors: Begum Anjuman Ara , Haque Md Mosiul , Islam Mahfuzul , Kundu Sukalyan Kumar
Published: February 2015

Flemingia macrophylla locally known as Charchara in Bangladesh is a medicinal herb. Being a member of the Fabaceae family it claims a number of medicinal uses including hypoglycemic activity, neuroprotective effect and gynecological remedies. Methanolic extract of F. macrophylla was investigated to evaluate its antioxidant and general toxic properties in this study. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using total antioxidant capacity, total phenol contents, total flavonoid contents and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays. Both leaf and stem extracts of F. macrophylla were found to possess significant amount of phenolics and flavonoids, expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and quercetin equivalent (QE), respectively. Interestingly total phenol content was equal for both leaf and stem extract and it was 43.8 mg GAE/g. Total flavonoid content was found to be 64.4 and 39.1 mg QE/g for leaf and stem extract, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity was expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) and for leaf it was 5.067 mg/gm AAE and for stem 0.8167 mg/gm AAE. DPPH scavenging activity was determined by comparing with ascorbic acid. The IC50 values were 19.95, 125.89 and 707.94 ?g/ml for ascorbic acid, leaf and stem extract, respectively. The results of the present study on methanolic extracts of F. macrophylla revealed the presence of moderate antioxidant activity and extract of leaves produced better results than stem of the plant. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, methanolic extract of F. macrophylla exhibited insignificant cytotoxicity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22298 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 159-163, 2013
Potency and Antibacterial Efficacy of Degraded Chloramphenicol in Marketed Eye Drop Preparations
Authors: Ahmed Md Shamim , Rajia Sultana , Rahman Md Ajijur , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: February 2015

This study was done to evaluate the antibacterial activity of chloramphenicol eye drops after exposure to sunlight as well as to measure the percentage of drug content. Chloramphenicol eye drops manufactured by four different companies were collected from local market and exposed to sunlight and their antimicrobial activity was determined against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Each product was exposed to sunlight for fourteen hours in three different ways with or without of their packaging. The percentage of chloramphenicol contents in eye drop samples was also measured by UV-spectrophotometric method. Significant differences in the inhibitory zones were observed among different set of samples. An inverse correlation between percentage of chloramphenicol content and their antibacterial activity was observed. The results indicate that the UVspectrophotometric method cannot distinguish between chloramphenicol and its degraded products and thus gives incorrect high values of drug content in the preparations, therefore, it should not be considered as an appropriate method to analyze chloramphenicol preparation with its degradation products. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22299 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 165-169, 2013