Search

The poorly managed effluents from industrial activities in Bangladesh contaminate groundwater aquifer with subsequent health risks as the most of the Bangladeshi people depend on groundwater for their drinking water sources. This study aimed to investigate the contamination level in the groundwater surrounding the Setabganj Sugar Mills Limited, Dinajpur, Bangladesh with special attention on the associated health risk of the dwellers residing around it. Stratified random sampling was adopted to collect 12 water samples from tubewell to identify concentration of heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy. We found metal concentration in groundwater in the order of Mn>Fe>Co>Cu>Pb>Zn>Cr among which mean value of Mn concentration exceeded the drinking water standard while Fe and Pb concentrations in few samples exceeded the standards. Metal Index, Degree of Contamination, Pollution Load Index and Heavy Metal Pollution Index confirmed more groundwater contamination at the vicinity of sugar mill compared with the other samples that taken from far away of sugar mill. Health risk assessment ensures that Infants and children have a great susceptibility to the contaminated groundwater all over the study area while the adults are at high risk only in the sugar mill region. Principal Component Analysis and Factor Analysis reveal that sugar mill contributes largely to groundwater contamination along with other anthropogenic and natural sources. The findings of this study will help the environmental managers and policy makers to understand the potential health risks from the effluent of sugar mills and will knock them to treat it prior to discharge.

This cross sectional study on oral condition among school going children in Sylhet city was conducted at Osmani Medical High School, Dorgah Gate, Sylhet, Bangladesh. This study was carried out on 8th October, 2019 among 208 students, mostly 12 years aged studying in Class VI. The main objective of the study was to assess the oral health condition of school going children through decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) status. Data was collected by personal interview and clinical examination of the respondents. Among 208 children, 96 (46.2%) were boys and 112 (53.8%) were girls. Among all, 63 (30.3%) respondents brush their teeth once daily while 137 (65.9 %) respondents brush twice a day, and 8 (3.8 %) of them brush their teeth more than twice daily. Fluoride containing toothpaste is used by 73 (35.1 %) students, 112 (53.8 %) students did not know whether their toothpaste contain fluoride or not, and 23 (11.1 %) students do not use fluoride. Among all respondents, 125(60.09 %) did not have any decayed tooth, while 83(39.90 %) had tooth decay, and 20(9.6 %) had their teeth filled. Normal gingival condition was found in 185 (88.94 %) subjects, but 23(11.06 %) of them had red or swollen gingiva. The mean DMFT of the study population was 1.19 which is considered as “low” according to “WHO quantification for the DMFT index”. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2021; 11 (1): 4-6

This study examines the association between ownership structure and voluntary disclosure levels in the 2007 annual report of 94 samples of Bangladeshi listed companies. Ownership structure is provided by management ownership and institutional ownership. Using agency theory, it is argued that firms with higher management ofownership structure may disclose less information and higher institutional of ownership structure may disclose more information to shareholders through voluntary disclosure. It is because the determined ownership structure provides firms lower incentives tovoluntarily disclose information to meet the needs of non-dispersed shareholders .Agency theory is utilized as the underlying theoretical framework of voluntary disclosure. Using a unweighted relative disclosure index for measuring voluntary disclosure. The extent of voluntary disclosure level is measured using 68 items recommended by those who have professional qualifications. The result shows that the extent of corporate voluntary disclosures is negatively associated with a higher management of ownership structure and the extent of corporate voluntary disclosures is positively associated with a higher institutional ownership structure.

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera (boneseed), a weed of national significance in Australia, threatens indigenous species and crop production through allelopathy. We aimed to identify phenolic compounds produced by boneseed and to assess their phytotoxicity on native species. Phenolic compounds in water and methanol extracts, and in decomposed litter-mediated soil leachate were identified using HPLC, and phytotoxicity of identified phenolics was assessed (repeatedly) through a standard germination bioassay on native Isotoma axillaris. The impact of boneseed litter on native Xerochrysum bracteatum was evaluated using field soil in a greenhouse. Collectively, we found the highest quantity of phenolic compounds in boneseed litter followed by leaf, root and stem. Quantity varied with extraction media. The rank of phenolics concentration in boneseed was in the order of ferulic acid > phloridzin > catechin > p-coumaric acid and they inhibited germination of I. axillaris with the rank of ferulic acid > catechin > phloridzin > p-coumaric acid. Synergistic effects were more severe compared to individual phenolics. The litter-mediated soil leachate (collected after15 days) exhibited strong phytotoxicity to I. axillaris despite the level of phenolic compounds in the decomposed leachate being decreased significantly compared with their initial level. This suggests the presence of other unidentified allelochemicals that individually or synergistically contributed to the phytotoxicity. Further, the dose response phytotoxic impacts exhibited by the boneseed litter-mediated soil to native X. bracteatum in a more naturalistic greenhouse experiment might ensure the potential allelopathy of other chemical compounds in the boneseed invasion. The reduction of leaf relative water content and chlorophyll level in X. bracteatum suggest possible mechanisms underpinning plant growth inhibition caused by boneseed litter allelopathy. The presence of a substantial quantity of free proline in the target species also suggests that the plant was in a stressed condition due to litter allelopathy. These findings are important for better understanding the invasive potential of boneseed and in devising control strategies.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the Malay and Malaysian Chinese populations for commonly used and newly introduced sagittal cephalometric analyses. Study design: Cross sectional study of cephalometric sagittal analyses of Malay population and Chinese population residing in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: 246 pretreatment standardized lateral cephalogram were selected from Malay population and 96 patients from Malaysian Chinese population. Radiographs were traced for ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle. Patients were classified into skeletal Class I, II and III categories, based on performed analyses, profile from records and incisor's classification. ANOVA was applied to assess the difference in measured values for skeletal classes and independent-t test was used to compare both the samples. Results: There was significant difference in all the measured values for skeletal groups in both the samples (p < 0.001). Mean values of ANB for class II and Wits appraisal for class III patients were significantly different among both the samples (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in all other measurements. Conclusions: All the performed analyses were significant in diagnosis of sagittal discrepancies. Malays and Malaysian Chinese populations are insignificantly different in cephalometric norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare the Pakistani and Malay populations for old and comparatively new sagittal cephalometric analyses. Study design: This cross sectional study was conducted using lateral cephalometric radiographs of Malay and Pakistani population for assessment of their jaws in sagittal plane. Materiais and Methods: Pretreatment lateral cephalogram of 246 Malay orthodontic patients and 209 Pakistani patients were selected for the study. Radiographs were traced for angle ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle. Patients were divided into three skeletal Classes (I, II and III) based on cephalometric analyses, profile and incisor's classification from casts. ANOVA was applied to assess the difference in measured values for skeletal classes and independent-t test was used to compare both the samples. Results: Skeletal class I was more prevalent in Malay sample and Class II dominated the Pakistani population. Mean values of ANB for class III, Beta angle for Class I and II, W angle for Class I and III and Yen angle for all the skeletal classes were significantly different for both the population (p < 0.05). Conclusions: All the performed analyses were significant in diagnosis of sagittal discrepancies. Malays and Pakistani populations are significantly different in cephalometric norms, therefore the respective standards should be used for diagnosis and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare the Pakistani and Malaysian Chinese populations for old and recent sagittal cephalometric analyses. Study design: Cross sectional study of lateral cephalometric radiographs of Malaysian Chinese and Pakistani population for assessment of maxillomandibular relationship in sagittal plane. Materials and Methods: Pretreatment lateral cephalogram of 96 Malaysian Chinese orthodontic patients and 209 Pakistani patients were selected for the study. Radiographs were traced for angle ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle. Patients were categorized into Class I, II and III based on cephalometric analyses, profile and incisor's classification from plaster models. Independent-t test was used to compare both the samples. Results: Skeletal class II was the most prevalent malocclusion in both the samples. There was significant difference in the mean values of most of the measurements for class III cases between both the samples (p < 0.05), however ANB and Wits appraisal for Class I and II patients showed insignificant difference in the measured values. Conclusions: All the performed analyses were significant in diagnosis of sagittal discrepancies. Malaysian Chinese and Pakistani populations are significantly different in cephalometric norms; therefore the respective standards should be followed for diagnosis and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera (boneseed), a weed of national significance in Australia, threatens indigenous species and crop production through allelopathy. We aimed to identify phenolic compounds produced by boneseed and to assess their phytotoxicity on native species. Phenolic compounds in water and methanol extracts, and in decomposed litter-mediated soil leachate were identified using HPLC, and phytotoxicity of identified phenolics was assessed (repeatedly) through a standard germination bioassay on native Isotoma axillaris. The impact of boneseed litter on native Xerochrysum bracteatum was evaluated using field soil in a greenhouse. Collectively, we found the highest quantity of phenolic compounds in boneseed litter followed by leaf, root and stem. Quantity varied with extraction media. The rank of phenolics concentration in boneseed was in the order of ferulic acid > phloridzin > catechin > p-coumaric acid and they inhibited germination of I. axillaris with the rank of ferulic acid > catechin > phloridzin > p-coumaric acid. Synergistic effects were more severe compared to individual phenolics. The litter-mediated soil leachate (collected after15 days) exhibited strong phytotoxicity to I. axillaris despite the level of phenolic compounds in the decomposed leachate being decreased significantly compared with their initial level. This suggests the presence of other unidentified allelochemicals that individually or synergistically contributed to the phytotoxicity. Further, the dose response phytotoxic impacts exhibited by the boneseed litter-mediated soil to native X. bracteatum in a more naturalistic greenhouse experiment might ensure the potential allelopathy of other chemical compounds in the boneseed invasion. The reduction of leaf relative water content and chlorophyll level in X. bracteatum suggest possible mechanisms underpinning plant growth inhibition caused by boneseed litter allelopathy. The presence of a substantial quantity of free proline in the target species also suggests that the plant was in a stressed condition due to litter allelopathy. These findings are important for better understanding the invasive potential of boneseed and in devising control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decomposition of plant litter is a fundamental process in ecosystem function, carbon and nutrient cycling and, by extension, climate change. This study aimed to investigate the role of temperature on the decomposition of water soluble phenolics (WSP), carbon and soil nutrients in conjunction with the phytotoxicity dynamics of Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera (boneseed) litter. Treatments consisted of three factors including decomposition materials (litter alone, litter with soil and soil alone), decomposition periods and temperatures (5-15, 15-25 and 25-35°C (night/day)). Leachates were collected on 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60th days to analyse physico-chemical parameters and phytotoxicity. Water soluble phenolics and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increased with increasing temperature while nutrients like SO4−2 and NO3−1 decreased. Speed of germination, hypocotyl and radical length and weight of Lactuca sativa exposed to leachates were decreased with increasing decomposition temperature. All treatment components had significant effects on these parameters. There had a strong correlation between DOC and WSP, and WSP content of the leachates with radical length of test species. This study identified complex interactivity among temperature, WSP, DOC and soil nutrient dynamics of litter occupied soil and that these factors work together to influence phytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of the study was to compare the Bangladeshi and Malaysian Chinese populations for old and recently developed sagittal cephalometric analyses. Study design: Cross sectional study involved lateral cephalometric radiographs of Bangladeshi and Malaysian Chinese population for sagittal assessment of maxillo-mandibular relationship. Materials and Methods: Pretreatment lateral cephalogram of 96 Malaysian Chinese orthodontic patients and 200 Bangladeshi patients were selected for the research. Radiographs were traced for angle ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle. Patients were divided into three skeletal classes i.e. I, II and III based on their cephalometric values, profile and incisor's classification from plaster models. ANOVA was applied to assess the difference in cephalometric values for all skeletal classes and independent-t test was used to compare the measurements for both the populations. Results: Skeletal class II was more prevalent in Malaysian Chinese sample and class I dominated the Bangladeshi sample. Mean values of all the measured analyses for all the skeletal classes were significantly different for both the population (p < 0.05) except ANB for class II and Yen angle for class III patients. Conclusions: All the performed analyses were significant in diagnosing the sagittal discrepancies. Bangladeshi and Malaysian Chinese populations are significantly different in craniofacial morphology; therefore the respective standards should be followed when diagnosis and treatment planning are formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare the Bangladeshi and Malay populations for old and newly developed sagittal cephalometric analyses. Study design: Cross sectional study of lateral cephalometric sagittal analysis of Bangladeshi and Malay population to assess their skeletal jaw discrepancies. Materials and Methods: Pretreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of 246 Malaysian Malay orthodontic patients and 200 Bangladeshi patients were selected for the research. Radiographs were traced for angle ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle. Patients were divided into three skeletal classes on the basis of their cephalometric values, profile and incisor's classification from casts. Independent-t test was used to compare the measurements for both the populations. Results: Skeletal class 1 was more prevalent in Malay sample as well as in Bangladeshi sample. Both the populations were significantly different in the mean values of all the measured analyses for all the skeletal classes (p < 0.05) except ANB and Yen for class III and Wits for class I patients. Conclusions: All the performed measurements were significant in diagnosing the sagittal discrepancies for all skeletal classes. Bangladeshi and Malay populations are significantly different in craniofacial morphology and cephalometric values; therefore the respective norms should be followed when diagnosis and treatment planning are formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of the study was the skeletal assessment of the Malaysian Chinese population in sagittal plane by commonly used (ANB, Wits appraisal) and newly introduced (Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle) cephalometric analyses. Study design: It was a cross sectional study of cephalometric sagittal analyses of Malaysian Chinese sample. Materials and Methods: Pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 96 (45 males and 51 females) Malaysian Chinese patients were selected for the study. Radiographs were traced for ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle. Based on cephalometric analyses, incisor's classification from casts and soft tissue profile; patients were classified into skeletal Class I, II and III. SPSS was used for descriptive analyses of data and t test was applied to evaluate the difference in measured values between males and females. Results: Skeletal class II was the most prevalent malocclusion in Malaysian Chinese. Skeletal class I patients also showed measurements with the tendency towards class II. Most of the measured analyses were comparable to the established norms. There was insignificant difference found in the obtained values between males and females except ANB and Yen angle for class II patients (p < 0.05) Conclusion: Malaysian Chinese have Class II craniofacial morphology with no significant sexual dimorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess Malay population for the skeletal relationship of jaws in sagittal plane, using old (ANB, Wits appraisal) and recently introduced (Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle) cephalometric sagittal analyses. Study design: Cross sectional study of cephalometric sagittal measurements of sample from Malay population. Materials and methods: Pretreatment standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs of 246 patients were selected from Malay population which comprised of 87 males and 159 females. Patients were categorize into three skeletal Classes (class I, II and III), based on cephalometric measurements i.e. ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle and Yen angle, incisor's classification from casts and soft tissue profile from pictures. Descriptive analyses and t test was applied to evaluate the difference in measurements among genders. Results: Skeletal class I was the most prevalent malocclusion in Malays with the measured values in upper limits. All the measured analyses were comparable to the established norms. There was insignificant difference found in the obtained values between males and females (p > 0.05) Conclusion: Malaysian Malays have no significant sexual dimorphism in the sagittal plane craniofacial morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ongoing armed conflict in Syria has caused large scale displacement. Approximately half of the population of Syria have been displaced including the millions living as refugees in neighboring countries. We sought to assess the health and nutrition of Syrian refugees affected by the conflict., Methods: Representative cross-sectional surveys of Syrian refugees were conducted between October 2 and November 30, 2013 in Lebanon, April 12 and May 1, 2014 in Jordan, and May 20 and 31, 2013 in Iraq. Surveys in Lebanon were organized in four geographical regions (North, South, Beirut/Mount Lebanon and Bekaa). In Jordan, independent surveys assessed refugees residing in Za'atri refugee camp and refugees residing among host community nationwide. In Iraq, refugees residing in Domiz refugee camp in the Kurdistan region were assessed. Data collected on children aged 6 to 59 months included anthropometric indicators, morbidity and feeding practices. In Jordan and Lebanon, data collection also included hemoglobin concentration for children and non-pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years, anthropometric indicators for both pregnant and non-pregnant women, and household level indicators such as access to safe water and sanitation., Results: The prevalence of global acute malnutrition among children 6 to 59 months of age was less than 5 % in all samples (range 0.3-4.4 %). Prevalence of acute malnutrition among women 15 to 49 years of age, defined as mid-upper arm circumference less than 23.0 cm, was also relatively low in all surveys (range 3.5-6.5 %). For both children and non-pregnant women, anemia prevalence was highest in Za'atri camp in Jordan (48.4 % and 44.8 %, respectively). Most anemia was mild or moderate; prevalence of severe anemia was less than or equal to 1.1 % in all samples of children and women., Conclusions: Despite the ongoing conflict, results from all surveys indicate that global acute malnutrition is relatively low in the assessed Syrian refugee populations. However, prevalence of anemia suggests a serious public health problem among women and children, especially in Za'atri camp. Based on these findings, nutrition partners in the region have reprioritized response interventions, focusing on activities to address micronutrient deficiencies such as food fortification.