No abstract

A descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted in Sharshaupazila under Jessore district on socioeconomic condition and health status of chronic arsenicosis patients from July to October, 2011. The prevalence of arsenicosis due to arsenic contamination of ground water may emerge in the form of epidemic and chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water is one of the major environmental hazards in Bangladesh. The main source of drinking water is shallow tube well (64%) among which 21% tube well has been red marked i.e., contaminated with arsenic poisoning. About 59.8% respondents have belonged to income deficit group and their monthly income decreased significantly. The chronic effect due to arsenic poisoning is about 32% and the men (69.33%) were more susceptible to arsenicosis. Among the affected patients identified problems were melanosis (94%), keratosis (33%), leucomelanosis (38%), respiratory problem (49%), loss of sensation (45%), bowen's (21.33%), oedema (9.33%), chronic nonhealing ulcer (6.33%), lung cancer (2%), and gangrene (0.66%). About 32.94% people consulted with homeopath for their treatment and only 22.35% people consulted with government health physician. To be aware of arsenicosis the health education must be improved within the community and the financial support; relevant training could be effective to reduce the arsenic poisoning.

As the demand for radiation grafted Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) is intensifying, interest in new materials for preparing PEM is rapidly increasing. This study aims to develop sustainable low-cost highly conductive PEM. In our work we have prepared linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) based PEM and investigated the membrane characteristics. Simultaneous radiation grafting technique has been applied to introduce the styrene monomer onto the LLDPE films by UV radiation under atmospheric circumstances. It has been observed that grafting yield gradually changes depending on the irradiation time and monomer molar ratio. We have performed experiments to assess certain membrane properties, such as water uptake, ion exchange capacity with respect to their applicability in fuel cells. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of LLDPE based PEM as a cation exchange membrane.

Admixture of Clinical Liquid Waste (CLW) discharging into Ecological Water Bodies (EWB) causes significant pollution with resistant bacteria. The issue is significant in Bangladesh where CLW management is at early stage of development. Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria confer resistance to Broad Spectrum β-Lactam Antibiotics (BSBLA) which has become a global concern now. The aim of this study was to characterise and assess the occurrence of ESBL producing bacteria in CLW of Bangladesh. Three CLW samples were collected from two leading hospitals in Dhaka City, Bangladesh in the year 2012. A total 166 isolates were retrieved and screened for ESBL production by the Double Disk Diffusion Synergy Test (DDST). Isolates with ESBL phenotype were further characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing, PCR and sequencing of β-lactamase genes. A total of 30 ESBL producers with Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) properties were isolated. Gene specific PCR against blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV detected CTX-M as major ESBL genotype (83%) followed by occurrence of TEM-genotypes (40%). Prevalence of SHV was low in CLW samples (3%). More than 20% of CLW -ESBL isolates possessed both the TEM and CTX-M genotypes. The predominant ESBL isolates were phylogenetically identified as Escherichia spp. Seventy seven percent followed by Citrobacter spp. (17%), Klebsiella spp. (3%), and Yokenella spp. (3%). This investigation demonstrates that CLW possesses ESBL producing MDR bacteria which might act as potential threat to disseminate resistant determinants in the surrounding environment.