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Mahfuzar Rahman
Research and Evaluation Division, BRAC Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Journal
Published: 01 January 2020 in Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
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To eliminate TB from the country by the year 2030, the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis (TB) Program is providing free treatment to the TB patients since 1993. However, the patients are still to make Out-of-their Pocket (OOP) payment, particularly before their enrollment Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS). This places a significant economic burden on poor-households. We, therefore, aimed to estimate the Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) due to TB as well as understand associated difficulties faced by the families when a productive family member age (15–55) suffers from TB. The majority of the OOP expenditures occur before enrolling in. We conducted a cross-sectional study using multistage sampling in the areas of Bangladesh where Building Resources Across Communities (BRAC) provided TB treatment during June 2016. In total, 900 new TB patients, aged 15–55 years, were randomly selected from a list collected from BRAC program. CHE was defined as the OOP payments that exceeded 10% of total consumption expenditure of the family and 40% of total non-food expenditure/capacity-to-pay. Regular and Bayesian simulation techniques with 10,000 replications of re-sampling with replacement were used to examine robustness of the study findings. We also used linear regression and logit model to identify the drivers of OOP payments and CHE, respectively. The average total cost-of-illness per patient was 124 US$, of which 68% was indirect cost. The average CHE was 4.3% of the total consumption and 3.1% of non-food expenditure among the surveyed households. The poorest quintile of the households experienced higher CHE than their richest counterpart, 5% vs. 1%. Multiple regression model showed that the risk of CHE increased among male patients with smear-negative TB and delayed enrolling in the DOTS. Findings suggested that specific groups are more vulnerable to CHE who needs to be brought under innovative safety-net schemes.

ACS Style

Anita Sharif Chowdhury; Shakil Ahmed; Sayem Ahmed; Fouzia Khanam; Fariha Farjana; Saifur Reza; Shayla Islam; Akramul Islam; Jahangir A.M. Khan; Mahfuzar Rahman. Estimating Catastrophic Costs due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Bangladesh. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health 2020, 11, 83 -91.

AMA Style

Anita Sharif Chowdhury, Shakil Ahmed, Sayem Ahmed, Fouzia Khanam, Fariha Farjana, Saifur Reza, Shayla Islam, Akramul Islam, Jahangir A.M. Khan, Mahfuzar Rahman. Estimating Catastrophic Costs due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Bangladesh. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health. 2020; 11 (1):83-91.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anita Sharif Chowdhury; Shakil Ahmed; Sayem Ahmed; Fouzia Khanam; Fariha Farjana; Saifur Reza; Shayla Islam; Akramul Islam; Jahangir A.M. Khan; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2020. "Estimating Catastrophic Costs due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Bangladesh." Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health 11, no. 1: 83-91.

Chapter
Published: 29 October 2019 in Microbial Rejuvenation of Polluted Environment
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Increasing exposure to heavy metal contamination in aquatic environment can have serious health consequences in Bangladesh. Although a shift from using surface water to groundwater significantly reduced waterborne diseases in Bangladesh, vast areas of Bangladesh are affected by groundwater arsenic contamination above WHO drinking water guideline. There are also some other emerging contaminants in drinking water which have not historically been considered as pollutants but are now being more widely detected. Millions of Bangladeshis are drinking water with unsafe levels of arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), boron (B), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), or uranium (Ur). Approximately, 45% area of Bangladesh contains groundwater with As concentration greater than the standard limit for Bangladesh drinking water. Manganese, Pb, Ni, and Cr are also found at significant concentrations in groundwater. About 50%, 3%, <1%, and <1% of Bangladesh’s area exceeds WHO guidelines for Mn, Pb, Ni, and Cr, respectively. Besides these, concentrations of Cd and B are higher than the safe value in river water which might create an adverse effect on riparian ecosystem. Most groundwater contamination originates either as point source or nonpoint source. Urban areas contribute more pollutants to groundwater than non-urban areas. Industrial areas are more adversely affected by heavy metals compared to non-industrial areas. These emerging contaminants in the form of heavy metals pose significant human health risks. In order to understand the significance of public health strategy of safe drinking water, a thorough review of emerging contaminants in drinking water, its toxicity, and health hazards, as well as future directions toward sustainable development goals (SDGs), is necessary.

ACS Style

Tahera Akter; Safayet Khan; Mahfuzar Rahman. Toxic Elements in Bangladesh’s Drinking Water. Microbial Rejuvenation of Polluted Environment 2019, 273 -296.

AMA Style

Tahera Akter, Safayet Khan, Mahfuzar Rahman. Toxic Elements in Bangladesh’s Drinking Water. Microbial Rejuvenation of Polluted Environment. 2019; ():273-296.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tahera Akter; Safayet Khan; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2019. "Toxic Elements in Bangladesh’s Drinking Water." Microbial Rejuvenation of Polluted Environment , no. : 273-296.

Review article
Published: 23 August 2019 in Groundwater for Sustainable Development
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It is evident that arsenic has detrimental effect on health including deadlier disease such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, birth defects which can eventually lead to adverse effect on our social life. Over the last 40 years, several research on arsenic epidemiology and public health carried out in Bangladesh to ratify its adverse effect on our health and social life. However, most of these researches focused on the extent of arsenic contamination in groundwater and related health consequences. Lack of comprehensive matrix lead us to compile all published arsenic research articles that had been undertaken in Bangladesh during Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) period (2000–2015) focused on the recommendation of arsenic mitigation and technologies, and future direction. Review matrix was developed in three different categories (1) Policy level (2) Facilities and technologies and (3) Health system, as these categories were the key areas to mitigate arsenic exposure. We noted mixed policy recommendations, and of those, incoordination among different stakeholders came up as one of the key barriers for arsenic mitigation in Bangladesh. Sharing low or arsenic-free tubewell, proper use and maintenance of arsenic filters, structural supply water such as the pipe water and pay-per-use concept were highlighted in several research. Women should be actively involved in all mitigation programs in Bangladesh.

ACS Style

Fakir Md Yunus; Safayet Khan; Fouzia Khanam; Anupom Das; Mahfuzar Rahman. Summarizing the recommendation of arsenic research during Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era in Bangladesh-future directions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Groundwater for Sustainable Development 2019, 9, 100265 .

AMA Style

Fakir Md Yunus, Safayet Khan, Fouzia Khanam, Anupom Das, Mahfuzar Rahman. Summarizing the recommendation of arsenic research during Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era in Bangladesh-future directions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Groundwater for Sustainable Development. 2019; 9 ():100265.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fakir Md Yunus; Safayet Khan; Fouzia Khanam; Anupom Das; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2019. "Summarizing the recommendation of arsenic research during Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era in Bangladesh-future directions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." Groundwater for Sustainable Development 9, no. : 100265.

Journal
Published: 01 January 2019 in Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
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Given the targeted 4–5% annual reduction of tuberculosis (TB) cure cases to reach the “End TB Strategy” by 2020 milestone globally set by WHO, exploration of TB health seeking behavior is warranted for insightful understanding. This qualitative study aims to provide an account of the social, cultural, and socioeconomic breadth of TB cases in Bangladesh. We carried out a total of 32 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and 16 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) in both rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. We covered both BRAC [a multinational Non-governmental Organization (NGO)] and non-BRAC (other NGOs) TB program coverage areas to get an insight. We used purposive sampling strategy and initially followed “snowball sampling technique” to identify TB patients. Neuman’s three-phase coding system was adopted to analyze the qualitative data. Underestimation of TB knowledge and lack of awareness among the TB patients along with the opinions from their family members played key roles on their TB health seeking behavior. Quick decision on the treatment issue was observed once the diagnosis was confirmed; however, difficulties were in accepting the diseases. Nevertheless, individual beliefs, intrinsic ideologies, financial abilities, and cultural and social beliefs on TB were closely inter-connected with the “social perception” of TB that eventually influenced the care seeking pathways of TB patients in various ways. Individual and community level public health interventions could increase early diagnosis; therefore, reduce recurrent TB.

ACS Style

Tanvir Shatil; Nusrat Khan; Fakir Md. Yunus; Anita Sharif Chowdhury; Saifur Reza; Shayla Islam; Akramul Islam; Mahfuzar Rahman. What Constitutes Health Care Seeking Pathway of TB Patients: A Qualitative Study in Rural Bangladesh. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health 2019, 9, 300 -308.

AMA Style

Tanvir Shatil, Nusrat Khan, Fakir Md. Yunus, Anita Sharif Chowdhury, Saifur Reza, Shayla Islam, Akramul Islam, Mahfuzar Rahman. What Constitutes Health Care Seeking Pathway of TB Patients: A Qualitative Study in Rural Bangladesh. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health. 2019; 9 (4):300-308.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tanvir Shatil; Nusrat Khan; Fakir Md. Yunus; Anita Sharif Chowdhury; Saifur Reza; Shayla Islam; Akramul Islam; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2019. "What Constitutes Health Care Seeking Pathway of TB Patients: A Qualitative Study in Rural Bangladesh." Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health 9, no. 4: 300-308.

Journal
Published: 31 December 2018 in Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
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Bangladesh is currently going through a nutritional transition with rapid increase in overnutrition while undernutrition is still remaining prevalent. Nevertheless, population-based data on demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle factors associated with underweight and overweight among adult population is scarce. Employing a nationwide cross-sectional...

ACS Style

Dipak K. Mitra; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Kaosar Afsana; Mahfuzar Rahman. Demographic, Socio-economic and Lifestyle Determinants of Under- and Over-nutrition among Bangladeshi Adult Population: Results from a Large Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health 2018, 8, 134 -142.

AMA Style

Dipak K. Mitra, Sabuj Kanti Mistry, Kaosar Afsana, Mahfuzar Rahman. Demographic, Socio-economic and Lifestyle Determinants of Under- and Over-nutrition among Bangladeshi Adult Population: Results from a Large Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health. 2018; 8 (3):134-142.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dipak K. Mitra; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Kaosar Afsana; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2018. "Demographic, Socio-economic and Lifestyle Determinants of Under- and Over-nutrition among Bangladeshi Adult Population: Results from a Large Cross-Sectional Study." Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health 8, no. 3: 134-142.

Journal article
Published: 18 December 2018 in Environment International
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Widespread arsenic contamination in underground water is a well-documented public health concern that threatens millions of lives worldwide. We investigated the risk of young-adult mortality due to high chronic exposure to arsenic through years of drinking arsenic contaminated water. A prospective cohort study of 58,406 individuals was enrolled who were 4–18 years at baseline. Since Matlab HDSS (Health and Demographic Surveillance System) has an active surveillance system, all individuals were included in the follow up. Each individual's arsenic exposure was calculated at (1) baseline As level as current exposure (2) time-weighted lifetime (average or lifetime average) and (3) cumulative arsenic exposure. Age, sex, educational attainment and SES were adjusted during the analysis. In this 13 years closed-cohort study (2003–2015), all young-adult deaths were captured through verbal autopsy (VA) using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) to define the causes. Although, girls had higher values of cumulative arsenic exposure via tube well water than boys (median: 1858.5 μg/year/L vs. 1798.8 μg/year/L) but higher mortality due to cancers and due to cerebro-vascular disease, cardio-vascular disease, and respiratory disease (7.0 vs. 5.7 per 100,000 person-years and 6.4 vs. 4.2 per 100,000 person-years respectively). Higher risk of deaths among young adults (Adjusted HR: 2.7, 1.3–5.8) due to all cancers among those who were exposed to As > 138.7 compared to As ≤ 1.1 μg/L. For cerebro-vascular disease, cardio-vascular disease, and respiratory disease deaths, average arsenic in well water (>223.1 μg/L vs. ≤90.9 μg/L) and cumulative arsenic in well water (>2711.0 μg/year/L vs. ≤1013.3 μg/year/L) had 4.8 (1.8–12.8) and 5.1 (1.7–15.1) times higher risks of mortality than to those lowest exposed. Higher concentration of, and chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water, increases the mortality risk among the young adults, regardless of gender.

ACS Style

Mahfuzar Rahman; Nazmul Sohel; Fakir Md Yunus; Nurul Alam; Qamrun Nahar; Peter Kim Streatfield; Mohammad Yunus. Arsenic exposure and young adult's mortality risk: A 13-year follow-up study in Matlab, Bangladesh. Environment International 2018, 123, 358 -367.

AMA Style

Mahfuzar Rahman, Nazmul Sohel, Fakir Md Yunus, Nurul Alam, Qamrun Nahar, Peter Kim Streatfield, Mohammad Yunus. Arsenic exposure and young adult's mortality risk: A 13-year follow-up study in Matlab, Bangladesh. Environment International. 2018; 123 ():358-367.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mahfuzar Rahman; Nazmul Sohel; Fakir Md Yunus; Nurul Alam; Qamrun Nahar; Peter Kim Streatfield; Mohammad Yunus. 2018. "Arsenic exposure and young adult's mortality risk: A 13-year follow-up study in Matlab, Bangladesh." Environment International 123, no. : 358-367.

Journal article
Published: 17 October 2018 in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
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Evidence suggests that daily supplementation of 1500 to 2000 mg of calcium during pregnancy reduces pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). However, the evidence on the efficacy of low-dose calcium supplementation on PIH is limited. This paper assesses the longitudinal correlation between low-dose calcium intake (500 mg daily) and change in blood pressure during pregnancy among a homogeneous population in terms of hypertension and pre-eclampsia. The study followed a retrospective cohort study design, and was carried out among 11,387 pregnant women from 10 rural upazilas (sub-districts) of Bangladesh where maternal nutrition initiative (MNI), implemented by Building Resources Across Communities (BRAC), was ongoing. The modified Poisson regression model was used to estimate the association (risk ratio) between consumption of calcium tablets and PIH. The present research found that women who consumed 500 mg/d calcium tablets for more than 6 months during their pregnancy had a 45% lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those who consumed less calcium (RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.33–0.93). Daily supplementation of 500 mg oral calcium during pregnancy for at least 180 tablets is associated with a considerably reduced risk of PIH, but this study is unable to confirm whether this association is causal. The causal relationship needs to be confirmed through a large scale randomized controlled trial.

ACS Style

Fouzia Khanam; Belal Hossain; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Dipak K. Mitra; Wameq Azfar Raza; Mahfuza Rifat; Kaosar Afsana; Mahfuzar Rahman. The association between daily 500 mg calcium supplementation and lower pregnancy-induced hypertension risk in Bangladesh. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2018, 18, 406 .

AMA Style

Fouzia Khanam, Belal Hossain, Sabuj Kanti Mistry, Dipak K. Mitra, Wameq Azfar Raza, Mahfuza Rifat, Kaosar Afsana, Mahfuzar Rahman. The association between daily 500 mg calcium supplementation and lower pregnancy-induced hypertension risk in Bangladesh. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2018; 18 (1):406.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fouzia Khanam; Belal Hossain; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Dipak K. Mitra; Wameq Azfar Raza; Mahfuza Rifat; Kaosar Afsana; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2018. "The association between daily 500 mg calcium supplementation and lower pregnancy-induced hypertension risk in Bangladesh." BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 18, no. 1: 406.

Journal article
Published: 20 November 2017 in Sleep Health
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To investigate the association of total sleep time and presence or absence of snoring with chronic disease among the Bangladeshi adult population. Cross-sectional survey. Urban and rural Bangladesh. A total of 12,338 men and women aged ≥35 years. Total sleep time was considered as the total hours of sleep in 24 hours. Furthermore, sleep time was categorized into 9 hours according to National Sleep Foundation (2015) guidelines. Self-reported snoring history was captured and corroborated with their respective sleep partner/spouse in more than 80% cases. Registered physician-diagnosed current and/or previous cases of hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and any other chronic conditions were counted. Overall prevalence of at least 1 chronic disease in our study population was around 18%: men (15.4%) and women (20.0%). Hypertension has the highest prevalence (overall: 12.7%, men: 12.2%, women: 15%) followed by diabetes (4.9%), coronary heart diseases (3.2%), stroke (1.8%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.9%), and cancer (any type: 0.1%). Sleep pattern and snoring are significantly associated with all individual chronic disease except cancer. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and lifestyle variables were adjusted, and inadequate total sleep time (<7 hours) and snoring (yes/no) showed significant association with chronic disease status (risk ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.22 and risk ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.11-1.29, respectively). Inadequate sleep and snoring are independently associated with chronic disease in Bangladeshi adult population and perhaps elsewhere.

ACS Style

Fakir Md. Yunus; Safayet Khan; Dipak Mitra; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Kaosar Afsana; Mahfuzar Rahman. Relationship of sleep pattern and snoring with chronic disease: findings from a nationwide population-based survey. Sleep Health 2017, 4, 40 -48.

AMA Style

Fakir Md. Yunus, Safayet Khan, Dipak Mitra, Sabuj Kanti Mistry, Kaosar Afsana, Mahfuzar Rahman. Relationship of sleep pattern and snoring with chronic disease: findings from a nationwide population-based survey. Sleep Health. 2017; 4 (1):40-48.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fakir Md. Yunus; Safayet Khan; Dipak Mitra; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Kaosar Afsana; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2017. "Relationship of sleep pattern and snoring with chronic disease: findings from a nationwide population-based survey." Sleep Health 4, no. 1: 40-48.

Journal article
Published: 22 August 2017 in BMC Hematology
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Anemia is a significant wide spread public health threat especially among the adolescent girls who are more vulnerable towards low level of hemoglobin particularly of low and middle income countries (LMICs). We investigated the prevalence of anemia among the adolescent girls (10–19 years) in Bangladesh and its socio-demographics distribution. We collected data digitally in ODK platform from a sub-sample of a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 1314 adolescent girls in 2015. Capillary blood hemoglobin level was estimated using HemoCue®; anthropometric measurements through standardized procedure and details socio-demographic information were captured and analyzed. Malnutrition was defined as BMI-for-age Z-score below -2SD (BAZ < −2SD), measured in WHO-AnthroPlus. Univariate analysis followed by multiple logistic regression were performed to examine the association between socio-demographic variables and anemia, while controlling the effect of potential confounding variables. Overall, 51.6% girls were suffering from any form of anemia (non-pregnant-Hb < 12 g/dl; pregnant-Hb < 11 g/dl) while 46% were mildly (non-pregnant-Hb: 10–11.9 g/dl; pregnant-Hb: 10–10.9 g/dl) and 5.4% were moderately (Hb: 7–9.9 g/dl) anemic while only 0.2% were severely anemic. After controlling for relevant covariates in multiple logistic regression model, malnutrition (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI = 1.0–2.10, p-value = 0.083), non-pregnancy (AOR: 6.10, 95% CI = 2.70–13.78, p-value < 0.001), and households with bottom wealth quintile (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI = 1.03–2.30, p-value = 0.037) were identified as significant risk factors of anemia among adolescent girls of Bangladesh. Higher number of adolescent girls are still suffering from anemia in Bangladesh and non-pregnant adolescent girls contributed the most. Immediate, long term and sustainable public health intervention would require to combat the situation.

ACS Style

Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Fatema Tuz Jhohura; Fouzia Khanam; Fahmida Akter; Safayet Khan; Fakir Md Yunus; Belal Hossain; Kaosar Afsana; Raisul Haque; Mahfuzar Rahman. An outline of anemia among adolescent girls in Bangladesh: findings from a cross-sectional study. BMC Hematology 2017, 17, 13 .

AMA Style

Sabuj Kanti Mistry, Fatema Tuz Jhohura, Fouzia Khanam, Fahmida Akter, Safayet Khan, Fakir Md Yunus, Belal Hossain, Kaosar Afsana, Raisul Haque, Mahfuzar Rahman. An outline of anemia among adolescent girls in Bangladesh: findings from a cross-sectional study. BMC Hematology. 2017; 17 (1):13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Fatema Tuz Jhohura; Fouzia Khanam; Fahmida Akter; Safayet Khan; Fakir Md Yunus; Belal Hossain; Kaosar Afsana; Raisul Haque; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2017. "An outline of anemia among adolescent girls in Bangladesh: findings from a cross-sectional study." BMC Hematology 17, no. 1: 13.

Conference paper
Published: 04 July 2017 in Book Of Abstracts
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University of Maribor Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science and the International Society of Horticulture Sciences (ISHS) with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Slovene Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) have the honor to welcome all engaged in research, development, producers, teaching, extension and public services, suppliers of horticulture materials, cooperatives, private sector and stakeholders related to vegetable and potatoes production to attend the 7th South East European (former Balkan) Symposium on vegetables and potatoes. The Symposium is held in Maribor (university city and in 2012 European culture capital) in the north East of Slovenia from where comes the majority of agriculture products including vegetables as along the river Drava several irrigation systems were established. Long tradition of vegetable production for processing industry in the past and for fresh market in the last period, encouraged Slovene Association for integrated vegetable production established in the year 2000, to prepare all procedures for the first vegetable crop with the origin of denomination “Ptujski lük” which was approved on the European level on 2011. Two days of symposium from 20th to 23rd of June 2017 have scientific programme with additional FAO workshop on GAP for Greenhouse Production on small farms in SEE with the presentation of a new manual printed by FAO in 2017, ISHS meeting and special session about possibilities for networking among researchers in the future. Scientific programme is covering topics: Production systems and quality of V&P, Organic V&P production, Short supply chains and other concepts of V&P marketing, Protected cultivation and GAP of greenhouse production on small farms, Biodiversity, Irrigation and plant water relations, Genetic resources and breeding, Potato, Plant protection, General and other topics. On the 22nd of June 2017 a side event for vegetable and potatoes growers, advisors, technical workers and other professional public titled ”Some important facts for improving greenhouse vegetable production” will take place. Under support of FAO and MAFF ten distinguished professionalists will present the most important topics for successful greenhouse vegetable production with the goal to give also Slovene growers and professional public insights in novel research findings and recommendations for improvements. Last day is field trip to growers where different production methods (from biodynamic organic to integrated and soilless, Global GAP) and different marketing strategies (direct selling, CSA, protected origin products, establishing non formal cooperation’s and supplying to big chains) are presented with the aim to exchange ideas and knowledge among participants and growers from Podravje region. We hope that you will have a nice time in Slovenia and enjoy your stay with us – a team from Chair of Organic Agriculture, Field Crops, Vegetable and Ornamental Plants University of Maribor Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science. University of Maribor Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science and the International Society of Horticulture Sciences (ISHS) with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Slovene Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) have the honor to welcome all engaged in research, development, producers, teaching, extension and public services, suppliers of horticulture materials, cooperatives, private sector and stakeholders related to vegetable and potatoes production to attend the 7th South East European (former Balkan) Symposium on vegetables and potatoes. The Symposium is held in Maribor (university city and in 2012 European culture capital) in the north East of Slovenia from where comes the majority of agriculture products including vegetables as along the river Drava several irrigation systems were established. Long tradition of vegetable production for processing industry in the past and for fresh market in the last period, encouraged Slovene Association for integrated vegetable production established in the year 2000, to prepare all procedures for the first vegetable crop with the origin of denomination “Ptujski lük” which was approved on the European level on 2011. Two days of symposium from 20th to 23rd of June 2017 have scientific programme with additional FAO workshop on GAP for Greenhouse Production on small farms in SEE with the presentation of a new manual printed by FAO in 2017, ISHS meeting and special session about possibilities for networking among researchers in the future. Scientific programme is covering topics: Production systems and quality of V&P, Organic V&P production, Short supply chains and other concepts of V&P marketing, Protected cultivation and GAP of greenhouse production on small farms, Biodiversity, Irrigation and plant water relations, Genetic resources and breeding, Potato, Plant protection, General and other topics. On the 22nd of June 2017 a side event for vegetable and potatoes growers, advisors, technical workers and other professional public titled ”Some important facts for improving greenhouse vegetable production” will take place. Under support of FAO and MAFF ten distinguished professionalists will present the most important topics for successful greenhouse vegetable production with the goal to give also Slovene growers and professional public insights in novel research findings and recommendations for improvements. Last day is field trip to growers where different production methods (from biodynamic organic to integrated and soilless, Global GAP) and different marketing strategies (direct selling, CSA, protected origin products, establishing non formal cooperation’s and supplying to big chains) are presented with the aim to exchange ideas and knowledge among participants and growers from Podravje region. We hope that you will have a nice time in Slovenia and...

ACS Style

Takashi Nishizawa; Tuhin Roy; Kazuhiro Nara; Mahfuzar Rahman; Rajesh Chakraborty; Xue Li; Yoshie Motomura; Martina Bavec; Silva Grobelnik Mlakar. Do varietal differences in the morphological traits of potato tubers affect histological and physiological traits of the starch granules? Book Of Abstracts 2017, 1 .

AMA Style

Takashi Nishizawa, Tuhin Roy, Kazuhiro Nara, Mahfuzar Rahman, Rajesh Chakraborty, Xue Li, Yoshie Motomura, Martina Bavec, Silva Grobelnik Mlakar. Do varietal differences in the morphological traits of potato tubers affect histological and physiological traits of the starch granules? Book Of Abstracts. 2017; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Takashi Nishizawa; Tuhin Roy; Kazuhiro Nara; Mahfuzar Rahman; Rajesh Chakraborty; Xue Li; Yoshie Motomura; Martina Bavec; Silva Grobelnik Mlakar. 2017. "Do varietal differences in the morphological traits of potato tubers affect histological and physiological traits of the starch granules?" Book Of Abstracts , no. : 1.

Review
Published: 15 February 2016 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Arsenic contamination in drinking water has a detrimental impact on human health which profoundly impairs the quality of life. Despite recognition of the adverse health implications of arsenic toxicity, there have been few studies to date to suggest measures that could be taken to overcome arsenic contamination. After the statement in 2000 WHO Bulletin that Bangladesh has been experiencing the largest mass poisoning of population in history, we researched existing literature to assess the magnitude of groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh. The literature reviewed related research that had been initiated and/or completed since the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) under four domains: (1) extent of arsenic contamination; (2) health consequences; (3) mitigation and technologies and (4) future directions. To this means, a review matrix was established for analysis of previous literature based on these four core domains. Our findings revealed that several high-quality research articles were produced at the beginning of the MDG period, but efforts have dwindled in recent years. Furthermore, there were only a few studies conducted that focused on developing suitable solutions for managing arsenic contamination. Although the government of Bangladesh has made its population’s access to safe drinking water a priority agenda item, there are still pockets of the population that continue to suffer from arsenic toxicity due to contaminated water supplies.

ACS Style

Fakir Md. Yunus; Safayet Khan; Priyanka Chowdhury; Abul Hasnat Milton; Sumaira Hussain; Mahfuzar Rahman. A Review of Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in Bangladesh: The Millennium Development Goal Era and Beyond. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 215 .

AMA Style

Fakir Md. Yunus, Safayet Khan, Priyanka Chowdhury, Abul Hasnat Milton, Sumaira Hussain, Mahfuzar Rahman. A Review of Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in Bangladesh: The Millennium Development Goal Era and Beyond. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (2):215.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fakir Md. Yunus; Safayet Khan; Priyanka Chowdhury; Abul Hasnat Milton; Sumaira Hussain; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2016. "A Review of Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in Bangladesh: The Millennium Development Goal Era and Beyond." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 2: 215.

Comparative study
Published: 09 February 2016 in Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
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Public health is at risk due to chemical contaminants in drinking water which may have immediate health consequences. Drinking water sources are susceptible to pollutants depending on geological conditions and agricultural, industrial, and other man-made activities. Ensuring the safety of drinking water is, therefore, a growing problem. To assess drinking water quality, we measured multiple chemical parameters in drinking water samples from across Bangladesh with the aim of improving public health interventions. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 24 randomly selected upazilas, arsenic was measured in drinking water in the field using an arsenic testing kit and a sub-sample was validated in the laboratory. Water samples were collected to test water pH in the laboratory as well as a sub-sample of collected drinking water was tested for water pH using a portable pH meter. For laboratory testing of other chemical parameters, iron, manganese, and salinity, drinking water samples were collected from 12 out of 24 upazilas. Drinking water at sample sites was slightly alkaline (pH 7.4 ± 0.4) but within acceptable limits. Manganese concentrations varied from 0.1 to 5.5 mg/L with a median value of 0.2 mg/L. The median iron concentrations in water exceeded WHO standards (0.3 mg/L) at most of the sample sites and exceeded Bangladesh standards (1.0 mg/L) at a few sample sites. Salinity was relatively higher in coastal districts. After laboratory confirmation, arsenic concentrations were found higher in Shibchar (Madaripur) and Alfadanga (Faridpur) compared to other sample sites exceeding WHO standard (0.01 mg/L). Of the total sampling sites, 33 % had good-quality water for drinking based on the Water Quality Index (WQI). However, the majority of the households (67 %) used poor-quality drinking water. Higher values of iron, manganese, and arsenic reduced drinking water quality. Awareness raising on chemical contents in drinking water at household level is required to improve public health.

ACS Style

Tahera Akter; Fatema Tuz Jhohura; Fahmida Akter; Tridib Roy Chowdhury; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Digbijoy Dey; Milan Kanti Barua; Akramul Islam; Mahfuzar Rahman. Water Quality Index for measuring drinking water quality in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition 2016, 35, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Tahera Akter, Fatema Tuz Jhohura, Fahmida Akter, Tridib Roy Chowdhury, Sabuj Kanti Mistry, Digbijoy Dey, Milan Kanti Barua, Akramul Islam, Mahfuzar Rahman. Water Quality Index for measuring drinking water quality in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2016; 35 (1):1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tahera Akter; Fatema Tuz Jhohura; Fahmida Akter; Tridib Roy Chowdhury; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Digbijoy Dey; Milan Kanti Barua; Akramul Islam; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2016. "Water Quality Index for measuring drinking water quality in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study." Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition 35, no. 1: 1-12.

Journal article
Published: 08 January 2016 in Journal of Sleep Research
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This study investigated total sleep time in the Bangladeshi population and identified the proportion of the population at greater risk of developing chronic diseases due to inadequate sleep. Using a cross-sectional survey, total sleep time was captured and analysed in 3968 respondents aged between 6 and 106 years in 24 (of 64) districts in Bangladesh. Total sleep time was defined as the hours of total sleep in the previous 24 h. We used National Sleep Foundation (2015) guidelines to determine the recommended sleep hours in different age categories. Less or more than the recommended total sleep time (in hours) was considered ‘shorter’ and ‘longer’ sleep time, respectively. Linear and multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between demographic variables and estimated risk of shorter and longer total sleep time. The mean (±standard deviation) total sleep time of children (6–13 years), teenagers (14–17 years), young adults and adults (18–64 years) and older adults (≥65 years) were 8.6 (±1.1), 8.1 (±1.0), 7.7 (±0.9) and 7.8 (±1.4) h, respectively, which were significantly different (P < 0.01). More than half of school-age children (55%) slept less than, and 28.2% of older adults slept longer than, recommended. Residents in all divisions (except Chittagong) in Bangladesh were less likely to sleep longer than in the Dhaka division. Rural populations had a 3.96× greater chance of sleeping for a shorter time than urban residents. The Bangladeshi population tends to sleep for longer and/or shorter times than their respective recommended sleep hours, which is detrimental to health.

ACS Style

Fakir M. Yunus; Safayet Khan; Tahera Akter; Fatema T. Jhohura; Saifur Reja; Akramul Islam; Mahfuzar Rahman. How many hours do people sleep in Bangladesh? A country-representative survey. Journal of Sleep Research 2016, 25, 365 -376.

AMA Style

Fakir M. Yunus, Safayet Khan, Tahera Akter, Fatema T. Jhohura, Saifur Reja, Akramul Islam, Mahfuzar Rahman. How many hours do people sleep in Bangladesh? A country-representative survey. Journal of Sleep Research. 2016; 25 (3):365-376.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fakir M. Yunus; Safayet Khan; Tahera Akter; Fatema T. Jhohura; Saifur Reja; Akramul Islam; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2016. "How many hours do people sleep in Bangladesh? A country-representative survey." Journal of Sleep Research 25, no. 3: 365-376.

Journal article
Published: 10 September 2015 in Global Health Action
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There is increasing concern regarding adverse effects of prenatal arsenic exposure on the neurodevelopment of children. We analyzed mortality data for children, who were born to 11,414 pregnant women between 2002 and 2004, with an average age of 5 years of follow-up. Individual drinking-water arsenic exposure during pregnancy was calculated using tubewell water arsenic concentration between last menstrual period and date of birth. There were 84 drowning deaths registered, with cause of death ascertained using verbal autopsy (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, codes X65–X70). The prenatal water arsenic exposure distribution was tertiled, and the risk of drowning mortality was estimated by Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for potential confounders. We observed a significant association between prenatal arsenic exposure and drowning in children aged 1–5 years in the highest exposure tertile (HR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.03–2.94). This study showed that in utero arsenic exposure might be associated with excess mortality among children aged 1–5 years due to drowning.

ACS Style

Mahfuzar Rahman; Nazmul Sohel; Samar Kumar Hore; Mohammad Yunus; Abbas Bhuiya; Peter Kim Streatfield. Prenatal arsenic exposure and drowning among children in Bangladesh. Global Health Action 2015, 8, 28702 .

AMA Style

Mahfuzar Rahman, Nazmul Sohel, Samar Kumar Hore, Mohammad Yunus, Abbas Bhuiya, Peter Kim Streatfield. Prenatal arsenic exposure and drowning among children in Bangladesh. Global Health Action. 2015; 8 (1):28702.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mahfuzar Rahman; Nazmul Sohel; Samar Kumar Hore; Mohammad Yunus; Abbas Bhuiya; Peter Kim Streatfield. 2015. "Prenatal arsenic exposure and drowning among children in Bangladesh." Global Health Action 8, no. 1: 28702.

Research article
Published: 04 September 2015 in PLOS ONE
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A community based approach before, during and after child birth has been proven effective address the burden of maternal, neonatal and child morbidity and mortality in the low and middle income countries. We aimed to examine the overall change in maternal and newborn health outcomes due the “Improved Maternal Newborn and Child Survival” (IMNCS) project, which was implemented by BRAC in rural communities of Bangladesh. The intervention was implemented in four districts for duration of 5-years, while two districts served as comparison areas. The intervention was delivered by community health workers who were trained on essential maternal, neonatal and child health care services. A baseline survey was conducted in 2008 among 7, 200 women with pregnancy outcome in last year or having a currently alive child of 12–59 months. A follow-up survey was administered in 2012–13 among 4, 800 women of similar characteristics in the same villages. We observed significant improvements in maternal and essential newborn care in intervention areas over time, especially in health care seeking behaviors. The proportion of births taking place at home declined in the intervention districts from 84.3% at baseline to 71.2% at end line (P<0.001). Proportion of deliveries with skilled attendant was higher in intervention districts (28%) compared to comparison districts (27.4%). The number of deliveries was almost doubled at public sector facility comparing with baseline (P<0.001). Significant improvement was also observed in healthy cord care practice, delayed bathing of the new-born and reduction of infant mortality in intervention districts compared to that of comparison districts. This study demonstrates that community-based efforts offer encouraging evidence and value for combining maternal, neonatal and child health care package. This approach might be considered at larger scale in similar settings with limited resources.

ACS Style

Mahfuzar Rahman; Fatema Tuz Jhohura; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Tridib Roy Chowdhury; Tanveen Ishaque; Rasheduzzaman Shah; Kaosar Afsana. Assessing Community Based Improved Maternal Neonatal Child Survival (IMNCS) Program in Rural Bangladesh. PLOS ONE 2015, 10, e0136898 .

AMA Style

Mahfuzar Rahman, Fatema Tuz Jhohura, Sabuj Kanti Mistry, Tridib Roy Chowdhury, Tanveen Ishaque, Rasheduzzaman Shah, Kaosar Afsana. Assessing Community Based Improved Maternal Neonatal Child Survival (IMNCS) Program in Rural Bangladesh. PLOS ONE. 2015; 10 (9):e0136898.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mahfuzar Rahman; Fatema Tuz Jhohura; Sabuj Kanti Mistry; Tridib Roy Chowdhury; Tanveen Ishaque; Rasheduzzaman Shah; Kaosar Afsana. 2015. "Assessing Community Based Improved Maternal Neonatal Child Survival (IMNCS) Program in Rural Bangladesh." PLOS ONE 10, no. 9: e0136898.

Original articles
Published: 01 April 2004 in International Journal of Environmental Health Research
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The role of nutritional factors in arsenic metabolism and toxicity is not clear. Provision of certain low protein diets resulted in decreased excretion of DMA and increased tissue retention of arsenic in experimental studies. This paper reports a prevalence comparison study conducted in Bangladesh to assess the nutritional status among the chronic arsenic exposed and unexposed population. 138 exposed individuals diagnosed as arsenicosis patients were selected from three known arsenic endemic villages of Bangladesh and age, sex matched 144 unexposed subjects were randomly selected from three arsenic free villages. The mean arsenic concentration in drinking water for the exposed and unexposed population was 641.15 and 13.5 μg L−1 respectively. Body Mass Index was found to be lower than 18.5, the cut off point for malnutrition, in 57 (41.31%) out of 138 exposed arsenicosis cases and 31 (21.53%) out of 144 unexposed individuals. The crude prevalence ratio (or risk) was 1.92 (95% CI = 1.33 – 2.78) for poor nutritional status among the arsenicosis cases compared to the unexposed population. The findings of this study add to the evidence that poor nutritional status may increase an individual's susceptibility to chronic arsenic toxicity, or alternatively that arsenicosis may contribute to poor nutritional status.

ACS Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziaul Hasan; Sm Shahidullah; Sinthia Sharmin; Jakariya; Mahfuzar Rahman; Keith Dear; Wayne Smith. Association between nutritional status and arsenicosis due to chronic arsenic exposure in Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Health Research 2004, 14, 99 -108.

AMA Style

Abul Hasnat Milton, Ziaul Hasan, Sm Shahidullah, Sinthia Sharmin, Jakariya, Mahfuzar Rahman, Keith Dear, Wayne Smith. Association between nutritional status and arsenicosis due to chronic arsenic exposure in Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2004; 14 (2):99-108.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziaul Hasan; Sm Shahidullah; Sinthia Sharmin; Jakariya; Mahfuzar Rahman; Keith Dear; Wayne Smith. 2004. "Association between nutritional status and arsenicosis due to chronic arsenic exposure in Bangladesh." International Journal of Environmental Health Research 14, no. 2: 99-108.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2003 in Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A
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A total of 136 patients were studied in three Upazillas of Laxmipur, Barisal and Madaripur districts were selected for health awareness campaign program. According to the existing data, these villages were ranked as high exposure. Demographic data of the patients investigated are showing pigmentation was seen in all--136 cases, keratosis was found only in 110 cases, and skin ulcer was detected in 13 cases. The predominant features are indicating respiratory sign and symptoms followed by conjunctival congestion and redness of eyes. Weakness was predominant symptom, and all most all cases reported weakness. There were few smokers (n = 16) and analyses were confined to non-smokers (n = 94). A total of the 94 subjects participated in this study. The sex ratio was 1:1.3 (male vs. female). The relative risk of chronic cough increased with age (RR=2.12, for 26-50 age group; RR=2.30 for age group more than 51) reflecting chronic exposure, but the 95% confidence intervals included unity. The relative risk of chronic bronchitis increased with age (RR=2.68, for 26-50 age group; RR=2.30 for age group more than 51) reflecting chronic exposure, but the 95% confidence intervals also included unity. The findings presented here provide evidence that ingestion of inorganic arsenic in drinking water may results in increases risk of chronic cough and bronchitis.

ACS Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziaul Hasan; Atiqur Rahman; Mahfuzar Rahman. Non-cancer effects of chronic arsenicosis in Bangladesh: preliminary results. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A 2003, 38, 301 -305.

AMA Style

Abul Hasnat Milton, Ziaul Hasan, Atiqur Rahman, Mahfuzar Rahman. Non-cancer effects of chronic arsenicosis in Bangladesh: preliminary results. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A. 2003; 38 (1):301-305.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziaul Hasan; Atiqur Rahman; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2003. "Non-cancer effects of chronic arsenicosis in Bangladesh: preliminary results." Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A 38, no. 1: 301-305.

Original articles
Published: 01 June 2002 in International Journal of Environmental Health Research
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Arsenic in drinking water causes a widespread concern in Bangladesh, where a major proportion of tube wells is contaminated. Arsenic ingestion causes skin lesions, which is considered as definite exposure. A prevalence comparison study of respiratory effects among subjects with and without arsenic exposure through drinking water was conducted in Bangladesh. Exposed participants were recruited through health awareness campaign programs. Unexposed participants were randomly selected, where tubewells were not contaminated with arsenic. A total of 169 individuals participated (44 exposed individuals exhibiting skin lesions; 125 unexposed individuals). The arsenic concentrations ranged from 136 to 1000 w g l−1. The information regarding respiratory system signs and symptoms were also collected and the analyses were confined to nonsmokers. The crude prevalence ratio for chronic bronchitis and chronic cough amounted to 2.1 (95% CI 0.7-6.1). The prevalence ratios for chronic bronchitis increased with increasing exposure, i.e., 1.0, 1.6, 2.7 and 2.6 using unexposed as the reference. The prevalence ratios for chronic cough were 1.0, 1.6, 2.7 and 2.6 for the exposure categories, using the same unexposed as the reference. The dose-response trend was the same (P < 0.1) for both conditions. These results add to evidence that long-term ingestion of arsenic exposure can cause respiratory effects.

ACS Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Mahfuzar Rahman. Respiratory effects and arsenic contaminated well water in Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Health Research 2002, 12, 175 -179.

AMA Style

Abul Hasnat Milton, Mahfuzar Rahman. Respiratory effects and arsenic contaminated well water in Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2002; 12 (2):175-179.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2002. "Respiratory effects and arsenic contaminated well water in Bangladesh." International Journal of Environmental Health Research 12, no. 2: 175-179.

Journal article
Published: 01 May 2001 in Journal of Occupational Health
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Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziul Hasan; Atiqur Rahman; Mahfuzar Rahman. Chronic Arsenic Poisoning and Respiratory Effects in Bangladesh. Journal of Occupational Health 2001, 43, 136 -140.

AMA Style

Abul Hasnat Milton, Ziul Hasan, Atiqur Rahman, Mahfuzar Rahman. Chronic Arsenic Poisoning and Respiratory Effects in Bangladesh. Journal of Occupational Health. 2001; 43 (3):136-140.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziul Hasan; Atiqur Rahman; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2001. "Chronic Arsenic Poisoning and Respiratory Effects in Bangladesh." Journal of Occupational Health 43, no. 3: 136-140.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2001 in SANGYO EISEIGAKU ZASSHI
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ACS Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziul Hasan; Atiqur Rahman; Mahfuzar Rahman. Chronic Arsenic Poisoning and Respiratory Effects in Bangladesh. SANGYO EISEIGAKU ZASSHI 2001, 43, A32 -A33.

AMA Style

Abul Hasnat Milton, Ziul Hasan, Atiqur Rahman, Mahfuzar Rahman. Chronic Arsenic Poisoning and Respiratory Effects in Bangladesh. SANGYO EISEIGAKU ZASSHI. 2001; 43 (3):A32-A33.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abul Hasnat Milton; Ziul Hasan; Atiqur Rahman; Mahfuzar Rahman. 2001. "Chronic Arsenic Poisoning and Respiratory Effects in Bangladesh." SANGYO EISEIGAKU ZASSHI 43, no. 3: A32-A33.