Male Bangladeshi Research Articles

Comparison of Power Grip Strength in Male Knitter and Sedentary Worker

Context: The measurement of power grip strength is a simple and inexpensive method to assess hand functions. It is influenced by the health status and the level of occupational demand using hand. The study was carried out to compare the power grip strength of Bangladeshi male knitters and sedentary workers. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January 2017 to December 2017 on thirty three (33) adult Bangladeshi male sedentary workers (group A) and ninety nine (99) adult Bangladeshi male knitters (group B). Ninety nine participants of knitters were further subdivided into three subgroups according to their working experience in years. Hand grip strength dynamometer (Camry, USA) was used to measure the power grip strength. Results: Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) of mean power grip strength was observed between sedentary workers (group A) and knitters (group B) in both hands whereas the mean power grip strength was greater in the knitters than the sedentary workers. Among the knitters the more experienced subgroup had non-significantly higher (P<0.05) power grip strength than the less experienced subgroups. Conclusion: The present study showed that power grip strength was higher in male Bangladeshi knitters compared to sedentary workers in both hands. Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2021, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 22-25

Chasing the dream: masculinity and male honour of Italian-Bangladeshi men relocating to London

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the gender identity transformations of Italian-Bangladeshi men who, after first migrating from Bangladesh to Italy, then undertook a further onward migration, relocating, along with their families, to London. The paper shows the ambivalences and contradictions, in terms of male honour, involved in the new migration towards the UK. Specifically, it shows how the crossing of multiple borders, as well as their arrival and stabilisation in political-territorial contexts that were socio-historically constructed by colonialism as prestigious and wealthy areas, may increase the symbolic capital and male honour of male Bangladeshi migrants. However, if this experience increases their symbolic, gendered and social credentials, it also implies trajectories of professional, biographical, and social downgrading that compromise their image and position as ‘successful’ men.

Cutaneous diphtheria most likely due to exposure in a detention camp in Libya.

A 24-year-old male Bangladeshi asylum seeker presented to the emergency department of Policlinico A. Gemelli of Rome, Italy with multiple nodular, pruritic lesions on both lower limbs and both elbows. We present a skin disease typical for persons living in crowded conditions.

Randomized two way crossover open label study to compare the bioequivalence of LOSARDIL 100 TM (Drug International Ltd, Bangladesh) and COZAAR TM (Merck Sharp & Dhome Ltd, UK) in Bangladeshi normal male volunteers

Objectives: A crossover-randomized bioequivalence study of two oral formulations of losartan (100 mg) tablets was carried out in 16 healthy male Bangladeshi volunteers. The test and reference formulations were LOSARDIL 100™ (Drug International Ltd, Bangladesh) and COZAAR™ (Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd, UK), respectively.
 Methods: Each tablet was administered with 150 mL of water to subjects after whole night fasting condition on two therapy days distinct by 1 week washout period. After administration, blood samples were accumulated periodically for 24 hours. The plasma concentrations of losartan were evaluated using a validated HPLC method. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, AUC0→24h, t1/2, and Kel were determined.
 Results: The mean (± SD) AUC0→24h for losartan of test drug LOSARDIL 100TM for 16 volunteers was 3310 ± 1165 ng.hr/mL whereas it was 3545 ± 1251 ng.hr/mL for losartan of COZAARTM . The relative bioavailability (LOSARDIL 100TM/COZAARTM ratio) was 93%. The Cmax, tmax, half-life of elimination (t1/2) and the rate of elimination (Kel) of losartan of test drug were 1855 ± 675 ng/mL, 0.77 ± 0.39 hours, 4.69 ± 1.17 hour and 0.15 ± 0.04 respectively. The Cmax, tmax, half-life of elimination (t1/2) and the rate of elimination (Kel) of losartan of reference drug were 2254 ± 944 ng/mL, 0.87 ± 0.29 hours, 4.13 ± 1.41 hour and 0.20 ± 0.04 respectively. 
 Conclusion: Depend on the statistical interpretation the 90% CI for the test and reference drugs were observed within the acceptance range of 80-125%. In conjecture, LOSARDIL 100™ is bioequivalent to COZAAR ™ in terms of absorption.

Bioequivalence study of BETALOC-XR™ (Drug International Ltd, Bangladesh) and METOPROLOL 100 STADA™ (STADA Pharm Gmbh, Germany) as open-label, two-way crossover and randomized fashion among healthy male volunteers

Bioequivalence study of two oral formulations of metoprolol 100 mg tablet was brought about in 16 healthy male Bangladeshi normal individuals as crossover-randomized fashion. The test and reference formulated products were BETALOC-XR™ (Drug International Ltd, Bangladesh) and METOPROLOL 100 STADA™ (STADA Pharm Gmbh, Germany). Each tablet was delivered with 150 mL of water to every normal individual after whole night fasting on two treatment days separated by more than one week washout period. After administering drug, blood samples were collected serially for a period of 24 hours. A validated HPLC method was used to estimate the plasma concentrations of metoprolol. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, AUC0→24h, t1/2, and Kel were determined in this study. The mean (± SD) AUC0→24h for test drug BETALOC-XRTM was 490.3 ± 187.5 ng/hr/mL whereas for reference drug METOPROLOL 100 STADATM it was 559.9 ± 267.2 ng/hr/mL. The relative bioavailability (BETALOC-XRTM/METOPROLOL 100 STADATM ratio) was 87.5%. The Cmax, tmax, half-life of elimination (t1/2) and the rate of elimination (Kel) for test drug was 170.9 ± 78.3 ng/mL, 2.3 ± 0.8 hours, 1.2 ± 2.0 hour and 0.4362 whereas for reference drug was 209.1 ± 91.3 ng/mL, 1.7 ± 0.7 hours, 1.3 ± 2.2 hour and 0.5875 respectively. Based on these statistical hypothesis it was conjecture that a BETALOC-XRTM tablet is bioequivalent to a METOPROLOL 100 STADATM tablet.

Understanding the Dynamics of Migration from Bangladesh to Tripura: Insights from Census Reports

The changing character of immigration over time in Tripura led to a huge demographic transition which the is rare in the demographic history of the world. The study attempted to assess the distribution of documented Bangladeshi immigrants in Tripura and measure the trend and pattern of Bangladeshi immigration in the state. The study was based on secondary data computed from the migration tables under the D-series of census reports (1991, 2001 and 2011) to deal with the study's objectives. The study has explored that almost 99 per cent of the total reported immigrants were from Bangladesh. The results revealed that female counterparts had outstripped the male Bangladeshi immigrants while the overall size of the immigrants was diminishing.

Singapore's Extreme Neoliberalism and the COVID Outbreak: Culturally Centering Voices of Low-Wage Migrant Workers.

I draw on the key tenets of the culture-centered approach to co-construct the everyday negotiations of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) among low-wage male Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore. The culture-centered approach foregrounds voices infrastructures at the margins as the basis for theorizing health. Based on 87 hours of participant observations of digital spaces and 47 in-depth interviews, I attend to the exploitative conditions of migrant work that constitute the COVID-19 outbreak in the dormitories housing low-wage migrant workers. These exploitative conditions are intertwined with authoritarian techniques of repression deployed by the state that criminalize worker collectivization and erase worker voices. The principle of academic–worker–activist solidarity offers a register for alternative imaginaries of health that intervene directly in Singapore’s extreme neoliberalism.

Labor, Health, and Marginalization: A Culture-Centered Analysis of the Challenges of Male Bangladeshi Migrant Workers in the Middle East.

Based on the culture-centered approach, we examine the meanings of health and negotiations of health care structures among low socioeconomic status (SES) Bangladeshi male migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We engage in coconstructive problem definition and strategizing through 44 semistructured in-depth interviews/focus groups about health, migration, and well-being. Our analysis of the participants' narratives elucidates the intersectionality of health as a lived experience of migrant labor within neoliberal structures focused on labor extraction, highlighting health not as a static or purely epidemiological construct, but as a combination of the physical, mental, spiritual, and socioeconomic material realities within which they are located. These include a recognition of the importance of interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, drawing upon one's cultural and familial roles and responsibilities, as well as locating health within structurally exploitative practices. Specifically, the participants articulate the absence of substantive health and labor protections that result in poor health outcomes for them.

Cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use among male south Asian migrants in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFew data were available on smoking and smokeless tobacco use in South Asian migrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to identify the prevalence and correlates of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use in male South Asian migrants in the UAE.MethodsWe used a cross-sectional study to recruit a random representative sample of male South Asian migrants, including Indian (n = 433), Pakistani (n = 383) and Bangladeshi (n = 559) nationalities. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify significant correlates of cigarettes smoking and smokeless tobacco use.Results1375 South Asian migrant adult males participated in the study (response rate 76%) with a mean age of 34 years (SD ± 10). The overall prevalence of cigarette smoking was 28% (95%CI 25–30%) and smokeless tobacco use was 11% (95%CI 10–13%). The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 21, 23, and 37% among participants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively. The prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use was 6, 12, and 16% for Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi participants, respectively. Among study participants, Bangladeshi nationality, hypertension, and alcohol use were significant correlates of current cigarette smoking. Significant correlates of smokeless tobacco use included increased age, less than college level education, alcohol use, and Pakistani or Bangladeshi nationality.ConclusionsCurrent smoking and smokeless tobacco use in South Asian migrants represent a significant public health burden in the UAE. Effective public health measures are needed to reduce tobacco use in this migrant population.

Stature estimation from hand anthropometric measurements in Bangladeshi population

The aim of this research was to generate a standard formula for estimating stature in the Bangladeshi population from hand anthropometric measurements. Arbitrarily selected a total of 150 male and 150 female healthy subjects within the age range 18–60 years participated in this study. Stature and nine hand parameters were taken using a standard tape and a digital slide calipers for each subject. The results indicate that in male Bangladeshi population, the bilateral variation of hand length, hand breadth, maximum hand breadth, palm length, thumb length, ring finger length, and little finger length was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). On the other hand, in female, bilateral difference of hand length, hand breadth, palm length, index finger length, middle finger length, ring finger length, and little finger length was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). All hand dimensions were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with stature. Linear and multiple regression equation were used to estimate stature from hand anthropometric measurements. The accuracy of the determination of stature using hand dimensions ranged from ±3.688 to ±6.112 cm. Right-hand length was the most reliable single variable in both sexes in simple linear regression (SSE ±5.347 cm in male and ±3.688 cm in female). The multiple regression models were more reliable than the linear regression models as a lower SSE and higher R and R-square values. In conclusion, our present study has a great importance to estimate stature from hand measurements among Bangladeshis from the anatomical and forensic point of view.

Pharmacokinetics of Cisplatin and its Metabolites Following Intravenous Administration in Cancer Patients of Bangladesh

Background: To determine the mean bioavailability of cisplatin at different time interval after intravenous administration of cisplatin of 18-60 years old 50 male Bangladeshi cancer patients.Materials &amp; Methods: Pharmacokinetic and demographic data were collected from 50 various types of male cancer patients received injection cisplatin 50 mg/m2 infusion for over 3 hours every alternate week for 3 weeks and mean population bioavailability were determined.Results: Statistical analysis from data of HPLC reported that the highest mean plasma concentration of cisplatin was found 428.32 μg/dl (±6.092) after 3 hours and highest mean urinary concentration of cisplatin was found 996.56μg/dl (±1.97) after 12 hours (P&lt;0.05). Highest and lowest concentration of four suspected metabolites (CM2, CM3, CM4 and CM5) were identified in blood and corresponding urine with their specific RT (retention time) and Area (P&lt;0.01) which suggestive of previous work.Conclusion: Following I/V administration plasma concentration of cisplatin at different time interval determined the proper dosing dosing interval of the drug and reduce toxicity.KYAMC Journal Vol. 9, No.-3, October 2018, Page 110-114

Leigh Syndrome: A Rare Mitrochondrial Disorder

Leigh syndrome is a rare inherited neurometabolic subacute necrotizing encephalopathy mostly involving brainstem and basal ganglia, seen in the early childhood. It is characterized by progressive loss of mental and motor abilities associated with abnormal muscle tone, weakness, visual loss and respiratory failure. There is no effective treatment for this condition, as such the prognosis of this condition is very bad with death occurring within the first few years of life most commonly due to respiratory failure. Here we present a rare case of Leigh syndrome seen in a 3 and half years male Bangladeshi child with clinical and laboratory features of Leigh Syndrome suggested by neuro-imaging.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :189-192

Demographic, Clinical and Coronary Angiographic Prole of Bangladeshi Expatriates Coming from Middle-East

Background &amp; objective: Middle East (ME) countries bear a heavy burden of coronary artery disease (CAD). A good number of Bangladeshi workers every year go to ME countries for earning their livelihood. To accustom with the changed working environment of the new country, they have to change their life-style, which among others includes food behavior as well. As such they become more vulnerable to non-communicable diseases or their risk factors like, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and CAD than ever before. A sizable portion of these workers when return to their own country carry coronary artery diseases (CADs) at an unusually low age. But the health issues of the Bangladeshi expatriates in ME are yet not well reported. This study investigates if Bangladeshi workers while staying in ME countries are accustomed to unhealthy life-style which pushes them to increased risk for CADs.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 79 male Bangladeshi expatriates in ME with CAD who underwent coronary angiogram (CAG) in Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute (ICHRI) in the year 2015. Detailed demographic, behavioural (particularly food behavior during their stay in ME) clinical and angiographic profile of these patients were studied. The risk factors studied were life-style, BMI, smoking habit, presence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and family history of CAD. The outcome variable was severity of CAD in terms of single, double and triple vessel diseases.&#x0D; Results: The mean age the study subjects were 47.8 ± 8.5 years. Over half (53%) belonged to low income family and 73.4% were secondary or below secondary level educated. Among them 63.3% were diabetics, 58.2% hypertensive, 59.9% dyslipidaemic, 34.2% current smoker and 54.4% overweight or obese. Over 40% used to take food at restaurant regularly or frequently with 27% having excessive carbohydrate and 30% excessive fatty food including the traditional fatty meal ‘Kapsa’. These patients presented with stable angina (40.5%), unstable angina (8.9%) or had history of myocardial infarction (50.7%). Coronary angiogram revealed 43.0% with single vessel disease (SVD), 27.9% double vessel disease (DVD) and 29.1% triple vessel disease (TVD). Prevalence of smoking was significantly higher in TVDs (56.5%) than that in DVDs (27.3%) and SVDs (23.5%) (p = 0.043). Diabetes was also more frequently associated with TVDs than do with DVDs and SVDs (p = 0.007).&#x0D; Conclusion: Adopting healthy life-style and early screening and management of cardiovascular risk factors in these expatriates is crucial for long term favorable outcome.&#x0D; Ibrahim Card Med J 2016; 6 (1&amp;2): 8-13

Randomized, Open-Label, Two-Way Crossover Study To Compare The Bioequivalence Of Two Formulations Of Esomeprazole In Healthy Male Volunteers

A crossover-randomized bioequivalence study of two oral formulations of esomeprazole (40 mg) capsules were carried out in 16 healthy male Bangladeshi volunteers. The test and reference formulations were PRONEX™ (Drug International Ltd, Bangladesh) and NEXIUM™ (AstraZeneca AB, Sweden), respectively. Each tablet was administered with 150 mL of water to subjects after overnight fasting on 2 treatment days separated by 1 week washout period. After dosing, serial blood samples were collected for a period of 24 hours. The plasma concentrations of esomeprazole were estimated using a validated HPLC method. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, AUC0g24h, t1/2, and Kel were determined. The mean (± SD) AUC0g24h for esomeprazole of test drug PRONEXTM for 16 volunteers was 1509 (± 546) ng.hr/mL whereas it was 1622 (± 589) ng.hr/mL for esomeprazole of NEXIUMTM. The relative bioavailability (PRONEXTM/NEXIUMTM ratio) was 93%. The Cmax, tmax, half-life of elimination (t1/2) and the rate of elimination (Kel) of esomeprazole of test drug were 1653 (± 706) ng/mL, 2.13 (± 0.81) hours, 2.00 (± 0.61) hour and 0.3465 respectively. The Cmax, tmax, half-life of elimination (t1/2) and the rate of elimination (Kel) of esomeprazole of reference drug were 1820 (± 877) ng/mL, 2.80 (± 0.67) hours, 2.14 (± 0.55) hour and 0.3238 respectively. The 90% CI for the test and reference drugs were found within the acceptance range of 80-125%. In conclusion, PRONEX™ is bioequivalent to NEXIUM ™ in terms of absorption.KYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 326-330

Correlation of Stature with Footprint of Bangladeshi Male Medical Students

Context: Foot dimension has great use in anatomy, physiology, ergonomics, forensic science, plastic surgery, radiology, podiatry, archaeology, anthropology, nutrition science and diagnostic knowledge between patient and normal population. The data of foot dimensions of Bangladeshi male is essential for the anatomist for normative reference. Stature can be correlated with foot dimensions using different foot segments from footprints. This cross sectional analytic study was planned to determine the different dimensions of the footprint of the Bangladeshi males and to find out the correlation of stature with foot dimensions from footprint of male Bangladeshi medical students.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: Two hundred (200) male medical college students of 18-25 years of age were selected from different medical colleges of Dhaka city and their age was determined by their national ID cards. Stature was measured using a stadiometer. Both feet of the same individual were painted with ink with the help of the brush. After ensuring that toes and sole were inked properly, footprints were taken at the same time for both feet while the ink was still wet. Length of the different toes(t) were then measured in centimetre from the footprints using a Vernier digital caliper.&#x0D; Results: In the present study, significant differences were observed between T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 lengths of right and left foot (P&lt;0.001). Each of the T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 lengths of the left foot were greater than the right foot. There was a strong correlation between the stature and foot length among Bangladeshi males (P&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: All the foot lengths of left footprint were significantly higher than the right footprint among Bangladeshi male medical students. Further studies with larger sample size are recommended to get more precise picture in order to produce a more comprehensive data that will help to determine the correlation of stature with dimensions of footprint of Bangladeshi medical students.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Anat. 2015; 13(1) : 16-22

Bioavailability of omeprazole 20 mg capsules containing omeprazole 22.5% enteric coated pellets versus a reference product in healthy Bangladeshi male subjects: an open-label, single-dose, randomized-sequence, two-way crossover study

Omeprazole 20 mg enteric coated capsule formulation is generally prepared either with omeprazole 8.5% or omeprazole 7.5% enteric coated pellets to accommodate in capsule Shell 2, but the use of omeprazole 22.5% enteric coated pellets in capsule Shell 5 for the same amount of omeprazole is a new concept and for the first time in the Bangladesh market. This study was conducted to compare the relative bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of two omeprazole 20 mg capsule formulations namely Xeldrin®20 (ACI Ltd., Bangladesh) encapsulated with omeprazole 22.5% enteric coated pellets, as test product and Losec®20 (AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE, USA) as reference product and to assess whether these formulations meet the FDA requirement for bioequivalence. 24 non-smoking healthy Bangladeshi male subjects participated in this open-label, randomized-sequence, single- dose, two-way crossover study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive test formulation, followed by reference formulation or vice versa, as a single dose of 20 mg capsule after 12 h overnight fasting. A washout period of 1 week was maintained between the treatments. Blood samples were collected before study drug administration (baseline) and at 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 12.0 h after study drug administration. Serum omeprazole concentrations were determined using a validated HPLC method with UV detection. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by the non-compartmental method. The two formulations were to be considered bioequivalent if the 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the ln-transformed ratios of pharmacokinetic parameters were within the predetermined equivalence range of 80 - 125% according to the guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tolerability was assessed on the basis of adverse effects, monitoring vital signs, ECG and laboratory tests at baseline and after completion of the study with the assistance of registered physicians. All 24 subjects completed the study without any adverse effect reported. After administering a single dose of 20 mg of each omeprazole formulation, the obtained mean (SD) values for the test and reference products were 608.40 (116.37) and 588.56 (98.36) ng/ml for Cmax; 1.83 (0.25) and 2.00 (0.30) h for tmax; 1,635.77 (581.25) and 1,639.58 (652.54) h-ng/ml for AUC0-12; and 1,721.12 (572.07) and 1,805.58 (856.39) h-ng/ml for AUC(0-∞) respectively. The mean t(1/2) was 3.33 (1.61) and 3.57 (1.24) h for test and reference product respectively. From paired t-test, no significant differences were observed (p > 0.05) for any pharmacokinetic parameters. The point estimates (90% CI) for the test/reference ratios of the ln-transformed AUC(0-12), AUC(0-∞) and C(max) mean values were 100.73% (91.40 -111.01%), 98.29% (88.45 -109.24%) and 103.06% (99.05 - 07.24%) respectively, which fell within the predetermined FDA bioequivalence range of 80 - 125%. This single-dose study found that the test (Xeldrin®20) and reference (Losec®20) 20 mg capsule formulations of omeprazole in these fasting healthy male Bangladeshi subjects met the FDA regulatory criteria for bioequivalence.

The re-shaping of the life-world: male British Bangladeshi smokers and the English smoke-free legislation

Objective. To explore how male Bangladeshi smokers adapted to the English smoke-free legislation. Design. We draw on data derived from the Evaluation of Smoke-free England (ESME), a qualitative, longitudinal study conducted between 2007 and 2008 in two English metropolitan areas. Repeat interviews (n=34) were conducted before and after the legislation with 15 male Bangladeshi panel informants and from two focus groups: one with Bangladeshi men and the other with Bangladeshi women. Results. Bangladeshi smokers who participated in this study had largely accommodated to the smoke-free legislation and most had reduced their consumption of cigarettes, albeit to a modest degree. However, at the same time some Bangladeshi smokers appeared to have increased their use of shisha, a popular alternative method of smoking tobacco in this community. Smoke-free legislation also had an impact on the social and cultural forces that shape smoking behaviour in this group. In particular, family homes continued to be a key space where tobacco is consumed, although the legislation may have helped to shift the balance in favour of forces that oppose smoking and against enduring cultural pro-smoking norms. Smoking in public was also less socially acceptable, especially in the vicinity of local mosques and at community events. In some older groups, however, smoking remains a deeply embedded social habit which can undermine smokers’ efforts to quit. Conclusion. For maximum impact, tobacco control interventions aimed at whole populations may need to be supplemented by culturally sensitive measures in local areas where there is a high concentration of Bangladeshi people. Similar considerations may apply to other minority communities with a high prevalence of smoking.

Experiences of outreach workers in promoting smoking cessation to Bangladeshi and Pakistani men: longitudinal qualitative evaluation.

BackgroundDespite having high smoking rates, there have been few tailored cessation programmes for male Bangladeshi and Pakistani smokers in the UK. We report on a qualitative evaluation of a community-based, outreach worker delivered, intervention that aimed to increase uptake of NHS smoking cessation services and tailor services to meet the needs of Bangladeshi and Pakistani men.MethodsThis was a longitudinal, qualitative study, nested within a phase II cluster randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention. We explored the perspectives and experiences of five outreach workers, two stop smoking service managers and a specialist stop smoking advisor. Data were collected through focus group discussions, weekly diaries, observations of management meetings, shadowing of outreach workers, and one-to-one interviews with outreach workers and their managers. Analysis was undertaken using a modified Framework approach.ResultsOutreach workers promoted cessation services by word of mouth on the streets, in health service premises, in local businesses and at a wide range of community events. They emphasised the reasons for cessation, especially health effects, financial implications, and the impact of smoking on the family. Many smokers agreed to be referred to cessation services, but few attended, this in part being explained by concerns about the relative inflexibility of existing service provision. Although outreach workers successfully expanded service reach, they faced the challenges of perceived lack of awareness of the health risks associated with smoking in older smokers and apathy in younger smokers. These were compounded by perceptions of "lip service" being given to their role by community organisations and tensions both amongst the outreach workers and with the wider management team.ConclusionsOutreach workers expanded reach of the service through taking it to diverse locations of relevance to Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. The optimum method of outreach to retain and treat Bangladeshi and Pakistani smokers effectively in cessation programmes needs further development.

Bioequivalence Evaluation of Two Esomeprazole 20 mg Capsule Formulations in Healthy Male Bangladeshi Volunteers

Bioequivalence study of two esomeprazole 20 mg capsule formulations namely Esolok ® 20 (Test product) and Nexium 20 (Reference product) was carried out in the present study. 24 healthy male volunteers were enrolled into this randomized, single-dose, two-period, crossover, open-label pharmacokinetic study with one week washout period. After administering a single dose of 20 mg of each formulation, blood samples were collected at different time intervals and analyzed for esomeprazole concentrations using a validated HPLC method. Non-compartmental method was used to determine different pharmacokinetic parameters. Obtained mean (SD) values for the test and reference products were 1.45 (0.53) and 1.53 (0.47) μg/ml for C max ; 2.25 (0.57) and 2.21 (0.71) hr for T max ; 4.38 (2.04) and 4.37 (2.35) hr-μg/ml for AUC 0-12 ; and 4.59 (1.99) and 4.62 (2.39) hr-μg/ml for AUC 0-∞ , respectively. The 90% CIs of the test/reference mean ratios of the ln-transformed AUC 0-12 , AUC 0-∞ and C max mean values were 102.51% (88.10% – 119.27%), 101.92% (87.32% – 118.96%) and 92.56% (85.73% – 99.93%) respectively, which were within the predetermined FDA bioequivalence range of 80% – 125%. In conclusion, the test and reference formulations of esomeprazole meet the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence both in terms of rate and extent of absorption.

Bioequivalence evaluation of two capsule formulations of amoxicillin in healthy adult male bangladeshi volunteers: A single-dose, randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study

Background : Amoxicillin, a semisynthetic penicillin antibiotic, is widely prescribed in Bangladesh due to its extended spectrum and its rapid and extensive oral absorption with good tolerability. Although a number of generic oral formulations of amoxicillin are available in Bangladesh, a study of the bioequivalence and pharmacokinetic properties of these formulations has not yet been conducted in a Bangladeshi population. Objective : The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic properties and bioequivalence of 2 formulations of amoxicillin 500-mg capsules (test, SK-mox ®; reference, Amoxil-Bencard ®) using serum data. Methods : This single-dose, randomized, open-label, 2-period crossover study was conducted in healthy male subjects in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines. Subjects were assigned to receive the test or the reference drug as a single-dose, 500-mg capsule under fasting conditions after a 1-week washout period. After oral administration, blood samples were collected and analyzed for amoxicillin concentration using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using a noncompartmental method. The formulations were considered bioequivalent if the natural log-transformed ratios of pharmacokinetic parameters were within the predetermined equivalence range of 80% to 125%, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirement. Results : Twenty-four healthy adult male Bangladeshi volunteers (mean [SD] age, 26.92 [3.37] years; age range, 23–34 years; mean [SD] body mass index, 23.O9 [1.58] kg/m 2) participated in the study. Using serum data, the values obtained for the test and reference formulations, respectively, were as follows: C max, 9.85 (2.73) and 10.63 (2.12) μg/mL; T max, 1.29 (0.58) and 1.33 (0.49) hours; and AUC 0–12, 27.09 (7.62) and 28.56 (6.30) μg/mL · h −1. No period, sequence, or formulation effects were observed; however, significant variation was found among subjects with regard to AUC 0–12 ( P < 0.001), AUC 0−∞ ( P = 0.002), area under the moment curve (AUMC) from 0 to 12 hours ( P < 0.001), and AUMC 0−∞ ( P = 0.017). All CIs for the parameters measured were within the FDA-accepted limits of 80% to 125%. Conclusion : The present study suggests that the test 500-mg amoxicillin capsule was bioequivalent to the reference 500-mg capsule according to the FDA regulatory definition, in this population of healthy adult male Bangladeshi volunteers.