RÉSUMÉ
Background: Malnutrition is considered a complicated public health issue and depends on multiple factors. Hygienic behavior is related to orphan children抯 growth, nutritional outcomes, and sound health. The study抯 aim was to assess the hygiene behaviors and nutritional status of orphan students in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in three orphanage centers. A total of 120 respondents were interviewed. A descriptive analysis of the collected data was performed. Results: The monthly mean and median expenditure of orphans was 2000�5 BDT (20$). The number of toilets and waiting time for the orphan to use them are closely associated (?2= 33.38; Cramer抯 V=0.44, df=13; Sig; p<0.001). On average, an orphan waits 32.20 minutes to use the toilet facility when they need it. Orphan family income and disposal of waste in the toilet of the orphan center are strongly associated (?2=99.19; Cramer抯 V=0.49, df=39; Sig; p<0.001). There was a significant association between attending toilet-related hygiene and types of diseases. Hair fall, muscle wasting, fever, and xerosis of the skin were common diseases among orphans. Types of diseases orphans and schedule for the dietary chart are strongly associated (?2=23.35; Cramer抯 V=0.37, df=24; Sig; p<0.001). Conclusions: Integrated approach is required to counter the extent of malnutrition among orphans. Teachers of orphanages should receive proper training so that they are able to take care of the physical and mental health of the orphan children.
RÉSUMÉ
Objective: To investigate the effect of intra-peritoneal injection of purified exudates of axenic Spirulina platensis on the mammalian endocrine and nervous systems. Methods: The intra-peritoneal injection of the cyanobacterial exudates in mice was applied. Sex hormonal levels of testosterone and progesterone were measured using radioimmunoassay while the follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were evaluated by direct chemiluminescence. In addition, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were monitored in the hippocampus region using spectrophotometric method. The levels of the hippocampal monoamines, dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography while the acetyl choline neurotransmitter was measured by colorimetric method using choline/ acetylcholine assay kit. Results: A sharp disruption in the sex hormones levels of testosterone, progesterone, follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone was demonstrated in the serum of the treated mice. At the same time, a significant reduction in the endogenous antioxidant defense enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was observed in the hippocampus region of the injected mice. Moreover, levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and acetyl choline neurotransmitter in the same region were significantly affected as a result of the treatment with Spirulina filtrate. The gas chromatography- mass spectrometer and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of some sterol-like compounds in the cyanobacterial filtrate. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the capability of Spirulina to release detrimental bioactive metabolites into their surrounding that can disrupt the mammalian endocrine and nervous systems.