bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desempenho, características das carcaças e da carne de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo gordura protegida
Authors: Farias Romildo Marques de , Fernandes Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes , Seno Leonardo de Oliveira , Vargas Júnior Fernando Miranda , Ricardo Hélio de Almeida , Alves Luis Gustavo Castro , Nubiato Keni Eduardo Zanoni , Ortiz Luiz Fernando Pereira
Published: March 2015

Objetivou-se avaliar desempenho, características das carcaças e qualidade da carne de cordeiros mestiços Suffolk, alimentados com dietas contendo gordura protegida. Foram utilizados 18 cordeiros machos, não castrados, com 18,8 ± 2,1 kg e média de idade de 70 dias. Os animais permaneceram confinados por 63 dias recebendo dietas contendo 0%, 4,2% e 5,8% de gordura protegida e foram abatidos com 34,8 ± 5,2 kg. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualisado e os resultados foram analisados por regressão. Observou-se efeito quadrático do teor de gordura protegida na dieta para ganho de peso médio diário e ingestão de proteína bruta, com o ponto de máximo para o teor de 4,2%. Houve efeito linear crescente para ingestão de extrato etéreo. Não houve efeito do teor de gordura protegida nas dietas sobre as características de carcaça. Houve efeito quadrático para força de cisalhamento, com maior valor (3,75 kg) para a carne dos animais que receberam teor de 5,8 % de gordura protegida na dieta. O teor de extrato etéreo da carne também aumentou conforme a adição de gordura na dieta. Com base nos resultados, não se recomenda a utilização de gordura protegida em dietas com elevada proporção de concentrado para terminação de cordeiros em confinamento.
Agrupamento hierárquico, não hierárquico e redes neurais artificiais na caracterização de grupos de bovinos machos terminados em confinamento
Authors: Henrique Wignez , Ferraudo Antonio Sérgio , Sampaio Alexandre Amstalden Moraes , Pérecin Dilermando , Silva Tiago Máximo da , Tedeschi Luis Orlindo
Published: March 2015

Foram levantados os resultados experimentais individuais de 1.393 bovinos de diferentes grupos genéticos terminados em confinamento, obtidos em diversas instituições de pesquisa. Foi aplicada análise multivariada exploratória de agrupamento hierárquico, que permitiu a divisão dos bovinos em sete grupos, contendo animais com padrões similares quanto às características de desempenho. As variáveis consideradas foram: peso do animal na entrada e na saída do confinamento, porcentagem de concentrado, tempo de confinamento, ingestão de matéria seca, ganho de peso e eficiência alimentar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de agrupamento não hierárquica k-means, quando foi possível verificar que todas as características deveriam ser consideradas. Além das variáveis utilizadas para a análise anterior, foram incluídos os teores dos nutrientes da dieta, ingestão de proteína bruta e de nutrientes digestíveis totais, peso e rendimento da carcaça quente, espessura de gordura de cobertura e área de olho de lombo, e com todas essas informações, foram formadas estruturas de três até 14 grupos, que foram investigadas utilizando os mapas auto-organizáveis de Kohonen. Exemplares da raça Nelore, sejam inteiros ou castrados, ficaram diluídos entre grupos, tanto nas análises hierárquica e não-hierárquica, quanto nas análises de redes neurais artificiais. Portanto, animais da raça Nelore não puderam ser caracterizados como tendo comportamento único quando terminados em confinamento, pois participaram de grupos formados com animais de outras raças zebuínas (Gir, Guzerá) e de grupos formados com animais europeus (Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Caracu), por apresentarem diversos potenciais de desempenho.
Testing the effects of ant invasions on non‐ant arthropods with high‐resolution taxonomic data
Authors: Hanna Cause , Naughton Ida , Boser Christina , Holway David
Published: March 2015

Invasions give rise to a wide range of ecological effects. Many invasions proceed without noticeable impacts on the resident biota, whereas others shift species composition and even alter ecosystem function. Ant invasions generate a broad spectrum of ecological effects, but controversy surrounds the extent of these impacts, especially with regard to how other arthropods are affected. This uncertainty in part results from the widespread use of low‐resolution taxonomic data, which can mask the presence of other introduced species and make it difficult to isolate the effects of ant invasions on native species. Here, we use high‐resolution taxonomic data to examine the effects of Argentine ant invasions on arthropods on Santa Cruz Island, California. We sampled arthropods in eight pairs of invaded and uninvaded plots and then collaborated with taxonomic experts to identify taxa in four focal groups: spiders, bark lice, beetles, and ants. Spiders, bark lice, and beetles made up ~40% of the 9868 non‐ant arthropod individuals sampled; the majority of focal group arthropods were putatively native taxa. Although our results indicate strong negative effects of the Argentine ant on native ants, as is well documented, invaded and uninvaded plots did not differ with respect to the richness, abundance, or species composition of spiders, bark lice, and beetles. One common, introduced species of bark louse was more common in uninvaded plots than in invaded plots, and including this species into our analyses changed the relationship between bark louse richness vs. L. humile abundance from no relationship to a significant negative relationship. This case illustrates how failure to differentiate native and introduced taxa can lead to erroneous conclusions about the effects of ant invasions. Our results caution against unqualified assertions about the effects of ant invasions on non‐ant arthropods, and more generally demonstrate that accurate assessments of invasion impacts depend on adequate information about species identity.
A taxonomic revision of the Saki monkeys, Pithecia Desmarest, 1804
Authors: Marsh Laura K.
Published: March 2015

For more than 200 years, the taxonomy of Pithecia has been floating on the misunderstanding of a few species, in particular P. pithecia and P. monachus. In this revision, historical names and descriptions are addressed and original type material is examined. For every museum specimen, all location, collection, and museum data were recorded, and photographs and measurements of each skin, skull, mount, or fluid specimen were taken. The revision is based on work conducted in 36 museums in 28 cities from 17 countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Japan, resulting in the examination of 876 skins (including mounts and fluids), 690 skulls, and hundreds of photographs taken by the author and by colleagues in the field of living captive and wild sakis of all species, and through internet searches. Per this revision, there are 16 species of Pithecia: five currently recognized, three reinstated, three elevated from subspecies level, and five newly described.
The Genesis of Double Entry Bookkeeping
Authors: Sangster Alan
Published: March 2015

The emergence of double entry bookkeeping marked the shift in bookkeeping from a mechanical task to a skilled craft, and represented the beginnings of the accounting profession. This study seeks to identify what caused this significant change in bookkeeping practice. I do so by adopting a new accounting history perspective to investigate the circumstances surrounding the emergence of double entry in early 13th century Italy. Contrary to previous findings, this paper concludes that the most likely form of enterprise where bookkeeping of this form emerged is a bank, most likely in Florence. Accountability of the local bankers in Florence to the Bankers Guild provided a unique external impetus to generate a new form of bookkeeping. This new bookkeeping format provided a clear and unambiguous picture of the accounts of all debtors and creditors, along with the means to check that the entries between them were complete and accurate.
Effects of Insulin Glargine and Liraglutide Therapy on Liver Fat as Measured by Magnetic Resonance in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Tang An , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi , Castel Hélène , Wartelle-Bladou Claire , Gilbert Guillaume , Massicotte-Tisluck Karine , Chartrand Gabriel , Olivié Damien , Julien Anne-Sophie , de Guise Jacques , Soulez Gilles , Chiasson Jean-Louis
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study determined the effects of insulin versus liraglutide therapy on liver fat in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral agents therapy, including metformin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic medications were randomized to receive insulin glargine or liraglutide therapy for 12 weeks. The liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was measured by MRS. The mean liver PDFF, the total liver volume, and the total liver fat index were measured by MRI. The Student t test, the Fisher exact test, and repeated-measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Insulin treatment was associated with a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin (7.9% to 7.2% [62.5 to 55.2 mmol/mol], P = 0.005), a trend toward a decrease in MRS-PDFF (12.6% to 9.9%, P = 0.06), and a significant decrease in liver mean MRI-PDFF (13.8% to 10.6%, P = 0.005), liver volume (2,010.6 to 1,858.7 mL, P = 0.01), and the total liver fat index (304.4 vs. 209.3 % ⋅ mL, P = 0.01). Liraglutide treatment was also associated with a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin (7.6% to 6.7% [59.8 to 50.2 mmol/mol], P < 0.001) but did not change MRS-PDFF (P = 0.80), liver mean MRI-PDFF (P = 0.15), liver volume (P = 0.30), or the total liver fat index (P = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of insulin glargine therapy reduced the liver fat burden in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the improvements in the liver fat fraction and glycemia control were not significantly different from those in the liraglutide group.
Phytotoxicity of Profenofos 50% EC (curacron 50 EC) to Vigna radiata,L. seedlings: II. Studies on Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Mishra I.P. , Sabat G. , Mohanty Bijaya Kumar
Published: March 2015

Profenofos 50% EC (curacron 50 EC) is a hazardous pesticide commonly used in agriculture is also an important contaminant of environment.Its presence in biological system has gained importance due to bioaccumulation in food chain. The phyto-toxic effect of profenofos wasassessed based on the biochemical parameters (Shoot and Root) of seedlings (Amino acids, Protein, Sugar, DNA and RNA) of the test species,Vigna radiata,L. The concentrations of pesticide chosen were based on EC50 and are in the range of 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.1 and 0.2 % ofprofenofos. The biochemical parameters like Amino acid, Sugar, DNA and RNA were significantly reduced with increase in pesticideconcentration whereas Protein concentration increased with the profenophos treatment. The increase in amino acid was more pronounced inShoot of the seedlings than root.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12063    Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 101-105
In Vitro Inhibition of Cellulolytic Enzymes of Fusarium Oxysporum by Trichoderma spp and Pseudomonas Fluorescens on Arachis Hypogaea L
Authors: Rajeswari P.
Published: March 2015

In an attempt to develop biocontrol system for management of Fusarium wilt in groundnut, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum,and Pseudomonas fluorescens were evaluated for their antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum in vitro. .Fusarium wilt diseasescaused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum lead to significant yield losses of crops. Experiments were conducted on the effect of culture filtratesof T.viride (1%), T. harzianum (1.5%), and P. fluorescens (2%) on the in vitro inhibition of cellulolytic enzymes of Fusarium oxysporum. Theactivity of 1,4 endoglucanases, 1,4exoglucanase Cellobiase produced by Fusariumoxysporum was higher, when compared to control.Maximum inhibition of above Cellulolytic enzymes (1, 4 endoglucanases, 1,4exoglucanase, Cellobiase) was shown by T. viride treatment wasfollowed by T. harzianum and P. fluorescens. Of all the treatments, T. viride treatment showed higher rate of inhibition of Cellulolytic enzymesof Fusarium oxysporum followed by that of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens.This present study indicates that culture filtrate of T.viride(1%)is the best biocontrol agent in the inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum causing Fusarium wilt of Arachis hypogaea .LDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12138    Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 106-110
Heritability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Fifty Seven Okra Genotypes
Authors: Ahamed K.U. , Akter B. , Ara N. , Hossain M.F. , Moniruzzaman M.
Published: March 2015

A study was undertaken to analyses the heritability, correlation and path co-efficient for growth and fruit characteristics in fifty seven okra(Abelmoschus esculentus Lam) genotypes grown at Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Regional Agricultural Research Station, BangladeshAgricultural Research Institute during kharif season of 2013. The highest range of variation was recorded in average fruit weight (18.25-25.41g), followed by yield per plant (98.90 – 1650.00g). The highest GCV (46.70 %) and PCV (47.72 %) were recorded for fruit yield perplant while both were lowest for days to maturity (8.07 % and 8.25 %). High heritability coupled with high or moderate degree of geneticadvance was estimated in plant height (99.82 % and 205.06), number of fruits per plant (99.53% and 203.63%), number of leaves per plant(99.57% and 204.49%), number of seeds per fruit (99.73% and 205.44%), leaf length (98.22% and 198.52%), leaf diameter (98.91% and203.76%), 100-seed weight (98.12% and 202.13%) and yield per plant (95.76 % and 197.26%). The highest positive correlation were observedbetween number of fruits per plant and yield per plant (r = 0.99**) and between number of fruits per plant and 100-seed weight (r = 0.44**).Also results showed that significantly positive correlation were between 100-seed weight and yield per plant (r = 0.44**), 100-seed weight andleaf length (r =0.42**), 100-seed weight and leaf diameter (0.38**), number of leaves per plant and 100-seed weight (r = 0.28*), 100-seedweight and plant height(r =0.40**), 100-seed weight and fruit length (r =0.28*). Significantly positive correlations were also observed for plantheight and number of fruits per plant, number of leaves per plant and yield per plant. The path coefficient analysis was done to determine directand indirect effects of traits on fruit yield. Direct significant positive and negative effect of number of fruits per plant (-0.091), 100-seed weight(0.174), number of seeds per plant (-0.213), average fruit yield (-0.310) towards yield.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12142      Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 127-133
Survey of Some Medicinally Important Leafy Vegetables in Rupandehi District of Western Nepal
Authors: Singh Anant Gopal
Published: March 2015

Green leafy vegetable is a major source of vitamins and micronutrients for people using only vegetarian diets rich in carbohydrates. In remoterural settlements where vegetable cultivation is not practiced and market supplies are, not organized, local inhabitants depend on indigenousvegetables, both cultivated in agricultural fields or kitchen gardens and wild for enriching the diversity of food. Knowledge of such food ispart of traditional knowledge, which is largely transmitted through participation of individuals of households. The purpose of this study was todocumentation of plants used as vegetables by the people of Rupandehi district of Lumbini zone of western Nepal. This paper revealed total51 plant species belong to 45 genera under 32 Families of vascular plants. Out of 32families, 24 families belong to dicot, 4 families to monocotand 4 families belong to ferns.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12220    Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 111-118
Equity of Care among Children with Heart Disease in a Developing Country
Authors: Shrestha Manish
Published: March 2015

Not available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12321 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 3
Right Anterolateral Thoracotomy an Alternative to Median Sternotomy for Closure of Atrial Septal Defect: A Cosmetic Approach in Young Females
Authors: Baral Ravi Kumar , Koirala Bhagawan
Published: March 2015

Background and Aims: Atrial septal defect operation is a safe and low-risk procedure. Cosmetic results have been an important issue, so right anterolateral thoracotomy approach has been used for repair. We present minimally invasive ASD closure via limited right anterolateral thoracotomy, as our early experience in road of minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Methods: This study was done in the Manmohan Cardiothoracic and Transplant Center in the time period of 2012 to 2013. The study included 70 patients aged 15 – 35 years old (22.1±5.5) admitted for surgical repair of their secundum atrial septal defects. The patients were randomly allocated into one of two groups according to the approach used in their operation. Right anterolateral thoracotomy(RALT) group included 35 patients operated via right anterolateral thoracotomy.and median sternotomy(MS) group included 35 patients operated via the median sternotomy. Result: Of 70 patients only 63 patients meet the criteria for analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding their demographic data and duration of operation. Postoperative pleural/pericardial effusion and pneumothorax occurred in 2.1% of patients in MS and 6.6% in Right anterolateral thoracotomygroup (p= 0.001). Total in hospital pain score was high in sternotomy group than thoracotomy group, but did not reach statistically significant values. There was no operative or late mortality or morbidity in the early follow-up (range, 1 m to 2 years, mean 1.34 yrs). Conclusion: RALT is a safe and effective alternative approach to MS incision for ASD closure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12340 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 21-25
ALADPA : Snake in the Heart
Authors: Madhavan Suresh , Sathish Gargi , Jayaprasad N
Published: March 2015

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery may or may not be associated with structural heart disease. Most of the patients with such coronary anomaly will succumb unless diagnosed and treated early. We are reporting a patient with this anomaly in seventh decade which is extremely rare. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12341 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 27-30
Stent Balloon Entrapment At Left Main Stem; A Low Resource Setting Approach
Authors: Karunaratne Shanike , Hewarathna Uditha , Kodithuwakku Naradha , Dolapihilla Srinath , Mayurathan Gnanamoorthy , Jayawardena Rosy
Published: March 2015

A 60 year old, male patient underwent an elective percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stenting of mid circumflex coronary artery lesion at the origin of second obtuse marginal artery. The bare metal stent deployed in a partially inflated state due to a tight calcific area with subsequent stent balloon entrapment inside the stent by the calcified plaque. It was entrapped entering the left main stem in the partially withdrawn state. With impending surgical retrieval progressive supra burst pressure dilatation attempted to dilate the entrapped segment, final supra burst pressure with successful retrieval. This case highlight the steps to attempt in a low resource setting and final supra burst dilatation of a same stent balloon to overcome an entrapped vessel segment before surgical retrieval options. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12342 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 31-36
Efficacy and mode of action of mesalazine in the treatment of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D): a multicentre, parallel-group, randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lam Ching , Tan Wei , Leighton Matthew , Hastings Margaret , Lingaya Melanie , Falcone Yirga , Zhou Xiaoying , Xu Luting , Whorwell Peter , Walls Andrew F , Zaitoun Abed , Montgomery Alan , Spiller Robin C
Published: March 2015

Background

Diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a common outcome after inflammation due to bacterial gastroenteritis. Several studies have shown ongoing immune activation in the mucosa of patients with IBS-D and a number of studies have suggested that mesalazine slow-release granule formulation (2 g; PENTASA®, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd) may provide benefit including a reduction in stool frequency.

Objectives

Our primary aim was to compare the effect of mesalazine with placebo on stool frequency. Our secondary aims were to assess the effect of mesalazine on abdominal pain, stool consistency, urgency and satisfactory relief of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.

Design/participants/intervention

We performed a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial of 2 g mesalazine twice daily compared with placebo for 3 months in Rome III criteria patients with IBS-D.

Settings

Participants were recruited from the primary care research network and secondary care hospitals. Participants were randomised after a 2-week baseline stool diary. All participants completed a 12-week stool diary and at the end of each week recorded the presence of ‘satisfactory relief of IBS symptoms’. Those recruited in Nottingham had sigmoid biopsies and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen at the start and end of the trial.

Results

A total of 136 patients with IBS-D (82 female, 54 male) were randomised; 10 patients withdrew from each group. Analysis by intention to treat showed that the mean daily average stool frequency during weeks 11 and 12 was 2.8 [standard deviation (SD) 1.2] in the mesalazine group and 2.7 (SD 1.9) in the placebo group, with a group difference of 0.1 (95% confidence interval –0.33 to 0.53);p = 0.66.

Conclusions

Mesalazine did not improve abdominal pain, stool consistency or percentage with satisfactory relief compared with placebo during the last 2 weeks’ follow-up. A post hoc analysis in 13 postinfectious patients with IBS appeared to show benefit but this needs confirmation in a larger group. More precise subtyping based on underlying disease mechanisms may allow more effective targeting of treatment in IBS.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN76612274.

Funding

This project was funded by the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme, a MRC and NIHR partnership.
Aluminium phosphide poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Saha Jayanto Kumar , Azad Khan Abul Kalam , Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Amin Md Robed , Ahmed Moniruzzaman , Ahsan Hafez Md Nazmul , Rahman Saidur
Published: March 2015

Background: Aluminium phosphide is used to control rodents and pests in grain storage facilities. It produces phosphine gas, which is a mitochondrial poison. Unfortunately, there is no known antidote for aluminium phosphide intoxication and the mortality rate is very high. This type of poisoning (known as Kerry or Rice tablet poisoning) is common in Comilla region in Bangladesh. Methods: The study was an observational study and was conducted in the Department of Medicine and in Emergency Room of Comilla Medical College Hospital, Comilla, between February and August, 2013. Twenty five cases of Kerry tab. Poisoning were studied about their causes, clinical features, treatment and outcome. Results: Most of the patients (92%) were female and age range was 15-45 yrs. Familial disharmony was the main reason of their suicidal attempts. This poisoning was common in Chandina, Sadar, Debidar, Burichong, B.para, Muradnagar and Daudkandi upazillas of Comilla District. Vomiting and features of shock were the major clinical menifestations. Routine ECG was not done to these patients. Most of the patients (80%) were referred to higher centres in Dhaka after the primary management. Only 20% patients were survived due to early stomach wash and supporting medical management. One patient who survived also mentioned of taking date expired Kerry tablet. Conclusion: Strict implementation of nationwide pesticide regulation, including restricting the availability of poison, being aware of its toxicity and providing improved medical management and improved intensive care facilities can further reduce the mortality due to AlP toxicity as there is no antidote available presently. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22685 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 3-6
Prevalence of contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age groups in a rural area of Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Nirmeen Rifat , Jerifa Sadia
Published: March 2015

This was a descriptive cross-sectional type of study conducted with an aim to find out the prevalence of contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in a rural area of Sreepur upazilla under Gazipur district. The study was conducted from February 2012 to June 2012. Out of 265 respondents, majority (27.17%) were found between the age group of 20-24 years where mean age was 28.12 years with SD of ±7.881 years. Among all the respondents 97.7% were Muslims. Maximum number of respondents (28.7%) were educated up to secondary school level but most of them (84.5%) were housewives. Majority (34%) of their husbands were service holders and businessmen each, 29.4% had monthly family income of 5,001-10,000/- Tk. This lower middle class comprised the highest group in our study. Among 265 respondents, 62.3% were using contraceptive methods at the time of study and rest 37.7% were not using due to some different reasons, such as pregnancy, breast feeding, eagerness to take child etc. Maximum couple (81.9%) took decision combindly to adopt contraceptive methods and most of them (69.8%) lived in a nuclear family. Majority (62.63%) had 1 to 2 children. Mostly used contraceptive method among ever users (81.69%) and current users (60%) was oral contraceptive pill. Majority (45.28%) mentioned no side effect from any of the methods. Relatives and neighbors were the highest informer (33.96%) than the family planning workers (20.75%) and even mass media (7.54%). In this study the prevalence of contraceptive use was found 62.3%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22686 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 7-13
Morphometry of sacral hiatus and its clinical relevance in caudal epidural block
Authors: Kamal AHM Mostafa , Ara Shamim , Ashrafuzzaman Md , Khatun Khadeza , Islam Mohammad Shaiful
Published: March 2015

Context: The variation in anatomical features of sacral hiatus and the dorsal wall of sacral canal is related to its clinical application in caudal epidural anesthesia. Through the sacral hiatus, it is employed in operation in the anal region and on the external genital organs, as well as cystoscopic examination of male. Continuous caudal anesthesia is also used in obstetrics during parturition for better cervical dilatation and shortening the first stage of labor. Methods: The present study was performed on 172 (one hundred seventy two) adult human dry sacra of unknown sex. The study samples were distributed in male and female sex groups by discriminant function analysis. The study was cross sectional analytical type and was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January 2011 to December 2011. The various landmarks of sacral hiatus were measured with the help of digital slide calipers. Results: The mean length of sacral hiatus in male and female was found 26.38±12.02 mm and 25.63±10.46 mm respectively. The mean anterior-posterior diameter of sacral hiatus at the apex was found 4.76±1.73 mm in male and 4.92±2.13 mm in female. Transverse width of the sacral hiatus at the base found 17.29±3.89 mm in male and 18.01±3.70 mm in female. Different in shape of sacral hiatus between male and female found statistically not significant. Location of apex of sacral hiatus was found highest in number at the level of 4th sacral vertebra (60.20%) and maximum location of base of the sacral hiatus was at the level of 5th sacral vertebra (91.20%). The sacral hiatus has anatomical variations and understanding of these variations may improve the success of caudal epidural anesthesia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22690 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 31-36
Awareness on prevention and control of HIV/AIDS among the adults attending an urban hospital in Dhaka
Authors: Hossain Md Azmal , Begum Mosammat Makshuda , Hossain Md Akram , Habib SM Ahsanul , Siddique Abu Bakar , Sarker Abdus Sattar
Published: March 2015

Background: The aim the study was to evaluate the level of awareness on prevention and control of HIV/AIDS among the adults attending in an urban hospital in Dhaka city in Bangladesh. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done, from June, 2009 to May, 2010, among 155 adult patients at the age of 18 to 35 years in out- patient department of Dhaka Mohanagar General Hospital, Nayabazar, Dhaka. Purposive sampling technique was followed. Results: This study showed that 46.5 percent of the adults had average knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS was good in 10.3 percent cases, neither good nor bad in 27.1 percent cases and poor in 16.1 percent respondents. 54 percent of the male adults and 50.48 percent of female adults had good knowledge. Lower age (18-27 years) group adults had good knowledge about HIV/AIDS in 53 percent. The knowledge about HIV/AIDS was good in 53.97 percent of literate group. The married adults had good knowledge in 50.85 percent cases. In the employed group, 55.17 percent had good knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Majority of the adults had more or less considerable knowledge on prevention and control of HIV/AIDS irrespective of gender, age, literacy, employment and educational qualification. Therefore, prevention of HIV/AIDS is possible through awareness and behavioral changes irrespective of socio-demographic variables. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22699 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 78-83
A case report of a male person of 24 years with suspected Salmonella induced coronary arteritis
Authors: Deb Sudip Ranjan , Baral Prianka , Maksud Maria , Kabir Ahmedul , Hossain Mahbub , Hossain Anwar
Published: March 2015

Salmonella infection can cause a wide spectrum of disease which can range from a gastroenteritis, enteric fever (caused by typhoid and paratyphoid serotypes), bacteremia, focal infections, to a convalescent lifetime carrier state. Salmonella induced enteritis is common in this subcontinent. One third of untreated patients experience complications and account for three fourths of deaths associated with salmonellosis. But Salmonella induced coronary arteritis is rare and the initial diagnosis of those patients can be troublesome. Coronary arteritis may lead to fatal thrombosis, myocarditis, coronary artery aneurism, myocardial ischaemia, myocardial infarction & death. We reported a male person of 24 years who presented with high grade continued fever with rose spots, loose motion and vomiting and later on the tenth day of febrile illness he developed chest pain with subsequent ECG changes (ST elevation in V3-V5 chest leads) and elevated Troponin I level(41.20 ng/ml) which lead to the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22713 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 143-146
‘Making Good Wives and Mothers’: The African Education Group and Missionary Reactions to the Phelps Stokes Reports
Authors: Barnes Andrew E.
Published: March 2015

The discussions that took place between the Colonial Office and Christian missions over the implementation of the recommendations of the Phelps Stokes Education Commissions merit more historical investigation. While missions voiced little public opposition to the reforms of mission education outlined in the two reports, over time, in meetings and conferences sponsored by the International Missionary Council (IMC), missionary challenges to the recommendations mounted. This was especially the case with the recommendations concerning the education of African girls. Thomas Jesse Jones, leader of the two Phelps Stokes Education Commissions and author of the two reports, argued that schools for African girls should focus on the training of future Christian matriarchs, who would supply colonial states with the healthy, disciplined labour forces those states desperately desired. Jones identified the school maintained by the missionary Mabel Shaw at Mbereshi in Zambia as the model other missions might emulate. Based upon Jones' recommendations concerning Shaw and her school, the British Colonial Office placed before Christian missions a gendered educational policy that would feature the education of African girls as wives and mothers. J. H. Oldham of the IMC took the point in presenting the Phelps Stokes recommendations and the government proposals based upon the recommendations to missionaries. Oldham discovered that missionaries questioned Shaw's expertise and rejected the idea that girls should be educated only to be wives and mothers.
Synchronicity from Synchronized Chaos
Authors: Duane Gregory
Published: March 2015

The synchronization of loosely-coupled chaotic oscillators, a phenomenon investigated intensively for the last two decades, may realize the philosophical concept of “synchronicity”—the commonplace notion that related eventsmysteriously occur at the same time. When extended to continuous media and/or large discrete arrays, and when general (non-identical) correspondences are considered between states, intermittent synchronous relationships indeed become ubiquitous. Meaningful synchronicity follows naturally if meaningful events are identified with coherent structures, defined by internal synchronization between remote degrees of freedom; a condition that has been posited as necessary for synchronizability with an external system. The important case of synchronization between mind and matter is realized if mind is analogized to a computer model, synchronizing with a sporadically observed system, as in meteorological data assimilation. Evidence for the ubiquity of synchronization is reviewed along with recent proposals that: (1) synchronization of different models of the same objective process may be an expeditious route to improved computational modeling and may also describe the functioning of conscious brains; and (2) the nonlocality in quantum phenomena implied by Bell’s theorem may be explained in a variety of deterministic (hidden variable) interpretations if the quantum world resides on a generalized synchronization “manifold”.
Reliability Analysis Models for Differential Protection Considering Communication Delays and Errors
Authors: Wu Yingjun , Li Manli , Tang Yi , Fu Rong , Ni Ming
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes three probability models to assess the impact of communication delays and bit errors on differential protection. First, the mechanism of relay protection malfunction caused by communication delays and bit errors is introduced. In general, a channel’s consistent delay or bit error results in refuse-operations, while a channel’s inconsistent delay normally causes false trips. Based on the analysis of the probability distributions of communication delays and bit errors, probabilistic models of false trips and refuse-operations are proposed. Simulation results, using typical parameters, are implemented to investigate the effects of communications on the malfunction probability of differential protection.
Application of Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy to Characterize the Penetration of a Large Amphiphilic Molecule in the Stratum Corneum of Human Skin
Authors: Volz Pierre , Boreham Alexander , Wolf Alexander , Kim Tai-Yang , Balke Jens , Frombach Janna , Hadam Sabrina , Afraz Zahra , Rancan Fiorenza , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike , Vogt Annika , Alexiev Ulrike
Published: March 2015

We report here on the application of laser-based single molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) to study the penetration of molecules through the skin. Penetration of topically applied drug molecules is often observed to be limited by the size of the respective drug. However, the molecular mechanisms which govern the penetration of molecules through the outermost layer of the skin are still largely unknown. As a model compound we have chosen a larger amphiphilic molecule (fluorescent dye ATTO-Oxa12) with a molecular weight >700 Da that was applied to excised human skin. ATTO-Oxa12 penetrated through the stratum corneum (SC) into the viable epidermis as revealed by TIRFM of cryosections. Single particle tracking of ATTO-Oxa12 within SC sheets obtained by tape stripping allowed us to gain information on the localization as well as the lateral diffusion dynamics of these molecules. ATTO-Oxa12 appeared to be highly confined in the SC lipid region between (intercellular space) or close to the envelope of the corneocytes. Three main distinct confinement sizes of 52 ± 6, 118 ± 4, and 205 ± 5 nm were determined. We conclude that for this amphiphilic model compound several pathways through the skin exist.
A Review of Polyphenolics in Oak Woods
Authors: Zhang Bo , Cai Jian , Duan Chang-Qing , Reeves Malcolm , He Fei
Published: March 2015

Polyphenolics, which are ubiquitous in plants, currently are among the most studied phytochemicals because of their perceptible chemical properties and antioxidant activity. Oak barrels and their alternatives, which are widely used in winemaking nowadays, contribute polyphenolics to wines and are thought to play crucial roles in the development of wines during aging. This study summarizes the detailed information of polyphenolics in oak woods and their products by examining their structures and discussing their chemical reactions during wine aging. This paper evaluates the most recent developments in polyphenolic chemistry by summarizing their extraction, separation, and their identification by the use of chromatographic and spectral techniques. In addition, this paper also introduces polyphenol bioactive ingredients in other plant foods.
An Efficient Radio Access Control Mechanism for Wireless Network-On-Chip Architectures
Authors: Palesi Maurizio , Collotta Mario , Mineo Andrea , Catania Vincenzo
Published: March 2015

Modern systems-on-chip (SoCs) today contain hundreds of cores, and this number is predicted to reach the thousands by the year 2020. As the number of communicating elements increases, there is a need for an efficient, scalable and reliable communication infrastructure. As technology geometries shrink to the deep submicron regime, however, the communication delay and power consumption of global interconnections become the major bottleneck. The network-on-chip (NoC) design paradigm, based on a modular packet-switched mechanism, can address many of the on-chip communication issues, such as the performance limitations of long interconnects and integration of large number of cores on a chip. Recently, new communication technologies based on the NoC concept have emerged with the aim of improving the scalability limitations of conventional NoC-based architectures. Among them, wireless NoCs (WiNoCs) use the radio medium for reducing the performance and energy penalties of long-range and multi-hop communications. As the radio medium can be accessed by a single transmitter at a time, a radio access control mechanism (RACM) is needed. In this paper, we present a novel RACM, which allows one to improve both the performance and energy figures of the WiNoC. Experiments, carried out on both synthetic and real traffic scenarios, have shown the effectiveness of the proposed RACM. On average, a 30% reduction in communication delay and a 25% energy savings have been observed when the proposed RACM is applied to a known WiNoC architecture.
Onychomycosis: A Review
Authors: Piraccini Bianca , Alessandrini Aurora
Published: March 2015

Onychomycosis is the most common nail infective disorder. It is caused mainly by anthropophilic dermatophytes, in particular by Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale. Yeasts, like Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis, and molds, like Aspergillus spp., represent the second cause of onychomycosis. The clinical suspect of onychomycosis should be confirmed my mycology. Onychoscopy is a new method that can help the physician, as in onychomycosis, it shows a typical fringed proximal margin. Treatment is chosen depending on the modality of nail invasion, fungus species and the number of affected nails. Oral treatments are often limited by drug interactions, while topical antifungal lacquers have less efficacy. A combination of both oral and systemic treatment is often the best choice.
Stevia Rebaudiana Bert. Leaf Extracts as a Multifunctional Source of Natural Antioxidants
Authors: Gaweł-Bęben Katarzyna , Bujak Tomasz , Nizioł-Łukaszewska Zofia , Antosiewicz Beata , Jakubczyk Anna , Karaś Monika , Rybczyńska Kamila
Published: March 2015

The aim of the presented study was to characterize the content and biological activity of extracts prepared from dried Stevia rebaudiana leaves with potential application in the food or cosmetic industry. Aqueous (A), ethanolic (E) and glycol-aqueous (GA) extracts were analyzed for the content of polyphenols and proteins, showing that the highest amount of phenols (15.50 mg/g) and flavonoids (3.85 mg/g) contained GA. All extracts contained significant amount of protein (69.40–374.67 mg/g). Between analyzed stevia extracts (HPLC) GA contained the highest amount of polyphenols, especially ferulic (5.50 mg/g) and rozmaric (4.95 mg/g) acids derivates. The highest antiradical activity against DPPH• and ABTS•+ was noted for GA and E (IC50 = 0.38 and 0.71 µg flavonoids/mL). The highest ability to chelate Fe2+ was observed for E (IC50 = 2.08 µg flavonoids/mL). Stevia extracts were also analyzed for their cytotoxicity and fibroblast irritation potential in vitro. E and GA were the most cytotoxic and irritating, probably due to the high content of biologically active phytochemicals. On the other hand, a extract was the most tolerable by the cells. To summarize, the presented study evaluated the potential application of A, E and GA stevia extracts as natural source of antioxidants in the food and cosmetic industry.
Tetrazolium Compounds: Synthesis and Applications in Medicine
Authors: Wei Cheng-Xi , Bian Ming , Gong Guo-Hua
Published: March 2015

Tetrazoles represent a class of five-membered heterocyclic compounds with polynitrogen electron-rich planar structural features. This special structure makes tetrazole derivatives useful drugs, explosives, and other functional materials with a wide range of applications in many fields of medicine, agriculture, material science, etc. Based on our research works on azoles and other references in recent years, this review covers reported work on the synthesis and biological activities of tetrazole derivatives.
Serenity Spirituality Sessions: A Descriptive Qualitative Exploration of a Christian Resource Designed to Foster Spiritual Well-Being among Older People in Nursing Homes in Ireland
Authors: Timmins Fiona , Kelly Suzanne , Threadgold Mary , O'Sullivan Michael , Flanagan Bernadette
Published: March 2015

This paper reports on a descriptive qualitative study that explored the value and benefit of Serenity Spirituality Sessions programme for older nursing home residents. The research was carried out in six nursing homes in the Republic of Ireland. The facilitators of these sessions, who worked in the nursing homes, were interviewed about their experiences of delivering the programme and their views on the impact that the programme had on resident participants. Emergent themes revealed benefits of the intervention for clients, including inducing a calming effect, increased sense of belonging and benefits of ritual use. The programme yielded positive results, and appears suited to the predominantly Christian population, and as such is deemed a useful adjunct to holistic and spiritual care in these settings.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Surface Urban Heat Island Intensity and Associated Determinants across Major Chinese Cities
Authors: Wang Juan , Huang Bo , Fu Dongjie , Atkinson Peter
Published: March 2015

Urban heat islands (UHIs) created through urbanization can have negative impacts on the lives of people living in cities. They may also vary spatially and temporally over a city. There is, thus, a need for greater understanding of these patterns and their causes. While previous UHI studies focused on only a few cities and/or several explanatory variables, this research provides a comprehensive and comparative characterization of the diurnal and seasonal variation in surface UHI intensities (SUHIIs) across 67 major Chinese cities. The factors associated with the SUHII were assessed by considering a variety of related social, economic and natural factors using a regression tree model. Obvious seasonal variation was observed for the daytime SUHII, and the diurnal variation in SUHII varied seasonally across China. Interestingly, the SUHII varied significantly in character between northern and southern China. Southern China experienced more intense daytime SUHIIs, while the opposite was true for nighttime SUHIIs. Vegetation had the greatest effect in the day time in northern China. In southern China, annual electricity consumption and the number of public buses were found to be important. These results have important theoretical significance and may be of use to mitigate UHI effects.
Principals, Trust, and Cultivating Vibrant Schools
Authors: Tschannen-Moran Megan , Gareis Christopher
Published: March 2015

Although principals are ultimately held accountable to student learning in their buildings, the most consistent research results have suggested that their impact on student achievement is largely indirect. Leithwood, Patten, and Jantzi proposed four paths through which this indirect influence would flow, and the purpose of this special issue is to examine in greater depth these mediating variables. Among mediating variables, we assert that trust is key. In this paper, we explore the evidence that points to the role that faculty trust in the principal plays in student learning and how principals can cultivate trust by attending to the five facets of trust, as well as the correlates of trust that mediate student learning, including academic press, collective teacher efficacy, and teacher professionalism. We argue that trust plays a role in each of the four paths identified by Leithwood, Patten, and Jantzi. Finally, we explore possible new directions for future research.
Identification of a Common Epitope between Enterovirus 71 and Human MED25 Proteins Which May Explain Virus-Associated Neurological Disease
Authors: Fan Peihu , Li Xiaojun , Sun Shiyang , Su Weiheng , An Dong , Gao Feng , Kong Wei , Jiang Chunlai
Published: March 2015

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major causative pathogen of hand, foot and mouth disease with especially severe neurologic complications, which mainly account for fatalities from this disease. To date, the pathogenesis of EV71 in the central neurons system has remained unclear. Cytokine-mediated immunopathogenesis and nervous tissue damage by virus proliferation are two widely speculated causes of the neurological disease. To further study the pathogenesis, we identified a common epitope (co-epitope) between EV71 VP1 and human mediator complex subunit 25 (MED25) highly expressed in brain stem. A monoclonal antibody (2H2) against the co-epitope was prepared, and its interaction with MED25 was examined by ELISA, immunofluorescence assay and Western blot in vitro and by live small animal imaging in vivo. Additionally, 2H2 could bind to both VP1 and MED25 with the affinity constant (Kd) of 10−7 M as determined by the ForteBio Octet System. Intravenously injected 2H2 was distributed in brain stem of mice after seven days of EV71 infection. Interestingly, 2H2-like antibodies were detected in the serum of EV71-infected patients. These findings suggest that EV71 infection induces the production of antibodies that can bind to autoantigens expressed in nervous tissue and maybe further trigger autoimmune reactions resulting in neurological disease.