bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential economic impact of the Western corn rootworm resistant GM variety on maize production in Hungary
Authors: Kruppa Bertalan
Published: June 2016

The paper examines that how the application of the MON88017 GM maize variety could influence the profitability of maize production in Hungary. The most important benefit of this biotech crop lies in its reduced need for chemical use and the additional yield comparing to conventional varieties. Among the economical disadvantages there is the uncertain market of GM products in the EU. After weighing all these factors the results conclude that the farmers could reach an income surplus by growing this GM variety. Although, this surplus is significant only if a similar positive yield impact is achieved under the Hungarian conditions as in the USA.
On tests for long memory process behavior of international tourism market: Thailand and India
Authors: Sriboonchitta Songsak , Chaitip Prasert , Balogh Péter , Kovács Sándor , Chaiboonsri Chukiat
Published: June 2016

In our research we examine the behaviour of both Thailand’s and India’s international tourism market by using long-memory analysis. The international tourism market of Thailand combined with seven groups such as East Asia, Europe, The Americas, South Asia, Oceania, Middle East and Africa. Similarly, the international tourism market of India combined with nine countries: USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and Sri Lanka. Moreover, three statistical tests for long-memory process such as R/S test, Modified R/S test and GPH-test are employed to study these markets. The empirical findings in general provide more support for long memory process in international tourism market of Thailand and evidence for short-term dependence in international tourism market of India. Therefore, the policy makers of each country should understand the behaviour of long memory process in international tourism market before launching any stimulating campaign to this industry.
The cost formation mechanism of milk and animal yield in dairy cattle-breeding in conditions of costs grouping by physiological classification
Authors: Klychova Guzaliya Salikhovna , Iskhakov Albert Tagirovich
Published: June 2016

This articles crutinizes the cost formation mechanism of milk and animal yield in dairy cattle-breeding in costs grouping conditions by physiological classification, it’s analysis allows to reveal "weak points " in production process of the enterprise and to direct point efforts to overcome negative consequences, and also enables to optimize and more exact prognosis of the company’s financial results.
The use of models in optimizing the field crop production in agricultural enterprise
Authors: Muncan Mihajlo
Published: June 2016

The full use of resource capacities of agricultural enterprises favorably affects the general increase in economic efficiency and rational production making them more competitive in the market. This creates the need for constant improvement of business strategies that uses all available resources to create the most profitable production. The main objective of this study was to find the ideal structure of production in agricultural enterprise and to enable the realization of maximum profit using the available production resources (land, mechanization, labor forces). As the basic method of planning, this study used the simplex method of linear programming which gives the most profitable sowing structure after detailed analysis of resources and achieved results, based on the limitations and gross margin. This work showed that the use of modern methods in production planning is one of the cheapest and safest methods for development of agricultural enterprises.
The understanding of international tourism development
Authors: Van der Wal Marcus
Published: June 2016

Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. Tourism has become one of the major players in international commerce, and represents at the same time one of the main income sources for many developing countries. This growth goes hand in hand with an increasing diversification and competition among destinations (Unwto, 2010).Working and serving in this pumping industry means to understand and react to the needs of all these people moving around this “small” planet! Success is defined by those who understand these needs and fulfill them to the satisfaction. Unfortunately, our industry is rather slow and we can be characterized as reactive instead of innovative.We adapt too slow compared to other industries that define the needs of their costumers before the costumers actually calls for it!
A Genetic Approach for Enhancing Recommender System’s Stability
Authors: Kali Pradeep Immidi , Jaya Bhaskar Dr. M , Hima Bindu Dr. K
Published: June 2016

With the growing scope of the E-commerce industry, a recommender system places a critical role in predicting correct entity to the user. Accuracy and degree of trust are most important parameters of a recommender system. Many recommender algorithms are proposed in the literature to enhance the accuracy of recommendations to the user. This paper is focused on enhancing the stability of recommender system using genetic and repetitive smoothening approach. Stability determines the degree of trust by the user to use the items recommended by a recommender system. SVD and slope one recommenders systems are used along with the proposed approach and it has been shown that stability is enhanced using the genetic-repetitive algorithm. Genetic approach has shown significant improvements in the field of research and is considered one of the robust techniques.  
Prophylactic antiepileptic drug administration following brain tumor resection: results of a recent AANS/CNS Section on Tumors survey
Authors: Dewan Michael C. , Thompson Reid C. , Kalkanis Steven N. , Barker Fred G. , Hadjipanayis Constantinos G.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are often administered prophylactically following brain tumor resection. With conflicting evidence and unestablished guidelines, however, the nature of this practice among tumor surgeons is unknown.

METHODS

On November 24, 2015, a REDCap (Research Electronic Database Capture) survey was sent to members of the AANS/CNS Section on Tumors to query practice patterns.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 144 individuals, including 18.8% of board-certified neurosurgeons surveyed (across 86 institutions, 16 countries, and 5 continents). The majority reported practicing in an academic setting (85%) as a tumor specialist (71%). Sixty-three percent reported always or almost always prescribing AED prophylaxis postoperatively in patients with a supratentorial brain tumor without a prior seizure history. Meanwhile, 9% prescribed occasionally and 28% rarely prescribed AED prophylaxis. The most common agent was levetiracetam (85%). The duration of seizure prophylaxis varied widely: 25% of surgeons administered prophylaxis for 7 days, 16% for 2 weeks, 21% for 2 to 6 weeks, and 13% for longer than 6 weeks. Most surgeons (61%) believed that tumor pathology influences epileptogenicity, with high-grade glioma (39%), low-grade glioma (31%), and metastases (24%) carrying the greatest seizure risk. While the majority used prophylaxis, 62% did not believe or were unsure if prophylactic AEDs reduced seizures postoperatively. The vast majority (82%) stated that a well-designed randomized trial would help guide their future clinical decision making.

CONCLUSIONS

Wide knowledge and practice gaps exist regarding the frequency, duration, and setting of AED prophylaxis for seizure-naive patients undergoing brain tumor resection. Acceptance of universal practice guidelines on this topic is unlikely until higher-level evidence supporting or refuting the value of modern seizure prophylaxis is demonstrated.
Improved patient quality of life following intradural extramedullary spinal tumor resection
Authors: Viereck Matthew J. , Ghobrial George M. , Beygi Sara , Harrop James S.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

Resection significantly improves the clinical symptoms and functional outcomes of patients with intradural extramedullary tumors. However, patient quality of life following resection has not been adequately investigated. The aim in this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected quality of life outcomes is to analyze the efficacy of resection of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors in terms of quality of life markers.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single institutional neurosurgical administrative database was conducted to analyze clinical data. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the EQ-5D-3 L descriptive system were used to analyze quality of life preoperatively, less than 1 month postoperatively, 1–3 months postoperatively, 3–12 months postoperatively, and more than 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The ODI scores increased perioperatively at the < 1-month follow-up from 36 preoperatively to 47. Relative to preoperative values, the ODI score decreased significantly at 1–3, 3–12, and > 12 months to 23, 17, and 20, respectively. VAS scores significantly decreased from 6.1 to 3.5, 2.4, 2.0, and 2.9 at the < 1-month, 1- to 3-, 3- to 12-, and > 12-month follow-ups, respectively. EQ-5D mobility significantly worsened at the < 1-month follow-up but improved at the 3- to 12-and > 12-month follow-ups. EQ-5D self-care significantly worsened at the < 1-month follow-up but significantly improved by the 3- to 12-month follow-up. EQ-5D usual activities improved at the 1- to 3-, 3- to 12-, and > 12-month follow-ups. EQ-5D pain and discomfort significantly improved at all follow-up points. EQ-5D anxiety and depression significantly improved at 1- to 3-month and 3- to 12-month follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of intradural extramedullary spine tumors appears to significantly improve patient quality of life by decreasing patient disability and pain and by improving each of the EQ-5D domains.
Comparison of pedicle screw–based dynamic stabilization and fusion surgery in the treatment of radiographic adjacent-segment degeneration: a retrospective analysis of single L5–S1 degenerative spondylosis covering 4 years
Authors: Han Yu , Sun Jianguang , Luo Chenghan , Huang Shilei , Li Liren , Ji Xiang , Duan Xiaozong , Wang Zhenqing , Pi Guofu
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

Pedicle screw–based dynamic spinal stabilization systems (PDSs) were devised to decrease, theoretically, the risk of long-term complications such as adjacent-segment degeneration (ASD) after lumbar fusion surgery. However, to date, there have been few studies that fully proved that a PDS can reduce the risk of ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a PDS can influence the incidence of ASD and to discuss the surgical coping strategy for L5–S1 segmental spondylosis with preexisting L4–5 degeneration with no related symptoms or signs.

METHODS

This study retrospectively compared 62 cases of L5–S1 segmental spondylosis in patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (n = 31) or K-Rod dynamic stabilization (n = 31) with a minimum of 4 years' follow-up. The authors measured the intervertebral heights and spinopelvic parameters on standing lateral radiographs and evaluated preexisting ASD on preoperative MR images using the modified Pfirrmann grading system. Radiographic ASD was evaluated according to the results of radiography during follow-up.

RESULTS

All 62 patients achieved remission of their neurological symptoms without surgical complications. The Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional-hazards model showed no statistically significant differences between the 2 surgical groups in the incidence of radiographic ASD (p > 0.05). In contrast, the incidence of radiographic ASD was 8.75 times (95% CI 1.955–39.140; p = 0.005) higher in the patients with a preoperative modified Pfirrmann grade higher than 3 than it was in patients with a modified Pfirrmann grade of 3 or lower. In addition, no statistical significance was found for other risk factors such as age, sex, and spinopelvic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Pedicle screw–based dynamic spinal stabilization systems were not found to be superior to posterior lumbar interbody fusion in preventing radiographic ASD (L4–5) during the midterm follow-up. Preexisting ASD with a modified Pfirrmann grade higher than 3 was a risk factor for radiographic ASD. In the treatment of degenerative diseases of the lumbosacral spine, the authors found that both of these methods are feasible. Also, the authors believe that no extra treatment, other than observation, is needed for preexisting degeneration in L4–5 without any clinical symptoms or signs.
Abnormal Nerve Conduction Parameters in Young Diabetic Patients at Diagnosis
Authors: Bhowmik Nirmalendu Bikash , Islam Md Rashedul , Habib Rumana , Rahman Aminur , Hassan Zahid , Haque Md Amirul
Published: June 2016

Background and Objectives: Diabetes in the young patients, less than 30 years of age, usually has sudden onset and severe hyperglycemia who are resistant to ketosis. Taking the advantage of this uniqueness of this group of patients the present study was aimed to evaluate their peripheral nerve functional status, explore its relationship with glycemic status and find out utility of nerve conduction study for detection of neuropathy at diagnosis to introduce timely intervention in the necessary cases.Materials and Methods: A total number of 32 newly diagnosed untreated diabetic patients, age 30 years or less, consecutively attending the BIRDEM Out-patient department were recruited. Age-matched healthy subjects (n=30) with no family history of diabetes served as controls. Motor and sensory conduction velocities (NCV), distal latencies (DL), compound muscle and sensory nerve action potentials (CAMP, SNAP) of ulnar, peroneal and sural nerves were studied following standard protocol. Glucose was determined by glucose-oxidase, Fructosamine by enzymatic colorimetric method.Results: Ulnar motor NCV (m/sec, mean±SD) was significantly slower in diabetic group compared to the controls [58.29±6.88 vs 66.56±6.13; p<0.001]. CAMP [(?v, median] of ulnar nerve was significantly lower in diabetic patients [4.5 vs 5.8; p<0.05]. Motor nerve conduction velocity of peroneal nerve was significantly slower (p<0.0001) in diabetic patients. Peroneal nerve CMAP [?v, median] amplitude showed similar trends [5.5 vs 8.7 p<0.001]. Sural sensory NCV was significantly slower [35.22±14.04 vs 42.38±8.52; p<0.05] in diabetic patients. Peroneal nerve conduction velocity showed significant negative correlation with fasting glucose (r= -0.456, p<0.001). Peroneal motor distal latency showed positive correlation with serum fructosamine value [r=0.439, p<0.05]. Peroneal and ulnar NCV was negatively correlated [p<0.001 and p<0.05 respectively] with fructosamine. Sural sensory nerve action potential was also negatively correlated [r=-0.400 p<0.05]. S. Fructosamine was negatively correlated with sensory ulnar nerve action potential.Conclusion: The result suggest that in the newly diagnosed untreated young diabetics of Bangladesh, abnormalities of nerve conduction parameters are detected early by doing nerve conduction study; motor nerve conduction parameters are affected more than sensory ones. Abnormal nerve conduction parameters seem to be related to degree of hyperglycaemia in early neuropathic patients.Birdem Med J 2015; 5(1): 14-19
Buergers Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans): A Diagnostic Challenge-A Rare Case Report
Authors: Wadud Md Armane , Taimur Syed Dawood Md , Kabir CM Shaheen , Roy Siba Pada
Published: June 2016

Buergers disease or Thromboangiitis obliterans is a segmental inflammatory disease that affects the vessels and nerves of the extremities. It usually affects men below 45 years old and correlates with tobacco, as a predisposing factor. A young adolescent boy of 18 yrs, smoker, nonalcoholic, nondiabetic was presented with the complaints of progressive aching pain (Claudication pain) during walking in both legs which relives by taking rest for last 3 years and also suffering from long standing non healing ulcer in the right great toe and second toe following traumatic nail avulsionBirdem Med J 2015; 5(1): 37-41
Spinal Dysraphism of a Baby  A Case Report
Authors: Taher Md Abu , Sultana Jafreen , Sharif Md Mofazzal , Alam Md Mohit Ul , Rahman Md Towhidur , Shegufta Farzana , Abedin Naffisa
Published: June 2016

A 8 months old male child reported to paediatric OPD of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital with the complaints of small swelling in the back and tilting of body on one side during sitting and standing posture. His antenatal period was unremarkable, post natal period revealed delayed crying and immunization was not completed. Local examination showed a small hairy patch in lower dorsal region. General and systemic examination revealed no significant abnormality. Consulting physician advised to do X- ray of dorso- lumbar spine (both views), Ultrasonography (USG) of the swelling and FNAC from the swelling. X- ray report concluded as spinal dysraphism with widening of spinal canal. Ultrasonography showed dural ectasia. No malignant or granulomatous cells were found in FNAC. For confirmation of plain x- ray and USG findings, the patients parent was advised to do MRI of dorsolumbar spine in Radiology and Imaging Department of BIRDEM hospital. MRI findings were compatible with Diastematomyelia with tethered cord as evidenced by two unequal hemicord separated by signal void cleft and low insertion of spinal cord at L4-L5 level. As MRI is less sensitive regarding bone , CT scan was done and CT revealed grossly abnormal vertebral bodies with an osseous spur traversing the entire canal dividing the canal into two halves. Spinal cord was also divided into two unequal cord. Considering X-ray, USG, CT and MRI, final Diagnosis was made as Type I Diastematomyelia with Tethered cord.Birdem Med J 2015; 5(1): 42-45
Anaesthetic Management of a Patient with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Saha Nepal Chandra , Islam Md Sirajul , Ahmed Niaz , Roy Siba Pada , Sarker Pradip Kumar , Jalaluddin -
Published: June 2016

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare affliction of healthy, young, females characterized by congestive heart failure, intracardiac thrombus, and frequently death. PPCM is associated with a hypercoagulative state, which can cause thromboembolic complications, may be, the initial demonstration off peripartum cardiomyopathy, which is usually an intracardiac thrombosis. Lower extremity embolism is uncommon. We present a case of 22 yr old female a known case of preeclamtic toxaemia associated with bronchial asthma underwent caesarian section at 36 wks of pregnancy & developed severe respiratory distress and needed mechanical ventilation. Two weeks after delivery she developed low back pain with parasthesia of both lower limbs associated with shortness of breath & diagnosed as a case of infra-renal aortic thrombus extending down to common illiac arteries associated with postpartum dilated cardiomyopathy and admitted at our hospital for embolectomy. Infiltration anaesthesia and conscious sedation with invasive monitoring was planned. Surgery and anaesthesia proceeded uneventfully.Birdem Med J 2015; 5(1): 50-53
Medical Quiz: SBA  Answers Vol. 5(1)
Authors: Saha Debasish Kumar Saha Kumar
Published: June 2016

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2015; 5(1): 66
Clinical Profile of Ischemic Stroke in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Jannat Sufia , Bhowmik Nirmalendu Bikash , Alam Dilruba
Published: June 2016

Background: Stroke is the third highest cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Diabetes mellitus increases risk of ischemic stroke. Stroke in diabetic patients is different from stroke in non-diabetics in several perspectives. This cross-sectional study was carried out to observe clinical profile of ischemic stroke in Type 2 diabetic patients.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was done in the Department of Neurology, BIRDEM General Hospital from April to September, 2010. Non-probability purposive sampling was used.Results: A total number of 50 subjects were included, all were hospitalized ischemic stroke with type- 2 diabetic patient. Maximum number (36.0%) of the patients was in between 61 to 70 years age group with mean age 59.9 ±13.9 years. There was male predominance and male-female ratio was1.5: 1. Majority of the patient (50%) noticed features of stroke at morning (6 am-12.00 noon).Regarding risk factor profile, 35(70%) had uncontrolled DM, 35(70%) used to lead sedentary lifestyle, 30(60%) had history of tobacco use, 20(40%) had Obesity and 42(84%) were hypertensive. A Few cases 5 (10%) were alcoholic. Most (90%) of the patients admitted with weakness at either half of body. Some had difficulties in speech (80%), altered consciousness (24%), difficulties in swallowing (4%); rest of the patients had facial weakness (4%) and others (2%). 94.0% patient had regular pulse, 6% had irregular pulse. 80.0% had high blood pressure on admission. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 153± 5.3 mm of Hg and 97±4.4 mm of Hg respectively. 40.0% patient had abnormal fundoscopy (Diabetic and/or hypertensive retinopathy). Carotid bruit was found in 2% case but one had sign of dyslipidaemia. 76% was conscious and oriented, 24%altered conscious level, 90% had hemiplegia or hemiparesis, 72% had dysarthria, 4% had dysphasia and 16% others.Conclusion: Elderly and male people are more prone to develop ischemic stroke. Hemiparesis or hemiplegia, dysarthria is the major clinical presentation and high blood pressure is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. Further study can be done to compare the clinical profile between diabetic and non-diabetic populations.Birdem Med J 2015; 5(2): 88-91
Complex Endodontic Treatment of Dens Invaginatus Type III in Maxillary Lateral Incisor: Reports of Two Cases
Authors: Nazneen Rafia , Joshi Reema , Hasan Sajid , Howlader Mujibur Rahman , Alam Md Shamsul
Published: June 2016

Dens invaginatus is a developmental malformation of teeth, showing a wide spectrum of anatomical variations, resulting from the invagination of a portion of a crown that might be confined to the crown or it may pass the cement-enamel junction and may result in a second apical foramen formation during the stage of odonto-genesis. It is clinically significant due to early development of caries and subsequent necrosis of the pulp. Chronic peri-apical lesions are often associated with these anomalies without clinical symptoms. Clinicians should be mindful of the possibility of dens invaginatus when a patient comes with a tooth having signs of pulpitis without history of trauma, caries and should examine the suspicious tooth as well as the peri-odontium radiographically. Most affected permanent teeth are the maxillary lateral incisors followed by central incisors, canines, premolars and molars. This article describes both surgical and nonsurgical endodontic management of dens invaginatus type III with large apical radiolucency in upper left lateral incisorBirdem Med J 2015; 5(2): 111-115
Medical Quiz: Images Vol.5(2)
Authors: Saha Debasish Kumar , Saha Madhurima , Islam Reezwan
Published: June 2016

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2015; 5(2): 119
Aetiology of Fever of Unknown Origin: One-Year Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahimi Muhammad Abdur , Ahmed AKM Shaheen , Hossain Md Delwar , Rahman Md Raziur , Ghosh Swapan Kumar , Nazneen Surayia , Samad Tabassum , Ahmed Jamal Uddin , Haque Hasna Fahmima , Afroze Samira Rahat , Afroz Farhana , Musa AKM , Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: June 2016

Background: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is not an uncommon problem in general medical practice. Sometimes extensive investigations fail to reach an aetiological diagnosis; on the other hand, in few cases, fever resolves spontaneously. This study was aimed to evaluate the aetiology of FUO in a tertiary care setting.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Internal Medicine of BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2013.Results: Among the 33 patients studied (1.23% of total admissions), 22 (66.7%) were male. Mean age of the study population was 40.2±7.9 years. Most patients (84.8%) were diabetic. Infection (20, 60.6%) was the commonest cause, followed by malignancy (9, 27.3%). Among the infective causes (20), extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (5, 25%) was the commonest, followed by liver abscess (4, 20%). Other less common causes were Kala-azar (1), malaria (2), histoplasmosis (2), melioidosis (1), cholecystitis (1), renal abscess (1), rickettsial fever (1), apical dental abscess (1) and infective endocarditis (1). Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (6), renal cell carcinoma (2) and hepatocellular carcinoma (1) constituted the malignant causes of FUO in this series. Systemic lupus erythematosus was the aetiology of FUO in 1 case. One case remained undiagnosed and 2 patients left hospital before a definite diagnosis could be made.Conclusion: Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and non-Hodgkins lymphoma were the two most common causes of FUO in this study. Repeated history taking, clinical examinations and careful stepwise investigations can diagnose the aetiolgy in most cases of FUO.Birdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 7-11
Life Style Practice and Awareness during Ramadan Fasting in Bangladeshi Diabetic Population
Authors: Amin Mohammod Feroz , Afsana Faria , Nazneen Noor E , Pathan Faruque , Jamil Syed Noor Afroze Ashraf , Sultana Syeda Rezina , Hossain Farhana Meher , Ahmed Salma , Rehana Sultana , Ahmed Nasreen , Afrique Nagma H , Akhter Fatema , Majed Saila , Latif Zafar Ahmed
Published: June 2016

Background: Observing fast during Ramadan is obligatory for every healthy adult Muslim and a significant number of diabetic patients observe fast during Ramadan in Bangladesh. The objectives of this study were to find out the life style changes and also to assess the patients awareness during Ramadan fasting.Methods: This non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of BIRDEM. Total 2272 patients were primarily enrolled but 977 patients fasted at least 15 days or more and fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: Mean age of study population was 49.8 ±32 years, mean duration of diabetes 8.15±23 years and 60% were female. HbA1c done within last six months in 46% patients had a mean of 8.2±1%. Out of 977 patients, 29.37% were hypertensive, CKD and IHD were 7.8% and 13.6% respectively. Considering medications 48% were taking oral anti diabetic drug (OAD), 30% were on both OAD and insulin and 22% were only on Insulin. Pre Ramadan counseling was done in only 32% (314) patients though 80.7% (788) patients claimed that they had been particular to doctors appointment, with an average visit of 3.6 times in a year. Among the 977 patients fasted during Ramadan63.3% followed the diet chart as pre Ramadan but 44.7% patients took most of allotted meal at Iftar, while 14% patients took the main meal at Sohur. In pre Ramadan, 69% (691) patients were particular in regular exercise but it came down to 1.7% during Ramadan and 43.4% patients hold most of their daily activities. Regarding medications 1.22% patients missed their anti diabetic drug in preceding month of Ramadan but it raised to 23.4% (229) during Ramadan. Minor hypoglycemia was experienced in 14.32% patients during fasting and nearly half of them (6.8%) later needed physician consultation during Ramadan.Conclusion: More than two third of Muslim diabetic patients observes fast, among them only one third consult with their physicians before Ramadan. Due to lack of proper diabetic education most of them increase their daily calorie intake, miss the dose of drug leading to physical weakness and also some of them develop minor hypoglycemia. Therefore, pre-Ramadan counseling and education is necessary for all diabetics planning for fasting.Birdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 26-31
Aetiology of Asymptomatic Raised Serum Alanine Aminotransferase in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Haque Hasna Fahmima , Afroz Farhana , Afroze Samira Rahat , Ahmed Jamal Uddin , Ahmed AKM Shaheen , Hossain Md Delwar , Rahman Md Raziur , Musa AKM , Uddin Khwaja Nazim , Rahim Muhammad Abdur , Mitra Palash , Amin Gaffar
Published: June 2016

Background: Elevated level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is not uncommon in routine laboratory test. This study was aimed to find out the aetiology of asymptomatic raised ALT in hospitalized type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in BIRDEM over a period of six month. T2DM patients having asymptomatic raised serum ALT were evaluated clinically and by laboratory tests.Results: Total number of patients was 53. Among them male were 39 and female were 14. Male and female ratio was 2.8:1. Mean age was 49.2±7.9 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.5±5 kg/m2. Among the study subjects, 25 (47.2%) were overweight and 16 (30.2%) were obese. Hypertension, hepatomegaly and dyslipidaemia were present in 29 (54.7%), 11 (20.8%) and 36 (67.96%) cases respectively. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NFALD) was the commonest (37, 69.8%) aetiology for raised ALT in this study. Seropositivity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were present in 7 and 5 cases respectively. In 4 cases cause could not be identified. Most of the cases with >5 times raised ALT had hepatitis B or C infection.Conclusion: Elevation of serum ALT is common in T2DM patients. NAFLD is the commonest cause followed by hepatitis B and C virus infection.Birdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 32-35
Prevalence of Glucose Intolerance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Laila Rona , Mahmud Nusrat , Nargis Monnujan , Chowdhury TA
Published: June 2016

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 5-10% women of reproductive age. The prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (impaired fasting glucose, IFG, impaired glucose tolerance, IGT and type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2DM) in women with PCOS is substantially higher than expected when compared with age and weight-matched population of women without PCOS. The present study was conducted among women of reproductive age with PCOS to characterize the extent and nature of glucose intolerance.Methods: This observational study was conducted in Centre for Assisted Reproduction (CARE), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Biomedical Research group, BIRDEM from January 2006 to December 2008.Results: Total number of patients was 103 and their age ranged between 15 and 36 years. Fifty percent of them were overweight or obese. IGT and T2DM were present in 29.1% and 4.9% cases respectively. Body mass index (BMI) of patients with T2DM with PCOS was significantly higher than normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group (p=0.005). There was no difference of BMI between NGT, with IGT and IGT with T2DM with PCOS. Diabetic PCOS women were older than NGT and IGT group (p=0.002, p=0.009 respectively). Family history of diabetes was present in 80% diabetes PCOS compared to 63.3% in IGT and 39.7% of NGT with PCOS.Conclusions: PCOS women have significantly increased prevalence of IGT and T2DM. Obesity and age substantially increase risk of glucose intolerance but IGT and T2DM can develop independent of obesity in PCOS women.Birdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 36-39
Answer to Medical Quiz: Images Vol. 6(1)
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Rahman Tanbin
Published: June 2016

Abstract not availableBirdem Med J 2016; 6(1): 58-60
Prevalence of Pathogenic Bacteria in Shrimp Samples Collected from Hatchery, Local Markets and the Shrimp Processing Plant
Authors: Rahman M Majibur , Rahman Farjana , Afroze Farzana , Yesmin Farzana , Fatema Kazi Kaniz , Das Kamal Kanta , Noor Rashed
Published: June 2016

Export quality frozen shrimps comprise as one of the major economic interests in Bangladesh. During cultivation or processing and packaging, microbial condition is an important issue to maintain the quality of shrimps. Eight shrimp samples, of which, one from hatchery, 3 from local markets and 4 processed export quality samples were studied for microbiological risk assessment (MRA). One hatchery, three market and two export quality shrimp samples were found to contain bacterial pathogens probationary identified as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Vibrio spp., Aeromonas spp., Pseudomonas spp., Listeria spp., Shigella-like organisms, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. and two other processed export quality shrimp samples were completely free of pathogens of any type. Surprisingly, the later two processed export quality shrimp samples showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, Klebsiella sp. and Vibrio sp.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 1, June 2012, pp 7-10
Microbiological Pollution Level and Seasonal Variations in Physicochemical Parameters of the River Buriganga, Dhaka
Authors: Karim Md Abdul , Happy Rehena Nasrin , Rasul Md Saifur , Hoque Sirajul
Published: June 2016

The Buriganga is one of the highly polluted rivers in Bangladesh. Most of the industries and factories of Dhaka are situated on the banks of the river Buriganga or very close to the river system. Substantial part of urban sewage of the Dhaka city is also disposed in the river Buriganga. The study was conducted to determine the pollution level of water of river Buriganga. Field investigation was started from May 2010 and sample collection was conducted in different seasons up to June 2011. Various water quality parameters such as pH, DO, BOD, COD, TDS, Conductivity, Alkalinity, NO2 --N, NO3 --N, NH4+-N and PO4 -, were determined for water of each sampling points to monitor the level of these parameters where it exceeds or remain within the permissible limit. DO concentration of water of river Buriganga was very low ranging between 0.04 and 2.25 mg/l. The aerobic heterotrophic bacterial count ranged between 1.0 × 107 and 2.0 × 108 cfu/100 ml. The highest count of enteric bacteria was noticed during the autumn that was 2.0 × 105 cfu/100 ml. BOD and COD values along with the presence of different species of bacteria clearly indicated that the water of the river Buriganga is highly polluted with the organic, chemical and bacterial pollutants.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 1, June 2012, pp 11-15
Isolation and Identification of Heavy Metal Tolerant Bacteria from Tannery Effluents
Authors: Hossain M Iqbal , Anwar M Nural
Published: June 2016

The aim and objective of the study was to isolate and characterize heavy metal tolerant microorganisms from tannery effluents. Six effluent samples were collected aseptically and their physical and chemical parameters were determined. A total of 40 bacterial colonies were isolated from these effluent samples. Among them, six bacterial isolates were characterized provisionally as Alcaligenes aquamarinus, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus firmus, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas alcaligens and Pseudomonas mendocina based on morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. The survibality and tolerance to heavy metals (Cr and Cu) of these isolates were examined. All the isolates were found to grow at high concentration of CuSO4 (95ppm/ml) and varying degrees of chromium (K2Cr2O7). The highest tolerance was shown by Alcaligenes aquamarinus. These heavy metal tolerant organisms could be potential agents for bioremediation of heavy metals polluted environment.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 1, June 2012, pp 23-26
Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Bacteriophages Isolated from Natural Environment and its Potential Role in Phage Therapy
Authors: Ngangbam Ajit Kumar , Devi Nongmaithem Bijayalakshmi
Published: June 2016

Bacteriophages or phages are the viruses that infect bacteria. Phages like all viruses are made up of a nucleic acid core which is surrounded by a protein coat. The majority of phages are known to contain DNA but some contain RNA also. In this study, four salmonella phages were isolated and were subjected to mollecular characterization. All the four Salmonella phages were found to contain DNA as their genetic material. Comparison of protein profiles of phages by SDS-PAGE revealed near identical protein profiles for phages SaP2 and SaP4. Study of storage stability of phage indicated that the titer of the Salmonella phage SaP1 almost remains unaltered during the 14 days storage at different temperatures ranging from - 20oC, 0oC and 4oC. This study shows that the isolated phage have good storage stability. The isolated phages also show narrow host range.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 1, June 2012, pp 33-36
Bacterial Analysis of Different Types of Ice Creams from Dhaka City
Authors: Akter Sabrina , Ahmed Sangita
Published: June 2016

Different types of ice creams available in Dhaka were analyzed for their bacteriological quality. A total number of 24 ice cream samples from two different brands (Brand 1 and 2) were collected from street vendors and local shops of different parts of Dhaka city. Average total viable count in the Brand 1 samples ranged from 9.5x102 to 4.72 x104 cfu/ml, while total coliform count and fecal coliform counts were 2.3x101 to 2.43x103 cfu/ml and zero to 100 cfu/ml, respectively. In case of Brand 2, average total viable count, total coliform count and fecal coliform count were 9.5x103 to 4.43x104 cfu/ml; 10 to 2.49x103 cfu/ml and zero to 200 cfu/ml, respectively. Bacteria isolated from the ice cream samples included Staphylococcus sp. (96%), Bacillus sp (50%), Listeria sp. (41.66%), Micrococcus sp. (12.5%), Escherichia coli (8.33%) and Klebsiella sp (8.33%). Presence of these bacteria in the ice cream indicates the lack of good manufacturing practice in the production of ice cream, which imposes great risk to the consumers.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 1, June 2012, pp 41-43
Bacterial Tolerance to Heavy Metal Contents Present in Contaminated and Uncontaminated Soils
Authors: Tanu FZ , Hoque S
Published: June 2016

Present study dealt with identification of some heavy metal tolerant bacteria from contaminated industrial soils of Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) at Savar, tannery area at Hazaribagh and uncontaminated agricultural soils of Dhamrai and Kushtia in Bangladesh and determination of their tolerance to chromium (Cr6+) and cadmium (Cd2+). A total of 15 isolates from four soil samples were provisionally identified as different species of Bacillus, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas based on their morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. Among them eight colonies were separated based on high level of heavy metal tolerance and identified at molecular level by PCR technique and 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Micrococcus luteus strain P43 (E4), Bacillus pocheonensis strain TR2-6 (T6), Bacillus megaterium strain H2 (T8), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain SCSAAB0007 (D10), Bacillus cereus isolate PGBw4 (D11), Bacillus cereus strain ES-4a1 (K12), Bacillus subtilis strain 1320, (K13), and Bacillus subtilis strain DP14 (K14). The Maximum Tolerable Concentration (MTC) of bacterial strains to Cr6+ and Cd2+ ranged between 250-1250 ?g/ml and 30-150 ?g/ml, respectively in nutrient broth medium. From the metal tolerance investigation Bacillus was found as the most heavy metal tolerant to both Cr6+ and Cd2+ among the three genera. The identified heavy metal tolerant bacteria could be useful for the bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated environment.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 56-61
Isolation, Characterization, and Identification of Bacterial Population from Textile and Tannery Effluents of Bangladesh
Authors: Hakim A , Hoque S , Ullah SM
Published: June 2016

Ten effluent samples from two different sites located at Hazaribagh tannery belt and Dhaka EPZ, Savar were collected. This study aimed to compare the bacterial composition isolated from tannery and textile effluents and to investigate the occurrence of metal toxicity tolerant and dye degrading bacteria and to select the potential strains for the use in bioremediation. The average bacterial count of HT and DETDE varied in between 3.35×106 and 5.45×106 cfu/mL and 4.8×106 and 7.75×106cfu/mL, respectively. A total of 12 bacterial isolates were characterized as strains of Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas. A few, however, were re-cultured on other recommended media for verification of diagnostic characteristics. Maximum numbers of bacterial species were isolated from textile effluent. The results showed that a Gram-positive bacillus with a yellow pigment was considered as a major group of the population. Among them three isolates were identified based on alignments of partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene. These are also being used in different wastewater and metal treatment plants all over the world.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 84-88
Response of Cabbage Seedlings to Different Sources of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza
Authors: Bhuiyan MAH , Banu MB , Alam F , Ali ME , Khatun MR
Published: June 2016

The effect of different sources of Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi on cabbage seedlings (Atlas-70) were conducted. Eight sources of AM fungi viz. Jessore (AM-01), Rahmatpur (AM-02), Joydebpur (AM-03), Ullapara (AM-04), Jamalpur (AM-05), Hathazari (AM-06), Ishurdi (AM-07), Rajshahi (AM-08) from different AEZs of Bangladesh were studied along with a control and mixed sources on cabbage seedlings. Soil based AM inoculum at the rate of 2.0 kg m-2 was used. Biomass yield of cabbage (Atlas-70) increased from 28.0% to 130.7% in 2007-08 and 44.8% to 96.9% in 2008-09 over control by inoculation with different sources of AM. The highest biomass yield (503 mg seedling-1 in 2007-08 and 321 mg seedling-1 in 2008-09) of cabbage was observed with Jamalpur source which was identical to all AM source except Ishurdi source in 2007-08 and with Joydebpur source which was identical to all Jamalpur source in 2008-09. Uptake of all the nutrients by cabbage seedlings was also improved by inoculation with AM fungi. The AM fungi from all the sources appeared to be effective in enhancing the growth and development of cabbage seedlings.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 90-96
Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculum Rate on Tomato (Lycopersicum esculenta L.) Seedlings
Authors: Bhuiyan MAH , Ali ME , Khatun MR , Alam F , Banu MB
Published: June 2016

An experiment on the effect of rate of arbuscular mycorrhiza inoculum in producing tomato seedlings (var. Ratan) were conducted in the seedbed of Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh during rabi season of 2007-08 and 2008-09. Seven rates of AM inoculum viz. 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 kg m-2 were studied on tomato seedlings. Cowdung was used at the rate of 5 kg m-2 as basal. Seeds were sown in 10 cm apart solid lines on 13 November 2007 and 11 November 2008, and the seedlings were thinned down to about 3 cm from seedling to seedling within a week of germination. Ratan was used as the variety of tomato. Biomass yield, seedling height and nutrient uptake by tomato seedlings increased greatly with the use of AM inoculum. Biomass yield of tomato seedlings followed quadratic trend with the increase of AM inoculum rate from 0 to 1.0 kg m-2 in 2007-08 and 0 to 2.0 kg m-2 in 2008-09.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 29, Number 2, Dec 2012, pp 104-108
Isolation, Identification and Resistance Pattern of Microorganisms Associated with Mastitis in Buffalo
Authors: Talukder Ali Azam , Rahman Hasna Hena , Mahmud SM Jamil , Alam Fahmida , Dey Shuvra Kanti
Published: June 2016

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis along with the etiological agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility were studied around the city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Milk samples from 30 apparently healthy buffaloes were subjected to microbiological examinations while subclinical mastitis was diagnosed based on California Mastitis Test (CTM). Seventy percent of the buffaloes examined were positive for subclinical mastitis. A total of 42 isolates of 5 different species were identified. Among them, Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently identified bacterial species accounting for 50% of all the isolates, followed by E.coli (28.57%), Enterobacter (14.29%), Bacillus spp. (4.76%) and Proteus spp. (2.38%). Highest resistance was found against amoxicillin (21.43%) where chloramphenicol and ciprofloxac in proved to be a more successful antimicrobial agent, resistance against which wasonly 4.76%. Results from the present study suggest that contagious mastitis controlpractice along with good personal hygiene practice is required for mastitis control in the area.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 1-5
Beta Lactamase Genes of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli from Anorectal Sepsis Cases in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Sheikh Shahidul , Malek Md Abdul , Haque AKM Fazlul , Talukder Kaisar Ali , Akhter Marufa Zerin
Published: June 2016

A microbiological study was carried out to determine the prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli in anorectal sepsis patients in Bangladesh. One hundred specimens of pus, swab, or exudates from anorectal sepsis cases were studied. All the 61 isolates of E. coli were found to be highly resistant to most of the drugs used. Among these, 14 multidrug resistant E. coli were examined for ESBL production by double disc diffusion method. Six of these were found to be ESBL positive. PCR analysis revealed that 3 of the 6 isolates had coexistence of blaSHV, blaOXA and blaCTXM-1 genes. Two of the isolates had only blaSHV gene, whereas 1 isolate had a combination of blaTEM and blaSHV genes. Three of these were resistant to all the drugs tested, while two were sensitive to getamicin and one to ciprofloxacin. None of the E. coli strains possessed blaCTXM-2, blaCTXM-8, blaCTXM-9, and qnr genes.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 30, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2013, pp 23-29
Comparative Antimicrobial Activity of Areca catechu Nut Extracts using Different Extracting Solvents
Authors: Rahman M Arifur , Sultana Papeya , Islam M Sahidul , Mahmud M Toslim , Rashid M Mamun Or , Hossen Foysal
Published: June 2016

Scientists from different sectors are investigating plants for their antimicrobial usefulness. Studies have found thousands of plants which have inhibitory effects on a range of microorganisms in vitro. Surprisingly, only around 10% of all the plants have been investigated in this purpose. The antimicrobial properties of Areca catechu nut extract has been reported earlier. In our study, we have observed and compared the antibacterial activity among n-hexane, ethanol and water extract of A. catechu nut. We found antimicrobial effect only from ethanol and water extract. On the contrary, there was no antibacterial effect observed from n-hexane extract. Furthermore, the extracts are effective only against gram positive bacteria. The ethanol extract concentration from 0.188-0.377 mg/ml was the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for gram positive bacteria used in our study. While, minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were 0.377-0.753 mg/ml for this group of microorganisms. On the other hand, in case of water extract the MIC and MBC were 0.047-1.56 and 0.094-3.125 mg/ml respectively for Gram-positive organisms. This study suggest that A. catechu nut extract can be a potential source for developing antibacterial agents against Gram-positive bacteria which are commonly found on human oral cavity and responsible for dental caries.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 31, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2014, pp 19-23