bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small-Scale Renewable Energy Systems in the Development of Distributed Generation in Poland
Authors: Chodkowska-Miszczuk Justyna
Published: August 2014

Small-scale renewable energy systems in the context of the development of distributed generation, are discussed for the case of Poland. A distributed energy system is efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, and is one of the most recent trends in the development of the energy sector in Poland. One of the important dimensions of this process is the creation of micro- and small-power producers based on renewable, locally-available energy sources. It is clear that the development of small-scale renewable energy producers takes place in two ways. One of these is through small hydropower plants, which are the aftermath of hydropower development in areas traditionally associated with water use for energy purposes (northern and western Poland). The second is through other renewable energy sources, mainly biogas and solar energy and located primarily in southern Poland, in highly urbanized areas (e.g. Śląskie Voivodship). In conclusion, the development of small-scale renewable energy systems in Poland is regarded as a good option with respect to sustainable development.
A Curse of Coal? Exploring Unintended Regional Consequences of Coal Energy in The Czech Republic
Authors: Frantál Bohumil , Nováková Eva
Published: August 2014

Focusing on coal energy from a geographical perspective, the unintended regional consequences of coal mining and combustion in the Czech Republic are discussed and analysed in terms of the environmental injustice and resource curse theories. The explorative case study attempts to identify significant associations between the spatially uneven distribution of coal power plants and the environmental and socioeconomic characteristics and development trends of affected areas. The findings indicate that the coal industries have contributed to slightly above average incomes and pensions, and have provided households with some technical services such as district heating. However, these positive effects have come at high environmental and health costs paid by the local populations. Above average rates of unemployment, homelessness and crime indicate that the benefits have been unevenly distributed economically. A higher proportion of uneducated people and ethnic minorities in affected districts suggest that coal energy is environmentally unjust.
Petrological implications of the Early Mesozoic lamprophyre dikes and related Tarkhata syenites (SE Altai and NW Mongolia)
Authors: Vasyukova Elena A. , Borisenko Alexander S.
Published: August 2014

This paper presents new data derived from field sampling and from a thorough description of lamprophyres located in southeastern Altai and northwestern Mongolia in terms of their mineralogy, textures, and chemical composition. The swarms of alkaline mafic dikes in the area coexist with granosyenite-monzodiorite and gabbro-dolerite intrusions and spatially coincide with an ore district of Sb-Hg, Ag-Sb, Ni-Co-As, Cu-Mo-W, and CaF2 hydrothermal mineralization. All lamprophyres belong to the Early Mesozoic Chuya complex formed in an intracontinental enviroment. Their distribution and orientation is controlled by two large fault zones. The Chuya dikes were investigated at two localities, namely, Yustyd and South-Chuya. The Yustyd lamprophyres intrude Middle-Upper Devonian black shale of the Yustyd depression. At South Chuya, lamprophyres, together with the Tarkhata granosyenite-monzodiorite complex, are hosted by Cambrian and Ordovician metamorphic rocks of the South-Chuya Range. Ar-Ar (phlogopite) and U-Pb (SHRIMP, zircon) ages of the lamprophyre dikes indicate long and continuous period of the formation of the Chuya complex (250-235 Ma). Major- and trace-element compositions of the lamprophyres from both localities and of the syenite indicate their origin from the same magma source. The textures and structures of the lamprophyre and plutonic rocks, their mineral assemblages and the chemistry of the rock-forming minerals provide clues to the evolution of the parental alkaline mafic magma and fluid regime.
Megacrysts of kyanite from Baranec Mt., Western Tatra Mountains, Slovakia
Authors: Pyka Paulina , Szopa Krzysztof , Gawęda Aleksandra
Published: August 2014

Large crystals of kyanite (<15 cm in size) occur in quartz segregations in Paleozoic gneissses on Baranec Mt., Western Tatra Mountains, northern Slovakia. Blue kyanite crystals coexist with quartz and plagioclase. The kyanite contains inclusions of apatite, monazite. gamet, rutile and biotite and overgrowths of retrograde sillimanite. muscovite and biotite. The kyanite crystals are the largest found up to now in the Tatra crystalline massif or in the other Western Carpathians crystalline cores. Kyanite. with the co-existing mineral assemblage, is indicative of a HP stage duiing Hercynian metamorphism of the Western Tatra Mountains.
Digital Signal Processing Applied to the Modernization Of Polish Navy Sonars
Authors: Marszal Jacek
Published: August 2014

The article presents the equipment and digital signal processing methods used for modernizing the Polish Navy’s sonars. With the rapid advancement of electronic technologies and digital signal processing methods, electronic systems, including sonars, become obsolete very quickly. In the late 1990s a team of researchers of the Department of Marine Electronics Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, Gdansk University of Technology, began work on modernizing existing sonar systems for the Polish Navy. As part of the effort, a methodology of sonar modernization was implemented involving a complete replacement of existing electronic components with newly designed ones by using bespoke systems and methods of digital signal processing. Large and expensive systems of ultrasound transducers and their dipping and stabilisation systems underwent necessary repairs but were otherwise left unchanged. As a result, between 2001 and 2014 the Gdansk University of Technology helped to modernize 30 sonars of different types.
A Multi-gene Analysis Reveals Multiple Highly Divergent Lineages of The Isopod Chelator Insignis (Hansen, 1916) South of Iceland
Authors: Brix Saskia , Svavarsson Jörundur , Leese Florian
Published: August 2014

The eurybathic isopod speciesChelator insignisshows a wide distribution south of Iceland. We analysed 51 specimens from shelf (213–305 m depth), slope (885–891 m and 1380–1390 m depth) and deep-sea habitats (2750 m) south of Iceland with different DNA markers. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) was studied for 47 specimens, 16S was studied for 36 specimens, and a fragment for the 18S rRNA gene could be amplified for 11 specimens. For the COI data, specimens clustered into five distinct lineages each separated by ≥20% uncorrected pairwise distances. Both the mitochondrial 16S and the nuclear 18S sequence data further support this deep divergence, suggesting the presence of overlooked species inside the nominalC. insignis. Populations on the shelf occurring east and west of the Reykjanes Ridge were genetically identical suggesting that this ridge is not a barrier to gene flow. However, populations from different depth ranges differed substantially. Our multi-gene analysis suggests that the newly found species likely have more narrow vertical distribution ranges and highlights a possible role of bathymetry in speciation processes.
Discovery of Swimming Males of Paratanaoidea (Tanaidacea)
Authors: Błażewicz-Paszkowycz Magdalena , Jennings Robert M. , Jeskulke Karen , Brix Saskia
Published: August 2014

In Tanaidacea morphological identification of male individuals to the species level is complicated by two factors: the presence of multiple male stages/instars confuse the assessment of sexual stage while strong sexual dimorphism within several families obscures the morphological affinities of undescribed males to described females. Males of Paratanaoidea are often morphologically quite different from females and have not been discovered for most genera so far, which has led to the assumption that some tanaidaceans might have parthenogenetic reproduction or simply have undeveloped secondary sex traits. As a part ofthe IceAGE project (Icelandic marine Animals: Genetics and Ecology), with the support of molecular methods, the first evidence for the existence of highly dimorphic (swimming) males in four families of the superfamily Paratanaoidea (Agathotanaidae, Cryptocopidae, Akanthophoreidae, and Typhlotanaidae) is presented. This study suggests that these males might be the next instars after juvenile or preparatory males, which are morphologically similar to females. It has been assumed that “juvenile” males with a restricted ability for swimming (e.g., undeveloped pleopods) have matured testes, are capable of reproduction, and mate with females nearby, while swimming males can mate with distant females. Our explanation of the dimorphism in Tanaidomorpha lies in the fact that males of some species (e.g.,Nototanais) retain the same lifestyle or niche as the females, so secondary traits improve their ability to guard females and successfully mate. Males of other species that have moved into a regime (niche) different than that of the female have acquired complex morphological changes (e.g.,Typhlotanais).
Comparison of 3-Dimensional Shoulder Complex Kinematics in Individuals With and Without Shoulder Pain, Part 1: Sternoclavicular, Acromioclavicular, and Scapulothoracic Joints
Authors: Lawrence Rebekah L. , Braman Jonathan P. , LaPrade Robert F. , Ludewig Paula M.
Published: August 2014

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Objectives

To compare sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and scapulothoracic joint motion between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals during shoulder motion performed in 3 planes of humerothoracic elevation.

Background

Differences in scapulothoracic kinematics are associated with shoulder pain. Several studies have measured these differences using surface sensors, but the results of this technique may be affected by skin-motion artifact. Furthermore, previous studies have not included the simultaneous measurement of sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joint motion.

Methods

Transcortical bone pins were inserted into the clavicle, scapula, and humerus of 12 asymptomatic and 10 symptomatic individuals for direct, bone-fixed tracking using electromagnetic sensors. Angular positions for the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and scapulothoracic joints were measured during shoulder flexion, abduction, and scapular plane abduction.

Results

Differences between groups were found for sternoclavicular and scapulothoracic joint positions. Symptomatic individuals consistently demonstrated less sternoclavicular posterior rotation, regardless of angle, phase, or plane of shoulder motion. Symptomatic individuals also demonstrated less scapulothoracic upward rotation at 30° and 60° of humerothoracic elevation during shoulder abduction and scapular plane abduction.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that differences in shoulder complex kinematics exist between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. However, the magnitude of these differences was small, and the resulting clinical implications are not yet fully understood. The biomechanical coupling of the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints requires further research to better understand scapulothoracic movement deviations and to improve manual therapy and exercise-based physical therapy interventions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(9):636–645. Epub 7 August 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5339
Efficacy of Microbials as Insecticides for the Management of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Fruitworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)
Authors: Rahman AKMZ , Haque MA , Alam SN , Dutta NK
Published: August 2014

The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Entomology Division, BARI, Gazipur during Rabi 2007-08. Two microbial insecticides HaNPV @ 0.4ml/L and Bt @ 2g/L along with their combination were tested against H. armigera. The lowest fruit infestation, both in number and weight, was obtained from treatment HaNPV and Bt alternate spraying (11.78%, 9.64%), followed by Bt (13.25%, 10.85%) and HaNPV (17.67%, 13.11%). The highest fruit yield (16.92 t/ha) was obtained from HaNPV and Bt alternate spraying plots followed by Bt (16.65 t/ha) and HaNPV (14.73 t/ha). In case of MBCR, the highest MBCR was obtained from HaNPV and Bt alternate spraying (5.30) followed by HaNPV (4.46) and Bt (3.37). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19583 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 68-74
Pond Fish Farming under NGO Support and Individual Management: A Comparative Socioeconomic Study
Authors: Uddin MT , Akhi K
Published: August 2014

The study was conducted to compare the profitability of fish farming under NGO support and individual management and to evaluate the overall impact of NGO intervention on farmers income. A total of 120 farmers (60 for own management and 60 for NGO support) were selected following random sampling technique for data collection from both Mymensingh and Tangail District. The data were collected through direct interview from the selected fish farmers. Data were analyzed with a combination of tabular and functional analysis. The BCR was 1.9 for own management and 2.4 for NGO supported pond fish farming which shows that the fish farming is more profitable under NGO support. The Ravallion test results showed that the income was increased by the amount of Tk. 32500 due to NGOs intervention. Cobb-Douglas production function analysis was done to determine the effects of variables on pond fish production. Out of six variables, three variables in case of own management and four variables in case of NGO support had significant impact on per acre output of fish production. The results of the efficiency computation indicated that labour, feed and lime and medicine were being underutilized and fingerlings and irrigation were being over utilized for own managed pond. Under NGO supported pond, labour, fingerlings and lime and medicine were being underutilized and feed and irrigation were being over utilized. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19584 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 75-84
Attitude of the Rural Elite Farmers towards Extension Activities Performed by Personnel of Department of Agricultural Extension
Authors: Arifullah M , Zahan A , Rana MM , Adil M , Shamsunnaher Shamsunnaher
Published: August 2014

The main purpose of the study was to ascertain the attitude of rural elite farmers towards extension activities performed by Upazilla Agricultural Extension personnel of DAE and to explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of the respondents and their extent of attitude towards those extension activities under reference. The study was conducted in two unions, namely Ratanpur and Rasullabad covering 5 villages of Nabinagar Upazilla under Brahmanbaria District. Data were collected from the rural elite farmers using a pre- tested interview schedule during 15th May 2009 to 10th June 2009. It was found that the highest proportion (43.14%) of the respondents had moderate favourable attitude compared to 33.33 percent having high favourable attitude and 23.53 percent less favourable attitude. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) test was used to ascertain the relationships between the concerned dependent and independent variables of the study. Findings revealed that education, farm size, time spent for farm work, organizational participation, extension contact and knowledge on agriculture of elite rural farmers showed positive significant relationship while age and annual family income did not show any such relationship with their attitude towards extension activities performed by Upazilla Agricultural Extension Personnel of DAE. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19586 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 96-102
Cultural Characteristics, Virulence and In-vitro Chemical Control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli of Bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Siddique SS , Bhuiyan MKA , Momotaz R , Bari GMM , Rahman MH
Published: August 2014

An experiment was conducted at Microbiology Laboratory of Plant Pathology Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) during 2007 to determine the virulence and variation in symptom development by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli isolates at different growth stages such as emergence and early vegetative stage, branching and rapid vegetative growth stage and early flowering stage of Bush bean, and in-vitro control of the pathogen with the selected fungicides. Eight isolates of this pathogen were collected from different pathology laboratory of BARI, BAU and BSMRAU. IS3 isolate collected from Bushbean seeds were found most virulent in pathogenicity test such as pre-emergence mortality, root rot, root lesion, leaf yellowing and wilting when this isolate was inoculated at different growth stages of bush bean. Four fungicides such as Vitavax, Rovral, Cupravit and Aimcozim were evaluated invitro to test the efficacy against isolate IS3. Aimcozim at different concentration (50-400 ppm) was found most effective in in-vitro evaluation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19865 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 103-110
Growth and Yield of Different Size-Seedling Tubers Derived from True Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Seeds as Influenced by Clump Planting
Authors: Rojoni RN , Roy TS , Sarkar M D , Kabir K , Ullah A
Published: August 2014

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during November 2010 to March 2011. Four levels of seedling tuber size, viz. 6-<7 g (S1), 7-<8 g (S2), 8-<9 g (S3) and, 9-?10 g (S4) and three levels of seedling tuber, viz. 1 hill-1 (N1), 2 hill-1 (N2) and 3 hill-1 (N3) were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. At harvest, the tallest plant (82.17 cm), highest number of leaves plant-1 (83.30), highest LAI (6.23), tubers weight hill-1 (128.90 g) and tuber yield ha-1 (25.78 t) were found in S4, while the lowest was in S1. On the other hand, the tallest plant (74.91 cm), highest number of leaves plant-1 (74.45), highest LAI (5.41), tubers weight hill-1 (123.95 g) and tuber yield ha-1 (24.79 t) were found in N3, while the lowest was in N1. The tallest plant (85.09 cm), highest number of leaves plant-1 (87.97), highest LAI (6.64), tubers weight hill-1 (138.35 g) and tuber yield ha-1 (27.67 t) were found in S4N3 and the lowest gross tuber yield ha-1(12.83 t) was from S1N1. Large seedling tuber with single seedling tuber hill-1 performed better. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19866 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 111-121
Efficacy of Botanicals against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Tomato
Authors: Rahman AKMZ , Haque MH , Alam SN , Mahmudunnabi M , Dutta NK
Published: August 2014

Four botanicals viz., mahogany oil, mahogany seed extract, tobacco leaf extract, neem seed kernel extract along with one synthetic chemical, cypermethrin were tested for their efficacies against H. armigera. The lowest fruit infestation, both by number and weight, was observed in neem seed kernel extract (27.15%, 22.29%) treated plot which was statistically similar to tobacco leaf extract (27.71%, 23.31%) treated plot and cypermethrin (28.87%, 25.44%) treated fruits. While no significant difference was found among mahogany oil, mahogany seed extract and control treatments. Percent infestation reduction over control was the highest in neem seed kernel extract (30.08%) followed by tobacco leaf extract (28.68%). The highest yield (18.14 t/ha) and the highest MBCR (2.99) were also obtained from neem seed kernel extract treated fruits. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19868 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 131-139
A Study on the Different Forms of Potassium in the Low Ganges River Floodplain Soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MH , Farazi MM , Rahman MA , Mamun MMA , Begum K
Published: August 2014

Bangladesh has been divided into 30 Agro ecological Regions (AEZ). Agricultural research, and technology generation and transfer activities have been carried out on this basis. In context of the lack of enough information on different forms of potassium in the soils of the 30 AEZ, an attempt was made to study different forms of potassium of important soils of Bangladesh. As a part of this attempt, an experiment with ten soil samples representing nine different soil series (two of Gopalpur series and one each of Sara, Ishurdi, Ghior, Batra, Sukdebpur, Kumarkhali, Pakuria and Mehendigonj) of the AEZ-12, Low Ganges River Floodplain, was carried out in the Laboratory of the Department of soil science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to find out the different forms of potassium. The highest value of water soluble potassium (0.08 cmol (+) K g-1) was obtained in Mehendiganj soil series and the lowest value (0.05 cmol (+) K g-1) was obtained in Gopalpur-1, 2 and Ishurdi soil series. The highest amount of exchangeable K (0.29 cmol (+) K g-1) was found in Batra soil series while the lowest (0.13 cmol (+) K g-1) in Gopalpur-1 soil series. The highest amount of available K (0.35 cmol (+) K g-1) was found in both Batra and Mehendiganj soil series while the lowest (0.18 cmol (+) K g-1) in Gopalpur-1 soil series. Considering 0.12 cmol (+) K g-1 as critical limit (BARC, 2012), all soils had available K above the critical level. The highest amount of non-exchangeable K (4.05cmol (+) K g-1) was found in Ghior soil series, while the lowest (2.52 cmol (+) K g-1) was in Mehendiganj soil series. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19869 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 140-147
Drug utilization study in orthopaedic units: Antibiotics prescribed in hospital out-patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Bithi Seheli Sejuti , Khan Md. Minhazur Rahman , Khan Ahsan Ullah
Published: August 2014

Antibiotics are generally prescribed for both as prophylactically (before orthopaedics surgery etc.) or to treat ongoing infection (like septic arthritis, osteomyelitis etc.) in the orthopaedics department. But if antibiotics are not use rationally then there will be increase chances of resistance of bacteria as also as deteriorate the patients disease condition which ultimately increase the total cost of treatment. The goal of this study was to see the antibiotics utilization pattern. A prospective cross-sectional, multicentre drug utilization study was conducted for a period of 3 months to evaluate the pattern of antibiotics use in orthopaedic unit of various hospitals of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. A total of 498 prescriptions were studied; in which 160 prescriptions contained mono-antibiotic therapy (51.79%) and 147 prescriptions contained poly-antibiotics therapy (48.21%) and the beta-lactam antibiotics were most commonly prescribed (81.68%). Mono-antibiotics prescriptions were the common pattern than combination and brand name has been prescribed frequently than generic. To minimize cost, it is advisable to promote prescription of generic drugs. Also justifying efforts are needed to improve appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy and minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance. Hence the results of the study showed that there is a considerable scope for improvement in the prescription pattern.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i9.19896 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, August 2014, 3(9): 318-321
CRP in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke in Bangladesh
Authors: Amin Md Robed , Mohammad Hanif , Ahmed Kazi Gias Uddin , Sarkar Devendra Nath
Published: August 2014

Objectives: This aim of the study was to evaluate CRP and the risk factors in ischaemic stroke. Methods: This case control study was carried out from January 2006 to December 2007 in the department of Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka in all the OPD and admitted stroke patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Out of 30 patients with ischaemic stroke 28(93.3%) patients had positive C-reactive protein value. 37% stroke patients were smoker. Mean total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL level were higher and mean HDL level was lower among stroke patients in comparison to controls. 17% of stroke patients were suffering from diabetes mellitus & 80% of stroke patients were hypertensive. Conclusion: C-reactive protein is elevated in the acute phase of ischa emic stroke and could present a prognostic marker.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19859 J Medicine 2014; 15: 41-47
A Giant Bulla of the Lung Mimicking Hydro-pneumothorax with Contra Lateral Mediastenal Shifting
Authors: Chatterjee Surajit , Saha Rajatsubhra , Chakraborty Ritam
Published: August 2014

Herein, we report a case of giant bulla of the left lung in a 35 years old woman mimicking tension puemothorax.Based on initial clinico-radiological parameters, she was treated with intercostal tube drain and as her condition did not improve after chest tube insertion, she was referred to our centre. Computed tomography of thorax was done and it was reported to be a large hydropeumothorax causing compression collapse of left lung .We decided to plan for thoracotomy and it was revealed a large bulla arising from left lower lobe which was resected with significant radiological recovery. Giant bulla should be included in the differential diagnosis of pneumothorax.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19871 J Medicine 2014; 15: 48-50
Coarctation of Aorta as Shown in CT Aortogram
Authors: Faruque Md. , Rashid M A , Iqbal Md. Jabed , Rahman F , Siddique Md. Mahmudur Rahman
Published: August 2014

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart disease where there is constriction of Aorta. Coarctation accounts for 15-20 % of congenital cardiac defects and is more common in males than in females. It occurs in 1 of 10,000 live births. Coarctation of the aorta is a condition for which surgical outcomes are good and children will lead normal and healthy lives without restriction of their activity. They will typically catch up in growth and have normal development following the recovery period of the surgery. Coarctation of the aorta is typically treated by surgery to remove the narrowed segment of the aorta. Typically the surgery is best done when the child is between 18 and 24 months of age. Sometimes coarctation can be corrected by a balloon angioplasty procedure done during cardiac catheterization. A plastic tube will be inserted in the narrowed segment and a balloon in the tube will be inflated to stretch the narrowed segment. Sometimes a mess tube is then inserted (called a stent) to hold the vessel open. Some infants will be very sick, requiring care in the intensive care unit (ICU) prior to the procedure and could possibly even need emergency repair of the coarctation. Others, exhibiting few symptoms, will have the repair scheduled on a less urgent basis. A small device, called a stent, may also be placed in the narrowed area after the balloon dilation to keep the aorta open. Overnight observation in the hospital is generally required.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19872 J Medicine 2014; 15: 51-54
Life Threatening Complications of Chicken Pox in a Young Adult
Authors: Chowdhury Mostofa Kamal , Siddique Ashfaque Ahmed , Haque Md. Manjurul , Ali Shaida , Biswas Sarmistha , Biswas Prodip Kumar , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: August 2014

Chicken pox is a self-limiting, infectious disease caused by Varicella-zoster virus (VZV). In adults though rare, severe form of disease may cause complications like hepatitis, pneumonia, encephalitis. We present here a case of young male with life threatening complications of chicken pox who survived due to prompt & timely management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19873 J Medicine 2014; 15: 55-57
Generalized Lymphadenapathy - An Unusual Presentation of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Das Aparna , Chowdhury Maruf H , Mostafa A B M G , Hasan M , Kahhar M A
Published: August 2014

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown origin. It is manifested pathologically by the presence of noncaseating granulomas containing multinucleated giant cells,although other granulomatous diseases may produce identical findings. The vast majority of patients have thoracic sarcoidosis with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and/or bronchonodular pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiographs. About 40% of patients have extrathoracic disease involving the eye, skin, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, heart, and musculoskeletal or nervous system. Here we report a case of sarcoidosis who presented only with generalized lymphadenopathy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19874 J Medicine 2014; 15: 58-60
A Case of Bilateral Endobronchial Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mimicking Asthma
Authors: Sarkar Anirban , Das Anirban , Das Sibes Kumar , Das Soumya , Choudhury Sabyasachi
Published: August 2014

Partial or complete obstruction of bronchial tree by endobronchial tumours results in obstructive hyperinflation, non  resolving pneumonia, or atelectasis. Partial endobronchial obstruction may be associated with wheezes, which mimic asthmatic attack, non  responding to inhaled medications. Here, we report a rare case of bilateral endobronchial squamous cell carcinoma, presenting with obstructive hyperinflation and wheezes, which was wrongly diagnosed as difficult asthma in a forty  year old male. Histopathology of endobronchial biopsy tissue ultimately revealed the truth.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19875 J Medicine 2014; 15: 61-63
Papulonecrotic Tuberculide: A Case Report
Authors: Begum SM Khodeza Nahar , Arif Abdus Salam , Siddiqui Md. Mahmudur Rahman , Kahhar Azizul , Chowdhury Tarana , Khan Omid
Published: August 2014

A 20 year old lady presented with asymptomatic papulo-pustular eruption over upper, lower extremities and the abdomen. There was no manifestation of tuberculosis elsewhere in the body. Investigations were suggestive of papulonecrotic tuberculide.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19876 J Medicine 2014; 15: 64-67
Sarcoglycanopathy - A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mustafa Ekramul , Khandaker Md. Azizul Hasan , Rashid Md. Mamunur , Ghose Swapon Kumar , Chowdhury Mostofa Kamal
Published: August 2014

Sarcoglycanopathies are relatively rare progressive muscular dystrophies with autosomal recessive inheritance designated as a, b, g, or d sarcoglycanopath.; which belong to the group of limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) and are caused by mutations in any of the four sarcoglycan genes: alpha (LGMD 2D), beta (LGMD 2E), gamma (LGMD 2C) and delta (LGMD 2F). The phenotype resembles dystrophinopathies due to proximal muscle weakness and calf hypertrophy. Reports from Bangladesh are scarce. We report a rare case of primary sarcoglycanopathy (SGP) which emphasizes the evolving concept of dystrophinopathy to sarco-glycanopathy and describe literature pertaining to this rare entity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19880 J Medicine 2014; 15: 77-79
Sigmoid Volvulus in Acromegalic Patient; Successful Surgical Management of Sigmoid Volvulus and Pituitary Macroadenoma: A Case Report
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad H , Kawsar Khandkar A , Kawsar Khandkar A , Haque Mohammod R , Haque Mohammod R , Haque AFMM , Haque AFMM
Published: August 2014

Sigmoid volvulus in acromegalic patients is very rare. Here we report a case of sigmoid volvulus in an acromegalic patient who refused surgical treatment for pituitary macroadenoma after initial diagnosis five years back. Sigmoid volvulus was managed successfully by emergency laparotomy and sigmoid colectomy followed by primary end to end anastomosis. Six weeks later she underwent endonasal transsphenoidal removal of pituitary tumor. Postoperatively she improved gradaully and Post operative MRI of brain showed no residual tumor but still her serum GH level is high even after 12 months. So we advised her for radiotherapy. She is scheduled for regular follow up with clinical and investigational assessments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19882 J Medicine 2014; 15: 84-86
Rare Association Between Pernicious Anemia and Neurogenic Bladder  A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Apolônio Lucas P M , Junior Geraldo B Silva , Dantas Amanda M M , Duarte Pastora M A , Silva Sônia L , Daher Elizabeth F
Published: August 2014

Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, being characterized by destruction of the gastric mucosa and the presence of auto-antibodies. We describe a rare case of neurogenic bladder associated with pernicious anemia. The neurologic manifestations (muscular weakness) were partially reversed with vitamin B12 replacement, but the vesical symptoms persisted. It is important to investigate the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency in cases of neurogenic bladder.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19883 J Medicine 2014; 15: 87-90
Nodular Prurigo as Initial Presentation of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Authors: Das Anirban , Sarkar Samir K. , Das Debabrata , Das Sibes Kumar
Published: August 2014

No abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19888 J Medicine 2014; 15: 102-103
Obituary - Professor Dr. A K M Rafiqueuddin (1949  2013)
Authors: Ahasan H A M Nazmul
Published: August 2014

No abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19889 J Medicine 2014; 15: 105
Selection of a Visible-Light vs. Thermal Infrared Sensor in Dynamic Environments Based on Confidence Measures
Authors: Serrano-Cuerda Juan , Fernández-Caballero Antonio , López María
Published: August 2014

This paper introduces a confidence measure scheme in a bimodal camera setup for automatically selecting visible-light or a thermal infrared in response to natural environmental changes. The purpose of the setup is to robustly detect people in dynamic outdoor scenarios under very different conditions. For this purpose, two efficient segmentation algorithms, one dedicated to the visible-light spectrum and another one to the thermal infrared spectrum, are implemented. The segmentation algorithms are applied to five different video sequences recorded under very different environmental conditions. The results of the segmentation in both spectra allow one to establish the best-suited confidence interval thresholds and to validate the overall approach. Indeed, the confidence measures take linguistic values LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH, depending on the reliability of the results obtained in visible-light, as well as in thermal infrared video.
The Longer You Stay, the Worse Your Health? A Critical Review of the Negative Acculturation Theory among Asian Immigrants
Authors: Ro Annie
Published: August 2014

Researchers have become increasingly interested in the health patterns of immigrants with longer residence in the United States, as this reveals the health consequences of integration processes. The negative acculturation effect has been the dominant interpretation of duration patterns, despite empirical and theoretical uncertainties about this assumption. This theory assumes that immigrant health declines with longer residence in the United States because of poorer health behaviors and health risks that reflect Americanized lifestyles. This paper reviews the empirical support for the negative acculturation theory among Asian immigrants to determine if and when it is an appropriate interpretation for duration patterns. I conclude that empirical inconsistencies and methodological issues limit the negative acculturation theory as the primary interpretation for duration patterns. First, there is no consistent evidence that health behaviors decline with time. There is also substantial group heterogeneity in duration patterns as well as heterogeneity across health outcomes. The literature has not adequately addressed methodological shortcomings, such as confounding by cohort effects or non-linear duration patterns. Length of residence in the United States is still an important aspect of Asian immigrant health, but the mechanisms of this relationship are still understudied. I propose alternative frameworks between duration and health that consider environmental influences and end with future research directions to explore research gaps.
Physical Activity and the Perceived Neighbourhood Environment — Looking at the Association the Other Way Around
Authors: Wallmann-Sperlich Birgit , Froboese Ingo , Schantz Peter
Published: August 2014

The association between physical activity (PA) and variables of the perceived environment mainly originate from cross-sectional studies that introduced the idea that the environment influences the PA level of residents. However, the direction of cause and effect has not been solved with finality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether residents’ perception of their proximate environment differs depending on their level of PA in transport and recreation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with residents of six different parts of the city of Cologne, Germany. The sample of 470 adults (52.8% females; mean age = 35.5 ± 13.8 years) filled in the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), as well as the European Environmental Questionnaire ALPHA. To distinguish between residents with “low” and “high” PA, we split the samples into two on the basis of the specific median in transport- and recreation-related PA. In the “high” vs. “low” PA group of the overall sample, we noted 4%–16% more “PA favourable” environmental perceptions in seven of the 15 environmental variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of socio-demographic correlates and transport- and recreation-related PA on the dependent variables of the environmental perception. In this case, levels of PA were significant predictors for eight of the 15 items concerning environmental perceptions. Thus, the present study introduces the idea that residents with higher levels of transport and recreational PA may perceive their environment in a more “PA-favourable” way than residents with lower levels.
Biosurfactant Mediated Biosynthesis of Selected Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Płaza Grażyna , Chojniak Joanna , Banat Ibrahim
Published: August 2014

Developing a reliable experimental protocol for the synthesis of nanomaterials is one of the challenging topics in current nanotechnology particularly in the context of the recent drive to promote green technologies in their synthesis. The increasing need to develop clean, nontoxic and environmentally safe production processes for nanoparticles to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste and increase energy efficiency has become essential in this field. Consequently, recent studies on the use of microorganisms in the synthesis of selected nanoparticles are gaining increased interest as they represent an exciting area of research with considerable development potential. Microorganisms are known to be capable of synthesizing inorganic molecules that are deposited either intra- or extracellularly. This review presents a brief overview of current research on the use of biosurfactants in the biosynthesis of selected metallic nanoparticles and their potential importance.
The Inflammation-Related Gene S100A12 Is Positively Regulated by C/EBPβ and AP-1 in Pigs
Authors: Li Xinyun , Tang Juan , Xu Jing , Zhu Mengjin , Cao Jianhua , Liu Ying , Yu Mei , Zhao Shuhong
Published: August 2014

S100A12 is involved in the inflammatory response and is considered an important marker for many inflammatory diseases in humans. Our previous studies indicated that the S100A12 gene was abundant in the immune tissues of pigs and was significantly upregulated during infection with Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) or porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). In this study, the mechanism of transcriptional regulation of S100A12 was investigated in pigs. Our results showed that S100A12, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) genes were up-regulated in PK-15 (ATCC, CCL-33) cells when treated with LPS or Poly I: C. Additionally, the promoter activity and expression level of the S100A12 gene were significantly upregulated when C/EBPβ or AP-1 were overexpressed. We utilized electromobility shift assays (EMSA) to confirm that C/EBPβ and AP-1 could directly bind the S100A12 gene promoter. We also found that the transcriptional activity and expression levels of C/EBPβ and AP-1 could positively regulate each other. Furthermore, the promoter activity of the S100A12 gene was higher when C/EBPβ and AP-1 were cotransfected than when they were transfected individually. We concluded that the S100A12 gene was cooperatively and positively regulated by C/EBPβ and AP-1 in pigs. Our study offers new insight into the transcriptional regulation of the S100A12 gene.
The Skeletal Amino Acid Composition of the Marine Demosponge Aplysina cavernicola
Authors: Ueberlein Susanne , Machill Susanne , Niemann Hendrik , Proksch Peter , Brunner Eike
Published: August 2014

It has been discovered during the past few years that demosponges of the order Verongida such as Aplysina cavernicola exhibit chitin-based skeletons. Verongida sponges are well known to produce bioactive brominated tyrosine derivatives. We could recently demonstrate that brominated compounds do not exclusively occur in the cellular matrix but also in the skeletons of the marine sponges Aplysina cavernicola and Ianthella basta. Our measurements imply that these yet unknown compounds are strongly, possibly covalently bound to the sponge skeletons. In the present work, we determined the skeletal amino acid composition of the demosponge A. cavernicola especially with respect to the presence of halogenated amino acids. The investigations of the skeletons before and after MeOH extraction confirmed that only a small amount of the brominated skeleton-bound compounds dissolves in MeOH. The main part of the brominated compounds is strongly attached to the skeletons but can be extracted for example by using Ba(OH)2. Various halogenated tyrosine derivatives were identified by GC-MS and LC-MS in these Ba(OH)2 extracts of the skeletons.
Structural Elucidation of Novel Saponins in the Sea Cucumber Holothuria lessoni
Authors: Bahrami Yadollah , Zhang Wei , Chataway Tim , Franco Chris
Published: August 2014

Sea cucumbers are prolific producers of a wide range of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to purify and characterize one class of compound, the saponins, from the viscera of the Australian sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni. The saponins were obtained by ethanolic extraction of the viscera and enriched by a liquid-liquid partition process and adsorption column chromatography. A high performance centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) was applied to the saponin-enriched mixture to obtain saponins with high purity. The resultant purified saponins were profiled using MALDI-MS/MS and ESI-MS/MS which revealed the structure of isomeric saponins to contain multiple aglycones and/or sugar residues. We have elucidated the structure of five novel saponins, Holothurins D/E and Holothurinosides X/Y/Z, along with seven reported triterpene glycosides, including sulfated and non-sulfated saponins containing a range of aglycones and sugar moieties, from the viscera of H. lessoni. The abundance of novel compounds from this species holds promise for biotechnological applications.
Antiproliferative Effect of the Isoquinoline Alkaloid Papaverine in Hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 Cells — Inhibition of Telomerase and Induction of Senescence
Authors: Noureini Sakineh , Wink Michael
Published: August 2014

Cancer cells are often immortal through up-regulation of the hTERT gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of a special reverse transcriptase to overcome end-replication problem of chromosomes. This study demonstrates that papaverine, an isoquinoline alkaloid from the Papaveraceae, can overcome telomerase dependent immortality of HepG-2 cells that was used as a model of hepatocarcinoma. Although this alkaloid does not directly interact with telomeric sequences, papaverine inhibits telomerase through down-regulation of hTERT, which was analysed using thermal FRET and qRT-PCR, respectively. The IC50 values for the reduction of both telomerase activity and hTERT expression was 60 µM, while IC50 for cytotoxicity was 120 µM. Repeated treatments of the cells with very low non-toxic concentrations of papaverine resulted in growth arrest and strong reduction of population doublings after 40 days. This treatment induced senescent morphology in HepG-2 cells, which was evaluated by beta-galactosidase staining. Altogether, papaverine can be regarded as a promising model compound for drug design targeting cancer development.
The Effects of Fructose-Containing Sugars on Weight, Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors When Consumed at up to the 90th Percentile Population Consumption Level for Fructose
Authors: Lowndes Joshua , Sinnett Stephanie , Yu Zhiping , Rippe James
Published: August 2014

The American Heart Association (AHA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have recommended restricting calories from added sugars at lower levels than the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations, which are incorporated in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 (DGAs 2010). Sucrose (SUC) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) have been singled out for particular concern, because of their fructose content, which has been specifically implicated for its atherogenic potential and possible role in elevating blood pressure through uric acid-mediated endothelial dysfunction. This study explored the effects when these sugars are consumed at typical population levels up to the 90th percentile population consumption level for fructose. Three hundred fifty five overweight or obese individuals aged 20–60 years old were placed on a eucaloric diet for 10 weeks, which incorporated SUC- or HFCS-sweetened, low-fat milk at 8%, 18% or 30% of calories. There was a slight change in body weight in the entire cohort (169.1 ± 30.6 vs. 171.6 ± 31.8 lbs, p < 0.01), a decrease in HDL (52.9 ± 12.2 vs. 52.0 ± 13.9 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and an increase in triglycerides (104.1 ± 51.8 vs. 114.1 ± 64.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001). However, total cholesterol (183.5 ± 42.8 vs. 184.4 mg/dL, p > 0.05), LDL (110.3 ± 32.0 vs. 110.5 ± 38.9 mg/dL, p > 0.05), SBP (109.4 ± 10.9 vs. 108.3 ± 10.9 mmHg, p > 0.05) and DBP (72.1 ± 8.0 vs. 71.3 ± 8.0 mmHg, p > 0.05) were all unchanged. In no instance did the amount or type of sugar consumed affect the response to the intervention (interaction p > 0.05). These data suggest that: (1) when consumed as part of a normal diet, common fructose-containing sugars do not raise blood pressure, even when consumed at the 90th percentile population consumption level for fructose (five times the upper level recommended by the AHA and three times the upper level recommended by WHO); (2) changes in the lipid profile are mixed, but modest.
Dietary Fructose Reduction Improves Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Hispanic-American Adolescents with NAFLD
Authors: Jin Ran , Welsh Jean , Le Ngoc-Anh , Holzberg Jeffrey , Sharma Puneet , Martin Diego , Vos Miriam
Published: August 2014

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now thought to be the most common liver disease worldwide. Cardiovascular complications are a leading cause of mortality in NAFLD. Fructose, a common nutrient in the westernized diet, has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but its impact on adolescents with NAFLD is not well understood. We designed a 4-week randomized, controlled, double-blinded beverage intervention study. Twenty-four overweight Hispanic-American adolescents who had hepatic fat >8% on imaging and who were regular consumers of sweet beverages were enrolled and randomized to calorie-matched study-provided fructose only or glucose only beverages. After 4 weeks, there was no significant change in hepatic fat or body weight in either group. In the glucose beverage group there was significantly improved adipose insulin sensitivity, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. These findings demonstrate that reduction of fructose improves several important factors related to cardiovascular disease despite a lack of measurable improvement in hepatic steatosis. Reducing dietary fructose may be an effective intervention to blunt atherosclerosis progression among NAFLD patients and should be evaluated in longer term clinical trials.