bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ring Chromosome 13 in an Infant Girl
Authors: Jodeiry B , Rahmani SA , Javaherizadeh H , Mirnia K
Published: April 2014

Ring chromosome 13, is an uncommon genetic syndrome. We report a girl infant with ring chromosome 13. She is 2nd offspring of family. She had no family history of genetic disorder. Karyotype showed 46xx,r(13). She had hypertelorism, wide nasal bridge, and long philtrum. She is the first report of ring chromosome 13 in Iranian children. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.7961 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):74-76
Neonatal Empyema Thoracis
Authors: Mazumdar J , Sen S
Published: April 2014

Empyema thoracis, is a rare cause of respiratory distress in neonates. Only a few cases of neonatal empyema thoracis are described in medical literature. Empyema thoracis is not a well known entity in the neonates. It is fulminant with rapid progression with a high mortality. Compounding the problem is its uncertain etiopathogenesis and lack of definite treatment guidelines. We shall describe one case of neonatal empyema in a newborn aged five days caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The neonate died subsequently. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.8233   J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):65-67
Unilateral Agenesis of Lung, Kidney with Cardiac and Vertebral Defects a Rare Association
Authors: Maji B , Ganguly N , Ghosh A
Published: April 2014

Unilateral lung agenesis initially misdiagnosed as unilateral massive pleural effusion with collapse of lung, and after several investigations, including ultrasonography or CT scan of thorax, fibre-optic bronchoscopy or bronchography, a final diagnosis of unilateral absence of lung is made. An anomaly scan may also reveal associated renal, cardiac and vertebral defects. Here we report a 7 months old female who presented with respiratory distress since birth and after a thorough investigation, she was found to have this rare association of pulmonary-renal-cardiacvertebral defect. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.8898 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):77-79
Thinness as Major Underlying Problem Among Adolescents of Northeast India
Authors: Mondal N
Published: April 2014

Background: Undernutrition is a major public health concern in many of the developing countries of Asia. Due to immense population size, socioeconomic disparities, illiteracy and inadequate access to health facilities prevalence is very high in India. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of age-sex specific thinness (low BMI-for-age) among adolescents residing in rural regions in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study has conducted among 1165 adolescent (602 boys; 563 girls) aged 10-18 years of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements were height and weight obtained and BMI (weight/height2, kg/ m2) was calculated. The prevalence of thinness was assessed using newly proposed age-sex specific cut-offs of Cole et al. The data were analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA and Least Mean and Square (L,M and S) model approach. Results: Prevalence of overall thinness is 49.10% (51.16% boys, 46.89% girls) among rural adolescents. The boys are found to be more sufferer than girls in the different thinness grades include mild (grade I; 27.41% vs. 27.11%), moderate (grade II; 14.62% vs. 12.08%) and severe (grade III; 9.14% vs. 8.70%) (p>0.05). The age and sex specific smooth percentile curves of BMI were derived using L,M and S model approach for further evaluation of nutritional status. Conclusion: The existence of high prevalence of thinness among adolescents indicates nutritional deprivation among rural Indian adolescents. There is an urgent need of appropriate nutritional intervention program to address the public health problem related to undernutrition especially among nutritionally vulnerable segments of adolescents residing in rural regions to ameliorate the nutritional status DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.8922    J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):39-47
Randomized Control Trial of Kangaroo Mother Care in Low Birth Weight Babies at a Tertiary Level Hospital
Authors: Acharya N , Singh RR , Bhatta NK , Poudel P
Published: April 2014

Introduction: This study was conducted to compare the effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and conventional methods of care on weight gain, occurrence of hypothermia and apnea and duration of hospital stay among Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies. Materials and Methods: It was a randomized control trial conducted at a tertiary level hospital for a period of one year from June 2009 to May 2010. Total 126 stable LBW babies weighing less than 2000 gm and fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the study. Neonates enrolled for the study were allocated to either KMC or control group using random number table. KMC group was subjected to Kangaroo mother care of at least six hours per day in not more than four sittings. In control group, babies were adequately clothed, covered and kept with their mother and if required were kept under radiant warmer. Recording of temperature in KMC group was done before, during and after KMC. In control group temperature was taken every 4 hours. Weighing of baby was done twice daily on electronic weighing scale. Results: Median daily weight gain (IQR) was 10 (6- 20) gm in KMC group as compared to 7 (0-10) gm in control group (p<0.001). Mean weight gain was 12.11±9.04 gm in KMC group as compared to 3.29±15.81 gm in control group (p<0.001). Incidence of hypothermia was more in control group (12.6%) as compared to KMC group (3.1%) (p=0.048). Duration of hospital stay was less in control group as compared to KMC group (p=0.015). Conclusion: LBW babies less than 2000 gm who receive KMC show better weight gain and have less incidence of hypothermia than those who do not receive KMC. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.8960   J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):18-23
Chondrodysplasia Punctata
Authors: Narang GS , Arora S , Khurana MS , Singh T , Shifali Dr
Published: April 2014

We report a case of two and a half months old male child affected by chondrodysplasia punctata, a rare condition characterized by depressed nasal bridge, hypoplastic distal phalanges and epiphyseal stippling of the bones. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.9110   J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):57-61
Non Communicable Diseases - Abstracts of Poster Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Poster Presentations at the session on Non Communicable Diseases at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10165
Evidence Based Medicine - Abstracts of Poster Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Poster Presentations at the session on Evidence Based Medicine at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10166
Maternal Health - Abstracts of Poster Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Poster Presentations at the session on Maternal Health at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10167
Statistical Modelling - Abstracts of Poster Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Poster Presentations at the session on Statistical Modeling at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10169
Open Papers - Abstracts of Poster Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Poster Presentations at the Open Papers session at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10170
Communicable Diseases - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Communicable Diseases at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10171
Non Communicable Diseases - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Non-Communicable Diseases at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10172
Evidence Based Medicine - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Evidence Based Medicine at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10173
Diabetes Mellitus, Cardia and Obesity - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Diabetes Mellitis, Cardia and Obesity at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10176
Epidemiological modeling and Statistical methods - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Epidemiological modeling and Statistical methods at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10177
Health Economics and climate change - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Health Economics and climate change at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10178
Health Professions education - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Health Professions education at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10179
Mental Health - Abstracts of Oral Presentations
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations at the session on Medical Health at the International Conference on Research Methodology and Research Writing (ICRMSW) 2013. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i2.10185
Relationship Between Homocysteine and Carotid Artery Stenosis in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Quraishi Firoz Ahmed , Miah Md Nurul Amin , Hakim Maliha , Saha Uttam Kumar , Akteruzzaman Md , Ali Zahed , Kundu Narayan Chandra
Published: April 2014

Background: Epidemiologic studies have identified hyper-homocysteinemia as a possible risk factor for atherosclerosis. The aim of my study was based on evaluation of relationship between homocysteinemia with carotid artery stenosis in ischemic stroke patients.Methods and materials: It was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Neurology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford hospital, Dhaka. Thirty six consecutive patients with ischemic stroke were analyzed by serum total homocysteine, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and extracranial Doppler ultrasonography and vascular risk factors were recorded. Equal number of controls of same ages were compared with the case group.Result: Mean fasting blood sugar, serum fasting total cholesterol (TC), serum fasting Low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly higher in case group (p=0.001). Serum TC and LDL had a positive correlation with serum homocystine (p=0.001). Serum High density lipoprotein (HDL) had a negative correlation (p=0.718) and serum triglyceride (TG) had a negative correlation (p = 0.182). Total plasma fasting homocysteine level in case group was 21.89 ± 9.38 ìmol/l and control group was 12.31 ± 3.27 ìmol/l, (p=0.001). Elevated fasting homocysteine level was found in 75.0% of the ischemic stroke patients and in 16.67% of healthy controls (p=0.001).On the basis of clinical evaluation and results of imaging studies, etiological classification of the ischemic stroke patients were made, where 36.1% cases were small artery disease, 38.9% large artery disease, 8.3% cases cardioembolic and in 16.7 % other causes. Among the cases, carotid duplex study was found normal in seven cases (19.4%), Group 1 findings in seven cases (19.4%), group 2 findings in eight cases (22.2%), group 3 findings in thirteen cases (36.1%) and group 4 findings in one case (2.8%). All abnormal carotid duplex findings were significantly higher among cases with elevated level of homocysteine (p=0.001, 0.001, 0.001).Conclusion: The incidence of hyperhomo-cysteinemia is higher in ischaemic stroke cases than that in age-sex matched healthy controls. Hyperhomocysteinemia in ischaemic stroke patients has been determined as vascular risk factor in our study. Significant correlation has been found between homocysteine concentration and intraluminal thickness and carotid artery stenosis.Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2012; Vol. 28 (1): 1-9
Genetic testing for Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCA) in Parkinsonism
Authors: Rahman Md Siddiqur , Nagai Yoshitaka , Popiel H Akiko , Ahmed Muzahed Uddin , Uddin Md Jalal , Toda Talsushi
Published: April 2014

Objective: The study was conducted to find out Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCA) by genetic analysis from those presenting with parkinsonism in the Neurology department of Mymensingh Medical College.Materials and methods: A sample of about 5ml blood was collected by venipuncture in EDTA tube with informed consent from the patients following institutional ethics committee approval by genetic study from 7 healthy people and 9 patients. The neurological disorder along with a complete physical and/or psychological, as well as family history and demographic data was recorded with a prescribed questionnaire by the neurologists of Mymensingh Medical College. Extraction of genomic DNA from the venous blood using FlexiGene DNA kit (Qiagen, Japan) was performed in Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh. The extracted DNA was stored and accumulated and then these DNA were sent to Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Osaka 565 0871, Japan for PCR and further analysis. PCR amplification of the CAG repeat was performed for the SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6 loci using primers SCA1N-F1 and SCA1N-R1, SCA2-F1 and SCA2-R1, MJDF1 and MJDR1, SCA6-F1 and SCA6-R1, respectively.Results: SCA1 PCR of both healthy individual and suspected PD patients DNA is about 250 bp (no. of CAG repeats=36). SCA2 PCR products reveal the DNA products of about 150 bp (no. of CAG repeats=23) except one patient that we suspected and it was sequenced and revealed 175bp (no. of CAG repeats=30). SCA3 PCR product size of both healthy individual and patient DNA is within about 250 (no. of CAG=11) to 300 bp (no. of CAG repeats=28) except one patient which is about 320bp and its CAG repeats is about 34. SCA6 PCR product size of both healthy individual and patient DNA is about 150bp (no. of CAG=16).Conclusion: This is the first time from Bangladesh regarding the range of CAG repeats in patients as well as healthy individual.
Protein S Deficiency: Ischemic Stroke in Young adult  A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Hasan Zahidur , Ahmed Sharif Uddin , Uddin Mohammad Najim , Rana Masud , Ahmed Anis , Islam Md Rafiqul , Kader SL Abdul
Published: April 2014

Stroke is the third most common cause of mortality in Westernised countries and Accounts for 12% of all deaths in the UK. The economic cost of stroke is enormous. Twelve per cent of first strokes occur in patients under 45 years of age, of which approximately 50% are ischaemic in nature. Stroke in young adult poses a major health problem. The causes of ischaemic stroke in young adults are many and diverse.Such patients usually require more extensive investigations in order to find an underlying cause than more elderly patients. Principal causes are cardioembolism, premature atherosclerosis, haematological and immunological disorders and migraine. Thrombophilic factors have been implicated in 4-8% of the young adult strokes worldwide. Protein S deficiency is a rare cause of ischemic stroke in young population. Only a few sporadic cases have been described in the literature. We are reporting a case of protein S deficiencyrelated ischemic stroke in a 40-year-old man. Early diagnosis and targeted approach can help such patients to prevent recurrent thrombotic episodes.Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2012; Vol. 28 (1): 59-62
Embolic Stroke and Pulseless Right Arm in a Schoolgirl with Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Quraishi Firoz Ahmed , Saha Uttam Kumar , Hakim Maliha , Momin Afzal , Miah Md Nurul Amin
Published: April 2014

A rare clinical presentation arterial Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is described in a young school-girl. TOS causing distal; disease is a rare cause of artery to- artery embolic stroke. Brain-stem ischemic stroke is a result of compromise to the posterior circulation. This is often due to antegrade embolism from the heart or proximal vessels. Retrograde blood flow has been described in the subclavian artery, thus making the distal subclavian artery a source of possible retrograde embolism to carotid circulation1. Clinical presentation also included left hemiparesis caused by right subclavian artery thrombosis and retrograde embolizatoin of thrombus via common carotid artery to the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) distribution.Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2012; Vol. 28 (1): 63-66
Variability, character association and diversity analysis of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula roxb.) genotypes of Bangladesh
Authors: Rabbani MG , Naher MJ , Hoque S
Published: April 2014

Sixty genotypes of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula Roxb.) were collected from different locations of Bangladesh and were used to study their variability, character association and genetic diversity. Seventeen traits studied, of these, eight showed high heritability (over 80%). Correlation coefficient study indicated that yield per plant had highly significant positive relationship with the number of fruits per plant (r = 0.874**), average fruit weight (r = 0.707**), vine length at harvest (r = 0.359**) and length of fruit (r = 0.334**). On the other hand, the sex ratio and circumference of fruit exhibited negative association with yield. Path co-efficient analysis showed that number of fruits per plant exhibited the highest positive direct effect (0.7192) on yield followed by average fruit weight (0.4656). Based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics, the sixty genotypes were grouped into four different clusters. Clustering pattern revealed that genotypes collected from the same location were grouped into different clusters. The average intercluster distances were always higher than the average intracluster distances suggesting wider genetic diversity among the genotypes within the cluster. Custer-III had the highest intracluster distance (97.9).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18319 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 1-10 (2012)
Market integration of grain legumes in India: the case of the chickpea market
Authors: Reddy Amarender
Published: April 2014

The present study assesses the market integration of chickpea in India from 2003 to 2010. The month end prices of chickpea for twelve markets in north India were used for the study. Out of twelve markets, only three markets are cointegrated, indicating weak integration of chickpea markets in India. However, the terminal markets located in major consuming (Delhi) and export/import locations (Dohad/Gujarat) clearly play an important role in price discovery and influences other domestic markets indicating the relevance of the import prices and large consuming centres on local market prices. Error correction terms indicate that the adjustment process from short-term disequilibrium in prices to long run price equilibrium is very slow. Overall, there is evidence of weak cointegration in the chickpea markets in North India and imports and major consuming centres are playing an important role in price discovery in domestic chickpea markets.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18320 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 11-29 (2012)
Factors influencing the entrepreneurial behaviour of agricultural graduates
Authors: Chandrashekar S , Bahal R , HD VP
Published: April 2014

The study is to assess the performance of Agri Clinic entrepreneurs promoted under the scheme on Agri Clinic and Agri Business Centers in India. Thus an attempt has been made to evolve a set of factors influencing the entrepreneurial behaviour through a data reduction process of factor analysis. The factors include: planning orientation, work orientation, personal efficacy, market orientation, location, business acumen, dynamism, service orientation, in-depth knowledge, achievement motivation, social networks, interest, internal control, marketing strategy and innovativeness. The factor analysis brought out results that appeared to be in conformity with the existing theory of entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurial behaviour patterns of successful entrepreneurs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18321 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 31-39 (2012)
Oil and protein yield of rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) as influenced by integrated nutrient management
Authors: De B , Sinha AC
Published: April 2014

A field experiment was conducted during 2007-2009 in the instructional farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management on oil and protein yield of Rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. Yellow sarson). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments viz., 100% Recommended Dose Fertilizer (RDF) 60:30:30 Kg ha-1 of N: P: K (T1), 100% RDF + Borax @ 10.0 Kg ha-1 (T2), FYM @ 10.0 t ha-1 (T3), Vermicompost @ 5.0 t ha-1 (T4), Neemcake @ 5.0 t ha-1 (T5), Poultry manure @ 5.0 t ha-1 (T6), T1+ FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 (T7), T1+ Vermicompost (VC) @ 2.5 t ha-1 (T8), T1+ Neemcake (NC) @ 2.5 t ha-1 (T9), T1+ Poultry Manure (PM) @ 2.5 t ha-1 (T10), 50% RDF+ FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @1.25 t ha-1 + NC @ 1.25 t ha-1 + PM @ 1.25 t ha-1 (T11) and Control (T12) and replicated thrice. Average results of oil and protein content and their respective yields was maximum (44.99 & 29.84% and 606.33 & 402.11 kg ha-1 respectively) in the crop fertilized with 50% RDF + FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @1.25 t ha-1 + NC @ 1.25 t ha-1 + PM @ 1.25 t ha-1 (T11) followed by T9 i.e. application of T1+ Neemcake @ 2.5 t ha-1 (44.81 & 29.22% and 600.67 & 391.50 kg ha-1 respectively) and T8 i.e. application of T1+ Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 (44.24 & 29.01 and 585.33 & 383.67 kg ha-1 respectively). Based on pooled data T11 treatment recorded maximum seed yield of 1347.68 kg ha-1 which was statistically at par with T9 (1340.47 kg ha-1), However, treatment T1 (100 % RDF) showed highest BCR (3.85) due to low cost of cultivation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18322 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 41-49 (2012)
Combining ability study over environments in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Iqbal AM , Nehvi FA , Wani SA , Dar ZA , Lone AA , Qadri H
Published: April 2014

Combining ability study was carried out in a 10 x 10 diallel set of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for seed yield and its component characters. The 45 F1s generated by crossing ten diverse lines and their parents were evaluated in Randomized Block Design (RBD) in two replications at three locations during Kharif, 2008. Analysis of variance revealed that both gca and sca were influenced by environments, which suggested that studies be conducted over environments to get unbiased estimates. The sca x environment interaction was greater than gca x environment interaction for most of the traits. The relative magnitude of gca and sca variation indicated that greater magnitude of sca variances for all the traits, indicating greater importance of non additive gene action for the inheritance of these traits. SKUA-R-607 and SKUA-R-608 showed high combining ability for seed yield and yield attributing traits. The most promising crosses in order of merit for seed yield were Shalimar Rajmash 1 x SKUA-R-607, SKUA-R-608 x SKUA-R-106 and Shalimar Rajmash -1 x SKUA- R-612. These promising crosses may be improved through conventional breeding methods such as biparental mating and diallel selective meeting, thereafter followed by pedigree method of selection, so as the tight linkage, if any, may be broken and transgressive segregants may be isolated. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18324 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 61-69 (2012)
Weed dynamics, yield, quality and root growth of capsicum under drip irrigation and mulching
Authors: Choudhary VK , Bhambri MC , Pandey N
Published: April 2014

A field experiment was conducted during 2006-07 and 2007-08 at Precision Farming Development Centre, Horticulture Farm, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India to evaluate the weed dynamics, yield, quality, organoleptic parameters and root growth of Capsicum as influenced by drip irrigation and mulches. The black polythene mulch being at par with paddy straw mulch gave the least weed population, dry weight and highest weed control efficiency over other mulches. Drip irrigation at 0.6 Epan obtained the least value of weed growth and highest weed control efficiency. Drip irrigation at 1.0 Epan showed highest fruit yield (32.02 t ha-1), total soluble solid (5.72), ascorbic acid (120.25 mg 100g-1) and organoleptic parameters but root growth registered maximum in flood irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE. Black polythene followed by paddy straw mulch showed maximum fruit yield and other parameters. Pungent test scored maximum with flood irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE and no mulch. Drip irrigation at 1.0 Epan along with black polythene as well as paddy straw mulch restrict weed growth, harvested quality fruit with higher fruit yield of capsicum. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18325 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 71-82 (2012)
Genetic variability, character association and diversity analyses for economic traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Pratap N , Singh PK , Shekhar R , Soni SK , Mall AK
Published: April 2014

One hundred high yielding rice genotypes were evaluated to determine character association, variability and diversity for grain yield, yield components and quality characters. High estimates of heritability, genetic advance, genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for panicle hill-1, flag leaf area and grain yield hill-1. Majority of the traits showed significant and positive associations between yield and yield components like biological yield hill-1 followed by harvest-index as most important traits which need due consideration at the time of devising selection strategy. Thus, presence of several contrasting types of inter-relationships simultaneously would bring improvement in others due to correlated responses. Path analysis might have resulted into cancellation of contrasting associations by each other which ultimately lead to lowering of the net impact. This suggested that selection would be quite efficient in improving yield and yield components in context of germplasm evaluated. The crossing between superior genotypes of above diverse cluster pairs may provide desirable transgressive segregants for developing high yielding varieties of aromatic and non-aromatic rice. Thus, hybridization of Swarna of cluster XI with promising genotypes of cluster VI (Narendra 118, Vandana, Narendra 1, Akashi and Narendra 97) is recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18326 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 83-94 (2012)
Cytological evaluation of necropsy guided impression smears of chronic respiratory disease of chickens
Authors: Khatun A , Begum JA , Naznin F , Parvin R , Rahman MM , Sayem SM , Chowdhury EH
Published: April 2014

The study was conducted to develop a cytology based diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of avian Mycoplasma and E. coli infections at post mortem in the field condition. A total of 38 culture and PCR confirmed Mycoplasma, E. coli or mixed infected samples were used for this study. Lung impression smears were prepared on glass slide from the samples at post mortem examination. Inflammatory cells were counted on microscope after Giemsa staining. Cell counts were analyzed with Bonferroni joint confidence interval and Mann-Whitney U test. The average cell percentages in healthy cases were 73.54- 81.66%, 9.63-13.37% and 7.42-14.38% for lymphocyte, heterophil, and macrophage, respectively. In case of Mycoplasma infection, average percentages of lymphocyte, heterophil and macrophages were 82.01-88.10%, 5.6 to 8.16% and 4.52  9.68%, respectively. In E. coli infection, average percentage of lymphocyte, heterophil and macrophages were found as 64.44-70.76%, 19.73-23.47% and 8.9- 12.7%, respectively. In mixed infection, lymphocyte, heterophil and macrophage were found as 76.08-80.50%, 13.47 17.63% and 4.56 7.66%, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed that in Mycoplasma infection number of lymphocyte and in E. coli infection number of heterophil increased significantly (p< 0.01). In MC complex, number of heterophil increased and macrophages decreased significantly (p < 0.01). These findings could help identification of Mycoplasma, E. coli or Mycoplasma- E. coli complex at post mortem examination in the field condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18331 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 95-105 (2012)
Price behaviour of major vegetables in hill region of nepal: an econometric analysis
Authors: Mishra R , Kumar DA
Published: April 2014

An attempt has been made to study the price behaviour of major vegetables in hill region of Nepal. The study is based on secondary data on wholesale monthly/weekly arrivals and prices for the period of 2000-01 to 2009-10. The seasonality in wholesale price was analyzed using multiplicative model; the Fourier analysis was used to analyze cyclical variation in wholesale prices and Autoregressive model to study the relationship between market arrival and price of vegetables in market of hill region of Nepal. It was found that during the post-harvest period, the wholesale price ruled very low while during the lean period, the prices were quite high which is due to seasonal and perishable nature of the vegetables. The entire vegetables registered the positive and increasing trend and periodicities of 2 to 3 years in the wholesale price of vegetables. The effect of lagged price on current wholesale price was positively significant and high in magnitude and significant negative response was observed for the relationship between wholesale price and market arrival for all the vegetables in the market of hill region. Therefore, improved market information system is a need of efficient vegetable markets in Nepal in order to enable farmers to make proper production and marketing decisions. Further, Government is required to create market infrastructure facilities like warehousing, processing, transportation, etc. for reducing the variation in prices of vegetables in the market of hill region of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18332 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 107-120 (2012)
Critical limits of zinc in soil and rice plant grown in alluvial soils of West Bengal, India
Authors: Mahata MK , Debnath P , Ghosh SK
Published: April 2014

A study was conducted in 22 alluvial soils of West Bengal, India to estimate the critical limit of Zn in soil and rice plant for predicting the response of rice (Oryza sativa) to zinc application. The DTPA-extractable Zn was positively and significantly correlated with CEC, organic carbon and clay contents and negatively correlated with pH, silt and sand contents of soil. The DTPA-extractable Zn also showed a positive correlation with dry matter yield and plant Zn content. The critical concentration of Zn in these soils was established at 0.75 mg kg-1 for rice and that of 28.0 mg kg-1 in the plant tissue. Soil containing Zn below the critical limit responded appreciably to Zn fertilization. A negative response to Zn application was also observed at its higher level. The average dry matter yield increases with increasing level of Zn application up to 2.5 mg kg-1 in Zn deficient soils. The average response to Zn application in rice in Zn deficient soils was found to be 68.5% and 19.9% in Zn adequate soils. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18334 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 137-146 (2012)
Genetic evaluation and characterization of jute (Corchorus spp. L) genotypes using DUS
Authors: Das A , Kumar D
Published: April 2014

In this study 32 jute (Corchorus spp.) varieties comprised of 18 olitorius and 14 capsularis were evaluated and characterized for five quantitative and 12 qualitative characters as per revised official DUS Test Guidelines of Jute. The experimental materials were grown in a RBD with three replications at Baarrackpore, India during 2009-10. Significant differences among genotypes noted almost for almost all the quantitative traits. PCV and GCV were highest for 1000 seed weight (33.78 and 33.29%) followed by fibre fineness (27.11 and 26.70%). Low variability was recorded in case of plant height. All the five characters exhibited more or less high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent over mean. Out of 12 qualitative characters studied, in C. capsularis 8 traits were monomorphic, 4 traits were dimorphic. However, in C. olitorius no trait was monomorphic, 6 traits were dimorphic and 6 traits were polymorphic among varieties indicating their potential for varietal characterization. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18335 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 147-153 (2012)
Trainers profile and training management in selected agricultural training organizations in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Ahire LM , Sontakki BS , Rao KH
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18336 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 155-163 (2012)
Studies on some genotypes for yield, quality and storage in garlic
Authors: Singh RK , Dubey BK , Bhonde SR
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v10i2.18337 SAARC J. Agri., 10(2): 165-169 (2012)
Editorial: Special Issue on Matching under Preferences
Authors: Biró Péter , Manlove David
Published: April 2014

This special issue of Algorithms is devoted to the study of matching problems involving ordinal preferences from the standpoint of algorithms and complexity.
Antioxidant Activity and Thermal Stability of Oleuropein and Related Phenolic Compounds of Olive Leaf Extract after Separation and Concentration by Salting-Out-Assisted Cloud Point Extraction
Authors: Stamatopoulos Konstantinos , Katsoyannos Evangelos , Chatzilazarou Arhontoula
Published: April 2014

A fast, clean, energy-saving, non-toxic method for the stabilization of the antioxidant activity and the improvement of the thermal stability of oleuropein and related phenolic compounds separated from olive leaf extract via salting-out-assisted cloud point extraction (CPE) was developed using Tween 80. The process was based on the decrease of the solubility of polyphenols and the lowering of the cloud point temperature of Tween 80 due to the presence of elevated amounts of sulfates (salting-out) and the separation from the bulk solution with centrifugation. The optimum conditions were chosen based on polyphenols recovery (%), phase volume ratio (Vs/Vw) and concentration factor (Fc). The maximum recovery of polyphenols was in total 95.9%; Vs/Vw was 0.075 and Fc was 15 at the following conditions: pH 2.6, ambient temperature (25 °C), 4% Tween 80 (w/v), 35% Na2SO4 (w/v) and a settling time of 5 min. The total recovery of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, verbascoside and apigenin-7-O-glucoside, at optimum conditions, was 99.8%, 93.0%, 87.6%, 99.3% and 100.0%, respectively. Polyphenolic compounds entrapped in the surfactant-rich phase (Vs) showed higher thermal stability (activation energy (Ea) 23.8 kJ/mol) compared to non-entrapped ones (Ea 76.5 kJ/mol). The antioxidant activity of separated polyphenols remained unaffected as determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method.
Post-Translational Modifications of TRP Channels
Authors: Voolstra Olaf , Huber Armin
Published: April 2014

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels constitute an ancient family of cation channels that have been found in many eukaryotic organisms from yeast to human. TRP channels exert a multitude of physiological functions ranging from Ca2+ homeostasis in the kidney to pain reception and vision. These channels are activated by a wide range of stimuli and undergo covalent post-translational modifications that affect and modulate their subcellular targeting, their biophysical properties, or channel gating. These modifications include N-linked glycosylation, protein phosphorylation, and covalent attachment of chemicals that reversibly bind to specific cysteine residues. The latter modification represents an unusual activation mechanism of ligand-gated ion channels that is in contrast to the lock-and-key paradigm of receptor activation by its agonists. In this review, we summarize the post-translational modifications identified on TRP channels and, when available, explain their physiological role.
A Fuzzy Parallel Processing Scheme for Enhancing the Effectiveness of a Dynamic Just-in-time Location-aware Service System
Authors: Chen Toly
Published: April 2014

Location-aware service systems are a hot topic in diverse research fields including mobile commerce, ambient intelligence, remote sensing and ubiquitous computing. However, the timeliness and efficiency of such systems are two issues that have rarely been emphasized. For this reason, this study tries to establish a location-aware service system in which both the timeliness and efficiency of service provision are addressed. To this end, some innovative treatments have been used in the proposed methodology. First, the uncertainty of detecting a user’s location using the global positioning system is considered by modeling the location and speed of the user with fuzzy numbers. Subsequently, a fuzzy integer-nonlinear programming model is formulated to address the problem of finding the dynamic just-in-time service location and path for the user. To help solve the problem, the maximum entropy weighting function and the basic defuzzification distribution (BADD) method are applied to defuzzify the fuzzy variables. In addition, to enhance the efficiency of solving the problem, a fuzzy parallel processing scheme is also proposed for decomposing the problem into smaller pieces that can be handled by separate processing modules. An illustrative example is used to illustrate the proposed methodology. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methodology has been confirmed with an experiment. According to the results, using the proposed methodology the waiting time could be reduced by 60%.
Organic Thin-Film Transistor (OTFT)-Based Sensors
Authors: Elkington Daniel , Cooling Nathan , Belcher Warwick , Dastoor Paul , Zhou Xiaojing
Published: April 2014

Organic thin film transistors have been a popular research topic in recent decades and have found applications from flexible displays to disposable sensors. In this review, we present an overview of some notable articles reporting sensing applications for organic transistors with a focus on the most recent publications. In particular, we concentrate on three main types of organic transistor-based sensors: biosensors, pressure sensors and “e-nose”/vapour sensors.
Soil Organic Carbon Storage and Stability in the Aspen-Conifer Ecotone in Montane Forests in Utah, USA
Authors: Dobarco Mercedes , Van Miegroet Helga
Published: April 2014

To assess the potential impact of conifer encroachment on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and storage in montane aspen-conifer forests from the interior western US, we sampled mineral soils (0–15 cm) across the aspen-conifer ecotones in southern and northern Utah and quantified total SOC stocks, stable SOC (i.e., mineral-associated SOC (MoM)), labile SOC (i.e., light fraction (LF), decomposable (CO2 release during long-term aerobic incubations) and soluble SOC (hot water extractable organic carbon (HWEOC)). Total SOC storage (47.0 ± 16.5 Mg C ha−1) and labile SOC as LF (14.0 ± 7.10 Mg C ha−1), SOC decomposability (cumulative released CO2-C of 5.6 ± 3.8 g C g−1 soil) or HWEOC (0.6 ± 0.6 mg C g−1 soil) did not differ substantially with vegetation type, although a slight increase in HWEOC was observed with increasing conifer in the overstory. There were statistically significant differences (p = 0.035) in stable MoM storage, which was higher under aspen (31.2 ± 15.1 Mg C ha−1) than under conifer (22.8 ± 9.0 Mg C ha−1), with intermediate values under mixed (25.7 ± 8.8 Mg C ha−1). Texture had the greatest impact on SOC distribution among labile and stable fractions, with increasing stabilization in MoM and decreasing bio-availability of SOC with increasing silt + clay content. Only at lower silt + clay contents (40%–70%) could we discern the influence of vegetation on MoM content. This highlights the importance of chemical protection mechanisms for long-term C sequestration.
Antifungal Effect of Non-Woven Textiles Containing Polyhexamethylene Biguanide with Sophorolipid: A Potential Method for Tinea Pedis Prevention
Authors: Sanada Hiromi , Nakagami Gojiro , Takehara Kimie , Goto Taichi , Ishii Nanase , Yoshida Satoshi , Ryu Mizuyuki , Tsunemi Yuichiro
Published: April 2014

Tinea pedis is a preventable skin disease common in elderly or diabetic patients. Daily foot washing is effective for prevention, but can be difficult for many patients. Additionally, conventional methods cannot eliminate fungi within the stratum corneum, a common site for fungal invasion. This study investigates the antifungal effects, cytotoxicity, permeability, and efficacy of non-woven textiles containing polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) mixed with sophorolipid. Permeability of PHMB with varying concentrations of sophorolipid was assessed via a cultured skin model. Stratum corneum PHMB concentration was quantified by polyvinylsulphuric acid potassium salt titration and cytotoxicity was assayed via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. Antifungal effects were evaluated via a new cultured skin/Trichophyton mentagrophytes model, with varying PHMB exposure duration. Clinically-isolated Trichophyton were applied to the feet of four healthy volunteers and then immediately treated with the following methods: washing with soap, a non-woven textile with PHMB, the textile without PHMB, or without washing. Fungal colony forming units (CFUs) were evaluated after one of these treatments were performed. Sophorolipid with various concentrations significantly facilitated PHMB permeation into the stratum corneum, which was not in a dose-dependent manner. Significant PHMB antifungal effects were achieved at 30 min, with low cytotoxicity. Textiles containing PHMB significantly reduced CFU of fungi in healthy volunteers to levels comparable to soap washing. Our results indicate the utility of this product for tinea pedis prevention in clinical settings.
Nanoparticle-Mediated Pulmonary Drug Delivery: A Review
Authors: Paranjpe Mukta , Müller-Goymann Christel
Published: April 2014

Colloidal drug delivery systems have been extensively investigated as drug carriers for the application of different drugs via different routes of administration. Systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, have been investigated for a long time for the treatment of various lung diseases. The pulmonary route, owing to a noninvasive method of drug administration, for both local and systemic delivery of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) forms an ideal environment for APIs acting on pulmonary diseases and disorders. Additionally, this route offers many advantages, such as a high surface area with rapid absorption due to high vascularization and circumvention of the first pass effect. Aerosolization or inhalation of colloidal systems is currently being extensively studied and has huge potential for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, the surfactant-associated proteins present at the interface enhance the effect of these formulations by decreasing the surface tension and allowing the maximum effect. The most challenging part of developing a colloidal system for nebulization is to maintain the critical physicochemical parameters for successful inhalation. The following review focuses on the current status of different colloidal systems available for the treatment of various lung disorders along with their characterization. Additionally, different in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo cell models developed for the testing of these systems with studies involving cell culture analysis are also discussed.
Effects of Neuropeptides and Mechanical Loading on Bone Cell Resorption in Vitro
Authors: Yoo Yeong-Min , Kwag Ji , Kim Kyung , Kim Chi
Published: April 2014

Neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are present in nerve fibers of bone tissues and have been suggested to potentially regulate bone remodeling. Oscillatory fluid flow (OFF)-induced shear stress is a potent signal in mechanotransduction that is capable of regulating both anabolic and catabolic bone remodeling. However, the interaction between neuropeptides and mechanical induction in bone remodeling is poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to quantify the effects of combined neuropeptides and mechanical stimuli on mRNA and protein expression related to bone resorption. Neuropeptides (VIP or CGRP) and/or OFF-induced shear stress were applied to MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells and changes in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA and protein levels were quantified. Neuropeptides and OFF-induced shear stress similarly decreased RANKL and increased OPG levels compared to control. Changes were not further enhanced with combined neuropeptides and OFF-induced shear stress. These results suggest that neuropeptides CGRP and VIP have an important role in suppressing bone resorptive activities through RANKL/OPG pathway, similar to mechanical loading.
Microarray-Based Gene Expression Profiling to Elucidate Effectiveness of Fermented Codonopsis lanceolata in Mice
Authors: Choi Woon , Kim Ji , Park Sung , Ma Choong , Lee Hyeon
Published: April 2014

In this study, the effect of Codonopsis lanceolata fermented by lactic acid on controlling gene expression levels related to obesity was observed in an oligonucleotide chip microarray. Among 8170 genes, 393 genes were up regulated and 760 genes were down regulated in feeding the fermented C. lanceolata (FCL). Another 374 genes were up regulated and 527 genes down regulated without feeding the sample. The genes were not affected by the FCL sample. It was interesting that among those genes, Chytochrome P450, Dmbt1, LOC76487, and thyroid hormones, etc., were mostly up or down regulated. These genes are more related to lipid synthesis. We could conclude that the FCL possibly controlled the gene expression levels related to lipid synthesis, which resulted in reducing obesity. However, more detailed protein expression experiments should be carried out.