bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexing Live Adults of the Three Species of Darkling Beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Maeno Koutaro Ould , Nakamura Satoshi , Babah Mohamed Abdallahi Ould
Published: September 2012

Adult darkling beetles are being used as a bioindicator of environmental pollution after locust control operations involving the use of chemical insecticides. Distinguishing between the sexes of the darkling beetle, Pimelia senegalensis Olivier (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is very difficult because the external morphological characteristics are quite similar between the sexes. To help determine the sexes of live beetles of P.senegalensis for physiological studies, we test a new and simple technique for easy sexing without subjecting them to chilling, anesthesia, microscopic observation, or dissection. Almost all the adult beetles extend their heads after adequately feeding on either boiled spaghetti (98.0%) or rice (98.1%). If the head of a beetle is gently pressed into its pronotum with the fingers, the reproductive organ will protrude, that is, the genitalia will be visible from the tip of the abdomen. The beetles are easily sexed based on the shape of the genitalia. This method does not result in mortality and is applicable for other two species of darkling beetles Pimelia angulata Olivier and Pterolosia squalida Solier. In P. senegalensis, the ratio of females to males deviates are ≈9:1. Although significant differences are found in several external morphological characteristics between females and males, the range of values greatly overlap. This time-saving method can be used for sexing of the three species of darkling beetles.
A Cloud Computing System to Quickly Implement New Microarray Data Pre-processing Methods
Authors: Luo Dajie , Banerjee Prithish , James Harner E. , A. Mobley James , Chen Dongquan
Published: September 2012

Background:

Pre-processing, including normalization of raw microarray data is crucial to microarray-related data analysis. It takes time and effort to build newly-developed algorithms into commercial software or locally developed systems. While most new algorithms emerge in the form of sharable R packages, it can be difficult for many biologists to apply them as soon as they are available. Currently, we rely on statisticians and experienced programmers to develop and implement code to access those R packages. Therefore, we need a robust procedure to quickly implement pre-processing methods as they appear. The newly emerging cloud computing concept has directed us toward a new way for providing an easily accessible service to the biologists without requiring them to have any programming knowledge in R.

Results:

Based on our earlier Java-based software tool JavaStat, we developed an internet based application prototype to upload data and carry out pre-processing applications that include normalization, statistical analyses and plots. More im-portantly, R packages, e. g., for newly-developed normalization methods, and GC-robust multichip algorithm (RMA) for exon arrays, can be easily incorporated into the system with limited inputs from a biologist or a programmer. The data are stored in the cloud and the R code runs on server.

Conclusion:

The newly emerged cloud computing concept provides us a new way to provide an easily accessible and up-to-date service to biologists, as evidenced by our JavaStat system to incorporate new pre-processing package as they ap-pear. Users can access the application with a newly incorporated module through the Web. We expect this and other simi-lar systems greatly decrease turn-around time, improve accessibility of newly developed R model for pre-processing algo-rithms.
Phospho sulfonic acid: A novel and efficient solid acid catalyst for the one-pot preparation of 2H-indazolo[2,1-b]-phthalazine-triones
Authors: Kiasat Reza , Mouradezadegun Arash , Saghanezhad Jafar
Published: September 2012

The efficient one-pot condensation of aldehyde, dimedone, and phthalhydrazide
has been achieved in the presence of a catalytic amount of phospho sulfonic
acid as a novel environmentally benign heterogeneous solid acid under
solvent-free conditions. A diversified 2H-indazolo[1,2-b]phthalazinetrione
derivatives were prepared in good to excellent yields in short time. The
economical factors (time, cost, waste etc.) for this three-component reaction
hold promise for the future of organic synthesis.
Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2011
Authors: Blanton Jesse D. , Dyer Jessie , McBrayer Jesse , Rupprecht Charles E.
Published: September 2012

Summary—During 2011, 49 states and Puerto Rico reported 6,031 rabid animals and 6 human rabies cases to the CDC, representing a 1.9% decrease from the 6,153 rabid animals and 2 human cases reported in 2010. Approximately 92% of reported rabid animals were wildlife. Relative contributions by the major animal groups were as follows: 1,981 raccoons (32.8%), 1,627 skunks (27.0%), 1,380 bats (22.9%), 427 foxes (7.1%), 303 cats (5.0%), 65 cattle (1.1%), and 70 dogs (1.2%). Compared with 2010, there was a substantial increase in the number of rabid skunks reported. Six cases of rabies involving humans were reported from California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and South Carolina. Three cases reported from Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York were determined to be a result of canine rabies virus variants acquired outside the United States.
Effect of extradurally administered morphine on postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing surgery for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion
Authors: Aprea Francesco , Cherubini Giunio B. , Palus Viktor , Vettorato Enzo , Corletto Federico
Published: September 2012

Objective—To investigate the effect of intraoperative extradural morphine administration on postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery to treat disk extrusion.

Design—Prospective clinical trial.

Animals—26 client-owned dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery.

Procedures—Animals were randomly allocated to receive morphine (0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], extradurally) or no treatment (control group). Following preanesthetic medication with methadone (0.25 mg/kg [0.11 mg/lb], IM), anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane or sevoflurane in oxygen. Lidocaine and fentanyl were administered during surgery in both groups at fixed rates. In the morphine administration group, morphine was splashed over the dura mater immediately prior to wound closure. Postoperative analgesia was assessed for 48 hours by assessors unaware of group allocation, and methadone was administered as rescue analgesic. Demographic characteristics, urinary output, days of hospitalization, and perioperative use of analgesics were compared via a Mann-Whitney U test.

Results—Demographic data were similar between groups. In the morphine administration group, 2 of 13 dogs required postoperative methadone, and in the control group, methadone was administered to 11 of 13 dogs. The total number of doses of methadone administered in the 48 hours after surgery was 28 in the control group and 3 in the morphine administration group. No adverse effects were recorded in any group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intraoperative extradural morphine administration was effective in reducing postoperative analgesic requirement. Dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery benefited from topical administration of preservative-free morphine administered directly on the dura mater as part of analgesic management.
Laparoscopic-assisted urinary bladder marsupialization in a goat that developed recurrent urethral obstruction following perineal urethrostomy
Authors: Hunter Barbara G. , Huber Michael J. , Riddick Tara L.
Published: September 2012

Case Description—A 5-year-old castrated male Nigerian Dwarf goat with recurrent urethral obstruction after perineal urethrostomy.

Clinical Findings—The wether goat was referred for evaluation of a perineal urethrostomy site; perineal urethrostomy had been performed 1.5 years earlier. The site was patent, but a moderate stricture was found just cranial to the perineal urethrostomy site. The goat had obstructed urine flow at the stricture site repeatedly in the previous few months.

Treatment and Outcome—Laparoscopically assisted urinary bladder marsupialization was recommended. The procedure was performed with the patient under general anesthesia in dorsal recumbency; food had been withheld for 36 hours prior to anesthesia. Ventral midline and left caudal paramedian portals were made for the laparoscopic camera and instruments. A larger incision in the right caudal paramedian portion of the abdomen was used to create the marsupialization stoma. Laparoscopic observation of anatomic structures within the abdomen was excellent. The goat recovered well from surgery and was discharged the day following surgery. Follow-up examinations were done every few months after surgery, and dermatitis of the abdominal skin secondary to urine scald was the only postoperative complication. At 9 months of follow-up, the goat continued to pass urine through the marsupialization site comfortably.

Clinical Relevance—In the goat of this report, laparoscopic urinary bladder marsupialization was a minimally invasive procedure with minimal signs of postoperative pain. The procedure was simple to perform and should be considered as an alternative to marsupialization via laparotomy.
Biochemical Parameters in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Ajman, UAE
Authors: Gomathi K , Shaafie IA , Mummigatti K , Shahid S , Sreedharan J
Published: September 2012

Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 5 -10% of women and is a major cause of anovulatory infertility. Prevalence varies among population based on genetic and environmental factors. Etiology of PCOS remains unknown but hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance have both been associated with PCOS. The aim of this study was to measure levels of Homocysteine and other biochemical parameters in women diagnosed with PCOS attending Gulf Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (GMCHRC), Ajman, UAE. Methods: Young women, aged between 18 and 35 years of age, diagnosed with PCOS (N =37), not on any treatment, attending GMCHRC were included in the study. Biochemical parameters were measured using standard procedures. Laboratory normal reference ranges were used for comparison. Results: 54 % of the women with PCOS were overweight or obese according to the Body mass index (BMI) and 51% had a waist circumference >88cm. Fasting and postprandial Glucose and Insulin levels and HOMA-IR were within the normal reference range indicating that no Insulin resistance was seen in these women. 40% of the women had a serum total Cholesterol level above 200 mg/dL, while Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol was above and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was lower than the desirable value. Serum Triacylglycerol was within the normal reference range. Serum Testosterone, Estradiol, Prolactin Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Plasma Homocysteine level were found to be within the normal reference ranges. Homocysteine levels correlated with Testosterone, total Cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Conclusions: BMI was high in 54% of the women. No Insulin resistance was seen in these patients. Hormone levels and Homocysteine were within normal reference ranges. Dyslipidermia was observed. These findings differ from reports in literature where Insulin resistance, Hyperandrogenism and high Homocysteine levels have been associated with PCOS. NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 7-10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6748
A Randomized Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Dry Versus Wet Misoprostol for Termination of First Trimester Pregnancy
Authors: Mahaseth BK , Singh M , Rawal S
Published: September 2012

NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 20-23 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6751
Impact of Antenatal Care on Maternal and Perinatal utcome: A Study at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital
Authors: Tuladhar H , Dhakal N
Published: September 2012

Aims: To identify the determinants of antenatal care (ANC) attendance and its impact on maternal / perinatal outcome. Methods: Prospective descriptive study of women delivered at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH), a 700 bedded tertiary care hospital situated at periphery of Kathmandu. Results: Among 322 women delivered during period of four months, majority (87%) reported of attending more than 4 antenatal visits, only 21 (6.5%) women had not attended ANC. The most preferred place of ANC was hospital (71.6%). Women with secondary education and above, business/service holders, 20-29 years age group, primigravida and Brahmin / Chhetri caste were more likely to attend ? 4 visits, while those living further than 6 km. from a health facility were less likely to attend. Financial problem (52.4%) followed by ignorance (28.6%) were the most commonly stated reasons for not attending ANC. Women attending more than 4 antenatal visits have more chance of full immunization with tetanus toxoid and iron supplementation. Most of the women started attending ANC from their second trimester (75.8%), only 21.9% had first ANC visit during first trimester. Overall Cesarean section rate was 17.4% and with increased rates in women who had attended ANC, because of the fact that all elective cesarean section were planned in these women only. Also, all inductions of labor (9.3%) were performed among them. Maternal complications like anemia and pregnancy induced hypertension occurred more commonly in women without ANC. The proportion of low birth weight and preterm babies was higher in women with inadequate or no ANC. Special care baby unit (SCBU) admission was also higher among them due to various reasons like neonatal sepsis, birth asphyxia, jaundice etc. While there were no neonatal deaths during the study period, 3 still births have occurred. Perinatal mortality rate was similar in no ANC and inadequate ANC groups; it was 16 times higher than that in the group with more than 4 visits. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were found to be better in women who attended regular ANC. Conclusions: Although attendance of ANC is quite encouraging, the proportion of women attending ANC from first trimester is low. The quality of antenatal care needs to be strengthened. The health system needs to ensure the availability of ANC in primary care level and to establish mobile clinics for those living far from the health facilities.NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 37-43 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6755
Secondary Intra-Abdominal Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Shanbhag A , Singh A
Published: September 2012

Abdominal pregnancy is extremely rare, and has been historically defined as an implantation in the peritoneal cavity exclusive of tubal, ovarian and intraligamentary pregnancy. Abdominal pregnancy can be primary or secondary. The presence of abdominal pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The reported incidence of abdominal pregnancy ranges from 1 per 2200 to 1 per 10,200 pregnancies1. The early recognition and management of the same is necessary to prevent untoward complications. This case report describes an interesting case of a 16 year primigravida with a live secondary abdominal pregnancy. NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 44-46 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6756
Post Dural Puncture Headache following Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section
Authors: Karkada EC
Published: September 2012

NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 60-61 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6763
Adult and Torted Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumour
Authors: Bhobem D , Parveen S , Hamamy EEI , Maulik TG
Published: September 2012

NJOG 2011 Nov-Dec; 6 (2): 62 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v6i2.6764
Arsenic Toxicity in Akitakomachi Rice in Presence of Fe3+-Edta
Authors: Shaibur Molla Rahman , Kawai Shigenao
Published: September 2012

An experiment was carried out hydroponically to investigate the arsenic (As) toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Akitakomachi) seedlings in presence of Fe3+-EDTA. The As treatments (NaAsO2) were 0, 6.7, 13.4, 26.8, and 33.5 ?M for 14 days. The whitish chlorotic symptom was pronounced in the fully expanded young leaves at 13.4 ?M As treatment, suggesting that As-induced chlorosis might be Fe (iron)-chlorosis. Chlorophyll indices and Fe concentrations were reduced much in the shoots of As-treated chlorotic seedlings as compared to the control seedlings. Our result showed that Astoxicity largely depended on the concentrations of inorganic As in the medium and the higher was the concentration of As the higher was the As-toxicity.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11742   Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 553-562, December 2011
Heavy Metal Levels in Vegetables with Growth Stage and Plant Species Variations
Authors: Naser Habib Mohammad , Sultana Sarmin , Mahmud Nashir Uddin , Gomes Rebeca , Noor Shamsun
Published: September 2012

Field experiment was conducted to compare and investigate the concentration  levels of heavy metals in leafy vegetables with growth stage and plant species  variations on an experimental field near the net house of Soil Science Division,  Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh  during November 2008 to January 2009. Seeds of spinach (Spinacia oleracea), red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) and amaranth (Amaranthus oleraseus) were  sown on 14 November 2008. Plant and soil samples were collected at different  growth stages, such as at 20, 30, 40, and 50 days after sowing (DAS). The  concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and  chromium (Cr) in plant increased with the age of the plant, but the increase was  not linear. The rate of increase of concentration of these metals at 20 to 30 DAS  was found lower than that at 30 to 40 DAS, except Cr. Heavy metal content  gradually increased at the early growing stage and fall during later stages of  growth. The significant differences (P < 0.01) were observed between the mean  metal concentrations in the three vegetables species. The Pb and Co  concentrations in amaranth were found higher compared to those found in  spinach and red amaranth. Spinach exhibited higher levels of Cd and Cr than  those of other vegetables. However, the three vegetables did not differ  significantly in its Ni concentration. The order of heavy metal level in different  vegetables was Cd<Co<Pb<Ni<Cr. In vegetable species in respect of heavy  metal concentration Cd, Ni, and Cr was highest in spinach and amaranth showed  highest concentration in Pb and Co. The highest correlation between soil-plant  was found for Cd, while the lowest for Ni. Metal concentrations in the  vegetables studied were found lower than the maximum allowable level in India  but the concentrations of Cd and Cr were higher than the allowable levels set by  the World Health Organization (WHO).   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11743   Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 563-574, December 2011
Effect of Sowing Dates and Varieties on the Severity of Alternaria Blight of Mustard
Authors: Khatun F , Alam M S , Hossain M A , Malaker P K , Rashid MH
Published: September 2012

A study was carried out to find out the effect of sowing dates and varieties on the severity of Alternaria blight of mustard. Seeds of eight mustard varieties were sown on four different dates. Data on severity of the disease and seed yield were recorded. Disease severity differed significantly among the varieties. B. campestris varieties showed the higher disease severity compared to B. napus and B. juncea. The lowest disease severity was recorded in BARI Sarisha 11 which produced the highest seed yield. Percentages of leaf area diseased, leaf    infection, siliqua infection, and spots per siliqua were found lowest under 21 October sowing, which were statistically lower than other sowing dates. The highest seed yield (1727 kg/ha) was recorded under 01 November sowing followed by 21 October sowing. Combination of sowing dates and varieties had a significant influence on disease severity and seed yield. Early sown (21 October and 1 November) BARI Sarisha 11 showed less disease severity and    gave higher seed yield than other treatment combinations   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11746   Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 583-594, December 2011
Integrated Nutrient Management for Tomato-Okraindian Spinach Cropping Pattern
Authors: Noor S , Shil NC , Uddin MM , Alam MK
Published: September 2012

Field experiment on Tomato-Okra-Indian spinach cropping pattern was     conducted at a farmers homestead of Tangail (AEZ 8) during 2007-08 and 2008-09 to find out a suitable combination of chemical fertilizers and organic manure for sustainable crop yield. There were 5 treatments comprising different percentages of the recommended chemical fertilizers (RCF) with two levels (0 and 5 t/ha) for tomato and three levels (0, 2.5 and 5 t/ha) for okra each of poultry manure and cowdung. No organic manure was used for the third crop Indian Spinach. The treatments were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. An amount of 75% dose of RCF (N150P40K80S20Zn2B1 kg/ha) along with poultry manure @ 5 t/ha appeared as the best suited combination providing tomato yield 95.3 t/ha and 88.2 t/ha for the first year and  second year, respectively. Again, an amount of 75% dose of RCF(N120P35K70S15Zn2B1 kg/ha) along with poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha appeared as the best package providing the highest okra yield (15.03 t/ha and 12.98 t/ha). The highest yield (36.3 t/ha and 33.7 t/ha for the first and second year, respectively) of Indian Spinach was recorded from (75% recommended N + PM residue), which was statistically identical with (100 % recommended N), but significantly higher over rest of the treatments. Poultry manure performed better over cow dung. A package of 75% recommended chemical fertilizer along with 5 t PM/ha appeared as the best suited combination providing higher yield and economic return. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11747 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 595-603, December 2011
The Changing Crop Production Practices Over the Years: the Mystery of Economics
Authors: Alam M Shahe , Quayum M A , Islam M A
Published: September 2012

The present study was undertaken in two production environments in order to estimate the level of growth in area and production of rice and maize over the years, and to assess the level of changes in area under different crops. Applying both descriptive and inferential statistics, the study revealed that, the growth in acreage and production of maize had much accelerated rate compared to that for rice over the period 1987-88 towards 1996-97 and in the subsequent periods. In the favourable environment, the acreage under MV Boro increased by 18% in 2008-09 compared to 2004-05. In rabi season, the area under maize increased to 46% and 21% in drought prone and favourable areas, respectively. The magnitude of area changes from rice to non-rice crops under favourable area was negative. Per hectare cost of maize cultivation in drought prone area was about 13% higher than that of favourable area resulting in better net return in maize production under favourable area. Family labour, farm size and market accessibility were the important determining factors for devoting areas to maize cultivation instead of rice.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11756   Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 657-668, December 2011
Intercropping Lentil with Mukhikachu (Collocasia Esculenta) at Different Planting Systems
Authors: Alom MS , Islam MN , Nag BL , Howlader MM , Hossain MA
Published: September 2012

The experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station,  BARI, Jessore during consecutive two years (2007-08 and 2008-09) to find out  the comparative performance of different intercropped lentil with Mukhikachu  for getting higher yield and economic return. Five treatments comprised of T1=  Sole lentil (30 cm apart continuous seeding), T2 = Sole mukhikachu [(double  row) = 20 cm/55/20 cm x 45 cm], T3= Mukhikachu (double row) + 1 row of  lentil 30 cm apart (33% seeding ratio) between 2 double row of mukhikachu, T4 = Mukhikachu (double row) + 2 rows of lentil 30 cm apart (66%) between 2  double row of mukhikachu and T5= Mukhikachu (double row) + lentil broadcast  (100%). Intercropping systems did not affect the rhizome yield of mukhikachu  significantly but affected the seed yield of lentil. Lentil and mukhikachu  equivalent yield were the highest (5.87 in 2007-08 and 6.09 t/ha in 2008-09, and  27.24 in 2007-08 and 30.45 t/ha in 2008-09, respectively) in treatment T4. This  treatment also gave the highest LER (1.63 in 2007-08 and 1.54 in 2008-09), net  return (Tk. 290508 in 2007-08 and Tk. 368900/ha in 2008-09) with BCR of 4.19  in 2007-08 and 4.88 in 2008-09, respectively. It reveals that lentil could be  grown easily in double row system of Mukhikachu without hampering yield of  Mukhikachu with higher benefit and also enhanced lentil production in the area.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11757   Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 669-676, December 2011
Effects of Integrated Use of Fertilizers and Manure on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of T.Aus Rice and Mungbean in the Wheat-T.Aus Rice/Mungbean-T.Aman Rice Cropping Pattern
Authors: Bhuiyan MAH , Mian MH , Islam MS , Islam MR
Published: September 2012

An experiment was carried out at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Farm, Mymensingh from rabi season of 1999 to kharif-II season of 2002 in the Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soils (AEZ 9, Aeric Haplaquept) of Bangladesh to investigate the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and nutrient uptake of T.Aus rice and mungbean in the Wheat-T.  Aus/Mungbean-T.Aman cropping pattern. There were four treatments for wheat- T1: Control, T2: NPKSZnB (MYG), T3: NPKSZnB (HYG) and T4: NPKSZnB (MYG) + CD. The nutrient rates for four treatments of wheat were N0P0K0S0Zn0B0 kg/ha for T1, N80P20K50S10Zn1B1 kg/ha for T2, N120P30K75S15Zn2B2 kg/ha for T3 and N80P20K50S10Zn1B1 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha) for T4. In T. Aus/Mungbean one-third plot of each treatment was cultivated by T. Aus rice and the rest two-thirds plot by mungbean. The rates of N, P, K, and S for  T. Aus rice were, respectively, 60, 12, 32 and 5 kg/ha for MYG, and 90, 18, 48 and 7.5 kg/ha for HYG. The corresponding rates of P, K, and S for mungbean were 10, 13, and 5 kg/ha for average yield goal (AYG). The results showed that grain (3.46 t/ha) and straw yields (5.19 t/ha) of T. Aus rice increased significantly due to application of fertilizers. The highest mean seed yield of 0.56 t/ha and stover yield of 1.99 t/ha in mungbean were obtained from PKS plus inoculum plus residual NPKSZnB for HYG treatment. The N, P, K, S, Zn, and B uptake by T.Aus/Mungbean remarkably increased with increasing supply of nutrients. The highest uptake of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B by the crops was noted in the treatment T3  that received HYG fertilizers in T. Aus rice. The removal of N ranged from 27.3 to 63.2 kg/ha and 29.8 to 48.1 kg/ha, P from 5.62 to 15.80 kg/ha and 2.60 to 4.69 kg/ha, K from 35.8 to 71.8 kg/ha and 21.9 to 37.4 kg/ha, S from 4.08 to 10.26 kg/ha and 2.12 to 4.11 kg/ha, Zn from 44 to 132 g/ha and 56 to 101 g/ha, B from 17 to 70 g/ha and 7 to 16 g/ha by T.Aus rice and mungbean, respectively.  Application of cowdung along with chemical fertilizers resulted in markedly higher uptake of nutrients. The application of NPKS (HYG) fertilizers remarkably increased the crop yield. The lowest grain yield and the lowest nutrient uptake were noted in control plots receiving no fertilizer or manure.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11760Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 685-695, December 2011
Integrated Nutrient Management for Potatomungbean- T.Aman Rice Cropping Pattern Under Level Barind Agroecological Zone
Authors: Mollah MRA , Islam Najrul , Sarkar MAR
Published: September 2012

A field experiment was conducted at the Multiplication Testing Site (MLT),  Joypurhat Sadar upazila with Potato- Mugnbean T. Aman rice cropping pattern during November/2007 to November/2008 to verify different nutrient management approaches and to determine the economic dose of fertilizer for the said cropping pattern. The experiment was designed with five treatments for whole of the cropping pattern in a randomized complete block design with six replications. The treatments were, soil test based fertilizer dose for moderate yield goal, soil test based fertilizer dose for high yield goal, integrated plant nutrient management, farmers practice, and control. Cowdung was applied at the first crop potato only in the cropping sequence. The varieties for potato, mungbean and T. Aman rice were Diamant, BARI Mung-6, and BR11, respectively. The results demonstrated that the tuber yield of potato, seed yield  of mungbean, and grain yield of T. Aman rice were significantly influenced by the different treatments. The highest tuber yield (25.01 t/ha) was obtained from integrated plant nutrient management treatment. In mungbean, the highest seed yield (1384 kg/ha) was also recorded from NPKS for high yield goal with residual cowdung treatment. The results of NPKS application for high yield goal with residual cowdung had a positive effect on seed yield of mungbean. Grain and straw yields of T. Aaman rice were also significantly influenced by different treatments. The highest grain yield (5.68 t/ha) and straw yield (5.82 t/ha) were also observed in NPKS for high yield goal with residual cowdung treatment.  The results also indicated that the residual cowdung had a positive effect on grain and straw yields of T. Aman rice. Cost and return analysis of different nutrient management packages for the whole cropping pattern showed that the highest marginal benefit cost ratio (8.64), gross return (Tk. 3,79,960/ha) and gross margin (Tk. 3,43,360/ha) were obtained from integrated plant nutrient management treatment and the lowest from soil test based fertilizers for moderate yield goal treatment. So, considering crop productivity, economic return, and soil fertility, integrated plant nutrient management for high yield goal with 5 t/ha cowdung could be recommended for the Potato-Mungbean-T Aman rice cropping pattern at Joypurhat and similar soils of Level Barind agroecological zone for sustainable higher yield DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11761 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 711-722, December 2011
Effect of Extension Contact on Rice Productivity in Some Selected Sites of Gazipur District
Authors: Haq Abu Zafar Mahmudul
Published: September 2012

The impact of extension contact is examined with a view to evaluating the  agriculture extension in Bangladesh. It is found that the impact of extension contact is stronger for the comparatively near villages to upazila headquarters. This effect is weaker for those villages, which are comparatively away from upazila headquarters. Evident shows that the influence of extension contact is strongly positive and significant in the upazila where people are mostly involved in agricultural works. The results show that the impact of extension contact, which is one of the basic tenet of agricultural extension, as found in the yield of rice in the whole survey area, is strongly positive and significant. Some determinants of extension contact are also examined. Findings revealed that education of farmers, size of farm families, number of earners of farm families, irrigation and villages which are nearer to the upazila headquarters are key determinants for a household participation in extension contact. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i4.11762 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 36(4): 723-732, December 2011
Development and Validation of a RP-HPLC Method for the Estimation of Amlexanox in Oral Paste Dosage Form
Authors: Masud Abdullah Al , Rahman Mohammad Saydur , Islam Towfika , Sultana Saki , Hasan Moynul , Faroque ABM
Published: September 2012

A simple, reproducible and efficient reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RPHPLC) method has been developed for the estimation of a recently approved anti allergic drug, amlexanox in oral paste dosage form. The separations were carried out on a Zorbax Eclipse XBD, C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm; 5?m) at a flow rate of 1.50 ml/min. by using mobile phase comprising of mixed buffer (pH adjusted to 6.50) and methanol (50:50 v/v). The injection volume was 10 ?l and the peaks were detected at 244 nm. The linear dynamic range found to be in the concentration range of 15-35 ?g/ml and coefficient of correlation was found to be 0.999. The %RSD value was below 2.0 for intra-day and inter-day precision which indicated that the method was highly precise. The LOD (Limit of detection) and LOQ (Limit of quantitation) were found to be 3.8 ng/ml and 12.5 ng/ml, respectively which revealed that the method was highly sensitive. The percentage recovery of amlexanox ranged from 99.31 to 99.75%, indicating the accuracy of the method and absence of interference from the excipients present in the formulation. The proposed method was simple, fast, accurate and reproducible and hence can be applied for routine quality control operations of amlexanox in oral paste dosage form. Key words: Amlexanox, Anti allergic, RP-HPLC, LOD, LOQ. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v10i2.11782 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 10(2): 67-70, 2011 (December)
A Simple RP?HPLC Method for the Determination of Cefdinir in Human Serum: Validation and Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study with Healthy Bangladeshi Male Volunteers
Authors: Shahed Golam Mortuza , Ullah Md Ashik , Abdullah Al Abdullah Al , Ahmed Maizbha Uddin , Islam Mohammad Safiqul , Nahar Zebun , Hasnat Abul
Published: September 2012

In the present study, a simple RP?HPLC method with UV detection has been validated to determine cefdinir concentrations in human serum samples and applied to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of cefdinir in healthy Bangladeshi male volunteers. The mobile phase consisting of a mixture of 0.2 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 3.2 ± 0.05 adjusted with o-phosphoric acid) and methanol at a ratio of 70:30 (v/v), was pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min through the C18 column at room temperature and the chromatographic separation was monitored at a wavelength of 254 nm with a sensitivity of 0.0001 AUFS. Cefaclor was used as internal standard. The developed method was selective and linear for cefdinir concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 5 ?g/ml for serum samples. The lower limit of quantification was defined as the lowest concentration on the calibration curve (0.05 ?g/ml) for which an acceptable accuracy of 111.60 % and a precision of 7.65 % were obtained, while the minimum detectable quantity of cefdinir was found to be 0.02 ?g/ml. The intra-day and inter-day coefficient of variation (CV) at 0.05 ?g/ml were 7.65% and 9.72%, respectively. The average recovery of cefdinir from serum was 96.43 %. Acceptable results were obtained during stability study. The mean Cmax of cefdinir was found to be 1.42 ± 0.53 ?g/ml attained at a mean Tmax of 3.81 ± 0.96 hr. The mean elimination half-life was 2.03 hours. This method proved to be simple, accurate and precise for pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies of cefdinir.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v10i2.11790   Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 10(2): 109-116, 2011 (December)
Study of Ethyl Cellulose Based Sustained Release Microspheres of Naproxen Sodium
Authors: Sarkar Kowshik , Sadat Sams Mohammad Anowar , Islam Md Saiful , Jalil Reza-ul
Published: September 2012

The present study was conducted to prepare sustained release microspheres of naproxen sodium using ethyl cellulose (Ethocel 20 cps) polymer. Three different plasticizers namely polyethyleneglycol 600   (PEG 600), polyethyleneglycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and triethyl citrate (TEC) were used at 10% (wt/wt) and 40% (wt/wt) level of the drug content. Prepared microspheres were characterized with respect to drug loading,   microsphere particle size, microsphere surface morphology and release behavior. Surface morphology of the microspheres was examined in a scanning electron microscope. Drug release was observed in phosphate buffer   solution of pH 6.8 for 8 hours. At 10% level of the plasticizers, percent release was 93.36%, 93.02% and   92.67% for PEG 600, PEG 6000 and TEC respectively after 8 hours. On the other hand, at 40% level, percent   release was 81.12%, 70.06% and 51.12% for PEG 600, PEG 6000 and TEC respectively after the same   duration. Release mechanisms followed case I or fickian model   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v10i2.11792   Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 10(2): 123-129, 2011 (December)
Gold Bead Implantation in Acupoints for Coxofemoral Arthrosis in Dogs: Method Description and Adverse Effects
Authors: Jæger Gry T. , Stigen Øyvind , Devor Morten , Moe Lars
Published: September 2012

Gold bead implantation has been used for years as an alternative method to improve function in chronic joint disease both in humans and dogs. The aims of the present study were to describe the technique of implanting 24-karat gold beads around the hip joints of dogs with chronic hip dysplasia, and to record any side effects or complications of such treatment. A prospective placebo-controlled double-blinded clinical trial was performed. Eighty dogs were randomly allocated to treatment or placebo, with 38 in the gold implantation group and 42 in the placebo group, and followed intensely for six months. The implantation technique was simple to perform, using fluoroscopy and with the dogs under inhalation anesthesia for about 30 minutes. Adverse effects, measured as pain or discomfort, were seen for a period of up to four weeks in 15 of the dogs in the gold implantation group, compared to six dogs in the placebo group. During implantation, a technical difficulty occurred as 82% of the dogs showed leakage of blood and/or synovia from the needles. The dogs in the gold implantation group were radiographed 18 months later. Of the 30 dogs that were radiographed at both inclusion and 24 months, 80% (24 dogs) showed a deterioration of the coxofemoral arthrosis, the other six had stable disease evaluated by radiography. Migration of gold beads was only observed in one dog.
Sumoylation and the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Cremona Catherine A. , Sarangi Prabha , Zhao Xiaolan
Published: September 2012

The cellular response to DNA damage involves multiple pathways that work together to promote survival in the face of increased genotoxic lesions. Proteins in these pathways are often posttranslationally modified, either by small groups such as phosphate, or by protein modifiers such as ubiquitin or SUMO. The recent discovery of many more SUMO substrates that are modified at higher levels in damage conditions adds weight to the accumulated evidence suggesting that sumoylation plays an important functional role in the DNA damage response. Here we discuss the significance of DNA damage-induced sumoylation, the effects of sumoylation on repair proteins, sumoylation dynamics, and crosstalk with other posttranslational modifications in the DNA damage response.
Development and Successful Application of a Tree Movement Energy Harvesting Device, to Power a Wireless Sensor Node
Authors: McGarry Scott , Knight Chris
Published: September 2012

Wireless sensor networks are becoming increasingly more common as a means to sense, measure, record and transmit data for scientific and engineering evaluation, remotely and autonomously. Usually, remotely located sensor nodes are powered by batteries which are recharged by solar or wind energy harvesters. Sometimes nodes are located in areas where these forms of energy harvesting are not possible due to local conditions, such as under the canopy of a forest. This article outlines the design and testing of a device capable of harvesting energy from tree movement, and shows the device powering a wireless sensor node continuously. The device uses the force and displacement of the movement of a tree trunk (of a 6 m tall tree) to drive an electromagnetic generator that recharges a nickel metal hydride battery. The battery stores the energy from which a ~0.5 mW wireless sensor node is powered continuously. This demonstrated method of energy harvesting may allow the placement and powering of nodes in locations previously not possible.
The Islet Size to Oxygen Consumption Ratio Reliably Predicts Reversal of Diabetes Posttransplant
Authors: Pepper Andrew R. , Hasilo Craig P. , Melling C. W. James , Mazzuca Delfina M. , Vilk Greg , Zou Guangyong , White David J. G.
Published: September 2012

β-Cell replacement therapy by either whole-organ pancreas or islets of Langerhans transplantation can restore carbohydrate control to diabetic patients and reduces complications associated with the disease. One of the variables inherent in islet transplantation is the isolation of functional islets from donor pancreata. Islet isolations fail to consistently produce good-quality functional islets. A rapid pretransplant assay to determine posttransplant function of islets would be an invaluable tool. We have tested the novel hypothesis that modified oxygen consumption rates (OCR), standardized to DNA quantity (nmol/min-mg DNA), would serve as a pretransplant assessment of the metabolic potency of the islets postisolation. This study compares the ability of current in vitro assays to predict in vivo restoration of normoglycemia in a diabetic nude mouse posttransplantation of adult pig islets. There is known to be a diversity of islet sizes within each preparation. This parameter has not heretofore been effectively considered a critical factor in islet engraftment. Our results suggest a surprising finding that islet size influences the probability of restoring carbohydrate control. Based on this observation, we thus developed a novel predictor of islet graft function that combines the effects of both islet OCR and size. When OCR was divided by the islet index (size), a highly significant predictor of graft function was established ( p = 0.0002, n = 75). Furthermore, when OCR/islet index values exceeded 70.0 nmol/min-mg DNA/islet index, an effective threshold of diabetes reversal was observed. This assay can be performed with as few as 1,000 islet equivalents (IEQ) and conducted in less than 60 min. Our data suggest that, using this novel method to assess islet cell function prior to transplantation, OCR/islet index thresholds provide a valuable tool in identifying which islet preparations are most likely to restore glycemic control posttransplant.
Local Transplantation of Ex Vivo Expanded Bone Marrow-Derived CD34-Positive Cells Accelerates Fracture Healing
Authors: Kawakami Yohei , Ii Masaaki , Alev Cantas , Kawamoto Atsuhiko , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke , Shoji Taro , Fukui Tomoaki , Masuda Haruchika , Akimaru Hiroshi , Mifune Yutaka , Kuroda Tomoya , Horii Miki , Yokoyama Ayumi , Kurosaka Masahiro , Asahara Takayuki
Published: September 2012

Transplantation of bone marrow (BM) CD34+ cells, an endothelial/hematopoietic progenitor-enriched cell population, has shown therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of ischemic diseases enhancing neovascularization. However, the number of CD34+ cells obtained from bone marrow is not sufficient for routine clinical application. To overcome this issue, we developed a more efficient and clinically applicable CD34+ cell expansion method. Seven-day ex vivo expansion culture of BM CD34+ cells with a cocktail of five growth factors containing VEGF, SCF, IL-6, Flt-3 ligand, and TPO resulted in reproducible more than 20-fold increase in cell number. The favorable effect of the local transplantation of culture expanded (cEx)-BM CD34+ cells on rat unhealing fractures was equivalent or higher than that of nonexpanded (fresh) BM CD34+ cells exhibiting sufficient therapeutic outcome with frequent vasculogenic/osteogenic differentiation of transplanted cEx-BM CD34+ cells and fresh BM CD34+ cells as well as intrinsic enhancement of angiogenesis/osteogenesis at the treated fracture sites. Specifically, cEx-BM CD34+ cell treatment demonstrated the best blood flow recovery at fracture sites compared with the nonexpanded BM CD34+ cells. In vitro, cEx-BM CD34+ cells showed higher colony/tube-forming capacity than nonexpanded BM CD34+ cells. Both cells demonstrated differentiation potential into osteoblasts. Since fresh BM CD34+ cells can be easily collected from fracture sites at the time of primary operation and stored for future use, autologous cEx-BM CD34+ cell transplantation would be not only a simple but also a promising therapeutic strategy for unhealing fractures in the field of orthopedic trauma surgery.
Human-Scale Whole-Organ Bioengineering for Liver Transplantation: A Regenerative Medicine Approach
Authors: Yagi Hiroshi , Fukumitsu Ken , Fukuda Kazumasa , Kitago Minoru , Shinoda Masahiro , Obara Hideaki , Itano Osamu , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Tanabe Minoru , Coudriet Gina M. , Piganelli Jon D. , Gilbert Thomas W. , Soto-Gutierrez Alejandro , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: September 2012

At this time, the only definitive treatment of hepatic failure is liver transplantation. However, transplantation has been limited by the severely limited supply of human donor livers. Alternatively, a regenerative medicine approach has been recently proposed in rodents that describe the production of three-dimensional whole-organ scaffolds for assembly of engineered complete organs. In the present study, we describe the decellularization of porcine livers to generate liver constructs at a scale that can be clinically relevant. Adult ischemic porcine livers were successfully decellularized using a customized perfusion protocol, the decellularization process preserved the ultrastructural extracellular matrix components, functional characteristics of the native microvascular and the bile drainage network of the liver, and growth factors necessary for angiogenesis and liver regeneration. Furthermore, isolated hepatocytes engrafted and reorganized in the porcine decellularized livers using a human-sized organ culture system. These results provide proof-of-principle for the generation of a human-sized, three-dimensional organ scaffold as a potential structure for human liver grafts reconstruction for transplantation to treat liver disease.