bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether by Kocuria sp.
Authors: Lalevic Blazo , Jovic Jelena , Raicevic Vera , Kljujev Igor , Kikovic Dragan , Hamidovic Saud
Published: March 2012

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) has been used to replace the toxic compounds
from gasoline and to reduce emission of air pollutants. Due to its intensive
use, MTBE has become one of the most important environment pollutants. The
aim of this paper is isolation and identification of the bacteria from
wastewater sample of ?HIP Petrohemija? Pancevo (Serbia), capable of MTBE
biodegradation. The results of the investigation showed that only the
bacterial isolate 27/1 was capable of growth on MTBE. The result of sequence
analyzes of 16S rDNA showed that this bacterial isolate belongs to the
Kocuria sp. After the incubation period of 86 days, the degradation rates of
initial MTBE concentration of 25 and 125 ?g/ml were 55 and 36%, respectively.
These results indicated that bacteria Kocuria sp. is successfully adapted on
MTBE and can be potentially used in bioremediation of soils and waters
contaminated with MTBE.
Influence of thermal treatment on structure and properties of Fe75Ni2Si8B13C2 amorphous alloy
Authors: Minic Dusan , Blagojevic Vladimir , Minic Dragica
Published: March 2012

Iron-based amorphous alloys have been a focus of considerable scientific
interest in recent years, both from fundamental and practical point of view.
Comprehensive study of Fe75Ni2Si8B13C2 amorphous alloy investigated its
thermal stability and thermally induced changes of the electrical, magnetic
and mechanical properties and correlated them with microstructural changes.
The alloy was investigated in 25-1000?C temperature range. Thermally induced
structural transformations had been investigated using the DSC and the
thermomagnetic measurements, revealing that the alloy exhibits the Curie
temperature, glass transition, multi-step crystallization and
recrystallization. The crystallization kinetics was determined, under
non-isothermal conditions, to include three processes, corresponding to
crystallization of ?-Fe, Fe3B and Fe2B phases, respectively. Microstructural
analysis using the XRD and the M?ssbauer spectroscopy suggests that Fe3B acts
as an intermediate in the formation of Fe2B. The microstructure was
investigated on both the surface of the alloy ribbon and on the
cross-section, using SEM to determine structural changes of the alloy after
thermal treatment. Additionally, the XRD spectra were analyzed to determine
the change in microstructural parameters of the alloy caused by the thermal
treatment and the structural transformations. The M?ssbauer spectroscopy was
used to determine the distribution of iron atoms between the individual
crystalline phases and the amorphous matrix. The functional properties were
investigated using measurements of the magnetic susceptibility, electrical
resistivity and microhardness and these results were correlated with changes
in the microstructural parameters (average crystalline size, microstrain) and
the phase composition. The measurements were performed, where possible, both
during heating cycles to observe the change of these properties with
temperature, and at room temperature, after individual heating cycles to
determine the change in properties caused by annealing at different
temperatures.
Modeling the bioactive copper(II) complex stability by the use of an experimental design
Authors: Savic Ivana , Nikolic Goran , Savic Ivan , Cakic Milorad , Dosic Aleksandar , Canadi Janos
Published: March 2012

A new organic-inorganic complex based on copper ions with pullulan
polysaccharide can be used for the treatment of copper deficiency in human
organism. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to carry out the stress
stability study of this potential active substance by the use of mathematical
modelling. A full factorial design was successfully applied for the stability
studying. The electrical conductivity was taken as the response, while the
degradation time, concentration of the oxidative agent, temperature, and pH
value were used as the independent variables. All process variables were
analyzed at the three levels. On the basis of statistical analysis of data
for the thermal stability study, the temperature and degradation time had the
main impact on the conductivity of the complex solution. The degradation time
had the significant effect in the case of oxidative stability study. In
addition to the degradation time, the pH value and the temperature had the
significant effect on the complex stability for the hydrolytic stability
study.
Abts cation scavenging activity and total phenolic content of three moss species
Authors: Pejin Boris , Bogdanovic-Pristov Jelena
Published: March 2012

A limited number of mosses have ever been studied in regard to antioxidant
activity; with only few belonging to the European species. As part of our
on-going screening of bryophytes as natural antioxidant resources, a relevant
biological activity investigation was conducted on the three moss species,
namely Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp. (Brachytheciaceae),
Calliergonella cuspidata (Hedw.) Loeske (Hypnaceae) and Hypnum mammillatum
(Brid.) Loeske (Hypnaceae), collected in Germany. The antioxidant activity of
corresponding lyophilised aqueous extracts (teas) was evaluated on the basis
of their ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] cation
scavenging activities. The total phenolic contents were determined as well.
This study led to the detection of a moderate total phenolic content of the
moss B. rutabulum, indicating for the first time its potential in searching
for novel antioxidant agents.
The impact of manufacturing process on the content of hard triglycerides, hardness and thermal properties of milk chocolate
Authors: Zaric Danica , Pajin Biljana , Loncarevic Ivana , Seres Zita , Dokic Ljubica , Soronja-Simovic Dragana
Published: March 2012

The rheological and physical properties of the chocolate mass depend on the
ingredient composition as well as the manufacturing process. For the purpose
of this work, a milk chocolate mass of identical composition and raw
materials was manufactured by using the two different manufacturing
processes: a standard manufacturing process (SM) in five-roller mills
including conching, and an unconventional manufacturing process in a ball
mill (R1). The quality of both milk chocolate masses was examined by the
comparison of thermal (differential scanning calorimetry analysis), textural
properties (texture analysis), and the content of hard triglycerides (nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy). The main goal of this work was to determine
whether chocolate can be produced in a ball mill, using the manufacturing
process which results in significant savings, without causing drastic changes
to the chocolate physical properties. The new manufacturing process
rationalises the standard method by combining two phases, namely conching,
and refining into a single one. This results in reduced initial and
maintenance costs, as well as costs of workforce and fuel, etc. The results
have shown that the new chocolate manufacturing process has a positive impact
on texture and thermal properties, while the content of hard triglycerides
remains the same.
T = 0 phase diagram of the 1D Hubbard model with magnetic interactions in the narrow band limit
Authors: Mancini Ferdinando , Plekhanov Evgeny , Sica Gerardo
Published: March 2012

In this paper we study a generalization of the Hubbard model by considering spin-spin interactions described by the exchange constant J. An external magnetic field his also taken into account. In the narrowband limit and for the 1D case, we present the exact solution obtained in the framework of the Green’s function formalism, using the Composite Operator Method. We report the T = 0 phase diagram for both ferro (J > 0) and anti-ferro (J < 0) couplings. The competition of the different energy scales (U, J, and h; being U the local charge interaction) generates a variety of phases and different charge and spin orderings.
Contactless electroreflectance spectroscopy of optical transitions in low dimensional semiconductor structures
Authors: Misiewicz J. , Kudrawiec R.
Published: March 2012

The authors present the application of contactless electroreflectance (CER) spectroscopy to study optical transitions in low dimensional semiconductor structures including quantum wells (QWs), step-like QWs, quantum dots (QDs), quantum dashes (QDashes), QDs and QDashes embedded in a QW, and QDashes coupled with a QW. For QWs optical transitions between the ground and excited states as well as optical transitions in QW barriers and step-like barriers have been clearly observed in CER spectra. Energies of these transitions have been compared with theoretical calculations and in this way the band structure has been determined for the investigated QWs. For QD and QDash structures optical transitions in QDs and QDashes as well as optical transitions in the wetting layer have been identified. For QDs and QDashes surrounded by a QW, in addition to energies of QD and QDash transitions, energies of optical transitions in the surrounded QW have been measured and the band structure has been determined for the surrounded QW. Finally some differences, which can be observed in CER and photo-reflectance spectra, have been presented and discussed for selected QW and QD structures.
Steroid induced ocular hypertension following pterygium surgery
Authors: Khatri BK , Ton H
Published: March 2012

Background: Steroid induced glaucoma is an important cause of ocular morbidity and blindness. Objective: To determine the incidence of steroid induced ocular hypertension following pterygium surgery. Methods: A total of 202 eyes of 202 patients with primary pterygium which received steroid eye drops after undergoing surgical excision were selected. Pre-operative and post-operative intra-ocular pressure (IOP) were measured and followed up after 2nd and 6th weeks following surgery. Results: Ocular hypertension developed in 47 (23.27 %) eyes. The IOP returned to normal after two weeks following discontinuation of topical steroid drops (dexamethasone) and initiation of anti-glaucoma medication (Timolol drops 0.5% BD). Conclusion: Nearly one fourth of the patients receiving topical steroid following pterygium surgery presented with ocular hypertension. Measurement of IOP as early as 2 weeks of initiation of steroid drops helps identify steroid induced ocular hypertension. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i1.6009 HREN 2012; 10(1): 57-58
Mental Health & Mental Illness: Our Responsibility
Authors: Bhadra M
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i1.6014 HREN 2012; 10(1): 72
Knowledge and practice of mothers regarding breast feeding: a hospital based study
Authors: Kumar A
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i1.6015 HREN 2012; 10(1): 73-74
Quantifying Extrusion Modification of LDPE with a Microcompounder
Authors: Li T. , Kuklisin K. , Auger J. , Nielsen J. , Lin W.
Published: March 2012

Processibility of LDPE is known to be sensitive to processing history. Significant changes in processibility and product properties can occur through repeated extrusion without detectable changes in molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Such changes of LDPE rheology are simulated with DSM micro-compounder and characterized with the small angle oscillatory tests and the SER uni-axial extensional flow with a K-BKZ analysis.

Both the linear and the nonlinear rheology data suggest the major mechanism in the extrusion with the DSM micro-compounder is the reduction of the effects of long chain branching. The linear rheology analysis, along with GPC and NMR characterization confirms that the changes in the extrusion are not due to chemical crosslinking, though an increase in backbone molecular weight at extreme conditions is perceivable through the minor increase in molecular weight distribution, the increase in zero-shear viscosity and the decrease of melt index. The extensional rheology results, on the other hand, reveal the depression of the strain hardening with prolonged extrusion at 190 degree C or higher extrusion temperature. The stress growth data were evaluated with a K-BKZ constitutive with exponential damping function. The depression of strain hardening is well characterized with the strain hardening factor and the non-linear exponent beta as function of the extrusion conditions. The damping factor β is observed to be especially effective as the parameter to follow the depression of the strain hardening due to microcompounder extrusion. The microcompounder extrusion and the SER analysis with the K-BKZ analysis prove to be a new useful tool for simulating the shear modification of the LDPE.
Application of Dry Nano Powder Inverse Imprint Technology in Transferring and Replication of Micro Patterns
Authors: Weng Y.-J.
Published: March 2012

This research aims to develop a new dry nano powder inverse imprint technology, and probe into transferring and replication of micro patterns. First, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mould surface, with micro patterns of grating structures, undergo activation treatment with oxygen plasma in order to improve mould surface energy, and thus, spin coat photoresist onto the surface more easily. Then, the surface is heated to restore its hydrophobicity, and by means of nano powder, micro patterns are transfer printed onto the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Research results show that dry nano powder soft coat transferring and forming technology can accurately reproduce the required patterns. In the experiment, gas assisted nano powder imprint technology is used to apply even pressure, coupled with even temperature rise for solidification, then, patterns can be effectively transfer printed and completely formed. Further, these patterns are in perfect contact with the PMMA surface, thus, greatly increasing the valid imprint area and enhancing transferring reproductiveness. The technology integrates technologies, such as, soft lithography, solidifying photoresist, and gas assisted pressure application, and is utilized to transfer print micro patterns in a grating structure, and thus, complete the transferring process of dry micro structure patterns.
Three-dimensional Numerical Study of the Mixing Behaviour of Twin-screw Elements
Authors: Ilinca F. , Hétu J.-F.
Published: March 2012

In this work the numerical modeling of the flow inside co-rotating twin-screw extruders is performed and solutions are analyzed to determine the mixing behavior of two screw elements: conveying and mixing elements. The flow around intermeshing screws is computed using an immersed boundary finite element method capable of dealing with complex moving solid boundaries. The flow is considered isothermal and the material behaves as a generalized non-Newtonian fluid. Because the viscosity depends on the shear rate, solutions will be shown for various rotation velocities of the screw. The 3D solutions are then analyzed in order to determine various parameters characterizing the flow mixing such as the residence time and the linear stretch. Residence time distribution inside the twin-screw extruder is first computed by using a particle tracking algorithm based on a fourth order Runge-Kutta method. A large number of particles are tracked inside the extruder and the resulting particle data is used to determine the distribution of the residence time and of the linear stretch. The spatial distribution of the residence time is also computed by solving a transport equation tracking the injection time of the polymer melt. The methodology shows important differences in the mixing behavior of the screw elements considered.
Three-Dimensional Observation on the Liquid Emptying Process from a Scaled-up Gravure Cell
Authors: Lee C.-C. , Hu S.-H. , Liu T.-J. , Tiu C.
Published: March 2012

The performance of gravure coating is strongly dependent on the break-up of the liquid bridge connecting the surfaces of the moving roller and gravure cell. The mechanism of the movement and subsequent break-up of the liquid bridge were studied experimentally using a three-dimensional flow visualization technique. Three stages of liquid motion were observed, and two characteristic lengths were defined to quantify the liquid pick-out and bridge break-up. The pick-out and break-up mechanisms were influenced by the capillary number, coating gap and the geometry of the gravure cell. A universal correlation between the pick-out and these variables was found.
The Rheological and Mechanical Properties of PVC-Lignin Blends
Authors: Liu F. , Xu K. , Chen M. , Cao D.
Published: March 2012

The rheological and mechanical properties of PVC-lignin blends were studied, and their alterations were investigated after lignin was treated with poly(ethyl acrylate-co-maleic anhydride). The addition of lignin changes the early rheological properties of the blend comparing with PVC control because the rigidity of lignin particles leads to more intensive shearing in the system, but has little effect on its rheology during the equilibrium period. The processing stability slightly decreases with the increase of lignin content in the blend. The mechanical properties of the blends are worse than that of PVC control. The rheological properties of the blends are little influenced after lignin is treated with polyacrylate, but the mechanical properties, especially toughness, are improved, and the maximum impact strength is 37.7% higher than that of PVC control.
Radio-Frequency Compression Molding of Recycled Commingled Polymers
Authors: Rios F. , Silverstein M. S.
Published: March 2012

The increasing consumption and resistance to natural decomposition of plastic materials has caused an ecological problem that is waiting for solutions, including economical recycling technologies. In this work, the properties of compression molded plastic boards made of commingled pellets of Polyethylene (PE) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), two incompatible widely used polymers, are investigated. The commingled pellets were mechanically mixed and flat boards with different ratios of PE and PVC were produced by compression molding, one set using radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic heating and the second using conventional conductive heating (CH). The main advantage of the RF system over the CH system is the much shorter heating time required to reach processing temperatures, making it an economically attractive alternative. However, the speed and intensity of the heat acting on the PVC in the RF process caused a reduction of the mechanical properties of the boards as a consequence of the degradation of the PVC. This problem was solved by the addition of process-specific additives, organic and inorganic, placed at the pellet's interface. The results of this work demonstrate that commingled plastics can be efficiently compression molded using radio frequency, providing an alternative to conventional compression molding using conductive heating.
Solving Injection Molded Part Warpage under Asymmetric Mold Cooling Conditions by Corrugated Variations in Part Thickness
Authors: Chen S. C. , Chang Y. , Huang S. T.
Published: March 2012

In this study, corrugated variations in part thickness designed to match the various mold temperature differences between the mold core and mold cavity sides, along with their effects on part warpage, were investigated. Part thickness was varied in a pitched manner and thickness reductions of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of the original part thickness were implemented. The results show that when there is a mold temperature difference between core and cavity, using a corrugated thickness reduction design can greatly reduce or even eliminate part warpage. For a uniform thickness part molded under unbalanced cooling, the thermal neutral axis (where the maximum melt temperature is located) will deviate from the gap center toward the mold wall side with the higher temperature. Variation in thickness will pull the deviated thermal neutral axis back to the center line leading to a reduction in part warpage.
Effects of Pressure and Supercritical Fluid on Melt Viscosity of LDPE in Conventional and Microcellular Injection Molding
Authors: Hsu C.-L. , Turng L.-S. , Osswald T. A. , Rudolph N. , Dougherty E. , Gorton P.
Published: March 2012

In this study, the flow and rheological behaviors of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and single-phase LDPE/N2 polymer/gas solutions at various gas contents were measured using a high-pressure slit-die rheometer. The resulting rheology data of LDPE and LDPE/N2 were curve fit using the Cross–WLF model to obtain the seven material model constants, which were then used in the simulation of conventional and microcellular injection molding processes. The pressure effect on the shear viscosity of LDPE was also studied. The pressure dependency coefficient, D3, in the Cross–WLF model was determined by the use of simulation to best fit the experimental results. In addition, a three-dimensional plot of shear viscosity as a function of shear rate and pressure at various temperatures was constructed. Based on this three-dimensional viscosity–shear rate–temperature–pressure plot, the increase in viscosity due to the pressure effect was found to be more profound at high pressures, low temperatures, and low shear rates.
Influence of Scale Effect on Filling Behavior of Injection Molding by Visualization Method
Authors: Jiang K.-Y. , Tian J.-N. , Wang M.-J. , Ma J.-J. , Yu Z.-K.
Published: March 2012

For better understanding of thin-wall injection molding processes, a visualization injection mold and high speed camera were used to observe the dynamic filling behavior of melt in cavities with different thicknesses during the injection molding process. The impact of the scale effect on the melt-filling rate and filling imbalance in the multi-cavity were also studied. Results indicated that the filling behavior of the melt during the multi-cavity molding process was related to the cavity thickness. The experiment results can be used to describe the filling imbalance phenomenon during the injection molding process and to provide experimental evidence for precise injection molding technology at the micro scale.
Determination of Thermal Response on Mold Surface and Recommendation of Feasible Heating Time and Gas Flow Rate for a Circular Cavity by Gas Preheating
Authors: Chau S. W. , Lee Y. H.
Published: March 2012

This paper studies the thermal response on the mold surface of a circular cavity in the preheating process by high-temperature gas via a numerical approach, where the heat and mass transfer inside the cavity and mold are predicted by a two-fluid model. The dimensionless parameter group is identified from a dimensional analysis of the gas preheating problem. The correlations among dimensionless parameters are established by a least square method applied to the numerical predictions. The upper limit of the temperature rise on the cavity surface at a given gas flow rate is found approximately proportional to the square root of Q∗and h∗, respectively. The lower limit of gas flow rate to achieve a given temperature rise on the cavity surface is inversely proportional to h∗but grows with (Q∗)1.5. The first limiting line to describe the dependence of Q∗on t∗is independent of h∗and T∗, but the second one is governed by Q∗c. For reaching a specified temperature rise on the cavity surface, the growth in the thickness of thermal resistive layer reduces the required preheating time but increases the corresponding gas flow rate. The dependence of (t∗f, Q∗f) on the parameter group (T∗, h∗) is given in this study to obtain the reasonable combinations of (t∗f, Q∗f) based on the balance between the allowable preheating time and heating capacity.
Overall Control System for Injection Molding Process
Authors: Yang Y. , Yao K. , Gao F.
Published: March 2012

A multi-layer injection molding machine control system is proposed in this paper. The first layer, an advanced process parameter control layer, provides accurate and robust control of key process variables. The second layer consists of two modules, a profile setting layer determining the shapes of set-point profiles for the key process variables, to achieve an evenly distributed part quality along the flow directions; and a process fault detection and diagnoses system monitoring the operation of injection molding process. The third layer, a quality control layer, consists of a quantitative quality prediction model and a quality controller. This final layer provides a mechanism for closed-loop control of certain part quality. The related work that has been conducted on these three layers is discussed extensively in this paper, and the future work is introduced as well.
Genetic Diagnosis & Treatment-How far We are?
Authors: Rahman Md Tahmlnur
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v3i1.10104 AKMMCJ 2012; 3(1): 3-5
Pattern of Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infections of inpatients and outpatients department at Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Hospital
Authors: Shilpi T , Huq SMA , Khatun M
Published: March 2012

The most common nosocomial infection is Urinary tract infection (UTI) among hospitalized patients as well as UTI is an important health problem in the community. The knowledge about the type of pathogens responsible for UTI and at a specific area may help the doctors to choose correct treatment regimen. This study was aimedat to investigate the pattern of isolated urinary pathogens. This study was done at Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Hospital, Dhaka during January- June, 2011. Out of 498 clinical samples of urine collected, 245 (49.19%) showed significant bacterial growth. The most common pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli (142, 58.0%), Streptococcus feacalis (38, 15.5%), Pseudomonus (20, 8.2%), Klebsiella species (20, 8.2%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (14, 5.7%). The clinicians should use antibiotics according to pattern of causative agents that cause UTI in such setting. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v3i1.10107 AKMMCJ 2012; 3(1): 13-15
Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Hypercholesterolemic Type 2 Diabetic Subjects On Dyslipidemia
Authors: Saleh Farzana , Mumu Shirin Jahan , Afnan Fadia , Ali Liaquat , Chaudhury Habib Sadat , Akhter Afroza , Ahmed Kazi Rumana , Akter Sanzida
Published: March 2012

This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic subjects on dyslipidemia and to analyze the influence of some demographic and socioeconomic factors on the level of KAP.It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. One hundred eleven newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects (male 61%, female 39%, age 45±9 years, BMI 24±4.8 Kg/m2) with hypercholesterolemia (fasting plasma total cholesterol >200 mg/dl) were selected from the out patient department of BIRDEM by purposive sampling method. Data were collected by a pre-designed, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Three categories were defined on the basis of the score obtained by each subject namely low, medium and high as follows: knowledge-score <50%, 50-60% and >60%; attitude-score <60%, 60-80% and >80%; and practice-score <50%, 50-70% and >70% respectively. The levels of knowledge were low in 42%, medium in 35% and high in 23% of the study subjects. The corresponding attitude levels were low in 1%, medium in 31% and high in 68%, and the levels of practice were low in 80%, medium in 14% and high in 6% of the subjects. The knowledge score was higher in secondary and graduate (53.4±8.9%, and 54.9±10.1%) groups compared to illiterate-primary group (48.9±9.9%). Practice score of illiterate-primary group (34.5±16.8%) was lower than secondary and graduate (43.1±13.9% and 46.7±18.1%) groups, but they did not differ on attitude. The various income groups did not differ on knowledge. Attitude score of high-income group (78.7±8.4%) was better than low-income group (70.9±11.8%). Practice score in high-income group (44.7±16.0%) was better than medium income and low-income groups (31.3±14.5% and 28.6±15.0%). Knowledge and practice score in Bangladeshi hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic subjects are not satisfactory although they have fairly good attitude levels. Education and income status are the major determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dyslipidemia in diabetes. A coordinated policy is required to promote knowledge and attitude on healthy lifestyle and to translate those into practice.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v5i2.10096 IMCJ 2011; 5(2): 37-41
Trends Of Antibiotic Susceptibility Of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Typhi And Paratyphi In An Urban Hospital Of Dhaka City Over 6 Years Period
Authors: Shadia Khandaker , Borhan Shajeda Binte , Hasin Humaira , Rahman Sharmin , Sultana Shahin , Barai Lovely , Jilani MS Alam , Haq J Ashraful
Published: March 2012

The antibiotic resistance pattern of salmonella is ever changing over time. The present study is a retrospective analysis of rate of isolation of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi and their antibiotic resistance pattern over 6 years period in an urban hospital of Dhaka city. Blood culture submitted in BIRDEM hospital from 2004-2009 were analyzed. Isolated Salmonella sp were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by a standard disc diffusion method. Among 385 isolated Salmonella sp 304 (79%) were Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and 81 (21%) were Salmonella enterica serover Paratyphi A. The rate of isolation of S. Paratyphi A has increased over 6 the year period from 14% to 24%. Resistance to individual first line anti-salmonella drugs has increased from 2004 to 2006 (42 to 63%) but has decreased thereafter. Similar pattern was found when simultaneous resistance to three first line antibiotics namely ampicillin, chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole were considered. Out of total 304 S. Typhi, 117 (38%) were simultaneously resistant to all three first line drugs compared to only 1.8% S. Paratyphi A. Analysis showed that 80 to 90% of isolated S. Typhi was nalidixic acid resistant (NARST) with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin while the rate for S. Paratyphi A was 71-94%. All S. Typhi and Paratyphi A were sensitive to ceftriaxone. The study showed that there was a gradual decline of resistance of S. Typhi to first line antibiotics but very high prevalence of nalidixic acid resistant S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v5i2.10097 IMCJ 2011; 5(2): 42-45
Sonographic Measurement Of Inferior Vena Cava Diameter  A Noninvasive Tool To Detect Acute Blood Loss
Authors: Das Kanta , Begum Shamsi Ara , Dey Sharmistha , Quddus MA , Mohiuddin AS
Published: March 2012

Detection and monitoring of blood loss in trauma patients can often be challenging. Change in the inferior vena cava diameter (IVCd) occurs due to alteration in circulating blood volume (CBV) and blood loss. Ultrasonographic measurement of IVCd provides a noninvasive real-time information of the CBV. The present study was designed to determine whether acute blood loss could be detected by sonographic measurement of the IVCd. A total of 50 volunteer blood donors aged 18 to 57 years were studied in the Department of Radiology and Imaging of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) from July 2004 to June 2005. The inferior vena cava diameters, both during inspiration and expiration were measured by ultrasound examination immediately before and after donation of a single unit (450ml) of blood. During examination, the transducer was applied to the epigastrium parallel to the median line about 2 cm to the right of it for sagittal sections, and at a right angle to the median line about 3 cm below the xiphoid process for transverse sections. In sagittal sections, the inferior vena cava behind the liver were imaged during inspiration and expiration. The mean diameter of IVC during expiration before and after the blood donation was 17.5mm (±1.56mm) and 11.93mm (±1.48mm) respectively. Likewise, the mean diameter of IVC during inspiration before and after the blood donation was 12.96mm (±1.61mm) and 7.58mm (±1.29mm) respectively. The decrease in INV diameter following blood loss was significant (p< 0.01). Thus, the acute depletion of CBV could be detected by measuring the change of IVCd by sonography. Further study may be undertaken to determine the relationship of unit change of IVCd due to acute blood loss in case of trauma or other conditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v5i2.10099 IMCJ 2011; 5(2): 51-53
Coronary Angioplasty : Case Report of the First Regular Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Newly Established Cathlab with Experiences
Authors: Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Islam AEM Mazharul , Rahman Khan HI Lutfur , Salam MA , Rahim Mahibur , Ali M Shomser , Haque Serajul , Khan Monoranjan , Huda SSM Iqbal
Published: March 2012

Since its introduction in 1977, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) i.e. coronary angioplasty and/or stenting have gained increasing importance in the treatment of coronary artery disease. PCI has reduced the need for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and are performed more and more frequently worldwide including Bangladesh. Though Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) is the pioneer institute for medical education in this country, the facilities for PCI and other cardiac intervention were previously not available in this institute. Recently, however, PCI has been introduced in DMCH. We are here reporting the first regular successful case of PCI done in DMCH. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10046 JOM 2012; 13(1): 43-45
Roles of Genes in the Susceptibility to and Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Review
Authors: Ahmedullah Abul Khair , Ahmed Shamim , Islam MD Ariful
Published: March 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic heterogeneous autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. Genetic factors play an important role in susceptibility to RA as the heritability of RA is between 50% and 60%, with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus accounting for at least 30% of overall genetic risk. It is conceivable that there is more than one susceptible gene(s) operative in RA, and an interaction of the relevant genes may predispose the offspring to develop the disease under certain conditions .Outside the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, some additional risk loci have been identified and validated including PTPN22, STAT4, PADI4, CTLA4 and others Genetic factors are also important in RA pharmacotherapy due to the gene-dependent activity of enzymes involved in the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of RA medications. Indeed, there is great variability in drug efficacy as well as adverse events associated with any anti-rheumatic therapy and genetics is thought to contribute significantly to this inter-individual variability in response. The ability to screen the entire genome for association to complex diseases has great potential for identifying gene effects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10048 JOM 2012; 13(1): 51-54
Chikungunya Fever: An Emerging Threat to Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Faijul Islam , Kabir Ahmedul , Das Aparna , Mukerrama Shegufta Mishket , Masud Shahin
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10052JOM 2012; 13(1): 60-64
Non-Skeletal Manifestations of Vitamin D Deficiency- A Review
Authors: Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Miah Md Titu , Mahfuz Rezwana
Published: March 2012

Objective: There are lots of important non-skeletal systemic consequence of vitamin D deficiency which was often was underestimated. The purpose of this review is to discuss the non-skeletal systemic manifestations of vitamin D deficiency. Data Sources: We searched Medline, Pub med, Google Scholar & individual searches. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10053 JOM 2012; 13(1): 65-68
Tuberculomas in the Cavernous Sinus, Temporal Lobe and Basal Subarachnoid Spaces
Authors: Haque Md Raziul , Chowdhury Forhad Hossain , Islam Md Shafiqul , Kawsar Khandkar Ali , Haque AFM Momtazul
Published: March 2012

Tuberculoma is not an uncommon lesion in intracranial space specially in developing world but tuberculoma in the cavernous sinus is very rare, and only less than ten cases have been reported in the literature, till today. Preoperative neuro-radiological features of such lesions may mimic neoplastic lesions of skull base and brain and post operative histopathological study brings the ultimate diagnosis. Here we report a rare case of cavernous sinus tuberculoma where tuberculomas were also in temporal lobe and Basal subarachnoid spaces (Right cavernous sinus, left temporal lobe, right sylvian fissure, basal cistern, interpeduncular cistern and prepontine cistern).   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10056  JOM 2012; 13(1): 75-76   Tuberculoma is not an uncommon lesion in intracranial space specially in developing world but tuberculoma in the cavernous sinus is very rare, and only less than ten cases have been reported in the literature, till today. Preoperative neuro-radiological features of such lesions may mimic neoplastic lesions of skull base and brain and post operative histopathological study brings the ultimate diagnosis. Here we report a rare case of cavernous sinus tuberculoma where tuberculomas were also in temporal lobe and Basal subarachnoid spaces (Right cavernous sinus, left temporal lobe, right sylvian fissure, basal cistern, interpeduncular cistern and prepontine cistern). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10056 JOM 2012; 13(1): 75-76
Primary Histoplasmosis of Vocal Cord in an Immunocompetent Elderly Man- A case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Habib Shah Khaled , Patwary Shamsul Arefin , Imran Khan Mohammad Ahik , Miah Md Titu , Gupta Ratan Das , Ahasan Ham Nazmul
Published: March 2012

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection primarily acquired through inhalation, and is rarely encountered outside endemic areas. In non-endemic areas, histoplasmosis poses a diagnostic challenge, especially since the presenting lesions can mimic carcinoma and other chronic infections including tuberculosis. We report an unusual case of isolated vocal cord histoplasmosis in a 60 year old immunocompetent man from Bangladesh presenting with hoarseness of voice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10080 JOM 2012; 13(1): 77-81
Lumboperitoneal Shunt - A Simple Answer to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Kawsar Khandkar Ali
Published: March 2012

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension commonly can present in young women. It is a relatively common disorder but unfortunately under diagnosed. Surgery can be an option of treatment for these patients. Here we report a can not a young girl presenting with IIH, successfully treated by a shunt surgery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10081 JOM 2012; 13(1): 82-84
A Female with Recurrent Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Das Aparna , Hoque AKM Aminul , Dasgupta Ratan , Kabir Ahmedul , Banik Gobinda , Huda ANM Shamsul , Islam Moinul
Published: March 2012

A 50- year-old female was presented with recurrent venous thrombosis with ischemic stroke due to protein S deficiency. Other causes of recurrent venous thrombosis were excluded by different investigations. We only found low level of protein S. In most of the cases, thrombophilia screening is not usaally done. So, this report will illustrate the importance of thrombophlia screening in patient having recurrent venous thrombosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10085 JOM 2012; 13(1): 100-102
Fibroadenoma with Foci of Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma
Authors: Jahan Fauzia , Ghosh PK , Rahman Saidur , Khanam Rehana
Published: March 2012

Fibroadenoma is a biphasic tumor of breast with stromal and epithelial components. It is a very common benign tumor among young female. Malignant transformation in a fibroadenoma is uncommon. We report a case of an elderly patient with bilateral fibroadenomas harboring foci of invasive ductal carcinoma. The intent of this presentation is to increase general awareness as to the existence of carcinomas arising in fibroadenomas and also to actively discourage the practice of rendering gross pathological diagnoses of fibroadenomas.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10088 JOM 2012; 13(1): 115-117
v13i1 Picture Quiz - Answer
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10089JOM 2012; 13(1): 117
Gitelman Syndrome
Authors: Choudhury Minhaj Rahim , Hassan M Masudul , Hossain Mahbub
Published: March 2012

Gitleman syndrome is a rare entity. It is a benign disorder that can present with many metabolic derangements. Here we report a patient presenting with recurrent episodes of muscle weakness, muscle cramps that was diagnosed as a cas of Gitlemans syndrome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10090 JOM 2012; 13(1): 118-119
Choledochal Cyst: A Report of a Rare Disease
Authors: Alam Md Billal , Biswas Shormistha , Gupta Ratan Das , Shaha Anup Kumar , Rahman Shahidur , Das Pratha Pratim , Rahman Ashrafur , Rahman GM Hafizur , Maria Mostakim , Kabir Md Khyrul
Published: March 2012

Choledochal cyst is an aneurysmal dilatation of the bile duct. It is a rare condition. Here we report a case of choledochal cyst in a 15 year-old female patient. She presented to the out patient clinic with the complaints of recurrent pain and lump in the upper abdomen along with fever for 1 year. The diagnosis was made by abdominal ultrasound complemented by computed tomography. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10091 JOM 2012; 13(1): 120-122
Tuberculosis of Left Clavicle in a Young Boy
Authors: Jana Pulak Kumar , Das Ira , Bairagya Tapan Das , Das Sibes Kumar
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10092 JOM 2012; 13(1): 123
Spontaneous Pneumothorax Complicating Hemodialysis
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Diwan SK , Singh AP , Koppatiwar S
Published: March 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.10094 JOM 2012; 13(1): 125
A Young Girl with Bilateral Wrist Joint Deformity
Authors: Amin Mohammad Robed , Rahman Safin Ararat , Enam Shabnam Fatema , Hossain Ahmed Riyad , Kahhar MA
Published: March 2012

Madelung deformity is a rare autosomal disorder involving the epiphyseal plate of distal radial end and consequent deformity. It is primarily found in adolescent females. A teenage girl presented with progressive bilateral wrist joint deformity and bowing of distal end of forearm without significant functional impairment and systemic complaints. Clinical examination was suggestive of Madelung deformity that was confirmed by Radiological evaluation. The pattern of deformity and radiology is the key to identify the disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.7548JOM 2012; 13(1): 88-91
Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis, A Rare Metabolic Disease
Authors: Siddiqui Mahmudur Rahman , Mahbub Md Sahriar , Islam Quazi Tarikul
Published: March 2012

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare genetic lipid storage disease. CTX is characterised by childhood-onset cataract, adolescent to young adult-onset tendon xanthomas and adult-onset progressive neurological dysfunction (dementia, psychiatric disturbances, pyramidal and/or cerebellar signs and seizures). A 32-year-old male patient presented to us with the features of this rare genetic metabolic disorder.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i1.8690 JOM 2012; 13(1): 92-93
Betaine Chloride-Betaine Tetrachloridoferrate(III)—An Ionic Liquid Related Crystal Structure Governed by the Pearson Concept
Authors: Bäcker Tobias , Mudring Anja-Verena
Published: March 2012

The first betaine chloride tetrachloroidoferrate(III) double salt, (Hbet)2Cl[FeCl4] = (Hbet)Cl·(Hbet)[FeCl4], was obtained from a solution of betaine hydrochloride (HbetCl) and FeCl3∙6 H2O in water. The crystal structure (orthorhombic, Pbcm, a = 6.2717(13), b = 12.841(3), c = 25.693(5) Å, Z = 4) is characterized by layers of tetrachloridoferrate(III) anions separated by chloride-bridged, H-bond mediated cationic (Hbet) dimers. The hydrogen bonding network in the crystal structure follows the Pearson HSAB (hard acid-soft base) concept: According to the Pearson concept, the chloride anions show high affinity to the carboxyl group (hard acid and base), and the tetrachloroidoferrate(III) anion preferentially interacts with the activated methyl donors (soft acid and base). These interactions between the COOH group, as hard H-bond donor, and chloride as hard acceptor besides those between the soft, activated methyl groups and the soft tetrachloridoferrate(III) anions are the major structure-directing forces in the crystal structure of (Hbet)2Cl[FeCl4].
Exergy Assessment of Recovery Solutions from Dry and Moist Gas Available at Medium Temperature
Authors: Ayachi Fadhel , Ksayer Elias Boulawz , Neveu Pierre
Published: March 2012

The Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR-EESI) ENERGY ReCOvery from Low Temperature heat sources (ENERCO_LT) project is a waste heat recovery project that aims to reduce energy consumption in industrial gas production sites, by producing electrical power from exothermic processes discharges at low and medium temperature. Two promising thermal sources, consisting of: (i) almost dry gas flow at 165 °C and (ii) moist gas flow at 150 °C with a dew point at 60 °C, were then investigated. In this paper, the challenge was to discern suitable recovery solutions facing resource specificities and their thermodynamic constraints, in order to minimize the overall exergy destruction, i.e., to move up the exergy efficiency of the entire system. In this spirit, different designs, including Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs) and CO2 transcritical cycles, operating as simple and cascade cycles, were investigated. Combined exergy analysis and pinch optimization was performed to identify the potential of various working fluids, by their properties, to overcome the global irreversibility according to the studied resource. Supercritical parameters of various working fluids are investigated too, and seem to bring promising results regarding system performances.
The Hypoglycemic Effect of the Kelp on Diabetes Mellitus Model Induced by Alloxan in Rats
Authors: Long Shao-Hua , Yu Zhu-Qin , Shuai Li , Guo Yun-Liang , Duan De-Lin , Xu Xin-Ying , Li Xiao-Dan
Published: March 2012

Hypoglycemic effects and the use of kelp in diabetes mellitus (DM) model rats induced by alloxan were investigated. Sixty healthy male rats were used to establish DM models by injecting alloxan intraperitoneally. Kelp powder was added to the general forage for the rats. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) were determined by an automatic blood glucose device. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was applied to determine the serum levels of insulin. The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by thiobarbituric acid assay and nitric oxide (NO) by nitrate reductase assay. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by xanthinoxidase assay and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) by chemical colorimetry. The shape and structure of islet cells were observed with Hematine-Eosin staining, and the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in islet cells were detected by immunohistochemical assay. The results showed that the serum levels of insulin after treatment with kelp powder increased significantly compared to those in the DM-model group, while the FBG in the medium-high dose treated groups decreased significantly compared to those in the DM-model group (P < 0.05). The levels of MDA and NO in the kelp powder groups were lower than those in the DM-model group, while the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were higher than those in the DM-model group, of which a significant difference existed between the medium-high dose treated groups and the DM-model group (P < 0.05). The shape and structure of islet cells improved with the up-expressing SOD and down-expressing iNOS in the medium-high dose treated groups compared to those in the DM-model group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the medium and high dose treated groups, all above indexes (P > 0.05). It is suggested that kelp might aid recovery of the the islet cell secreting function and reduce the level of FBG by an antioxidant effect.