bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Tamsulosin in relieving double-J stent-related symptoms: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Thakur DK , Chapagain S , Luitel BR , Chalise PR , Sharma UK , Gyawali PR
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Ureteral stent placement is an increasingly common procedure in urological practice.They are used for both prevention and treatment of ureteral obstruction. Despite improved design and materials, many patients still develop stent-related symptoms which commonly affect quality of life and sometimes necessitate early removal. Tamsulosin improves stent-related symptoms and quality of life, and can be applied in routine clinical practice. In the present study, the effect of Tamsulosin in improving double-J stent-related symptoms and quality of life following ureteral stent placement was studied.Methods: This RCT was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal from February 2015 to January 2016. Forty six patients were included in the study and randomized into Tamsulosin(T) group and Control(C) group each having 23 patients. In addition to standard postoperative care, Tamsulosin group received 0.4mg Tamsulosin daily and Paraceramol on demand and control group received only Paracetamol. Stent related symptoms and quality of life was assessed by IPSS at discharge (day2) and at the time of DJ stent removal (2 weeks). Pain was evaluated by VAS and analgesic requirement was documented. Data were analysed using SPSS 20, chi-square test and Student’s t- test was used. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Mean age in Tamsulosin group was 37.96±12.98 and Control group 36.43± 10.99(p=0.67).There was no significant difference in IPSS(p=0.141), QoL index (p=0.089) and VAS (p=0.59) in the two groups at the time of discharge.At the time of DJ stent removal, IPSS (p<0.001), QoL index (p<0.001), VAS (p=0.004) and analgesic needed (p<0.001) was significantly lower in T group than in C group.Conclusion: Tamsulosin lowers stent related symptoms, pain and improves quality of life in patients with indwelling DJ stent though the effect is not immediate.
A comparative study between extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy in the management of upper ureteric calculus
Authors: Shrestha B , Joshi HN , Malla BR , Gyanwali D , Shrestha SM , Koju R
Published: July 2016

Introduction and Objective: A stone in the ureter usually comes from the kidney. Urolithiasis is the third most common disease of the urinary tract which is surpassed only by urinary tract infections and pathologic conditions of prostate. There are some controversies on the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) in ureteral stones. We aim to compare the efficacy of ESWL and URSL in the management of upper ureteric stones in terms of stone clearance.Materials and Methods: This prospective hospital based study included patients with upper ureteric calculus managed with URSL with DJ stenting or ESWL at Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital from August 2014 to December 2015. Stone size, stone clearance, number of sittings, complications and need of other procedure were recorded.Results: Total number of patients undergone ESWL was 49 and URSL was 48. There was no difference in male/ female ratio, age and stone diameter between two groups (P>0.05). Total stone-free ratio was 85.71%(42/49) for ESWL and 81.25%(39/48) for URSL, partial fragmentation requiring shift of modality of treatment was 12.24%(6/49) for ESWL and 12.5%(6/48) for URSL, failed procedure was 2.04%(1/49) for ESWL and 6.25%(3/48%) for URSL(P= 0.577).Conclusion: ESWL is as effective as URSL in the management of upper ureteric calculus with no significant difference in age, male/female ratio, stone diameter and stone free ratio
To stratify complications of percutaneousnephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a single hospital by use of the modified Clavien grading system
Authors: Limbu Y , Joshi R , Dangol UMS , Singh DR
Published: July 2016

Introduction: PCNL is relatively safe but evaluating its complication can be of importance so that we can betteranticipate and act on it.Purpose: To evaluate the complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Materials and methods: We prospectively analyzed the patients who underwent conventional PCNL at KMCTH from March 2013 to July 2015. Eighty five cases with renal stones more than 1cm and upper ureteric stones were included in the study. Patients with coagulation disorder were not included in this study. Ten patients who had PCNL converted to open procedures were excluded in the study. Patients underwent PCNL in prone position. Pre-operative complete blood count, urine, ultrasound(USG), intravenous Urography (IVU) was done. CT IVU was also done in few cases. During the period of which Demographic data, stone free rate, hospital stay and complications were assessed.Results: A total of 95 cases were enrolled for the study. Ten cases were excluded. There were 47 (55.29%) were female and 38 (44.71%) were male.Most of the patients had unilateral kidney stones(78.82%).Mean size of the was 1.85cm.There were 38(44.70%) renal pelvi-ureteric junction(PUJ) stones out of 85 cases. Sub-costal approach for PCNL was carried out in 78 (91.77%) patients. Mean operative time was 59.29 minutes with blood loss of 72.58 ml and three patients needed blood transfusion. Twelve patients (14.11%) experienced PCNL related complication. There was 1 mortality. Stone free rate was 91.76% (n-78).Conclusion: PCNL is safe with acceptable complication rate and has an acceptable high stone free rate.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Conversion rate and complcation
Authors: Malla BR , Joshi HN , Rajbhandari N , Shakya YR , Karki B , Gyanwali D , Shrestha S , Koju R
Published: July 2016

Introduction and Objective: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is the standard surgical treatment for gallbladder disease. However, conversion to open surgery is not the complication. Different centers have reported different conversion rates and post operative complications. The objective of this study is to identify conversion rate and post operative complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomyMaterials and Methods: This retrospective study included all laparoscopic cholecystectomies attempted in Dhulikhel hospital during the year 2015. Files of all patients were reviewed to find out the demography of the patients and the indication of Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy, the underlying reasons for conversion and postoperative complications were analyzed.Results: Out of 324 cases attempted laparoscopic cholecystetomies, two cases with the history of previous laparotomy were excluded to rule out the bias in the result. Out of 322 cases 226(70.18%)were female and 96(29.81%) were male . The mean age was 38 years. Over all conversion rate to open cholecystetomy was 1.86% with frozen calot’s triangle as the most common reason for conversion. The over all postoperative complication was 1.24% with no major bile duct injury.Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can safely be done with low conversion rate and complication.
Comparison of BISAP score with Ranson’s score in predicting severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Karki D , Tamang T , Maharjan D , Thapa P , Shrestha S
Published: July 2016

Objectives: To compare BISAP score with Ranson’s scoring in predicting severity of acute pancreatitisMethods: Extensive demographic, radiographic, and laboratory data from consecutive patients with AP admitted to our institution was collected between March 2014 to March 2015. Ranson’s and BISAP score was calculated. Severity of pancreatitis was defined according to Atlanta classification. Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV of both the scoring system was calculated and compared.Results: A total of 42 patients with diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were included during the study period. 21(50%) were male and 21(50%) were female. Mean age is 49.52 ± 17.37.Most common etiology was biliary (45%) followed by alcohol (31%). 20 (48%) patients were categorized as severe pancreatitis according to Atlanta classification. 21 (50%) patients had a Ranson’s score of ≥3 and 19 (45.24%) patients had a BISAP score of ≥3. Both Ranson’s and BISAP scoring system was statistically significant in determining SAP ( p-value = 0.002). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Ranson’s and BISAP score was calculated to be 75%, 72.72%, 71.43%, 76.19% and 70%, 77.27%, 73.68%, 73.91%. respectively. The AUC for SAP by Ranson’s score is 0.7386 ; 95%CI (0.602 - 0.874) and BISAP score is 0.7364 ; 95% CI ( 0.599 - 0.872).Conclusions: Both Ranson’s and BISAP scoring system is similar in predicting SAP. However BISAP has the advantage due to its simplicity.
Continuous dunking pancreaticojejunostomy: our experience with first fifty cases
Authors: Bhandari Ramesh Singh , Lakhey Paleswan Joshi
Published: July 2016

Introduction- Different techniques and modifications have been described to bring down the incidence of pancreatic fistula rate. However, no techniques have been accepted as a gold standard. Since 2011, we have been performing pancreaticojejunostomy by continuous dunking technique. Here, we intend to present our experience with the defined technique.Methods: Prospectively maintained medical records of the patients (operated between Sept 2011 to Jan 2016) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreaticoenteric reconstruction by continuous dunking techniques were reviewed and analyzed. Postoperative complications mainly, incidence of post pancreatectomy fistula (POPF), hemorrhage (PPH) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) along with other major complications were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was also performed to find the difference in fistula rate in patients with or without addition of Braun’s anastomosis. ISGPS definition was used to define the major, surgery specific complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy.Results: Total 51 patients underwent pancreaticojejunostomy with the defined technique with Male to female ratio of 23:28. Total 13.7% (7/51) patients received preoperative biliary drainage. Overall, clinically significant fistula rated was 15.6% (8/51), PPH 13.7% (7/51) and 0% clinically significant DGE (overall DGE 13.7%, 7/51). Mortality rate was 5.8% (3/51). Subgroup analysis performed between patients with or without addition of Braun’s anastomosis revealed 0% clinically significant fistula rate with no mortality in the group.Conclusion: Surgery specific complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreaticoenteric reconstruction with our technique are comparable to published results from high volume centers. Addition of Braun’s anastomosis is a promising modification to bring down the POPF rate to a minimum.
Laparoscopic hernioplasty of large ventral hernia with transfascial sutures: short term utility and outcome
Authors: Kumar A , Agrawal CS , Sah S , Gupta RK
Published: July 2016

Introduction: The laparoscopic approach to repairing ventral and incisional hernias has gained increasing popularity worldwide. The approximation of the hernia defect during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, prior to mesh fixation, provides a more physiologic and anatomic repair. Defect closure also provides more defect overlap with mesh placement and, possibly decreases recurrence rates. We reviewed the experience of laparoscopic repair of large ventral hernia (diameter ≥5cm) at a university hospital in the Nepal with particular reference to patients with massive defects (diameter ≥15cm) and transfascial closure.Methods: A total of 32 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral (incisional or umbilical/paraumbilical) hernia repair between July 2014 and September 2015.Results: The prevalence of conversion to open surgery was 3.1%. The prevalence of postoperative complications was 15.6%. Median postoperative follow-up was 8.2 months. A total of 9.4% cases suffered late complications and 3.1% developed recurrence. Twelve patients underwent repair of defects ≥10cm in diameter with no recurrence. Three patients underwent repair of ‘massive’ incisional hernia (diameter ≥15cm) with a prevalence of recurrence of 3.1%. Ten patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2 (range, 32–35kg/m2) underwent laparoscopic repair without any recurrence.Conclusions: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with transfascial suturing can be carried out safely with a low prevalence of recurrence. It may have advantages in obese patients in whom open repair would represent a significant undertaking. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may be used in cases of large and massive hernias, in which the risk of recurrence increases but is comparable with open repair and associated with low morbidity.
Role of sonography done by clinicians/surgery residents in the diagnosis and management of clinically palpable breast lumps
Authors: Thapa AS , Ghimire R , Joshi R , Dongol UMS , Singh DR
Published: July 2016

Introduction and Objective: The aim of the study is to correlate the sonographic findings of breast ultrasound done by clinicians/surgery residents with radiologists and also to correlate the sonographic findings of breast ultrasound with cytopathological or histopathological findings.Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study conducted at KMCTH from March 2014 to March 2015. All consecutive patients presenting with clinically palpable breast lumps were included in the study. A sample size of 30 patients was taken. All patients with clinically palpable solid breast lumps were subjected to ultrasound by a clinician/surgical resident. Ethical clearance was taken from the institutional review board and informed consent was taken from the individual patients.Results: We found that the sonography done by clinicians/surgery residents had 100% sensitivity, 84.6% specificity and PPV of 50%. There was significant correlation between the findings of the surgery residents and radiologists and the cytopathology/histopathology as well.Conclusion: Breast Sonography performed by clinicians/surgery residents is comparable to radiologists in the diagnosis of clinically palpable breast lumps. It has good correlation with cytopathological and histopathological findings.
Study to compare open surgery, endovenous thermal ablation and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy for treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Pandey Sandeep Raj
Published: July 2016

Introduction and Objective: To compare open surgery, Endovenous thermal ablation(EVTA) and ultrasound(USG) guided foam sclerotherapy for primary superficial venous insufficiency(PVI) with respect to obliteration of superficial venous system at 3 months, clinical outcome and cost.Materials and Methods: Between January 2015 to January 2016, all patients with symptomatic PVI of lower limbs who were willing for definitive management were randomized to open surgery (n=20), EVTA (n=40) or ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (n=20). In foam sclerotherapy group, review USG was done at 1 week and if necessary re-injection was done. The patients in all the groups underwent review USG at 3 months. Obliteration of superficial venous system, clinical outcome and costs were registered.Results: 5 patients in foam sclerotherapy group required re-injection at 1 week. Superficial venous system was obliterated in all the patients of all the groups at 3 months. Improvement in clinical score was similar in all groups. The foam sclerotherapy group had less frequent analgesia intake, earlier return to normal activity and lower cost. Local complication rate was slightly higher in foam sclerotherapy group.Conclusion: Foam sclerotherapy is a cheaper alternative to open surgery & EVTA for PVI with respective to early measures of clinical outcome. USG guided sclerotherapy demonstrated to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. The observed complications were minimal and most of the patients reported satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. If patient have no cost issue, endovenous thermal ablation of varicose veins is better than open surgery & foam sclera in context of minimally invasive, cosmetic, less pain, no incisions, early ambulation & same day discharge.
Comparison of success rate of arterio-venous fistula in patients with diabetes vs non-diabetes
Authors: Karki K , Banepali N , Hirachand S , Mukhiya R , Shrestha RKN
Published: July 2016

Introduction and objective: Definition of chronic renal disease is based on the presence of kidney damage or glomerular filtration rate (GFR 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) for 3 months, irrespective of cause[1]. Once they are diagnosed as CKD, they are kept either on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or patient undergo renal transplant.[2,3] With this research we may prove that even in a similar circumstances failure rate of AVF is more in diabetes patient.Materials and Methods: Total 50 patients of either gender were taken in this study. Inclusion criteria: CRF with GFR <30ml/min. Arterial diameter >1.5mm and venous diameter >2mm. Preoperative radial artery blood flow >30cm/min. Exclusion criteria: arterial diameter <1.5mm venous diameter <2mm.Written consent was taken from the patient. After preoperative workup surgery was done by 1st author. Arterio-venous fistula was scanned by color Doppler imaging after 4 weeks.Result: There were 31[62%] male, 19[38%] female. Mean age of patients was 55.8 years. 18[36%] were dialysis dependent. Cause of renal failure were diabetes 16(32%), unknown 15(30%), glomerulonephritis 8[16%] and obstructive uropathy 3[6%]. Mean internal diameter of radial artery was 1.91mm [1.5-2.6] and cephalic vein 2.57mm [1.9-3.2].7 patients had swelling of arm, 5 patients has surgical site infections and 15 patients had primary failure; 11 were from diabetic group and 4 from non-diabetic group. Mean duration of surgery was 60.95 minutes [50-75]. Average preoperative velocity in radial artery was 32.94[30-39]cm/sec. Average flow of blood at the end of 4 weeks was 461.42ml/min [0-654]. Between two groups failure rate was significantly high in diabetic patients [p = 0.02]. Failure rate was significantly higher in patients with diabetes more than 10 years [p=0.01].Conclusion: Failure rate of arterio-venous fistula is significantly high in diabetic patients.
Efficient One-Pot Three-Component Synthesis of Novel Spiro(Indoline-3,7′-Thiazolo[3,2-a]Pyrimidine) Derivatives
Authors: Jamshidi Zahra , Esmaeili Abbas Ali , Mague Joel T.
Published: July 2016

A practical, simple and efficient method for the synthesis of thiazolo[3,2- a]pyrimidine-fused spirooxindoles by a three-component reaction of isatins, malononitrile and 2-amino-2-thiazoline in the presence of Cul as catalyst in ethylene glycol is reported.
An Efficient Synthesis of N,N,N’,N’,N″-Pentamethyldipropylenetriamine
Authors: Gui Sizhe , Mu Manman , Luo Hao , Liu Na , Shen Huawei , Chen Ligong
Published: July 2016

N,N,N’,N’,N″-Pentamethyldipropylenetriamine (PMDPTA) has for a long time been employed as an efficient catalyst in the production of polyurethane materials. A green and effective synthetic route to PMDPTA was successfully established from experiments described in this paper. PMDPTA was obtained from methylamine, acrylonitrile and formaldehyde via a Michael addition, catalytic hydrogenation and methylation in 65% overall yield. Furthermore, methanol was employed as the only solvent in all of the three steps, resulting in the convenient recovery of methanol. This route is thus suitable for industrial production.
Antimony(III) Acetate an Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of 1-Amidoalkyl-2-Naphthols
Authors: Hakimi Fatemeh
Published: July 2016

Antimony(III) acetate was used in the one-pot three-component synthesis of multigram quantities of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols from the condensation between aldehydes, 2-naphthol and acetamide under solvent-free conditions at ambient temperature. The present method has several advantages such as high yields, easy purification, mild reaction conditions, easy work-up, survival of different functional groups and very short reaction times.
Copper-Catalysed Couplings of N-Substituted-N-Methacryloylbenzamides with Isopropanol to Generate Hydroxyl-Substituted Isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-Dione Derivatives
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Zhang Min , Li Xiaoqing , Xu Xiangsheng
Published: July 2016

A copper-catalysed free-radical cascade cyclisation of N-substituted- N-methacryloylbenzamides with isopropanol has been developed, which allows convenient access to various hydroxyl-substituted isoquinoline-1,3(2 H,4 H)-dione derivatives.
A New Route for the Synthesis of the Repaglinide Key Intermediate 3-Ethoxy-4-Ethoxycarbonylphenylacetic Acid
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Tingting , Niu Zhaohuan , Fu Yajing , Yang Jixia , Song Yongxing , Zhao Shuchun
Published: July 2016

A new method is described for manufacturing 3-ethoxy-4-ethoxycarbonylphenylacetic acid, which is a key intermediate of the antidiabetic drug repaglinide, starting from 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and involving esterification, formylation, oxidation, etherification and selective hydrolysis. The effect of reaction temperature, time, solvent and substrate ratios on the yield were studied in detail and the optimal conditions are presented in the paper. The new method makes the scale-up operation easier and the environmental problems are fewer. The impurities in the intermediate of the new route were also determined. Characterisation of the product and intermediates involved was achieved by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS and DSC.
Plasticity and Stereotypy in Avian Foraging during Secondary Succession in Temperate Forests
Authors: Serong Merrilyn , Lill Alan
Published: July 2016

Some bird species cannot persist during early secondary succession after natural or anthropogenic disturbance of Australian Mountain Ash ( Eucalyptus regnans) forest, whilst others remain abundant throughout regeneration. To conserve bird species diversity optimally in such forests, we need to know, inter alia, exactly why the latter species can persist after disturbance. Using a chronosequence approach, we documented four facets of foraging in a suite of these persistent species effectively covering 100 years of succession in E. regnans forest disturbed by wildfire or timber harvesting, namely the foraging strata, locations, substrates and behaviours used. Most species showed plasticity in their use of foraging strata and locations during succession, but four exhibited some limited stereotypy in these facets. In contrast, use of foraging substrates and behaviours was largely invariant within species during secondary succession. We suggest that switching foraging strata and locations was probably critical to persistence of most of these bird species during secondary succession, given the marked variation in structural and floristic variables that characterises this regeneration process. Some plasticity in foraging behaviour repertoire and substrate use was probably possible, but not beneficial. Although some resident bird species’ populations were severely reduced by disturbance in these forests, a substantial subset of species was sufficiently flexible in choosing foraging microhabitats to persist throughout secondary succession at pre-disturbance abundances.
Comparison of Extenders for Liquid Storage of Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus Gallus Murghi) Spermatozoa
Authors: Rakha Bushra Allah , Ansari Muhammad Sajjad , Hussain Iftikhar , Anwar Maqsood , Akhter Shamim , Blesbois Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

This study was designed to evaluate a range of avian semen extenders for liquid storage of Indian Red Jungle Fowl ( Gallus gallus murghi) spermatozoa at 5 °C. Semen was collected from 8 mature trained cocks and processed in the Beltsville Poultry, Turkey, Lake, EK, Tselutin Poultry and Chicken semen extenders for storage at 5 °C. Semen quality parameters viz, motility (%), plasma membrane integrity (%), livability (%) and acrosomal integrity (%) were assessed at 0, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours of storage. A time dependent decrease was observed in motility, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity in all experimental extenders during the storage period. However, the Turkey semen extender was found significantly ( P<0.05) superior for protecting all aforementioned semen quality parameters compared to the Beltsville Poultry, Lake, EK, Tselutin Poultry and Chicken semen extenders. It is concluded that the Turkey semen extender can be used efficiently for the liquid storage of Indian Red Jungle Fowl spermatozoa at 5 °C.
Influence Mf Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Yield and Seed Quality of French Bean
Authors: Kakon SS , Bhuiyan Md SU , Hossain SMA
Published: July 2016

The experiment was conducted at the research field of Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur during Rabi (winter) season of 2010-11 to 2011-12 to determine the optimum rate of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer on yield and seed quality of French bean. A randomized complete block design was followed with ten treatment combinations such as N0P0, N0 P44, N50 P44, N100 P44, N150 P44, N200 P44, N150P0, N150P22, N150P33 and N150P55. Number of pods and yield of French bean were significantly increased with the increase in N (150) and P (44) kg ha--1. Averaged over the years, maximum number of pod (9.45 plant-1) and seed yield (1563.33 kg ha-1) were obtained when N and P were applied at the rate of 150 and 44 kg ha-1, respectively while lowest yield to N0P0 treatment in both the years. The treatment (N150P44 kg ha-1) gave the highest seed yield which was 51.4 and 54.30% higher than the control. Quality in terms of germination percentage and vigour index of harvested seed was also significantly influenced by higher doses of N and P while the lowest seed quality from plants that received no fertilizer in both the years.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 1-8
Response of Nerica Rice to Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Shultana R , Mamun MAA , Naher L , Bhuiyan MAK , Mridha AJ
Published: July 2016

An experiment was conducted during T. Aman season, 2014 at the Agronomy Research Field, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur to determine the optimum rate of nitrogen fertilizer for higher yield in nerica rice. The experiment comprised of three rice varieties viz. NERICA1, NERICA10 and BRRI dhan57; and five nitrogen levels viz. 0, 23, 46, 69 and 92 kg ha-1. The rice var. BRRI dhan57 with 69 and 92 kg N ha-1 produced significantly identical with higher panicles m-2. But NERICA1 and NERICA10 produced higher number of panicles with 46 and 69 kg N ha-1, respectively. However, BRRI dhan57 with 46 kg N ha-1 produced highest grains panicle-1 but NERICA1 and NERICA10 produced higher number of grains panicle-1 with 23 kg N ha-1. The highest percentage of sterility was recorded in NERICA10 with 69 kg N ha-1. The regression analysis gave the optimum dose of nitrogen for NERICA1, NERICA10 and BRRI dhan57 which were 69.25, 74.25 and 85.75 kg N ha-1, respectively.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 9-14
Performance of Hybrid Maize Varieties as Influenced by Irrigation Levels
Authors: Bhuiyan MS , Bhuiyan MSR , Tiwari TP , Rahaman MA , Bhowal SK , Uddin R , Paul SK
Published: July 2016

The present piece of research work was carried out at the field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, from December 2010 to May 2011 to determine optimum irrigation levels for the hybrid maize varieties. There were four hybrid maize varieties: V1 (BARI Hybrid Maize-5), V2 (Pacific 60), V3 (NK 40) and V4 (Ajanta) and three levels of irrigation: I1 = Two irrigations at 25 and 50 DAS, I2 = Three irrigations at 25, 50 and 75 DAS and I3 = Four irrigations at 25, 50, 75 and 100 DAS, respectively. Almost all the plant and yield contributing characters showed significant variation except days to 6 leaf stage and days to bud initiation stage. The maximum yields were recorded in V1I3 (7.92 t ha-1) which was statistically identical to V4I3 (7.83 t ha-1), V2I3 (7.45 t ha-1), V1I2 (7.40 t ha-1), V2I2 (6.87 t ha-1) and V4I2 (6.80 t ha-1), respectively. The highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was observed (2.37) in both V1I3 and V1I2 treatment combination. Moreover, total average water saving in one hectare land for maize cultivation by adopting I2 irrigation treatment over I3 is 4,49,837 gallons. Among the treatment combinations, V1I3 (BARI Hybrid Maize-5 with three irrigations at 25, 50 and 75 DAS) was the suitable combination in terms of grain yield and economic return for maize cultivation.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 23-29
Midday Drop of Relative Leaf Water Content to Drought Tolerance in Soybean
Authors: Chowdhury JA , Karim MA , Khaliq QA , Khan MSA , Paul SK , Ahmed AU
Published: July 2016

An experiment was conducted in a Venylhouse of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University during September to December 2012 to determine the effect of midday drop of relative water content (RWC) on drought tolerance of soybean genotypes. Four soybean genotypes viz. Shohag, BARI Soybean-6, BD2331 and BGM2026 were used in the study. Plants were grown in pots under stress and control condition. A marked difference in RWC between morning and midday was observed both in stressed and control plants. BARI Soybean-6 showed higher RWC than rest of the genotypes and BGM2026 showed the lowest at all growth stages. The reduced RWC of BARI Soybean-6 under water stress at vegetative, flowering and pod developing stages were 11.35, 13.52 and 15.04% at 1.00 PM as compared to control, respectively. The reduced RWC of BGM2026 at vegetative, flowering and pod developing stages were 18.99, 20.64 and 23.05% at 1.00 PM, respectively. In stressed plants, midday drop of relative water content was minimal in BARI Soybean-6 (8.97%) and maximum in BGM2026 (17.89%) at 1.00 PM. Under water stress condition BARI Soybean-6 gave the highest seed yield (5.23 g plant-1) and BGM2026 the lowest (3.21 g plant-1) which might be attributed to the drastic reduction in 100-seed weight of RWC in the variety BGM2026 due to the significant reduction in RWC in this variety. Considering the midday drop of RWC and seed yield, it may be concluded that BGM2026 is susceptible and BARI Soybean-6 is drought tolerant among the genotypes.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 31-38
Effect of Nitrogen on Weed Infestation and Performance of Boro Rice Under Two Selected Herbicides
Authors: Morshed MM , Bari MN , Khaliq QA , Alam MS
Published: July 2016

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Salna, Gazipur from November 2013 to May 2014 to determine the effect of nitrogen and herbicide on weed infestation and performance of Boro rice (cv. BRRIdhan28). Five nitrogen doses i.e. 0 , 50.6 , 101.2 , 151.8 and 202.4 kg ha-1 under selected pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides along with one weed free and control (unweeded) treatment were imposed in the experiment. Nine weed species was found to dominate in the experimental plots where Scirpus maritimus L. showed the maximum visual abundance (58%) followed by Leersia hexandra sw., Paspalam distichum L. and Fimbristylis miliacea L. Post-emergence herbicide contributed to higher control efficiency than that in pre-emergence herbicide. Post-emergence herbicide without receiving nitrogen showed the highest weed control efficiency (97.39) at 60 days after transplanting. Treatment receiving N @ 200.4 kg ha-1 under post-emergence herbicide showed the highest number of tiller per hill (13.00), total dry matter (1568.6 g m-2), panicles per hill (10.60), filled grains per panicle (125.20) and grain yield (6.46 t/ha). N-dose 151.8 kg ha-1 under postemergence herbicide contributed to the second highest grain yield (6.41 t ha-1) with the highest benefit cost ratio of 1.60 but 50.6 kg N ha-1 under post-emergence herbicide showed the maximum Nitrogen use efficiency of 0.49. The study revealed that nitrogen dose up to 151.8 kg ha-1 might be increased above the recommended dose under coverage of a suitable post-emergence herbicide for profitable rice production.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 53-63
On-Farm Study on Intercropping of Hybrid Maize with Different Short Duration Vegetables in the Charland of Tangail
Authors: Rahaman MA , Rahman MM , Roy S , Ahmed M , Bhuyan MS
Published: July 2016

An experiment was conducted in charland at the Multi Location Testing (MLT) site Bhuapur, Tangail during 2012-13 and 2013-14 under AEZ-8 to find out the suitable intercropping system of hybrid maize with different short duration vegetables with economic return. The experiment was laid out in RCB design with six dispersed (six farmers field) replications. The hybrid maize (ver. BARI Hybrid maize-7), potato (Diamant), spinach (local), red amaranth (BARI Lalsak-1), Radish (BARI Mula-1) were used as the planting materials. Five treatment combinations viz. T1= Sole Maize, T2= 100% Maize (maize paired row) + Potato (var. Diamant), T3= 100% Maize (maize paired row) + Spinach (var. local), T4= 100% Maize (maize paired row) + Red amaranth (var. BARI Lalshak-1) and T5= 100% Maize (Maize paired row) + Radish (var. BARI Mula-1) were studied. Maize grain yield in intercropped combination varied from 5.59-7.62 t ha-1. But the highest grain yield (8.17 t ha-1) was obtained from sole maize. Maize equivalent yields in the intercrops situation ranged from 11.39-19.68 t ha-1 where highest maize equivalent yield 19.68 t ha-1 was recorded from the treatment T3 (100 % maize + spinach). The same combinations also gave highest gross return (Tk. 373930 ha-1) and gross margin (Tk. 258585 ha-1) as well as benefit cost ratio (3.24). Though highest grain yield was recorded from sole maize but equivalent yield and economic return was much lower than the treatment T3.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 65-69
Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Developing Countries
Authors: Rehan Farah , Qadeer Alina , Bashir Irfan , Jamshaid Mohammed
Published: July 2016

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have increased the mortality rate both in developing as well as developed countries, however a lower trend in death rates have been seen in developed and high income countries like USA, UK, Australia, Japan and other European countries due to improved life style, better strategic implementation, control of disease both in young and adults and especially reduced smoking habits. In developing countries CVD become an alarming situation due to prevalence of disease in early age that later on become chronic and difficult to control. Various risk factors that can contribute toward CVD in developing countries include smoking, high alcohol and salt intake, dietary factors, diabetes, high blood pressure and psychosocial aspects such as stress, anxiety and depression. Various other factors such as family history and the gender difference also contributing towards the high risk of developing CVD.Rehan et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2016, 5(8): 69-72http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol5Issue8/02.pdf
Vitamin D supplements: Magic pill or overkill?
Authors: Brown Ronald B , Anouti Fatme Al , Razzaque Mohammed S
Published: July 2016

Abstract not availableSouth East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(2) 2015: 1-3
Tobacco industry governance and responsibility discourses in Bangladesh
Authors: Genilo Jude William R , Sharif M Rizwan
Published: July 2016

During the past decade, academics, bloggers, media practitioners and civil society groups in Bangladesh have criticized the tobacco industry for bringing about negative effects on societal health, environment, agriculture and education. Moreover, several newspaper reports have suggested these companies to be corrupt  engaging in bribery, breaking of government regulations and laundering of money. In reply to these criticisms, tobacco firms have propagated discourses through the art of rhetoric in the public domain and initiated corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to project themselves as caring and responsible entities. In light of this, the paper studied and evaluated the discourses on governance, transparency and responsibility as well as the CSR undertakings of the leading tobacco firms in the country  British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB), Dhaka Tobacco Industries (DTI), Akij Group and Nasir Tobacco Industries. We searched related electronic and/or printed documents using a snowball technique and discourse analysis approach to review the documents. Findings indicated that tobacco companies highlighted in their communication materials (websites, annual reports, news releases, brochures, etc.) the following: ethical business practices, social responsibility, sound corporate governance, quality management and economic success. They likewise made it a point to associate themselves with important events in the nations history, particularly the 1971 Liberation War. More importantly, these companies conducted CSR activities in the areas stakeholders criticized them the most  environmental protection (afforestation, biodiversity conservation and renewable energy), health (hospitals), education (primary education, youth development and scholarships) and agriculture (extension services). In so doing, these firms have managed to divert criticisms and instead, create a buzz regarding their social initiatives and governance practices. In this sense, the tobacco industry had succeeded in placing itself at a high moral ground in the country. In this light, it is recommended that further studies should be conducted regarding the CSR projects of tobacco companies in the country analyzing whether these fit to the relevant criteria and acceptable standards of a CSR.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(2) 2015: 13-22
Obesity indices as a risk factor of skin diseases: A Case-control study conducted in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Alazab Raed M , Almohsen Abdel Raouf M
Published: July 2016

Overweight and obesity are two major health problems that have been recognized worldwide which affect all ages and have many negative health effects. WHO in year 2010 reported that in Egypt the prevalence of overweight among women is 76% compared to 64.5% for male while the prevalence of obesity among women is 48% compared to 22% for male. The aim of the study was to determine the most prevalent skin diseases among the studied over-weight and obese patients and to examine if overweight and obesity are risk factors for skin diseases. A case-control was carried out on 250 overweight and obese patients compared with another 250 normal weight patients as controls. The participants were selected from the outpatient dermatology clinic of Al Hussein University hospital, Faculty of medicine, Alazhar University, Egypt. All patients were subjected to medical history, clinical dermatological examination and measurement of obesity indices. The most prevalent skin diseases among the studied cases were: striae (68.4%), planter hyperkeratosis (61.6%), skin tags (61.2%), acanthosis nigricans (53.6%), intertrigo (53.6%), tinea pedis (41.2%) with statistical significance difference compared to controls. As a result, overweight and obesity might be a risk factor for some skin diseases. Dermatologists must work with primary health care physicians and nutritional specialists to reduce incidence of obesity or reduce the effects of obesity on the skin.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(2) 2015: 23-29
A study on health-related quality of life and comorbidity among elderly population in rural Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Zin Thant , Myint Than , Naing Daw KS , Htay Kyaw , Wynn Aye Aye , SabaiAung Tin , Musleh Awang Setia Bin , Robinson Fredie
Published: July 2016

Ageing is a global phenomenon. In Malaysia, a projected model estimated that the number of elderly would be 3.4 million in 2020 which is more than 10% of the population. A cross-sectional study targeted the elderly population of three villages in rural Sabah, Malaysia aimed to investigate the health-related quality of life, comorbidity, and the socio-demographic profile amongst the elderly in the community. Participants (60 years and above) were selected for face-to-face interviews using health-related quality of life questionnaires (SF-36). SPSS 21 was used for statistical analyses. Results showed that mean (sd) of age; 67.71 (6.95) years. Five common co-morbidities were hypertension (67%), bone and joint pain (63%), gastric pain (67%), poor vision (58%), and hearing problems (33%). The highest HRQoL score was social functioning (67.96) whereas the lowest HRQoL score is role limitation due to emotional problems (30.54). There is a significant relationship between HRQoL domains and socio-demographic factors (gender, marital status, membership in association), and health condition (co-morbidities and access to healthcare, bone and joint pain or arthritis and treatment, hearing impairment and treatment) which indicated need for health and social support like participating in association and access to health care for rural elderly in future programme. We recommend a further study to compare elderly HRQoL in rural, urban and institutional settings for future health-care planning.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(2) 2015: 35-42
Morbidity pattern and health-seeking behaviour among the senior citizens in a selected urban area of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gupta Rajat Das , Loha Avijit , Roy Saikat
Published: July 2016

Elderly people suffer from different morbidities as the increase in prevalence of disease is proportionate to increasing age. In Bangladesh, the number of the elderly person is increasing with time. This study aims to determine the morbidity pattern and health seeking behavior among the urban senior citizens of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2014 to December 2014 in different areas of Dhaka City. Information was collected from 384 respondents, aged 60 years and above by purposive sampling technique. The mean age of the study population was 64.7 (SD±5.7) years and majority (74.74%) belonged to 60-69 years age group. More than half (52.6%) of the respondents were female. Most of the respondents (71.61%) received institutional education; 51.82% of the elderly were still working; 63% of the respondents were totally independent; 11.74% were totally dependent; and 53.65% respondents belonged to joint family. Most of the respondents (96.8%) were suffering from at least one medical problem; the commonest was musculoskeletal problems (84.11%) followed by eye problems (81.25%). Majority of male (78.8%) and females (89.60%) were suffering from eye problems and musculoskeletal problems respectively. All the respondents sought treatment for their health problems. Majority (33%) respondents went to government hospitals for medical help. Most of the male (68.70%) and female (71.26%) can do their daily physical activities without any problem. Approximately 30% respondents did health check-up once in one year. Majority respondents took prescribed medications (69.27%) and were satisfied with their treatment (56.77%). The study findings showed that urban geriatric population had one or more morbidities and their health seeking behavior was poor, more among females. The study concludes with further emphasis of primary health care for the urban elderly people of Bangladesh. The health care service should be accessible and affordable to the elderly people.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(2) 2015: 43-49
The Open Society and the Democracy to Come: Bergson, Deleuze and Guattari
Authors: Baugh Bruce
Published: July 2016

In Bergsonism, Deleuze refers to Bergson's concept of an ‘open society’, which would be a ‘society of creators’ who gain access to the ‘open creative totality’ through acting and creating. Deleuze and Guattari's political philosophy is oriented toward the goal of such an open society. This would be a democracy, but not in the sense of the rule of the actually existing people, but the rule of ‘the people to come,’ for in the actually existing situation, such a people is ‘lacking’. When the people becomes a society of creators, the result is a society open to the future, creativity and the new. Their openness and creative freedom is the polar opposite of the conformism and ‘herd mentality’ condemned by Deleuze and Nietzsche, a mentality which is the basis of all narrow nationalisms (of ethnicity, race, religion and creed). It is the freedom of creating and commanding, not the Kantian freedom to obey Reason and the State. This paper uses Bergson's The Two Sources of Morality and Religion, and Deleuze and Guattari's Kafka: For a Minor Literature, A Thousand Plateaus and What is Philosophy? to sketch Deleuze and Guattari's conception of the open society and of a democracy that remains ‘to come’.
Human Coronaviruses: A Review of Virus–Host Interactions
Authors: Lim Yvonne , Ng Yan , Tam James , Liu Ding
Published: July 2016

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are known respiratory pathogens associated with a range of respiratory outcomes. In the past 14 years, the onset of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have thrust HCoVs into spotlight of the research community due to their high pathogenicity in humans. The study of HCoV-host interactions has contributed extensively to our understanding of HCoV pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss some of the recent findings of host cell factors that might be exploited by HCoVs to facilitate their own replication cycle. We also discuss various cellular processes, such as apoptosis, innate immunity, ER stress response, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway that may be modulated by HCoVs.
Symmetric Fractional Diffusion and Entropy Production
Authors: Prehl Janett , Boldt Frank , Hoffmann Karl , Essex Christopher
Published: July 2016

The discovery of the entropy production paradox (Hoffmann et al., 1998) raised basic questions about the nature of irreversibility in the regime between diffusion and waves. First studied in the form of spatial movements of moments of H functions, pseudo propagation is the pre-limit propagation-like movements of skewed probability density function (PDFs) in the domain between the wave and diffusion equations that goes over to classical partial differential equation propagation of characteristics in the wave limit. Many of the strange properties that occur in this extraordinary regime were thought to be connected in some manner to this form of proto-movement. This paper eliminates pseudo propagation by employing a similar evolution equation that imposes spatial unimodal symmetry on evolving PDFs. Contrary to initial expectations, familiar peculiarities emerge despite the imposed symmetry, but they have a distinct character.
Optimal Cooling Load Sharing Strategies for Different Types of Absorption Chillers in Trigeneration Plants
Authors: Conte Benedetto , Bruno Joan , Coronas Alberto
Published: July 2016

Trigeneration plants can use different types of chillers in the same plant, typically single effect and double effect absorption chillers, vapour compression chillers and also cooling storage systems. The highly variable cooling demand of the buildings connected to a district heating and cooling (DHC) network has to be distributed among these chillers to achieve lower operating costs and higher energy efficiencies. This problem is difficult to solve due to the different partial load behaviour of each chiller and the different chiller combinations that can cover a certain cooling demand using an appropriate sizing of the cooling storage. The objective of this paper is to optimize the daily plant operation of an existing trigeneration plant based on cogeneration engines and to study the optimal cooling load sharing between different types of absorption chillers using a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model. Real data from a trigeneration plant connected to a DHC close to Barcelona (Spain) is used for the development of this model. The cooling load distribution among the different units is heavily influenced by the price of the electricity sold to the grid which rules the duration of the operation time of the engines. The main parameter to compare load distribution configurations is the primary energy saving indicator. Cooling load distribution among the different chillers changes also with the load of the whole plant because the chiller performance changes with load.