bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress among Female Medical Students in selected Medical Colleges of Dhaka City in Bangladesh
Authors: Farzana Nashid , Shahjahan M , Nayan Safia Khatun
Published: April 2017

Background : Stress is bodys way of responding to any kind of change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment. Medical students_are_subjected to stress by strenuous medical programs, which may have physical and psychological effects on their well-being.Objectives : To determine level of stress among 3rd and 4th year female medical students in selected medical colleges of Dhaka city.Materials and methods : Descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out on the female students of 3rd year and 4th year of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Northern International Medical College located in Dhaka city during January- March 2016. The medical colleges were selected using purposive sampling technique. Sample size was 296 female students and data were collected by self administered semi structured pretested questionnaire. PMSS scale (Perceived Medical School Stress Scale) was used to find out the level of stress among the respondents.Results : From the current study it was found that about 82% female medical students had moderate level of stress according to PMSS (Perceived Medical School Stress Scale), 6% and 12% had high level and low level of stress respectively. Statistically significant association was found between level of stress and medical college curriculum (p=0.000),academic environment (p=0.000), social and recreational life (p=0.000), worries about study and performance (p=0.004), worries about finance p=0.005), worries about accommodation (p=0.000).Conclusion : In this study, stress in different levels were found among all of the female medical students. About 82% female medical students had moderate level of stress according to PMSS (Perceived Medical School Stress Scale). The study also revealed that a statistically significant association between level of stress and medical college curriculum, academic environment ,social and recreational life, worries about study and performance, worries about finance and accommodation.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.8(1) July 2016: 181-184
Classic Swenson abdomino perineal pull through in the treatment of Hirschsprungs Disease  3 years experience in a tertiary care Paediatric Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Khalid , Khan AR , Yasmeen BH Nazma , Islam MK , Karim Sabbir
Published: April 2017

Background : Hirschsprung disease (HD)is a common cause of intestinal obstruction. Definitive treatment is to excise aganglionic segment and anastomosis with anal remnant.Objective : The aim of the study was to analyze the short term outcome of children who have undergone the Classic swenson abdominoperineal pull through operation in the treatment of Hirschsprungs disease.Methods : This Prospective study had been carried out in the department of paediatric surgery, Dhaka shishu (Children) Hospital during the period of January 2013 to January 2016. Total 50 patients with Hirschsprungs disease with or without colostomy except total colonic aganglionosis were included in this study.We also excluded those patients with major co-morbidities and patients who did not agree to close stoma within 12 weeks of pull through. Consideration was given to postoperative complications(Cuff /anastomotic/pelvic abscess, wound infection, anastomotic leakage,fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, mortatality), operation time and post operative hospital stay and as well as the short term outcome.Result : Among the study population 36 (72%) were male and 10(28 %) were female with a male female ratio of 2.5:1. Mean age at presentation was 17.96±12.05 months.Thirty eightpatients had diverting colostomy and underwent staged procedure.On the other hand 12 patients had no colostomy and underwent single stage procedure.Four patientsdeveloped anastomoticabcess, 3patients developed urinary incontinence,4 fecal incontinence and 2 patients developed post operative intestinal obstruction.The mean Operation time was114.14±13.02 minutes and mean hospital staywas 6.18±1.83 days.Thirty seven patients were discharged without any complications.Conclusion : The Classic Swensons procedure is an effective procedure in the treatment of HD .Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.8(1) July 2016: 185-188
Cutaneous blastomycosis : A Rare Case
Authors: Bhuiyan Ishrat , Hossain Md Shahadat , Akhtar Mahfuza
Published: April 2017

Cutaneous blastomycosis lesion is most often originate from a Primary pulmonary infection which disseminates through the blood or lymphatics to involve the skin. During the manifestations of cutaneous lesion in case of secondary blastomycosis, the primary pulmonary infection is frequently subclinical. Here we report a case that illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing a case of cutaneous blastomycosis.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.8(1) July 2016: 189-191
An overview on PPHN and management with Sildenafil and High frequency ventilator
Authors: Hassan Mahmuda , Begum Marium , Mannan Abdul
Published: April 2017

Abstract not availableNorthern International Medical College Journal Vol.8(1) July 2016: 192-195
Diagnosis of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Khan Moniruzzaman , Islam Sharif Shaila
Published: April 2017

Hypertension is a major risk factor of cardiovascular death in Bangladesh and worldwide. Resistant hypertension as well as uncontrolled hypertension with 3 or more antihypertensive agents is increasingly common in clinical practice. Clinicians should exclude pseudoresistant hypertension, which results from nonadherence to medications or from elevated blood pressure related to the white coat syndrome. Resistant hypertension may be associated with secondary causes of hypertension including obstructive sleep apnea or primary aldosteronism.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.8(1) July 2016: 196-198
Genetic diversity of aromatic rice in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Mizan Ul , Saha Parth Sarothi , Chakrobarty Tusher , Saha Nibir Kumar , Islam Md Sirajul , Salam MA
Published: April 2017

The nature and magnitude of diversity in 53 aromatic rice genotypes was evaluated in rain fed condition at BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre, Gazipur in 2012. The Euclidian method of divergence analysis indicated the presence of appreciable amount of genetic diversity in the material. These aromatic rice genotypes were grouped into six clusters where cluster I was the largest. Inter-cluster distances were larger than the intra-cluster distance revealed that there situated considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes. Based on positive value of vector I and II days to 50% flowering, seed length, and grain yield per hill had maximum contribution towards genetic divergence. Maximum yield contributing traits were accumulated in cluster V and as a result higher grain yield (42.0 g/hill) was obtained in this cluster. The genotypes of cluster V can be used in hybridization program to produce higher yielding breeding materials with all other clusters. The genotypes Cluster IV and cluster V were found most suitable for the respective characters and can be used as potential donor for future breeding programs.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.4(1): 1-6, April 2017
Effectiveness of selected mass media in agricultural technology transfer to the farmers of Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Suzan , Rahman M Hammadur , Uddin Mohammed Nasir
Published: April 2017

The role of mass media in dissemination of farm information to the farmers is crucial. Thus, the study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of selected mass media in agricultural technology transfer to farmers of Bangladesh and identify the influential factors affecting the effectiveness of mass media in technology transfer to farmers. The study was conducted in three villages of Gouripur sub-district under Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. One hundred ten farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire for data collection during the period of 15 May to 15 June, 2016. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data. Results show that 62.7 per cent of the farmers perceived that effectiveness of mass media in technology transfer was low, while 31.8 per cent and 5.5 per cent of them perceived the issue as moderately effective and highly effective, respectively. Television was most popular mass media compared to radio, leaflet, poster and farm magazine based on the farmers responses. Out of eight characteristics, farmers education, extension contact and use of media had positively significant with the effectiveness of mass media. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 39.3% of the total variation in perceived effectiveness of mass media explained by two variables, namely education and use of media and identified as influential factors affecting the effectiveness of selected mass media.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.4(1): 7-13, April 2017
Empowerment of resource poor women through income generation activities (IGAs): a case of slum area in Dhaka city corporation of Bangladesh
Authors: Moon Sadia Jahan , Miah Md Abdul Momen
Published: April 2017

The main purpose of the study was to determine the level of empowerment of women working at garments industry in Bangladesh. The factors influencing the achievement of empowerment of women were also analyzed. A total of 50 women serving in garment industry at Pallabi Thana in Dhaka were selected randomly from a total of 240 women. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire during January to February 2016. All the women opined for having moderate to higher level of empowerment in terms of freedom of mobility and participation in household decision making process. Even none of the women fell in low empowerment category. Before involved in IGAs it was difficult for them to go out even in relatives house and were not consulted in making household decisions. After getting job, they contributed approximately 40 to 58 percent of their income to meet family expenses. The age, level of education, family income and job experience were related to their empowerment. The women identified that social superstition, existing value system are still hinder empowerment. The adult education programme and awareness building campaign by the development agencies could mitigate the existing limitations of empowerment of women.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.4(1): 14-20, April 2017
Comparative market supply of protein from livestock and fish in the selected urban areas of Rajshahi district in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanoor , Huque Khan Shahidul , Das Nani Gopal , Khan Md Yousuf Ali
Published: April 2017

The study was conducted with the objectives to determine the market availability of animal sourced foods (ASF) and fish, and their share in the supply of biomass and protein through visiting the wet markets of metropolitan and municipality areas of Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. A preset questionnaire was used for recording the biomass weight of different ASF and fish in every four days interval in March, 2016. It was found that the supply of ASF (beef, chevon, chicken and egg) and fish in the metropolitan markets (80.20 and 35.89 t/d, respectively) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than any municipality wet market in the district (7.66 and 3.03 t/d, respectively). The market supply of biomass and its protein value of ASF were 3.64 and 4.33 times higher than fish. The chicken shared the highest amount of protein (28.19 %) followed by fish (26.8%), beef (26.21%), eggs (11.46%) and chevon (7.34%) during the study period. However, this initial work does not include milk, and the wet market of ASF and fish may have seasonal variations which needs to be explored through further research. In addition to them, socioeconomic status of consumers and regional variations are important which needs to be studied for addressing resource base safe food production help the strategic reduction of food insecurity in the country by 2030.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.4(1): 29-36, April 2017
Effect of stocking density of fingerlings production of Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus (J. Richardson, 1846) in pond condition
Authors: Samad Md Abdus , Lutfunnahar Mst , Chatterjee Sujit Kumar , Ashrafuzzaman Md , Reza Md Selim
Published: April 2017

An experiment was conducted in pond condition under three treatments for a period of 60 days each with three replications to know the effect of stocking density on growth performance of fingerlings production of Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus. Stocking density were used at the rate of 240 (T1), 270 (T2) and 300 (T3) fingerlings/decimal, respectively. Initial average length and weight of M. piceus fry were 3±0.02 cm and 1.5±0.01g during stocking in the experimental ponds. The fish were initially fed with 25% protein content formulated feed at 8% of body weight and the rate was reduced to 6% gradually. The water quality variabilities were more or less similar in three treatments within the suitable ranges for aquaculture. The SGR value 3.57±0.006 was recorded in treatment T1 while the lowest value was 3.20±0.009 in T3. Survival rate (%) were significantly higher in T1 (91.33±0.88) where the stocking density was low compared to those in T2 (79.83±0.44) and T3 (77.17±0.6), respectively. The net profit in treatment T1 was (Tk. 475428.58±3.25) and lowest in T3 (Tk. /ha 190138.5±6.15). The highest final weight gain, SGR%, production, net profit and cost benefit ratio were found in treatment T1. In the present study production of M. piceus was found to be highest in lower stocking density. Therefore, it is evident that feeding with higher protein supplement with lower stocking density is effective for optimum growth of M. piceus.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.4(1): 37-44, April 2017
Present status and problems of fish seed marketing in Sylhet district, Bangladesh
Authors: Hemal Shahrear , Uddin Md Shahab , Uddin Md Saif , Majumdar Bhaskar Chandra , Rasul Md Golam , Alam Md Tariqul
Published: April 2017

Correction: On 3rd May 2017, the PDF was replaced with a correction on page 51. In the figure at the top of page 51, Channel 6 was added.This study was conducted to explore the present status and problems of fish seed marketing system in Sylhet district, Bangladesh. Data were collected through questionnaire interview from the selected areas during April to September 2016. Brood fishes were collected from wild sources as well as hatchery produced brood fishes also used for seed production. Good length, weight and age of brood fishes were selected for spawning and induced breeding. In nursery, hatchlings were reared for 30-40 days and 37.7% nursery owner practiced single cycle production/year where the average stocking density of seed was found 24.65±3.94 g/decimal (mean±SD). Six different fish seed marketing channels were identified where hatchery owners, nursery owners, forias (retailer) and fish farmers were main stakeholders. The highest (6520 Tk/day) and lowest (355 Tk/day) average income were found in hatchery owner and fish farmer, respectively. Oxygenated bag, big aluminum bowl/container and plastic barrels with continuously agitate the water were used for seed transportation. Maximum 17.67% seed mortality was noticed in hatchery owner and minimum 5.67% in fish farmers. Late breeding season, lack of capital, lack of technical knowledge on hatchery operation and management, poor transport facilities, high transportation cost, high labor cost, lack of training and high price of spawn are identified as some major problems.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.4(1): 45-54, April 2017
Comment on Sundseth et al. Global Sources and Pathways of Mercury in the Context of Human Health. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 105
Authors: Mortazavi S. , Mortazavi Ghazal , Paknahad Maryam
Published: May 2017

It was with great interest that we read the article by Sundseth et al. [1] entitled Global Sources and Pathways of Mercury in the Context of Human Health which is published in the Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 105; doi:10.3390/ijerph14010105.[...]
Protective Effect of Fragaria ananassa Crude Extract on Cadmium-Induced Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzymes Suppression, and Apoptosis in Rat Testes
Authors: Elmallah Mohammed , Elkhadragy Manal , Al-Olayan Ebtesam , Abdel Moneim Ahmed
Published: May 2017

Cadmium is a deleterious environmental pollutant that threats both animals and human health. Oxidative stress and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have recently been reported to be the main cause of cellular damage as a result of cadmium exposure. We investigate, here, the protective effect of strawberry crude extracts on cadmium-induced oxidative damage of testes in rats. Four groups (n = 8) of 32 adult male Wistar rats weighing 160–180 g were used. The control group received 0.9% saline solution all over the experimental period (5 days). Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg CdCl2. Group 3 was provided only with an oral administration of strawberry methanolic extract (SME) at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Group 4 was treated with SME before cadmium injection with the same mentioned doses. It was shown that cadmium exposure results in a significant decrease in both relative testicular weight and serum testosterone level. Analyzing the oxidative damaging effect of cadmium on the testicular tissue revealed the induction of oxidative stress markers represented in the elevated level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and a decrease in the reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Considering cadmium toxicity, the level of the antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and glutathione reductase (GR) were markedly decreased. Moreover, gene expression analysis indicated significant upregulation of the pro-apoptotic proteins, bcl-2-associated-X-protein (BAX), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA) in response to cadmium intoxication, while significant downregulation of the anti-apoptotic, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) gene was detected. Immunohistochemistry of the testicular tissue possessed positive immunostaining for the increased level of TNF-α, but decreased number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stained cells. Administration of SME debilitated the deleterious effect of cadmium via reduction of both LPO and NO levels followed by a significant enhancement in the gene expression level of CAT, SOD2, GPX1, GR, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), Bcl-2, and PCNA. In addition, the SME treated group revealed a significant increase in the level of testosterone and GSH accompanied by a marked decrease in the gene expression level of Bax and TNF-α. In terms of the summarized results, the SME of Fragaria ananassa has a protective effect against cadmium-induced oxidative damage of testes.
The Use of “Omics” in Lactation Research in Dairy Cows
Authors: Li Shanshan , Wang Quanjuan , Lin Xiujuan , Jin Xiaolu , Liu Lan , Wang Caihong , Chen Qiong , Liu Jianxin , Liu Hongyun
Published: May 2017

“Omics” is the application of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in biological research. Over the years, tremendous amounts of biological information has been gathered regarding the changes in gene, mRNA and protein expressions as well as metabolites in different physiological conditions and regulations, which has greatly advanced our understanding of the regulation of many physiological and pathophysiological processes. The aim of this review is to comprehensively describe the advances in our knowledge regarding lactation mainly in dairy cows that were obtained from the “omics” studies. The “omics” technologies have continuously been preferred as the technical tools in lactation research aiming to develop new nutritional, genetic, and management strategies to improve milk production and milk quality in dairy cows.
Molecular Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Dementias: The Role of In Vivo PET Imaging
Authors: Cerami Chiara , Iaccarino Leonardo , Perani Daniela
Published: May 2017

Neurodegeneration elicits neuroinflammatory responses to kill pathogens, clear debris and support tissue repair. Neuroinflammation is a dynamic biological response characterized by the recruitment of innate and adaptive immune system cells in the site of tissue damage. Resident microglia and infiltrating immune cells partake in the restoration of central nervous system homeostasis. Nevertheless, their activation may shift to chronic and aggressive responses, which jeopardize neuron survival and may contribute to the disease process itself. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) molecular imaging represents a unique tool contributing to in vivo investigating of neuroinflammatory processes in patients. In the present review, we first provide an overview on the molecular basis of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases with emphasis on microglia activation, astrocytosis and the molecular targets for PET imaging. Then, we review the state-of-the-art of in vivo PET imaging for neuroinflammation in dementia conditions associated with different proteinopathies, such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Parkinsonian spectrum.
Glacier Surface Velocity Retrieval Using D-InSAR and Offset Tracking Techniques Applied to Ascending and Descending Passes of Sentinel-1 Data for Southern Ellesmere Ice Caps, Canadian Arctic
Authors: Sánchez-Gámez Pablo , Navarro Francisco
Published: May 2017

The Terrain Observation by Progressive Scans (TOPS) acquisition mode of the Sentinel-1 mission provides a wide coverage per acquisition with resolutions of 5 m in range and 20 m in azimuth, which makes this acquisition mode attractive for glacier velocity monitoring. Here, we retrieve surface velocities from the southern Ellesmere Island ice caps (Canadian Arctic) using both offset tracking and Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (D-InSAR) techniques and combining ascending and descending passes. We optimise the offset tracking technique by omitting the azimuth offsets. By doing so, we are able to improve the final resolution of the velocity product, as Sentinel-1 shows a lower resolution in the azimuth direction. Simultaneously, we avoid the undesired ionospheric effect manifested in the data as azimuth streaks. The D-InSAR technique shows its merits when applied to slow-moving areas, while offset tracking is more suitable for fast-moving areas. This research shows that the methods used here are complementary and the use of both to determine glacier velocities is better than only using one or the other. We observe glacier surface velocities of up to 1200 m year − 1 for the fastest tidewater glaciers. The land-terminating glaciers show typical velocities between 12 and 33 m year − 1 , though with peaks up to 150 m year − 1 in narrowing zones of the confining valleys.
A Study of Applying Pulsed Remote Field Eddy Current in Ferromagnetic Pipes Testing
Authors: Luo Qingwang , Shi Yibing , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Wei , Li Yanjun
Published: May 2017

Pulsed Remote Field Eddy Current Testing (PRFECT) attracts the attention in the testing of ferromagnetic pipes because of its continuous spectrum. This paper simulated the practical PRFECT of pipes by using ANSYS software and employed Least Squares Support Vector Regression (LSSVR) to extract the zero-crossing time to analyze the pipe thickness. As a result, a secondary peak is found in zero-crossing time when transmitter passed by a defect. The secondary peak will lead to wrong quantification and the localization of defects, especially when defects are found only at the transmitter location. Aiming to eliminate the secondary peaks, double sensing coils are set in the transition zone and Wiener deconvolution filter is applied. In the proposed method, position dependent response of the differential signals from the double sensing coils is calibrated by employing zero-mean normalization. The methods proposed in this paper are validated by analyzing the simulation signals and can improve the practicality of PRFECT of ferromagnetic pipes.
New Frontiers for Applications of Thermal Infrared Imaging Devices: Computational Psychopshysiology in the Neurosciences
Authors: Cardone Daniela , Merla Arcangelo
Published: May 2017

Thermal infrared imaging has been proposed, and is now used, as a tool for the non-contact and non-invasive computational assessment of human autonomic nervous activity and psychophysiological states. Thanks to a new generation of high sensitivity infrared thermal detectors and the development of computational models of the autonomic control of the facial cutaneous temperature, several autonomic variables can be computed through thermal infrared imaging, including localized blood perfusion rate, cardiac pulse rate, breath rate, sudomotor and stress responses. In fact, all of these parameters impact on the control of the cutaneous temperature. The physiological information obtained through this approach, could then be used to infer about a variety of psychophysiological or emotional states, as proved by the increasing number of psychophysiology or neurosciences studies that use thermal infrared imaging. This paper presents a review of the principal achievements of thermal infrared imaging in computational psychophysiology, focusing on the capability of the technique for providing ubiquitous and unwired monitoring of psychophysiological activity and affective states. It also presents a summary on the modern, up-to-date infrared sensors technology.
Deformation Monitoring of Waste-Rock-Backfilled Mining Gob for Ground Control
Authors: Zhao Tongbin , Zhang Yubao , Zhang Zhenyu , Li Zhanhai , Ma Shuqi
Published: May 2017

Backfill mining is an effective option to mitigate ground subsidence, especially for mining under surface infrastructure, such as buildings, dams, rivers and railways. To evaluate its performance, continual long-term field monitoring of the deformation of backfilled gob is important to satisfy strict public scrutiny. Based on industrial Ethernet, a real-time monitoring system was established to monitor the deformation of waste-rock-backfilled gob at −700 m depth in the Tangshan coal mine, Hebei Province, China. The designed deformation sensors, based on a resistance transducer mechanism, were placed vertically between the roof and floor. Stress sensors were installed above square steel plates that were anchored to the floor strata. Meanwhile, data cables were protected by steel tubes in case of damage. The developed system continually harvested field data for three months. The results show that industrial Ethernet technology can be reliably used for long-term data transmission in complicated underground mining conditions. The monitoring reveals that the roof subsidence of the backfilled gob area can be categorized into four phases. The bearing load of the backfill developed gradually and simultaneously with the deformation of the roof strata, and started to be almost invariable when the mining face passed 97 m.
Long‐distance dispersal explains the bipolar disjunction in Carex macloviana
Authors: Márquez‐Corro José I. , Escudero Marcial , Martín‐Bravo Santiago , Villaverde Tamara , Luceño Modesto
Published: April 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The sedge Carex macloviana d'Urv presents a bipolar distribution. To clarify the origin of its distribution, we consider the four main hypotheses: long‐distance dispersal (either by mountain hopping or by direct dispersal), vicariance, parallel evolution, and human introduction.

METHODS:

Phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and divergence time estimation analyses were carried out based on two nuclear ribosomal (ETS and ITS) regions, one nuclear single copy gene (CATP), and three plastid DNA regions (rps16 and 5′trnK introns, and psbA‐trnH spacer), using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and statistical parsimony. Bioclimatic data were used to characterize the climatic niche of C. macloviana.

KEY RESULTS:

Carex macloviana constitutes a paraphyletic species, dating back to the Pleistocene (0.62 Mya, 95% highest posterior density: 0.29–1.00 Mya). This species displays strong genetic structure between hemispheres, with two different lineages in the Southern Hemisphere and limited genetic differentiation in Northern Hemisphere populations. Also, populations from the Southern Hemisphere show a narrower climatic niche with regards to the Northern Hemisphere populations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Carex macloviana reached its bipolar distribution by long‐distance dispersal, although it was not possible to determine whether it was caused by mountain hopping or by direct dispersal. While there is some support that Carex macloviana might have colonized the Northern Hemisphere by south‐to‐north transhemisphere dispersal during the Pleistocene, unlike the southwards dispersal pattern inferred for other bipolar Carex L. species, we cannot entirely rule out north‐to‐south dispersion.
The Discovery and Origin of a Very High-velocity Cloud Toward M33
Authors: Zheng Y. , Werk J. K. , Peek J. E. G. , Putman M. E.
Published: May 2017

We report the detection of a largely ionized very high-velocity cloud (VHVC;

km 

) toward M33 with the Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origin Spectrograph. The VHVC is detected in O i, C ii, Si ii, and Si iii absorption along five sightlines separated by

. On sub-degree scales, the velocities and ionic column densities of the VHVC remain relatively smooth with standard deviations of ±14 km 

and ±0.15 dex between the sightlines, respectively. The VHVC has a metallicity of [O i/H i] = −0.56 ± 0.17 dex (Z = 0.28 ± 0.11

). Despite the position–velocity proximity of the VHVC to the ionized Magellanic Stream, the VHVC’s higher metallicity makes it unlikely to be associated with the Stream, highlighting the complex velocity structure of this region of sky. We investigate the VHVC’s possible origin by revisiting its surrounding H i environment. We find that the VHVC may be (1) a MW CGM cloud, (2) related to a nearby H i VHVC—Wright’s Cloud, or (3) connected to M33's northern warp. Furthermore, the VHVC could be a bridge connecting Wright’s Cloud and M33's northern warp, which would make it a Magellanic-like structure in the halo of M33.
Inflammatory responses and histopathological changes in a mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus-induced bloodstream infections
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhou Shusheng , Hu Shijing , Liu Bao
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus-induced bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a prevalent clinical challenge and the underlying pathogenesis is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the inflammatory responses and histopathological changes in BSIs in mice. Methodology: Male C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with S. aureus intravenously to induce BSIs. The survival rate, weight loss, and murine sepsis scores (MSS) were monitored in BSI and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control mice. Blood samples and tissue homogenates were plated on agar plates to determine the bacterial burden. Inflammatory proteins and cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Histopathologic changes were assessed by pathological inflammation score (PIS) and macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Results: BSI mice induced by 4.5 × 108 CFU/mL S. aureus showed ~70% survival rate, higher sepsis scores, significantly decreased body weight, elevated levels of white blood cell (WBC) counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Prominent correlations were found between elevated CRP and PCT levels as well as among IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Pathological changes and higher PIS were also observed in BSI mice. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that inflammatory proteins (PCT and CRP) and cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) play an important role in the inflammatory responses and histopathological changes in S. aureus-induced BSIs.
Trichophyton verrucosum infection in livestock in the Chitral district of Pakistan
Authors: Hameed Khalid , Riaz Ch Farhana , Nawaz Muhammad Ali , Naqvi Syed Muhammad Saqlan , Gräser Yvonne , Kupsch Christiane , Pasquetti Mario , Rossi Luca , Molinar Min Anna Rita , Tizzani Paolo , Chiavassa Elisa , Peano Andrea
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Trichophyton verrucosum belongs to the dermatophyte fungi, closely related organisms that cause skin infections in animals and humans. T. verrucosum infection has been reported in livestock and people in different countries from all continents. Human cases have been reported in different areas of Pakistan, but there is little information about the animal source of the fungus. Methodology: Dermatological specimens collected in the Chitral district of Pakistan for a study on mange in livestock were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of T. verrucosum. In total, 5,873 animals (1,087 cows, 2,033 goats, and 2,753 sheep) were screened for evidence of dermatological lesions during two surveys performed in the summer and winter seasons. Skin scrapings collected from animals with lesions were analyzed by direct microscopic examination after digestion in sodium hydroxide and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting pathogenic Trichophyton species. Results: At microscopy, samples from 18 cows (1.6%), 3 sheep (0.1%), and 4 goats (0.2%) were positive for fungal elements consistent with T. verrucosum. PCR confirmed the microscopy results. The prevalence was lower than that reported in other countries in intensive breeding farms. Results agree with the literature regarding factors affecting T. verrucosum diffusion, i.e., infection was more prevalent in cattle, especially in younger animals during the winter season. Conclusions: This study reports, for the first time, the presence of T. verrucosum in livestock in Pakistan. A better knowledge of the animal role in the spread of this fungus may allow the adoption of more efficient control measures and prophylaxis.
Isolation and characterization of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium from chicken meat in Egypt
Authors: Tarabees Reda , Elsayed Mohamed S. A. , Shawish Reyad , Basiouni Shereen , Shehata Awad A
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium represent the major serovars associated with human salmonellosis. Contamination of meat products with these serovars is considered the main source of infection. Methodology: In this study, 100 raw chicken meat samples were investigated for the presence of Salmonella spp., which were subsequently identified based on biochemical and serological tests as well as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) profile. Furthermore, the isolated serovars were examined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of virulence genes suspected to have a role in infection. Results: S. Enteritidis was isolated from two samples (2%), while S. Typhimurium was isolated from three samples (3%) of chicken meat. Of the 17 examined virulence genes using multiplex PCR, the sitC, sopB, sifA, lpfC, spaN, sipB, invA, spiA, and msgA genes were detected in S. Enteritidis. However, the sitC, iroN, sopB, sifA, lpfC, spaN, sipB, invA, and tolC genes were successfully amplified in S. Typhimurium. Conclusions: The detection of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in meat, even at low incidence, has important implications. In addition, the data presented here is the first attempt to identify a wide range of virulence genes in Egyptian Salmonella isolates recovered from meat products. A strict public health and food safety regime is urgently needed in order to decrease the human health hazard risk associated with salmonellosis.
Correlation between infection of herpes virus family and liver function parameters: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Cui Yali , Huang Xiaocui , Wang Xia , Li Yingying , Tang Chao , Wang Hong , Jiang Yongmei
Published: April 2017

Introduction: To evaluate the relationship between seropositivity to herpes virus family and liver function parameters in children from southwest China. Methodology: A 2-year cross-sectional retrospective study of 6,396 children aged 6 months to 12 years was performed. All participants underwent physical examination and liver function tests. Results: Of the children, 622 were positive for EBV, HSV, or CMV IgM, with dramatic changes in liver function parameters. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were negatively correlated with EBV-IgM and hepatocellular injuries in children < 3 years of age, whereas a positive correlation between lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and EBV-IgM and hepatocellular injuries was documented in children < 1 year of age. In those < 1 year and 3–6 years of age, HSV-IgM seropositivity was positively correlated with indirect bilirubin and γ-glutamyl transferase. The percentage of children < 1 year of age with positive CMV-IgM was 72.8% (158/217), approximately five times higher than that in those 1–3 years. Sixty-three children were infected with two pathogens simultaneously. Abnormal levels of LDH were observed in 85.71% of children simultaneously infected with CMV and HSV, 77.78% for CMV and EBV, 83.33% for EBV and HSV, and irregular levels of AST were noted in 69.19% of children infected with CMV and HSV, 77.78% for CMV and EBV, and 83.33% for EBV and HSV. Conclusions: Seropositivity to herpes virus family was correlated with abnormal liver function parameters across years of age. Clinicians should aim to protect the liver function of children infected with herpes viruses.
Salmonella Kentucky: Antimicrobial resistance and molecular analysis of clinical, animal and environment isolates, Morocco
Authors: Karraouan Bouchra , Ziyate Nadia , Ed-dra Abdelaziz , Amajoud Nadia , Boutaib Rachid , Akil Abdellah , El Allaoui Abdellah , El Ossmani Hicham , Zerouali Khalid , Elmdaghri Naima , Bouchrif Brahim
Published: April 2017

This item has no abstract. Follow the links on the page to access the full text.
Emerging fluoroquinolone and ketolide resistance in Haemophilus parainfluenzae in South Africa
Authors: Abotsi Regina Esinam , Govinden Usha , Moodley Krishnee , Essack Sabiha Yusuf
Published: April 2017

This item has no abstract. Follow the links on the page to access the full text.
Prevalence of inducible clindamycin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: the first study in Jordan
Authors: Jarajreh Dua’a , Aqel Amin , Alzoubi Hamed , Al-Zereini Wael
Published: April 2017

Introduction: A high rate of infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been documented, in both hospital- (HA-MRSA) and community-acquired (CA-MRSA) diseases in Jordan. Erythromycin and clindamycin are considered treatments of choice. However, resistance to erythromycin with false susceptibility to clindamycin in vitro may lead to therapeutic failure. Hence, it is mandatory to study the prevalence of inducible resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (iMLSB) antibiotics conferred by erm genes in those bacteria. Methodology: S. aureus isolates were identified morphologically and biochemically, and MRSA were appraised using standard procedures. Induction in resistance to MLSB antibiotics among MRSA isolates was detected phenotypically using the D-test, and the presence of erm genes was revealed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of 126 collected Staphylococcus isolates, 71 (56.3%) isolates were S. aureus, of which 55 (77.5%) were MRSA. A total of 43 (78.2%) MRSA-discordant isolates were resistant to erythromycin, of which 33 (76.7%) exhibited the iMLSB (D-test positive), 2 (4.7%) the MSB (D-test negative), and 8 (18.6%) the constitutive resistant (cMLSB) phenotypes. Induction of clindamycin resistance was 1.6 times greater in CA-MRSA than in HA-MRSA. Furthermore, ermA and ermC were significantly prevalent in HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA, respectively. Conclusions: Continuous surveillance of the MLSB resistance is important and required before the prescription of clindamycin to treat MRSA infections.
A combined strategy for screening a clustered mobile population returning from highly endemic areas for Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Li Mei , Li Jun , Xia Zhigui , Xiao Ning , Jiang Weikang , Wen Yongkang
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Early and accurate diagnosis of imported malaria cases in clusters is crucial for protecting the health of patients and local populations, especially confirmed parasitic persons who are asymptomatic. Methodology: A total of 226 gold miners who had stayed in highly endemic areas of Ghana for more than six months and returned in clusters were selected randomly. Blood samples from them were tested with microscopy, nest polymerase chain reaction, and rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, agreement rate, and Youden’s index of each of three diagnostic methods were calculated and compared with the defined gold standard. A quick and efficient way to respond to screening such a clustered mobile population was predicted and analyzed by evaluating two assumed results of combining microscopy and RDT with or without symptoms of illness. Results: The rate of the carriers of malaria parasites in the populations of gold miners was 19.47%, including 39 P. falciparum. Among the three diagnostic methods, the microscopy method showed the highest specificity, while the RDT method showed the highest sensitivity but the lowest specificity in detecting P. falciparum. The assumed results of combining RDT and microscopy with symptoms showed the best results among all the test results in screening P. falciparum. Conclusions: It was too complex and difficult to catch all parasite carriers in a short period of time among populations with such a complicated situation as that in Shanglin County. A strategy of combing microscopy and RDT for diagnosis is highly recommended.
Efficacy of Pluchea dioscoridis leaf extract against pathogenic Candida albicans
Authors: El Zawawy Nessma Ahmed , Hafez ElSayed ElSayed
Published: April 2017

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Pluchea dioscoridis leaf extract on growth, survival, morphogenesis, and virulence gene expression of Candida albicans. Methodology: Anticandidal activity was studied using the hole-plate method against four pathogenic C. albicans strains from clinical isolates. The effect of the extract on the growth profile of the yeast was also examined via a time-kill assay. Microscopic observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were made to determine the major alterations in the microstructure of C. albicans. Quantitative changes in phospholipase, hemolysin, and secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP1 and SAP10) genes expression as virulence factors were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The extract exhibited high anticandidal activity, with the zones of inhibition between 0.5 and 6 cm, and recorded a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 30 mg/mL. The time-kill study suggested that the extract possessed yeasticidal properties at higher concentrations and eradicated the growth of yeast cells. The SEM and TEM micrographs exhibited major abnormalities that occurred on the yeast cells after being exposed to the extract, resulting in complete alterations in their morphology and collapse of the cells beyond repair. At MIC concentration, phospholipase, proteinase, and hemolysin gene expression was reduced to 90%, 70%, 90% for SAP1, and 40% for SAP10,respectively, compared to that obtained from untreated C. albicans, as demonstrated by quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis. Conclusions: The P. dioscoridis leaf extract may be an effective anticandidal agent to treat pathogenic yeast infections.
Association between virulence profile and fluoroquinolone resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from dogs and cats in China
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiang , Liu Haixia , Li Yinqian , Hao Caiju
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Escherichia coli is not only a commensal organism in humans and animals, but also a causative agent of diarrhea and extraintestinal infections. Information about the relationship between population structure, virulence gene profiles, and fluoroquinolone resistance of E. coli in dogs and cats in China is limited. Methodology: A total of 174 pathogenic and commensal E. coli isolates were evaluated in terms of phylogenetic group, virulence gene profile, sequence types (STs), and fluoroquinolone susceptibility. Results: A total of 46.6% of isolates belonged to phylogenetic group B2. Isolates displayed high resistance to tetracycline (82.2%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (73.6%), gentamicin (62.1%), and enrofloxacin (60.9%). fimH (81.6%) was the most prevalent virulence gene, and 83.9% of isolates contained one or more investigated virulence genes. The majority of the investigated virulence genes were more prevalent in fluoroquinolone-susceptible isolates and pathogenic isolates. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that E. coli isolates analyzed were assigned to 65 STs. Among of them, pathogenic-resistant and pathogenic-susceptible isolates had 44 and 10 STs, respectively, while there were 8 and 3 STs in the commensal resistant and susceptible isolates, respectively. Conclusions: Phylogenetic group B2 was the dominant group, accounting for 46.6% of the isolates. Pathogenic isolates and fluoroquinolone-susceptible isolates possessed more virulence genes. Pathogenic isolates and fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates exhibited high population diversity, and pandemic clone ST131 appeared in 9.8% of isolates.
Acute encephalitis as initial presentation of leptospirosis
Authors: Puca Edmond , Majko Joana , Puca Entela , Qyra Elda , Gega Arjet , Pipero Pellumb
Published: April 2017

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain matter, very often associated with viral infections, but it can also be caused by non-viral pathogens such as leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a systemic disease caused by bacteria of the Leptospira genus. Leptospiral infection has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from subclinical or mild illness to a fulminant life-threatening illness. In this case report we describe a young patient from Southern Albania with isolated encephalitis caused by Leptospira, where acute encephalitis was the initial presentation of the disease.
MPT64 gene mutations leading to non-reactivity on a rapid immunochromatographic assay
Authors: Chew Ka Lip , Lin Raymond Tzer Pin , Teo Jeanette Woon Pei
Published: April 2017

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