bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield and Yield Components of Wheat as Influenced by Sowing Date and Humic Acid
Authors: Doroodian M , Sharghi Y , Alipour A , Zahedi H
Published: July 2016

In order to investigate the effect of seed sowing date and humic acid foliar application on some agronomic traits of bread wheat an experiment was conducted in Islamshahr, Iran during 2013 growing season. The experimental design was a complete randomized block design arranged in factorial with three replications. The first factor was included two sowing date (middle of November and middle of December) and the second factor was included three humic acid levels (0, 4 and 8 liter ha-1). The results indicated that late seed sowing lead to significant reduction in agronomic traits such as tiller number, spike number, seed number and seed weight. In addition, vegetative growth was affected by late seed sowing and so that shorter plants were observed. Number of days until spike emergence, number of days until pollination and number of days until physiological maturity decreased due to late seed sowing. By contrast, humic acid application increased plant growth and improved yield and yield components through extending growing period.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(1) 8-14
Management of a Traumatic Wound in a Malnourished Orphan Asian Baby Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Das BC , Ahaduzzaman M , Akter S , Hossain F , Faruque MR , Sutradhar BC
Published: July 2016

The present case report was carried out to evaluate the outcome of traumatic wound in a malnourished orphan elephant calf. A 1.5 month old, female Asian Elephant calf approximate weighing 100 kg, was admitted to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Bangladesh, with a history of squeezed and trapped in natural tree during foraging, detached from the herd, rescued by nearest forest people and treated by local veterinarian. The baby elephant was dull, depressed, dehydrated and emaciated on clinical examination. A local swelling (65 cm) was noticed on left hind limb(stifle joint) and a circular wound on lateral aspect of the limb where mild discharge was noticed. Gait and posture was not normal. Wound swab, blood and fecal sample were collected and sent to the respective departments. Pyogenic organisms were found in wound swab culture. Blood parameters revealed lower value of TEC, Hg, PCV, glucose and total protein. No parasite or ova were found in fecal sample. The elephant calf was fed with powder milk as 10% of total body weight (10 liters/day at 1 hour interval). Ceftriaxone sodium @ 20 mg/kg bwt along with pain killer ketoprofen @ 3 mg/kg bwt, amino acid solution @20 ml hematinic preparation @10 ml , vitamin ADE preparation @10 ml along with 5% dextrose saline (2liters/day), local application of Dressgel ointment (herbal preparation) and wound dressing with povidone iodine at regular interval as required until healing. The calf revealed improved condition such as more active and alert, improved gait, reduced local swelling and no discharge from the wound. The CBC and serum biochemical parameter was also improved by day 4 while the calf was shifted to Dulahazra safari park, Chokoria, Chittagong.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(1) 21-25
Evaluation of Anthelmintic Efficacy of Ivermectin, Levamisole HCl and Albendazole Administered through Different Routes against Naturally Occuring Gastrointestinal Nematodiasis in Black Bengal Goat Inducing Hematological Parameters and Live Weight Indices
Authors: Aktaruzzaman M , Islam MS , Hasan MMI , Bhuiyan MJU , Hossain MM , Hossain MK , Lucky NS , Howlader MMR
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin, levamisole HCl and albendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected goats of government goat development farm, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study included 52 black Bengal breed of which 30 were naturally infected and randomly selected 20 on the basis of their weight and egg count. Twenty black Bengal goats of 12-13 month old irrespective of sex infested with gastrointestinal nematodes were selected for this experiment and randomly divided into four equal groups (group A, B, C and D) where each group consisted of 5 goats and goats of group D were kept as control group. One injectable ivermectin (200?gkg-1 body weight, S/C) preparations (Techno Drugs Ltd. Bangladesh) and two solid levamisole HCl, albendazole (7.5 mgkg-1 body weight, orally) preparations (The ACME Laboratories Ltd. and Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Bangladesh) were used for positive control of gastrointestinal nematodes as group A, B and C. Goats of group D was kept as control without giving any treatment. Before trials (day 0), total egg count, blood samples and initial body weight were recorded. During the study period the fecal and blood samples were collected directly from rectum and examined on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day using McMaster fecal egg counting method. Body weight was recorded on day 28 following the treatments. The results of the comparative efficacies of different anthelmintic of ivermectin was 86.75%, followed by levamisole HCl 85.07% and albendazole 92.81%. McMaster fecal egg counting method discloses the percentage of Haemonchus spp. (15.38%), with Trichostrongylus spp, Strongyloides spp., and Cooperia spp. also present. After treatment with ivermectin, levamisole HCl and albendazole, Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Hemoglobin (Hb) content and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were increased significantly (p<0.01 and p>0.05) in goats but Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) were decreased significantly (p<0.05 and p>0.01) in all treated goat and body weight was increased significantly (p<0.01) on day 28.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(1) 26-34
Effects of commercial layer feed supplementation on haematological and reproductive parameters of indigenous duck in rural area
Authors: Akter F , Howlader MMR , Hossain MK , Hasan MMI , Islam S , Begum S
Published: July 2016

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplementation of commercial layer feed on body weight, egg production and haematological profile of the laying ducks rearing under the rural condition of Bangladesh. Twenty indigenous ducks (Khaki Campbell x Local duck) of 24 weeks old was selected from a farm and randomly divided into four equal groups (n=5) and numbered as group T0, T1, T2 & T3. The different amount of feed was supplied into four groups for three months. The all four groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) were fed with routine feeding in scavenging condition. But T1 group supplemented with 120 gm, T2 group 60 gm and T3 group 30 gm of commercial feed. Significant differences were found in both egg production and haematological profile of ducks in compared to control group. Egg production was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T1 group compared to other groups. During the study the body weight gain were shown the same pattern being significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 group compared to T0, T2 and T3 groups. On the other hand, the values of total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin content (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) increased significantly (P<0.05) in the groups of T1 and T2 compared to the control group (T0). But the value of MCV, MCH and MCHC of T1, T2 & T3 groups decreased significantly (P<0.05) than that of the control group. Results of the present study revealed that the amount of supplementation of commercial layer feeds was very important for improving the haematological profile and egg production of ducks. So, the additional commercial layer feed supplementation may be beneficial for duck farming.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(1) 35-40
Effects of triclabendazole and nitroxynil on EPG, hematological parameters and body weight against fascioliasis in goats at government goat development farm, Sylhet, Bangladesh
Authors: Khanam S , Islam MS , Aktaruzzaman M , Hossain MA , Hossain MM , Hossain MK , Mamun MA , Noor M , Howlader MMR
Published: July 2016

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of triclabendazole and nitroxynil against fascioliasis in goat for a period of 28 days on 20 black bengal goats. Among hundred goats, twenty were selected for this study which was suffering from liver fluke (Fasciola gigantica) infection and were marked by tagging. Twenty goats were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) where each group comprising of five goats. Group A were treated with tablet fasinex (triclabendazole, Novartis Ltd, Bangladesh) orally at the dose rate of 12 mgkg-1body weight, group B were treated with acinex (triclabendazole, ACI Ltd, Bangladesh) orally at the dose rate of 12 mgkg-1body weight and group C were treated with nitronex injection (nitroxynil, Renata Ltd, Bangladesh) subcutaneously at the dose rate of 10 mgkg-1 body weight. Goats of group D was kept as infected control group without giving any treatment. A significant (P<0.01) reduction of egg per gram (EPG) count was found on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days of treated goats of group A, B and C, respectively. The EPG count of control group were significantly (P<0.01) increased 7 day onwards up to experimental period. Reduction of mean EPG on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after treatment in group A, B and C were 81.48%, 81.25% and 83.04%, respectively, whereas in control group the mean EPG were 22.43%. Of the hematological parameters, TEC, Hb and PCV values were lower on day 0 but turned to increase (p<0.01) on day 28 of the study. On the other hand, ESR and TLC were higher before treatment (day 0) but decreased significantly (p<0.01) on day 28.The body weight increased significantly (P<0.01) after treatments in group A, B and C respectively except untreated control. This result may indicate that three commercial anthelmintics contain triclabendazole and nitroxynil against fascioliasis in goat and nitroxynil have higher efficacies on egg per gram (EPG), hematological parameters and body weight against fascioliasis in goat. Additional detailed studies are required to prevent and control of fascioliasis in goats by using a routine prophylactic anthelmintics measurement.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 46-51
Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern against E. coli and Salmonella spp. in Environmental Effluents
Authors: Hassan MM , Ahaduzzaman M , Alam M , Bari MS , Amin KB , Faruq AA
Published: July 2016

Hospitals (medical & veterinary) and slaughterhouse effluents were the most contaminating effluents and need to be paid more attention due to pathogenic bacteria related to animal and public health concern. Two bacterial isolates such as E. coli and Salmonella from six medical hospitals, five veterinary hospitals and five slaughter houses were isolated to find out the antibiotic resistance pattern by using disc diffusion method. The antibiotic resistance patterns of identified isolates showed that Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Enrofloxacin, Pefloxacin, Colistin, Erythromycin, Oxytetracycline were 100%, Doxycycline was 83%, Gentamycin was 50% and Neomycin was 33% resistance to medical isolates and Ampicillin, Enrofloxacin, Pefloxacin and Erythromycin were 100%, Ciprofloxacin was 40%, Colistin was 60%, Doxycycline was 80%, Gentamycin was 20%; Neomycin and Oxytetracycline 80% resistance to veterinary hospital isolates and Ampicillin, Enrofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Pefloxacin, Colistin, Oxytetracycline, Gentamycin, Doxycycline and Erythromycin were 100% and Neomycin was 40% resistance to slaughter houses isolates of E. coli. The level of resistance of Salmonella positive isolates was found Ampicillin, Enrofloxacin, Pefloxacin, Gentamycin and Erythromycin to 100%, Ciprofloxacin was 67%, Oxytetracycline was 33% but Colistin and Neomycin was found sensitive to the isolates from both medical and veterinary hospital. Results indicated that hospitals and slaughter houses waste effluent has multiple-antibiotic resistance against E. coli and Salmonella.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 52-58
Husbandry Practices of Dairy Farming at Chittagong Sub-urban Area
Authors: Faruk MSA , Islam SKMA , Alam M , Deb A , Chanda GC
Published: July 2016

The present study was carried out to know the present status including general information, feeding, breeding, housing, milking etc. and costs and returns of small dairy farms, to compare the productive and reproductive performance of crossbred and indigenous cows and to make recommendation for development of small scales dairy farming. With this view, the empirical data were collected by using pretested questionnaire. The study was conducted at preselected 30 dairy farms in Chittagong suburban area, and four months-long survey was diminished on thirty small dairy owners. It appeared that 57% farm owners belong to business class and remaining 43% to different categories. Fifty three percent took dairying as a side-business whereas only 47% took it as a main business enterprise. Major percentage of farm owner education level was Higher Secondary (60%). The dry period, calving interval, services per conception and days open of crossbred was 98.5±18.9, 419±11,3.1±0.82, 118±25.8 and indigenous was 140±10.4, 428±24.7,1.95±0.44, 137±7.78 respectively. The study showed that there were significant (P<0.01) differences within the dry period, services per conception, calving to first service, highest and lowest milk production and lactation period of crossbred and indigenous dairy cows. The study also showed non-significant differences within calving interval for crossbred and indigenous. In case of small dairy farming, the farms were facing a lot of problems such as scarcity of feeds and fodder, high price of concentrate and lack of technical knowledge. This type of dairy farming will be a potential sector for economic development of Bangladesh.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 59-65
Determination of Salmonella in egg shell and egg content in some selected areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Akter S , Ferdowshi Z , Islam MN , Prodhan MAM , Chowdhury MYE
Published: July 2016

Salmonellosis is one of the most common and widely distributed food-borne diseases. It constitutes a major public health burden and represents a significant cost in many countries. Salmonella are known for its wide range host and can cause clinical diseases in some hosts while in others, can be asymptomatic. Poultry and eggs are considered as major sources for different pathogenic Salmonella serotypes. Eggs produced locally under the small scale layer farm may present a hazard to consumers which may increase the spread of Salmonella in the environment. To investigate the occurrence of Salmonella, a total of 72 samples were taken from 6 poultry farm in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Sampling program was executed between October and December, 2013 and samples were tested using standard laboratory methods. Data was collected through direct interview and structured questionnaire. Our study shows that, true prevalence of Salmonella in egg shell and egg contents were 0.093% and 0.068% respectively. The highest apparent prevalence in Udayan poultry farm (50%) and lowest in Liza poultry farm (16.67%). The average frequency of egg shell contamination is positively correlated with re-use of egg tray without disinfection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation on Salmonella spp. in selected local egg production farms in Chittagong. Further detail study is highly recommended.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 66-72
Effect of Different Organic And Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Wetland Rice
Authors: Aziz MA , Islam MJ , Kashem MA
Published: July 2016

Two experiments were conducted at farmers field of Tukerbazer, Sylhet in Boro season and T. aman season of 2013 in order to test the effect of different organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of wetland rice. Eight treatment combinations were tested in T. aman season namely T1= Control (without fertilizer), T2= Agro-Sar (Organo-Chemical) (ASOC) @ 750 kg/ha, T3= STB (Soil Test Based), T4= T2+50% STB, T5= T2 + 60% STB, T6= T2 + 70% STB, T7= T2 + 80% STB and T8= T2 + T3 where BRRI dhan31 was used as test crop. In Boro season, the following ten treatment combinations were tested in Boro season: namely T1= FRG 05 dose: N, P, K, S and Zn @ 123, 26, 60, 13 & 4 kg/ha, T2= Agro meal plus @ 300 kg/ha, T3= T2 + N, P, K, S @ 74, 16, 60 and 8 kg/ha, T4= ASO @ 740 kg/ha, T5= T4 + N, P, K, S @ 74, 16, 60 and 8 kg/ha, T6= Agro-Sar (Organo-chemical) (ASOC) @ 740 kg/ha, T7= T6 + N, P, K, S @ 74, 18, 36 and 8, T8= Raj Jaibo Sar @ 790 kg/ha, T9 = T8 + N, P, K, S @ 74, 20, 54 and 9 kg/ha, and T10= Control (without fertilizer). The blanket doses of fertilizers were applied as soil test based (STB). The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications of each treatment. The sources of N, P, K & S were USG, TSP, MP and gypsum. The treatment T4 where USG was deep-placement produced the maximum yield and also found superior in terms of economic point of view.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 80-85
Seasonal Variation in Population Dynamics of Helminth Parasites in Clarias batrachus from Natural wetlands of Sylhet, Bangladesh
Authors: Bari SM , Khalil SMI , Mamun MAA , Islam MJ , Baten MA , Hossain MM
Published: July 2016

A year round field investigations were conducted with the aim to examine the seasonal variation in population dynamics of helminth parasites in Clarias batrachus from different natural aquatic habitat of north-eastern region of Bangladesh, Sylhet. This article summarizes the percentage of prevalence, mean intensity, abundance and index of infestation of helminth parasites in the C. batrachus during different months and seasons of the year in accordance with temperature, humidity and rainfall. The investigation period were categorized into four seasons i.e. pre-monsoon (February-April), monsoon (May-July), post-monsoon (August- October) and winter (November- January). A total 180 C. batrachus host individuals were examined and among them 139 (67.87%) specimens were found to be infested with 2205 individuals of parasites of three different groups namely trematode, cestode and nematode. Almost (100%) prevalence of helminth infestation were recorded from both male and female C. batrachus during the winter (Nov-Jan), followed by (Feb-April) pre-monsoon (66.67-86.67%) and (Aug-Sep) post-monsoon (66.67-80.00%) while lowest (53.33-60.00%) in monsoon or rainy season (May-July). Lower range of environmental temperature (21.0525.050C), associated with moderate humidity (62.00-64.00%) and scarcity of rainfall increases the intensity of helminthes parasitic infestation in C. batrachus. In consistent to this, with the gradual increasing in ambient temperature (28.01- 30.010C) and humidity (75.00-89.00%) associated with moderate rainfall (33.40-790.90 mm) declining the intensity of helminthes infestation in C. batrachus of the study area.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 86-89
Patho-physiological investigation of anorexia of cattle at Sylhet district in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MM , Rahman MM , Sharmin KN , Hossain MM , Rashid MH , Ahmed S
Published: July 2016

The present study was designed to explore the patho-physiological investigation of anorexia of cattle at Sylhet district, Bangladesh. The aim of this study has been conducted to determine the patho-physiological causes of anorexia in cattle during the study period started from September to December in Bishwanath upazila veterinary hospital, Sylhet. Anorexia is one of the most common illness among female cattle in Bangladesh. In this study, a total number of 155 diseased cattle, 100 cattle were found having anorexia due to parasitic, infectious, nutritional deficiency and unknown etiology. Results of this study showed most anorexia developed due to parasitic infestation (41%) which was determined by feces examination and observing the body condition of the animal. The female cattle developed anorexia in higher rate (67%). The early age (less than 1year) of the cattle were found mostly to develop anorexia in cattle, may be due to parasitic and nutritional deficiencies cause.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 90-92
Comparative Study On Nursing Of Different Strains Of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) In Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MA , Islam MJ , Uddin MM , Hossain MM , Kunda M
Published: July 2016

This study was conducted to investigate and compare the growth performance of four Tilapia strains in hapa nursing with the aim to find out the best strain of tilapia. The research was conducted by four treatments with five replicates each. The tilapia fry were collected from, BFRI source from BFRI HQ, Mymensingh stocked in Treatment-1; unknown source from Hi-Tech Tilapia Hatchery Dagoanbhuiya, Feni in Treatment-2, Philipine strain from Green Field Tilapia Hatchery, Laxmipur in Treatment-3 and fry from Breeding Cohort, Sonar Bangla Hatchery, Bamna, Barguna in Treatment-4. The Individual stocking weight (g) of fry was average 0.01g. The fries were stocked in 12 hapa at same stocking density of 1200 fish/m2. Each of the hapa was 2m × 1m × 1m size and fixed in an earthen ponds. Supplementary feed with 31.29% of protein level consisting of rice bran (25%), mustard oil cake (15%), wheat flour (30%) and fish meal (30%) was given at the rate of 40% of their body weight per day manually, four times a day at the beginning of the experimental period and reduced to 25% of their body weight and continued up to harvesting period. The results showed that fry of Treatment-4 strain was the best strain and had significantly (p < 0.05) higher final mean body weight (FMBW), mean body weight gain (MBWG), specific growth rate (SGR) (9.75%), gross yield (GY) (2.13) and Net yield (NY) (2.12) than the Treatment-1 , Treatment-2 strains and Treatemnt-3 strain. Treatment-4 strain had the fastest growth rate, whereas the lowest performing strain was that from Treatment-2. We also analyzed survival rate of the fish from stocking to harvest, survival rate was highest in Treatment-4 strain (80%) where lowest is Treatment-3. Treatment-4 stain also showed the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) 1.62 than others. Considering the overall performance it can be concluded that tilapia strain collected from Breeding Cohort source is best among the four strains. However, further research may still be needed to compare more strains from different water body to evaluate the genetic potential for Tilapia.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 98-106
Risk factors of postpartum uterine infection and its subsequent effect on fertility of crossbred dairy cows in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MK , Uddin AHMM , Yasmin N , Hossain MM , Lucky NS , Haque MM , Aktaruzzaman M , Alam S
Published: July 2016

Postpartum uterine infection is extremely important in dairy cattle. It is both common and detrimental to reproductive performance. The present study was conducted to investigate the factors responsible for postpartum uterine infection and its subsequent effect on fertility of crossbred dairy cows in Chatmohar Upazila, Pabna District. A total of 317 cows were selected and registered and then follow up them in postpartum period. Reproductive histories and data of the studied cows were assessed by direct interviewing and from record book of the owners and nearby government veterinary hospital. Totally 33 cows were found uterine infected (10.41%) in postpartum period. The case of pyometra was substantially higher in present study in contrast to others. The incidence of uterine infection puerperal metritis, pyometra and endometritis were 1.89%, 5.99% and 2.52% respectively. Dairy cattle calving season and parity reflected greatly on the incidence of uterine infection. Potentially significant (p<0.05) and higher incidence of uterine infection were associated with poor management system where minimum complications were found with good management practice (3.20%) compared to poor management farms. The dairy cows suffering from endometritis significantly showed prolonged days to first estrus interval, days open and number of services per conception and calving interval values (68.5±0.05 days; 115.4±0.4 days , 4.75±0.50, and 398±6 respectively) than normal healthy cows. Further researches in the near future must be directed for prevention of uterine infection, as most of effective treatments dont prevent the negative impacts of such disease upon dairy, reproduction and culling percentage within dairy herd.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 107-111
Using the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) to Assess Pain Associated with Acute Laminitis in Horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Dalla Costa Emanuela , Stucke Diana , Dai Francesca , Minero Michela , Leach Matthew , Lebelt Dirk
Published: August 2016

Acute laminitis is a common equine disease characterized by intense foot pain, both acutely and chronically. The Obel grading system is the most widely accepted method for describing the severity of laminitis by equine practitioners, however this method requires movement (walk and trot) of the horse, causing further intense pain. The recently developed Horse Grimace Scale (HGS), a facial-expression-based pain coding system, may offer a more effective means of assessing the pain associated with acute laminitis. The aims of this study were: to investigate whether HGS can be usefully applied to assess pain associated with acute laminitis in horses at rest, and to examine if scoring HGS using videos produced similar results as those obtained from still images. Ten horses, referred as acute laminitis cases with no prior treatment, were included in the study. Each horse was assessed using the Obel and HGS (from images and videos) scales: at the admission (before any treatment) and at seven days after the initial evaluation and treatment. The results of this study suggest that HGS is a potentially effective method to assess pain associated with acute laminitis in horses at rest, as horses showing high HGS scores also exhibited higher Obel scores and veterinarians classified them in a more severe painful state. Furthermore, the inter-observer reliability of the HGS total score was good for both still images and video evaluation. There was no significant difference in HGS total scores between the still images and videos, suggesting that there is a possibility of applying the HGS in clinical practice, by observing the horse for a short time. However, further validation studies are needed prior to applying the HGS in a clinical setting.
Human Papillomavirus Genotype Distribution in Invasive Cervical Cancer in Pakistan
Authors: Loya Asif , Serrano Beatriz , Rasheed Farah , Tous Sara , Hassan Mariam , Clavero Omar , Raza Muhammad , De Sanjosé Silvia , Bosch F. , Alemany Laia
Published: August 2016

Few studies have assessed the burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Pakistan. We aim to provide specific information on HPV-type distribution in invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in the country. A total of 280 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were consecutively selected from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (Lahore, Pakistan). HPV-DNA was detected by SPF10 broad-spectrum PCR followed by DNA enzyme immunoassay and genotyping by LiPA25. HPV-DNA prevalence was 87.5% (95%CI: 83.0–91.1), with 96.1% of cases histologically classified as squamous cell carcinoma. Most of the HPV-DNA positive cases presented single infections (95.9%). HPV16 was the most common type followed by HPV18 and 45. Among HPV-DNA positive, a significantly higher contribution of HPV16/18 was detected in Pakistan (78.4%; 72.7–83.3), compared to Asia (71.6%; 69.9–73.4) and worldwide (70.8%; 69.9–71.8) and a lower contribution of HPVs31/33/45/52/58 (11.1%; 7.9–15.7 vs. 19.8%; 18.3–21.3 and 18.5%; 17.7–19.3). HPV18 or HPV45 positive ICC cases were significantly younger than cases infected by HPV16 (mean age: 43.3, 44.4, 50.5 years, respectively). A routine cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination program does not yet exist in Pakistan; however, the country could benefit from national integrated efforts for cervical cancer prevention and control. Calculated estimations based on our results show that current HPV vaccine could potentially prevent new ICC cases.
Effects of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Obesity on Salivary Secretory IgA and Alpha-Amylase in South African Children
Authors: Starzak Dorota , Konkol Kristen , McKune Andrew
Published: August 2016

This study examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition are associated with salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), a mucosal immunity marker, and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), a marker of stress-related sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, in South African children. Morning (7:30–8:00 a.m.) saliva samples were collected from 132 children (10.05 ± 1.68 years old, 74 females, 58 males). Body composition, resting blood pressure, and predicted maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) were determined, and SIgA and sAA were quantified. Obese children had significantly higher sAA compared with overweight and normal weight children (p < 0.01). SIgA secretion rate was significantly lower in obese and overweight vs. normal weight children (p < 0.01). Multiple-linear regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05) were independent predictors of sAA with CRF acting as a mitigator. Age and BMI predicted SIgA secretion rate (p < 0.05) with BMI (p < 0.001) found to be an independent predictor of SIgA secretion rate. Obesity, based on BMI, was associated with elevated SNS activity and lowered mucosal immunity. CRF-mitigated sympathetic activation was not associated with mucosal immunity.
Evaluation of an Education and Training Program to Prevent and Manage Patients’ Violence in a Mental Health Setting: A Pretest-Posttest Intervention Study
Authors: Guay Stéphane , Goncalves Jane , Boyer Richard
Published: August 2016

Workplace violence can lead to serious consequences for victims, organizations, and society. Most workplace violence prevention programs aim to train staff to better recognize and safely manage at-risk situations. The Omega education and training program was developed in Canada in 1999, and has since been used to teach healthcare and mental health workers the skills needed to effectively intervene in situations of aggression. The present study was designed to assess the impact of Omega on employee psychological distress, confidence in coping, and perceived exposure to violence. This program was offered to 105 employees in a psychiatric hospital in Montreal, Canada. Eighty-nine of them accepted to participate. Questionnaires were completed before the training, after a short period of time (M = 109 days) and at follow-up (M = 441 days). Repeated-measures ANOVAs and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in short-term and follow-up posttest scores of psychological distress, confidence in coping, and in levels of exposure to violence. This study is one of very few to demonstrate the positive impact of this training program. Further research is needed to understand how to improve the effectiveness of the program, especially among participants resistant to change.
Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan
Authors: Song Chorong , Ikei Harumi , Miyazaki Yoshifumi
Published: August 2016

Humans have evolved into what they are today after the passage of 6–7 million years. If we define the beginning of urbanization as the rise of the industrial revolution, less than 0.01% of our species’ history has been spent in modern surroundings. Humans have spent over 99.99% of their time living in the natural environment. The gap between the natural setting, for which our physiological functions are adapted, and the highly urbanized and artificial setting that we inhabit is a contributing cause of the “stress state” in modern people. In recent years, scientific evidence supporting the physiological effects of relaxation caused by natural stimuli has accumulated. This review aimed to objectively demonstrate the physiological effects of nature therapy. We have reviewed research in Japan related to the following: (1) the physiological effects of nature therapy, including those of forests, urban green space, plants, and wooden material and (2) the analyses of individual differences that arise therein. The search was conducted in the PubMed database using various keywords. We applied our inclusion/exclusion criteria and reviewed 52 articles. Scientific data assessing physiological indicators, such as brain activity, autonomic nervous activity, endocrine activity, and immune activity, are accumulating from field and laboratory experiments. We believe that nature therapy will play an increasingly important role in preventive medicine in the future.
Circulating Organ-Specific MicroRNAs Serve as Biomarkers in Organ-Specific Diseases: Implications for Organ Allo- and Xeno-Transplantation
Authors: Zhou Ming , Hara Hidetaka , Dai Yifan , Mou Lisha , Cooper David , Wu Changyou , Cai Zhiming
Published: August 2016

Different cell types possess different miRNA expression profiles, and cell/tissue/organ-specific miRNAs (or profiles) indicate different diseases. Circulating miRNA is either actively secreted by living cells or passively released during cell death. Circulating cell/tissue/organ-specific miRNA may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for allo- or xeno-transplantation to monitor organ survival and immune rejection. In this review, we summarize the proof of concept that circulating organ-specific miRNAs serve as non-invasive biomarkers for a wide spectrum of clinical organ-specific manifestations such as liver-related disease, heart-related disease, kidney-related disease, and lung-related disease. Furthermore, we summarize how circulating organ-specific miRNAs may have advantages over conventional methods for monitoring immune rejection in organ transplantation. Finally, we discuss the implications and challenges of applying miRNA to monitor organ survival and immune rejection in allo- or xeno-transplantation.
Biological Effect of a Hybrid Anticancer Agent Based on Kinase and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors on Triple-Negative (MDA-MB231) Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Librizzi Mariangela , Spencer John , Luparello Claudio
Published: August 2016

We examined the effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) combined with the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1/2 inhibitor (3Z)-5-hydroxy-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-2-one on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (triple-negative) in the form of both a cocktail of the separate compounds and a chemically synthesized hybrid (N-hydroxy-N'-[(3Z)-2-oxo-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-5-yl]octanediamide). Comparative flow cytometric and Western blot analyses were performed on cocktail- and hybrid-treated cells to evaluate cell cycle distribution, autophagy/apoptosis modulation, and mitochondrial metabolic state in order to understand the cellular basis of the cytotoxic effect. Cell cycle analysis showed a perturbation of the rate of progression through the cycle, with aspects of redistribution of cells over different cycle phases for the two treatments. In addition, the results suggest that the two distinct classes of compounds under investigation could induce cell death by different preferential pathways, i.e., autophagy inhibition (the cocktail) or apoptosis promotion (the hybrid), thus confirming the enhanced potential of the hybrid approach vs. the combination approach in finely tuning the biological activities of target cells and also showing the hybrid compound as an additional promising drug-like molecule for the prevention or therapy of “aggressive” breast carcinoma.
The Impact of Anti-Epileptic Drugs on Growth and Bone Metabolism
Authors: Fan Hueng-Chuen , Lee Herng-Shen , Chang Kai-Ping , Lee Yi-Yen , Lai Hsin-Chuan , Hung Pi-Lien , Lee Hsiu-Fen , Chi Ching-Shiang
Published: August 2016

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder worldwide and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are always the first choice for treatment. However, more than 50% of patients with epilepsy who take AEDs have reported bone abnormalities. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoenzymes are induced by AEDs, especially the classical AEDs, such as benzodiazepines (BZDs), carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PT), phenobarbital (PB), and valproic acid (VPA). The induction of CYP450 isoenzymes may cause vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcemia, increased fracture risks, and altered bone turnover, leading to impaired bone mineral density (BMD). Newer AEDs, such as levetiracetam (LEV), oxcarbazepine (OXC), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), gabapentin (GP), and vigabatrin (VB) have broader spectra, and are safer and better tolerated than the classical AEDs. The effects of AEDs on bone health are controversial. This review focuses on the impact of AEDs on growth and bone metabolism and emphasizes the need for caution and timely withdrawal of these medications to avoid serious disabilities.
Impact of HIV Infection and Anti-Retroviral Therapy on the Immune Profile of and Microbial Translocation in HIV-Infected Children in Vietnam
Authors: Bi Xiuqiong , Ishizaki Azumi , Nguyen Lam , Matsuda Kazunori , Pham Hung , Phan Chung , Ogata Kiyohito , Giang Thuy , Phung Thuy , Nguyen Tuyen , Tokoro Masaharu , Pham An , Khu Dung , Ichimura Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

CD4+ T-lymphocyte destruction, microbial translocation, and systemic immune activation are the main mechanisms of the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection. To investigate the impact of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the immune profile of and microbial translocation in HIV-infected children, 60 HIV vertically infected children (31 without ART: HIV(+) and 29 with ART: ART(+)) and 20 HIV-uninfected children (HIV(−)) aged 2–12 years were recruited in Vietnam, and their blood samples were immunologically and bacteriologically analyzed. Among the HIV(+) children, the total CD4+-cell and their subset (type 1 helper T-cell (Th1)/Th2/Th17) counts were inversely correlated with age (all p < 0.05), whereas regulatory T-cell (Treg) counts and CD4/CD8 ratios had become lower, and the CD38+HLA (human leukocyte antigen)-DR+CD8+- (activated CD8+) cell percentage and plasma soluble CD14 (sCD14, a monocyte activation marker) levels had become higher than those of HIV(−) children by the age of 2 years; the CD4/CD8 ratio was inversely correlated with the plasma HIV RNA load and CD8+-cell activation status. Among the ART(+) children, the total CD4+-cell and Th2/Th17/Treg-subset counts and the CD4/CD8 ratio gradually increased, with estimated ART periods of normalization being 4.8–8.3 years, whereas Th1 counts and the CD8+-cell activation status normalized within 1 year of ART initiation. sCD14 levels remained high even after ART initiation. The detection frequency of bacterial 16S/23S ribosomal DNA/RNA in blood did not differ between HIV-infected and -uninfected children. Thus, in children, HIV infection caused a rapid decrease in Treg counts and the early activation of CD8+ cells and monocytes, and ART induced rapid Th1 recovery and early CD8+-cell activation normalization but had little effect on monocyte activation. The CD4/CD8 ratio could therefore be an additional marker for ART monitoring.
Conformation-Independent QSPR Approach for the Soil Sorption Coefficient of Heterogeneous Compounds
Authors: Aranda José , Garro Martinez Juan , Castro Eduardo , Duchowicz Pablo
Published: August 2016

We predict the soil sorption coefficient for a heterogeneous set of 643 organic non-ionic compounds by means of Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships (QSPR). A conformation-independent representation of the chemical structure is established. The 17,538 molecular descriptors derived with PaDEL and EPI Suite softwares are simultaneously analyzed through linear regressions obtained with the Replacement Method variable subset selection technique. The best predictive three-descriptors QSPR is developed on a reduced training set of 93 chemicals, having an acceptable predictive capability on 550 test set compounds. We also establish a model with a single optimal descriptor derived from CORAL freeware. The present approach compares fairly well with a previously reported one that uses Dragon descriptors.
Association of Serum Uric Acid Concentration with Diabetic Retinopathy and Albuminuria in Taiwanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Liang Ching-Chao , Lin Pi-Chen , Lee Mei-Yueh , Chen Szu-Chia , Shin Shyi-Jang , Hsiao Pi-Jung , Lin Kun-Der , Hsu Wei-Hao
Published: August 2016

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) may experience chronic microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) during their lifetime. In clinical studies, serum uric acid concentration has been found to be associated with DR and DN. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the increases in serum uric acid level and the severity of DR and albuminuria in Taiwanese patients with type 2 DM. We recorded serum uric acid concentration, the severity of DR, and the severity of albuminuria by calculating urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in 385 patients with type 2 DM. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a high uric acid concentration was a risk factor for albuminuria (odds ratio (OR), 1.227; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.015–1.482; p = 0.034) and DR (OR, 1.264; 95% CI = 1.084–1.473; p = 0.003). We also demonstrated that there was a higher concentration of serum uric acid in the patients with more severe albuminuria and DR. In conclusion, an increased serum uric acid level was significantly correlated with the severity of albuminuria and DR in Taiwanese patients with type 2 DM.
A Novel Isothermal Assay of Borrelia burgdorferi by Recombinase Polymerase Amplification with Lateral Flow Detection
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Hui-Xin , Zhang Lin , Hou Xue-Xia , Wan Kang-Lin , Hao Qin
Published: August 2016

A novel isothermal detection for recombinase polymerase amplification with lateral flow (LF-RPA) was established for Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) detection in this study. This assay with high sensitivity and specificity can get a visible result without any additional equipment in 30 min. We designed a pair of primers according to recA gene of B. burgdorferi strains and a methodology evaluation was performed. The results showed that the RPA assay based on the recA gene was successfully applied in B. burgdorferi detection, and its specific amplification was only achieved from the genomic DNA of B. burgdorferi. The detection limit of the new assay was about 25 copies of the B. burgdorferi genomic DNA. Twenty Lyme borreliosis patients’ serum samples were detected by LF-RPA assay, real-time qPCR and nested-PCR. Results showed the LF-RPA assay is more effective than nested-PCR for its shorter reaction time and considerably higher detection rate. This method is of great value in clinical rapid detection for Lyme borreliosis. Using the RPA assay might be a megatrend for DNA detection in clinics and endemic regions.
Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix Induces Chondrogenic Differentiation in Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in Vitro
Authors: Dzobo Kevin , Turnley Taegyn , Wishart Andrew , Rowe Arielle , Kallmeyer Karlien , Van Vollenstee Fiona , Thomford Nicholas , Dandara Collet , Chopera Denis , Pepper Michael , Parker M.
Published: August 2016

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) represent an area being intensively researched for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. MSCs may provide the opportunity to treat diseases and injuries that currently have limited therapeutic options, as well as enhance present strategies for tissue repair. The cellular environment has a significant role in cellular development and differentiation through cell–matrix interactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of adipose-derived MSCs (ad-MSCs) in the context of a cell-derived matrix so as to model the in vivo physiological microenvironment. The fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (fd-ECM) did not affect ad-MSC morphology, but reduced ad-MSC proliferation. Ad-MSCs cultured on fd-ECM displayed decreased expression of integrins α2 and β1 and subsequently lost their multipotency over time, as shown by the decrease in CD44, Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), SOX2, and NANOG gene expression. The fd-ECM induced chondrogenic differentiation in ad-MSCs compared to control ad-MSCs. Loss of function studies, through the use of siRNA and a mutant Notch1 construct, revealed that ECM-mediated ad-MSCs chondrogenesis requires Notch1 and β-catenin signaling. The fd-ECM also showed anti-senescence effects on ad-MSCs. The fd-ECM is a promising approach for inducing chondrogenesis in ad-MSCs and chondrogenic differentiated ad-MSCs could be used in stem cell therapy procedures.
Cerebral Hyperperfusion after Revascularization Inhibits Development of Cerebral Ischemic Lesions Due to Artery-to-Artery Emboli during Carotid Exposure in Endarterectomy for Patients with Preoperative Cerebral Hemodynamic Insufficiency: Revisiting the “Impaired Clearance of Emboli” Concept
Authors: Fujimoto Kentaro , Matsumoto Yoshiyasu , Oikawa Kohki , Nomura Jun-ichi , Shimada Yasuyoshi , Fujiwara Shunrou , Terasaki Kazunori , Kobayashi Masakazu , Yoshida Kenji , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether cerebral hyperperfusion after revascularization inhibits development of cerebral ischemic lesions due to artery-to-artery emboli during exposure of the carotid arteries in carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In patients undergoing CEA for internal carotid artery stenosis (≥70%), cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before and immediately after CEA. Microembolic signals (MES) were identified using transcranial Doppler during carotid exposure. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) was performed within 24 h after surgery. Of 32 patients with a combination of reduced cerebrovascular reactivity to acetazolamide on preoperative brain perfusion SPECT and MES during carotid exposure, 14 (44%) showed cerebral hyperperfusion (defined as postoperative CBF increase ≥100% compared with preoperative values), and 16 (50%) developed DWI-characterized postoperative cerebral ischemic lesions. Postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion was significantly associated with the absence of DWI-characterized postoperative cerebral ischemic lesions (95% confidence interval, 0.001–0.179; p = 0.0009). These data suggest that cerebral hyperperfusion after revascularization inhibits development of cerebral ischemic lesions due to artery-to-artery emboli during carotid exposure in CEA, supporting the “impaired clearance of emboli” concept. Blood pressure elevation following carotid declamping would be effective when embolism not accompanied by cerebral hyperperfusion occurs during CEA.
The Role of Physical Layer Security in IoT: A Novel Perspective
Authors: Pecorella Tommaso , Brilli Luca , Mucchi Lorenzo
Published: August 2016

This paper deals with the problem of securing the configuration phase of an Internet of Things (IoT) system. The main drawbacks of current approaches are the focus on specific techniques and methods, and the lack of a cross layer vision of the problem. In a smart environment, each IoT device has limited resources and is often battery operated with limited capabilities (e.g., no keyboard). As a consequence, network security must be carefully analyzed in order to prevent security and privacy issues. In this paper, we will analyze the IoT threats, we will propose a security framework for the device initialization and we will show how physical layer security can effectively boost the security of IoT systems.