bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormesis-Based Anti-Aging Products: A Case Study of a Novel Cosmetic
Authors: Rattan Suresh I. S. , Kryzch Valérie , Schnebert Sylvianne , Perrier Eric , Nizard Carine
Published: January 2012

Application of hormesis in aging research and interventions is becoming increasingly attractive and successful. The reason for this is the realization that mild stress-induced activation of one or more stress response (SR) pathways, and its consequent stimulation of repair mechanisms, is effective in reducing the age-related accumulation of molecular damage. For example, repeated heat stress-induced synthesis of heat shock proteins has been shown to have a variety of anti-aging effects on growth and other cellular and biochemical characteristics of normal human skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes and endothelial cells undergoing aging in vitro. Therefore, searching for potential hormetins - conditions and compounds eliciting SR-mediated hormesis - is drawing attention of not only the researchers but also the industry involved in developing healthcare products, including nutriceuticals, functional foods and cosmeceuticals. Here we present the example of a skin care cosmetic as one of the first successful product developments incorporating the ideas of hormesis. This was based on the studies to analyse the molecular effects of active ingredients extracted from the roots of the Chinese herb Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) on gene expression at the level of mRNAs and proteins in human skin cells. The results showed that the ginsenosides extracted from Sanchi induced the transcription of stress genes and increased the synthesis of stress proteins, especially the heat shock protein HSP1A1 or Hsp70, in normal human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, this extract also has significant positive effects against facial wrinkles and other symptoms of facial skin aging as tested clinically, which may be due to its hormetic mode of action by stress-induced synthesis of chaperones involved in protein repair and removal of abnormal proteins. Acceptance of such a hormesis-based product by the wider public could be instrumental in the social recognition of the concept of hormesis as the beneficial effects of mild stress of choice, and will encourage the development of novel health care products with physical, nutritional and mental hormetins.
Localization of Tubular Adaptation to Renal Sodium Loss in Gitelman Syndrome
Authors: Favre Guillaume Alexandre , Nau Valérie , Kolb Isabelle , Vargas-Poussou Rosa , Hannedouche Thierry , Moulin Bruno
Published: January 2012

Background and objectives

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a salt-wasting tubulopathy that results from the inactivation of the human thiazide–sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter located in the distal convoluted tubule. Tubular adaptation to renal sodium loss has been described and localized in the distal tubule in experimental models of GS but not in humans with GS.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The tubular adaptation to renal sodium loss is described. Osmole-free water clearance and endogenous lithium clearance with furosemide infusion are used to compare 7 patients with genetically confirmed GS and 13 control participants.

Results

Neither endogenous lithium clearance nor osmole-free water clearance disclosed enhanced proximal fluid reabsorption in patients with GS. These patients displayed significantly lower osmole-free water clearance factored by inulin clearance (7.1±1.9 versus 10.1±2.2; P<0.01) and significantly lower fractional sodium reabsorption in the diluting nephron (73.2%±7.1% versus 86.1%±4.7%; P<0.005), consistent with the inactivation of the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter. The furosemide-induced reduction rate of fractional sodium reabsorption in the diluting segment was higher in patients with GS (75.6%±6.1% versus 69.9%±3.2%; P<0.039), suggesting that sodium reabsorption would be enhanced in the cortical part of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in patients with GS.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that tubular adaptation to renal sodium loss in GS would be devoted to the cortical part of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in humans.
Does Allograft Failure Impact Infection Risk on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Chen Ashton , Martz Karen , Rao Panduranga S.
Published: January 2012

Background and objectives

Several adult studies report that patients returning to peritoneal dialysis after allograft failure have increased infection-related morbidity. The impact of allograft failure on infection risk in children is uncertain. We compared peritonitis-free survival between pediatric peritoneal dialysis patients with prior allograft failure and those who were transplant naive.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We studied patients, 2–21 years of age, who initiated peritoneal dialysis from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 2007, in the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies registry. Demographic characteristics were compared between transplant naive and allograft failure patients using a chi-squared statistic. Peritonitis-free survival was compared between the two groups using Kaplan–Meier estimates. A Cox regression analysis was performed to adjust for covariates, which impact risk of peritonitis.

Results

Of 2829 patients on peritoneal dialysis, 445 had a prior history of allograft failure and 2384 did not (transplant naive). Demographic characteristics including age at dialysis initiation, race, primary renal disease, and era of dialysis initiation were significantly different between the two groups. Peritonitis-free survival was poorer for the allograft failure group. After covariate adjustment, allograft failure showed borderline significance as a factor predictive of peritonitis.

Conclusions

Children initiating peritoneal dialysis after allograft failure may experience a slightly higher infection risk.
(1-34) Parathyroid Hormone Infusion Acutely Lowers Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Concentrations in Adult Volunteers
Authors: Gutiérrez Orlando M. , Smith Kelsey T. , Barchi-Chung Allison , Patel Neha M. , Isakova Tamara , Wolf Myles
Published: January 2012

Background and objectives

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphorus and vitamin D metabolism. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) infusion for 24 hours stimulated FGF23 secretion in healthy volunteers. The extent to which this was due to a direct stimulatory effect of PTH versus an indirect effect of increasing 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] levels was unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Changes in FGF23 in 26 adults undergoing 6-hour (1-34) PTH infusion were examined, focusing particularly on the effects of PTH on FGF23 in the early period of infusion before sustained increases in 1,25(OH)2D.

Results

FGF23 levels declined in parallel with serum phosphate during infusion (P<0.05 for both), with both analytes decreasing within the first hour and reaching their respective nadirs at 6 hours. These changes were observed despite no change in 1,25(OH)2D levels during the first hour and a significant increase in 1,25(OH)2D from baseline after 6 hours (P<0.001). There were no differences in these responses by race. However, modest racial differences in the phosphaturic response to (1-34) PTH were observed (P=0.04 for interaction), with a higher rate of increase in fractional phosphate excretion in blacks than in whites.

Conclusions

During short-term (1-34) PTH infusion, FGF23 levels decreased in parallel with serum phosphate levels and despite significant increases in 1,25(OH)2D. When coupled with the results of prior longer-term infusion studies, these findings suggest that acute increases in PTH initially act to suppress FGF23 secretion, perhaps to mitigate urinary phosphate losses, before the stimulatory effect of 1,25(OH)2D on FGF23 eventually begins to predominate.
Short-time effects of herbicide nicosulfuron on biochemical activity of chernozem soil
Authors: Radivojevic Ljiljana , Gasic Slavica , Santric Ljiljana , Gajic-Umiljendic Jelena , Marisavljevic Dragana
Published: January 2012

Short-time effects of the herbicide nicosulfuron on biochemical activity of
soil was investigated. Nicosulfuron rates of 0.3, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg of soil
were tested in a laboratory on chernozem soil. Dehydrogenase activity, change
in microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration and metabolic coefficient
(qCO2) were examined. Samples were collected for the analysis 1, 7, 14, 21,
30 and 60 days after nicosulfuron application. The obtained results indicated
that the effect of nicosulfuron on soil biochemical activity depends on its
application rate and duration of activity, and the effect was either
stimulating or inhibiting. However, the changes detected were found to be
transient, and therefore there is no real risk of the compound disrupting the
balance of biochemical processes in chernozem soil.
Self-Other Rating Agreement and Leader-Member Exchange (LMX)
Authors: Barbuto John E. , Wilmot Michael P. , Story Joana S.
Published: January 2012

Data from a sample of 83 elected community leaders and 391 direct-report staffers (resulting in 306 useable leader-member dyads) were used to test relations between self-other rating agreement of leadership and member-reported leader-member exchange (LMX). Results of polynomial regression analysis indicated that the self-other rating agreement model was not significantly related to member-reported LMX. Instead, virtually all of the variance in member-reported LMX was accounted for by others' ratings.
Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Human Behavior Rating Scale: A Rural Population
Authors: Woods-Groves Suzanne , Eaves Ronald C. , Williams Thomas O.
Published: January 2012

The construct validity of Eaves' Human Behavior Rating Scale (HBRS) was investigated. The HBRS is a scale with 91 Likert-type items designed to measure five factors: arousal (persistence and curiosity), affect (externalizing and internalizing), and cognition. Forty-four teachers of Grades 6, 7, and 8 from two low socioeconomic and rural southern counties completed the HBRS for 320 of their students. Three parcels were submitted for analysis for each of the five dimensions. A five-factor, then a two-factor, solution were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. A principal-axis factor analysis was employed and an oblique promax rotation was applied. The results supported the five-factor solution with 90.2% of the total variance accounted for when compared to the two-factor solution which recovered 73.4% of the total variance. Intercorrelations between factors ranged from .15 to .76 for the five-factor solution.
Effect of Partition Board Color on Mood and Autonomic Nervous Function
Authors: Sakuragi Sokichi , Sugiyama Yoshiki
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the presence or absence (control) of a partition board and its color (red, yellow, blue) on subjective mood ratings and changes in autonomic nervous system indicators induced by a video game task. The increase in the mean Profile of Mood States (POMS) Fatigue score and mean Oppressive feeling rating after the task was lowest with the blue partition board. Multiple-regression analysis identified oppressive feeling and error scores on the second half of the task as statistically significant contributors to Fatigue. While explanatory variables were limited to the physiological indices, multiple-regression analysis identified a significant contribution of autonomic reactivity (assessed by heart rate variability) to Fatigue. These results suggest that a blue partition board would reduce task-induced subjective fatigue, in part by lowering the oppressive feeling of being enclosed during the task, possibly by increasing autonomic reactivity.
Phase of Oral Contraceptive Cycle and Endurance Capacity of Rowers
Authors: Vaiksaar Sille , Jürimäe Jaak , Mäestu Jarek , Purge Priit , Kalytka Svetlana , Shakhlina Larissa , Jürimäe Toivo
Published: January 2012

Eight female rowers ( M age = 21.0 yr., SD = 2.8), using a monophasic oral-contraceptive pill, performed a 1-hr. rowing ergometer test (intensity: 70% VO2max) during the active-pill and non active-pill phases of the oral contraceptive cycle. No significant differences were found in mean energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate during the endurance test at the two phases of the oral contraceptive cycle. Mean energy expenditure rate, carbohydrate energy expenditure, lipid energy expenditure, and blood lactate during the test were not statistically significantly different among the cycle phases. In conclusion, there was no observed difference in substrate oxidation and blood lactate level during endurance rowing at different phases of the oral contraceptive cycle in these endurance-trained rowers. Endurance-trained female athletes on oral contraceptives should not worry about the possible differences in substrate oxidation during everyday training at different phases of the oral contraceptive cycle.
Physiological Profile of Fighters Influences Training Organisation in Combat Sports: Response to Del Vecchio, Hirata, and Franchini (2011)
Authors: Paillard Thierry
Published: January 2012

The article by Del Vecchio, et al. (2011) provides relevant information to trainers about the effort-pause ratio during mixed martial arts matches. Taking into account the physiological profiles of fighters would increase interest in these findings.
Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of Children's Achievement Motivation and in-Class Physical Activity
Authors: Gao Zan , Lochbaum Marc , Podlog Leslie
Published: January 2012

The present study was designed to examine the mediating effect of self-efficacy on relations of middle school students' four achievement goals with their perceptions of two motivational climates and in-class physical activity in physical education. The four achievement goals (mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance), perceptions of the motivational climate (mastery- and performance-involving climates), and self-efficacy were measured in a sample of 194 students (93 boys, 101 girls) in a public school. Students' in-class physical activity was assessed using Actical Accelerometers. A series of multiple-regression analyses supported the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationships among students' mastery-approach goal, perceived mastery-involving climate, and physical activity.
Factor Structure of the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale in Korea
Authors: Lee Dong-Gwi , Suh Hanna , Lee Hee-Kyung
Published: January 2012

This study explored the factor structure of the Korean version of the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale, originally developed by Hewitt and colleagues in 2003 with three factors (Perfectionistic Self-promotion, Non-display of Imperfection, and Non-disclosure of Imperfection). In Study 1, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the Korean version with 27 items for 151 Korean college students, but the model fit was poor. Subsequently, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and the results yielded three factors as found in Hewitt, et al., yet with 20 items rather than the original 27 items. This new version had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .88); convergent validity estimate was established with a measure of self-presentation motivation. In Study 2, to support the structural validity of the Korean version, another confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with 203 Korean college students. The model fit was good, but a few amendments were made.
Relative Contributions of Self-Efficacy, Self-Regulation, and Self-Handicapping in Predicting Student Procrastination
Authors: Strunk Kamden K. , Steele Misty R.
Published: January 2012

The relative contributions of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and self-handicapping student procrastination were explored. College undergraduate participants ( N = 138; 40 men, 97 women, one not reporting sex) filled out the Procrastination Scale, the Self-Handicapping Scale–Short Form, and the Self-regulation and Self-handicapping scales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. A hierarchical regression of the above measures indicated that self-efficacy, self-regulation, and self-handicapping all predicted scores on the Procrastination Scale, but self-regulation fully accounted for the predictive power of self-efficacy. The results suggested self-regulation and self-handicapping predict procrastination independently. These findings are discussed in relation to the literature on the concept of “self-efficacy for self-regulation” and its use in the field of procrastination research.
Child's and Parents' Catastrophizing about Pain is Associated with Procedural Fear in Children: A Study in Children with Diabetes and Their Mothers
Authors: Vervoort T. , Goubert L. , Vandenbossche H. , Van Aken S. , Matthys D. , Crombez G.
Published: January 2012

The contribution of the child's and parents' catastrophizing about pain was explored in explaining procedural pain and fear in children. Procedural fear and pain were investigated in 44 children with Type I diabetes undergoing a finger prick. The relationships between parents' catastrophizing and parents' own fear and estimates of their child's pain were also investigated. The children and their mothers completed questionnaires prior to a routine consultation with the diabetes physician. Children completed a situation-specific measure of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Children (PCS–C) and provided ratings of their experienced pain and fear on a 0–10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Parents completed a situation-specific measure of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale For Parents (PCS–P) and provided estimates of their child's pain and their own experienced fear on a 0–10 NRS. Analyses indicated that higher catastrophizing by children was associated with more fear and pain during the finger prick. Scores for parents' catastrophizing about their children's pain were positively related to parents' scores for their own fear, estimates of their children's pain, and child-reported fear, but not the amount of pain reported by the child. The findings attest to the importance of assessing for and targeting child and parents' catastrophizing about pain. Addressing catastrophizing and related fears and concerns of both parents and children may be necessary to assure appropriate self-management. Further investigation of the mechanisms relating catastrophizing to deleterious outcomes is warranted.
Relations of Social Problem Solving with Interpersonal Competence in Japanese Students
Authors: Sumi Katsunori
Published: January 2012

To clarify the relations of the dimensions of social problem solving with those of interpersonal competence in a sample of 234 Japanese college students, Japanese versions of the Social Problem-solving Inventory–Revised and the Social Skill Scale were administered. Pearson correlations between the two sets of variables were low, but higher within each set of subscales. Cronbach's α was low for four subscales assessing interpersonal competence.
Trait Valence and the Better-Than-Average Effect
Authors: Gold Ron S. , Brown Mark G.
Published: January 2012

People tend to regard themselves as having superior personality traits compared to their average peer. To test whether this “better-than-average effect” varies with trait valence, participants ( N = 154 students) rated both themselves and the average student on traits constituting either positive or negative poles of five trait dimensions. In each case, the better-than-average effect was found, but trait valence had no effect. Results were discussed in terms of Kahneman and Tversky's prospect theory.
Effects of Daylight Saving Time Changes on Stock Market Volatility: A Reply
Authors: Berument Hakan , Dogan Nukhet
Published: January 2012

There is a rich array of evidence that suggests that changes in sleeping patterns affect an individual's decision-making processes. A nationwide sleeping-pattern change happens twice a year when the Daylight Saving Time (DST) change occurs. Kamstra, Kramer, and Levi argued in 2000 that a DST change lowers stock market returns. This study presents evidence that DST changes affect the relationship between stock market return and volatility. Empirical evidence suggests that the positive relationship between return and volatility becomes negative on the Mondays following DST changes.
Utilizing Response Time Distributions for Item Selection in CAT
Authors: Fan Zhewen , Wang Chun , Chang Hua-Hua , Douglas Jeffrey
Published: January 2012

Traditional methods for item selection in computerized adaptive testing only focus on item information without taking into consideration the time required to answer an item. As a result, some examinees may receive a set of items that take a very long time to finish, and information is not accrued as efficiently as possible. The authors propose two item-selection criteria that utilize information from a lognormal model for response times. The first modifies the maximum information criterion to maximize information per time unit. The second is an inverse time-weighted version of a-stratification that takes advantage of the response time model, but achieves more balanced item exposure than the information-based techniques. Simulations are conducted to compare these procedures against their counterparts that ignore response times, and efficiency of estimation, time-required, and item exposure rates are assessed.
Delayed acute spinal cord injury following intracranial gunshot trauma
Authors: Cheng Jason S. , Richardson R. Mark , Gean Alisa D. , Stiver Shirley I.
Published: January 2012

The authors report the case of a patient who presented with a hoarse voice and left hemiparesis following a gunshot injury with trajectory entering the left scapula, traversing the suboccipital bone, and coming to rest in the right lateral medullary cistern. Following recovery from the hemiparesis, abrupt quadriparesis occurred coincident with fall of the bullet into the anterior spinal canal. The bullet was retrieved following a C-2 and C-3 laminectomy, and postoperative MR imaging confirmed signal change in the cord at the level where the bullet had lodged. The patient then made a good neurological recovery. Bullets can fall from the posterior fossa with sufficient momentum to cause an acute spinal cord injury. Consideration for craniotomy and bullet retrieval should be given to large bullets lying in the CSF spaces of the posterior fossa as they pose risk for acute spinal cord injury.
Lateral orbital wall approach to the cavernous sinus
Authors: Altay Tamer , Patel Bhupendra C. K. , Couldwell William T.
Published: January 2012

Object

Lesions of the cavernous sinus remain a technical challenge. The most common surgical approaches involve some variation of the standard frontotemporal craniotomy. Here, the authors describe a surgical approach to access the cavernous sinus that involves the removal of the lateral orbital wall.

Methods

To achieve exposure of the cavernous sinus, a lateral canthal incision is performed, and the lateral orbital rim and anterior lateral wall are removed, for later replacement at closure. The posterior lateral orbital wall is removed to the region of the superior and inferior orbital fissures. With reflection of the dural covering of the lateral cavernous sinus and removal of the anterior clinoid process, the cavernous sinus is exposed.

Results

Exposure and details of the procedure were derived from anatomical study in cadavers. After the approach, with removal of the anterior clinoid process, the entire cavernous sinus from the superior orbital fissure anteriorly to the Meckel cave posteriorly is exposed. More exposure to the lateral middle fossa, foramen spinosum, and petrous carotid artery is obtained by further removal of the lateral sphenoid wing. An illustrative case example for approaching a cavernous sinus meningioma is presented.

Conclusions

The translateral orbital wall approach provides a simple, rapid approach for lesions with primary or secondary involvement of the cavernous sinus. Advantages of this simple, extradural approach include the lack of brain retraction and no interruption of the temporalis muscle.
Effects of NPK Briquette on Rice (Oryza sativa) in Tidal Flooded Ecosystem
Authors: Islam M Sh , Rahman F , Hossain ATMS
Published: January 2012

An experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, R/S Sagordi farm, Barisal to evaluate the effectiveness of NPK briquette on rice in tidal flooded soil condition during Boro season, 2010. NPK briquettes of size 2.4 g and 3.4 g were compared with urea super granules (USG) and prilled urea (PU), each supplemented with PKS. The results showed that NPK briquettes, USG and PU produced statistically similar grain yield. N-treated plots (briquettes, USG and PU) gave significantly higher grain yield than N control. The highest grain yield (7.47 t ha-1) was observed in NPK briquette (2.4 g × 2) followed by PU. There was no significant difference between N control and absolute control plots in respect of yield indicating that N was the only yield limiting factor under that condition. The NPK briquettes showed higher agronomic efficiency than PU and USG. The small size briquettes (2.4 g) could save 33 kg N ha-1 compared to recommended PU. There was no residual effect of NPK briquettes on soil chemical properties. The NPK briquettes were found beneficial to the farmers in tidal ecosystem. Keywords: NPK briquette; USG; prilled urea; agronomic efficiency; nutrient uptake DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9477 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 37-43
Effect of Trichoderma harzianum and Some Selected Soil Amendment Against Damping off Disease Complex of Potato and Chilli
Authors: Uddin MM , Akhtar N , Islam MT , Faruq AN
Published: January 2012

Soil applications with poultry refuse, cocodust, vermicompost, ash, sawdust, khudepana, cowdung, solarized sand, Trichoderma harzianum and or with seed treatment by T. harzianum were evaluated against damping off disease complex of potato and chilli. All the treatments significantly reduced percent damping off over control. T. harzianum treated seed along with soil treatment with T. harzianum performed best in terms of seed germination, percent damping off reduction and enhanced growth characters than soil application with T. harzianum alone. The experiment indicates that seed treated with T. harzianum then sown in different soil amendment applied seed bed performed better in all parameters than only application with soil amendment. Among the different soil amendments, poultry refuse and vermicompost have promising impact on seed germination, reduction of percent damping off and growth of potato and chilli seedlings when applying along with T. harzianum. Keywords: Damping off; potato; chilli; Trichoderma harzianum; soil amendment DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9485 The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 106-116
Do diabetes and family history influence the rheumatoid arthritis? - results from a case-control study
Authors: Efterkharian MM , Basiri Z , Kashani KM
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Up to now, several studies have been performed about the role of different factors on incidence and severity of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the world. This 2009 study was carried out to investigate the association between History of diabetes and Family history of RA with RA incidence in Hamedan, a western city of Iran. Methods: As a case-control study, information from 128 cases and 130 controls, matched for age and Sex, were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS (chi-square test). Results: In case and control groups, females were 116 and 118 persons respectively and the rest were males. Statistical analysis showed that there is significant and no significant association between Family history of RA and history of diabetes with RA respectively. Conclusion: Considering previous global investigations on these topics and the results of our study, it seems that more studies will be needed to describe the association between history of diabetes and RA, but about another checked risk factor, there is a definite significant association between family history of RA and RA. Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis; diabetes; family history; risk factors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v10i4.9492 BJMS 2011; 10 (4): 230-234
Inequity of diagnosis of diabetes by plasma glucose and HbA1c
Authors: Saiedullah M , Rahman MR , Khan MAH
Published: January 2012

Objective: Both plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin are the recommended tools to diagnose diabetes by the International Expert Committee and World Health Organization (WHO). The aim of this study was to compare these two parameters in the diagnosis of diabetes in a selected group of Bangladeshi subjects. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 800 subjects attending the outdoor in a tertiary healthcare center during the period of September 2009 to September 2010. Fasting, postprandial (2 hours after glucose load) plasma glucose and HbA1c were measured. Diabetes is defined according to HbA1c and plasma glucose. Subjects were classified into three groups according to HbA1c values (HbA1c: =6.5%, HbA1c: 6.0-6.4% and HbA1c: < 6.0%) and also in the diabetics, prediabetics (IGT+IFG) and nondiabetics by plasma glucose. Results of the HbA1c classified subjects were compared with the plasma glucose classified subjects to see the inequity of classification. Results: Inequity of classification occurred for 11.87% of the total subjects with HbA1c =6.5% but impaired (8.25%) and nondiabetic (3.62%) by plasma glucose; for 10.13% of the subjects with HbA1c: 6.0-6.4% but diabetic (3.25%) and nondiabetic (6.88%) by plasma glucose, and for 8.5% of the total subjects with HbA1c <6.0% but diabetic (1.88%) and impaired (6.62%) by plasma glucose. Concordant classification occurred for 69.5% and inequity of classification occurred for 30.5% of the total study subjects. Conclusion: Inequity of classification of diabetes by HbA1c and plasma glucose is remarkable in the study population. Key words: Plasma glucose; glycosylated hemoglobin; diagnostic criteria of diabetes DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v10i4.9502 BJMS 2011; 10 (4): 284-286
A case of ophthalmic neonatorum with disseminated gonococcal dermatitis and gonorrhoea
Authors: Bhuiyan MMH , Rokon UM , Farzana A , Tania H , Baker A
Published: January 2012

Ophthalmia neonatorum with disseminated gonococcal dermatitis and gonorrhoea is a rare condition. A neonate of 22 days from a poor socioeconomic condition presented with purulent discharge from eye and vagina and eye for last 18 days and skin lesions for 5 days. The baby as born through vaginal delivery. Gram staining of eye and vaginal discharge revealed gram-negative intracellular diplococcices visualized microscopically inside polymorph nuclear cells. Neonate was diagnosed as a case of ophthalmia neonatorum with disseminated gonococcal dermatitis and gonorrhoea. Neonate was treated with inj. Ceftroaxone 250mg daily intravenously with antibacterial eye drop. On 2nd day, sign symptoms disappear and on 4th day patient was cured. Key words: Ophthalmia neonatum; conorrhoea; disseminated gonococcal dermatitis; HIV. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v10i4.9507 BJMS 2011; 10(4): 299-301
Efficacy of cypermethrin, deltamethrin and nimbicidine on fecundity and egg viability of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Khatun R , Islam W , Mondal KAMSH
Published: January 2012

Fecundity and egg viability of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) females were significantly (P<0.01) reduced by synthetic pyrethroids and an alkaloid containing insecticide nimbicidine. In control, the average number of eggs laid by each female/day was 12.18. The lowest number of eggs laid by each female/day was noted as 4.38 when combining nimbicidine with two pyrethroids i.e., cypermethrin and deltamethrin. The percentage of egg hatching without insecticide treatment was 95%. The lowest percent of egg hatching was 63.95 when the adult female was fed on flour medium treated with combined doses of cypermethrin, deltamethrin and nimbicidine. Among the treated insecticides, nimbicidine (80.69%) proved effective in reducing the fertility than those of cypermethrin (86.05%) and deltamethrin (88.52%). Key words: Tribolium; cypermethrin; deltamethrin; nimbicidine; fecundity; fertility DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v29i1.9461 UJZRU 2010; 29(1): 23-27
Rapid detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus by standardization of polymerase chain reaction targeting a relatively conserved region of the thymidine kinase gene
Authors: Chakma S , Sarker S , Talukder S , Haque MH , Chowdhury EH , Bari ASM
Published: January 2012

Infectious laryngotracheitis is an acute upper respiratory tract infection of chickens caused by infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The study was conducted to standardize the polymerase chain reaction targeting a relatively conserved region of the thymidine kinase gene for the rapid detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The vaccine samples were collected from two renowned company of Bangladesh. DNA was extracted from diluted vaccine samples by using Wizard® Genomic DNA purification kit and thymidine kinase gene was amplified by using PCR system 9600 Thermocycler. Two vaccine samples were positively amplified by polymerase chain reaction. A procedure was developed for rapid detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus by polymerase chain reaction of the conserved region of viral thymidine kinase gene containing DNA fragments. The results obtained in this study suggested that the polymerase chain reaction procedure could serve as a fast and sensitive method for the detection of vaccine strains of infectious laryngotracheitis viruses.   Key words: Infectious laryngotracheitis virus; viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene; polymerase chain reaction DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v29i1.9468 UJZRU 2010; 29(1): 61-64
Occurrence of protozoans & their limnological relationships in some ponds of Mathbaria, Bangladesh
Authors: Mozumder Pronob Kumar , Banu Marjia Akhter , Naser M Njamul , Ali Md Shahadat , Alam Munirul , Sack R Bradley , Colwell Rita R , Huq Anwar
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v29i1.9470UJZRU 2010; 29(1): 69-71
Staying the course
Authors: Boyd Victoria , Mckendry Stephanie
Published: January 2012

In line with current trends towards a positive and enhancement-led perspective, this account of a research project carried out in a Scottish university considers the student nurse experience as a lens for examining retention enablers. Two phases of interviews with final year students from a diverse cohort, many of whom were adult learners, informed the development of a series of themes and recommendations for better understanding factors which encourage persistence. A combination of grounded theory thematic analysis and narrative interpretation was used in this research to encourage a rich biographical component.
Effects of Dietary Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisia) Supplementation in Practical Diets of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Ozório Rodrigo O. A. , Portz Leandro , Borghesi Ricardo , Cyrino José E. P.
Published: January 2012

A 51-day feeding trial was carried out to determine the effects of various dietary levels of brewer’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in the growth performance, body composition and nutrient utilization in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, juveniles. Fish (7.6 ± 0.3 g) were stocked into eighteen 1,000-L tanks (100 fish per tank; n = 3) and fed to apparent satiation six isonitrogenous (27% crude protein) and isoenergetic (19 kJ/g) diets, formulated to contain different dried yeast levels (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30% or 40% diet) in substitution to fishmeal. Body weight tripled at the end of the feeding trial for fish fed up to 20% dietary yeast incorporation. Daily growth coefficient (DGC, % body weight/day) decreased with increasing dietary yeast level (P < 0.0001). Voluntary feed intake (VFI, %BW/day) did not vary significantly with increasing yeast level. Fish fed 40% yeast showed significant reduction in protein efficiency rate, protein retention and nitrogen gain. Increasing levels of dietary yeast did not significantly affect protein or lipid digestibility. Dietary dried yeast was seemingly palatable to tilapia juveniles and was suitable up to 15% inclusion to promote growth and efficient diet utilization, without affecting body composition.
The Costs and Benefits of Animal Experiments: An Evaluation with Bias. By Andrew Knight. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK, 2011; Hardcover, 272 pp; ISBN 978-0-230-57686-5; Paperback, ISBN: 978-0-230-57687-2
Authors: Prankel Susanne
Published: January 2012

The book is part of the Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series which was developed with the publisher and the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Andrew Knight is a Fellow of the latter. The Centre “aims to demonstrate rigorous intellectual enquiry and the highest standard of scholarship” (p. xv), and the series aims to satisfy the growing appetite for literature in the field. Knight presents a wealth of data on the issue of costs and benefits associated with animal experiments and the book goes beyond its title: it also imparts some information on alternatives. As the author states in the introduction, it represents an extension of his own published work. It is intended as a critical review of the available evidence, an aim which is somewhat different to the meta-analysis claimed by the publisher. [...]
Surface Sampling of a Dry Aerosol Deposited Ricin
Authors: Edmonds Jason M. , Collett Patricia J. , Brown Rebecca L. , Mangaya Kishna
Published: January 2012

Sampling of small molecules from both porous and non-porous surfaces poses a significant challenge across biological agents. Particle sizes of toxins are smaller than living organisms and can be extremely toxic at low level concentrations. A small number of studies evaluating sampling efficiencies of commercial off the shelf (COTS) materials have been performed with toxins and proteins. However, they have been limited to non-ricin stimulants with drastically different physical properties than their native counterparts. We have identified a commercially available non-toxic recombinant ricin, complete with both A and B subunits present, which can be recognized by antibodies commonly used to assay native ricin. In evaluating recovery efficiency, we deposited the recombinant ricin by both liquid deposition, and as a dry aerosol. Our studies demonstrated a significant difference in recovery efficiencies from liquid deposited ricin, ranging between 30% and 70%, than from an aerosol generated deposition ranging from below detectable levels to 22%, depending on the contaminated surface and swab material being used. This study demonstrates the necessity for accurate dissemination techniques of sampling technologies for the consideration of use in an environment where suspected toxin contamination is being evaluated.
Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies (Aurora Project): Lights and Shadows During 18-Months Surveillance
Authors: Montagna Maria Teresa , Giglio Osvalda De , Napoli Christian , Lovero Grazia , Caggiano Giuseppina , Delia Mario , Pastore Domenico , Santoro Nicola , Specchia Giorgina
Published: January 2012

The aim of this multicenter prospective study was to evaluate the incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in adult and pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies, involving nine nosocomial facilities in Southern Italy over a period of 18 months. Furthermore, results of an environmental microbial surveillance routinely carried out in some of the enrolled hospitals are reported. A total of 589 onco-hematological patients were enrolled and 27 IFIs were documented. The main infections were caused by yeasts, more than filamentous fungi (overall incidence of 2.7% and 1.9%, respectively). The yeasts were mainly represented by Candida spp. (87.5%), all isolated by blood cultures; C. parapsilosis was the most common species. Among mould infections, the most frequent site was the lung, with regard to aspergillosis (81.8%). In six of the 10 patients with suspected aspergillosis, the diagnosis was made by the detection of galactomannan and (1,3)-β-d-glucan antigens. The microbiological surveillance carried out on 156 air, 312 water and 312 surface samples revealed low environmental contamination: Alternaria alternata was the only fungus isolated from two surface samples. Our data, especially the low occurrence of filamentous fungi, suggest a particular local epidemiology. Further studies are needed to confirm this microbiological trend in onco-hematological patients in Southern Italy, the results of which might be helpful to improve the management of these patients.
Development of an Innovative Nutraceutical Fermented Beverage from Herbal Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) Extract
Authors: Ferrari Pereira Lima Isabela , De Dea Lindner Juliano , Soccol Vanete Thomaz , Parada José Luiz , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: January 2012

Herbal mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) leaves are traditionally used for their stimulant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and diuretic activity, presenting as principal components polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this work was to develop an innovative, non-dairy, functional, probiotic, fermented beverage using herbal mate extract as a natural ingredient which would also be hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective. Among different strains used, Lactobacillus acidophilus was selected as the best for fermentation. The addition of honey positively affected the development of L. acidophilus and the formulated beverage maintained microbial stability during shelf life. Key ingredients in the extract included xanthines, polyphenols and other antioxidants with potential health benefits for the consumer. Caffeine levels and antioxidant activity were also studied. Acceptable levels of caffeine and large antioxidant capacity were observed for the formulation when compared to other antioxidant beverages. An advantage of this product is the compliance to organic claims, while providing caffeine, other phyto-stimulants and antioxidant compounds without the addition of synthetic components or preservatives in the formulation. Sensorial analysis demonstrated that the beverage had good consumer acceptance in comparison to two other similar commercial beverages. Therefore, this beverage could be used as a new, non-dairy vehicle for probiotic consumption, especially by vegetarians and lactose intolerant consumers. It is expected that such a product will have good market potential in an era of functional foods.
Procyanidins from Wild Grape (Vitis amurensis) Seeds Regulate ARE-Mediated Enzyme Expression via Nrf2 Coupled with p38 and PI3K/Akt Pathway in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Bak Min-Ji , Jun Mira , Jeong Woo-Sik
Published: January 2012

Procyanidins, polymers of flavan-3-ol units, have been reported to exhibit many beneficial health effects such as antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects. In this study, we investigated the cancer chemopreventive properties of procyanidins from wild grape (Vitis amurensis) seeds in particular their roles in inducing phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes as well as in modulating the upstream kinases. Ethanolic extract of V. amurensis seeds was fractionated with a series of organic solvents and finally separated into six fractions, F1–F6. Chemical properties of the procyanidins were analyzed by vanillin assay, BuOH-HCl test, and depolymerization with phloroglucinol followed by LC/MS analysis. The F5 had the highest procyanidin content among all the fractions and strongly induced the reporter activity of antioxidant response element as well as the protein expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2) in HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells. The procyanidin-rich F5 also strongly induced the expression of the phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1 and hemeoxygenase1. Phosphorylations of the upstream kinases such as MAPKs and PI3K/Akt were significantly increased by treatment with procyanidin fraction. In addition, the procyanidin-mediated Nrf2 expression was partly attenuated by PI3K inhibitor LY294002, and almost completely by p38 inhibitor SB202190, but neither by JNK inhibitor SP600125 nor by MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Taken together, the procyanidins from wild grape seeds could be used as a potential natural chemopreventive agent through Nrf2/ARE-mediated phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes induction via p38 and PI3K/Akt pathway.
Comparison of Polysaccharides from Two Species of Ganoderma
Authors: Xie Jing , Zhao Jing , Hu De-Jun , Duan Jin-Ao , Tang Yu-Ping , Li Shao-Ping
Published: January 2012

Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma sinense, known as Lingzhi in Chinese, are commonly used Chinese medicines with excellent beneficial health effects. Triterpenes and polysaccharides are usually considered as their main active components. However, the content of triterpenes differs significantly between the two species of Ganoderma. To date, a careful comparison of polysaccharides from the two species of Ganoderma has not been performed. In this study, polysaccharides from fruiting bodies of two species of Lingzhi collected from different regions of China were analyzed and compared based on HPSEC-ELSD and HPSEC-MALLS-RI analyses, as well as enzymatic digestion and HPTLC of acid hydrolysates. The results indicated that both the HPSEC-ELSD profiles and the molecular weights of the polysaccharides were similar. Enzymatic digestion showed that polyshaccharides from all samples of Lingzhi could be hydrolyzed by pectinase and dextranase. HPTLC profiles of their TFA hydrolysates colored with different reagents and their monosaccharides composition were also similar.
Isolation and Structural Characterisation of Okara Polysaccharides
Authors: Li Bo , Lu Fei , Nan Haijuan , Liu Yang
Published: January 2012

Okara is a byproduct generated during tofu or soymilk production processes. Crude polysaccharide (yield 56.8%) was isolated by removing fat, protein and low molecular weight carbohydrates from initial okara. Crude okara polysaccharide was further divided into four soluble fractions and an insoluble residue fraction by extracting with 0.05 M EDTA + NH4 oxalate, 0.05 M NaOH, 1 M NaOH and 4 M NaOH, with yields of 7.7%, 3.6%, 20.7%, 16.0% and 27.9%, respectively. Arabinose, galactose, galacturonic acid, xylose and glucose (only for the insoluble fraction) were the major constituent sugars. The primary sugar residues of okara polysaccharides were 1,4-linked β-galactopyranose, 1,5- and 1,3-linked α-arabinofuranose, 1,5-linked α-xylofuranose, 1,2-linked, 1,2,4-linked and terminal α-rhamnopyranose (or fucopyranose), and 1,4-linked β-glucopyranose (only for the insoluble fraction), indicating okara polysaccharides might contain galactan, arabinan, arabinogalactan, xylogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan, xylan, xyloglucan and cellulose.