bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear recurrences associated to rays in Pascal’s triangle and combinatorial identities
Authors: Belbachir Hacène , Komatsu Takao , Szalay László
Published: May 2014

Our main purpose is to describe the recurrence relation associated to the sum of diagonal elements laying along a finite ray crossing Pascal’s triangle. We precise the generating function of the sequence of described sums. We also answer a question of Horadam posed in his paper [Chebyshev and Pell connections, Fibonacci Quart. 43 (2005), 108–121]. Further, using Morgan-Voyce sequence, we establish the nice identity $F_{n + 1} - iF_n = i^n \sum\limits_{k = 0}^n {(_{2k}^{n + k} )( - 2 - i)^k } $ of Fibonacci numbers, where i is the imaginary unit. Finally, connections to continued fractions, bivariate polynomials and finite differences are given.
Property (A) of third-order advanced differential equations
Authors: Džurina J. , Baculíková B.
Published: May 2014

In the paper we offer criteria for property (A) of the third-order nonlinear functional differential equation with advanced argument $(a(t)(x'(t))^\gamma )'' + p(t)f(x(\sigma (t))) = 0,$, where $\mathop \smallint \limits^\infty a^{ - 1/\gamma } (s)ds = \infty $. We establish new comparison theorems for deducing property (A) of advanced differential equations from that of ordinary differential equations without deviating argument. The presented comparison principle fill the gap in the oscillation theory.
On oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of fourth order nonlinear neutral delay dynamic equations with positive and negative coefficients
Authors: Graef John , Panigrahi Saroj , Reddy P.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, oscillatory and asymptotic properties of solutions of nonlinear fourth order neutral dynamic equations of the form $(r(t)(y(t) + p(t)y(\alpha _1 (t)))^{\Delta ^2 } )^{\Delta ^2 } + q(t)G(y(\alpha _2 (t))) - h(t)H(y(\alpha _3 (t))) = 0(H)$ and $(r(t)(y(t) + p(t)y(\alpha _1 (t)))^{\Delta ^2 } )^{\Delta ^2 } + q(t)G(y(\alpha _2 (t))) - h(t)H(y(\alpha _3 (t))) = f(t),(NH)$ are studied on a time scale $\mathbb{T}$ under the assumption that $\int\limits_{t_0 }^\infty {\tfrac{t}
{{r(t)}}\Delta t = \infty }
$ and for various ranges of p(t). In addition, sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of bounded positive solutions of the equation (NH) by using Krasnosel’skii’s fixed point theorem.
Concentration compactness of a Landau-Lifschitz type energy with radial structure
Authors: Wang Bei , Cai Yuze , Lei Yutian
Published: May 2014

This paper is concerned with the asymptotic behavior of a p-Landau-Lifschitz type functional with radial structure as parameter goes to zero. We study the concentration compactness properties in the case of p ≥ n where n is the dimension. By analyzing the functional globally, we show that the singularity of p-Landau-Lifschitz energy concentrates on the origin.
Boundedness of the extremal solution for some p-Laplacian problems
Authors: Wei Long
Published: May 2014

We investigate the regularity of extremal solutions to some p-Laplacian Dirichlet problems with strong nonlinearities. Under adequate assumptions we prove the smoothness of the extremal solutions for some classes of nonlinearities. Our results suggest that the extremal solution’s boundedness for some range of dimensions depends on the nonlinearity f.
Asymptotic behavior in neutral difference equations with negative coefficients
Authors: Chatzarakis G. , Miliaras G.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of the solutions of a neutral difference equation of the form $\Delta [x(n) + cx(\tau (n))] - p(n)x)(\sigma (n)) = 0,$, where τ(n) is a general retarded argument, σ(n) is a general deviated argument, c ∈ ℝ, (−p(n))n≥0 is a sequence of negative real numbers such that p(n) ≥ p, p ∈ ℝ+, and Δ denotes the forward difference operator Δx(n) = x(n+1)−x(n).
On coefficients of Kapteyn-type series
Authors: Jankov Dragana , Pogány Tibor
Published: May 2014

Quite recently Jankov and Pogány [JANKOV, D.—POGÁNY, T. K.: Integral representation of Schlömilch series, J. Classical Anal. 1 (2012) 75–84] derived a double integral representation of the Kapteyn-type series of Bessel functions. Here we completely describe the class of functions Λ = {α}, which generate the mentioned integral representation in the sense that the restrictions $\alpha |_\mathbb{N} = (\alpha _n )_{n \in \mathbb{N}} $ is the sequence of coefficients of the input Kapteyn-type series.
Fixed points for mappings with a contractive iterate at each point
Authors: Karaibryamov Samet , Zlatanov Boyan
Published: May 2014

We generalize the results of Sehgal and Guseman for mappings on a complete metric space with a contractive iterate condition at each point.
Introducing the Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development
Authors: Menon ARR , Sathian Brijesh , Sreekumar VB
Published: May 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9500Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1:1-2
Influence of organic manures and biofertilizers on the yield of Amaranthus dubius
Authors: Abhilash ES , Aswathi AS , Parayil Sheeja P
Published: May 2014

The maximum productivity was shown by vermicompost (T1) treated plants. The next higher productivity was exhibited by Pseudomonas treated plants (T2). After 30 th day vermicompost treated plants had higher growth rate compared to pseudomonas treated plants. The leaves of vermicompost treated plants are large and more greenish in colour. The stem is more swollen and hard. Pseudomonas also showed comparatively greater vegetative growth to Amaranth plants. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9507Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 26-28
A study on the ecology and economic impact of major invasive weed species of coconut homesteads of Nattika, India
Authors: Abhilash ES , Parayil Sheeja P , Sathian Brijesh , Raju AR , Bilal NA , Salih Kafsa Bind
Published: May 2014

Out of the 4 alien invasive species three are of high risk namely Mikania micrantha, Chromolaena odorata and Mimosa diplotricha. Lantana camara is found to be medium risk. The farmers spent a considerable amount of money nearly Rs 4800 per year for one acre land pertaining to mechanical weeding of invasive species. The herbicide is widely used by farmers to control the weeds are capable to cause various health problems including genetic aberration. So an effective and comprehensive weed management strategy have to be developed in the country to combat the threats of IAS in agriculture fields. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9509Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 32-35
Interactive Effects of Hand Weeding, Tine and Sweep Cultivation for Weed Control in Organic Peanut Production
Authors: Wann D. Q. , Tubbs R. S.
Published: May 2014

Previous research has shown that mechanical cultivation is the most effective and affordable method of weed control in organic peanut production. However, growers are in need of more information on specific integrated cultivation regimes for effective season-long weed control with minimal hand-weeding requirements. Therefore, field trials were conducted in 2010–2012 to evaluate the effects of various tine and sweep cultivation treatments combined with or without hand-weeding on season-long weed control, stand establishment, and yield and grade of an organically-managed peanut crop. Tine cultivation treatments consisted of no cultivation or weekly cultivations for 5 wks after planting (WAP). Sweep treatments consisted of no cultivation, weekly cultivations (for 5 WAP), cultivations at 2 and 5 WAP only, or cultivation at 5 WAP only. Hand-weeding treatments were no hand-weeding or hand-weeding of the entire plot. There were numerous significant interactions among tine and sweep treatments on weed control. Initial weed species composition greatly affected cultivation effects on overall weed control. Tine cultivation was most effective at controlling annual grass weeds. Sweep cultivation was effective at reducing weeds (Amaranthus spp., southern crabgrass, and Florida pusley), but primarily when tine cultivation was absent. Hand-weeding significantly improved weed control for every weed species every year. Additionally, inclusion of certain cultivation regimes significantly reduced the hand-weeding time requirement over the control. However, cultivation treatments did not improve pod yield or grade in any year. The most significant benefit in cultivation from these data is in the reduction in hand-weeding requirements. Based on this research, a regime consisting of weekly tine cultivations for 5 WAP, combined with two timely sweep cultivations provided the best overall balance of weed control and minimization of hand-weeding. Hand-weeding is the most critical weed control method, followed by tine cultivation, and finally sweep cultivation, which primarily served as an aid in the event of missed tine cultivations or failure.
Medical Education in Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder MHK
Published: May 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18792 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 7-8
Aminotransferases in Chronic Active and Chronic Persistent Hepatitis
Authors: Karim SMF , Rahman MR , Shermin S , Sultana R
Published: May 2014

Chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH), the two histologically distinct forms of viral hepatitis present with variable clinical features. So liver function tests play the key role in diagnosis and prognosis of these disorders. Among the liver function tests, determination of serum aminotransferases: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST/ALT ratio are still popularly used. In fact over the transaminase tests no other enzymatic tests have any particular value. In infiltrative disorders there is damage to both mitochondrial and cytoplasmic membranes. Therefore there is a proportionally greater increase in plasma AST activity than ALT. This comparative study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka from January 2007 to December 2007 to observe the role of aminotransferases and AST/ALT ratio in CAH and CPH. With prefixed inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 44 age and sex matched subjects were purposively enrolled in the study. Out of them 20 were CAH and 24 were CPH. Serum AST, ALT and total bilirubin were measured and AST/ALT ratio were calculated. Mentioned parameters were compared between groups. Unpaired student's t-test and chi (x2) square test were done to detect the significant difference between the groups using SPSS version 12.0. Mean age of the study subjects in CAH and CPH group were 32.20 ± 10.65 years (20-50 years) and 32.83 ± 10.68 years (20-49 years) respectively. There was no significant difference regarding age and sex distribution between the groups (p > 0.05). Mean ± SD serum AST was 295.08 ± 153.77 IU/L and 73.38 ± 45.72 IU/L and ALT was 352.44 ± 206.95 IU/L and 121.01 ± 58.77 IU/L in CAH and CPH respectively and both were statistically highly significant (p < 0.01). Mean ± SD of AST / ALT ratio in CAH and CPH were 0.87 ± 0.14 and 0.59 ± 0.14 respectively and was highly significant (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in serum bilirubin level between the groups (20.78 ± 14.16 ?mol/L vs. 19.25 ± 15.90 ?mol /L) (p > 0.05). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18795 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 17-19
Determination of Urinary Calcium/Creatinine Ratio in a Spot Sample of Urine For Early Prediction of Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Moni SY , Ahmed KM , Siddika F , Habib A , Ara N , Rahman MH
Published: May 2014

Based on the fact that urinary hypocalciuria in pre-eclampsia this study was designed to determine the predictive value of calcium to creatinine ratio in a spot urine sample in second trimester of pregnancy. The calcium to creatinine ratio Calcium/creatinine ratio has been considered for early detection of pre-eclamptic toxaemia (PET). So for the diagnosis of PET we try to investigate the relation of urinary calcium, urinary creatinine, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio. For this purpose total number of 60 healthy gravid and clinically suspected PET women of 20-28 weeks of pregnancy having age ranged from, 17-39 years were selected. On these 30 healthy pregnant women urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was within normal range and On the other hand urinary calcium/creatinine ratio in PET women was significantly decreased on the clinically diagnosed 30 PET women. These observations suggest that low calcium/creatinine ratio help in early prediction of PET .The result expressed by receiver operator curve analytic tecnique. Using the receiver operator curve a cut off level of 0.225 the calcium to creatinine ratio was chosen for prediction of PET. Twenty Two out of 30 woman had a calcium/creatinine ratio equal or less than 0.225. Thirty who had remained normotensive 13 had calcium/creatinine ratio equal or less than 0.225. This level thus yielded a 75% sensitivity and 65% specificity. Positive and negative predictive values 68.2% and 72.2% were calculated respectively, at this cut-off point. In conclusion a spot single urine sample calcium/creatinine ratio may be an effective method for screening pregnant women for detection of pre-eclampsia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18796 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 20-22
Celiac Plexus Neurolysis Using Three Different Techniques for Upper Abdominal Metastatic Pain: Comparison the Effectiveness of the Block
Authors: Khandoker MR , Khan ZR , Kawsar S , Khademul MI , Azad KAK
Published: May 2014

33 patients [13 female] with metastatic intractable upper Abdominal Cancer Pain were treated with celiac plexus neurolytic block with 60% alcohol. Aim of study is to observe the effectiveness of three different techniques of celiac plexus block, unilateral paravertibral, bilateral paravertibral and Paravertibral transaortic approach of celiac plexus blocks under C- arm guidance. Satisfactory pain relief occurs in all three techniques but out- come of transaortic approach a little better than other methods. Pain intensity was assessed by VRS and VAS Scale. Celiac plexus blocks are a suitable technique for upper abdominal visceral metastatic pain. Its effects are prolonged and also increase bowel movement, improve appetite and reduced morphine consumption. This is an initial study and numbers of subject are few. So more study required to get conclusive result. Skilled manpower and appropriate case selection is mandatory for successful results. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18800 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 23-26
Role of CT in the Evaluation of Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma in Para Nasal Sinus
Authors: Islam T , Rahman M , Nabi S , Khondker L , Sultana S
Published: May 2014

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for exact delineation of paranasal sinus(PNS) disease. There are many radiologically important diseases of paranasal sinuses. Objective of the study was to evaluate the role of computed tomographic image(CT) in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. A cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Radiology & Imaging, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University(BSMMU), Dhaka in collaboration with department of Otolaryngology and department of Pathology of BSMMU. This study was carried out with patients having suspected PNS mass and the duration of the study was from January 2009 to October 2010. Maximum 30.3% patients were belonged to 46 to 60 years age group and of them maximum 73.7% had complaints of nasal obstruction. Maximum 53.9% patients had PNS mass in maxillary sinuses and out of all cases 8 were diagnosed as having nasopharyngeal angiofibroma by CT scan and confirmed by histopathological evaluation. Two cases were diagnosed as having nasopharyngeal angiofibroma by CT scan but not confirmed by histopathological findings. By CT evaluation total 66 cases were diagnosed as having other than nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and confirmed by histopathology. Sensitivity of CT scan to diagnose nasopharyngeal angiofibroma was 100.0%, specificity 97.1 %, positive predictive value 80.0%, negative predictive value 100.0% and accuracy 97.4%. In conclusion, CT scan of the nasopharyngeal angiofibroma in para nasal sinus provides more information and better image quality and CT diagnosis correlate well with the findings of histopathology. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18801 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 27-30
A Friendly Approach to Repair Fourth Degree Perineal Tears
Authors: Khanam RA , Sultana N , Rubaiat A , Ahmed B , Sayeeda N , Mridha TK
Published: May 2014

To make the gynaecologists familiar with the procedure of continuous repair of rectal mucosa and repair the anal sphincter by other than figure of 8 suture and to compare the effectiveness of these procedures with the traditional procedures this study was planned. This was a observational comparative study. This study was carried out in one public medical college hospital and two private hospitals in Dhaka city and out side. Total 18 (Eighteen) patients were included in this study . Age, parity, residence were different but all had fourth degree perineal tear. Tears were repaired by traditional approach in half of the patients who were grouped under A and with the new approach in another half, grouped under B. Follow up was carried out at an interval of 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks in both groups and the findings were compared. Among 18 patients a large number of women were mother of one child and were of 21 -25 years age group. At post operative period - wound infection was nil. Perineums were well established in all cases. On follow up at 24th week-pain in perineum and dyspareunia was nil in all cases, though this was present at early weeks in few cases. Faecal incontinence was absent in any patient by 24 weeks postoperatively. In early follow up periods there were some faecal incontinence, pain and dyspareunia in group A but les with group B. So, continuous repair of anal mucosa and repair anal sphincters other than figure of eight seems better regarding technical easiness, better compliance for the surgeon and less traumatic to the rectal mucosa and ultimately better results. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18803 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 31-33
Aetio-Clinical Profile of Cholestatic Jaundice During Infancy- Study of 30 Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Hamid F , Afroza A , Ray PC
Published: May 2014

Cholestasis in young infants has a varied etiology. There is considerable delay in presentation of cholestatic cases, both in India (average delay of 3 months in referral centers) and Bangladesh (3.5 months). Early diagnosis is important as the effects of cholestasis are profound and wide-spread. EHBA comprises a significant proportion of cases of cholestatic diseases. If treatment of EHBA is delayed beyond the first 90 days of life, the only option thereafter is liver transplantation, which is not presently feasible on a large scale in developing countries. So, the aim and objective of this study is to determine the cause and to categorize the clinical profile and treatment options of conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in infancy. A total of 30 patients, who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. A detailed history and physical examination was done daily. Complete blood count, liver function tests, HBsAg and TORCH screening, thyroid function test, Urine was tested for non-glucose reducing substances. Ultrasonography of the hepatobiliary system and hepatobiliary scintigraphy was done. Liver biopsy was done in appropriate patients. Patients were followed up daily during hospital stay. The management and its response were also monitored and recorded. Out of 30 patients 24 (80%) were male and 6 (20%) were female. 63% were term and 37% were preterm. Out of 12 patients in BA, 11 were term and only 1 was preterm, whereas in NH group, out of 18 babies, 10 were preterm. Most of the patients were male in both studied groups. Mean value of birth weight in BA was 2.65±0.13 and in NH was 2.40±0.31. Mean age (days) at onset of jaundice in 2 groups were 3.92 ± 2.43 in BA and 6.5 ±4.5 in NH. Most patients of BA (91%) had persistent acholic stool, whereas in Neonatal hepatitis group 83% had intermittent acholic stool. No statistically significant difference was observed when hepatosplenomegaly and ALT values were considered in 2 studied groups. In BA group 33% & In NH group 72% babies had positivity for CMV infection. Normal ultrasonic findings were seen in 2 patients of BA group, and 7 in NH group. No patient had shown contracted gall bladder after meal in BA, Choledocal cyst was found to be responsible for 5 (42%) patients in BA group and none in NH group. HIDA showed 47% had biliary atresia, 43% neonatal hepatitis and 10.0% had normal liver. Liver biopsy revealed that 12 (40.0%) had biliary atresia and 18 (60.0%) had neonatal hepatitis. Out of 12 babies in Biliary atresia group almost all, 11(92%) received surgical management where as in Neonatal hepatitis group; all 18 babies (100%) received medical treatments. Early detection of cholectatic cases by observing stool colour is very important for physicians to direct the very specific investigations to find out the cause and start appropriate treatment immediately. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18804 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 34-39
Functional Outcome Assessment of The Knee Joint After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Roy SK , Debnath S , Mahara DP , Kairy RR
Published: May 2014

Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury is a common problem, frequently requires reconstruction especially for the young and active patient. Post operative assessment is mandatory for the demanding patients. There are different types of rehabilitation protocol including timing, range of motion, muscles strength, stability, proprioception, agility test (functional test) and scoring system. Here we used Lysholm and Gillquest knee score. In our study we include only 10 patients because we got total documentations for those patients only; we got normal function (95-100) in one case, near normal (84-94) in 9 cases and none of those fall in abnormal (< 84) category. We conclude that scoring assessment well correlates with the functional outcome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18805 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 40-44
Efficacy of Locally Adapted Dietary Regimen in the Treatment of Nutritional Marasmus: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Rahman ME , Qamruzzaman K , Bhuian MMR , Karim MN , Rahman MM
Published: May 2014

Food-based strategies are currently in practice to meet the challenges of micronutrient malnutrition in malnourished children. World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a dietary regimen for such therapy. In resource limited country like Bangladesh, it is difficult to implement the WHO protocol properly. Current study aimed at evaluating the locally adapted peanut based Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) dietary formula in the treatment of nutritional marasmus. The trial was conducted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) from July 2009 to June 2010. Sixty marasmic patients (based on WHO criteria) admitted in the hospital aged 06 to 59 months who meet the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Children with major congenital anomalies, children having feeding difficulty and bi-pedal edema, severe anemia, severe dehydration, TB, congestive heart failure with shock, critically sick child were excluded. Children were allocated with one of the dietary formula (DMCH regimen or WHO regimen) randomly by box of eight randomization protocol. Both groups were managed in two phase's i.e. initial phase and rehabilitation phase. In the initial phase starter formula was used and during the rehabilitation phase catch-up formula was given. Heath and nutritional education for mother and caregiver was given, Non-immunized children were immunized and discharge was given after fulfilling the criteria. Independent t tests were applied to compare outcome of treatment. Child receiving DMCH regimen took on average 3.47 days to return to smile the time was 4.47 in WHO regimen group (P< 0.01). Rate of weight gain was also higher in the group by around 2.66 gm/kg/day. In DMCH group the time taken to achieve target weight was 13.4 days which was around one day more than that of WHO group (14.3 days). Total amount of F-75 was also required less in WHO group. Most importantly daily treatment cost was higher by around 17 BDT per day in WHO regimen group. Neither of the group experienced any serious adverse effect or fatality. Locally made peanut based DMCH protocol is more efficacious than the WHO regimen for treatment of treatment of nutritional marasmus in the age group 6 months to 59 months. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18808 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 45-49
Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of WPW Syndrome Attending Arrhythmia Clinic of NICVD
Authors: Rahman MM , Khan MMR , Kamal N , Shamim AK , Akter MS , Uddin MN
Published: May 2014

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a disorder characterized by presence of an accessory pathway which predisposes patients to tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Among patients with WPW syndrome, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) is the most common arrhythmia, accounting for 95% of re-entrant tachycardias. It has been estimated that one-third of patients with WPW syndrome have atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. If an accessory pathway has a short anterograde refractory period, then rapid repetitive conduction to the ventricles during AF can result in a rapid ventricular response with subsequent degeneration to ventricular fibrillation (VF). The study population included a total of 255 patients in whom 175 (68.62%) were men and 80 (31.38%) were women. Demographic data and clinical characteristics are depicted in Table 1. Left and right WPW syndrome were existing in 70.59% and 29.41% of patients respectively. Documented narrow QRS SVT was present in 96.86%, broad QRS SVT was in 2.75% and AF was in 3.14% of patients. Antiarrhythmic drugs most frequently used were Digitalis, Metoprolol, Sotalol, Amiodarone and Verapamil DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18809 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 50-53
Transient Hyperglycemia in Neonate: A Case Report
Authors: Banik SK , Sarker S , Islam MZ , Nahar N
Published: May 2014

Hyperglycemia has become a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality as smaller and more fragile infants survive during the neonatal period. Historically, hyperglycemia has been attributed to excessive IV glucose infusion. More recent studies indicate that physiologic and biochemical mechanisms, leading to excess glucose production, insulin resistance, or glucose intolerance, underlie the development of hyperglycemia in preterm infants and sometimes inhibit efforts to maintain normal glycemia in the neonate. The sequelae of these disturbances in glucose metabolism are extensive. Efforts to prevent hyperglycemia should include general measures to improve the health of the infant and attempts to treat pathophysiologic conditions and diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18810 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 54-56
Lupus Vulgaris: A Rare Case of Cutaneous Tuberculosis
Authors: Chowdhury MA , Sikdar TK
Published: May 2014

Lupus vulgaris is an extremely chronic, progressive form of cutaneous tuberculosis. The earliest description of lupus vulgaris was given by Erasmus Wilson in 1865. It usually occurs through contagious extension of the disease from underlying affected tissue or hematogenous or lymphatic spread. A 55 years male, non diabetic, non hypertensive, non smoker, got himself admitted into Dermatology and Venereology Department of DMCH with the complaints of multiple ulcerated lesions over the left lower thigh and upper leg including knee for 8 years. Histological sections of skin revealed multiple epithelioid granuloma, multinucleated giant cells and infiltration of lymphocytes with areas of fibrosis and ESR was 80 in 1st hour. The patient was treated with anti tubercular therapy and cured completely. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18811 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 57-58
Smoking and Skin Diseases: A Crucial Causal Link
Authors: Ahmed N , Islam MZ
Published: May 2014

Tobacco smoking is a serious and preventable health hazard that can cause or exacerbate a number of diseases and shorten life expectancy, but the role of smoking as an etiologic factor in the development of skin disease is largely unknown. Although epidemiological evidence is sparse, findings suggest that tobacco smoking is a contributing factor in systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, hidradenitis suppurativa, and genital warts. In contrast, smoking may confer some protective effects and mitigate other skin diseases, notably pemphigus vulgaris, pyoderma gangrenosum, aphthous ulcers, and Behçet's disease. Various degenerative dermatologic conditions are also impacted by smoking, such as skin wrinkling and dysregulated wound healing, which can result in post-surgical complications and delayed or even arrested healing of chronic wounds. Most likely, alteration of inflammatory cell function and extracellular matrix turnover caused by smoking-induced oxidative stress are involved in the pathophysiologic mechanisms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i2.18813 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 2: 61-63
The medieval church of Montrose: a place ‘of much antiquity and abundantly populous’
Authors: Gray Catriona Anna
Published: May 2014

Montrose was one of Scotland's earliest royal burghs, but historians have largely overlooked its parish kirk. A number of fourteenth and fifteenth-century sources indicate that the church of Montrose was an important ecclesiastical centre from an early date. Dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, by the later middle ages it was a place of pilgrimage linked in local tradition with the cult of Saint Boniface of Rosemarkie. This connection with Boniface appears to have been of long standing, and it is argued that the church of Montrose is a plausible candidate for the lost Egglespether, the ‘church of Peter’, associated with the priory of Restenneth. External evidence from England and Iceland appears to identify Montrose as the seat of a bishop, raising the possibility that it may also have been an ultimately unsuccessful rival for Brechin as the episcopal centre for Angus and the Mearns.
Support networks for the Catholic mission in Scotland
Authors: McInally Tom
Published: May 2014

This article explores the support for the Mission in Scotland given by networks formed in the Scottish Catholic diaspora, especially by those key members linked to the Scots Colleges abroad, the Scots Benedictine monasteries in Germany, and the Roman curia during the second half of the seventeenth and first half of the eighteenth centuries. Drawing on sources from the colleges’, monasteries’, and Roman archives, together with extensive historiography, the narrative describes the problems faced by the Mission, the help it needed, and the extent to which it received that help. In doing so, the study attempts to show how the financial and diplomatic initiatives related to this work became interwoven with the dynastic struggles of the House of Stuart, and how this involvement of the Mission and its supporters in the Jacobite cause inevitably compromised their work and severely limited the success which their efforts merited.
CCL21 Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Lin Yuan , Sharma Sherven , John Maie
Published: May 2014

Cancer, a major health problem, affects 12 million people worldwide every year. With surgery and chemo-radiation the long term survival rate for the majority of cancer patients is dismal. Thus novel treatments are urgently needed. Immunotherapy, the harnessing of the immune system to destroy cancer cells is an attractive option with potential for long term anti-tumor benefit. Cytokines are biological response modifiers that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the anti-tumor efficacy of the chemotactic cytokine CCL21 and its pre-clinical and clinical application in cancer.
The Value of Forest Conservation for Water Quality Protection
Authors: Kreye Melissa , Adams Damian , Escobedo Francisco
Published: May 2014

Forests protect water quality by reducing soil erosion, sedimentation, and pollution; yet there is little information about the economic value of conserving forests for water quality protection in much of the United States. To assess this value, we conducted a meta-analysis of willingness-to-pay (WTP) for protecting unimpaired waters, and econometrically determined several significant drivers of WTP: type of conservation instrument (tool), aquatic resource type, geographic context, spatial scale, time, and household income. Using a benefit transfer to two highly forested sites, we illustrate the importance of these factors on WTP for water quality protection programs, forest conservation and policy design.
Comparison of the Digestibility of the Major Peanut Allergens in Thermally Processed Peanuts and in Pure Form
Authors: Maleki Soheila , Schmitt David , Galeano Maria , Hurlburt Barry
Published: May 2014

It has been suggested that the boiling or frying of peanuts leads to less allergenic products than roasting. Here, we have compared the digestibility of the major peanut allergens in the context of peanuts subjected to boiling, frying or roasting and in purified form. The soluble peanut extracts and the purified allergens were digested with either trypsin or pepsin and analyzed by gel electrophoresis and western blot. T-cell proliferation was measured for the purified allergens. In most cases, boiled and raw peanut proteins were similarly digestible, but the Ara h 1 protein in the boiled extracts was more resistant to digestion. Most proteins from fried and roasted peanuts were more resistant to digestion than in raw and boiled samples, and more IgE binding fragments survived digestion. High-molecular-weight fragments of Ara h1 were resistant to digestion in fried and roasted samples. Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 purified from roasted peanuts were the most resistant to digestion, but differed in their ability to stimulate T-cells. The differences in digestibility and IgE binding properties of the major allergens in roasted, fried and boiled peanuts may not explain the difference between the prevalence of peanut allergy in different countries that consume peanut following these varied processing methods.
Characterization of Timed Changes in Hepatic Copper Concentrations, Methionine Metabolism, Gene Expression, and Global DNA Methylation in the Jackson Toxic Milk Mouse Model of Wilson Disease
Authors: Le Anh , Shibata Noreene , French Samuel , Kim Kyoungmi , Kharbanda Kusum , Islam Mohammad , LaSalle Janine , Halsted Charles , Keen Carl , Medici Valentina
Published: May 2014

Background: Wilson disease (WD) is characterized by hepatic copper accumulation with progressive liver damage to cirrhosis. This study aimed to characterize the toxic milk mouse from The Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME, USA) (tx-j) mouse model of WD according to changes over time in hepatic copper concentrations, methionine metabolism, global DNA methylation, and gene expression from gestational day 17 (fetal) to adulthood (28 weeks). Methods: Included liver histology and relevant biochemical analyses including hepatic copper quantification, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) liver levels, qPCR for transcript levels of genes relevant to methionine metabolism and liver damage, and DNA dot blot for global DNA methylation. Results: Hepatic copper was lower in tx-j fetuses but higher in weanling (three weeks) and adult tx-j mice compared to controls. S-adenosylhomocysteinase transcript levels were significantly lower at all time points, except at three weeks, correlating negatively with copper levels and with consequent changes in the SAM:SAH methylation ratio and global DNA methylation. Conclusion: Compared to controls, methionine metabolism including S-adenosylhomocysteinase gene expression is persistently different in the tx-j mice with consequent alterations in global DNA methylation in more advanced stages of liver disease. The inhibitory effect of copper accumulation on S-adenosylhomocysteinase expression is associated with progressively abnormal methionine metabolism and decreased methylation capacity and DNA global methylation.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy: A Potential Tool to Prevent Membrane Rupture and Preterm Labor
Authors: Pietrantoni Emanuela , Del Chierico Federica , Rigon Giuliano , Vernocchi Pamela , Salvatori Guglielmo , Manco Melania , Signore Fabrizio , Putignani Lorenza
Published: May 2014

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are required to maintain the fluidity, permeability and integrity of cell membranes. Maternal dietary supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs during pregnancy has beneficial effects, including increased gestational length and reduced risk of pregnancy complications. Significant amounts of ω-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are transferred from maternal to fetal blood, hence ensuring high levels of DHA in the placenta and fetal bloodstream and tissues. Fetal DHA demand increases exponentially with gestational age, especially in the third trimester, due to fetal development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a daily intake of DHA is recommended during pregnancy. Omega-3 PUFAs are involved in several anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving and anti-oxidative pathways. Several placental disorders, such as intrauterine growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm-PROM (pPROM), are associated with placental inflammation and oxidative stress. This pilot study reports on a preliminary evaluation of the significance of the daily DHA administration on PROM and pPROM events in healthy pregnant women. Further extensive clinical trials will be necessary to fully elucidate the correlation between DHA administration during pregnancy and PROM/pPROM occurrence, which is related in turn to gestational duration and overall fetal health.
A Practical Framework to Study Low-Power Scheduling Algorithms on Real-Time and Embedded Systems
Authors: Lin Jian , Cheng Albert , Song Wei
Published: May 2014

With the advanced technology used to design VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuits, low-power and energy-efficiency have played important roles for hardware and software implementation. Real-time scheduling is one of the fields that has attracted extensive attention to design low-power, embedded/real-time systems. The dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) and CPU shut-down are the two most popular techniques used to design the algorithms. In this paper, we firstly review the fundamental advances in the research of energy-efficient, real-time scheduling. Then, a unified framework with a real Intel PXA255 Xscale processor, namely real-energy, is designed, which can be used to measure the real performance of the algorithms. We conduct a case study to evaluate several classical algorithms by using the framework. The energy efficiency and the quantitative difference in their performance, as well as the practical issues found in the implementation of these algorithms are discussed. Our experiments show a gap between the theoretical and real results. Our framework not only gives researchers a tool to evaluate their system designs, but also helps them to bridge this gap in their future works.
Performance Comparison of Al–Ti Master Alloys with Different Microstructures in Grain Refinement of Commercial Purity Aluminum
Authors: Ding Wanwu , Xia Tiandong , Zhao Wenjun
Published: May 2014

Three types of Al–5Ti master alloys were synthesized by a method of thermal explosion reaction in pure molten aluminum. Performance comparison of Al–5Ti master alloy in grain refinement of commercial purity Al with different additions (0.6%, 1.0%, 1.6%, 2.0%, and 3.0%) and holding time (10, 30, 60 and 120 min) were investigated. The results show that Al–5Ti master alloy with blocky TiAl3 particles clearly has better refining efficiency than the master alloy with mixed TiAl3 particles and the master alloy with needle-like TiAl3 particles. The structures of master alloys, differing by sizes, morphologies and quantities of TiAl3 crystals, were found to affect the pattern of the grain refining properties with the holding time. The grain refinement effect was revealed to reduce markedly for master alloys with needle–like TiAl3 crystals and to show the further significant improvement at a longer holding time for the master alloy containing both larger needle–like and blocky TiAl3 particles. For the master alloy with finer blocky particles, the grain refining effect did not obviously decrease during the whole studied range of the holding time.
Barriers to the Access and Use of Rituximab in Patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Physician Survey
Authors: Baer II William , Maini Archana , Jacobs Ira
Published: May 2014

Biologics such as rituximab are an important component of oncology treatment strategies, although access to such therapies is challenging in countries with limited resources. This study examined access to rituximab and identified potential barriers to its use in the United States, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, and Brazil. The study also examined whether availability of a biosimilar to rituximab would improve access to, and use of, rituximab. Overall, 450 hematologists and oncologists completed a survey examining their use of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Less than 40% of physicians considered rituximab as easy to access from a cost perspective. Furthermore, many physicians chose not to treat, were unable to treat, or had to modify treatment with rituximab despite guidelines recommending its use in NHL and CLL patients. Insurance coverage, reimbursement, and cost to patient were commonly reported as barriers to the use of rituximab. Across all markets, over half of physicians reported that they would increase use of rituximab if a biosimilar was available. We conclude that rituximab use would increase across all therapy types and markets if a biosimilar was available, although a biosimilar would have the greatest impact in Brazil, Mexico, and Russia.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition-Based Biosensor for Aluminum(III) Chronoamperometric Determination in Aqueous Media
Authors: Barquero-Quirós Miriam , Domínguez-Renedo Olga , Alonso-Lomillo Maria , Arcos-Martínez María
Published: May 2014

A novel amperometric biosensor for the determination of Al(III) based on the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase has been developed. The immobilization of the enzyme was performed on screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles. The oxidation signal of acetylthiocholine iodide enzyme substrate was affected by the presence of Al(III) ions leading to a decrease in the amperometric current. The developed system has a detection limit of 2.1 ± 0.1 μM for Al(III). The reproducibility of the method is 8.1% (n = 4). Main interferences include Mo(VI), W(VI) and Hg(II) ions. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of Al(III) in spiked tap water . The analysis of a certified standard reference material was also carried out. Both results agree with the certified values considering the respective associated uncertainties.
Smartphone Sensors for Stone Lithography Authentication
Authors: Spagnolo Giuseppe , Cozzella Lorenzo , Papalillo Donato
Published: May 2014

Nowadays mobile phones include quality photo and video cameras, access to wireless networks and the internet, GPS assistance and other innovative systems. These facilities open them to innovative uses, other than the classical telephonic communication one. Smartphones are a more sophisticated version of classic mobile phones, which have advanced computing power, memory and connectivity. Because fake lithographs are flooding the art market, in this work, we propose a smartphone as simple, robust and efficient sensor for lithograph authentication. When we buy an artwork object, the seller issues a certificate of authenticity, which contains specific details about the artwork itself. Unscrupulous sellers can duplicate the classic certificates of authenticity, and then use them to “authenticate” non-genuine works of art. In this way, the buyer will have a copy of an original certificate to attest that the “not original artwork” is an original one. A solution for this problem would be to insert a system that links together the certificate and the related specific artwork. To do this it is necessary, for a single artwork, to find unique, unrepeatable, and unchangeable characteristics. In this article we propose an innovative method for the authentication of stone lithographs. We use the color spots distribution captured by means of a smartphone camera as a non-cloneable texture of the specific artworks and an information management system for verifying it in mobility stone lithography.
Design, Development and Testing of a Low-Cost sEMG System and Its Use in Recording Muscle Activity in Human Gait
Authors: Supuk Tamara , Skelin Ana , Cic Maja
Published: May 2014

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is an important measurement technique used in biomechanical, rehabilitation and sport environments. In this article the design, development and testing of a low-cost wearable sEMG system are described. The hardware architecture consists of a two-cascade small-sized bioamplifier with a total gain of 2,000 and band-pass of 3 to 500 Hz. The sampling frequency of the system is 1,000 Hz. Since real measured EMG signals are usually corrupted by various types of noises (motion artifacts, white noise and electromagnetic noise present at 50 Hz and higher harmonics), we have tested several denoising techniques, both on artificial and measured EMG signals. Results showed that a wavelet—based technique implementing Daubechies5 wavelet and soft sqtwolog thresholding is the most appropriate for EMG signals denoising. To test the system performance, EMG activities of six dominant muscles of ten healthy subjects during gait were measured (gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, sartorius, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius). The obtained EMG envelopes presented against the duration of gait cycle were compared favourably with the EMG data available in the literature, suggesting that the proposed system is suitable for a wide range of applications in biomechanics.
Role of Fc in Antibody-Mediated Protection from Ricin Toxin
Authors: Pincus Seth. , Das Anushka , Song Kejing , Maresh Grace , Corti Miriam , Berry Jody
Published: May 2014

We have studied the role of the antibody (Ab) Fc region in mediating protection from ricin toxicity. We compared the in vitro and in vivo effects of intact Ig and of Fab fragments derived from two different neutralizing Ab preparations, one monoclonal, the other polyclonal. Consistent results were obtained from each, showing little difference between Ig and Fab in terms of antigen binding and in vitro neutralization, but with relatively large differences in protection of animals. We also studied whether importing Ab into the cell by Fc receptors enhanced the intracellular neutralization of ricin toxin. We found that the imported Ab was found in the ER and Golgi, a compartment traversed by ricin, as it traffics through the cell, but intracellular Ab did not contribute to the neutralization of ricin. These results indicate that the Fc region of antibody is important for in vivo protection, although the mechanism of enhanced protection by intact Ig does not appear to operate at the single cell level. When using xenogeneic antibodies, the diminished immunogenicity of Fab/F(ab’)2 preparations should be balanced against possible loss of protective efficacy.