bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An endemic area of Dirofilaria immitis seropositive dogs at the eastern foothills of Mt Olympus, Northern Greece
Authors: Lefkaditis M. , Koukeri S. , Cozma V.
Published: February 2010

Following an examination conducted on a population of three hundred and forty-one dogs living on the eastern foothills of Mt Olympus in Northern Greece, 17.9 % were found to be seropositive for the Dirofilaria immitis specific antigen. These results indicate that the region is an endemic area for the above-mentioned parasitosis in dogs. Serum samples were examined using the PetChek kit Snap (IDDEX Laboratories, ELISA, Portland USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

With respect to gender, age and type of coat, the statistical analysis has shown that the prevalence of seropositive results is significantly higher (P < 0.05) among male dogs, older dogs and short-haired dogs. As regards breed and size, the same study has recorded a higher prevalence in mixed breed and small-sized dogs.
A new cucullanid species (Nematoda) from the freshwater fish Thorichthys helleri (Cichlidae) in Mexico
Authors: Caspeta-Mandujano J. , Salgado-Maldonado G. , Martínez-Ramírez E.
Published: February 2010

A new nematode species, Cucullanus oaxaquensis n. sp., is described from specimens recovered from the intestine of Thorichthys helleri Steindachner, 1864 from the Ró Modelo, Los Chimalapas, state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is characterized largely by possesing unusual features among Cucullanus spp., i.e., net-like sculpture on the surface of eggs, a pair of small papillae near tail tip of females and a small terminal sclerotized structure at tail tip of both males and females. This findig represents the fouth species reported from freshwater fishes in Mexico and the second for cichlid fishes.
A new species of Centrorhynchus (Acanthocephala, Centrorhynchidae) endoparasite of Guira guira (Aves, Cuculidae) from Argentina
Authors: Lunaschi L. , Drago F.
Published: February 2010

Centrorhynchus guira n. sp. is described from the guira cuckoo, Guira guira (Gmelin) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae), from Argentina. This new species is characterized by the proboscis armament with 32 longitudinal rows (29 with 18 hooks per row and 3 with 19 hooks per row) and by the following hook pattern per row: 8–9 true hooks, 4 transitional hooks with lateral alate processes, and 6 spiniform hooks. The presence of transitional hooks is shared with five other Neotropical species in the genus: C. polymorphus, C. albidus, C. microcephalus, C. kuntzi and C. crotophagicola. Among these species, C. guira n. sp. most closely resembles C. kuntzi in having transitional hooks with lateral alate processes, however differs in the number of hooks per row and spiniform hooks. This is the first record of the genus Centrorhynchus parasitizing Argentinean birds. A key to the species of the Neotropical Centrorhynchus Lühe 1911 is presented.
Effect of chestnut tannins on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Maistrello L. , Vaccari G. , Sasanelli N.
Published: February 2010

Among the natural products extracted from plants, tannins have been reported to possess antihelmintic properties especially for gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants. Also, they are toxic to a wide range of fungi, bacteria and yeasts. Therefore, an in vitro and a glasshouse pot experiments were undertaken to evaluate the effect of chestnut tannins on the control of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. In the in vitro experiment, different tannin concentrations in a geometric scale (from 0.32 to 20.48 g/l), were tested for their effect on hatching of the nematode, whereas in the pot experiment, 100, 250 and 450 g/m2 of tannins in aqueous solutions, were used in pots at transplant or at transplant and two weeks later for their effect on nematode control. In both experiments treatments were compared to untreated and fenamiphos-treated controls. In vitro a nematostatic effect of tannins was observed, whereas in the pot experiment a significant reduction of eggs and juveniles/g root, total population density and reproduction rates of the nematode were recorded. The anatomical changes induced by M. javanica in tomato roots treated with tannins did not differ from those produced by this and other Meloidogyne species on various hosts reported earlier.
Long-term unemployment in Poland in the years 1995-2007
Authors: Kwiatkowski Eugeniusz , Kucharski Leszek
Published: February 2010

This study analyses trends in the long-term unemployment in Poland, as well as its structure and macroeconomic importance for both equilibrium unemployment and the efficacy of anti-inflationary policy. It combines a theoretical part with discussion based on the statistics on the Polish economy for recent years. As shown by the theoretical analysis, long-term unemployment weakly eases wage pressure exerted by workers, so a larger percentage of the long-term unemployed lifts equilibrium unemployment to a higher level and makes anti-inflationary policy less effective. The empirical analyses of the Polish economy indicate that the duration of unemployment is a factor that significantly shapes the probability of finding a job. The hypothesis that the rates of worker flows from the stock of unemployment to the stock of employment are much lower in the case of the long-term unemployed persons than for the short-term unemployed has been corroborated. The statistical data on the Polish economy show that the country’s long-term unemployment is relatively large. To curb the negative macroeconomic impacts of this type of unemployment, its scale needs to be reduced. It is also necessary to increase the rate of long-term unemployed workers using the active labour market programmes.
Conditions of workers' participation in the European context-works councils structures in the Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Skorupińska Katarzyna
Published: February 2010

The implementation of the 2002 Directive caused establishment of participation structures in coimtries of the Central and Eastern Europę following the pattern of works councils in Western Europę. The institiitions of workers participation have right to information and consultation but they do not possess the right to codetermination which for a long time has been granted to most works councils in the old EU Member States. Works councils in the new EU Member States have not been established on the road of organie development but they had to define their entitlements and evolve organizational structures themselves. In this article two major topics are discussed: types of employees' interests representation and dijferences in structures of works councils in coimtries of the Central and Eastern Europę. The main aim of the paper is to present the most important factors which affect the establishment and creation of such institiitions.
Is this the end of the OPEC cartel?
Authors: Godson John Abraham
Published: February 2010

In looking at various circumstances surrounding the OPEC and the present economic crisis, one can come to a conclusion that this is the end of OPEC. This hypothesis could be supported by such factors as, falling OPEC share in the oil market, President Barack Obama’s new energy policy for the United States, depleting oil reserves and the increasing worries about environmental protection. Despite these factors, it seems that the most possible scenario would be the continued strong influence of OPEC on oil prices, albeit weakened. The above hypothesis is supported by fluctuation in oil prices, rising oil demands in emerging economies like China, the dominating influence of the automobile lobby, the negative effect of bio-fuel on agriculture and finally, the underdeveloped nature of many developing countries, which in turn mean dependent on oil for years to come.
Chosen Aspects of Modernization Processes in EU Countries and in Poland - Classical Point of View
Authors: Dworak Edyta , Malarska Anna
Published: February 2010

The aim of this paper is an evaluation of changes in a sectoral structure of the employment in EU-countries in time. Against this background there are exposed changes in Polish economy in the period 1997-2008. There were used classical tools of the statistical analysis to illustrate and initially verification the theory of three sectors by A. Fisher, C. Clark i J. Fourastiè, orientated to the evaluation of the modernization process of EU-economies
Territorial Marketing as a Method of Reduction of Outward Migration
Authors: Rudolf Wawrzyniec
Published: February 2010

The study considers problems of outward migration of the young population in regard to measures which should be taken by local governments in order to decrease this phenomenon. The author recommends here territorial marketing measures which may effectively restrain unfavorable tendencies. The study presents interesting example of marketing programme aimed at convincing young residents of Łódź not to leave cityafter graduation and to bind their future professional life with the place where they are studying and learning. The programme has been directed to acquire new students who in future may contribute to the increase of town’s attractiveness and development. The first results of evaluation of the programme conducted in 2009 proved that the initiative has been well perceived and was quite popular. Whereas only its further development and stages that will follow will present the answer about its effectiveness.
The Agency Problem in the Merger of Vistula & Wólczanka Ltd. and W. Kruk Ltd.
Authors: Socha Błażej
Published: February 2010

The article discusses the behavior of company bodies and possible conflicts of interests occurring among them during company takeover. In this context, the insider management model, popular in Poland, is discussed. Its implications have been presented using the example of the merger between Vistula & Wólczanka Ltd. and W. Kruk Ltd.
Academic Achievement and Course Taking Among Language Minority Youth in U.S. Schools: Effects of ESL Placement
Authors: Callahan Rebecca , Wilkinson Lindsey , Muller Chandra
Published: February 2010

English as a second language (ESL) is meant to provide a meaningful education for students learning English (ELLs); however, its effects remain largely unexplored. Using longitudinal, nationally representative data from the Educational Longitudinal Study, the authors estimate the effects of ESL placement on language minority (LM) adolescents’ college preparation and academic achievement. Findings indicate that LM students who most closely fit the EL profile (recent immigrant, relatively low English proficiency) experience positive math outcomes and null effects in other academic areas; however, LM students who fit this profile less well experience negative effects. Results suggest that although ESL placement may benefit students most in need and for a limited time after arrival, considerable caution is advised in students’ placement and retention in ESL.
Thermodynamic Properties of InNa Liquid Alloy
Authors: Chakrabarti SK , Jha IS , Singh BP
Published: February 2010

The large asymmetry observed in the properties of mixing of indium-sodium liquid alloy is discussed on the basis of quasi-lattice chemical model. A special attention is given to the concentration dependence of free energy of mixing, entropy of mixing and heat of mixing. The results explain the observed asymmetry in the properties of mixing of InNa liquid alloys around equi-atomic composition. Key words: Complex forming alloys; Binary liquid alloys; Quasi-lattice model; Thermodynamic properties. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2627 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 16-18
Agricultural Waste Residues as Potential Sources of Bioethanol
Authors: Pokhrel Chandra Prasad , Yadav Ram Kailash Prasad , Ohga Shoji
Published: February 2010

The most common renewable fuel today is ethanol derived from corn grain (starch) and sugar cane (sucrose). It is expected that there will be limits to the supply of these raw materials in the near future as well as these are directly associated with food security. Therefore, lignocellulosic biomass is seen as an attractive alternative feedstock for the future supplies of bioethanol. Technologies are being developed that will allow cost-effective conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals. About 491 GL of bioethanol might be produced from the wasted crops and their associated lignocellulosic raw materials, about 16 times higher than the current world ethanol production (31 GL). Key words: Bioethanol; Lignocellulosic material; Biofuel; Agricultural residue. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2628 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 19-23
Chemical Constituents from Vitex negundo (Linn.) of Nepalese Origin
Authors: Gautam LM , Shrestha SL , Wagle P , Tamrakar BM
Published: February 2010

Vitex negundo Linn., belonging to family Verbenaceae, is an aromatic shrub distributed in lower part of Himalayan region of Nepal. In the ayurvedic system of medicine, it is used to control pain, inflammation and other related diseases. It contains many polyphenolic compounds, terpenoids, glycosidic iridoids and alkaloids. Bioactivity guided phytochemical investigation of methanolic extract of leaves of Vitex negundo resulted in the isolation of eight compounds under silicagel VLC, CC and preparative TLC. They were identified as negundoside, agnuside, vitegnoside, 7,8 dimethyl herbacetin 3-rhamnoside, 5,3'-dihydroxy-7,8,4'-trimethoxy flavanone, 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,3',4'-pentamethoxy flavone, 5,7 dihydroxy- 6,4' dimethoxy flavonone, and 5 hydroxy-7,4' dimethoxy flavone. The structures of pure compounds were elucidated by MP, Rf values, Co- TLC, Colour reactions (Cerric sulphate spray), mild acid hydrolysis and spectroscopic methods (Mass, UV, IR, 1H, 13C and 2 D NMR). All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. They were found to have significant antibiotic activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli. The compounds vitegnoside, and 7, 8 dimethyl herbacetin 3-rhamnoside have MIC 6.25mg/ml. Keywords: Vitex negundo; Verbenaceae; Chemical constituents; Bioassay; Analysis. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2630 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 27-32
Taxonomic Study of Lichens of Phulchowki Hills, Lalitpur District (Kathmandu Valley)
Authors: Devkota A
Published: February 2010

The lichens were collected from different altitudinal gradient ranges from 1500-2700 m. above sea level of Phulchowki hill. They were identified on the basis of their morphological, anatomical and chemical studies (colour reaction, thin layer chromatography and microcrystallography). A total of thirty-two species of lichens were identified which comprises nine families and ten genera. Among them family Parmeliaceae was largest one which comprises ten species. Key words: Lichens; Crustose; Foliose; Fructicose.   DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2633 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 44-51
Biological Control of Foot Rot Disease of Rice Using Fermented Products of Compost and Vermicompost
Authors: Manandhar T , Yami KD
Published: February 2010

Field trial experiment was conducted at the premise of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology during rainy season (April-June) in 2004 under the rainfed condition. In this study, four types of compost tea: aerated vermicompost tea (ACTV), non aerated vermicompost tea (NCTV), aerated compost tea (ACTC) and non aerated compost tea (NCTV) was prepared and investigated for the suppression of Foot rot disease of Rice caused by Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon - Gibberella fujikuroi. The result was compared with carbendazium (2.5 g per kg dry seeds) treatment and water check. And data was analyzed using one way ANOVA. Among these four compost tea, ACTV showed statistically significant maximum control (25.6% increment of healthy seedlings), followed by ACTC (22.4% increment of healthy seedlings). Least effect was obtained by NCTC (13.6% increment of healthy seedlings). It was observed that 18% of collected Khumal-4 variety rice was infected with Fusarium monoliforme as revealed by Standard Moist Blotter Technique. In concurrence with field trial experiment, treatment of the rice seeds in the Standard Blotter Technique with compost tea revealed highest efficiency of ACTV in reducing the number of affected seeds (12% reduction in affected seeds) followed by ACTC (10% reduction) and NCTV (8% reduction). NCTC were found to be least effective (6% reduction) among the four types of compost tea. Application of compost tea also increases the percentage of germination of seeds, with maximum effect obtained by ACTV (98%). Keywords: Compost tea; Vermicompost tea; Foot rot; Fusarium moniliforme.   DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2634 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 52-57
Study on Major Pesticides and Fertilizers used in Nepal
Authors: Diwakar Jasmine , Prasai Tista , Pant Shankar Raj , Jayana Bina Laxmi
Published: February 2010

The data of Nepal Government shows that nine major pesticides groups with seven subgroups of Insecticides were imported from the year 1997 to 2003. The pesticide use amounts to 142 g/ha which is low compared to other counties. The highest pesticides quantity imported & quantity consumed from the 2056/57 (1999) to 2060/061(2003) were fungicides, bactericides, acaricides & seed treatment. group. For the year 2056/57 (1999) & 2057/58(2000), no import & consumption of biopesticides were done but from the year 2058/59(2001) to 2060/061(2003) no import & consumption of plant regulators was done. The various types of pesticides with 306 trade names and 71 technical names are registered / enlisted and used in Nepal which includes Insecticides, Fungicides, Herbicides, Rodenticides, Acaricides and Others. Moreover, twelve types of pesticides are band in Nepal for its import and use. Similarly, the demand of fertilizers were increased from 1997/98 to 2001/02 and then decreased dramatically with high amount from 2001/02 to 2002/03 and since then again it again increased up to 204/05. This trend is same for Urea and Diammonium Phoshphate whereas Murate of Potash is increasing from 1997/98 to 2004/04. Seven types of fertilizers are being used in Nepal viz. Urea, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), Murate of Potash (MOP), Ammonium Sulphate (AS), Single Super Phosphate (SSP), Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate (APS) and NPK. These are imported by Public institution like Agricultural Input Corporation (AIC) , Private Institutions and also donated/granted by the Government of Japan called as 2KR (Two Kenny Round). The import of fertilizers shows irregular trend. The import of fertilizers was highest in 1998/99 which amounted to 219038 metric ton and since then it decreased although there showed fluctuations. The distribution of fertilizers was increase from 1997/98 and reached highest in the year 2002/03 and since then it started decreasing. Similarly, the fertilizer consumption was highest in the year 1994/95 which was 30.4kg/ha which declined since then and showed fluctuation. The fertilizer consumption is regularly decreasing in the recent years from the year 2002/03. Key words: Agriculture; Fertilizer; Insecticide; Pest and pesticide.   DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2638 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 76-80
Infraspecific Variation of Bambusa nutans Subspecies Nutans from Six Different Sites of Central Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Ramesh , Shrestha Keshab
Published: February 2010

Bambusa nutans Wallich ex Munro subspecies nutans is a valuable economic plant occurring especially on the Terai region and mid hills (Kathmandu valley) in Nepal from sea level to 1700 m. Variation plays major role to compare the populations and to select superior trees for breeding purpose. Infraspecific variation is the study of comparison between plants belonging to the same species but from different populations which could be distinguished in nature. Study on the infraspecific variation of this species has been carried out from six different stands (Kapan, Kirtipur, Sisneri, Naldum, Kafledi and Narayanghat) of Central Nepal ranging in altitude (from 256 m to 1850 m) and climatic conditions. Altogether 10 culms, from 3-4 clumps were selected and 6 morphological characters having utmost importance in bamboo growth has been studied. Those characters were culm height, culm diameter at breast height, culm wall thickness, internode length ,culm sheath length and culm sheath breadth. Statistical analysis was performed for the calculation of correlation coefficient using SPSS software program. Variation within and among population was analyzed using one way ANOVA. All the characters show significant differences with 5% level of significance and ratios of morphological characters also show the significant differences except CH/CD, which was not significant. From the present study it is concluded that significant differences were observed in phenotypic characters. Since genetic differences leads to the variation among the plants, these variations might be of genetic origin .Reciprocal transplant experiment and progeny testing should be conducted for further research. Provided information can be utilized to conserve the genetic resources and to exploit these resources scientifically and economically. Keywords: Bambusa nutans subspecies nutans; Infraspecific variation; Correlation; ANOVA; Genetic differences.   DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2639 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 81-84
Assessment of Drinking Water of Bhaktapur Municipality Area in Pre-Monsoon Season
Authors: Diwakar Jasmine , Yami Kayo Devi , Prasai Tista
Published: February 2010

The physico-chemical and microbiological analyses of the 116 water samples from four different sources namely, public tap, well, tube well and stone spout of Bhaktapur Municipality area were done following standard techniques for water sample collection and analyses set by the American Public Health Association (1998). The pH values of all water samples were found to lie within Nepal standard. Similarly 57(49.14%), 9 (7.76%), 56 (48.28%) and 1(0.87%) of water samples were found to exceed Nepal standard value for conductivity, turbidity, iron and chloride content respectively. Hardness content of all water samples were within the standard whereas 6 (5.17%) samples crossed ammonia permissible level. The nitrate and arsenic content of all samples were found within permissible level. The bacteriological analysis of water samples revealed the presence of total coliform in 96 (82.76%) of samples. So, the study has pointed out that the drinking water quality of city water supply has not been improved and traditional sources like stone spouts and tube well water are also not free from contamination. Such circumstances are responsible for spreading water borne outbreaks. The waterborne diseases are closely related with the conditions of living and environmental sanitation in the community. So, it can be effectively controlled by appropriate water management and safe disposal of excreta. Key words: Arsenic; Coliform bacteria; Diseases; Iron and water quality.   DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2642 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 94-98
Water Quality of Sundarijal Reservior and its Feeding Streams in Kathmandu
Authors: Bhattarai Krishna R , Shrestha Bharat B , Lekhak Hari D
Published: February 2010

Physico-chemical (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, nitrogen, heavy metal, etc) and bacteriological (coliform bacteria) characteristics of water were studied in samples collected from Sundarijal reservoir and its main feeding streams: Bagmati, Nagmati and Shyalmati in 2003 and 2004 AD. Human activities near the water bodies and sanitary condition of the residential areas of watershed were also examined. Although public awareness and proper management of watershed and reservoir premises were lacking, yet the physico-chemical characters were within the standard of World Health Organization (WHO) and European Commission (EC) for drinking water. However, the coliform bacteria were high and water was not safe to consume without intense treatments with disinfectants. Key words: Coliform; Heavy metals; Human activities; Physico-chemical characters; Sanitary condition. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2643 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 99-106
Screening of some Medicinal Plants used in Nepalese Traditional Medicine against Enteric Bacteria
Authors: Bajracharya Anup Muni , Yami Kayo Devi , Prasai Tista , Basnyat Shital Raj , Lekhak Binod
Published: February 2010

Antibacterial properties of ethanolic extracts of 8 medicinal plants used in Nepal to treat gastrointestinal disorders were tested against ten different species of enteropathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Citrobacter spp, Enterobacter spp, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella spp, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas spp. Among the selected medicinal plants: Punica granatum, Woodfordia fruticosa, Psidium guajava and Syzygium cumini were found effective against all enteric bacteria whereas Mimosa pudica, Acorus calamus, Aegle marmelos and Anethum sowa were found ineffective against all. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these plant extracts found against Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris were lower (0.39-25mg/ml) so are more susceptible whereas the plants showed lethal effect against Pseudomonas spp, Citrobacter spp, Enterobacter spp, E. coli, Shigella spp. and Klebsiella spp. at MBC value of around 25-50mg/ml. Key words: Medicinal plants; Antibacterial activity; Plant extracts.   DOI: 10.3126/sw.v6i6.2644 Scientific World, Vol. 6, No. 6, July 2008 107-110
Posterior interhemispheric transfalx transprecuneus approach to the atrium of the lateral ventricle: a cadaveric study
Authors: Wang Song , Salma Asem , Ammirati Mario
Published: February 2010

Object

The posterior interhemispheric transprecuneus gyrus approach is one of the surgical routes that has been suggested to reach the atrium of the lateral ventricle. It has the advantage of avoiding the disruption of the optic radiations; however, it has a narrow working area that at times makes the execution of this approach rather challenging. The aim of this study was to test a modification of the approach that might create a better surgical angle and a wider corridor by accessing the atrium from the contralateral side after transection of the falx. The authors named this new approach the “posterior interhemispheric transfalx transprecuneus approach.”

Methods

The posterior interhemispheic transfalx transprecuneus approach was performed bilaterally on 6 fresh adult cadaveric specimens for a total of 12 procedures. Every head was held in the semisitting position and a parasagittal parietooccipital craniotomy on the contralateral side of the targeted ventricle was executed. The dura mater was opened and reflected based on the sagittal sinus. Then the falx was cut in a triangular fashion based on the inferior sagittal sinus. Using the parietooccipital artery and sulcus as landmarks, the contralateral precuneus gyrus was indentified, and a small area of the gyrus was transected to gain access to the atrium. A neuronavigational system was also used to conduct this approach. The working angle of this approach and other distances were measured

Results

The authors were able to visualize the ventricular atrium, posterior part of the temporal horn, pulvinar, and choroid plexus in all specimens. The temporal horn could be exposed for a length of 20–30 mm from the atrium. The working angle of the approach was better than that of the classic posterior interhemispheric transprecuneus approach with a mean value of 44.5° as opposed to 25.8°. The distance from the middle point of the corticotomy to the splenium ranged from 11 to 16 mm (mean 13.3 mm); the distance to the torcula, from 34 to 53 mm (mean 41.3 mm); and the distance to the atrium, from 22 to 31 mm (mean 25.7 mm).

Conclusions

Results of this study suggested that the proposed approach can expose the atrium and the posterior part of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle with a wider surgical angle compared with the conventional homolateral posterior interhemispheric transprecuneus gyrus approach. Moreover, by minimizing the amount of brain retraction homolateral to the target, this approach could make navigation more accurate.
Seeding neural progenitor cells on silicon-based neural probes
Authors: Azemi Erdrin , Gobbel Glenn T. , Cui Xinyan Tracy
Published: February 2010

Object

Chronically implanted neural electrode arrays have the potential to be used as neural prostheses in patients with various neurological disorders. While these electrodes perform well in acute recordings, they often fail to function reliably in clinically relevant chronic settings because of glial encapsulation and the loss of neurons. Surface modification of these implants may provide a means of improving their biocompatibility and integration within host brain tissue. The authors proposed a method of improving the brain-implant interface by seeding the implant's surface with a layer of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from adult murine subependyma. Neural progenitor cells may reduce the foreign body reaction by presenting a tissue-friendly surface and repair implant-induced injury and inflammation by releasing neurotrophic factors. In this study, the authors evaluated the growth and differentiation of NPCs on laminin-immobilized probe surfaces and explored the potential impact on transplant survival of these cells.

Methods

Laminin protein was successfully immobilized on the silicon surface via covalent binding using silane chemistry. The growth, adhesion, and differentiation of NPCs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) on laminin-modified silicon surfaces were characterized in vitro by using immunocytochemical techniques. Shear forces were applied to NPC cultures in growth medium to evaluate their shearing properties. In addition, neural probes seeded with GFP-labeled NPCs cultured in growth medium for 14 days were implanted in murine cortex. The authors assessed the adhesion properties of these cells during implantation conditions. Moreover, the tissue response around NPC-seeded implants was observed after 1 and 7 days postimplantation.

Results

Significantly improved NPC attachment and growth was found on the laminin-immobilized surface compared with an unmodified control before and after shear force application. The NPCs grown on the laminin-immobilized surface showed differentiation potential similar to those grown on polylysine-treated well plates, as previously reported. Viable (still expressing GFP) NPCs were found on and in proximity to the neural implant after 1 and 7 days postimplantation. Preliminary examinations indicated that the probe's NPC coating might reduce the glial response at these 2 different time points.

Conclusions

The authors' findings suggest that NPCs can differentiate and strongly adhere to laminin-immobilized surfaces, providing a stable matrix for these cells to be implanted in brain tissue on the neural probe's surface. In addition, NPCs were found to improve the astrocytic reaction around the implant site. Further in vivo work revealing the mechanisms of this effect could lead to improvement of biocompatibility and chronic recording performance of neural probes.
Development of and psychometric testing for the Brief Pain Inventory–Facial in patients with facial pain syndromes
Authors: Lee John Y. K. , Chen H. Isaac , Urban Christopher , Hojat Anahita , Church Ephraim , Xie Sharon X. , Farrar John T.
Published: February 2010

Object

Outcomes in clinical trials on trigeminal pain therapies require instruments with demonstrated reliability and validity. The authors evaluated the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) in its existing form plus an additional 7 facial-specific items in patients referred to a single neurosurgeon for a diagnosis of facial pain. The complete 18-item instrument is referred to as the BPI-Facial.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of patients who completed the BPI-Facial. The diagnosis of classic versus atypical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) was made before analyzing the questionnaire results. A hypothesis-driven factor analysis was used to determine the principal components of the questionnaire. Item reliability and questionnaire validity were tested for these specific constructs.

Results

Data from 156 patients were analyzed, including 114 patients (73%) with classic and 42 (27%) with atypical TN. Using orthomax rotation factor analysis, 3 factors with an eigenvalue > 1.0 were identified—pain intensity, interference with general activities, and facial-specific pain interference—accounting for 97.6% of the observed item variance. Retention of the 3 factors was confirmed via a Cattell scree plot. Internal reliability was demonstrated by calculating Cronbach's α: 0.86 for pain intensity, 0.89 for interference with general activities, 0.95 for facial-specific pain interference, and 0.94 for the entire instrument.

Initial validity of the BPI-Facial instrument was supported by the detection of statistically significant differences between patients with classic versus atypical pain. Patients with atypical TN rated their facial pain as more intense (atypical 6.24 vs classic 5.03, p = 0.013) and as having greater interference in general activities (atypical 6.94 vs classic 5.43, p = 0.0033). Both groups expressed high levels of facial-specific pain interference (atypical 6.34 vs classic 5.95, p = 0.527).

Conclusions

The BPI-Facial is a rigorous measure of facial pain in patients with TN and appears to have sound psychometric properties and is responsive to differences between classic and atypical TN. Future studies must assess the instrument's test-retest reliability, validity in additional populations, and responsiveness with respect to changes in patient outcomes following neurosurgical interventions and medical therapies.
Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus antibody in antenatal population in Bangladesh
Authors: Ashrafunnessa - , Khatun Shahla , Islam Mohammad Nazrul , Rashid M.H.
Published: February 2010

Keywords: Antenatal; Antibody; Bangladesh; Cytomegalovirus; SeroprevalenceOnline: 11 Feb 2010DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i3.4081Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 110-112
Current population-based public health workforces in Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Md. Amirul , Akhter Suraya , Shahjahan Md.
Published: February 2010

Keywords: Bangladesh; health workforce; populationOnline: 11 Feb 2010DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i3.4082Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 112-113
Effect of carvedilol on adrenaline-induced changes in serum electrolytes in rat
Authors: Nahar Nurun , Akhter Nargis
Published: February 2010

Circulating catecholamine that is increased in early phase of myocardial infarction alters serum electrolyte levels which might predispose to serious ventricular arrhythmias. In this study the effect of pretreatment of carvedilol on adrenaline-induced changes in the serum electrolytes (Mg2+, K+, Ca2+, Na+) was evaluated in rats. Adrenaline was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously 2 injections 24 hours apart and serum electrolytes were estimated at 12 hours, 24 hours and 7 days after the 2nd injection of adrenaline. Adrenaline administration initially caused hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia and hyponatremia, which were restored to normal spontaneously within 7 days. Pretreatment of carvedilol orally at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight for 2 weeks significantly prevented initial reduction in serum electrolyte levels induced by adrenaline. It was concluded that prophylactic use of carvedilol might prevent the serious consequences of myocardial infarction as sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia caused by electrolyte changes. Keywords: Adrenaline; Carvedilol; Electrolyte; RatOnline: 9 Feb 2010DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i3.4116Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 105-109
Determining infants age for measles vaccination based on persistence of protective level of maternal measles antibody
Authors: Shilpi Tanjida , Sattar Humayun , Miah Md. Ruhul Amin
Published: February 2010

The present study was conducted over a period of one year to find the right time for measles vaccination when maternal antibody titer in infants was decayed rendering them susceptible to wild virus infection. Blood samples were collected from the cord of new born (147), 2-5 months (47) and 5 to 7.5 months (24) of age. The mean measles IgG antibody titer detected in cord blood at birth (0 months) was 348.8 mIU/mL which steeply decreased to 155.6 mIU/mL by the age of 2-3 months. After that the fall in antibody becomes relatively slower and decreased to 101.6 mIU/mL by the age of 3-5 months and 38.8 mIU/mL by the age of 5-6 months and to 19.2 mIU/mL between the age of 6 to 7.5 months. The fall in antibody level with the advance of age was statistically significant (p<0.001). Majority of the subjects (97.6%) exhibited protective level of antibody at birth. But only a little above one-quarter (25.5%) of them persisted the protective level between the age of 2-5 months and none had protective level from 5 months onwards.Keywords: Infant; Measle; VaccinationOnline: 8 Feb 2010DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i3.4204Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 101-104
Inhibitory effect of arsenic on aerobic gut flora in rat
Authors: Choudhry Zubaida Khatoon , Misbahuddin Mir , Hossain A.K.M. Mosharrof , Saleh Ahmed Abu
Published: February 2010

An in vivo study was carried on rats to see the influence of arsenic on aerobic gut flora. A significant inhibition of gut flora was observed after 2 weeks of administration of arsenic (1 mg/L) ad libitum with a decrease in stool arsenic level and increase in liver arsenic level. However, this inhibitory effect of arsenic on gut flora was not observed in presence of vitamin E (1 mg/day) or selenium (0.4 mg/day). Pretreatment with streptomycin (500 mg twice daily) showed similar results. Rats that received folic acid (200 mg/day) showed inhibition of gut floral count but there were decreased liver arsenic level.Keywords: Aerobic; Arsenic; Gut flora; RatOnline: 8 Feb 2010DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v35i3.4205Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 79-83
Effect of washing on weight and strength of mechanically produced blended and 100% cotton curtain
Authors: Khan Md Abdus Salam , Azad Abdul Kalam , Jafrin Shamina , Haque Md Tahzibul
Published: February 2010

A research had been taken to find out the suitability of blended curtain in respect to the property of 100% similar cotton curtain. Here, two main factors viz. wt. and strength are taken in to account considering the effect of washing on it. From the test results, it is shown that 50:50/ jute: cotton blended curtain is comparable to the 100% cotton curtain of Tk. 90 /meter. Even better than the properties of 100% cotton curtain of Tk. 60/ meter. Keywords: Jute, Cotton, Washing, Strength, Blended, Mechanical, Weight, Curtain.   DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v5i1.4373 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.1-5
Effects of sand blasting with industrial enzyme silicon wash on denim apparel characteristics
Authors: Mazumder Sumon
Published: February 2010

Washing is one of the most important finishing treatments applied on apparels that have great usage to create special outlooks and improving the fashion. Technologically denim washing is the most important fashion element for clothing industry. Usually the term ‘washing' is most significantly applied in case of sewn apparels so it is very essential to observe the effects that have been made by particular washing on the fabrics to hold the qualities of sewn apparels. The aim of this paper is to determine the effects of sand blasting with industrial enzyme silicon wash on denim apparel characteristics. For this investigation currently fashionable regular denim (100% cotton with twill 3/1 weave construction) trouser was chosen. The selected denim trouser has been processed by enzyme and silicon washes after sand blasting. In order to evaluate the washing effects on denim trouser, changes of fabric handle, fabric specification (ends/inch, picks/inch, surface density, warp & weft yarn linear density), fabric strength, seam strength & fabric stiffness has been determined after sandblasting with enzyme silicon wash. Keywords: Denim apparel, sand blasting, back staining, pumice stones, enzyme wash.   DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v5i1.4377 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.6-9
Effect of graphical method for solving mathematical programming problem
Authors: Das Bimal Chandra
Published: February 2010

In this paper, a computer implementation on the effect of graphical method for solving mathematical programming problem using MATLAB programming has been developed. To take any decision, for programming problems we use most modern scientific method based on computer implementation. Here it has been shown that by graphical method using MATLAB programming from all kinds of programming problem, we can determine a particular plan of action from amongst several alternatives in very short time. Keywords: Mathematical programming, objective function, feasible-region, constraints, optimal solution. DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v5i1.4379 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.29-36
A comparative study of different queuing techniques in VOIP, video conferencing and file transfer
Authors: Rashed Mohammad Mirza Golam , Kabir Mamun
Published: February 2010

Today's Internet only provides Best Effort Service. Traffic is processed as quickly as possible, but there is no guarantee of timelines or actual delivery. With the rapid transformation of the Internet into a commercial infrastructure, demands for service quality have rapidly developed. People of the modern world are very much dependent on various network services like VOIP, Videoconferencing and File Transfer. Different types of Traffic Management systems are used in those services. Queuing is one of the very vital mechanisms in traffic management system. Each router in the network must implement some queuing discipline that governs how packets are buffered while waiting to be transmitted. This paper gives a comparative analysis of three queuing systems FIFO, PQ and WFQ. The study has been carried out on some issues like: Traffic dropped Traffic Received and packet end to end delay and the simulation results shows that WFQ technique has a superior quality than the other techniques. Keywords: IP QoS, FIFO, PQ, FQ, WFQ   DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v5i1.4380 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.37-47
A secured message transaction approach by dynamic Hill cypher generation and message digest concatenation
Authors: Jabiullah Md Ismail , Sarker Md Zakaria , Rahman Anisur , Rahman M Lutfar
Published: February 2010

Secured message transactions are very much desirable for electronic communications in so many ways. A secured message transaction technique has been designed, developed and implemented using Java programming language. For this, a symmetric key encryption technique dynamic Hill cipher has been used for message encryption-decryption with a dynamic key length. A square-matrix of the given key length has been generated with the property that modulo operation of the product of the matrix and the inverse of that matrix is identity. The intended message is converted into binary form. Performs the bitwise-XOR operation of the equal two halves of the binary form and repeats the operations 3 times to generate the message digest (MD), and concatenate it with the message. Encrypts them using the Hill cipher technique with the key matrix and then send them to the destination. In the receiving end, the reverse process is performed to retrieve the message in secured manner. This process can be applied in many cryptographic applications as well as research works. Key Words: Security, Message Security, Message Digest, Hill Cipher and Cipher. DOI: 10.3329/diujst.v5i1.4383 Daffodil International University Journal of Science and Technology Vol.5(1) 2010 pp.62-66
Outcome and Risk Factors for Mortality in Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Lin , Yang Ling-Yu , Chin Tai-Wai , Wang Hsin-Hui , Liu Chin-Su , Wei Chou-Fu , Chang Jei-Wen
Published: February 2010

Background

The mortality rate among children requiring renal replacement therapy is higher than in children without end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Some factors, such as hypoalbuminemia, high peritoneal transport rate, age, malnutrition, cardiovascular disease, and recurrent peritonitis, appear to be associated with lower survival in adult peritoneal dialysis patients. Data regarding risk factors of mortality in children with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are limited. The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients and investigate if routinely used laboratory and clinical variables are independent risk factors for mortality in children on CAPD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart analysis of pediatric ESRD patients on CAPD between January 1997 and September 2008. 29 patients undergoing CAPD for more than 3 months were enrolled. An analysis was performed on clinical and biochemical variables for survivors and nonsurvivors to identify potential risk factors for mortality.

Results

Mean age was 12.18 ± 4.57 years. During the follow-up period, 8 patients transferred to hemodialysis and 13 patients received deceased donor renal transplantation. By the end of the study, 5 patients had died. Actuarial survival rate at 2 and 5 years was 96.55% and 91.19% respectively. The major complication during therapy was peritonitis (1 episode/57.79 patient-months). In the univariate analysis, younger age at initiation of dialysis, presence of comorbid disease, higher peritoneal transport rate, increased protein losses through peritoneal dialysis, high total daily protein loss, hypoalbuminemia, and hypophosphatemia were variables associated with mortality in pediatric CAPD patients. However, in the multivariate analysis, only low serum albumin ( b = –2.089, p = 0.006; hazard ratio 8.06, 95% confidence interval 0.028 – 0.546) was independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Mortality was low in our pediatric patients receiving CAPD. Hypoalbuminemia showed a significant association with death in CAPD patients.
Effect of Peritoneal Dialysis on Abdominal Circumference
Authors: Nurmi Jouni , Korkeila Maarit , Honkanen Eero , Lindgren Leena , Castrén Maaret
Published: February 2010

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is probably underused because of fears concerning the body image of patients. For the purposes of providing exact information for patients when choosing between PD and hemodialysis, we studied the extent of increase in waist circumference by infusing dialysate.

Methods

The abdominal circumference of 44 PD patients was measured before and after infusion of dialysate. The change in circumference was compared to body mass index (BMI) and length of the abdominal cavity, defined by the distance between the processus xiphoideus and the os pubis.

Results

Mean abdominal circumferences at the umbilicus and the iliac crest increased from 92.6 ± 10.1 to 95.5 ± 10.0 cm and from 95.2 ± 8.5 to 96.2 ± 6.3 cm, respectively, when dialysate was infused ( p value for both < 0.01). A dialysate volume of 2000 mL increased the circumference only slightly more than the increase seen with 1500 mL. The change in circumference was not correlated with the circumference before the infusion, BMI, height of the patient, or length of the abdominal cavity.

Conclusions

This study shows that normal PD fill volumes increase the waist circumference only a little. This finding should ease the patient's presumption of PD changing the body image.
Croup: Common Syndromes and Therapy
Authors: Wald Eric L.
Published: February 2010

CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1.

Delineate the differential diagnosis of croup in children.

2.

Review the clinical evidence supporting the use of nebulized epinephrine for croup in the emergency department, as well as the criteria for discharge home after treatment.

3.

Discuss the clinical evidence supporting the use of systemic or nebulized steroids in the treatment of viral laryngotracheobronchitis.