bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syphilis infection among female sex workers in Nagaland, Northeast India: Analysing their vulnerability to the infection
Authors: Medhi G K , Mahanta J , Hazarika I , Armstrong G , Adhikary R , Mainkar M , Paranjape R S
Published: June 2013

This paper describes the sex work characteristics and factors associated with syphilis among female sex workers (FSWs) in Dimapur district of high HIV prevalence Indian state, Nagaland. The study recruited 426 FSWs in 2006 using respondent-driven sampling. The prevalence of syphilis was 21.1% and HIV prevalence was 11.7%. Approximately half were under 25 years of age. Clients were solicited mainly in public places (32.7%), while hotels/lodges/rented rooms were the most common places of entertainment (57.2%). Condom use during the last sex was 36.5% with occasional and 27% with regular clients. Being married, being widowed/divorced/separated, being illiterate or having a history of drug use increased the likelihood of syphilis infection. Entertaining clients in bars/booze joints decreased the probability of syphilis. FSWs who moved between soliciting in public places or bars/booze joints and then entertaining in hotels/lodges/rented rooms had a higher vulnerability to syphilis. In summary, we found that the vulnerability to syphilis among mostly young FSWs in Dimapur varied according to their sex work characteristics, marital and educational status and drug use habits. They may be more vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STIs) due to the low rate of condom use. The findings have direct implications for HIV/STI prevention programmes in Northeast India.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 serological testing at a community court: Predictors of test acceptance and seropositivity among female defendants
Authors: Roth A M , Van Der Pol B , Fortenberry J D , Reece M , Dodge B , Certo D , Zimet G D
Published: June 2013

Despite the high prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), testing for asymptomatic infections is uncommon. One population for whom targeted interventions may be prioritized include individuals involved with the correctional system. Here we describe the acceptability of a novel HSV-2 screening program, implemented in a court setting, as a possible intervention for corrections-involved women. Female defendants completed an interviewer administered survey assessing factors associated with uptake/refusal of free point-of-care HSV-2 serologic testing and HSV-2 seropositivity. Participants included 143 women, 18–62 years old (mean 32.85) with diverse ethnicities. The majority (65.7%) accepted testing and 62.4% tested HSV-2 seropositive. Factors independently associated with test acceptance included higher perceived susceptibility to genital herpes infection and not receiving a preventative health screen. Women who were seropositive tended to be older, Black, report having previous STI, and be arrested on a prostitution charge. Findings suggest point-of-care testing in a court setting is acceptable to women and can be implemented to improve case finding of STI.
Starting Treatment According to Guidelines Evaluation: a multicentre audit of HIV patients in the UK
Authors: Reeves I , Premchand N , Schwenk A , Brennan-Benson P , Cumming S , Lee V , Whitehead T
Published: June 2013

The aim of this audit was to assess whether HIV patients are being started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) according to British and European guidelines. Data were collected from the Survey of Prevalent HIV Infections Diagnosed (SOPHID) return for 2010 at five major HIV management centres in the UK. Data from this 3873 patient cohort revealed 52 patients who should have been receiving ART according to the guidelines but were not. Of these, 23 patients elected not to start ART despite clinical advice to the contrary. Information required to assist in the decision for earlier ART initiation (CD4 count 350–500 cells/μL) was missing for some patients. Clinicians must pay attention to the regular assessment of patients with a CD4 count of 351 -500 cells/μL so that all those who may benefit from earlier treatment are identified. Future research should investigate patient barriers to initiating therapy following recommendation by a clinician.
Reorienting health services in the Northern Territory of Australia: a conceptual model for building health promotion capacity in the workforce
Authors: Judd Jenni , Keleher Helen
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

Reorienting work practices to include health promotion and prevention is complex and requires specific strategies and interventions. This paper presents original research that used ‘real-world’ practice to demonstrate that knowledge gathered from practice is relevant for the development of practice-based evidence. The paper shows how practitioners can inform and influence improvements in health promotion practice. Practitioner-informed evidence necessarily incorporates qualitative research to capture the richness of their reflective experiences.

Methods:

Using a participatory action research (PAR) approach, the research question asked ‘what are the core dimensions of building health promotion capacity in a primary health care workforce in a real-world setting?’ PAR is a method in which the researcher operates in full collaboration with members of the organisation being studied for the purposes of achieving some kind of change, in this case to increase the amount of health promotion and prevention practice within this community health setting. The PAR process involved six reflection and action cycles over two years. Data collection processes included: survey; in-depth interviews; a training intervention; observations of practice; workplace diaries; and two nominal groups. The listen/reflect/act process enabled lessons from practice to inform future capacity-building processes.

Results:

This research strengthened and supported the development of health promotion to inform ‘better health’ practices through respectful change processes based on research, practitioner-informed evidence, and capacity-building strategies. A conceptual model for building health promotion capacity in the primary health care workforce was informed by the PAR processes and recognised the importance of the determinants approach.

Conclusion:

Practitioner-informed evidence is the missing link in the evidence debate and provides the links between evidence and its translation to practice. New models of health promotion service delivery can be developed in community settings recognising the importance of involving practitioners themselves in these processes. (Global Health Promotion, 2013; 20(2): 53–63)
Screen more or screen more often? Using mathematical models to inform syphilis control strategies
Authors: Tuite Ashleigh R , Fisman David N , Mishra Sharmistha
Published: June 2013

Background

Syphilis incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) continues to rise despite attempts to increase screening and treatment uptake. We examined the marginal effect of increased frequency versus increased coverage of screening on syphilis incidence in Toronto, Canada.

Methods

We developed an agent-based, network model of syphilis transmission, representing a core population of 2,000 high-risk MSM. Epidemiological and biological parameters were drawn from regional surveillance data and literature-derived estimates. The pre-intervention period of the model was calibrated using surveillance data to identify 1000 credible simulations per strategy. Evaluated strategies included: annual syphilis screening at baseline coverage, increased screening frequency at baseline coverage, and increased coverage of annual screening. Intervention impact was measured as annual prevalence of detected infectious cases and syphilis incidence per year over 10 years.

Results

Of the strategies evaluated, increasing the frequency of syphilis screening to every three months was most effective in reducing reported and incident syphilis infections. Increasing the fraction of individuals tested, without increasing test frequency, resulted a smaller decline in incidence, because reductions in infectious syphilis via treatment were counterbalanced by increased incident syphilis among individuals with prior latent syphilis. For an equivalent number of additional tests performed annually, increased test frequency was consistently more effective than improved coverage.

Conclusions

Strategies that focus on higher frequency of testing in smaller fractions of the population were more effective in reducing syphilis incidence in a simulated MSM population. The findings highlight how treatment-induced loss of immunity can create unexpected results in screening-based control strategies.
Biophysical characterization and crystal structure of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus p15 matrix protein
Authors: Serrière Jennifer , Robert Xavier , Perez Magali , Gouet Patrice , Guillon Christophe
Published: June 2013

Background

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral pathogen that infects domestic cats and wild felids. During the viral replication cycle, the FIV p15 matrix protein oligomerizes to form a closed matrix that underlies the lipidic envelope of the virion. Because of its crucial role in the early and late stages of viral morphogenesis, especially in viral assembly, FIV p15 is an interesting target in the development of potential new therapeutic strategies.

Results

Our biochemical study of FIV p15 revealed that it forms a stable dimer in solution under acidic conditions and at high concentration, unlike other retroviral matrix proteins. We determined the crystal structure of full-length FIV p15 to 2 Å resolution and observed a helical organization of the protein, typical for retroviral matrix proteins. A hydrophobic pocket that could accommodate a myristoyl group was identified, and the C-terminal end of FIV p15, which is mainly unstructured, was visible in electron density maps. As FIV p15 crystallizes in acidic conditions but with one monomer in the asymmetric unit, we searched for the presence of a biological dimer in the crystal. No biological assembly was detected by the PISA server, but the three most buried crystallographic interfaces have interesting features: the first one displays a highly conserved tryptophan acting as a binding platform, the second one is located along a 2-fold symmetry axis and the third one resembles the dimeric interface of EIAV p15. Because the C-terminal end of p15 is involved in two of these three interfaces, we investigated the structure and assembly of a C-terminal-truncated form of p15 lacking 14 residues. The truncated FIV p15 dimerizes in solution at a lower concentration and crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The EIAV-like dimeric interface is the only one to be retained in the new crystal form.

Conclusion

The dimeric form of FIV p15 in solution and its extended C-terminal end are characteristic among lentiviral matrix proteins. Crystallographic interfaces revealed several interactions that might be involved in FIV replication. Further studies are needed to better understand their biological relevance in the function of FIV Gag during viral replication.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: RNAi targeting CXCR4 inhibits proliferation and invasion of esophageal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Mi Yanfang , Pian Linping , Gao Ping , Xu Hong , Zheng Yuling , Xuan Xiaoyan
Published: June 2013

CXC chemokine receptor 4 was found to be expressed by many different types of human cancers and its expression has been correlated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy. However the effect of CXCR4 on the esophageal carcinoma cells remains unclear, the present study explored the effects of CXCR4 siRNA on proliferation and invasion of esophageal carcinoma KYSE-150 and TE-13 cells. Two siRNA sequence targeting CXCR4 gene were constructed and then were transfected into KYSE-150 and TE-13 cells by Lipofectamine™2000. Changes of CXCR4 mRNA and protein were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Effect of CXCR4 siRNA on KYSE-150 and TE-13 cells proliferation was determined by MTT. Transwell invasion assay was used to evaluate the invasion and metastasis of KYSE-150 and TE-13 cells. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneous inoculation of cells into BALB/c nude mice. qRT-PCR and Western blot demonstrate that the expression level of CXCR4 gene were obviously decreased in KYSE-150 and TE-13 cells transfected with CXCR4 targeting siRNA expression vectors. The average amount of cells transfected with CXCR4 siRNA penetrating Matrigel was significantly decreased (p<0.05). Injection of CXCR4 siRNA transfected cells inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model compared with blank and negative control groups (p <0.05). CXCR4 silenced by siRNA could suppress the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of esophageal carcinoma cell lines KYSE-150 and TE-13 in vitro and in vivo. The results provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the gene therapy of ESCC using RNAi technology based on CXCR4 target site.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3502376691001138
Traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in rural and urban areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh – an ethnobotanical survey
Authors: Ocvirk Soeren , Kistler Martin , Khan Shusmita , Talukder Shamim Hayder , Hauner Hans
Published: June 2013

Background

The usage of medicinal plants is traditionally rooted in Bangladesh and still an essential part of public healthcare. Recently, a dramatically increasing prevalence brought diabetes mellitus and its therapy to the focus of public health interests in Bangladesh. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey to identify the traditional medicinal plants being used to treat diabetes in Bangladesh and to critically assess their anti-diabetic potentials with focus on evidence-based criteria.

Methods

In an ethnobotanical survey in defined rural and urban areas 63 randomly chosen individuals (health professionals, diabetic patients), identified to use traditional medicinal plants to treat diabetes, were interviewed in a structured manner about their administration or use of plants for treating diabetes.

Results

In total 37 medicinal plants belonging to 25 families were reported as being used for the treatment of diabetes in Bangladesh. The most frequently mentioned plants were Coccinia indica, Azadirachta indica, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, Ficus racemosa, Momordica charantia, Swietenia mahagoni.

Conclusion

Traditional medicinal plants are commonly used in Bangladesh to treat diabetes. The available data regarding the anti-diabetic activity of the detected plants is not sufficient to adequately evaluate or recommend their use. Clinical intervention studies are required to provide evidence for a safe and effective use of the identified plants in the treatment of diabetes.
Pre-Columbian treponemal infection in Denmark?- a paleopathological and archaeometric approach
Authors: Schwarz Susanne , Skytte Lilian , Rasmussen Kaare Lund
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to investigate five new cases of possible treponematosis in early medieval Denmark. A total of 1018 skeletons from Danish and present day German cemeteries have been examined, and five candidates of pre-Columbian individuals have been selected from three Danish burial sites on Funen, Jutland and Zealand. The five individuals with a possible infection with treponematoses have been analysed anthropological and chemically.

Two of the skeletons exhibited cranial lesions, i.e. serpiginous and focal superficial cavitation. The other three only displayed periosteal reactions of varying degrees on the postcranial skeleton. Computed tomography scans showed focal obliteration of the periosteum on the long bones as well as on the affected skulls. Radiocarbon dates and stable isotope analyses indicate that three of the four analysed skeletons predate AD 1493. High levels of mercury in three of the individuals suggest that medical treatment with Hg-containing medicine took place.

Considering the climate and geography at the sites, venereal syphilis might be the treponemal disease causing the pathologies on the skeletal remains. However, the historical background, the bone lesions and their prevalence point to the presence of a less aggressive, maybe non-venereal, form of treponematosis. Consequently, the hypothesis that pre-Columbian venereal syphilis existed among the analysed skeletal material is rejected with the help of various archaeometric analyses.
Patient centered care in Islam: distinguishing between religious and sociocultural factors
Authors: Niazi Asfandyar Khan , Kalra Sanjay
Published: June 2013

The use of patient centered care is promoted by Islam. Many of the countries with the highest percentage of diabetics are Muslim majority countries. The use of patient centered care in these areas is likely to reduce the burden of diabetes in these countries. However there are several challenges faced by the physicians working in these countries. Most of these challenges are sociocultural in origin and a thorough knowledge of the Islamic principles can help overcome these challenges.
Viterbi sparse spike detection
Authors: Brown Samuel P. , Thorne Michael S.
Published: June 2013

Accurate interpretation of seismic traveltimes and amplitudes in the exploration and global scales is complicated by the band-limited nature of seismic data. We discovered a stochastic method to reduce a seismic waveform into a most probable constituent spike train. Model waveforms were constructed from a set of candidate spike trains convolved with a source wavelet estimate. For each model waveform, a profile hidden Markov model (HMM) was constructed to represent the waveform as a stochastic generative model with a linear topology corresponding to a sequence of samples. Each match state in the HMM represented a sample in the model waveform, in which the amplitude was represented by a Gaussian distribution. Insert and delete states allowed the underlying source wavelet to dilate or contract, accounting for nonstationarity in the seismic data and errors in the source wavelet estimate. The Gaussian distribution characterizing each sample’s amplitude accounted for random noise. The Viterbi algorithm was employed to simultaneously find the optimal nonlinear alignment between a model waveform and the seismic data and to assign a score to each candidate spike train. The most probable traveltimes and amplitudes were inferred from the alignments of the highest scoring models. The method required no implicit assumptions regarding the distribution of traveltimes and amplitudes; however, in practice, the solution set may be limited to mitigate the nonuniqueness of solutions and to reduce the computational effort. Our analyses found that the method can resolve closely spaced arrivals below traditional resolution limits and that traveltime estimates are robust in the presence of random noise and source wavelet errors. The method was particularly well suited to fine-scale interpretation problems such as thin bed interpretation, tying seismic images to well logs, and the analysis of anomalous waveforms in global seismology.
Two-point paraxial traveltime formula for inhomogeneous isotropic and anisotropic media: Tests of accuracy
Authors: Waheed Umair bin , Pšenčík Ivan , Červený Vlastislav , Iversen Einar , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: June 2013

On several simple models of isotropic and anisotropic media, we have studied the accuracy of the two-point paraxial traveltime formula designed for the approximate calculation of the traveltime between points [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] located in the vicinity of points [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on a reference ray. The reference ray may be situated in a 3D inhomogeneous isotropic or anisotropic medium with or without smooth curved interfaces. The two-point paraxial traveltime formula has the form of the Taylor expansion of the two-point traveltime with respect to spatial Cartesian coordinates up to quadratic terms at points [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the reference ray. The constant term and the coefficients of the linear and quadratic terms are determined from quantities obtained from ray tracing and linear dynamic ray tracing along the reference ray. The use of linear dynamic ray tracing allows the evaluation of the quadratic terms in arbitrarily inhomogeneous media and, as shown by examples, it extends the region of accurate results around the reference ray between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (and even outside this interval) obtained with the linear terms only. Although the formula may be used for very general 3D models, we concentrated on simple 2D models of smoothly inhomogeneous isotropic and anisotropic ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] anisotropy) media only. On tests, in which we estimated two-point traveltimes between a shifted source and a system of shifted receivers, we found that the formula may yield more accurate results than the numerical solution of an eikonal-based differential equation. The tests also indicated that the accuracy of the formula depends primarily on the length and the curvature of the reference ray and only weakly depends on anisotropy. The greater is the curvature of the reference ray, the narrower its vicinity, in which the formula yields accurate results.
Responsibility and resistance: women negotiating the nourishment of children
Authors: Maher JaneMaree , Wright Jan , Tanner Claire
Published: June 2013

Childhood obesity is identified as a key public health challenge. Women have been made responsible for this new aspect of ‘good’ child feeding. In this article we draw on a study of Australian mothers of preschool-aged children to explore how women integrate new demands for healthy eating into their daily feeding practices. We found that these women were highly responsive to discourses of responsibility for ‘healthy eating’ (and fearful of obesity for their children). Yet, they expressed disquiet about intense bodily surveillance of children and were sometimes sceptical of measures of ‘obesity’ and overweight. Differing social and economic resources influenced how public prescriptions were mobilised in family food patterns, but all these women were in part resistant to circulating normative food discourses. We conclude that responsibility needs to be more richly defined as including women’s resistance and reliance on their own embedded relational expertise with their children.
Serbia and Dioclea in the work of John Scylitzes
Authors: Komatina Predrag
Published: June 2013

Recalling the fact that John Scylitzes in his Short History strictly
distinguishes Serbia from Tribalia, the conclusion is made that Serbia and
Tribalia in the work of John Scylitzes represent two clearly defined separate
terms, with Tribalia meaning Dioclea and Serbia meaning Serbia (so-called
Rascia and Bosnia). From that conclusion another one is derived - that
Stephen Vojislav led his uprising against imperial authority in 1034-1036 and
1039-1040 not in Dioclea but in Serbia. That conclusion is followed by the
assumption of existence of a direct imperial rule in Serbia in the years
following 1018, which would be an argument in proving the thesis that the
theme of Serbia was located exactly in the area of Serbia.
Huzurevinde yaşayan yaşlıların yaşam kaliteleri ve etkileyen faktörler
Authors: Sucaklı Mustafa Haki , Bakan Betül , Çelik Mustafa
Published: June 2013

Amaç: Bu çalışmada huzurevinde kalan yaşlıların sosyodemografik özellikleri, yaşam kaliteleri ve yaşam kalitelerini etkileyen faktörlerin tespit edilmesi amaçlandı.Yöntem: Çalışma grubunu Kahramanmaraş merkez huzurevinde kalan yaşlılar oluşturmaktadır. Huzurevinde 93 yaşlı barınmaktadır. Yaşlıların 91’ine sosyo-demografik özelliklerini tespite yönelik hazırlanan anket uygulandı. Yeterli bilişsel fonksiyonlara sahip olan 42 yaşlıya ise Türk toplumuna uyarlanmış yaşam kalitelerini ölçmeye yönelik kısa form 36 uygulandı.Bulgular: Yaşlıların %65.9’u erkek, %34.1’i kadın, yaş ortalamaları 75.8±8.1, huzurevinde kalma süreleri 3.1±2.5 yıl olarak hesaplandı. Huzurevinde kalan yaşlıların %17.6’si sigara, %14.3’ü Maraş otu olmak üzere toplamda %31.9’u nikotin bağımlısı idi. Yaşlıların %80.2’sinin en az bir kronik hastalığı vardı. Katılımcıların kısa form-36 yaşam kalitesi ölçeğinin fiziksel sağlık özet skala puan ortalaması 42.25±13.04, mental sağlık özet skala puan ortalaması ise 44.98±9.89 olarak tespit edilmiştir.Sonuç: Elde ettiğimiz sonuçlar huzurevinde kalan yaşlıların yaşam kalitelerinin oldukça düşük olduğunu göstermektedir. Huzurevlerinde kalan yaşlıların yaşam kalitelerinin ve yaşam kalitelerini etkileyecek tüm değişkenlerin incelenmesi bu alandaki müdahaleler için veri sağlayacaktır. Bu veriler ışığında huzurevinde kalan yaşlıların yaşam kalitelerini arttırmaya yönelik faaliyetlere hız verilmesi gerekmektedir.
Wildlife Gardening and Connectedness to Nature: Engaging the Unengaged
Authors: Shaw Amy , Miller Kelly , Wescott Geoff
Published: June 2013

An often overlooked impact of urbanisation is a reduction in our ability to connect with nature in our daily lives. If people lose the ability to connect with nature we run the risk of creating a nature-disconnect, which is hypothesised to have an impact on our empathy for other species and our desire to help conservation efforts. Understanding how a sense of connection with nature can impact upon people's decisions to seek out nature in their daily lives is important if we wish to encourage the practice of wildlife gardening as a tool to enhance both urban biodiversity and connectedness to nature. This study targeted members of wildlife gardening programmes (n=261) and members of the general public (n=417) and provides empirical evidence that connectedness to nature is a primitive belief, but also shows that a strong sense of connection with nature is not a prerequisite for engaging in wildlife gardening.
New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer
Authors: Schneider David F. , Chen Herbert
Published: June 2013

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Thyroid cancer exists in several forms. Differentiated thyroid cancers include those with papillary and follicular histologies. These tumors exist along a spectrum of differentiation, and their incidence continues to climb. A number of advances in the diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers now exist. These include molecular diagnostics and more advanced strategies for risk stratification. Medullary cancer arises from the parafollicular cells and not the follicular cells. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment differs from those of differentiated thyroid tumors. Genetic testing and newer adjuvant therapies have changed the diagnosis and treatment of medullary thyroid cancer. This review will focus on the epidemiology, diagnosis, workup, and treatment of both differentiated and medullary thyroid cancers, focusing specifically on newer developments in the field. CA Cancer J Clin 2013;63:373‐394. ©2013 American Cancer Society, Inc.
A postmortem study on the volume of the human adrenal glands
Authors: Siddiqua Dilruba , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Ara Shamim , Zohora Fatema , Hena Hasna , Pervin Shahnaj
Published: June 2013

Objective: A Cross-sectional descriptive type of study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2009, to see the variation in the volume of the adrenal glands with age in Bangladeshi people. Materials & Methods: The study was performed on 140 post mortem human adrenal glands collected from 70 unclaimed dead bodies which were in the morgue under examination in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into four age-groups including group A (11-20 years), group B (21-30 years), group C (31-40 years) & group D (41-60 years). The length, breadth and thickness of each adrenal gland were measured by using a slide calipers. Then the volume of each adrenal gland was determined by the product of its length, breadth and thickness multiplied by 0.52, according to the prolate ellipsoid formula. Results: The mean volume of the right adrenal glands were found 6.36±0.85 cm3 in group A (11-20 years), 6.49±0.76 cm3 in group B (21-30 years), 6.50±0.80 cm3 in group C (31-40 years), 6.76±0.79 cm3 in group D (41-60 years). The mean volume of the left adrenal glands were found 6.97±1.02 cm3 in group A (11-20 years),6.93 ±0.83 cm3 in group B (21-30 years), 6.65±0.79 cm3 in group C (31- 40 years), 7.09±0.81 cm3 in group D (41-60 years). The differences between the right and left adrenal glands and the difference between age groups were not statistically significant. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July 13 Page 282-285 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.15425
Isolation of chemically resistant bacterial strains from industrially polluted water body
Authors: Mahmud Moehammad Showkat
Published: June 2013

Background: Untreated disposal of chemical waste poses serious environmental hazard. An attempt was made towards presumptive identification of the major genera of microbial contaminants found in a natural pond that receives waste from a pharmaceutical industry of Gonoshasthaya Antibiotic Ltd. during the period of 2008 to 2009. Methodology: Water sample was collected and physical parameters were determined. Results: A total of 38 bacterial isolates were found from surface water, deep layer water and sediment soil but only five isolates were found to resist up to 0.1 mg/ml of phenol. Microscopic and biochemical test of five isolates presumptively identified them Staphylococcus sp, Sporosarcina sp, Bacillus sp and members of family Enterobacteriaceae. All five isolates were resistant to Amoxycillin (30?g), Erythromycin (15?g), and Penicillin-G (10units). Conclusion: Resistance against common therapeutic antibiotics indicates possible epidemiological risk. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July 13 Page 310-314 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.15431
Paraspinal Extraosseous Ewing's Sarcoma With Disseminated Metastases Masquerading As Pott's Spine
Authors: Sajid Ansari , Kaleem Ahmad , Farid Amanullah Md. , Kanchan Dhungel , Kumar Gupta Mukesh , Rauiyar RK
Published: June 2013

A 16 years old girl presented with low back pain, fever and weakness in both lower limbs for 3 months. Plain radiograph shows lytic lesion in first sacral vertebra and multiple lung nodules. In suspicion of tuberculosis, antitubercular drugs were advised. But magnetic resonance imaging revealed right paraspinal soft tissue mass with multiple lesions in several vertebrae causing spinal canal compression alongwith lesions in iliac bones, sacrum, lung parenchyma and scalp tissue. Fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsy revealed Ewings sarcoma. Patient was referred to higher centre for chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Herein we report this rare case of extraosseous Ewings sarcoma with disseminated metastases masquerading as Potts spine. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July 13 Page 334-338 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.15447
Assessment of the production performance and economic efficiencies of available chicken breeds (Gallus domesticus L.) in Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Datta Ripon Kumar , Islam M Saiful , Kabir Md Ashraful
Published: June 2013

Production performance and economic efficiencies of broiler of Cobb 500, cockerel of ISA Brown, Fayoumi, and RIR (Rhode Island Red) and Sonali (derived from RIR? × Fayoumi?) available in Rajshahi were investigated. Identical care and management practices were provided to chickens of all genetic groups reared for meat and egg production. Performance of four meat purpose chickens viz., Cobb 500, ISA Brown, Fayoumi and Sonali were evaluated in terms of such important parameters as initial body weight (IBW), 5-wk rearing period (RP), achieved body weight (ABW), feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Performance of three egg purpose chickens viz. Fayoumi, RIR and Sonali included weight of day-old chick (WDOC), growth rate (GR), death rate (DR), fertility (FR), hatchability (HT), first laying age (FLA) and monthly egg production (MEP). Economic efficiency parameters viz., total cost (TC), gross return (GRR), net return (NR) and cost-benefit ratio (CBR) were calculated for both types. In terms of FI, FCR and BWG values, broiler of Cobb 500 was the best preferred and cockerel of ISA Brown the least preferred chicken. Conversely, in terms of the CBR values for meat producers, the cockerel of ISA White (1.58) was the best and the broiler of Cobb 500 (1.15) the worst. Taking the FLA and MEP into account, RIR topped the list (19.1 wks and 23 eggs per month) whereas Cobb 500 ranked at the bottom (25.2 wks and 16 eggs per month). CBR for egg productivity, on the other hand, was highest in Sonali (1.11) followed by RIR and Fayoumi (1.10 each) and Cobb 500 (1.09). As regards the meat productivity, significant correlations existed between TC and NR for all chickens except Sonali, which exhibited a negative correlation between the traits. Negative and non-significant associations prevailed for egg productivity in all the chickens. Although broiler of Cobb 500 was found to be the most popular for meat and RIR for egg, the cockerel of ISA Brown was the chicken that earned the maximum CBR.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15374Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 13-18
Anotated checklist of birds of Rajshahi University campus: An update
Authors: Reza AM Saleh , Hasan Md Ariful , Hossain Mosarraf , Parween Selina
Published: June 2013

The result of bird watching at Rajshahi University (RU) campus during a period from March 2008 to July 2012 is presented in this article. A total of 159 species of birds under 102 genera, 36 families and 13 orders were observed. Highest number of species (76) and genera (41) are passerines, of which the highest number of species belongs to Corvidae family. Among the non-passerines (83 species) maximum number of species is under the family Ardeidae. Three species remained unidentified. Among the birds of RU campus 121 species are residents of Bangladesh; 38 species are migratory, of which 29 are winter visitors, 2 are summer visitors and 7 are passage migrants. Maximum of the bird species are habitants of the open woods.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15399Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 39-47
Examining Adjustment Challenges of Mainland Chinese Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Alan Chi Keung , Wong Jocelyn Lai Ngok
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to examine major adjustment challenges facing mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong. Even though a large amount of studies have been carried out to understand adjustment issues of mainland Chinese students studying overseas, few are with students in Hong Kong. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the major adjustment issues of this particular group. The current study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods and included over 300 mainland Chinese students studying in seven major government-funded universities. The findings of this study point to the need that individual tertiary institutions and the Hong Kong government should step up their effort in responding sufficiently and flexibly in meeting the critical needs of these mainland Chinese students by paying additional attention to the quality and accessibility of both education-related services and non-education factors.
Quantitative single particle analysis with the Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer: development of a new classification algorithm and its application to field data
Authors: Freutel F. , Drewnick F. , Schneider J. , Klimach T. , Borrmann S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Single particle mass spectrometry has proven a valuable tool for gaining information on the mixing state of aerosol particles. With the Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) equipped with a light scattering probe, non-refractory components of submicron particles with diameters larger than about 300 nm can even be quantified on a single particle basis. Here, we present a new method for the analysis of AMS single particle mass spectra. The developed algorithm classifies the particles according to their components (e.g., sulphate, nitrate, different types of organics) and simultaneously provides quantitative information about the composition of the single particles. This classification algorithm was validated by applying it to data acquired in laboratory experiments with particles of known composition, and applied to field data acquired during the MEGAPOLI summer campaign (July 2009) in Paris. As shown, it is not only possible to directly measure the mixing state of atmospheric particles, but also to directly observe repartitioning of semi-volatile species between gas and particle phase during the course of the day.
A satellite-based snow cover climatology (1985–2011) for the European Alps derived from AVHRR data
Authors: Hüsler F. , Jonas T. , Riffler M. , Musial J. P. , Wunderle S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Seasonal snow cover is of great environmental and socio-economic importance for the European Alps. Therefore a high priority has been assigned to quantifying its temporal and spatial variability. Complementary to land-based monitoring networks, optical satellite observations can be used to derive spatially comprehensive information on snow cover extent. For understanding long-term changes in alpine snow cover extent, the data acquired by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensors mounted onboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and Meteorological Operational satellite (MetOp) platforms offer a~unique source of information. In this paper, we present the first space-borne 1 km snow extent climatology for the Alpine region derived from AVHRR data over the period 1985–2011. The objective of this study is twofold: first, to generate a new set of cloud-free satellite snow products using a specific cloud gap-filling technique and second, to examine the spatiotemporal distribution of snow cover in the European Alps over the last 27 yr from the satellite perspective. For this purpose, snow parameters such as snow onset day, snow cover duration (SCD), melt-out date and the snow cover area percentage (SCA) were employed to analyze spatio-temporal variability of snow cover over the course of 3 decades. On the regional scale, significant trends were found toward a shorter SCD at lower elevations in the south-east and south-west. However, our results do not show any significant trends in the monthly mean SCA over the last 27 yr. This is in agreement with other research findings and may indicate a~deceleration of the decreasing snow trend in the Alpine region. Given the importance of mountain regions for climate change assessment, this study recommends the complementary use of remote sensing data for long-term snow applications. It bears the potential to provide spatially and temporally comprehensive snow information for use in related research fields or to serve as a reference for climate models.
Sustainable Intensification: A Case for Innovation in Science and Policy
Authors: Elliott John , Firbank Les
Published: June 2013

Several recent influential reports (for example, Royal Society, 2009; Foresight, 2011) have suggested that, in response to expected food shortages and ongoing environmental degradation, a policy of sustainable intensification of agriculture should be pursued. Such a policy would involve producing more food without expanding the area under cultivation and without adverse environmental impact. This is in many respects a new way of approaching food production, which will require scientific innovation and technology adoption, but also an appropriate policy framework to elicit an appropriate response in appropriate locations to secure other ecosystem services (Godfray et al, 2010).
Evaluating Multifunctional Agriculture in Dalishu, China
Authors: Zheng Liaoji , Liu HuiQing
Published: June 2013

This paper evaluates multifunctional agriculture using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis combined with an analytic network process (ANP) method. The integrated approach is preferred because it quantifies the intensities of the respective strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and provides a more effective evaluation than SWOT or ANP used in isolation. The results show that the economic function is stronger than the residential, environmental or leisure functions in Dalishu village, Liaoning province, China. The analysis contributes to our understanding of the consequences of agricultural environmental policies for the conservation of multifunctional agriculture in rural areas.
Integrated Agricultural Development in High-Altitude Tribal Areas
Authors: Das Anup , Munda G.C. , Thakur N.S. Azad , Lal B. , Ghosh P.K. , Ngachan S.V. , Bujarbaruah K.M. , Yadav R.K. , Mahapatra B.K. , Das S.K. , Dutta K.K.
Published: June 2013

A high-altitude (> 1,500 m asl) integrated participatory watershed development programme was implemented between 2004 and 2008 in the West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, North-Eastern Indian Himalaya. The aim was to assess and refine practices for integrating crop, fish and livestock production systems. Soil and water conservation measures, with the active participation of local inhabitants, included the construction and renovation of ponds, jalkunds (micro rainwater-harvesting structures) and bench and half-moon terraces. Impact analysis revealed that 4.3 million litres of water were harvested and enhanced potato and rice crop productivity by 30% to 40% and 45% to 50% respectively. Farmers are now able to earn net incomes of around $56.8 and $8.9 per month from community dairy units and fish ponds respectively.
The Impact of Second Home Tourism on Local Economic Development in Rural Areas in Norway
Authors: Velvin Jan , Kvikstad Tor Martin , Drag Eivind , Krogh Erling
Published: June 2013

Over recent decades, rural–urban migration and a decrease in wealth have been major challenges faced by European rural areas. Maintaining urban and rural settlements throughout the country has been an important aim of Norwegian regional politics. This paper assesses the impact of second home tourism on local economic development in rural municipalities in Norway. The study is based on data collected as part of an ongoing research project initiated in 2002. Having developed and tested a model consisting of socio-economic factors and factors associated with the second home as such, the authors examine how and to what extent these factors explain the impact of second home tourism on local economic growth. They find that the size and standard of the recreational home are important factors in explaining variations in annual consumption by second home owners, and more so in rural communities with a broad and well-structured trading activity than in areas with a weaker trading structure. It appears that urban recreational tourism based on second homes of high standard offers the best potential for sustainable local rural economic growth. Based on their findings, the authors also discuss possible local government strategies to achieve economic growth through second home tourism.
Short-Term Debt and Firm Performance in the US Restaurant Industry: The Moderating Role of Economic Conditions
Authors: Lee Seoki , Dalbor Michael C.
Published: June 2013

Based on the strategic debt argument, this study hypothesizes that short-term debt generally leads a restaurant firm to poor performance due to the lack of a strategic approach from using short-term debt. The study further examines the moderating role of economic conditions in the relationship between short-term debt and firm performance through a pooled regression analysis with heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors. The data are from publicly traded US restaurant firms for the period 1990–2009. The findings support the research hypothesis that short-term debt in general has a negative impact on the performance of restaurant firms, while the negative effects are significantly reduced during economic downturns.
Effects of Hotel Discounting Practice on Visitors' Perceptions and Visitation Intentions
Authors: Sheridan Michael F. , Lee Seoki , Roehl Wesley
Published: June 2013

This paper examines the effects of hotels' discounting practice on potential travellers' perceptions of a destination and their visitation intentions. The study adopts an experimental design, using a survey method with scenarios to accomplish its goal. The authors take Philadelphia as the destination and apply various statistical analyses to the data, including t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression. The findings suggest that a hotel's discounting practice does not hurt, but rather enhances potential visitors' perceptions of the destination.
Research Note: Evidence of Employment Niches in Tourism — An Intra-Regional Approach
Authors: Rived Rosa Aisa , Alvarez María A. González , Ballarín Gemma Larramona
Published: June 2013

This research note presents an analysis of tourism employment niches in the Autonomous Community of Aragón. First, a description of the sector at the county level is given, to explore differences and similarities across the 33 geographical counties of Aragón. Second, the authors identify tourism specializations in the local economy to determine whether the sector has the potential to provide a stable or growing base for the future. Finally, they identify concrete employment opportunities in each region. The evidence confirms that regions with greater specialization are very active in generating employment and, interestingly, certain counties where the tourist sector is incipient emerge as employment niches for the most qualified workers.
An Analysis of Monetary Voluntary Contributions for Cultural Resources: The Case of the British Museum
Authors: Apostolakis Alexandros , Jaffry Shabbar
Published: June 2013

The study considers the factors affecting the levels of individual voluntary contributions for cultural tourist not-for-profit resources. The paper takes the British Museum (BM), London, as an example. The BM is the leading free-entry cultural tourist attraction in London. However, funding for the BM has decreased by over 30% in the past 10 years. The results illustrate the effect of formal and informal ‘communities of participation’ that generate obligations for voluntary contributions towards arts and cultural resources. The BM, the authors argue, should try to invest in cultural network enhancing infrastructure that could potentially encourage visitors to contribute voluntarily. It should also influence trust levels among potential donors by becoming more accountable. The authors argue that these policy initiatives could lower the transaction costs of pro-social behaviour.
Covariates of Repeat Tourism: An Endogenous Switching Poisson Model
Authors: Assaf A. George , Barros Carlos Pestana , Machado Luiz Pinto
Published: June 2013

This paper introduces the endogenous switching Poisson model to analyse the underlying reasons behind repeat visitation to Madeira Island. The advantage of the model is that it allows for both unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity in the covariates. Using data gathered by questionnaire, the authors confirm that the overall fit of the model is good and outperforms other related count data models. From the model estimation it is clear that the number of visits to Madeira Island is supported by multiple variables such as destination attributes, hotel facilities and travel cost, tourist motivation and tourist satisfaction. The related policy implications are derived.