bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of baclofen in combination with intensive rehabilitation in spastic cerebral palsy- a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Saha Narayan Chandra , Rahman Sohely , Hossain Md Shahadat , Islam Md Jahidul , Islam Md Sohailul , Halder Durba
Published: March 2015

Objective: To find out the combined efficacy of baclofen and intensive rehabilitation in the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted over 60 patients in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, between January and December 2011. The patient satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria was randomly enrolled into two groups; Group A (case) included 30 patients received only intensive rehabilitation and Group B (control) included 30 patients who received baclofen orally two times daily according to the body weight regularly in combination with intensive rehabilitation 1 hour daily five times a week for 24 weeks. All patients were followed up at 4 weeks interval and were evaluated for a total of 24 weeks. Results: Combination of baclofen and intensive rehabilitation has superior efficacy in reducing tone in spastic cerebral palsy over only rehabilitation measured by using Modified Ashworth scale (p<0.001). Combination of baclofen and intensive rehabilitation is also superior in physician rating scale crouch (p<0.0001) and foot contact, (p<0.0001) and also improvement in gross motor function (p<0.01). Conclusion: Combination of baclofen and intensive rehabilitation group has superior efficacy than only rehabilitation group for reduction of generalized spasticity regarding muscle tone, range of motion of the joint and improvement of gait in cerebral palsy patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22688 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 18-23
Timely relaparotomy after caesarean section of a moribund patient can save the life
Authors: Saha Mukti Rani , Ara Iffat , Roy Suvash Chandra , Saha Tapan Kumer , Paul Nandita , Saha Tarun Kumar
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to find out the outcome of cases requiring relaparotomy following caesarean delivery during the puerperium. This was a retrospective descriptive study set in a tertiary referral and teaching hospital i.e. Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Over a period of one year from January 1st to 31st December 2010, there were 5027 caesarean deliveries (53%-94%) out of a total of 9320 deliveries. Relaparotomy was done in 48 patients (0.95%) of the caesarean sections. The indications of repeat laparotomy were secondary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in 28 cases (58.33%), primary PPH due to uterine atony in 15 cases (31.3%), uterine sepsis with haemorrhage in 2 cases (4.17%), rectus sheath haemotoma in 2 cases (4.13%), internal haemorrhage after caesarean section in 1 case (2.08%). Of these 48 cases, in14 cases, primary caesarean section was done in this institution while 34 had caesarean delivery at other hospitals and clinics at (13 cases) and outside Dhaka (21 cases). Main surgeries performed at relaparotomy were subtotal hysterectomy in 29 cases, total hysterectomy in 9 cases, drainage of haematoma and peritoneal toileting in 4 cases, resuturing of uterine incisions in 5 cases, internal iliac arteries in 1 case. More than one procedure was often performed in one case. There were 6 maternal deaths following relaparotomy caused by shock following PPH, septicaemia and internal haemorrhage. Repeat laparotomy within six weeks of caesarean delivery was required 1 in 200 cases in this institute. Case fatality rate was (12.5%). Near miss fatalities were common. Majority on these were preventable. Identification of risk factors, adequate attention during primary surgery, expert decision, prompt intervention and proper case management during relaparotomy will improve the outcome. Centers carrying out caesarean section should have efficient blood transfusion service in the first place. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22693 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 41-47
Percutaneous needle tenotomy for Ponseti technique in the management of Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Shahriar , Alam Md Khorshed , Shahiduzzaman Md , Rahman Arebia
Published: March 2015

Background: The Ponseti method has become established treatment of choice in the management of clubfoot i.e. congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV). Tenotomy of Tendo-achillis often is required as last step of ponseti method of treatment. This procedural note describes a simple method of doing a percutaneous tenotomy of Tendo-achilles. Methods: In Orthopedics OPD of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, percutaneous needle tenotomy was done in 70 feet of 52 patients from September 2013 to May 2014 by the same orthopedic surgeons for the management of CTEV by Ponseti technique. Results: We have found this technique is very effective than the commonly practiced percutaneous blade tenotomy or open tenotomy. Conclusion: This simple method of tenotomy using a wide bore needle during treatment of clubfoot in children can be a good surgical option. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22695 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 55-59
Study of serum FT3, FT4 and TSH in pregnant women
Authors: Yeasmin Shahanara , Hossain AFM Anwar , Yeasmin Tahmina , Amin Md Ruhul , Akhter Qazi Shamima , Kader Md Abdul , Kamal Mostafa
Published: March 2015

Background: Thyroid diseases have a strong predominance in woman of childbearing age. Pregnancy may be associated with thyroid dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to assess the serum FT3, FT4 and TSH levels in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was done in the Department of Physiology of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2006 to June 2007. Total 50 apparently healthy women of low socioeconomic class, age ranged from 18-40 years were selected from the Outpatient Department of Urban Primary Health Care Project (UPHCP) at Mirpur, Dhaka. Out of them 30 pregnant women of different trimester were taken as study group (group A) and 20 age matched non pregnant women were taken as control (group B). Serum FT3, FT4 and TSH levels were parameters in both groups. Statistical analysis was done by the SPSS version 12.0. Results: The mean serum FT3 levels were 6.36±1.16 pmol/L and 6.381.36 pmol/L in group A (Study) and group B (control) respectively. The mean serum FT4 levels were 20.25±4.77 pmol/L and 19.39±8.17 pmol/L in group A (Study) and group B (control) respectively. The mean serum TSH levels were 0.96±0.96 mIu/L and 1.27±0.86 mIu/L in group A (Study) and group B (control) respectively. The difference was not significant (p>0.05) between group A and B. Conclusion: From the results obtained in the present study, it may be concluded that there is no change of serum FT3, FT4 and TSH level in pregnancy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22697 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 68-72
A postmortem study on the volume of the human kidney
Authors: Johora Fatema , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Siddiqua Dilruba , Hena Hasna , Ara Shamim
Published: March 2015

Context: Kidney volume is a sensitive index of kidney size for the detection of renal abnormalities. It is also excellent predictor of renal function and correlates very well with body indexes. The present study was done on cadaveric specimens to see the age related changes in the volume of the kidney in a Bangladeshi population and to compare with the previous local and foreign studies. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2008 to June 2009, based on collection of 140 post mortem human kidneys from 70 unclaimed dead bodies which were in the morgue under examination in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. All the samples were divided into three age groups including A (10-19 years), B (20-39 years) and C (40-59 years). The length, breadth and thickness of each kidney were measured by using a slide calipers and recorded. Then the volume was determined by using prolate ellipsoid formula i.e. length × breadth × thickness × 0.52. Results: The volume of the right and left kidneys were found 54.46±4.02 cm3 and 53.15±1.98 cm3 in group A, 78.31±10.41 cm3 and 75.90±8.32 cm3 in group B, 74.47±6.22 cm3 and 73.34±6.80 cm3 in group C. No statistically significant difference was found between the right and the left kidney in any group. However, statistically significant differences were evident between A & B and A & C (P<0.001). Conclusion: No difference was found in volume between the right and the left kidney in any group. However, kidney volume was found to increase with advancing age in apparently healthy Bangladeshi people. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22698 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 73-77
Study on neuromuscular manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus - a study of 100 cases
Authors: Sardar Md Hafiz , Hossain Mohammad Murad , Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Bari Anwarul
Published: March 2015

Background: There are common, important and various types of relationships between DM and NMM. The aim of this study was to find out patterns of NMM in diabetic patients and to find out a strategy to improve the outcome of the neuromuscular (NM) complications in patient with Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: The results were based on hospital based observational data from 100 consecutive patients, both men and women (aged e14 to 70 years) with diabetes with neuro-muscular (NM) manifestations. Patients were assessed by a meticulous history, relevant general and systemic examination and with the aid of NM Function Assessment, appropriate investigations and semi structured questionnaire. This study was done in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, from January to June of 2013. Results: Neuromuscular disorders are a common finding among patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus but more common in type 2. DM was associated with some of NMM. Among the100 diabetic patients who were screened, exhibit neuromuscular abnormalities, mainly various types of peripheral neuropathies and muscular abnormalities, like diabetic muscular infarction and diabetic amyotrophy. The association between widespread NMMs and DM was most evident among the group of individuals aged around 50 years with type 2 DM. Conclusion: In this hospital based observational study, NM abnormalities, mainly of the sensory-motor type of peripheral neuropathy and few cases of muscular abnormalities are found. The information thus gathered may provide useful guidelines for diabetic patients with neuromuscular manifestations &thus sufferings of the patients can be reduced. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22700 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 84-88
An audit of patients referred for nerve conduction study in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Rajib Nayan , Hussain Md Enayet , Islam Md Nahidul , Hosen Mostafa , Khan AFM Al Masum , Mian Md Ferdous , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Mondal Md Badrul Alam , Mohammad Quazi Deen
Published: March 2015

Background: To examine the pattern and burden of neurologic disorders at electrophysiology lab of a tertiary care centre. Methodology: This retrospective chart review was carried out from the records and notes of electrophysiology lab in National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS) from January to December 2013. A total of 1372 patients were evaluated with nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) during this period. Result: Majority of the patients (67.6%) presented after forty with a mean age at presentation of 48.11±17.3 years. The male patients (55.2%) predominated. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was the most common condition (19.2%) observed, followed by different form of polyneuropathy namely Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) (6.04% with 50% being Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (3.27%), sensory motor polyneuropathy 3.13% and multifocal acquired motor axonopathy (MAMA) 2.55%. Though plexopathy and radiculopathy were rare (1.09 and 0.94% respectively), anterior horn cell disease was not that uncommon (8.73%). Disorders of muscle and neuromuscular junction (myasthenia gravis) were seen in 5.1% and 1.89% patient. Other various conditions (e.g. stroke, cerebral palsy, myelopathy) were observed in 10.05%. NCS and EMG were found to be normal in 270 patients (19.6%). Conclusion: Wide ranges of neurological problems are often referred to electrophysiology lab. Where ever the facilities and expert hands are available, these tests can help in diagnosing and classifying these cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22703 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 102-108
Pattern of contraceptive use among women of different ages: a hospital based study
Authors: Rahman Jahanara , Sultana Nasreen , Nazneen Khadiza , Wahab Farhana , Wazed Feroza , Begum Hosne Ara
Published: March 2015

Background: Contraceptives not only prevent unplanned pregnancy but also enhance the quality of life. Choice of contraceptive varies from person to person. Objectives: To observe the type of contraceptive chosen by women, to determine the sociodemographic status of women sought contraceptive and to detect the pattern of contraceptive selection by women of different age. Methods: It was a cross sectional, observational, descriptive type of study performed at Family Planning Unit of Dhaka National Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, between May 2005 and April 2006. No sampling technique was applied in the study. All clients sought contraceptive methods were recruited for the study purposively. A total 3392 respondents was included in the study. The socio-demographic status and obstetrical history and choice of contraceptives of the clients were recorded and data were analysed. Results: Age of the clients ranges between 16 to 49 years. Among the respondents 95.43% were parous. The educational status showed 44.30% were illiterate and 48.23%, 5.02% 2.41% has got primary, secondary, higher secondary and above education respectively. Among the available methods of contraceptives of this Family Planning Unit, Injectable Depot Medroxy Progesterone Acetate (DMPA) and Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) pill were chosen by 50.65% (n= 1718) and 40.60% (n=1379) of respondents respectively. Intrauterine contraceptive Device (IUCD) and barrier method was chosen by 4.75% (n=160) and 3.98% (n=135) respondents respectively. It was observed that highest number of the clients was between the age 25 and 34 years. They were found at the top of using each type of contraceptive. The study reveals that a few older women (n=21) sought contraceptives and their choice of contraceptives were confined to COC and Barrier method only. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22704 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 109-113
Isolated hepatic Tuberculosis
Authors: Azad Khan Abul Kalam , Mallik Md Uzzwal , Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Shayekh Abdullah , Alam ASM Moinul , Sarker Partha Sarathi
Published: March 2015

Pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the commonest infectious diseases in developing countries including Bangladesh. Hepatic involvement is common in disseminated tuberculosis which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. But isolated hepatic TB without any symptoms is a rare presentation. We report a case of isolated hepatic TB in a 40 year old housewife who presented with low grade fever, vague abdominal pain and weight loss. She had no pulmonary or hepatic complains. We diagnosed the case when ultrasonogram of abdomen showed multiple space occupying lesions from where FNAC was done and sent for histopathology and Z-N staining and revealed hepatic TB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22706 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 121-123
Castlemans disease: a rare presentation of cervical Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Das Partha Pratim , Biswas Sarmistha , Mondal Shekhar Kumar , Islam Md Daharul
Published: March 2015

Castlemans disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Castlemans disease is a disease which involves massive non-malignant proliferation of lymphoid tissues that usually presents as mediastinal masses as well as other groups of lymphnodes. That is why, sometimes, confusion may arise whether the lymphadenopathy is benign or malignant. However, some authors describes, histologically and prognostically Castlemans disease is distinct from malignant lymph-node hyperplasia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22707 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 124-127
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve  a case report
Authors: Amin Md Rasul , Hasan Md Nazmul , Begum Masuma , Mehedi Md Tarique
Published: March 2015

Among all the congenital heart disease, bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) are cardiac valvular anomaly, occurring in 12% of the general population. It is twice as common in males as in females. In many cases, a bicuspid aortic valve will cause no problems. However, BAV may become calcified later in life, which may lead to varying degrees of severity of aortic stenosis that will manifest as murmurs. If the leaflets do not close correctly, aortic regurgitation can occur. These mixed clinical finding sometimes confuses physician and culminating to considering other differentials, needs further more subsequent investigation and imaging, thus prolonging evaluation time and delaying decision making for treatment plan. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22708 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 128-130
A rare case in Bangladesh - Behçets disease
Authors: Azad Khan Abul Kalam , Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Nahaarin Kashafia , Kabir Humayon , Hossain Enayet
Published: March 2015

This was a case of a 21 years old young man presenting with recurrent oral and genital ulcers, multiple nodules over all the four limbs and lower limbs pain. However, as these were so much painful, it hampered his daily life. We were also in doubt that whether this was really Behcets disease. We finally could diagnose it which was rare in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22710 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 134-139
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Islam Md Rashidul , Hossain Md Shahadat , Sheikh Md Shahadot Hossain , Rahman Md Rayhanur , Lima Ismat Jahan , Khatun Shima Akter , Kashem Md Abul
Published: March 2015

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is characterized mainly by the presence of hamartomatous polyposis of gastrointestinal tract and melanin spots on the lips and buccal mucosa. The polyps are mostly found in the small bowel and less frequently seen in the stomach and colon. Intestinal polyps in short term may cause chronic bleeding, intestinal occlusion and intussusceptions. There is small but significant risk of small bowel adenocarcinoma, cancer of pancreas, breast, ovary and endometrium. A case of peutz-jeghers syndrome was presented with a complaint of episodes of colicky abdominal pain and vomiting; small bowel intussusception was diagnosed and an operation was performed in Colorectal Surgery unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital, Dhaka, jejuno-ileo-caecal polyps were removed by enterotomy. On discharge she was instructed to attend our unit four weeks later for colonoscopic removal of sigmoid polyps and also advised to attend breast and cervical screening program. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22714 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 147-150
Family Trees: Roots and Branches – The Dynasty and Legacy of the Reverend Tiyo Soga
Authors: Davis Joanne
Published: March 2015

The Reverend Tiyo Soga, ordained as a minister in the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland in December 1856, is a remarkable figure in many ways. However, one area not yet commented on in the scholarly literature on Soga is the legacy of his family within the ministry. This paper examines the role of Soga's parents, ‘Old Soga’ and NoSuthu, in his conversion and introduces his wife, Janet Soga, and their seven surviving children, of whom two sons – William Anderson and John Henderson – were ordained ministers and missionaries, and two daughters – Isabelle McFarlane and Francis Maria Anne – worked in missions in the Eastern Cape. The three remaining Soga siblings, who did not go in for the ministry, nonetheless led full and interesting lives. Kirkland Allan was a pioneer of the now ruling African National Congress, Festiri Jotelo was the first South African veterinary surgeon, and Jessie Margaret was a pianist and music teacher in Scotland, where she looked after Janet Soga after they moved to Dollar following Soga's death. In addition, Soga's nephew and namesake, Tiyo Burnside Soga, became an ordained minister and a writer, and since then, several of Soga's great- and great-great-grandchildren have become ministers. This paper seeks to situate the Soga family as a powerful family in South African religious history and its intelligentsia.
A Stable Gaussian Fitting Procedure for the Parameterization of Remote Sensed Thermal Images
Authors: Anniballe Roberta , Bonafoni Stefania
Published: March 2015

An image analysis procedure based on a two dimensional Gaussian fitting is presented and applied to satellite maps describing the surface urban heat island (SUHI). The application of this fitting technique allows us to parameterize the SUHI pattern in order to better understand its intensity trend and also to perform quantitative comparisons among different images in time and space. The proposed procedure is computationally rapid and stable, executing an initial guess parameter estimation by a multiple regression before the iterative nonlinear fitting. The Gaussian fit was applied to both low and high resolution images (1 km and 30 m pixel size) and the results of the SUHI parameterization shown. As expected, a reduction of the correlation coefficient between the map values and the Gaussian surface was observed for the image with the higher spatial resolution due to the greater variability of the SUHI values. Since the fitting procedure provides a smoothed Gaussian surface, it has better performance when applied to low resolution images, even if the reliability of the SUHI pattern representation can be preserved also for high resolution images.
Probabilistic Analysis of Drought Spatiotemporal Characteristics in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Metropolitan Area in China
Authors: Cai Wanyuan , Zhang Yuhu , Yao Yunjun , Chen Qiuhua
Published: March 2015

The temporal and spatial characteristics of meteorological drought have been investigated to provide a framework of methodologies for the analysis of drought in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei metropolitan area (BTHMA) in China. Using the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) as an indicator of drought severity, the characteristics of droughts have been examined. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei metropolitan area was divided into 253 grid-cells of 27 × 27km and monthly precipitation data for the period of 1960–2010 from 33 meteorological stations were used for global interpolation of precipitation using spatial co-ordinate data. Drought severity was assessed from the estimated gridded RDI values at multiple time scales. Firstly, the temporal and spatial characteristics of droughts were analyzed, and then drought severity-areal extent-frequency (SAF) annual curves were developed. The analysis indicated that the frequency of moderate and severe droughts was about 9.10% in the BTHMA. Using the SAF curves, the return period of selected severe drought events was assessed. The identification of the temporal and spatial characteristics of droughts in the BTHMA will be useful for the development of a drought preparedness plan in the region.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS): Two Overlapping Disorders Reviewed through Electroencephalography—What Can be Interpreted from the Available Information?
Authors: Devitt Niamh , Gallagher Louise , Reilly Richard
Published: March 2015

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are neurodevelopmental disorders with different but potentially related neurobiological underpinnings, which exhibit significant overlap in their behavioural symptoms. FXS is a neurogenetic disorder of known cause whereas ASD is a complex genetic disorder, with both rare and common genetic risk factors and likely genetic and environmental interaction effects. A comparison of the phenotypic presentation of the two disorders may highlight those symptoms that are more likely to be under direct genetic control, for example in FXS as opposed to shared symptoms that are likely to be under the control of multiple mechanisms. This review is focused on the application and analysis of electroencephalography data (EEG) in ASD and FXS. Specifically, Event Related Potentials (ERP) and resting state studies (rEEG) studies investigating ASD and FXS cohorts are compared. This review explores the electrophysiological similarities and differences between the two disorders in addition to the potentially associated neurobiological mechanisms at play. A series of pertinent research questions which are suggested in the literature are also posed within the review.
Helicobacter pylori-Mediated Protection against Extra-Gastric Immune and Inflammatory Disorders: The Evidence and Controversies
Authors: Robinson Karen
Published: March 2015

A large number of studies link H. pylori infection with a reduced risk of developing extra-gastric conditions such as allergy, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis. The strength of the evidence for these protective associations is quite variable, and published studies often do not agree. This review article discusses some of the reasons for these discrepancies, and the difficulties faced when designing studies. Examples of some protective disease associations are described in detail, where the evidence is most abundant and thought to be more reliable. The most convincing of these are supported by published mechanistic data, for example with animal models, or incidence of disease exacerbation in humans following H. pylori eradication. Although controversial, this field is very important as the prevalence of H. pylori is decreasing throughout the world whilst many chronic diseases are becoming more common. These trends are likely to continue in the future, therefore it is important that we fully understand if and how H. pylori confers protection.
Analysis of Data Complexity in Human DNA for Gene-Containing Zone Prediction
Authors: Monge Ricardo , Crespo Juan
Published: March 2015

This study delves further into the analysis of genomic data by computing a variety of complexity measures. We analyze the effect of window size and evaluate the precision and recall of the prediction of gene zones, aided with a much larger dataset (full chromosomes). A technique based on the separation of two cases (gene-containing and non-gene-containing) has been developed as a basic gene predictor for automated DNA analysis. This predictor was tested on various sequences of human DNA obtained from public databases, in a set of three experiments. The first one covers window size and other parameters; the second one corresponds to an analysis of a full human chromosome (198 million nucleic acids); and the last one tests subject variability (with five different individual subjects). All three experiments have high-quality results, in terms of recall and precision, thus indicating the effectiveness of the predictor.
Localized Effects of Coarse Woody Material on Soil Oribatid Communities Diminish over 700 Years of Stand Development in Black-Spruce-Feathermoss Forests
Authors: Doblas-Miranda Enrique , Work Timothy
Published: March 2015

In the black-spruce clay-belt region of Western Québec, soil nutrients are limited due to paludification. Under paludified conditions, nutrient subsidies from decomposing surface coarse woody material (CWM) may be important particularly during the later stages of ecosystem development when deadwood from senescent trees has accumulated. For soil organisms, CWM can alter microclimatic conditions and resource availability. We compared abundance and species richness of oribatid mites below or adjacent to CWM across a chronosequence which spans ca. 700 years of stand development. We hypothesized that oribatid abundance and richness would be greater under the logs, particularly in later stages of forest development when logs may act as localized sources of carbon and nutrients in the paludified substrate. However, oribatid density was lower directly under CWM than adjacent to CWM but these differences were attenuated with time. We suggest that oribatids may be affected by soil compaction and also that such microarthropods are most likely feeding on recently fallen leaf litter, which may be rendered inaccessible by the presence of overlying CWM. This may also explain the progressive decline in oribatid density and diversity with time, which are presumably caused by decreases in litter availability due to self-thinning and Sphagnum growth. This is also supported by changes of different oribatid trophic groups, as litter feeders maintain different numbers relative to CWM with time while more generalist fungi feeders only show differences related to position in the beginning of the succession.
Promote Health or Prevent Disease? The Effects of Health-Related Advertising on Eating Behavior Intention
Authors: Lin Chia-Yen
Published: March 2015

The health medical costs of colorectal cancer are increasingly higher in Taiwan. The National Health Insurance Administration (NHI) and The Health Promotion Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) in Taiwan encourage individuals to adopt an earnest approach to healthy behavior through advocacy advertising. However, the number of colorectal cancer patients continues to increase annually. Our study explored the effects of health-related advertisements (ads) on healthy behavior intentions as influenced by regulatory focus theory (RFT) and construal level theory (CLT). We conducted an experiment with different public health advocacy ads. A 2 (regulatory focus: promotion vs. prevention) × 2 (temporal distance: one month vs. one year) × 2 (graphics-text ratio: more pictures and less text vs. fewer pictures and more text) three-factor experiment was adopted. The multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) results revealed that ads with higher construal levels (i.e., more text) had greater effects with a promotion-oriented regulatory focus. However, no significant differences were found in either attitude toward the ads or behavior intention when the regulatory focus was prevention. In addition, according to the young testers and those who were psychologically distant from colorectal cancer, different temporal distances and different construal levels had no statistically significantly effects on attitudes toward advertising or on behavior intentions. The results revealed that viewers found the information easier to understand when the ads triggered the regulatory focuses of the viewers and applied an appropriate graphics-text ratio, which resulted in favorable health-related advertising effectiveness. Thus, we provide two suggestions regarding the use of health-related advertising for MOHW in the future.
An Analysis of the Influence of Selected Genetic and Hormonal Factors on the Occurrence of Depressive Symptoms in Late-Reproductive-Age Women
Authors: Jurczak Anna , Szkup Małgorzata , Samochowiec Agnieszka , Grzywacz Anna , Samochowiec Jerzy , Karakiewicz Beata , Dołęgowska Barbara , Grochans Elżbieta
Published: March 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of genetic and hormonal factors on incidences of depressive symptoms in late-reproductive-age women. Methods: The study was performed using the Beck Depression Inventory, the PCR, and genetic tests of 347 healthy late-reproductive-age Polish women. Results: The relationship between the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and depressive symptoms was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Increases in age and FSH levels were accompanied by a decrease in AMH level in a significant way (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant relationships between the distribution of genotypes and the frequency of alleles of the investigated polymorphisms and depressive symptoms according to the Beck Depression Inventory. Conclusions: (1) The presence of the s/s genotype of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter promoter region and the 3/3 genotype of the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A promoter region does not contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in late-reproductive-age women. (2) A relationship between the level of anti-Müllerian hormone and depressive symptoms was not confirmed in the group of healthy late-reproductive-age women. (3) AMH level correlates negatively with FSH level and age, which confirms that AMH can be regarded as a factor reflecting the ovarian reserve.
Effects of Aflatoxin B1 on T-Cell Subsets and mRNA Expression of Cytokines in the Intestine of Broilers
Authors: Jiang Min , Peng Xi , Fang Jing , Cui Hengmin , Yu Zhengqiang , Chen Zhengli
Published: March 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on T-cell subsets and mRNA expression of cytokines in the small intestine of broilers. One hundred and fifty-six one-day-old healthy Cobb broilers were randomly divided into control group (0 mg/kg AFB1) and AFB1 group (0.6 mg/kg AFB1) with three replicates per group and 26 birds per replicate for 21 days, respectively. At 7, 14, and 21 days of age, the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were sampled for analyzing T cell subsets (CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+) by flow cytometry as well as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ and TNF-α mRNA expression by qRT-PCR. The percentages of T-cells in the intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) of duodenum, jejunum and ileum in the AFB1 group showed a decreased tendency in comparison to the control group. The mRNA expression of cytokines in the three intestinal segments in the AFB1 group presented a general decline compared with the control groups. Our data demonstrated that 0.6 mg/kg AFB1 in the broilers diet could reduce the percentages of T-cell subsets and the expression level of cytokine mRNA in the small intestine, implying that the immune function of the intestinal mucosa might be affected. The reduction of cytokines mRNA expression may be closely associated with the decreased proportions of T cells subsets induced by AFB1.
Antiangiogenesis, Loss of Cell Adhesion and Apoptosis Are Involved in the Antitumoral Activity of Proteases from V. cundinamarcensis (C. candamarcensis) in Murine Melanoma B16F1
Authors: Dittz Dalton , Figueiredo Cinthia , Lemos Fernanda , Viana Celso , Andrade Silvia , Souza-Fagundes Elaine , Fujiwara Ricardo , Salas Carlos , Lopes Miriam
Published: March 2015

The proteolytic enzymes from V. cundinamarcensis latex, (P1G10), display healing activity in animal models following various types of lesions. P1G10 or the purified isoforms act as mitogens on fibroblast and epithelial cells by stimulating angiogenesis and wound healing in gastric and cutaneous ulcers models. Based on evidence that plant proteinases act as antitumorals, we verified this effect on a murine melanoma model. The antitumoral effect analyzed mice survival and tumor development after subcutaneous administration of P1G10 into C57BL/6J mice bearing B16F1 low metastatic melanoma. Possible factors involved in the antitumoral action were assessed, i.e., cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and apoptosis in vitro, haemoglobin (Hb), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity. We observed that P1G10 inhibited angiogenesis measured by the decline of Hb and VEGF within the tumor, and TGF-β displayed a non-significant increase and TNF-α showed a minor non-significant reduction. On the other hand, there was an increase in NAG activity. In treated B16F1 cells, apoptosis was induced along with decreased cell binding to extracellular matrix components (ECM) and anchorage, without impairing viability.
A Review of Pellets from Different Sources
Authors: Miranda Teresa , Montero Irene , Sepúlveda Francisco , Arranz José , Rojas Carmen , Nogales Sergio
Published: March 2015

The rise in pellet consumption has resulted in a wider variety of materials for pellet manufacture. Thus, pellet industry has started looking for alternative products, such as wastes from agricultural activities, forestry and related industries, along with the combination thereof, obtaining a broad range of these products. In addition, the entry into force of EN ISO 17225 standard makes wood pellet market (among other types) possible for industry and household purposes. Therefore, wastes that are suitable for biomass use have recently increased. In this study, the main characteristics of ten kinds of laboratory-made pellets from different raw materials were analyzed. Thus, we have focused on the most limiting factors of quality standards that determine the suitability for biomass market, depending on the kind of pellet. The results showed considerable differences among the analyzed pellets, exceeding the limits established by the standard in almost all cases, especially concerning ash content and N and S composition. The requirements of the studied standard, very demanding for certain factors, disable the entry of these densified wastes in greater added value markets.
Experimental Investigation on Cutting Characteristics in Nanometric Plunge-Cutting of BK7 and Fused Silica Glasses
Authors: An Qinglong , Ming Weiwei , Chen Ming
Published: March 2015

Ductile cutting are most widely used in fabricating high-quality optical glass components to achieve crack-free surfaces. For ultra-precision machining of brittle glass materials, critical undeformed chip thickness (CUCT) commonly plays a pivotal role in determining the transition point from ductile cutting to brittle cutting. In this research, cutting characteristics in nanometric cutting of BK7 and fused silica glasses, including machined surface morphology, surface roughness, cutting force and specific cutting energy, were investigated with nanometric plunge-cutting experiments. The same cutting speed of 300 mm/min was used in the experiments with single-crystal diamond tool. CUCT was determined according to the mentioned cutting characteristics. The results revealed that 320 nm was found as the CUCT in BK7 cutting and 50 nm was determined as the size effect of undeformed chip thickness. A high-quality machined surface could be obtained with the undeformed chip thickness between 50 and 320 nm at ductile cutting stage. Moreover, no CUCT was identified in fused silica cutting with the current cutting conditions, and brittle-fracture mechanism was confirmed as the predominant chip-separation mode throughout the nanometric cutting operation.
Durability Indicators Comparison for SCC and CC in Tropical Coastal Environments
Authors: Calado Carlos , Camões Aires , Monteiro Eliana , Helene Paulo , Barkokébas Béda
Published: March 2015

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) demands more studies of durability at higher temperatures when subjected to more aggressive environments in comparison to the conventional vibrated concrete (CC). This work aims at presenting results of durability indicators of SCC and CC, having the same water/binder relations and constituents. The applied methodologies were electrical resistivity, diffusion of chloride ions and accelerated carbonation experiments, among others, such as microstructure study, scanning electron microscope and microtomography experiments. The tests were performed in a research laboratory and at a construction site of the Pernambuco Arena. The obtained results shows that the SCC presents an average electrical resistivity 11.4% higher than CC; the average chloride ions diffusion was 63.3% of the CC; the average accelerated carbonation penetration was 45.8% of the CC; and the average open porosity was 55.6% of the CC. As the results demonstrated, the SCC can be more durable than CC, which contributes to elucidate the aspects related to its durability and consequent prolonged life cycle.
Influence of Molecular Weight and Degree of Deacetylation of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan on the Bioactivity of Oral Insulin Preparations
Authors: Qinna Nidal , Karwi Qutuba , Al-Jbour Nawzat , Al-Remawi Mayyas , Alhussainy Tawfiq , Al-So'ud Khaldoun , Omari Mahmoud , Badwan Adnan
Published: March 2015

The objective of the present study was to prepare and characterize low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) with different molecular weight and degrees of deacetylation (DDA) and to optimize their use in oral insulin nano delivery systems. Water in oil nanosized systems containing LMWC-insulin polyelectrolyte complexes were constructed and their ability to reduce blood glucose was assessed in vivo on diabetic rats. Upon acid depolymerization and testing by viscosity method, three molecular weights of LMWC namely, 1.3, 13 and 18 kDa were obtained. As for the DDA, three LMWCs of 55%, 80% and 100% DDA were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods for each molecular weight. The obtained LMWCs showed different morphological and in silico patterns. Following complexation of LMWCs with insulin, different aggregation sizes were obtained. Moreover, the in vivo tested formulations showed different activities of blood glucose reduction. The highest glucose reduction was achieved with 1.3 kDa LMWC of 55% DDA. The current study emphasizes the importance of optimizing the molecular weight along with the DDA of the incorporated LMWC in oral insulin delivery preparations in order to ensure the highest performance of such delivery systems.
Cytoprotective Effect of Hispidin against Palmitate-Induced Lipotoxicity in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Park Jun , Lee Jong , Song Jeong , Sim Ye , Ha Suk-Jin , Hong Eock
Published: March 2015

It is well known that Phellinus linteus, which produces hispidin and its derivatives, possesses antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated whether hispidin has protective effects on palmitate-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Our results showed that palmitate treatment in C2C12 myotubes increased ROS generation and cell death as compared with the control. However, pretreatment of hispidin for 8 h improved the survival of C2C12 myotubes against palmitate-induced oxidative stress via inhibition of intracellular ROS production. Hispidin also inhibited palmitate-induced apoptotic nuclear condensation in C2C12 myotubes. In addition, we found that hispidin can suppress cleavage of caspase-3, expression of Bax, and NF-κB translocation. Therefore, these results suggest that hispidin is capable of protecting C2C12 myotubes against palmitate-induced oxidative stress.
Gene Expression, Protein Function and Pathways of Arabidopsis thaliana Responding to Silver Nanoparticles in Comparison to Silver Ions, Cold, Salt, Drought, and Heat
Authors: Kohan-Baghkheirati Eisa , Geisler-Lee Jane
Published: March 2015

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in industry due to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, AgNPs have caused environmental concerns. To understand the risks of AgNPs, Arabidopsis microarray data for AgNP, Ag+, cold, salt, heat and drought stresses were analyzed. Up- and down-regulated genes of more than two-fold expression change were compared, while the encoded proteins of shared and unique genes between stresses were subjected to differential enrichment analyses. AgNPs affected the fewest genes (575) in the Arabidopsis genome, followed by Ag+ (1010), heat (1374), drought (1435), salt (4133) and cold (6536). More genes were up-regulated than down-regulated in AgNPs and Ag+ (438 and 780, respectively) while cold down-regulated the most genes (4022). Responses to AgNPs were more similar to those of Ag+ (464 shared genes), cold (202), and salt (163) than to drought (50) or heat (30); the genes in the first four stresses were enriched with 32 PFAM domains and 44 InterPro protein classes. Moreover, 111 genes were unique in AgNPs and they were enriched in three biological functions: response to fungal infection, anion transport, and cell wall/plasma membrane related. Despite shared similarity to Ag+, cold and salt stresses, AgNPs are a new stressor to Arabidopsis.
An Algorithm for Gross Primary Production (GPP) and Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) Estimations in the Midstream of the Heihe River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Xufeng , Cheng Guodong , Li Xin , Lu Ling , Ma Mingguo
Published: March 2015

An accurate estimation of carbon fluxes is very important in carbon cycle studies. A remote sensing based gross primary production (GPP) and net ecosystem production (NEP) algorithm, RS-CFLUX, was presented in this work. The algorithm was calibrated with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method at Daman superstation and Zhangye wetland station in the midstream of the Heihe River Basin. Results indicated that both of the stations present high GPP (1442.04 g C/m2/year at Daman superstation and 928.89 g C/m2/year at Zhangye wetland station) and NEP (409.38 g C/m2/year at Daman superstation and 422.60 g C/m2/year at Zhangye wetland station). The RS-CFLUX model can correctly simulate the seasonal dynamics and quantities of carbon fluxes at both stations, using photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference water index (NDWI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) as input. RS-CFLUX model were sensitive to maximum light use efficiency, respiration at reference temperature, activation energy parameter of respiration.
Estimation of Aerodynamic Roughness Length over Oasis in the Heihe River Basin by Utilizing Remote Sensing and Ground Data
Authors: Chen Qiting , Jia Li , Hutjes Ronald , Menenti Massimo
Published: March 2015

Most land surface models require information on aerodynamic roughness length and its temporal and spatial variability. This research presents a practical approach for determining the aerodynamic roughness length at fine temporal and spatial resolution over the landscape by combining remote sensing and ground measurements. The basic framework of Raupach, with the bulk surface parameters redefined by Jasinski et al., has been applied to optical remote sensing data collected by the HJ-1A/1B satellites. In addition, a method for estimating vegetation height was introduced to derive the aerodynamic roughness length, which is preferred by users over the height-normalized form. Finally, mapping different vegetation classes was validated taking advantage of the data-dense field experiments conducted in the Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER) project. Overall, the roughness model performed well against the measurements collected at most HiWATER flux tower sites. However, deviations still occurred at some sites, which have been further analyzed.