bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of adverse event reporting in companion animal clinical trials evaluating cancer treatment
Authors: Giuffrida Michelle A.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate methods used to ascertain, define, and report adverse events (AEs) in companion animal clinical trials involving cancer treatment.

DESIGN Systematic review.

SAMPLE English-language articles describing prospective clinical trials involving dogs and cats with naturally occurring cancer published in peer-reviewed journals between 2008 and 2014.

PROCEDURES Reports were identified via MEDLINE and CAB database searches combined with a hand-searching strategy. General article characteristics were abstracted and summarized. Data for AE reporting were collected with a 14-item checklist adapted from the 2004 CONSORT extension for reporting harms. Study characteristics associated with the AE reporting checklist score were identified by means of linear regression analysis.

RESULTS 168 articles with data for 6,132 animals were included. Standardized terminology was significantly more likely to be used to describe AEs for trials that included chemotherapy (92/115 [80.0%]) than for trials that did not (16/53 [30.2%]). Median AE reporting checklist score was 5 out of 14 (range, 0 to 12). Poorly reported items included methods and time frame of AE ascertainment, AE data analysis, and reasons for treatment discontinuation and death. Trials with industry funding, a single-arm design, and treatment with chemotherapy were associated with a significantly higher quality of AE reporting.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Reporting of adverse events in veterinary clinical trials evaluating cancer treatment was selective and heterogeneous. Harms associated with cancer treatments could be underestimated because of suboptimal collection and reporting of AE data. Findings supported the adoption of a higher standard for AE surveillance and reporting in veterinary patients.
Resolution of intractable retching following mobilization of a dolichoectatic vertebral artery: case report of a unique brainstem–cranial nerve compression syndrome
Authors: Seaman Scott , Nelson Paul , Alexander Jacob , Swift Andrew , Fick James
Published: October 2016

The authors present the case of a 53-year-old man who was referred with disabling retching provoked by left arm abduction. At the time of his initial evaluation, a cervical MRI study was available for review and revealed an anatomical variation of the ipsilateral juxtamedullary vertebrobasilar junction. After brain imaging revealed contact of the medulla by a dolichoectatic vertebral artery at the dorsal root entry zone of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, the patient was successfully treated by microvascular decompression of the brainstem and cranial nerves. This case demonstrates how a dolichoectatic vertebral artery—a common anatomical variation that typically has no clinical consequence—should be considered in cases of cranial nerve dysfunction.
Prevalence and characteristics of brain arteriovenous malformations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Iyer Vivek N. , Wood Christopher P. , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) are known to suffer from high rates of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature examining prevalence rates, characteristics, and clinical presentation of cerebral AVMs in the HHT population.

METHODS

To identify studies on AVM prevalence and characteristics in the HHT population, 4 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched by a reference librarian with over 30 years experience in systematic reviews and meta-analysis. The search period was January 1, 1990–March 2016. The following search terms were used: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, AVM, brain AVM, arteriovenous malformation, arteriovenous fistula, prevalence, and epidemiology. The authors identified studies that examined the prevalence rates, characteristics, and clinical presentation of cerebral AVMs in patients with HHT. They assessed overall AVM prevalence rates as well as prevalence rates by age, sex, HHT type, and country/region. They also systematically reviewed the characteristics of AVMs, including rupture status, location, clinical presentation, angioarchitecture, and Spetzler-Martin grade. Data were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis model.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Thirty studies examined brain AVM prevalence rates in various HHT patient populations, and 18 studies examined AVM clinical and angiographic characteristics (9 studies examined both prevalence rates and AVM characteristics). The prevalence of brain AVMs in HHT patients was 10.4% (95% CI 7.9%–13.0%) with no significant difference between males (8.5%, 95% CI 4.9%–12.0%) and females (11.0%, 95% CI 5.9%–16.1%). Patients with HHT Type 1 (HHT1) had a significantly higher brain AVM prevalence (13.4%, 95% CI 9.5%–17.4%) compared with those with HHT Type 2 (HHT2) (2.4%, 95% CI 1.0%–3.8%) (p < 0.0001). In 55.2% (95% CI 38.3%–72.1%) of cases, the AVMs were symptomatic. Spetzler-Martin grade was 2 or less in 86.9% (95% CI 67.5%–95.2%) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of brain AVMs in the HHT population is about 10%. HHT1 patients are significantly more likely to have brain AVMs than HHT2 patients. Most AVMs in the HHT population are symptomatic. The Spetzler-Martin grade for these lesions is 2 or less in nearly 90% of patients.
Decompressive craniectomy in hemorrhagic cerebral venous thrombosis: clinicoradiological features and risk factors
Authors: Zhang Si , Zhao Hexiang , Li Hao , You Chao , Hui Xuhui
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a life-saving treatment for severe hemorrhagic cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). However, the correlations between the clinicoradiological features and surgical outcomes of this disease are not well established. Therefore, the authors endeavored to analyze the potential risk factors for this more severe subtype of CVT and to provide more evidence regarding the benefits of DC in patients with hemorrhagic CVT.

METHODS

The clinical features, radiological findings, and surgical outcomes of patients with severe hemorrhagic CVT who had undergone DC treatment in the period from January 2005 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, and the risk factors for this disease were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients, 39 females (67.2%) and 19 males (32.8%), with a mean age of 39.7 ± 12.5 years, were included in this study. The mean duration from symptom onset to surgery was 3.3 ± 1.9 days, and 21 patients experienced acute courses. On neuroimaging, the mean mass lesion volume was 114.7 ± 17.7 ml. Nine patients had bilateral lesions, and 7 patients had deep CVT. According to their hemorrhagic proportion, cases were divided into hemorrhage-dominated (27 [46.6%]) and edema-dominated (31 [53.4%]) groups. After 6 months of follow-up, 56.9% of patients had achieved a favorable outcome, and 8 patients had died. The hemorrhage-dominated lesions (p = 0.026) and deep cerebral venous involvement (p = 0.026) were significantly associated with a poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients suffering from severe hemorrhagic CVT, DC is an effective life-saving treatment that is associated with favorable outcomes. Hemorrhage-dominated lesions and deep cerebral venous involvement have a significant impact on the outcome of this disease.
Endoscopic endonasal transclival resection of a ventral pontine cavernous malformation: technical case report
Authors: Gómez-Amador Juan Luis , Ortega-Porcayo Luis Alberto , Palacios-Ortíz Isaac Jair , Perdomo-Pantoja Alexander , Nares-López Felipe Eduardo , Vega-Alarcón Alfredo
Published: October 2016

Brainstem cavernous malformations are challenging due to the critical anatomy and potential surgical risks. Anterolateral, lateral, and dorsal surgical approaches provide limited ventral exposure of the brainstem. The authors present a case of a midline ventral pontine cavernous malformation resected through an endoscopic endonasal transclival approach based on minimal brainstem transection, negligible cranial nerve manipulation, and a straightforward trajectory. Technical and reconstruction technique advances in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery provide a direct, safe, and effective corridor to the brainstem.
Effects of different degrees of insulin resistance on endothelial function in obese adults undergoing alternate day fasting
Authors: Hoddy Kristin K. , Bhutani Surabhi , Phillips Shane A. , Varady Krista A.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND: Obesity can have deleterious effects on insulin sensitivity leading to endothelial dysfunction. Whether alternate day fasting (ADF) can ameliorate insulin sensitivity in a way that improves endothelial function remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the impact of ADF on endothelium dependent flow mediated dilation (FMD) in obese subjects with different degrees of insulin resistance.

METHODS: Obese non-diabetic adults ( n = 54) participated in an 8-week ADF protocol (25% energy intake “fast day”, alternated with ad libitum intake “feast day”). Subjects were divided into tertiles according to degree of insulin resistance based on HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment-Insulin resistance): tertile 1 (0.8–2.4), tertile 2 (2.5–3.6), tertile 3 (3.7–12.4).

RESULTS: Body weight decreased ( P < 0.001) by 4% in each tertile. Fat mass, lean mass, and visceral fat mass also decreased ( P < 0.001) similarly in each tertile. After 8 weeks of ADF, FMD and adiponectin differed ( P < 0.05) between tertile 1 (3±0%; 26±23%) versus tertile 3 (–3±0%; –13±10%). Changes in leptin did not differ between tertiles (tertile 1: –23±7%; tertile 2: –20±7%; tertile 3: –9±7%). Fasting glucose did not change in any tertile. Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR differed ( P < 0.05) between tertile 1 (10±11%; 11±11%) versus tertile 3 (–27±8%; –30±9%). Plasma lipids, blood pressure and heart rate did not change in any tertile.

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ADF may be effective for decreasing insulin resistance in insulin resistant subjects, but these changes have no effect on endothelial function.
Reproduction regulates Drosophila nutrient intake through independent effects of egg production and sex peptide: Implications for aging
Authors: Bowman Elizabeth , Tatar Marc
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND: The ratio of protein to carbohydrate (P:C) consumed influences reproduction and lifespan, outcomes that are often maximized by different P:C intake.

OBJECTIVE: Determine if reproduction in female Drosophila drives elevated P:C intake. Distinguish whether such a preference is driven by egg production or from male-derived sex peptides in seminal fluid.

METHODS: Intake of protein and carbohydrate was measured in a diet-choice assay. Macronutrient intake was calculated for mated and unmated fertile females, mated and unmated sterile females, and both types of female when mated to wildtype males and to males lacking sex peptide.

RESULTS: Mated females have high P:C intake relative to unmated females and mated, sterile females. Fertile females mated to wildtype males and to males lacking sex peptide have high P:C intake, but sterile females have similar, low P:C intake when unmated and when mated to males lacking sex peptide.

CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic demands of egg production and sex peptides are individually sufficient to drive elevated P:C intake in adult female Drosophila. Reproductive state can thus modulate how animals consume macronutrients, which in turn can impact their health and aging.
The effects of Labisia pumila extracts on bone microarchitecture of ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis rats: A micro-CT analysis
Authors: Effendy Nadia Mohd , Khamis Mohd Fadhli , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun
Published: October 2016

BACKGOUND: Labisia pumila (LP) is a popular herb used by women over the past few decades. This herb has shown potentials as an alternative agent for treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It was observed in previous studies that supplementation to ovariectomized rats were associated with increased bone antioxidative enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation activity. It had also improved bone formation markers in ovariectomized rats. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of giving different forms of LP extracts on the trabecular bone microarchitecture of ovariectomised rats.

METHODS: Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVX), ovariectomized and given estrogen at 64.5 μg/kg (ERT), ovariectomized and given LP aqueous extract (LP aq), LP methanol extract (LP met) and LP ethanol extract (LP et) at 100 mg/kg, respectively. Treatments were given daily via oral gavages for nine weeks. Following sacrifice, femora were dissected out for bone microarchitectural analysis using an in vitro micro-CT, which provided three dimensional informations on bone microarchitecture.

RESULTS: LP aq was the most effective extract found to improve the bone microarchitectural paramaters which comprised ofBone volume fraction (BV/TV), Trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), Trabecular number (Tb.N), Connective density (Conn.dens), Structure model index (SMI) and Degree of anisotropy (DA).

CONCLUSION: LP aq was effective in protecting the bone of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model against microarchitectural deterioration.
Bedside Conventional Tracheostomy in ICU: A Multicenter Experience from Bangladesh
Authors: Mazumder SM Khorshed Alam , Alam Md Shamsul , Daulatuzzaman Md , Sikder Md Ashfaquzzaman , Salam Md Tahsin , Jahan Alfatun Akter
Published: October 2016

Tracheostomy is one of the most frequent procedures performed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It has many advantages like patients comfort, early movement from the ICU, and shorter ICU and hospital stay. Of the various techniques, we practice bedside open procedure tracheostomy for ICU patients considering the safety and cost effectiveness.Aim: To observe the common indications and timing of tracheostomy in our circumstances.Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 11 ICUs of Dhaka city from January 2008 to June 2015. All ICU patients, irrespective of age and sex , whose tracheostomy were done after admission in ICU at bedside by the principal author with associates were included in this study.Result: Bedside conventional tracheostomy was done in 345 ICU patients during the study period. Among them, 65% were male and 35% were female. Mean age of the patients was 44.30. Common indications for tracheostomy were cerebro-vascular disease (36%), laryngeal oedema (20%), advanced malignancy (16%), and trauma (12%). Only 54 patients had complications like hemorrhage (6%), surgical emphysema (3%), tube displacement (3%), wound infection (2%) and pneumothorax (1%).Conclusion: Bedside conventional tracheostomy is safe and efficient with low morbidity. Mortality is not worse and may be improved with earlier provision, especially in head-injured and critically ill medical patients. The timing of tracheostomy continues to be individualized, and should include daily weaning assessment, and can generally be made within 7 days of endotracheal intubation.Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2016; 4 (2): 65-68
Role of ultrasonography in diagnosis of solid space occupying lesion in the liver correlation with FNAC
Authors: Roy Shyamal Kumar , Sultana Sohely , Mollah Nazir Uddin , Yasmin Tarana , Sarker Asish , Jahan Mahmood Uz
Published: October 2016

This cross sectional study was carried enrolling 47 subjects with suspected solid liver mass, in the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, over a period of twelve months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of transabdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of solid SOL in the liver. Majority of the respondents (42.55%) were found between 41-60 years of age. Five (10.63%) subjects were found below 20 years of age. There were 31 men (65.95%) and 16 women (34.05%). Majority of the metastasis were multiple (85%), hypoechoic (35%) and only 15% had internal calcifications. HCC was single lesion (61.53%) with hyperechoic (38.35%) echogenicity, with a central halo (76.92%) and 15.38% had internal calcifications. Majority of the cholangiocarcinoma were solitary (80%), hypoechoic (60%) and 60% had internal calcifications. Hepatoblastoma were solitary and had calcifications (60%) with mixed echogenicity (60%). Majority of the adenomas were solitary (80%), hypoechoic (60%) and only 20 % had internal calcifications. The validity of transabdominal sonography for the diagnosis of metastasis was confirmed by calculating sensitivity (100%), specificity (96.42%), accuracy (97.87%), positive (95%) and negative predictive (100%) values by using the standard formula given. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values for HCC were 92.3%, 97.05%, 95.74%, 92.3% and 97.05% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values for cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma were 80%, 97.61%, 95.74%, 80% and 97.61% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were 80%, 100%, 97.87%, 100% and 97.67% respectively for adenoma. From the study result it was concluded that transabdominal ultrasonography could be reliable, non-ionizing and relatively cheap procedure for diagnosis solid hepatic mass lesion.
Molecular characterization and resistance profile of nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii in intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun Nazma , Farzana Refath , Lopes Bruno S. , Shamsuzzaman S.M.
Published: October 2016

This study was designed to investigate the resistance profile along with the genetic background of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics among the nosocomial A. baumannii in Bangladesh. A. baumannii was confirmed by detecting blaOXA-51-like. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method. Agar dilution method was used to determine MIC of ceftazidime and imipenem. All A. baumannii were phenotypically screened for ampC, ESBL and MBL production. Genetic markers of antibiotic resistance such as blaampC, blaOXA-51, 23, 40, 58 and 143, blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM and blaNDM-1, genetic environment around blaADC and ISAba1 upstream of blaOXAs were evaluated by PCR. Twenty-four (96%) A. baumannii were considered as MDR. 96% A. baumannii were resistant to amoxiclav, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and cefoxitin, 92% to cefotaxime and piperacillin-tazobactam, 88% to cefepime, amikacin and imipenem, 52% to sulbactam-cefoperazone and 40% were resistant to aztreonam. All were sensitive to colistin. The distribution of several beta-lactamase genes such as blaOXA-51 (100%), blaADC-like (92%), blaNDM-1 (92%), EBC group (84%), blaOXA-23 (76%), blaVIM (72%), blaKPC (44%), DHA group (24%), blaOXA-58 (16%), ACC group (8%) and CIT group (4%) were observed among the 25 A. baumannii. This is the first reported plasmid mediated ampC beta-lactamases in A. baumannii. blaOXA-51 was positive in 100%, blaNDM-1 in 95.45%, blaOXA-23 in 77.27%, blaVIM in 72.73%, blaKPC in 50% and blaOXA-58 in 18.18% of imipenem resistant isolates. MDR profile of nosocomial A. baumannii would highlight the importance of standard guideline of antimicrobials use and infection control policy in the hospitals of Bangladesh.
Metabolic risk factor profile in patients on treatment with second generation antipsychotics
Authors: Zahan Tahmina , Akhter Nargis , Mullick Mohammad Sayadul Islam , Fauzia Zasmin
Published: October 2016

The second generation antipsychotic agents, although exhibit superior safety profile, is associated with metabolic adverse effects including weight gain, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia. These adverse effects are not only the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus but may also impair patients adherence to treatment. However, different member of second generation antipsychotics differ in their extent of metabolic adverse effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between olanzapine, risperidone or quetiapine treatment and body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia in patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Forty-four cases of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder diagnosed with DSM-IV criteria were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Body weight, body mass index and blood pressure were measured at baseline, at the end of 4th, 8th and 12th weeks of treatment. Blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose and serum lipid profile at baseline and at the end of 4th, 8th and 12th weeks in the study group receiving treatment (olanzapine 20-30 mg/day, risperidone 4-16 mg/day and quetiapine 300-800 mg/day) after overnight fasting. Therapeutic use of olanzapine and risperidone in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder for a period of 4th, 8th and 12th weeks was associated with significant increase in body weight and body mass index. Quetiapine did not cause significant changes in body weight and body mass index after 4 and 8 weeks. However, after 12 weeks treatment, body mass index increased significantly. Olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine increased the blood glucose level significantly after 8 and 12 weeks treatment. Olanzapine and risperidone elevated the serum cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein levels significantly after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. But quetiapine showed no significant change in lipid profile. However, olanzapine and risperidone significantly increased triglyceride level after 8 and 12 weeks. Amongst three drugs, quetiapine treatment increased high density lipoprotein level. Our study revealed that quetiapine treatment is associated with less risk of dyslipidaemia.
Cognitive Functions and Health Related Quality of Life of Institutional Autism Spectrum Disorder Children in Dhaka city
Authors: Jahan Mahmood Uz , Karim Rizwanul , Rahman Anisur , Akhter Shahnaz
Published: October 2016

In Bangladesh, nearly 10.5 hundred thousand individuals may have autism. Recent figures released by the CDC (2012) show that autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) now affect 1 in 88 children. Cognitive impairment, limited adaptive skills, and severe social impairment as seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) thought to be associated with poorer health related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of the study was to measure HRQoL and cognitive functioning in a group of autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children and to relate HRQoL with their socio demographic characteristics and cognitive functioning from parents perception.This cross sectional study was conducted among149 purposively selected parents who have institutionalized autistic children (2 to 18 years old) from January to June 2013. HRQoL was assessed by Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (Verni1998) and cognitive functioning was assessed with The PedsQL TM Cognitive Functioning Scale.Three fourth of the children were male (n=115, 77.2%) and the mean (SD) age of the children was 7.8(3.06) years. Symptoms of autism appeared at about their 2nd birthday 2.1 (.70) while the average (SD) age of diagnosis was around three years 2.9 (.98). The children were reported to go to school at an early age of 3(1.75) years. Out of 149 respondents, ten percent parents (n=14) had the history of consanguineous marriage.The sample data provides significant difference between the scores by the ability of verbal communication (p<.05), presence of autistic siblings (p<.05) and mothers occupation (p<.05). There found negative correlation between HRQoL and age of symptom appearance and cognitive functioning with age of diagnosis (r = - 0.18; p=.03). Cognitive functioning was strongly correlated with total PedsQL score and its domains (r = 0.73; p=.00). i.e. Higher cognitive function leads to good health related quality of life. Linear regression was performed to study the relationship between HRQoL and independent variables found significant in univariate analysis. The results of the regression indicated the predictors in the model explained 57 % of the variance (R2=.57, F=23.05, p<.001). It was found that fathers who were doctors and engineers by profession (t=2.34, p= .02), childs ability to communicate with words (t= 2.73, p= .007), age of symptom appearance (t= -2.71, p=.008), and cognitive functioning (t =12.28, p <0.001) significantly predicted HRQol of ASD children.Fathers occupational status, childs ability to communicate by word, age of symptom appearance, and Cognitive functioning of ASD children were found related to their quality of life.
Impact of temperature fluctuations on gut histology of the cricket frog, Fejervary alimnocharis (Anura: Dicroglossidae)
Authors: Rahman MM
Published: October 2016

Context: Research work was conducted on Impact of temperature fluctuations on gut histology of the cricket frog, Fejervary limnocharis (Anura: Dicroglossidae).Objectives: To understand relationship between histological structure and physiological activities as per periodic life styles of the cricket frog.Materials and methods: The specimens were collected from different parts of Bangladesh. The basic structure of gut of this frog species were comprised of four layers, viz., serosa, muscularis mucosa, submucosa and mucosa in general.Results: The study revealed that the temperature has immense effect on gut structure of F. limnocharis. Muscularis mucosa was wanting in esophagus whereas serosa was the thinnest layer in stomach and intestine in low temperature, 0.02 mm ±0.01 and 0.01 mm ±0 respectively. Astonishingly muscularis mucosa was measured as the thickest layer in esophagus in high temperature, 3.2 mm ±0.2, instead of mucosa, 3.1 mm ±0.152753, which was the thickest layer in stomach and intestine, 2.6 mm ±0.2 and 1.9 mm ±0.450925 respectively. All the layers of gut responded positively to the raised temperature. From this study it can be concluded that temperature fluctuation followed by changes in physiological activities, as in hibernation, may influence the histological structure.J. bio-sci. 22: 15-20, 2014
Antimicrobial activities of some Streptomyces isolated from garden soil samples and fish pond water in Futa
Authors: Ekundayo FO , Oyeniran KA , Adedokun AD
Published: October 2016

Context: Streptomyces are potential sources for secondary metabolites possessing a variety of biological activities with antimicrobial activity, which is used for human and animal treatment. It is estimated these bacteria synthesize more than 7,000 metabolites. About 80% of these are made by members of the genus Streptomyces. Streptomyces spp. is known as producers of several bioactive metabolites which has antibiotic, antiparasitic, antitumor, insecticide, herbicide, etc.Objectives: Determine the antimicrobial activities of Streptomyces isolates and compare the efficacy of the antimicrobial activities of Streptomycetes with selected commercial antimicrobial agents.Materials and methods: Collection of samples and test organisms; physicochemical screening; antimicrobial assay (co-culture method); antibiotics sensitivity test (disc-diffusion assay).Result: Streptomyces griseoflavus, Streptomyces parvus and Streptomyces albidus were isolated from dry soil while Streptomyces vinaceus and Streptomyces globiosporus from moist-fresh soil and fish pond water used for cultivation of cat fish Clarias garienpinus respectively. Out of these five (5) isolates isolated, 3 isolates (60%) exhibited antibacterial activity against the following pathogenic, nosocomial organisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida spp, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus saprophyticus, and Trichoderma spp respectively. S. griseoflavus demonstrated antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, Trichoderma spp and Candida spp. S. albidus against S. typhi and A. fumigatus while S. parvus was inhibitory to S. aureus and A. fumigatus. The active isolates inhibited bacteria growth (0 to 39.33 mm). Commercial antimicrobials used also demonstrated inhibitory effects against the test pathogens.Conclusion: The garden soil of FUTA farm contains Streptomyces spp. with antibacterial and antifungal activities.J. bio-sci. 22: 21-29, 2014
Toxicity and repellency effect of some indigenous plant extracts against lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae)
Authors: Arifuzzaman Md , Bachchu Md Adnan Al , Kulsum Most Omme , Ara Roushan
Published: October 2016

Context: Insect bio assay and repellency test can play a vital role in special environmental conditions.Objectives: To screen out the insecticidal potency of some plant extracts to control the adult lesser grain borer by insect bioassay and repellency tests.Materials and Methods: Toxicity test of five indigenous plant extracts with three concentrations were conducted against Rhizopertha dominica. Insect mortality was recorded at 24, 48, and 72 HAT. For residual toxicity test, insect mortality was recorded at 1, 2, 7, 15 and 21 DAT. The repellent activities were evaluated using the filter paper impregnation method and the data were counted at hourly intervals up to 6th hour. In all cases ten insects per replication were tested and each treatment was replicated thrice. The collected data were statistically analyzed.Results: Among the tested plant extracts, neem showed the highest toxic and repellent effects against the lesser grain borer. All the doses applied had direct toxicity, residual and repellency effects while 8% dose showed the highest response. The order of toxicity was found as neem > biskatali > karabi > akanda > ata. Mortality percentages were directly proportional to the time after treatment.Conclusion: This study proved that the leaf extract of indigenous plants like neem, biskatali, karabi ata and akanda can be used to protect stored grain pests.J. bio-sci. 22: 31-39, 2014
Infra-specific morphological diversity in Phlomis olivieri (Labiatae)
Authors: Talebi Seyed Mehdi
Published: October 2016

Context: Compare the effect of different ecological conditions on phenotypical traits of Phlomis olivieri.Objective: To observe morphological variation between and within different populations of Phlomis olivieri Benth.Materials and Methods: Morphological characters of eleven populations of Phlomis olivieri were investigated in the both levels: between and within populations. Samples were collected from different parts of Iran and from each population, 3 to 4 samples were elected randomly and sixteen quantitative and qualitative morphological traits from the both vegetative and reproductive organs were examined.Results: Analysis of variance test as well as one-sample test confirmed significant variations for quantitative morphological traits. Morphological features varied between populations, consequently populations were separated from each other in the UPGMA tree and also PCO and PCA plots, among these, populations K, A, D and B placed far from others. Some degrees of polymorphism in morphological traits occurred within populations and individuals of each stand separated from others.Conclusion: This study showed that ecological factors had strong effect on morphological features of different populations of same plant species. This phenomenon was called phenotypic plasticity which created infraspecific variations at both levels interpopulation and intrapopulation or morphological polymorphism among populations.J. bio-sci. 22: 59-67, 2014
Conceptualising Austerity in Scotland as a Risk Shift: Ideas and Implications
Authors: McKendrick John H. , Asenova Darinka , MacRae Claire , Reynolds Rebecca , Egan James , Hastings Annette , Mooney Gerry , Sinclair Stephen
Published: October 2016

There is growing recognition that UK austerity measures impact adversely and more acutely on the most disadvantaged individuals, communities and groups. These changes may be understood as representing a shift of responsibility away from collectives to individuals. This paper explores these issues through the lens of risk analysis. Drawing on case study research from one neighbourhood in one Scottish local authority, it considers how the distinctive polity in Scotland, in the context of austerity, is redistributing social risk to vulnerable communities, groups and individuals. The local community is adapting, with varying degrees of success, to the risk transfers they are experiencing. Formal and informal risk mitigation measures are ameliorating, but not countering, these risks. The penultimate section of the paper is a collaborative endeavour. Drawing from a seminar discussion with key informants from academia, the Third Sector and government in Scotland, some of the implications of this ‘risk shift’ are discussed; particularly in relation to extending personalisation, stresses on social capital, changing understanding of securities, demographic developments, widening social divisions and alternatives to austerity economics.
Dynamic Analysis of Jacket Substructure for Offshore Wind Turbine Generators under Extreme Environmental Conditions
Authors: Lai Wen-Jeng , Lin Chin-Yu , Huang Chin-Cheng , Lee Rong-Mao
Published: October 2016

In order to develop dynamic analysis technologies regarding the design of offshore wind turbine generators (OWTGs), a special project called Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration Continuation (OC4) was conducted by IEA (International Energy Agency) in 2010. A similar project named INER-OC4 has been performed by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) to develop the OWTG technologies of Taiwan. Since the jacket substructure will be applied to Taiwan OWTGs before 2020, the INER-OC4 project has been devoted to the design and analysis of jacket support structure. In this work, the preliminary result of INER-OC4 is presented. A simplified analysis procedure for jacket support structure has been proposed. Both of the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) 5 MW OWTG FAST model and OC4 jacket substructure model have been built and analyzed under severe design load cases (DLCs) of IEC (International Electrotechnical commission) 61400-3. Simulation results of six severe DLCs are performed in this work and the results are in agreement with the requirements of API (American Petroleum Institute) and NORSOK (Norwegian Petroleum Industry) standards.
Human Action Recognition from Multiple Views Based on View-Invariant Feature Descriptor Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Sargano Allah , Angelov Plamen , Habib Zulfiqar
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a novel feature descriptor for multiview human action recognition. This descriptor employs the region-based features extracted from the human silhouette. To achieve this, the human silhouette is divided into regions in a radial fashion with the interval of a certain degree, and then region-based geometrical and Hu-moments features are obtained from each radial bin to articulate the feature descriptor. A multiclass support vector machine classifier is used for action classification. The proposed approach is quite simple and achieves state-of-the-art results without compromising the efficiency of the recognition process. Our contribution is two-fold. Firstly, our approach achieves high recognition accuracy with simple silhouette-based representation. Secondly, the average testing time for our approach is 34 frames per second, which is much higher than the existing methods and shows its suitability for real-time applications. The extensive experiments on a well-known multiview IXMAS (INRIA Xmas Motion Acquisition Sequences) dataset confirmed the superior performance of our method as compared to similar state-of-the-art methods.
Language Problems and ADHD Symptoms: How Specific Are the Links?
Authors: Hawkins Erin , Gathercole Susan , Astle Duncan ,   The CALM Team, Holmes Joni
Published: October 2016

Symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity frequently co-occur with language difficulties in both clinical and community samples. We explore the specificity and strength of these associations in a heterogeneous sample of 254 children aged 5 to 15 years identified by education and health professionals as having problems with attention, learning and/or memory. Parents/carers rated pragmatic and structural communication skills and behaviour, and children completed standardised assessments of reading, spelling, vocabulary, and phonological awareness. A single dimension of behavioural difficulties including both hyperactivity and inattention captured behaviour problems. This was strongly and negatively associated with pragmatic communication skills. There was less evidence for a relationship between behaviour and language structure: behaviour ratings were more weakly associated with the use of structural language in communication, and there were no links with direct measures of literacy. These behaviour problems and pragmatic communication difficulties co-occur in this sample, but impairments in the more formal use of language that impact on literacy and structural communication skills are tied less strongly to behavioural difficulties. One interpretation is that impairments in executive function give rise to both behavioural and social communication problems, and additional or alternative deficits in other cognitive abilities impact on the development of structural language skills.
Recent Trends in Field-Effect Transistors-Based Immunosensors
Authors: De Moraes Ana , Kubota Lauro
Published: October 2016

Immunosensors are analytical platforms that detect specific antigen-antibody interactions and play an important role in a wide range of applications in biomedical clinical diagnosis, food safety, and monitoring contaminants in the environment. Field-effect transistors (FET) immunosensors have been developed as promising alternatives to conventional immunoassays, which require complicated processes and long-time data acquisition. The electrical signal of FET-based immunosensors is generated as a result of the antigen-antibody conjugation. FET biosensors present real-time and rapid response, require small sample volume, and exhibit higher sensitivity and selectivity. This review brings an overview on the recent literature of FET-based immunosensors, highlighting a diversity of nanomaterials modified with specific receptors as immunosensing platforms for the ultrasensitive detection of various biomolecules.
Simulated Regional Yields of Spring Barley in the United Kingdom under Projected Climate Change
Authors: Yawson David , Ball Tom , Adu Michael , Mohan Sushil , Mulholland Barry , White Philip
Published: October 2016

This paper assessed the effect of projected climate change on the grain yield of barley in fourteen administrative regions in the United Kingdom (UK). Climate data for the 2030s, 2040s and 2050s for the high emission scenario (HES), medium emissions scenario (MES) and low emissions scenario (LES) were obtained from the UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09) using the Weather Generator. Simulations were performed using the AquaCrop model and statistics of simulated future yields and baseline yields were compared. The results show that climate change could be beneficial to UK barley production. For all emissions scenarios and regions, differences between the simulated average future yields (2030s–2050s) and the observed yields in the baseline period (1961–1990) ranged from 1.4 to 4 tons·ha−1. The largest increase in yields and yield variability occurred under the HES in the 2050s. Absolute increases in yields over baseline yields were substantially greater in the western half of the UK than in the eastern regions but marginally from south to north. These increases notwithstanding, yield reductions were observed for some individual years due to saturated soil conditions (most common in Wales, Northern Ireland and South-West Scotland). These suggest risks of yield penalties in any growing season in the future, a situation that should be considered for planning adaptation and risk management.
The Effect of Sintering Oxygen Partial Pressure on a SmBiO3 Buffer Layer for Coated Conductors via Chemical Solution Deposition
Authors: Zhu Xiaolei , Zhao Yong , Pu Minghua , Zhang Yong , Zhang Hong , Cheng Cuihua
Published: October 2016

The application of high-temperature YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) superconducting material is a considerable prospect for the growing energy shortages. Here, SmBiO3 (SBO) films were deposited on (100)-orientated yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) simple crystal substrates via the chemical solution deposition (CSD) approach for coated conductors, and the effects of sintering oxygen partial pressure on SBO films were studied. The crystalline structures and surface morphologies of SBO films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The optimized growth temperature, the intensity ratios of the SBO (200) peak to the SBO (111) peak, and the crystallinities of SBO films increased with the sintering oxygen partial pressure. The SEM and AFM images displayed a smooth and well-distributed surface in the argon atmosphere. The subsequent YBCO films with superconducting transition temperatures (Tc = 89.5 K, 90.2 K, and 86.2 K) and critical current densities (Jc = 0.88 MA/cm2, 1.69 MA/cm2, and 0.09 MA/cm2; 77 K, self-field) were deposited to further check the qualities of the SBO layer. These results indicated that sintering oxygen partial pressure had an effect on the epitaxial growth of the SBO buffer layer and YBCO superconducting properties. The experimental results may be a usable reference for the epitaxial growth of YBCO-coated conductors and other oxides.
Burning Potential of Fire Refuges in the Boreal Mixedwood Forest
Authors: Ouarmim Samira , Paradis Laure , Asselin Hugo , Bergeron Yves , Ali Adam , Hély Christelle
Published: October 2016

In boreal ecosystems, wildfire severity (i.e., the extent of fire-related tree mortality) is affected by environmental conditions and fire intensity. A burned area usually includes tree patches that partially or entirely escaped fire. There are two types of post-fire residual patches: (1) patches that only escaped the last fire; and (2) patches with lower fire susceptibility, also called fire refuges, that escaped several consecutive fires, likely due to particular site characteristics. The main objective of this study was to test if particular environmental conditions and stand characteristics could explain the presence of fire refuges in the mixedwood boreal forest. The FlamMap3 fire behavior model running at the landscape scale was used on the present-day Lake Duparquet forest mosaic and on four other experimental scenarios. FlamMap3 was first calibrated using BehavePlus and realistic rates of fire spread obtained from the Canadian Fire Behavior Prediction system. The results, based on thousands of runs, exclude the effects of firebreaks, topography, fuel type, and microtopography to explain the presence of fire refuges, but rather highlight the important role of moisture conditions in the fuel beds. Moist conditions are likely attributed to former small depressions having been filled with organic matter rather than present-day variations in ground surface topography.
Multifrequency Studies of Active Galactic Nuclei in the Planck Satellite Era
Authors: Lähteenmäki Anne ,   The Planck Collaboration
Published: October 2016

The multi-epoch single-survey Planck satellite data have given a rare glimpse into how the radio spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGN) evolve in time. Using Planck and simultaneous auxiliary radio data ranging from 1 GHz to 857 GHz, spectra for 104 bright northern extragalactic radio sources (most of them AGN) have been assembled; in these, the various stages of flare development can be identified. The results are compared with theoretical models describing relativistic jets. Evidence for particularly flat high-frequency radio spectra is found, indicating a harder accelerated electron energy spectrum than usually assumed. A set of sources also shows signs of intrinsic cold dust.
Identification, Characterization and Expression of Methuselah-Like Genes in Dastarcus helophoroides (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae)
Authors: Zhang Zhengqing , Wang Huapeng , Hao Chunfeng , Zhang Wei , Yang Miaomiao , Chang Yong , Li Menglou
Published: October 2016

Dastarcus helophoroides, which has a relatively longer lifespan compared to other insects, is one of the most effective natural enemies of many large-body long-horned beetles. Methuselah (Mth) is associated with the lifespan, stress resistance, and reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster, but Mth is not present in non-drosophiline insects. A number of methuselah-like genes (mth-likes, mthls) have been identified in non-drosophiline insects, but it is still unknown whether they are present in Dastarcus helophoroides. We identified three novel mth-like genes in D. helophoroides: mth-like1, mth-like2, and mth-like5, and carried out bioinformatic analysis based on the full-length nucleic acid sequences and deduced amino acid sequences. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed variations in expression patterns of mth-like genes in different tissues (highly expressed in reproductive systems) and at different developmental stages, indicating that mth-likes were likely be involved in reproduction and development. The altered mRNA expression in aging adults and under oxidation, high temperature, and starvation stress, indicated that mth-like genes were likely to be involved in aging and the resistance of oxidation, high temperature, and starvation. These results characterize, for the first time, the basic properties of three mth-like genes from D. helophoroides that probably play important roles in development, aging, reproduction, and stress resistance.
Depth and Well Type Related to Groundwater Microbiological Contamination
Authors: Maran Nayara , Crispim Bruno , Iahnn Stephanie , Araújo Renata , Grisolia Alexeia , Oliveira Kelly
Published: October 2016

Use of groundwater from private wells in households has increased considerably, owing to a better cost/benefit ratio than that of water provided by local utilities for a fee. However, this water is usually untreated, which makes it a vehicle for diseases. Thus, monitoring this water is necessary to ensure its integrity and quality. We aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of untreated groundwater drawn from different types of wells, and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the bacteria isolated from this water. Wellwater samples were collected in two Brazilian cities. Although physical and chemical parameters of the water were suitable for drinking, Escherichia coli was detected in 33% of the samples. E. coli contaminated 65% of dug wells and 10.25% of drilled wells. Many bacteria isolated were resistant to multiple antibacterial agents, including β-lactams. Microbial contamination of this water was related to the well depth, and was more common in dug wells, making this water unfit for human consumption. Consumption of such contaminated and untreated water is a public health concern. Thus, individuals who regularly use such water must be alerted so they may either take preventive measures or connect to the water distribution system operated by local utilities.