bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical and Surgical Basis for Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation with the Right Liver Lobe
Authors: Borz C. , Marian D. , Bara T. , Jimborean O. , Bara T. , Márton D.
Published: July 2014

Liver transplantation is now a standard procedure for the treatment of end stage liver diseases. Since 1968 until 2012, a number of 113,627 liver transplantations were performed in Europe, in 28 countries and 153 institutions. Despite these impressive figures the waiting list is growing every year. Transplant surgeons were preoccupied to find new ways to increase the donor pool. Among them: reduced size liver transplantation, split liver technique and more recently living donor liver transplantation. At first in the early `90, living donor liver transplantation was used for pediatric patients because the left lateral hepatic segments were harvested. This graft is too small for the metabolic demands of an adult patient. So the next step was the harvesting of the right liver lobe from the donor and transplantation to adult patients. Living donor liver transplantation has gained fast a wide acceptance but there are a few issues to discuss. The main concern is about the donor safety which is a healthy person undergoing major surgery with potential risks. Also the surgical technique evolved due to a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the liver and the right liver graft. We discuss here the anatomical and surgical basis for living donor liver transplantation with the right liver lobe.
Response of Hybrid Cymbidium (Orchidaceae) Protocorm-Like Bodies to 26 Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Teixeira Da Silva Jaime A.
Published: July 2014

Teixeira da Silva J.A., 2014: Response of hybrid Cymbidium (Orchidaceae) protocorm-like bodies to 26 plant growth regulators [Cymbidium (Orchidaceae) hibrido į protokormą panašių kūnelių reakcija į 26 augalų augimo reguliatorius]. - Bot. Lith., 20(1): 3-13.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are one of the most effective means of controlling plant organogenesis in vitro. Hybrid orchid production relies on effective protocols to maximize clonal shoot output. This is best achieved when protocormlike bodies (PLBs) are propagated. In a bid to deepen orchidologists’ understanding of basic responses of Cymbidium to PGRs, this study aimed to establish the organogenic response of hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’ half-PLBs or PLB thin cell layers (TCLs) to a single application of PGRs (6 auxins; 7 cytokinins; 3 alternative PGRs), 3 herbicides or 7 growth inhibitors/retardants at 4 concentrations (1, 2, 4 or 8 mg·1-1) as well as a control (0 mg·1-1), both in the light and in the dark. The control (PGR-containing TC medium) performed best, but all auxins and growth inhibitors and retardants were toxic to neo-PLB formation, resulting in 100% death. A synthetic auxin (BSAA), a cytokinin (4-CPPU) and two herbicides (dicamba and picloram) were equally toxic. No auxins, TIBA, GA3 or SA induced any organogenic response. 1 or 2 mg·1-1 2,4-D or 1 mg·1-1 TDZ induced embryogenic callus, but 2-8 mg·1-1 2,4-D resulted in abnormal shoots. TDZ induced direct multiple shoots. Only five remaining cytokinins (Ads, BA, Kin, ZR, 2iP) could form neo-PLBs, but always significantly less than the controls, independent of the explant used (half- PLBs or tTCLs) and light conditions (light vs darkness). These five cytokinins could be useful for neo-PLB induction of other Cymbidium hybrids. A new concept, the average cumulative value or ACV, is introduced
A New Polish Record of Dracocephalum Thymiflorum
Authors: Pliszko Artur
Published: July 2014

Pliszko A., 2014: A new Polish record of Dracocephalum thymiflorum [Nauja Dracocephalum thymiflorum radvietė Lenkijoje]. - Both. Lith., 20(1): 64-66.

The paper presents a new record of a rare casual alien Dracocephalum thymiflorum L. (Lamiaceae) in Poland. A small population consisting of 42 generative individuals of this species was found in May 2013 on railway embankment in Okuniowiec village near the northeastern boundary of the town of Suwałki in the Polish part of the Lithuanian Lakeland. The current distribution (according to the ATPOL cartogram grid) is given, and introduction pathways via railway transport and contaminated crop seed are recognized
Beta-backscattering Thickness-meter Design and Evaluation with Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
Authors: Arjhangmehr Afshin , Mohammadzadeh Mohammad , Hossein Feghhi Seyed Amir , Hassanpour Saeed Tasouji
Published: July 2014

An industrial gauge for measuring thickness of a gold coating layer deposited on a steel base through detection of the backscattered beta particles has been described. 3H, 14C and 63Ni pure beta emitters have been tested as the radioisotopic sources of the system individually in a fixed geometry. Analytical calculations have been performed in each case. Furthermore, simulations based on Monte Carlo stochastic technique (MCNP) have been processed. The obtained results from both methods have been compared to define the sensitivity of the system in each case. Finally for the first time, fuzzy TOPSIS method has been used for choosing the best source in the defined geometry for manufacturing, considering the following three criteria: (a) saturation thickness, (b) precision and (c) sensitivity. Results have shown that 3H source is the best alternative to the introduced measuring system.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster Linnaeus, 1758) in Hungary: a review
Authors: Gyurácz József , Nagy Károly , Fuisz Tibor István , Karcza Zsolt , Szép Tibor
Published: July 2014

The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster Linnaeus, 1758) is known as ‛beekeeper bird’ and an effective ecosystem engineer species. The fact that in 2013 it became ‛The Bird of the Year’ in Hungary offers the possibility to summarise the information about the distribution, population size, breeding and feeding ecology, dispersion, migration, intra- and interspecific relationships as well as the nature conservation status of the bee-eater population breeding in Hungary. Though this review focuses on the Hungarian population trends, but also summarises the major research results from other countries. In the period of 1992-2013, the number of breeding pairs were surveyed in 5897 2.5×2.5 km UTM squares in the frame of the Monitoring of Rare and Colonial Breeding Birds programme. In the surveyed area during the period of 1992-2013, the most accurate estimate suggests a 10600-19600 breeding pair population. The larger nesting colonies were observed in the following regions: Zala Hills, Outer Somogy, Gerecse, Velencei Hills, Mezőföld, Gödöllő Hills, Tápió, Bükkalja, Taktaköz, Körös region. The annual population indices showed marked fluctuation with stable long term population trend in Hungary. The national monitoring and protection project of the European Bee-eater revealed the most important factors endangering the nesting populations, these are weed invasion and the collapse of vertical banks, mining carried out in the nesting period and direct human-caused disturbance (e.g. shooting, tourism).
Nestsite characteristics of the European Beeeater (Merops apiaster L.) in the Gödöllő Hills
Authors: Kerényi Zoltán , Ivók Emília
Published: July 2014

According to our surveys carried out in the Gödöllő Hills between 2009–2012, a relatively high proportion (39-57%) of the known 36-40 Bee-eater nesting sites can be found in natural habitats, on hillsides as opposed to nests excavated into man-made artificial walls. 51.8% of the nesting population breeds under such natural circumstances in loess and sandy hillsides, and the nests are excavated into the soil covered by vegetation. We have shown that 61.9% of the nests were built in loess, 28.4% in sandy and 9.7% in mixed type of substrate. Bee-eaters nesting on hillsides prefer the slopes between 11-30°. The slope of the hill is higher on loess grounds (average: 24.67°) as opposed to the sandy ones (average: 13.97°). The length of the nesting cavities differs significantly between the two substrate, those built in sandy areas being longer. The cavities in loess are deeper underground. The Bee-eaters nesting on hillsides prefer places with low vegetation cover
New species in the Hungarian avifauna in 2012
Authors: Hadarics Tibor
Published: July 2014

A new species appeared in the Hungarian avifauna, the Black-shouldered Kite in 2012. The bird was staying in Fornapuszta (coordinate), near Csákvár (Fejér County), between August 22nd and 27th. The number of bird species which occurred in Hungary has risen to 406 with the observation of this species.
Estimated collective effective dose to the population from radiological examinations in Slovenia
Authors: Zontar Dejan , Zdesar Urban , Kuhelj Dimitrij , Pekarovic Dean , Skrk Damijan
Published: July 2014

Background. The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate population exposure from diagnostic and interventional radiological procedures in Slovenia.

Methods. The study was conducted in scope of the “Dose Datamed 2” project. A standard methodology based on 20 selected radiological procedures was adopted. Frequencies of the procedures were determined via questionnaires that were sent to all providers of radiological procedures while data about patient exposure per procedure were collected from existing databases. Collective effective dose to the population and effective dose per capita were estimated from the collected data (DLP for CT, MGD for mammography and DAP for other procedures) using dose conversion factors.

Results. The total collective effective dose to the population from radiological in 2011 was estimated to 1300 manSv and an effective dose per capita to 0.6 mSv of which approximately 2/3 are due to CT procedures.

Conclusions. The first systematic study of population exposure to ionising radiation from radiological procedures in Slovenia was performed. The results show that the exposure in Slovenia is under the European average. It confirmed large contributions of computed tomography and interventional procedures, identifying them as the areas that deserve special attention when it comes to justification and optimisation.
Model of a Christian Academic Teacher in the Education of Tomorrow
Authors: Krul’ Roman
Published: July 2014

Vocational training, functioning of an academic teacher in the profession and personal development are the selected areas of the author’s scientific research inquiries, based on the Christian concept of Man as the image of God and the perception of the value of a person in being a Human.

Christian academic teacher has been defined as an advocate who lives with faith, conscious of the gift of his teaching vocation. In the environment of his life and work, he penetrates the academic and social structures with evangelical values. As a guardian of human existence, he supports Man in his comprehensive development. He helps him to recognize, extract and develop his innate talents.

The conviction of the author as to the validity of forecasting and building an alternative structure of a personal model as a Christian academic teacher appeared in the course of his own considerations, the assimilation of negative assessment of academic reality, changes in thinking about the teacher, issues of peudetology.

The principal hope of the author for success of an idea of academic teacher model and his personal formation as a Christian lecturer named proponent, is to base the process of his formation on personal pedagogy of Jesus as a Master. Hence, construction of an alternative to other solutions - a model of personal Christian lecturer as an advocate and a witness of faith - fills a gap in academic situation of pedeutology educational crossroads at the threshold of the twenty-first century, and is an attempt to modernize this segment of academic reality.

It has been assumed that humanism in the educational process of higher school in the education of tomorrow means renewal, continuous creation, safeguarding and development of the human dimension of educational entities.
Innovative Approach to the Organization of Future Social Workers’ Practical Training: Foreign Experience
Authors: Polishchuk Vira , Slozanska Hanna
Published: July 2014

Innovative approaches to practical training of future social workers in higher educational establishments have been defined. Peculiarities of foreign experience of social workers’ practical training in higher educational establishments have been analyzed. Experience of organizing practice for bachelor students studying at “Social Work” specialty in Ternopil National Pedagogical University, namely the aim, tasks, general principles of forming a system of continuous practical training of future social workers, has been studied. Peculiarities of social workers’ practical training in the process of undergoing some definite kinds of practices have been analyzed. Features of cooperation of educational establishments and social services, agencies, institutions, which are the bases for professional training of future specialists, have been defined. The core principle of such cooperation is the principle of regular studying that presupposes combination of theoretical education and real practical activity. It has been determined that in the process of practical training students deepen and expand their knowledge, are taught to think critically, elaborate and fulfill algorithms of solving different social problems, find information about resources of social help and support as well as their providers, follow ethical principles of social work, estimate results of social intrusion and personal knowledge and skills, improve them.
Educational Activity as a Problem of Adult Education in the Context of Globalization
Authors: Folvarochnyi Ihor
Published: July 2014

The article deals with the problem of adult education in the context of globalization. The analysis of scientific pedagogical literature devoted to studying of some aspects of educational activity in adult education has been conducted. The problem of public institutions development and activity has been analyzed in the broad context of “globalization”. Possibilities and threat for the work of “the third sector” have been explored. The tendency of deepening international cooperation of public organizations in adult education with the increase of their interdependence and competition has been emphasized. The article deals with the historical and pedagogical issues of educational activities in the field of adult education. Much attention has been given to social problems of the subject (the problem of human’s social protection, the necessity of a systematic solution of a range of socially-oriented issues in the education sphere, the focus of the social educational work’s vector in the field of nonformal adult education). The features of internationalization of educational activities in the field of adult education have been defined. Methodology of the problem’s research has been researched. Transnational research has been conducted with the help of functional analysis method, which allows to allocate complex international requirements in national standards of public organizations. It has been determined that at present there is increase of integration processes in national European systems which influence the change of their structure and creation of regional and general world models of adult and informal education.
Cultivation of Special Needs Students’ Citizenship as the Basis in the aspiration of Ukraine to European Integration
Authors: Fedorova Yevhenia
Published: July 2014

The prospects for the cultivation of special needs students’ citizenship as a prerequisite for the entry of Ukraine into the European Community have been described. The priority of compliance of European democratic sociocultural standards and humanistic values, among which the most important are the changes of attitude towards the disabled people, providing the establishment of equal rights for all Ukrainian citizens, has been specified. It has been confirmed that equal rights for all citizens are a guarantee of the disabled person’s civil self-affirmation and preservation of his honor and dignity. An analysis of domestic and foreign scholars’ works on the issue of citizenship education of young people with special needs has been represented. The pecularities of the special needs students’ citizenship education in the integrated environment of higher educational institutions have been characterised. On the basis of the analyzed literature it has been determined that a special needs’ student has got an opportunity to gain greater understanding of himself and his role in the society, improve his adaptive skills, expand the range of interests and social circle, ensure his own potentialities as a social unit and assert himself in his own value to the society under the conditions of higher educational institution of integrated type. The factors underlying the formation of special needs students’ citizenship in the integrated environment of higher educational institution and characterizing the individual’s citizenship in the democratic society have been thoroughly described.
Professional Training of Foreign Languages Teachers in Austria
Authors: Byndas Olena
Published: July 2014

The features of the Austrian education system, namely different types of schools of compulsory and optional levels and the necessity of qualified teachers needed for teaching in such schools, features of foreign languages teachers’ professional training and their practical availability for service in school, have been observed. The problem of hybridization of vocational training and higher education in Austria, which is the result of close cooperation between academic and vocational training, has been researched. The requirements for knowledge, abilities and skills of applicants to teacher training colleges and universities have been determined. The curriculum of teacher education for students, depending on the chosen type of school, has been analyzed. The features of the two-level training for teachers of foreign languages (German and English) have been analyzed. The importance of pre-vocational work carried out to validate students’ choice of teaching profession has been proved. Requirements for professional practical training in school, for production practical training that future teachers of foreign languages have in manufacturing, processing, service, trade; and for speech practical training abroad have been considered. It is important that a high level of knowledge and successfully completed practical trainings allow graduates of teacher training colleges and universities to qualify not only as a teacher of foreign languages, but also a translator or a guide-interpreter in different areas of service. The analysis has highlighted the promising first-hand ideas of the Austrian system of teacher training, its achievements and aspirations
Media Education of Future Native Language Teachers: Experience of Germany and Ukraine
Authors: Yachmenyk Maryna
Published: July 2014

The achievements of media education in higher education of Germany have been highlighted. The notions of media education that exist in scientific literature have been outlined. Media education has been defined as a direction in pedagogy (media pedagogy) aimed at an individual’s media-culture formation in society, as well as a process of development and self-development by means of media materials and mass media. The main goal of media education is to enhance general, professional, communicative and creative competences. The main national programs of media education implementation into educational process of Ukraine and Germany are the following: “New Media in Education”, “Media-pedagogical manifest”, “Concept of Introduction of Media Education in Ukraine”. The process of media pedagogy implementation in future native language teachers’ professional training in Germany is developing in three directions: integrated, special and optional. In particular, the attention has been focused on using methods of media education in higher philological schools (methods of creative writing - creative linguistic project of German language teaching; portfolio as a method of students’ media literacy (media competence) formation; methods of presenting a term paper in a form of television project; creating video libraries for teachers and students). The ways of implementing German experience in future philology teachers’ professional training at Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko have been considered. The activity of students’ scientific circle “Media Culture of Philology Teacher” has been characterized.
Organization of Higher Environmental Education in Universities of Ukraine and France: Comparative Pedagogical Analysis
Authors: Vlasova Viktoria
Published: July 2014

The article deals with the organization of higher environmental education in France and Ukraine. The main elements of the pedagogical comparison between the two countries have been defined. Scientific and educational literature analysis devoted to the study of specific aspects of environmental education in universities of both countries has been done. Regulatory and legal framework for environmental training in these countries has been researched. The structure of higher education and the ecological system of educational levels both in Ukraine and France have been stipulated. Basic elements of a comparative analysis of higher environmental education in Ukraine and France have been characterized. The main areas of environmental education in universities of France and Ukraine have been determined. Principles of higher environmental education in France, based on the systems of laws and regulations, have been outlined. The importance of design and styling concept of environmental education has been proved. The main reason for increasing trend to expansion of environmental education at various university departments and levels of education has been defined. Milestones of higher environmental education in France and Ukraine have been determined. After the comparative analysis of higher environmental education in France and Ukraine common features of higher education in these countries have been outlined.
Maternal Smoking and Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Correlation with Low Birth Weight: A Turin (Piedmont) Study
Authors: Mannocci Alice , Vaschetto Claudia , Semyonov Leda , Poppa Giuseppina , Massimi Azzurra , Rabacchi Grace , Boccia Antonio , Torre Giuseppe La
Published: July 2014

Introduction. 15 to 25% of women smoke during pregnancy. Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to smoking causes decreased birth weight. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between smoking during pregnancy, maternal sociodemographic characteristics, and low birth weight. Methods. Data were derived from 1572 questionnaires administered to each woman that gave birth at the Gynecology Teaching Hospital “S. Anna” in Turin (Italy) during the period from 2008 to 2010. Multiple logistic analysis was used to evaluate the association between socio-demographic characteristics and birth weight; the stepwise approach with a “backward elimination” procedure was followed, and the goodness of fit of the model was estimated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results. The univariate analysis revealed that smoking cigarettes (17%), having a lower educational level (13%), and female sex of the infant (13%) seem to be risk factors, as they increase the risk of having a low birth weight child. Logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age and maternal smoking are the statistically associated variables. Conclusions. The results confirmed that birth weight increases proportionally with the length of the gestational age and that maternal smoking and the child’s sex (female) increase the risk of having a lower birth weight. Logistic regression demonstrated that the association between maternal smoking and low birth weight shows an increased risk for the whole population (OR=2.85), for male (OR=3.45) and for female newborns (OR=2.44)
Influence of Menstrual Cycle on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in the Knee: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Tomšič Anton , Bilban Marjan , Drobnič Matej
Published: July 2014

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee represent an increasing problem among the active female population in comparison to their male counterparts. Besides temporary or prolonged joint dysfunction, such injuries may predispose an individual to early osteo-arthritis. Recognizing the sex differences is essential for the determination of preventive measures against these injuries. Besides anatomical and biomechanical differences, the role of hormonal oscillation during the menstrual cycle has been hypothesized. This manuscript presents a literature review based on cruciate ligament and menstrual cycle research published between 1992 and 2012. According to the experimental and epidemiologic studies, menstrual cycle was shown to be linked to anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The pre-ovulatory phase represents an increased risk, with the peak serum levels of estrogen emerging toward the end of that phase. However, the significance of menstrual cycle seems to be of lesser importance in preventive measures against female anterior cruciate injuries.
Expression of Symptoms of the Most Common Comorbid Mental Disorders in Slovenian Alcohol Addicted Patients
Authors: Plemenitaš Anja , Dolžan Vita , Plesničar Blanka Kores
Published: July 2014

Background. Alcohol addiction is a very common and complex disease. Alcohol addicted patients have a high risk for developing comorbid psychiatric disorder. Methods. In the present study, we explored symptom expression and severity for the most common comorbid mental disorders in Slovenian alcohol addicted patients. Three groups of male subjects were included: 101 acutely alcohol-addicted inpatients, 100 former alcohol-addicted subjects and 97 healthy controls from a blood donors group. The following questionnaires were employed: AUDIT, Zung Depression and Anxiety scale, Brief Social Phobia Scale, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale, and Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory. Results. Acutely addicted patients showed significantly more obsessive (p<0.001) and compulsive (p<0.001) symptoms and also more obsessive-compulsive symptoms of relying on alcohol consumption (p<0.001) compared to the other two groups. Acutely addicted patients showed significantly more anxiety (p<0.001) as well as depressive (p<0.001) and aggressive (p<0.001) traits compared to the other two groups. Conclusions. Obsessive-compulsive, anxious, depressive and aggressive traits can be comorbidities associated with alcohol addiction. Increased attention to these symptoms during the treatment of alcohol addiction could result in better outcome of alcohol addiction treatment and lower relapse rate
Prevalence of Disease Symptoms in Slovenian Adult Population and Factors Associated with their Prevalence
Authors: Pivec Nina , Serdinšek Tamara , Klemenc-Ketiš Zalika , Kersnik Janko
Published: July 2014

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the most common disease symptoms in the Slovenian adult population, to determine their prevalence and to identify the demographic and other factors associated with higher prevalence of the symptoms. Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using computer assisted telephone interviewing - CATI thatcovered questions about the prevalence of 23 disease symptoms in the past month, their duration and general demographic information. The sample included 1,002 interviewees (age 15 - 90). Results. The results showed that the most common symptoms among Slovenian people are back pain (409 interviewees - 40.8%), joint pain (334 interviewees - 33.4%), excessive fatigue (308 interviewees - 30.7%), nervousness (285 interviewees - 28.4%), headache (280 interviewees - 27.9%), irritability (261 interviewees - 26.1%) and insomnia (259 interviewees - 25.8%). Disease symptoms occurred more often in women, the elderly, people with lower education and lower income, theunemployed, retired people and people with a chronic disease. The independent predictive factors for the presence of any symptoms were female gender and chronic disease. Conclusions. The prevalence of disease symptoms troubling the adult Slovenian population is high, as 77.3% of people suffer from at least one symptom. The study showed the population groups thatare most heavily burdened (females, the elderly, chronic patients, people with lower socio-economic status) and to which more attention should be paid in primary health care and prevention.
Assessment of Allergenicity to Fungal Allergens of Rohtak City, Haryana, India
Authors: Kochar Sanjeeta , Ahlawat Manisha , Dahiya Pushpa , Chaudhary Dhruva
Published: July 2014

Fungal spores are known as one of the important bioparticles causing allergic manifestation in human beings. Hence, knowledge of season and prevalence of the airborne allergens to which the patients are exposed is a prerequisite for proper diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders in hypersensitive individuals. Keeping this in view, aerial survey was performed in the atmosphere of Rohtak city for 2 consecutive years (March 2008-February 2010), using a volumetric petri plate sampler. A total of 45 fungal spore types were recorded during the survey period. In the present study, February-April and July-November were identified as the peak seasons for Rohtak city. Cladosporium was the main contributor to the total fungal load with 25.14% followed by Alternaria (18.05%), Aspergillus niger (7.66%), Curvularia (5.31%), and Epicoccum (5.29%). Fifteen dominant viable fungal spore types were represented in the form of a fungal calendar. An attempt has also been made to assess the allergenicity of some of the fungal types recorded from the atmosphere of Rohtak city. The magnitude of variations observed in markedly positive skin reactions (2+ and above) varied from 17.3 to 2.3%. Penicillium oxalicum showed a markedly positive reaction in maximum number of patients (26; 17.3%) followed by Rhizopus nigricans (23; 15.3%). ELISA was performed with the sera of patients showing markedly positive skin reactions and the sera were classified into four groups based on percent binding. The majority of the sera showed 0–15% binding to different antigenic extracts, while sera showing >60% binding were least in number. Greater than 30% binding was observed against antigens of Rhizopus nigricans, Epicoccum purpurascens, Penicillium oxalicum, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans and Neurospora sitophila. The concordance between positive skin reaction and serum-specific IgE antibodies ranged from 16.7 to 69.2%.
A Pilot Study on Vitamin-D Status and Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Indian Population
Authors: Muley Arti S , Iyer Prof. Uma M
Published: July 2014

Vitamin D status indicated by 25-hydroxyvitamin D, along with its classic role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, is thought to be inversely associated with adiposity, glucose homeostasis, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. Studies among the western population have also shown it to be inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, evidence from the Asian population is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) (<20 ng/mL) and its association with metabolic risk factors among adults. About 129 adults in the age group 30-60 years, who gave consent for participation, were enrolled in the study through snowball effect. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard methods & tools. Serum 25(OH)D was estimated by CLIA method, lipid profile and fasting-glucose using enzymatic kits. MS was defined using NCEP ATP-III, 2005 guidelines. The results revealed that, around 88% of the subjects had VDD, with the prevalence being significantly higher among females than males (95% vs 77%). 31% of the population had MS of which 87.5% were vitamin-D deficient. The vitamin-D status of the subjects was not significantly related with the risk of developing MS (OR=0.88, 95% CI= 0.28-2.78). None of the risk factors for MS correlated significantly with the vitamin-D levels of the subjects. Waist-circumference (Exp(B)= 0.281, 95% CI= 0.089-0.887) entered the model for logistic regression with vitamin-D status as the dependent variable. Thus the results highlighted the high prevalence of VDD among the population and it was independently associated with greater abdominal obesity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i2.10180Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(2): 126-131
Tuberculosis status among patients visiting antiretroviral therapy centers of Seti Zonal Hospital and Mahakali Zonal Hospital of far western Nepal
Authors: Dhungana Govinda Prasad , Bohara Madan Singh , Sharma Sashi , Adhikari Ananya , Khadga Prem , Rijal Basista Prasad , Pokhrel Bharat Mani , Thakuri Bhawani Chand , Pant Krishna Prasad
Published: July 2014

Background and aims: Tuberculosis is still a major public health problem in Nepal. The situation is further worsened by the widespread epidemic of HIV. Knowledge of TB/HIV co-infection is essential for effective dual case management. The objective of this study was to determine the TB/HIV coinfection status among patients visiting antiretroviral therapy centers of Seti Zonal Hospital and Mahakali Zonal Hospital. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Microbiology at Siddhanath Science Campus, Mahendranagar between January 2012 and July 2012. One hundred three patients were randomly selected, and were investigated for tuberculosis by direct microscopy and cultural technique. Socio-demographic features were collected by pre structured questionnaire. Data were entered into SPSS 11.5 and analyzed. Results: Of the 103 people infected with HIV, 46 (44.7%) were males and 57(55.3%) were females. Majority (64.07%) of them were in the productive age group (21-40 years). Forty two (40.8%) of the respondents were not literate. As high as 43.9% of the women were widow and 10.7% of the studied subjects showed mother to child transmission. The overall prevalence of TB among HIV infected people was found to be 4.9%. Among five TB cases only two cases were detected by direct microscopy. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of TB among HIV infected people was found to be 4.9%. Youths of productive age groups with low socioeconomic status were more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Culture was found to be more superior method of diagnosis than microscopy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10696 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):11-16
Hypokalemic quadriparesis due to renal tubular acidosis in a patient with Sjögren’s syndrome: A case series
Authors: Maskey Abhishek , Singh Neeraj , Gautam Santosh , Bhattarai Prashant , Poudyal Prakash , Manandhar Dhiraj Narayan , Chhetri Pramod Kumar
Published: July 2014

We report two cases of female patients presented with hypokalemia secondary to renal tubular acidosis. Sjögren’s syndrome was diagnosed in both the patients on the basis of histopathological and autoantibodies tests. The patients were treated with potassium and bicarbonate supplementation. Renal involvement in Sjögren’s syndrome is not uncommon and may precede sicca complaints. The pathology in most cases is a tubulointerstitial nephritis causing distal renal tubular acidosis and rarely, hypokalemic paralysis. The complications of renal tubular acidosis include life threatening hypokalemia, nephrolithiasis, chronic renal failure, growth retardation and osteomalacia. These consequences can be avoided if the diagnosis is made early and lifelong potassium and alkali supplementation is initiated. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome should be considered in women with acute weakness and hypokalemia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10701 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):30-33
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in a 28-year-old woman
Authors: Dubey Laxman , Sharma Sanjib Kumar , Gautam Samir , Dhungel Sachin , Laudari Shankar
Published: July 2014

DOITakotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy accompanied by a transient ballooning and akinesis of the apical segment of left ventricle. Here, we report a 28-year-old woman who presented with acute chest pain after an emotional stress. Electrocardiography showed STsegment elevation in leads II, III, aVF, V3-V6. Echocardiography, coronary angiography and left ventriculography showed typical features of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v3i1.10703   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2014;03(01):38-41
Prophylactic Altropine administration should be considered during laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Maharjan SK , Tabdar S
Published: July 2014

Background: Routine use of vagotonic drugs during general anaesthesia with mechanical ventilation and carboperitoneum creation during laparoscopic surgery may lead to severe bradycardia and even asystole, which can be countered by prophylactic use of Atropine sulphate. Objective: To study whether Atropine sulphate administered one minute after endotracheal intubation will be effective in preventing bradycardia induced by vagotonic anaesthetics and carboperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. Methods: Ninety two patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologist Physical Status I were included in the study. These patients were randomly divided into two groups (Control group and Atropine group) of 46 each by envelope method. Control group received one mL of saline and Atropine group received 0.6 mg (one mL) Atropine one minute after endotracheal intubation. Heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were monitored before intubation; one, three and fi ve minutes after intubation; fi ve, 15 and 30 minutes after carboperitoneum creation and before and after extubation. Atropine 0.6 mg was given intravenously if any of patients developed heart rate less than 50 beats per minute. Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Thirty percent (14 out of 46) of patients in control group developed bradycardia immediately after carboperitoneum creation and no patients developed bradycardia in atropine group. Haemodynamic parameters after intubation, during intraoperative period and after extubation were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Vagolytic drug (Atropine sulphate) should be considered if vagotonic anaesthetic drugs are used along with carboperitoneum creation during laparoscopic surgery.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i2.10622Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 2, Issue 4, Apr.-Jun., 2013, Page : 45-50
Effects of addition of Magnesium sulphate to heavy Bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia in vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Tabdar Sushila , Shrestha Uzma , Kadariya Ekraj
Published: July 2014

Background: Adequate pain management is essential for every patient to recover and return to their normal activity quickly. Central sensitization is one of the mechanism which increases excitability of spinal neurons and results persistent pain postoperatively. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of addition of 100 mg 50% Magnesium Sulphate intrathecally to 0.5% heavy Bupivacaine on sensory onset up to T4 level, complete motor block, post-operative analgesia and complications in patients planned for vaginal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. Methods: The design of the study was prospective randomized and double blind. With the Institutional improvements and informed consent in Kathmandu Medical College from January 2011 till December 2012, 60 American society of Anesthesiologist class (I, II) patients of age between (40 to 70) years, weight between (45 to 70) kg and height between (4.8 to 5.2) feet undergoing routine vaginal hysterectomy not exceeding one and half hour in spinal anaesthesia were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were patients not following above criteria, having coagulopathy, renal function derangements, uncontrolled hypertension or severe hypotension and having dysarrhythmias. Total patients were randomized into two groups of thirty each. Group A was allocated to receive four ml 0.5% Bupivacaine +0.25 ml normal saline and group B was allocated to receive four ml 0.5% Bupivacaine + 100 mg of 50% Magnesium Sulphate. The anaesthesiologist who was double blind to the drug preparation performed spinal anaesthesia with either of the drug for the whole study.The recorded parameters were time of onset of sensory block upto T4 level, onset of complete motor block, total duration of analgesia and complications in both the groups. Data analysis was done by Computer software polystat XLS using Student’s “t” test. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.  Result: The addition of 100 mg of 50% Magnesium sulphate to 0.5% Bupivacaine intrathecally resulted early onset of sensory block upto T4 level in (Mean± SD) (3.79 ± 0.25) min Vs (9.61 ± 0.75) min with sole 0.5% Bupivacaine where p value was < 0.05. Similarly onset of complete motor block with 0.5% Bupivacaine plus Magnesium Sulphate was (1.9 ± 0.23) min verses (10.4 ± 0.63) min with 0.5 % Bupivacaine only. Here again p value was < 0.05. Duration of analgesia with 0.5 % Bupivacaine plus Magnesium Sulphate was (176.8 ± 19. 85) min than that of 0.5% Bupivacaine (105 ± 26.82) min with P value< 0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded that onset as well as analgesic effect of 0.5% Bupivacaine was potentiated by intrathecal Magnesium Sulphate without major side effects.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i2.10628Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 2, Issue 4, Apr.-Jun., 2013, Page: 63-68
Effect of feed supplementation on chemical composition of meat of three genotypes of scavenging ducklings in coastal areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MM , Khan MJ , Chowdhury SD
Published: July 2014

The present study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of three genotypes of scavenging ducklings (Muscovy, Pekin and Desi White) in coastal areas of Bangladesh. Three ducks from each genotype were slaughtered at 6, 10 and 14th week of age. The results indicated that dry matter yield was highest in Muscovy (40.91 and 44.40) followed by Pekin (39.30 and 44.31) and Desi White (35.67 and 41.82) for control and supplemental group, respectively at 14th week of age. The concentration of crude protein was highest in Muscovy (18.76 and 19.90), intermediate in Pekin (18.40 and 19.66) and the lowest in Desi White (17.20 and 19.14) for two feeding regimes at 14th week of age. The ether extract content varied from 17.21 to 23.16. Genotype and feed showed significant effect (p<0.01) on crude protein and ether extract content of duck meat at 10 and 14th week of age. The ash content was highest in Muscovy followed by Pekin and Desi White throughout the experimental period. Genotypes, feed and interaction between genotypes and feed showed no significant (p>0.05) effect on ash content at 14th week of age. Genotypes and feed showed significant effect (p<0.01) but the interaction between genotype and feed had no significant effect (p>0.05) on DM and moisture content of duck meat.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i1.19381 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (1): 25-29
Use of date-palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) brown sugar as a sweetener for making Dahi
Authors: Hossain AA , Habib R , Islam MN , Rakib MRH
Published: July 2014

This research was conducted to test the feasibility of using date palm(Phoenix dactylifera L.) brown sugar as an alternative to refined cane sugar in preparing sweet dahi. Quality assessment tests were conducted on four different types of dahi prepared by adding different levels of date palm brown sugar, such as 10% (A), 12% (B), 14% (C) and 12% refined cane sugar (D, as control). All the samples were analyzed for organoleptic, chemical and microbiological qualities. The scores for smell  and taste, body  and texture, color  and  appearance, and total scores for four types  of  dahi  samples showed significant differences at various levels (p<0.01 to p<0.05). It was found that scores for all the organoleptic parameters of sample B were the highest among the samples, whereas sample D obtained the lowest scores. Total viable count of bacteria and coliform count, and sugar content, ash content, and protein content were differed significantly (p<0.01). Contents for fat also showed significant difference (p<0.05), though dry matter content, % acidity, and pH value showed insignificant differences. It could be concluded that sample B (containing 12% date palm brown sugar) was the best in terms of organoleptic, chemical and microbiological qualities.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i1.19387 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (1): 62-67
Reducing Digging Losses by Using Automated Steering to Plant and Invert Peanuts
Authors: Vellidis George , Ortiz Brenda , Beasley John , Hill Rodney , Henry Herman , Brannen Heather
Published: July 2014

GPS guidance of farm machinery has been increasingly adopted by farmers because of the perceived gains in efficiency that it provides. In the southeastern USA one of the reasons farmers adopt GPS guidance, and specifically automated steering (auto-steer), is that it can theoretically result in large yield gains when used to plant and invert peanuts—one of the region’s most important crops. The goal of our study was to quantify the yield benefit of using real time kinematic (RTK)-based auto-steer to plant and invert peanuts under a variety of terrain conditions. Yield benefits result from reduced digging losses. The study was conducted for two consecutive years (2010 and 2011) on a private farm in Georgia, USA. When all data are grouped together, auto-steer outperformed conventional by 579 kg/ha in 2010 and 451 kg/ha in 2011. We also evaluated the performance of auto-steer under different curvature conditions using low, medium, and high curvature rows. The results showed that auto-steer outperformed conventional under all curvature by a minimum of 338 kg/ha. Finally, we evaluated passive implement guidance in combination with auto-steer and found that it holds tremendous potential for further reducing digging losses. In many cases, auto-steer will pay for itself within a year.
STAT3: An Anti-Invasive Factor in Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: De Jong Petrus , Mo Ji-Hun , Harris Alexandra , Lee Jongdae , Raz Eyal
Published: July 2014

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is activated in a majority of cancers, and promotes tumorigenesis and even metastasis through transcriptional activation of its target genes. Recently, we discovered that STAT3 suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and thus metastasis in a mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC), while it did not affect the overall tumor burden. Furthermore, we found that STAT3 in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) suppresses EMT by regulating stability of an EMT inducer, SNAI-1 (Snail-1). Here, STAT3 functions as an adaptor rather than a transcription factor in the post-translational modification of SNAI-1. In this review, we discuss the unexpected and contradictory role of STAT3 in metastasis of CRC and its clinical implications.
Exhaled Breath Condensate for Proteomic Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Harshman Sean , Grigsby Claude , Ott Darrin
Published: July 2014

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been established as a potential source of respiratory biomarkers. Compared to the numerous small molecules identified, the protein content of EBC has remained relatively unstudied due to the methodological and technical difficulties surrounding EBC analysis. In this review, we discuss the proteins identified in EBC, by mass spectrometry, focusing on the significance of those proteins identified. We will also review the limitations surrounding mass spectral EBC protein analysis emphasizing recommendations to enhance EBC protein identifications by mass spectrometry. Finally, we will provide insight into the future directions of the EBC proteomics field.