bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric disorders among the children of 5 to 18 years old of 'SIDR' affected areas
Authors: Mullick Mohammad S. I. , Nahar Jhunu Shamsun , Chowdhury Nafia Farzana , Rahman Wasima , Islam Mohammad Monirul , Qusar M. M. A. Shalahuddin , Rahman M. Mahbubur , Shahidullah Mohammad
Published: August 2016

Background: Natural disasters give raise a significant amount of physical and mental impairment in human beings. Any sort of disaster acts as a causative and maintaining factor for any psychiatric morbidity. In November 15, 2007, the cyclone "SIDR" intensified to reach peak winds of 215 km/h (135 mph) according to the IMD, a peak of 250 km/h (155 mph) according to the JTWC. "SIDR" officially made landfall around 1700 UTC later that day, with sustained winds of 215 km/h (135 mph). As it intensified to a Category 4-equivalent cyclone and thus coastal districts of Bangladesh faced heavy rainfall as an early impact of the cyclone. The damage in Bangladesh was extensive, including tin shacks flattened, houses and schools blown away and enormous tree damage. The entire cities of Patuakhali, Barguna and Jhalokati District were hit hard by the storm surge of over 5 meters ( 16 ft). The head of the Red Crescent in Bangladesh expects the death toll to reach as high as 10,000. Over 3,000 other fishermen were reported missing on over 500 fishing boats. The "SIDR" left its strong impact on those who survived. Objectives: The Study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorder among children and adolescents in the "SIDR" affected areas. Method: This was cross sectional, qualitative study done among the children and adolescent groups of 5 to 18 years old to see the effect of natural disaster on the people of southern part of Bangladesh. The whole of the children population who attended in the health camp were included in the study during the study period. Three teams have worked among the four "SIDR" affected districts. Each team consists of Psychiatrists, General Physicians, and Clinical Psychologist.Results: A total of 158 children in four defined areas revealed that the prevalence rate of psychiatric disorder was 48%.Conclusion: This type of study should be done in multi-centers in SIDR affected disti.icts of Bangladesh to find out the actual prevalence rate of child and adolescent psychiatric disorder.
External beam radiotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy is an acceptable treatment for locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Zillur Rahman , Rahman Atiar , Alam Sarwar , Shaheen Sheikh Saiful Islam , Lslam Md. Ashadul , Mostafa S. K. Golam
Published: August 2016

Background: Cervical carcinoma is the second most common neoplasm in women worldwide and is the most frequent cancer among women in Bangladesh. In recent years, High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy in combination with External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) has been popular in the management of cancers of uterine cervix.Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and acute toxicity of four fractions high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy following pelvic external beam radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical carcinoma. Methods: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medi­cal University & NICRH chosen as a research place for EBRT and HOR brachytherapy. A typical radiotherapy treatment involves daily inadiation for several weeks. Whole pelvis was treated with total dose of SO Gy in 5 weeks. Patients were treated once a day, 5 days a week with a daily fraction size of 2.0 Gy. EBRT: Pelvic radiotherapy dose is 50 Gy in 25 fractions (2.0 Gy per fraction) over 5 weeks. HDR brachytberapy dose is 7 Gy per fraction, total 4 fractions, each in a week over 4 weeks. Results: Ninety-eight patients were entered in the study. Three patients were excluded due to active non-malignant diseases. One patient had active tuberculosis, two patients had severe skin reactions and two patients withdrew following the first HDR application. The remaining Ninety patients were analyzed. Ninety patients completed the prescribed treatment and were evaluated. Eighty had complete response with relief of symptoms, negative Pap-smear and no clinical signs of persistence disease at 3 months. Ten patients had a positive Pap-smear with clinical signs of persis­tence disease. Patients were evaluated before statting treatment with EBRT and before starting treatment with HDR ICBT. Conclusion: It can be easily concluded that 4 fractions of HDR ICBT, 7 Gy each weekly and pelvic EBRT can effectively and safely control locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix. So that EBRT and HDR ICBT is an acceptable treatment for locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Careful attention to normal tissue doses such as the rectum, bladder, and small bowel is important in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer.
Thin-layer agar (TL7H11) for rapid isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum specimens
Authors: Alam Habiba Binte , Miah Md. Ruhul Amin , Kamal Mostofa , Roy Chandan Kumar , Saleh Ahmed Abu
Published: August 2016

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the major causes of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. The early detection of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis is an important goal in tuberculosis control program.Objective: 1n this study, thin layer agar (TLA) culture was compared with Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture for rapid detection of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in National Tuberculosis Reference Labora­tory (NTRL) of National Institute of Disease of Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka, from July 2010 to June 2011. A total of 100 sputum smear positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB) by Z-N staining, pulmonary tuberculosis patients were included in this study. Samples were processed by modified Petroff method and then cultured on thin layer 7H11(TL7H11) plates and L-J tubes. TL7H11 plates were observed microscopically for rnicrocolony growth once a week for 6 weeks, and L-J tubes were observed once a week for 8 weeks. Results: The recovery rates of mycobacteria on only TLA, only LJ and on both media were 90%, 97% and 88% respectively. Overall positivity was 99% in both L-J and TLA media. Mean time for detection of mycobacteria on TLA was 9.04±1.66 days compared to 21.78±6.19 days on L-J media. The rate of contamination was higher (6%) in L-J media than in TLA media (4%). Conclusion: The TL7H11 media can be used as an alternative to the Lowenstein-Jensen medium for early isolation of mycobacteria in resource constrained settings.
Pattern of infection in children presented with obstructive uropathy: A hospital-based study
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur , Laila Kamrul , Muinuddin Golam
Published: August 2016

Background: Obstructive uropathy refers to the structural impedance to the flow of urine anywhere along the urinary tract which may result from congenital (anatomic) lesions or can be caused by trauma, neoplasia, calculi, inflatnmatory process or surgical procedure. It is responsible for about 4% of end-stage renal disease. Obstructive uropathy is invariably associated with some co-morbid conditions specially infection.Objecctive: This study was conducted in the department of pediatric nephrology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh with an objective to identify different pattern of infections in children with obstructive uropathy. Methods: A total of 55 patients of obstructive uropathy were enrolled. Thorough clinical and laboratory evaluation including hematological, biochemical, radiological and radio nucleotide imaging were done along with blood and urine culture. Result: Out of 55 cases, 42.27% of obstructive uropathy was detected between I to 5 years and 89.27% was infected. Among obstructive uropathy cases, majority had posterior urethral valve (PUV) (42.27%). Urinary tract infection was the commonest (60%) type of infections followed by septicemia and respiratory tract infection. Conclusion: Age between 1 to 5 years was the commonest age of children for hospital admission due to obstructive uropathy. Among various manifestations of obstruc­tive uropatby, infections, mostly urinary tract infection was the commonest one.
Endoscopic excision of meningocele and meningoencephalocele: Report of two cases
Authors: Rahman Sheikh Hasanur , Tarafder Kamrul Hassan , Rasel Mohammad Asaduzzaman
Published: August 2016

Meningocele and meningoencephalocele are rare entities produced by herniation of cranial contents at the defective areas of the skull base, which may be congenital, spontaneous or traumatic. The condition may present as CSF rhinorrboea, nasal obstruction or even with meningitis. Managemenl of these basal encephaloceles with endoscopic surgery provides a direct view of the skull base and cause less morbidity compared with transcranial approach. Two cases have been reported here, first, a meningocele presented as a case of recurrent CSF rhinorrhoea and the second one, a meningoen­cepbalocele presented as recurrent meningitis, treated using an endoscopic procedure and reviews the literature regarding their management.
A case of hypofibrinogenemia presenting with submental hamatoma
Authors: Rahman Mujahida , Lrshadullah Naseeb Muhammad , Begum Masuda
Published: August 2016

Hereditary hypofibrinogenemia is a rare disease and the usual presentation is difficult to stop bleeding or hamatoma in the muscle or intracranial space after injury. There may also be adverse pregnancy outcome, and increased tendency to throm­bosis. The usual measure is replacement of fibrinogen. Here a case of this rare disease with unusual presentation is reported, and the special aspects of management are discussed.
Isolated liver tuberculosis
Authors: Karim Ruksana , Chowdhury Md. Mohsen , Khan Arif Salam
Published: August 2016

Isolated liver tuberculosis is still considered a rare condition and its atypical clinical presentation challenges the clinical acumen of the treating physician. There is difficulty in reaching the correct preoperative diagnosis of nodular hepatic tuberculosis that presents as a space-occupying lesion. It is usually unsuspected and confused with primary or metastatic carcinoma of the liver. In this report, we describe a rare case of isolated liver tuberculosis.
Fluorescence Spectroscopic Studies of in vitro Interactions of Famotidine and Tapentadol Hydrochloride with Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Khan Md Rasal Hossain , Rahman Asma , Sultan Md Zakir , Sultan Md Zamil , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: August 2016

The in vitro interactions of Famotidine (FT) and Tapentadol hydrochloride (TAP) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been studied by fluorescence emission spectroscopy under different conditions. Quenching constants were determined using the Stern-Volmer equation. Two moles FT bound with 1 mole of BSA at 298 K and 3 mole FT bound with 1 mole of BSA at 308 K in presence of TAP. BSA was used for the study as it shows approximately 76% sequence homology to human serum albumin (HSA).Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 21-26, 2016 (June)
Further Flavonoids from Polygonum viscosum Buch-Ham. ex D. Don. (Polygonoceae)
Authors: Datta Bidyut Kanti , Iasmin Tahamina , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: August 2016

Three additional flavonoids such as 5,7,4?-trihydroxy-3,8,3?-trimethoxy flavonol (1), 5,7-dihydroxyflavone (chrysin, 2) and 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (baicalein, 3) were obtained from the methanol extract of whole plant of Polygonum viscosum. The structure of the isolated compounds was established exclusively by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and a series of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 27-30, 2016 (June)
Evaluation of Anti-microbial, Hypoglycemic and Anti-diarrheal activities of Setaria italica Seeds
Authors: Dasgupta Tumpa , Ganguly Amlan , Asaduzzaman Muhammad , Qais Nazmul
Published: August 2016

The ethanolic crude extract of Setaria italica seeds (Poaceae) was investigated for its possible anti-microbial, hypoglycemic and anti-diarrheal activities. Anti-microbial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method while the hypoglycemic and anti-diarrheal properties were determined by oral glucose tolerance test and castor oil induced diarrheal method, respectively in Albino mice. The ethanolic extract and its different fractions of S. italica have shown good antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria having zone of inhibition 9-13 mm (ciprofloxacin: 40- 41 mm). In evaluation of hypoglycemic activity, ethanolic extract and its chloroform fraction, at 400 mg/kg, also showed promising hypoglycemic property having blood glucose level of 3.74 and 3.72 mmol/l after 120 minute, respectively when compared to standard glibenclamide (3.44 mmol/l). On the other hand, during the assessing for anti-diarrheal activity, the crude extract did not significantly reduce the frequency of defecation. The findings of the studies demonstrate anti-microbial and hypoglycemic properties of S. italica.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 31-35, 2016 (June)
Standardization of Adhatoda vasica Nees Market Preparations by RP-HPLC Method
Authors: Sajeeb BK , Kumar Uttom , Hossain Md Shahadat , Bachar Sitesh C
Published: August 2016

In recent times, quality control of herbal and traditional medicines with modern scientific techniques and knowledge are of great concern. The present study reveals a simple and improved reversed phase HPLC method for qualitative analyses of Adhatoda vasica Nees market preparations via quantitation of its major metabolite, vasicine as a marker compound. Three market preparations, each of four different herbal and traditional manufacturers, were analyzed. The market preparations were extracted with chloroform and the residue obtained from extraction of each market preparation was analyzed for quantitation of vasicine by RP-HPLC method with ODS column using a mixture of water and methanol (60:40) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The estimated quantities of vasicine compared to reference standard for marketed products of four different manufacturers were found to be 1.502 ± 0.064 g, 1.590 ± 0.081 g, 1.761 ± 0.061 g and 1.627 ± 0.082 g, respectively per 100 ml of preparation.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 57-62, 2016 (June)
Antioxidant, Membrane Stabilizing and Cytotoxic Activities of Cissus adnata (Roxb.)
Authors: Rashid Ridwan Bin , Towsif Farhan Nur , Bushra Farhana Ahmed , Tahia Faiza
Published: August 2016

The methanol extracts of whole plant of Cissus adnata (Roxb.) and their organic and aqueous soluble partitioning materials were evaluated for antioxidant, cytotoxic and membrane stabilizing properties. In the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the aqueous extract of whole plant of C. adnata displayed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 4.17 ?g/ml, while the pet ether soluble fraction showed significant lethality to brine shrimps having LC50 value of 1.02 ?g/ml, as compared to the standard vincristine sulphate (LC50 value of 0.44 ?g/ml). In the evaluation for membrane stabilizing property, the pet ether soluble fraction of methanol extract of the whole plant inhibited 67.43 % and 56.60 % hypotonic solution- and heat-induced haemolysis of RBCs, respectively.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 69-71, 2016 (June)
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2-methyl-1Hbenzimidazole and 1H-benzimidazol-2-yl-methanol
Authors: Poddar Saikat Kumar , Saqueeb Nazmus , Rahman SM Abdur
Published: August 2016

Two benzimidazole derivatives namely 2-methyl-1H-benzimidazole (1) and 1H-benzimidazol-2- ylmethanol (2) were synthesized in high yields by condensing O-phenylenediamine with two different carboxylic acid derivatives: glacial acetic acid and glycolic acid, following a different synthetic protocol. Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among the two benzimidazole derivatives synthesized, 2-methyl-1Hbenzimidazole (1) showed moderate antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 144.84?g/ml whereas 1H-benzimidazol- 2-ylmethanol (2) displayed mild antioxidant activity (IC50 value 400.42 ?g/ml). Compound 1 also exhibited prominent cytotoxic activities with the LC50 value of 0.42 ?g/ml when compared to the standard vincristine sulphate (LC50 value of 0.544 ?g/ ml). It also demonstrated weak antimicrobial activity having 7-8 mm of zone of inhibition.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 83-87, 2016 (June)
Anthelmintic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merril & Perry
Authors: Gayen Projit Roy , Hossain ASM Monjur Al , Saifuzzaman Md , Faroque ABM
Published: August 2016

Abstract not availableDhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 109-111, 2016 (June)
2,5-Dihydroxy-3-heptadecyl-1,4-benzoquinone and Stigmasterol from Heliotropium indicum L.
Authors: Hasan Md Nazmul , Ahsan Monira , Hasan Choudhury Mahmood , Azam ATM Zafrul
Published: August 2016

Abstract not availableDhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(1): 113-115, 2016 (June)
Evaluation of Blood Transfusion Practices in Obstetrics and Gynecology in a Tertiary Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Ferdousi , Akhter Sayeba , Islam Aminul , Rayen Junnu , Begum Nayeema , Begum Farjana
Published: August 2016

Background: Blood transfusion is a life saving intervention in some obstetric and gynecological cases but is associated with risk of transfusion reaction and transmission of infection . Appropriate use of blood and blood products is of utmost importance for the safety of the patients. During the evaluation of an ongoing study on PPH,it appears that rate of blood transfusion is unexpectedly high in this centre, which raised the inquisitiveness in evaluating the rate and rationality of blood transfusion in present practice.Objective : To determine the incidence of blood transfusion in admitted and operated cases and is also to evaluate the indication of transfusion among the study patients. Subject and Method: It was an observational descriptive study, conducted from 1st April 2012 to 30th June 2012 in department of obstetrics and gynecology of Ad-din Women Medical College Hospital , Dhaka . Total 256 cases were included for the study, who received blood and /or blood products during the study period.Results: Transfusion rate in total admitted patients was 9.23% . Most common indication for blood transfusion in obstetric patients was mild preoperative anaemia with or without excessive bleeding during cesarean section (63.92%) and second common cause was antenatal anaemia (24.05%). In gynecological cases abortion (45.91%) was the commonest indication for blood transfusion and next common conditions were total abdominal hysterectomy (20.40%),vaginal hysterectomy (7.14%), ectopic pregnancy and post coital tear (6.12%) and( 6.12%).Conclusion: In this study it was observed that, blood transfusion was not appropriate in all cases, specially in cases where single unit blood was transfused . So creation of awareness among the junior doctors, obstetricians, nurses  midwives is essential by developing regular education and training programme.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 9-14
Diarrhea in Breastfed versus Formulafed Baby: A Hospital Based Study in 150 Children
Authors: Begum Most Umme Habiba , Absar MN
Published: August 2016

Background: Breastfeeding reduces incidence of common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and thus reduces infant mortality and morbidity.Objective: To find out the incidence of diarrhea in breastfed versus formula fed baby. Methodology: An observational cross sectional study was carried out in the Pediatric department of Northern private medical college hospital, Rangpur from March 2013 to June 2014. Total 150 children aged 1 to 24 months having diarrhea were enrolled in the study.Result: Mean age of children was 11.6 with SD ±5.29 months, ranges from 1 month to 23 months in which exclusively breast fed 51.3%, breast fed plus formula fed 39.3%, exclusively formula fed 9.4%; single attack of diarrhea occurred in 72.7%, 40.7%, and 28.6% children in exclusively breast fed, breast fed plus formula fed and exclusively formula fed children respectively. Frequent attack of diarrhea occurred in 27.3%, 59.3% and 71.4% children in exclusively breast fed, breast fed plus formula fed and exclusively formula fed children respectively; among 59 patients who developed first attack of diarrhea by 6 months of age, 10.2%, 69.5 % and 20.3% were from exclusively breast fed, breast fed plus formula fed and exclusively formula fed children respectively. Patients who developed first attack of diarrhea by 7-12 months of age, 69.8% were from exclusively breast fed, 27.0% from breast fed plus formula fed and 3.2% from exclusively formula fed children. But 28 children whose first diarrhea occurred by 13-24 months of age, 96.4% and 3.6% were from exclusively breast fed, and breast fed plus formula fed group respectively.Conclusion: Breast feeding reduces incidence of diarrhea, prevents frequent attack and early occurrence of diarrhea in under two children.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 21-25
Recent Update in The Management of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Kayes Mohammad Imrul
Published: August 2016

Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is a common renal disease seen in children. Children who go into complete remission following treatment with corticosteroids are classified as having steroid sensitive NS. In developed countries over 80% of children with idiopathic NS have steroid sensitive disease. The exact pathogenesis of this condition remains elusive. Podocyte injury and proteinuria are the two main issues in the pathogenesis. Recent studies suggest release of cytokines by T-cells as well as a strong contribution of Bcell immunity. Genetic studies have reported human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigens DR and DQ associations linked to steroid sensitive NS. Most children with steroid sensitive NS have multiple relapses and a significant percentage also develop steroid dependent NS. Diuretic- resistant edema also a clinical problem to manage these patients. These children receive multiple courses of steroids and are at high risk of developing steroid toxicity. Patient with frequent relapses who develop steroid dependency thus require alternative treatment. Steroid resistant NS considers when failure to response within 8 weeks of steroid therapy. Steroids sparing agents used include levamisole, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine and tacrolimus), rituximab and vincristine; these agents have greatly reduced the adverse effects seen with long-term use of steroids; so therapy needs to be individualized to achieve optimal care of each child.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 26-32
A Case of Wolfram Syndrome Presenting with Restlessness
Authors: Mowla Syed Ghulam Mogni , Miah Md Titu , Rahman Ashraf Ur , Shonchoi Shamsuddoha Sarker , Alam Muhammad Nazmul , Salim Mohammad
Published: August 2016

Wolfram Syndrome ( DIDMOAD) is a rare genetic disorder presenting with Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, Deafness and some other neurological , reproductive , hormonal, urological and psychic problems. About 200 cases have been reported so far. Here we present a 25 years old Bangladeshi male having early onset Diabetes Mellitus, optic atrophy, deafness and many other features consistent with Wolfram Syndrome. We examined the patient thoroughly and did necessary investigations to confirm our diagnosis. As there is no cure of this disorder, we gave symptomatic and supportive treatment to the patient to make his life easier. Although the outcome is unrewarding , such patients will be kept in regular follow up for early detection of new complications and possible solutions.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 42-44
Precocious Puberty with Primary Hypothyroidism due to Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Kasem Setara Binte
Published: August 2016

Children with hypothyroidism generally have delayed pubertal development. Rare association with precocious puberty may occur especially in long standing untreated patients. The cardinal features of hypothyroidism induced pseudoprecocious pubertal development include thelarche, galactorrhoea & menarche . Other characteristic features are absence of sexual hair & retardation of linear growth. In this report a rare case of vaginal bleeding, large multicystic ovaries, precocious puberty, slow physical & mental growth in a seven and half years old girl with hypothyroidism due to autoimmune thyroiditis is described. It is important to recognize this syndrome because initiating simple thyroid hormone replacement completely resolves symptoms and hormone abnormalities, avoiding unnecessary investigations for malignancies or surgical intervention.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(1): 45-47
Zeb1 Is a Potential Regulator of Six2 in the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Migration of Metanephric Mesenchyme Cells
Authors: Gu Yuping , Zhao Ya , Zhou Yuru , Xie Yajun , Ju Pan , Long Yaoshui , Liu Jianing , Ni Dongsheng , Cao Fen , Lyu Zhongshi , Mao Zhaomin , Hao Jin , Li Yiman , Wan Qianya , Kanyomse Quist , Liu Yamin , Ren Die , Ning Yating , Li Xiaofeng , Zhou Qin , Li Bing
Published: August 2016

Nephron progenitor cells surround around the ureteric bud tips (UB) and inductively interact with the UB to originate nephrons, the basic units of renal function. This process is determined by the internal balance between self-renewal and consumption of the nephron progenitor cells, which is depending on the complicated regulation networks. It has been reported that Zeb1 regulates the proliferation of mesenchymal cells in mouse embryos. However, the role of Zeb1 in nephrons generation is not clear, especially in metanephric mesenchyme (MM). Here, we detected cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration in MM cells by EdU assay, flow cytometry assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Meanwhile, Western and RT-PCR were used to measure the expression level of Zeb1 and Six2 in MM cells and developing kidney. Besides, the dual-luciferase assay was conducted to study the molecular relationship between Zeb1 and Six2. We found that knock-down of Zeb1 decreased cell proliferation, migration and promoted cell apoptosis in MM cells and Zeb1 overexpression leaded to the opposite data. Western-blot and RT-PCR results showed that knock-down of Zeb1 decreased the expression of Six2 in MM cells and Zeb1 overexpression contributed to the opposite results. Similarly, Zeb1 promoted Six2 promoter reporter activity in luciferase assays. However, double knock-down of Zeb1 and Six2 did not enhance the apoptosis of MM cells compared with control cells. Nevertheless, double silence of Zeb1 and Six2 repressed cell proliferation. In addition, we also found that Zeb1 and Six2 had an identical pattern in distinct developing phases of embryonic kidney. These results indicated that there may exist a complicated regulation network between Six2 and Zeb1. Together, we demonstrate Zeb1 promotes proliferation and apoptosis and inhibits the migration of MM cells, in association with Six2.
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Black Shales after CO2-Water-Rock Interaction
Authors: Lyu Qiao , Ranjith Pathegama , Long Xinping , Ji Bin
Published: August 2016

The effects of CO2-water-rock interactions on the mechanical properties of shale are essential for estimating the possibility of sequestrating CO2 in shale reservoirs. In this study, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests together with an acoustic emission (AE) system and SEM and EDS analysis were performed to investigate the mechanical properties and microstructural changes of black shales with different saturation times (10 days, 20 days and 30 days) in water dissoluted with gaseous/super-critical CO2. According to the experimental results, the values of UCS, Young’s modulus and brittleness index decrease gradually with increasing saturation time in water with gaseous/super-critical CO2. Compared to samples without saturation, 30-day saturation causes reductions of 56.43% in UCS and 54.21% in Young’s modulus for gaseous saturated samples, and 66.05% in UCS and 56.32% in Young’s modulus for super-critical saturated samples, respectively. The brittleness index also decreases drastically from 84.3% for samples without saturation to 50.9% for samples saturated in water with gaseous CO2, to 47.9% for samples saturated in water with super-critical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2). SC-CO2 causes a greater reduction of shale’s mechanical properties. The crack propagation results obtained from the AE system show that longer saturation time produces higher peak cumulative AE energy. SEM images show that many pores occur when shale samples are saturated in water with gaseous/super-critical CO2. The EDS results show that CO2-water-rock interactions increase the percentages of C and Fe and decrease the percentages of Al and K on the surface of saturated samples when compared to samples without saturation.
Enhancing the Adhesive Strength of a Plywood Adhesive Developed from Hydrolyzed Specified Risk Materials
Authors: Adhikari Birendra , Appadu Pooran , Kislitsin Vadim , Chae Michael , Choi Phillip , Bressler David
Published: August 2016

The current production of wood composites relies mostly on formaldehyde-based adhesives such as urea formaldehyde (UF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins. As these resins are produced from non-renewable resources, and there are some ongoing issues with possible health hazard due to formaldehyde emission from such products, the purpose of this research was to develop a formaldehyde-free plywood adhesive utilizing waste protein as a renewable feedstock. The feedstock for this work was specified risk material (SRM), which is currently being disposed of either by incineration or by landfilling. In this report, we describe a technology for utilization of SRM for the development of an environmentally friendly plywood adhesive. SRM was thermally hydrolyzed using a Canadian government-approved protocol, and the peptides were recovered from the hydrolyzate. The recovered peptides were chemically crosslinked with polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resin to develop an adhesive system for bonding of plywood specimens. The effects of crosslinking time, peptides/crosslinking agent ratio, and temperature of hot pressing of plywood specimens on the strength of formulated adhesives were investigated. Formulations containing as much as 78% (wt/wt) peptides met the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) specifications of minimum dry and soaked shear strength requirement for UF resin type adhesives. Under the optimum conditions tested, the peptides–PAE resin-based formulations resulted in plywood specimens having comparable dry as well as soaked shear strength to that of commercial PF resin.
Fetal Tissues Tested for Microbial Sterility by Culture- and PCR-Based Methods Can be Safely Used in Clinics
Authors: Vitrenko Yakov , Kostenko Iryna , Kulebyakina Kateryna , Duda Alla , Klunnyk Mariya , Sorochynska Khrystyna
Published: August 2016

Cell preparations to be used in clinical practice must be free of infectious agents. Safety concerns are especially elevated upon the use of human fetal tissues, which are otherwise highly advantageous in cell therapy. We demonstrate that treating fetal samples with antibiotic, extensive washing, and homogenization prior to cryoconservation efficiently removes microbes in general. Screening a large collection by an automatic culture system showed that 89.2% fetal tissue samples were sterile, while contamination was detected in 10.8% samples. Liver and chorion were contaminated more than the brain, kidney, lung, and soft tissues. Broad-range PCR from the bacterial 16s rRNA gene was adopted as a confirmatory assay; however, the concordance between the culture-based and PCR assays was weak. Taxonomic identification was done for contaminated samples by bacteriological methods and sequencing 16s rRNA PCR products. The two approaches revealed different spectra of taxonomic groups sharing only Lactobacillus, the most frequently found genus. In addition, other representatives of vaginal microbiota were detected by culture-based identification, while PCR product sequencing has also revealed a subset of nosocomial microorganisms. Importantly, species known to cause sepsis were identified by both techniques, arguing for their indispensability and mutual complementarity. We suggest that most contaminations are taken up during collection of fetal material rather than originating from an in utero infection. In conclusion, a rigorous microbiological control by culture and PCR is a prerequisite for safe clinical use of fetal tissue suspensions.
The Economic Burden of Cancers Attributable to Tobacco Smoking, Excess Weight, Alcohol Use, and Physical Inactivity in Canada
Authors: Krueger H. , Andres E.N. , Koot J.M. , Reilly B.D.
Published: August 2016

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to calculate the proportion of cancers in Canada attributable to tobacco smoking (TS), alcohol use (AU), excess weight (EW), and physical inactivity (PIA); to explore variation in the proportions of those risk factors (RFS) over time by sex and province; to estimate the economic burden of cancer attributable to the 4 RFS; and to calculate the potential reduction in cancers and economic burden if all provinces achieved rf prevalence rates equivalent to the best in Canada. Methods: We used a previously developed approach based on population-attributable fractions (PAFS) to estimate the cancer-related economic burden associated with the four RFS. Sex-specific relative risk and age- and sex-specific prevalence data were used in the modelling. The economic burden was adjusted for potential double counting of cases and costs. Results: In Canada, 27.7% of incident cancer cases [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.6% to 32.9%] in 2013 [47,000 of 170,000 (95% CI:38,400–55,900)] were attributable to the four RFS: TS, 15.2% (95% CI: 13.7% to 16.9%); EW, 5.1% (95% CI: 3.8% to 6.4%); AU, 3.9% (95% CI: 2.4% to 5.3%); and PIA, 3.5% (95% CI: 2.7% to 4.3%). The annual economic burden attributable to the 47,000 total cancers was $9.6 billion (95% CI: $7.8 billion to $11.3 billion): consisting of $1.7 billion in direct and $8.0 billion in indirect costs. Applying the lowest rf rates to each province would result in an annual reduction of 6204 cancers (13.2% of the potentially avoidable cancers) and a reduction in economic burden of $1.2 billion. Conclusions: Despite substantial reductions in the prevalence and intensity of TS, TS remains the dominant risk factor from the perspective of cancer prevention in Canada, although EW and AU are becoming increasingly important RFS.
Did the Addition of Concomitant Chemotherapy to Radiotherapy Improve Outcomes in Hypopharyngeal Cancer? A Population-Based Study
Authors: Hall S.F. , Griffiths R.
Published: August 2016

Background: For oncologists and for patients, no site-specific clinical trial evidence has emerged for the use of concurrent chemotherapy with radiotherapy (ccrt) over radiotherapy (rt) alone for cancer of the hypopharynx (hpc) or for other human papilloma virus–negative head-and-neck cancers. Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative data compared treatments over time (1990–2000 vs. 2000–2010), treatment outcomes, and outcomes over time in 1333 cases of hpc diagnosed in Ontario between January 1990 and December 2010. Results: The incidence of hpc is declining; the use of ccrt that began in 2001 is increasing; and the 3-year overall survival for all patients remains poor at 34.6%. No difference in overall survival was observed in a comparison of patients treated in the decade before ccrt and of patients treated in the decade during the uptake of ccrt. Conclusions: The addition of ccrt to the armamentarium of treatment options for oncologists treating head-and-neck patients did not improve outcomes for hpc at the population level.
Negative Predictive Value of Preoperative Computed Tomography in Determining Pathologic Local Invasion, Nodal Disease, and Abdominal Metastases in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kagedan D.J. , Frankul F. , El-Sedfy A. , McGregor C. , Elmi M. , Zagorski B. , Dixon M.E. , Mahar A.L. , Vasilevska-Ristovska J. , Helyer L. , Rowsell C. , Swallow C.J. , Law C.H. , Coburn N.G.
Published: August 2016

Background: Before undergoing curative-intent resection of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA), most patients undergo abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging to determine contraindications to resection (local invasion, distant metastases). However, the ability to detect contraindications is variable, and the literature is limited to single-institution studies. We sought to assess, on a population level, the clinical relevance of preoperative CT in evaluating the resectability of GA tumours in patients undergoing surgery. Methods: In a provincial cancer registry, 2414 patients with ga diagnosed during 2005–2008 at 116 institutions were identified, and a primary chart review of radiology, operative, and pathology reports was performed for all patients. Preoperative abdominal ct reports were compared with intraoperative findings and final pathology reports (reference standard) to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of ct in assessing local invasion, nodal involvement, and intra-abdominal metastases. Results: Among patients undergoing gastrectomy, the NPV of CT imaging in detecting local invasion was 86.9% (n = 536). For nodal metastasis, the NPV of CT was 43.3% (n = 450). Among patients undergoing surgical exploration, the npv of ct for intra-abdominal metastases was 52.3% (n = 407). Conclusions: Preoperative abdominal CT imaging reported as negative is most accurate in determining local invasion and least accurate in nodal assessment. The poor NPV of CT should be taken into account when selecting patients for staging laparoscopy.
Plerixafor for Autologous Stem-Cell Mobilization and Transplantation for Patients in Ontario
Authors: Kouroukis C.T. , Varela N.P. , Bredeson C. , Kuruvilla J. , Xenocostas A.
Published: August 2016

Background: High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is an accepted part of standard therapy for patients with hematologic malignancies. Usually, stem-cell mobilization uses granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G-CSF); however, some patients are not able to be mobilized with chemotherapy and G-CSF, and such patients could be at higher risk of failing mobilization. Plerixafor is a novel mobilization agent that is absorbed quickly after subcutaneous injection and, at the recommended dose of 0.24 mg/kg, provides a sustained increase in circulating CD34+ cells for 10–18 hours. The main purpose of the present report was to evaluate the most current evidence on the efficacy of plerixafor in enhancing hematopoietic stem-cell mobilization and collection before asct for patients in Ontario so as to make recommendations for clinical practice and to assist Cancer Care Ontario in decision-making with respect to this intervention. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for evidence from January 1996 to March 2015, and the best available evidence was used to draft recommendations relevant to the efficacy of plerixafor in enhancing hematopoietic stem-cell mobilization and collection before asct. Final approval of this practice guideline report was obtained from both the Stem Cell Transplant Steering Committee and the Report Approval Panel of the Program in Evidence-Based Care. Recommendations: These recommendations apply to adult patients considered for ASCT: (1) Adding plerixafor to G-CSF is an option for initial mobilization in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma who are eligible for ASCT when chemotherapy cannot be used and only G-CSF mobilization is available. (2) For patients with a low peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (for example, <10/μL) at the time of anticipated stem-cell harvesting, or with an inadequate first-day apheresis collection, it is recommended that plerixafor be added to the mobilization regimen to maximize stem-cell collection and to prevent the need for remobilization. (3) It is recommended that patients who have failed a previous mobilization attempt undergo remobilization with G-CSF and plerixafor, with or without chemotherapy.
Comparative Efficacy of Whole-Brain Radiotherapy with and without Elemene Liposomes in Patients with Multiple Brain Metastases from Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Y.N. , Zhang Z.Y. , Zeng Y.C. , Chi F. , Jin X.Y. , Wu R.
Published: August 2016

Purpose: We explored and compared the clinical effects of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with and without elemene liposomes in patients with multiple brain metastases from non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 62 patients with multiple brain metastases from NSCLC who received WBRT (30 Gy in 10 fractions) at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2012 to May 2013. In 30 patients, elemene liposomes (400 mg) were injected intravenously via a peripherally inserted central catheter for 21 consecutive days from the first day of radiotherapy. Overall survival (OS) and nervous system progression-free survival (nPFS) for the two groups were compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Factors influencing nPFS were examined by Cox regression analysis. Chi-square or Fisher exact tests were used for group comparisons. Results: The median OS was 9.0 months in the WBRT plus elemene group and 7.8 months in the WBRT-alone group (p = 0.581); the equivalent median npfs durations were 5.2 months and 3.7 months (p = 0.005). Patient treatment plan was an independent factor associated with nPFS (p = 0.002). Tumour response and disease-control rates in the WBRT plus elemene group were 26.67% and 76.67% respectively; they were 18.75% and 62.5% in the WBRT group (p = 0.452). Compared with the patients in the WBRT-alone group, significantly fewer patients in the WBRT plus elemene group developed headaches (p = 0.04); quality of life was also significantly higher in the WBRT plus elemene group both at 1 month and at 2 months (p = 0.021 and p = 0.001 respectively). Conclusions: The addition of elemene liposomes to WBRT might prolong nPFS in patients with multiple brain metastases from NSCLC, while also reducing the incidence of headache and improving patient quality of life.
SDSS J0159+0105: A RADIO-QUIET QUASAR WITH A CENTI-PARSEC SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE BINARY CANDIDATE*
Authors: Zheng Zhen-Ya , Butler Nathaniel R. , Shen Yue , Jiang Linhua , Wang Jun-Xian , Chen Xian , Cuadra Jorge
Published: August 2016

We report a candidate centi-parsec supermassive black hole binary (SMBHB) in the radio-quiet quasar SDSS J0159+0105 at z = 0.217. With a modified Lomb–Scargle code (GLSdeDRW) and auto-correlation analysis, we detect two significant (at P > 99%) periodic signals at ∼741 day and ∼1500 day from the 8.1 yr Catalina V-band light curve of this quasar. The period ratio, which is close to 1:2, is typical of a black hole binary system with a mass ratio of 0.05 < q < 0.8 according to recent numerical simulations. SDSS J0159+0105 has two SDSS spectroscopic observations separated by ∼10 yr. There is a significant change in the broad Hβ profile between the two epochs, which can be explained by a single broad-line region (BLR) around the binary system illuminated by the aforementioned mini-disks, or a stream of gas flowing from the circumbinary disk to one of the SMBHs. From the single BLR assumption and the orbital period t
orb ∼ 1500 day, we estimate the total virial masses of M
SMBHB ∼ 1.3 × 108
M
⊙, the average distances of BLR of ∼0.04 pc (∼50 lt-day, with ±0.3 dex uncertainty), and an SMBHB separation of d = (0.01 pc)

(T
rest/3.3 yr)2/3 ∼ 0.013 pc (15 lt-day). Based on analytical work, the postulated circumbinary disk has an inner radius of 2d = 0.026 pc (30 lt-day). SDSS J0159+0105 also displays unusual spectral energy distribution. The unique properties of SDSS J0159+0105 are consistent with it being a centi-parsec SMBHB.
OBSCURED AGNs IN BULGELESS HOSTS DISCOVERED BY WISE: THE CASE STUDY OF SDSS J1224+5555
Authors: Satyapal S. , Secrest N. J. , Rothberg B. , O’Connor J. A. , Ellison S. L. , Hickox R. C. , Constantin A. , Gliozzi M. , Rosenberg and J. L.
Published: August 2016

There is mounting evidence that supermassive black holes (SMBHs) form and grow in bulgeless galaxies. However, a robust determination of the fraction of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in bulgeless galaxies, an important constraint to models of SMBH seed formation and merger-free models of AGN fueling, is unknown, since optical studies have been shown to be incomplete for AGNs in low-mass galaxies. In a recent study using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, we discovered hundreds of bulgeless galaxies that display mid-infrared signatures of extremely hot dust suggestive of powerful accreting massive black holes, despite having no signatures of black hole activity at optical wavelengths. Here we report X-ray follow-up observations of J122434.66+555522.3, a nearby (z = 0.052) isolated bulgeless galaxy that contains an unresolved X-ray source detected at the 3σ level by XMM-Newton with an observed luminosity uncorrected for intrinsic absorption of

erg s−1. Ground-based near-infrared spectroscopy with the Large Binocular Telescope and multiwavelength observations from ultraviolet to millimeter wavelengths together suggest that J1224+5555 harbors a highly absorbed AGN with an intrinsic absorption of  

cm−2. The hard X-ray luminosity of the putative AGN corrected for absorption is

erg s−1, which, depending on the bolometric correction factor, corresponds to a bolometric luminosity of the AGN of

−3 × 1044

 and a lower mass limit for the black hole of

, based on the Eddington limit. While enhanced X-ray emission and hot dust can be produced by star formation in extremely low metallicity environments typical in dwarf galaxies, J1224+5555 has a stellar mass of

 and an above solar metallicity (12 + 

 = 9.11), typical of our WISE-selected bulgeless galaxy sample. While collectively these observations suggest the presence of an AGN, we caution that identifying obscured AGNs in the low-luminosity regime is challenging and often requires multiwavelength observations. These observations suggest that low-luminosity AGNs can be heavily obscured and reside in optically quiescent galaxies, adding to the growing body of evidence that the fraction of bulgeless galaxies with accreting black holes may be significantly underestimated based on optical studies.
RADIO NONDETECTION OF THE SGR 1806−20 GIANT FLARE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FAST RADIO BURSTS
Authors: Tendulkar Shriharsh P. , Kaspi Victoria M. , Patel Chitrang
Published: August 2016

We analyze archival data from the Parkes radio telescope, which was observing a location 35.°6 away from SGR 1806−20 during its giant γ-ray flare of 2004 December 27. We show that no fast radio burst (FRB)-like burst counterpart was detected, and set a radio limit of 110 MJy at 1.4 GHz, including the estimated 70 dB suppression of the signal due to its location in the far sidelobe of Parkes and the predicted scattering from the interstellar medium. The upper limit for the ratio of magnetar giant flare radio to γ-ray fluence is η
SGR ≲ 107 Jy ms erg−1 cm2. Based on the nondetection of a short and prompt γ-ray counterpart of 15 FRBs in γ-ray transient monitors, we set a lower limit on the fluence ratios of FRBs to be η
FRB ≳ 107–9 Jy ms erg−1 cm2. The fluence ratio limit for SGR 1806−20 is inconsistent with all but one of the 15 FRBs. We discuss possible variations in the magnetar-FRB emission mechanism and observational caveats that may reconcile the theory with observations.