bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Laboratory Method for Measuring Pavement Macrotexture
Authors: Rezaei Arash , Hoyt Denise , Martin Amy Epps
Published: December 2011

Pavement surface friction influences traffic accident rates, especially during wet weather, and is affected by pavement surface texture as characterized by microtexture and macrotexture. This study investigated the utility of measuring pavement surface macrotexture in the laboratory by using the aggregate image measurement system (AIMS) on cores extracted from pavement sections. Texture measurements made in the laboratory with AIMS were compared with texture measurements made on the pavement with the circular track meter (CTMeter). Previous research established a strong correlation between the mean profile depth (MPD) from the CTMeter, which considered averages of maximum heights, and the mean texture depth from the sand patch test, a volumetric method that was the accepted standard for macrotexture measurement. Similarly, in this study, statistical analysis showed a good correlation between the MPD values from AIMS measurements on pavement cores, based on analysis with 50-mm (2-in.) scan line segment lengths, and the MPD measured on the pavement in the field with the CTMeter. Further analysis using root-mean-square (RMS) values that considered all height measurements showed that the proposed procedure with AIMS was sensitive to the direction of the texture measurement scans and could therefore distinguish traffic direction across the core. The mean RMS values from AIMS also had a fairly strong relationship with the MPD values measured on the pavement by the CTMeter. Finally, the results indicated that a set of three directional scan lines could be used on the cores instead of four directional scan lines and the conclusions were still valid.
System for Measuring Splash on Wet Pavements
Authors: Pérez-Jiménez Félix , Martínez Adriana , Sánchez-Domínguez Fernando , Ramos-García José Antonio
Published: December 2011

Vehicles traveling on wet pavements produce splash and spray that reduce driver comfort and safety. The amount of water thrown up by a vehicle's tires depends on many factors such as the type of vehicle and the speed at which it is traveling, the weather conditions, and the pavement surface. Drainage wearing courses and rough macrotexture pavements reduce or completely suppress splash and spray. Nonetheless, the effect of pavement type on splash and spray has yet to be fully elucidated, and there is a need for simple systems that can provide rapid measurements of this phenomenon on real roads. Tests are described with a prototype for a new system consisting of a laser unit and a high-resolution camera that measures splash and shows the effect of pavement surface on the amount of splash produced. Unlike existing systems, which evaluate a single, often nonrepresentative stretch of pavement, the system described can provide continuous measurements over stretches of road. Moreover, the measurement process is sensitive to both water flow and tire speed, and the results analyzed confirm the repeatability of the system and its sensitivity to pavement texture.
New Mechanistic–Empirical Approach for Estimating the Effect of Roughness on Vehicle Durability
Authors: Zaabar Imen , Chatti Karim
Published: December 2011

Vehicle manufacturers place a major focus on improving the design of vehicle components to respond better to changes in road surface profiles. Nevertheless, changes in the surface profile still directly affect user costs including repair and maintenance (R&M) costs and damage to goods. For example, AASHTO reported that poor road conditions added an estimated $76.8 billion to transport costs annually. The objective here is to estimate the effect of roughness, as expressed by the international roughness index, on vehicle durability and R&M costs. First, the R&M costs of Zaniewski et al. (the latest comprehensive research conducted in the United States) are updated by multiplying their reported costs by the inflation rate of R&M costs between 1982 and 2007. Then a mechanistic–empirical (M-E) methodology is proposed to estimate the effect of roughness on R&M costs. The proposed approach is based on fatigue damage analysis by using numerical modeling of the vehicle response. Finally, the results from the M-E approach are compared with the empirical results (updated Zaniewski tables) and found to be very close up to 5 m/km. The standard error is about 2%. Also, a case study of the I-69 section near Lansing, Michigan, is presented. This detailed analysis is useful for identifying those segments of the road within a project that cause higher operating costs to the traveling vehicles. These localized rough sections could then be subject to maintenance activities in order to remedy the problem.
Assessing the Compactability of Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Sagario Michelle L. Q. , Ooi Phillip S. K.
Published: December 2011

With a rise in virgin aggregate consumption, the use of recycled materials has become an attractive solution in earthwork and pavement construction. An understanding of the behavior and characteristics of recycled materials is necessary before they are used in practice. In this study, the behavior of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) during compaction in a 3-ft-diameter cross-linked polyethylene bin was examined. The main objectives of this experiment were to (a) determine the applicability of the nuclear gauge and time domain reflectometry for measuring the dry density and moisture content of RCA, (b) measure the stiffness of the RCA with a portable falling weight deflectometer and GeoGauge, (c) estimate the compaction-induced lateral pressures of the RCA, and (d) assess the variation in moisture content, dry density, and stiffness of the RCA over a 2-month postcompaction period. Measurements were taken immediately after each lift was compacted and again over the postcompaction period. Highlights of the study findings include (a) the nuclear gauge provided higher moisture content values than the oven-measured values, which suggested a need for moisture offsets; (b) the zone of influence must be considered in the interpretation of portable falling weight deflectometer and GeoGauge moduli; and (c) compaction significantly increased the locked-in lateral stress from its normally consolidated at-rest value. In the postcompaction phase of the experiment, there was evidence that additional pozzolanic reaction occurred in the RCA, followed by shrinkage cracks.
Pharyngeal motor evoked potentials elicited by transcranial electrical stimulation for intraoperative monitoring during skull base surgery
Authors: Fukuda Masafumi , Oishi Makoto , Hiraishi Tetsuya , Saito Akihiko , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: December 2011

Object

The purpose of this study was to determine whether monitoring of pharyngeal motor evoked potentials (PhMEPs) elicited by transcranial electrical stimulation during skull base tumor surgery might be useful for predicting postoperative swallowing deterioration.

Methods

The authors analyzed PhMEPs in 21 patients during 22 surgical procedures for the treatment of skull base tumors. Corkscrew electrodes positioned at C3 or C4 and Cz were used to deliver supramaximal stimuli (220–550 V). Pharyngeal MEPs were recorded from the posterior wall of the pharynx through a modified endotracheal tube. The correlation between the final/baseline PhMEP ratio and postoperative swallowing function was examined.

Results

Postoperative swallowing function was significantly (p < 0.05), although not strongly (r = −0.47), correlated with the final/baseline PhMEP ratio. A PhMEP ratio < 50% was recorded during 4 of 22 procedures; in all 4 of these cases, the patients experienced postoperative deterioration of swallowing function. After 18 procedures, the PhMEP ratios remained > 50%; nevertheless, after 4 (22.2%) of these 18 procedures, patients showed deterioration of swallowing function.

Conclusions

Intraoperative PhMEP monitoring can be useful for predicting swallowing deterioration following skull base surgery, especially in patients with swallowing disturbances that are mainly due to reduction in the motor functions of the pharyngeal muscles.
Citric Acid Production by Aspergillus niger through Solid-State Fermentation on Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Al-Mahin Abdullah , Hasan Shek Mahdi , Khan Mahboob Hossain , Begum Rehana
Published: December 2011

Four isolates of Aspergillus niger (viz., CA16, 14/20, HB3 and 318) were used for citric acid production using sugarcane bagasse as a substrate and sucrose solution as a moistening agent. Using 3 g of sugarcane bagasse as substrate, the highest citric acid production was obtained when 10 ml of 14% sucrose solution was used as moistening agent. Maximum citric acid production was found after 11 days fermentation for all isolates of A. niger. Both sugar utilization as well as citric acid production was found highest in the presence of Prescott salt by A. niger 318 (196.21 ìg/g), followed next by A. niger 14/20 (103.06 ìg/g). However, in absence of Prescott salt both sugar utilization and citric acid production was highest (50.01 ìg/g) by A. niger 14/20. In general, extension of the fermentation (up to 11 days) resulted in an increase in citric acid, total titratable acid and biomass, and decrease in both residual sugar concentrations. Keywords: Citric acid; Solid-state fermentation; Aspergillus niger; Sugarcane bagasseDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4664 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 9-12
Black Quarter (BQ) Disease in Cattle and Diagnosis of BQ Septicaemia Based on Gross Lesions and Microscopic Examination
Authors: Sultana Mahmuda , Ahad Abdul , Biswas Paritosh Kumar , Rahman M Ashiqur , Barua Himel
Published: December 2011

Black quarter (BQ) is an acute, infectious disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei - a Gram-positive, anaerobic organism. This disease is characterized by inflammation with gaseous oedema of skeletal muscle and severe toxaemia. This study was done in Upazilla Veterinary Hospital at Raozan in Chittagong from June to August 2006. During the study period, 25 cases of BQ in cattle were found in eight Unions. Among them the highest (32%) proportion of BQ was found in Raozan Union. Frequency of BQ according to demographic variable was: age incidence of >12 month (60%), male (60%), breed of Red Chittagong (44%), body condition score (BCS) of BCS-2 (88%), and affected body part involving hind quarter muscle (35%). Death was observed with 73% cases. In case of animals that were suffered from BQ, septicaemia developed after 12 h of onset of clinical signs and symptoms. Treatment was ineffective in advanced septicaemic stage. Antibiotic therapy was found to be effective when administered within 12 h of the clinical symptoms. Keywords: Black quarter; Clostridium chauvoei; Demographic variable; Septicaemia; Antibiotic therapyDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4848 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 13-16
Microbiological Profile of the Traditionally Collected Industrial Raw Milk from the Milk Pocket Zones of Bangladesh
Authors: Chanda Gouranga C , Uddin Gazi M Noor , Deb Aparna , Bilkis Tahmina , Chowdhury Sharmin , Uddin M Basir
Published: December 2011

The study was aimed to evaluate the bacteriological profile of the traditionally collected industrial raw milk from the milk pocket zones of Bangladesh. About 365 raw milk samples were collected from the milk tanker, who brought raw milk from the mother chilling centre where raw milk was chilled at 4°C following traditional method. All milk samples were subjected to perform standard plate count and total coliform count. The average standard plate count was found to be 4.37 x 106 cfu/ml and the highest occurrence of standard plate count was found to be 6.70 x 106 cfu/ml in October and the lowest (3.28 x 106 cfu/ml) in March. The highest occurrence of total viable bacteria was found to be 5.64 x 106 cfu/ml in autumn and the lowest was found to be 3.78 x 106 cfu/ml in summer. On the other hand, the average of the coliform bacterial count was found to be 3.88 x 105 cfu/ml with the highest (5.70 x 105 cfu/ml) occurrence in May and the lowest (1.90 x 105 cfu/ml) in January. Moreover, the highest occurrence of coliform count was found to be 4.84 x 105 cfu/ml in rainy season and the lowest was 2.75 x 105 cfu/ml found in winter.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4849 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 17-20
Assessment of Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen in Some Tea Soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman SM Abdur , Solaiman ARM
Published: December 2011

Microbial biomass carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and their contribution to soil organic carbon and total N contents were assessed in soils collected from Bilashchara Tea Estate under Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI), Srimangal of Moulavibazar district, and Sripur Tea Garden under Jaintapur of Sylhet district. Microbial biomass C and N in Bila shchara Tea Estate soils varied from 90.4-144.0 and 20.5-29.0 mg/kg soil, and that of Sripur Tea Garden soils varied from 120.7-362.0 and 26.6-59.5 mg/kg soil, respectively. Within the two tea growing areas biomass C/N ratios ranged from 3.35-6.12. Relationships between biomass C and organic carbon and biomass N and total N were positively correlated. The contribution of biomass C to soil organic C was 1.23%, ranging from 0.9-1.55% and the contribution of biomass N to total N content of the soils ranged from 1.19-2.89%. Keywords: Biomass carbon (C); Biomass nitrogen (N); Organic C; Total N; Tea soilDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4850 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 21-25
Evaluation of Antibody Production against Newcastle Disease Virus after Immunization with Different Vaccines in Fayoumi Chicks
Authors: Barua Ahama Ranjan , Amin M Mansurul , Islam Shaiful , Chowdhury Sukanta , Khan M Shafiqul Islam , Asgar M Ali
Published: December 2011

The research work was performed in the experimental sheds and virology laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period from January to November 2006 for the detection of persistence of maternallyderived antibody (MDA) against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in Fayoumi chicks as well as evaluation of antibody production in chicks after vaccination. Five experimental groups of 110-day-old Fayoumi chicks were vaccinated for comparative study. Group A was vaccinated with baby chick ranikhet disease vaccine (BCRDV, F-strain), group B with Izovac B1 Hitchner® (B1 strain), group C with Cevac New L® (LaSota strain) and group D with Avinew® (VG/GA strain) through intraocular (i/o) route while group E was kept as unvaccinated control. Serum samples obtained from 10 randomly selected birds from each group on the occasion of 7, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21 days post-vaccination (DPV) were subjected to haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. It was found that persistence of MDA against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) retained until the age of day 20 in Fayoumi chicks and among the four commercial vaccines, Avinew® (VG/GA strain) appeared to be slightly superior compared to those of BCRDV (F-strain), Izovac B1 Hitchner® (B1 strain) and Cevac New L® (LaSota strain) in respect of HI antibody response. The F-values of HI titre among four vaccines were significantly different (p <0.01). Keywords: Newcastle disease virus (NDV); Fayoumi chicks; Maternally-derived antibody (MDA); Haemagglutination inhibition (HI); Newcastle disease (ND) vaccinesDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4852 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 31-35
PhoP-PhoQ Two-Component System Required for Colonization Leading to Virulence of Dickeya dadantii 3937 in planta
Authors: Haque M Manjurul , Nahar Kamrun , Rahim M Abdur , Gomes Isidore , Tsuyumu Shinji
Published: December 2011

Previously, we have reported that the PhoP-PhoQ two-component system (TCS) is essential for synthesis of pectate lyase, resistance to antimicrobial peptide and accumulation of acetyl-coenzyme A in Dickeya dadantii 3937. In this study, marker-exchange mutagenesis of phoP and phoQ of D. dadantii 3937 resulted in loss of virulence in Chinese cabbage and a severe reduction of bacterial population in infected area and its surrounding healthy tissue was also seen. Inoculation of bacteria grown and re-suspended in medium containing low concentration of Mg2+ resulted in reduced virulence and significantly reduced bacterial population in wild type while these mutants showed higher virulence and higher bacterial populations at high Mg2+ condition. Since Mg2+ concentration was detected to be very low (14.6 ± 4.23/100 g) in the apoplastic fluids of Chinese cabbage thus, the PhoP-PhoQ two-component system of D. dadantii 3937 is compromised virulence, at least in part, due to colonization of bacteria in planta responding to Mg2+. Keywords: Virulence; Bacterial population; Magnesium, Dickeya dadantiiDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4853 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 36-40
Isolation and Identification of Phenol and Monochlorophenols-Degrading Bacteria: Pseudomonas and Aeromonas Species
Authors: Jame Sadia Afrin , Alam AKM Rashidul , Alam M Khorshed , Fakhruddin ANM
Published: December 2011

The phenol and monochlorophenols-degrading bacteria were isolated from the soil samples adjacent to textile, pharmaceuticals, industries and automobile workshops. Twenty seven isolates were recovered including twelve phenol, four 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and eleven 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) degrading organisms. Among them five isolates were chosen as potential monochlorophenol-degrader; four of them were identified as species of Pseudomonas and one as Aeromonas. The biodegradability of phenol and monochlorophenol followed the order: phenol > 4-chlorophenol > 2-chlorophenol. Pseudomonas sp. AP2, Pseudomonas sp. AP3, Pseudomonas sp. AP4 and Aeromonas sp. PP3 degraded 400 and 600 ppm phenol within 48 and 72 h, and Pseudomonas sp. A4-CP2 degraded 600 and 800 ppm phenol in 48 and 72 h respectively. Pseudomonas sp. A4-CP2 also degraded 200 ppm 2-chlorophenol within 96 h and 200 and 350 ppm 4-chlorophenol within 48 and 75 h respectively. Bacterial isolates grew well in liquid culture containing 600 ppm phenol, while the growth was scanty in the medium containing 400 or 800 ppm phenol, except for Pseudomonas sp. A4CP2. The isolate Pseudomonas sp. A4CP2 also grew on 2-CP and 4-CP at concentrations of 200 and 350 ppm respectively. The correlation coefficient (at 0.01 level of significance) between bacterial growth and degradation capability of the isolates AP2, AP3, AP4, A4CP2 and PP3 were -0.835**, -0.847**, -0.700**, -0.946** and -0.401 respectively.Keywords: Biodegradation; Phenol; 2-Chlorophenol; 4-Chlorophenol; Pseudomonas; AeromonasDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4854 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 41-44
Characterization of Some Rhizobium Isolates and Their Effectiveness on Pea
Authors: Talukder M Solaiman , Solaiman ARM , Khanam Delowara , Rabbani M Golam
Published: December 2011

Six isolates of Rhizobium were isolated from pea (Pisum sativum) to characterize their cultural properties and observe their effectiveness on host legume. In a laboratory study Rhizobium isolates showed characteristic pattern of reactions in respect of growth rate, colony characteristics and acid/alkali production on different growth media. The effect of inoculations of Rhizobium isolates on nodulation, growth and nitrogen fixation of pea were assessed by a pot experiment on a clay loam soil of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur. Inoculation treatments comprised of Rhizobium isolates R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6. Among the Rhizobium isolates R3 and R5 of pea at 50% flowering stage had significant positive effective on nodulation, growth and nitrogen fixation of pea. There were high positive correlations among the number and dry weight of nodules, N content and uptake by shoot of pea. Keywords: Rhizobium; Pea; Nodulation; Growth; Nitrogen fixationDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4855 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 45-48
Maternally-Derived Antibody and Seroconversion to Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Chicken
Authors: Paul Narayan Chandra , Khan M Shahidur Rahman , Islam Shaiful , Akhter AHM Taslima , Shil Niraj Kanti
Published: December 2011

An investigation was conducted with a view to determining the persistence of maternally-derived antibody (MDA) against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chicks as well as seroconversion of IBV in relation to age and gender of chicks in field condition. Determination of antibody titre was performed by indirect enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The existence of MDA was calculated in Group A (n = 20) and Group B (n = 15) originating from parents vaccinated against IBV and with no such history respectively. In case of group A, titres of serum samples obtained were 5361.23 ± 854.09, 2567.58 ± 763.61, 808 ± 751.361, 432.29 ± 47.11, 178.36 ± 88.28, 184.58 ± 93.6, 80.89 ± 70.11 and 43.55 ± 32.92 on day 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25 and 29 days aged birds respectively. On the other hand, sera samples of group B manifested a titre of 3285.18 ± 685.03, 2219.16 ± 419.77, 1783.62 ± 219.84, 589.01 ± 249.63, 186.66 ± 88.21, 178.36 ± 202.02, 105.77 ± 75.69 and 41.34 ± 69.28 on same schedule. It was further revealed that chicks with ancestor of non-vaccinated parents showed higher MDA titre up to 9th day of age. This might have happened due to exposure of field virus to the parent birds. As regards seroconversion, it was observed that 100, 20 and 80% of serum samples collected from chickens of 0-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks and 4 months of age were positive to IBV specific antibody respectively, whereas no serum sample was positive in case of 5-7 weeks aged birds. When considered the gender of birds, it was revealed that sera from the female showed 58.33% seropositivity against 25% from male. Maternally-derived antibody (MDA) might protect the chickens up to 9 days of age and since MDA could interfere vaccination, it should not be performed before such age. Keywords: Maternally-derived antibody (MDA); Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV); antibody titre; Seroconversion; ChicksDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4857 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 53-56
Persistence of Maternally-Derived Antibody in Selected Group of Chicks to Fowl Pox Virus
Authors: Akhter AHM Taslima , Khan M Shahidur Rahman , Paul Narayan Chandra , Kafi Abdul , Shil Niraj Kanti , Siddique Mahbubul Pratik
Published: December 2011

The investigation was conducted to determine the persistence of maternally derived antibody as well as its influence on vaccination programme against fowl pox infection. A total of 60-day-old chicks divided into four groups such as A, B, C, D. Chicks of Group A and B were used for the detection of persistence of maternally derived antibody which are originated from fowl pox virus-vaccinated and non-vaccinated parent stock respectively. For the detection of antibody level after vaccination with live fowl pox and pigeon pox virus vaccine following two vaccination schedules, chicks of group C and D were subdivided into group C1, C2 and D1, D2 originating from fowl pox virus vaccinated and non-vaccinated parent stock. It is found that maternally derived antibody passed over from the parents to progeny chicks and remains protective level for the chick of group A until day 4 of age and the chicks of group B which are originated from non-vaccinated parent stock remains protective level only at day 1. Chicks of subgroup C2 and D2 produce higher antibody titre, which were boosted at 15 days interval. Frequent out breaks of fowl pox infection in chicks of Bangladesh either from fowl pox virus-vaccinated and non-vaccinated origin may be avoided by vaccination with pigeon pox virus vaccine at day 5 followed by a secondary vaccination with fowl pox virus vaccine at day 21. Keywords: Maternally-derived antibody (MDA); Chicks; Fowl pox (FP); Fowl pox virus (FPV)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4858 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 57-59
Sulfonamide Resistance in Chicken Coccidiosis: A Clinico-Pathological Study
Authors: Siddiki AMAM Zonaed , Karim M Jahurul , Chawdhury Emdadul Haque
Published: December 2011

Coccidiosis is a disease of great economic importance for the emerging poultry industry of Bangladesh. Sulfonamides have been used extensively for treatment and control of chicken coccidiosis. However, there have been complaints regarding failure of Esb3 ® (sodium sulfachloropyrazine monohydrate; Ciba-Geigy) in treating clinical coccidiosis. Therefore this study was undertaken to examine the degree of sulfonamide resistance of field coccidian isolates. Four groups of 12-day-old chicks were infected with 104 sporulated oocysts of four field coccidian isolates. Each group contains four subgroups containing 8 chicks in each subgroup, among which one subgroup remained as infected untreated control and another 3 subgroups were treated with 30% Esb3 ® @ 1 , 2, or 2.5 g/l of drinking water for 3 consecutive days. The sulfonamide resistance was assessed on the basis of faecal oocyst counts and clinico-pathological findings. There was no significant difference (p >0.05) in weight gain between untreated chicks and the chicks treated @ 1 and 2 g/l. However, a significantly higher (p <0.05) weight gains were noted in subgroups treated with Esb3 ® @ 2.5 g/l. Chicks received treated with 2 g/l Esb3 ® received similar clinical coccidiosis and histopathological changes but little less oocyst counts as found in untreated infected control chicks. Chicks treated with 2 g/l Esb3 ® did not reveal clinical coccidiosis and revealed no or very minimal oocyst counts during the treatment period. But on histopathology, arrested or stunted parasitic stages were found during the treatment period whereas flourish parasitic development with subacute-chronic ulcerative caecitis was evident following withdrawal of treatment. These findings suggest that the drug only cause an arrested parasitic development rather than killing the parasite. Therefore, an alternative to the sulfonamides needs to find out for treating and controlling chicken coccidiosis. Keywords: Chicken; Coccidiosis; Sulfonamide; ResistanceDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4860 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 60-64
Prevalence and Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Female with High-Risk Behaviour in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Tahmina , Huq Mohsina , Alam Anadil , Mitra Dipak Kumar , Gomes Donald James
Published: December 2011

In developing countries, cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer related to mortality in women. But the epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) in different areas of Bangladesh is largely unknown both in risk groups and in the general population. The objective of the present study was to determine the risk factors associated with having HPV and the prevalence of high-risk HPV types among women with highrisk behaviour and to assess its potential impact on preventive strategies as the sex workers are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI), HPV and hence cervical cancer. Cervical swab from 293 sex workers in Dhaka City between August and September 2003 and between February 2005 and May 2006 were screened for HPV DNA using an HPV short fragment (E6) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay. HPV positive samples were genotyped with nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (NMPCR) for the highrisk types. The overall HPV prevalence in sex workers was 75.8%, whereas for the high risk type it was 49.8%. Prevalence of single genotype and multiple types of HPV was 33.1 and 16.7% respectively. The most prevalent high-risk HPV types, in order of prevalence rate, were HPV16, HPV18, HPV58, HPV45, HPV31 and HPV33. Both HPV 16 and HPV 18 were present in 21% of the cases. Targeting HPV 16 and 18 with prophylactic vaccines could possibly have an important impact on the incidence of invasive cervical carcinoma in this group of women. Primary prevention and cervical cancer screening programmes should be optimized more and run yearly among the general population. It is proposed to screen sex workers when they enter prostitution regardless of their age. Keywords: Human papillomavirus (HPV); High-risk HPV types; Cervical cancer; Sex workersDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4861 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 65-68
Impact of Seasonal Variation on Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water
Authors: Shar Abdul Hussain , Kazi Yasmeen Faiz , Soomro Irshad Hussain
Published: December 2011

To assess the bacteriological quality 768 drinking water samples were collected from different locations in Khairpur City, Sindh, Pakistan over a period of two years from January 2006 to December 2007. The study reveals that out of 768 drinking water samples 567 (73.83%) samples were found to be contaminated with total coliform among them 85 (11.06%) found in the January-March period, 182 (23.70%) in April-June period, 188 (24.47%) in July-September, 112 (14.58%) in October-December period. Faecal coliform was found in 351 (45.70%) water sample, in which 49 (15.80%) occurred during January-March, 137 (17.83%) during April-June, 136 (17.71%) during July-September and 69 (8.98%) during September-December. It can be concluded from the results of the present study that bacteriological quality of two-third drinking water in Khairpur City is not safe as the water is the potential source of diarrhoeal disease agents. Keywords: Drinking water; Khairpur City; Faecal pollution; DiarrhoeaDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i1.4862 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 1, June 2008, pp 69-72
Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil from Seeds of Carum carvi and Its Composition
Authors: Begum Jaripa , Bhuiyan M Nazrul Islam , Chowdhury Jasmin Uddin , Hoque M Nuzmul , Anwar M Nural
Published: December 2011

The essential oil of Carum carvi L. seeds was screened for its antimicrobial activity against ten pathogenic bacteria and six phytopathogenic fungi. The essential oil showed promising inhibitory activity against all the test bacteria, even at 2 ìl/disc. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 100-300 ppm) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC, 200-400 ppm) values of essential oil were determined. The antifungal screening of the essential oil showed 100% inhibition of radial mycelial growth of all the test fungi at 100 ppm. The MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were found to vary from 50-300 ppm and 200-400 ppm respectively. The essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from seeds of C. carvi was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). About 10 compounds had been identified in the seeds oils, accounting for more than 99.7% of the oils. The main components of the seeds oil were thymol (48.20%), o-cymene (19.29%), ϒ-terpinen (17.61%) and trimethylene dichloride (8.81%). Keywords: Antimicrobial activities; Carum carvi; Essential oil; GC-MS; ThymolDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i2.4867 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 2, December 2008, pp 85-89
Isolation of Food-Borne Microorganisms from Atlantic Mackerel and Disinfection of the Raw Fish by Radiation, Low Temperature and Combination Treatments
Authors: Hossain Manik , Munshi M Kamruzzaman , Shilpi Rasheda Yasmin , Or-Rashid Harun
Published: December 2011

An investigation was undertaken for the isolation and identification of fish-borne microorganisms from mackerel fish (Scomberomorus guttatus) collected from Savar Bazar. Radiation, low temperature (-20°C) and combination treatments were then applied for the decontamination of associated organisms. The ranges of total viable bacterial count, total coliform count, total faecal coliform count and total staphylococcal count varied from 6.5 x 104 to 1.04 x 105, 2 x 102 to 4.0 x 102, 0 to 1 x 102 and 4.4 x 104 to 3.8 x 104 cfu/g respectively, while the total fungal count was nil. Sixty-four bacterial isolates were identified including Staphylococcus (19%), Micrococcus (11%), Enterobacter (8%), Klebsiella (17%), Bacillus (19%), Escherichia (17%) and Pseudomonas (9%). To disinfect the microorganisms, the samples were irradiated at different doses (0-10.0 kGy) of gamma irradiation. Total coliform and total faecal coliform bacteria were inactivated below the detectable level at 2.5 kGy of irradiation. The number of total viable bacteria decreased by three logs when irradiated at 5.0 kGy and the number of Staphylococcus bacteria were eliminated completely after the irradiation dose of 5.0 kGy. During frozen storage, the total viable bacterial counts were gradually declined in all the samples. After six months of storage the bacterial counts were decreased about one log in all of the samples. It has been observed that combination treatments (irradiation and freezing) are more effective than the single treatment for eliminating the fish-borne bacteria. Keywords: Mackerel fish; Microbial contamination; Irradiation; Low temperatureDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v25i2.4871 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 25, Number 2, December 2008, pp 105-109
Current status of MRSA and its Resistance to Ciprofloxacin in an Urban Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Alam Seemi Tasnim , Khatun Mahbuba , Jilani Md Shariful Alam , Haq Jalaluddin Ashraful
Published: December 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpath.v26i1.9127 BJPATH 2011; 26(1): 7-10
Relationship between Ig-E levels and lung function tests in children and asthma
Authors: Begum Jesmin Ara , Islam Md Imnul , Matin Abdul , Nahar Saifun
Published: December 2011

Keywords: Asthma; IgE level; childrenDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpath.v26i1.9130 BJPATH 2011; 26(1): 20-22
Local Heat Stroke Prevention Plans in Japan: Characteristics and Elements for Public Health Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Martinez Gerardo Sanchez , Imai Chisato , Masumo Kanako
Published: December 2011

The adverse health effects from hot weather and heat waves represent significant public health risks in vulnerable areas worldwide. Rising temperatures due to climate change are aggravating these risks in a context of fast urbanization, population growth and societal ageing. However, environmental heat-related health effects are largely preventable through adequate preparedness and responses. Public health adaptation to climate change will often require the implementation of heat wave warning systems and targeted preventive activities at different levels. While several national governments have established such systems at the country level, municipalities do not generally play a major role in the prevention of heat disorders. This paper analyzes selected examples of locally operated heat-health prevention plans in Japan. The analysis of these plans highlights their strengths, but also the need of local institutions for assistance to make the transition towards an effective public health management of high temperatures and heat waves. It can also provide useful elements for municipal governments in vulnerable areas, both in planning their climate change and health adaptation activities or to better protect their communities against current health effects from heat.
Flexible Modeling of Malignant Melanoma Survival
Authors: Eckel K. T. , Pfahlberg A. , Gefeller O. , Hothorn T.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:
This paper compares the diagnostic capabilities of flexible ensemble methods modeling the survival time of melanoma patients in comparison to the well established proportional hazards model. Both a random forest type algorithm for censored data as well as a model combination of the proportional hazards model with recursive partitioning are investigated.

Methods:
Benchmark experiments utilizing the integrated Brier score as a measure for goodness of prediction are the basis of the performance assessment for all competing algorithms. For the purpose of comparing regression relationships represented by the models under test, we describe fitted conditional survival functions by a univariate measure derived from the area under the curve. Based on this measure, we adapt a visualization technique useful for the inspection and comparison of model fits.

Results:
For the data of malignant melanoma patients the predictive performance of the competing models is on par, allowing for a fair comparison of the fitted relationships. Newly introduced MODplots visualize differences in the fitting structure of the underlying models.

Conclusion:
The paper provides a framework for comparing the predictive and diagnostic performance of a parametric, a non-parametric and a combined approach.
Comparative Analysis of Telomere Length, Telomerase and Reverse Transcriptase Activity in Human Dental Stem Cells
Authors: Jeon Byeong-Gyun , Kang Eun-Ju , Kumar B. Mohana , Maeng Geun-Ho , Ock Sun-A , Kwack Dae-Oh , Park Bong-Wook , Rho Gyu-Jin
Published: December 2011

Stem cells from dental tissues have been isolated and established for tooth regenerative applications. However, basic characterization on their biological properties still needs to be investigated before employing them for effective clinical trials. In this study, we compared the telomere length, relative telomerase activity (RTA), and relative reverse transcriptase activity (RRA) as well as the surface antigen profile and mesenchymal differentiation ability in human dental papilla stem cells (DPaSCs), dental pulp stem cells (DPuSCs), and dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow. Dental stem cells (DSCs) were strongly positive for cell surface markers, such as CD44 and CD90. However, slightly lower expression of CD105 was observed in DPaSCs and DPuSCs compared to DFSCs and MSCs. Following specific induction, DPaSCs, DFSCs, and MSCs were successfully differentiated into adipocytes and osteocytes. However, DPuSCS, in particular, were able to differentiate into adipocytes but failed to induce into osteogenic differentiation. Further, all DSCs, MSCs, and MRC-5 fibroblasts as control were investigated for telomere length by nonradioactive chemiluminescent assay, RTA by relative-quantitative telomerase repeat amplification protocol (RQ-TRAP), and RRA by PCR-based assay. Mean telomere lengths in DPaSCs, DPuSCs, DFSCs, and MSCs was ~11 kb, and the values did not differ significantly ( p < 0.05) among the cells analyzed. RTA levels in DPaSCs were significantly ( p < 0.05) higher than in MSCs, DPuSCs, DFSCs, and MRC-5 fibroblasts and among DSCs, DFSCs showed a significantly ( p < 0.05) lower RTA. Moreover, RRA levels were significantly ( p < 0.05) higher in DPaSCs, DPuSCs, and MSCs than in DFSCs. Based on these observations, we conclude that among DSCs, DPaSCs possessed ideal characteristics on telomere length, telomerase activity and reverse transcriptase (RTase) activity, and may serve as suitable alternative candidates for regenerative medicine.
Human Adipose Tissue as a Source of Cells with Angiogenic Potential
Authors: Szöke Krisztina , Beckstrøm Karen Johanne , Brinchmann Jan E.
Published: December 2011

Endothelial cells (ECs) are involved in the process of angiogenesis, the outgrowth of new vessels from preexisting blood vessels. If available in sufficiently large numbers, ECs could be used therapeutically to establish blood flow through in vitro engineered tissues and tissues suffering from severe ischemia. Adipose tissue (AT) is an easily available source of large number of autologous ECs. Here we describe the isolation, in vitro expansion, and characterization of human AT derived ECs (AT-ECs). AT-ECs proliferated rapidly through 15–20 population doublings. The cultured cells showed cobblestone morphology and expressed EC markers including CD31, CD144, eNOS, CD309, CD105, von Willebrand factor, CD146, CD54, and CD102. They bound Ulex europaeus agglutinin I lectin and took up DiI-Ac-LDL. The AT-ECs formed capillary-like tubes in Matrigel in vitro and formed functional blood vessels in Matrigel following subcutaneous injection into immunodeficient mice. In conclusion, AT-ECs reach clinically significant cell numbers after few population doublings and are easily accessible from autologous AT, which also contains mesenchymal stem cells/pericytes. Thus, AT yields two cell populations that may be used together in the treatment of tissue ischemia and in clinical applications of tissue engineering.
Tissue Factor Knockdown in Porcine Islets: An Effective Approach to Suppressing the Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction
Authors: Ma Xiaoqian , Ye Bin , Gao Feng , Liang Qi , Dong Qiong , Liu Yin , Rong Pengfei , Wang Wei , Yi Shounan
Published: December 2011

Tissue factor (TF) expression on islets has been shown to trigger instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), leading to rapid islet loss in portal vein islet transplantation. This study investigated whether antisense RNA-mediated TF gene knockdown in islets could suppress IBMIR as a strategy to overcome IBMIR. Neonatal porcine islet cell clusters (NICCs) were transfected with or without TF-specific antisense RNA or a nonspecific RNA by a lipid-based method. Expression of both TF gene and protein in NICCs was analyzed after transfection by real-time PCR, Western blot, and FACS, respectively. The impact of antisense RNA transfection on NICC viability and in vitro function was examined by FACS and insulin release test, respectively. The effect of TF knockdown in NICCs on IBMIR was assessed with an in vitro tubing loop assay using human blood. A significant reduction in TF gene and protein expression was achieved in TF antisense RNA but not control RNA transfected NICCs, which did not affect NICCs' viability or their insulin secreting capacity. Incubation of TF antisense RNA transfected with human blood resulted in a considerable reduction in blood clot formation, platelet consumption, and complement and coagulation activation compared to that observed in the loops containing human blood and untreated or control RNA transfected NICCs. Consistent with these findings, infiltrating neutrophils in the blood clots with entrapped TF antisense RNA transfected NICCs was also reduced substantially compared to that seen in the clots containing untreated or control RNA transfected NICCs. This study presents a nontoxic TF antisense RNA-mediated TF knockdown in porcine islets that leads to an effective suppression of IBMIR, suggesting a potentially new strategy to improve islet transplantation outcomes.
Cancer Risk: Are We Well Behaved?
Authors: Cramp A.G. , Fitzgeorge L. , Prapavessis H.
Published: December 2011

Cancer contributes to approximately 13% (7.4 million) of all deaths worldwide 1, making cancer the leading cause of death across the globe. Based on Canadian data, 29% of deaths each year are estimated to be related to cancer 2 [...].
Factors Related to the Implementation and Use of an Innovation in Cancer Surgery
Authors: Urquhart R. , Sargeant J. , Porterm G.A.
Published: December 2011

Objective: Nationally, efforts to implement an innovation in cancer surgery—a Web-based synoptic reporting tool—are ongoing in five provinces. The objective of the present study was to identify the key multilevel factors influencing implementation and early use of this innovation for breast and colorectal cancer surgery at two academic hospitals in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Methods: We used case-study methodology to examine the implementation of surgical synoptic reporting. Methods included semi-structured interviews with key informants (surgeons, implementation team members, and report end users; n = 9), nonparticipant observation, and document analysis. A thematic analysis was conducted separately for each method, followed by explanation-building to integrate the evidence and to identify the key multilevel factors influencing implementation. An audit was performed to determine use. Results: Key factors influencing implementation were these: 1. Innovation–values fit; 2. Flexibility with the innovation and implementation; 3. The innovation is not flawless; 4. Strengthening the climate for implementation; 5. Resource needs and availability; 6. Partner engagement; 7. Surgeon champions and involvement. In a 6-month period after implementation, 91.2% and 58.0% respectively of eligible breast and colorectal cancer surgeries were reported using the new tool. Conclusions: An improved understanding of the multilevel factors influencing the implementation of innovations is critical to planning effective change interventions in health care. Further study is needed to explore differences in the use of the innovation between breast and colorectal cancer surgeons. Findings will inform the study of additional cases of synoptic reporting implementation, enabling cross-case analyses and identification of higher-level themes that may be applied in similar settings or contexts.
Assessment of bacterial diversity in selected Philippine fermented food products through PCR-DGGE
Authors: Dalmacio L.M. , Angeles A.K. , Larcia L.L. , Balolong M. , Estacio R.
Published: December 2011

The bacterial population in several Philippine fermented food preparations was assessed by PCR-denaturing
gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of the 16S rRNA gene (16S rDNA). Genomic DNA was isolated directly
from alamang (fermented shrimp paste), burong isda (fermented fish and rice), burong hipon (fermented shrimp
and rice), burong mustasa (fermented mustard leaves), tuba (sugar cane wine), suka (vinegar) and sinamak (spiced
vinegar) using one of two protocols, namely – MoBio DNA Extraction Kit procedure and a cetyltrimethylammonium
bromide-based method. Samples recalcitrant to both methods underwent enrichment in three culture broths prior
to DNA isolation. Isolated DNA was amplified using nested primer pairs targeting the bacterial 16S rDNA. PCR
products were subjected to DGGE to elucidate the bacterial diversity in each fermented food. 16S rDNA sequence
analyses revealed that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) were dominant in the food samples.
The LAB identified were Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus panis, Lactobacillus pontis
and Weissella cibaria. Identified AAB were Acetobacter pomorum, Acetobacter ghanensis, Acetobacter orientalis,
and Acetobacter pasteurianus. Among these, L. fermentum, L. plantarum and W. cibaria are established probiotic
bacteria, while L. panis and L. pontis are potential probiotic bacteria. This finding would increase the appeal and
significance of local fermented foods to consumers. Furthermore, the majority of the identified bacteria in the
study have not been reported before in culture-dependent studies of similar food preparations. As such, some of
the bacterial 16S rDNA obtained were cloned to have an initial partial bacterial 16S rDNA library for Philippine
fermented foods.
Prebiotics to manage the microbial control of energy homeostasis
Authors: Grootaert C. , Marzorati M. , Van den Abbeele P. , Van de Wiele T. , Possemiers S.
Published: December 2011

The prevalence of obesity is continuously growing and has reached epidemic proportions. It is clear that current
methods to combat obesity are not effective enough to reduce the problem. Therefore, further investigation is needed
to develop new strategies. Recent research pointed out a potential role of the microbial community associated to
the human host in controlling and influencing the energy homeostasis. According to the concept of Gastrointestinal
Resource Management, this microbiota and its metabolic potential can be steered with the aim of improving host
health. This review therefore focuses on the modulation of the intestinal microbiota through prebiotics with the aim
to control several aspects of metabolic homeostasis. In a first part, the importance of host-microbe cross-talk at the
intestinal epithelium is discussed. Yet, energy metabolism, which includes both lipid and glucose metabolism, is also
regulated by several key organs including the adipose tissue, brain, liver, muscles, pancreas and gut. Therefore, in a
second part, we will discuss the microbial factors that are involved in the communication between these different
tissues, and their potential management. Finally, we will give some future prospects of the use of prebiotics in an
individualised treatment of metabolic disorders.