bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava complicated by Budd-Chiari syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation — case report
Authors: Krakowska-Stasiak Małgorzata , Kosałka Joanna , Wójcik Krzysztof , Sokołowska Barbara , Szpor Joanna , Grys Iwon , Musiał Jacek
Published: July 2014

Leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor of the venous system that typically occurs in adulthood. Correct and early recognition of leiomyosarcoma is very important, because a complete resection of the tumor (with occasionally chemio-or radiotherapy) can lead to prolonged survival. We report a case of a 54-year-old man suffering from the leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava with infiltration of retroperitoneum and right adrenal gland.
Health-related quality of life in morbid obesity: the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Bužgová Radka , Bužga Marek , Holéczy Pavol
Published: July 2014

Our aim in this prospective study was to determine the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on the quality of life of patients with morbid obesity in comparison with population standards. The study evaluated 76 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to evaluate quality of life in the following four areas: physical health, mental health, social relations, and environment. Patients completed the questionnaire before their planned operation and again 3 and 6 months after surgery. Compared with the population standard, patients with morbid obesity had significantly lower quality of life scores in the physical and mental health domains, including on independent questions related to of overall health and quality of life (p<0.001). Women scored lower on indicators of mental health than men. Three and 6 months following surgery a significant trend of body mass index (BMI) reduction was seen, as well as increased quality of life in all indicated areas (p<0.001). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy treatment in morbidly obese patients reduced BMI on a long-term basis, a change seen as early as 3 months after surgery. By 6 months after surgery, patients had the same quality of life scores as the reference population.
Left gastric artery pseudoaneurysm as a sequelae of chronic pancreatitis: recognizing a life-threatening complication
Authors: Pattanshetty Deepak , Bhat Pradeep
Published: July 2014

Left gastric artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but important life-threatening complication of chronic pancreatitis. We report a case of a 54-year-old male with chronic pancreatitis who presented with history of severe abdominal pain. Following an initial suspicion of acute pancreatitis, a computed tomography of abdomen was obtained that showed a large left gastric artery pseudoaneurysm (4×4 cm) with circumferential thrombosis. The patient then underwent successful angiographic coiling of the aneurysm, thus preventing a potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. In conclusion, in patients with a history of chronic pancreatitis who present with abdominal pain, a high index of suspicion should be maintained for alternate causes of abdominal pain such as visceral aneurysms involving left gastric artery. Early recognition is critical and consequences of missing these lesions can be catastrophic.
Simultaneous application of intravenous fat emulsion and charcoal hemoperfusion in quetiapine overdose case
Authors: Veli Shasine , Atanasov Vasil , Angelov Jordan , Kanev Kamen
Published: July 2014

The simultaneous application of intravenous fat emulsion and charcoal hemoperfusion in the case of severe quetiapine poisoning is described. The initial blood concentration of quetiapine was 5.9 µg/mL and rapid deterioration in the patient status was observed. When a lipid emulsion was infused a fast blood pressure recovery occurred which allows to perform extracorporeal clearance using charcoal hemoperfusion. At the end of the procedure the quetiapine concentration was decreased down to 1.5 µg//mL and fast recovery of the patient was observed.
TRAP (Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion) sequence
Authors: Doronjski Aleksandra , Stojilković Taita , Spasojević Slobodan , Milanović Borko , Stojanović Vesna
Published: July 2014

TRAP (Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion) sequence is a rare malformation that occurs in monozygotic twin pregnancies. Twin weight ratio in our case was 76% (body weight of pump twin was 1800 g, acardiac twin 1370 g), but in spite of that the pump twin had a mild clinical picture with premature birth, fetal hydrops (mild pleural effusion; hypoproteinemia; on the 3rd day of life the baby was without edema and the level of his serum proteins were in referral ranges) and mild myocardial hypertrophy of left ventricle (echocardiography performed on the 28th day of life was normal).
Underground coal gasification: rates of post processing gas transport
Authors: Soukup Karel , Hejtmánek Vladimír , Stańczyk Krzystof , Šolcová Olga
Published: July 2014

Two ex-situ and one in-situ semi-pilot plant UCG experiments in the experimental mine Barbara were performed with hard coal and lignite samples. To evaluate the influence of the UCG process on the textural properties of surrounding strata and coals, samples from various locations of the coal seam and the stratum samples before and after the UCG process were collected. Mercury porosimetry, helium pycnometry, and physical adsorption of nitrogen were used for the determination of textural properties of samples. Permeation gas transport was modelled based on the knowledge of the real structure characteristics of the stratum samples by the Mean Transport-Pore Model (MTPM). Influence of the individual texture and transport parameters on the post processing gas transport through porous strata with respect to the variability of their possible values was also evaluated.
Classification of technogenic soils according to WRB system in the light of Polish experiences
Authors: Charzyński Przemysław , Bednarek Renata , Greinert Andrzej , Hulisz Piotr , Uzarowicz Łukasz
Published: July 2014

Technosols are relatively young soil group in WRB soil system, and there is still a lot of to do to better understand processes taking place in these soils and to classify them in a proper way. The objectives of this paper were to (1) evaluate Technosol and 'technogenic' qualifiers for other Reference Soil Groups, and (2) propose new solutions which would improve the classification of technogenic soils in WRB. New qualifiers . Edific, Nekric, Misceric, Artefactic, Radioactivic and new specifier . Technic . are proposed to be added to keys to Technosols. Moreover, Salic and Sodic qualifiers should be also available for Technosols. Furthermore, the supplementation of definitions of thionic horizon and sulphidic material with reference to Technosols is also suggested
Using putrescine to increase the rooting ability of hardwood cuttings of the peach × almond hybrid GF677
Authors: Karimi Soheil , Yadollahi Abbas
Published: July 2014

GF677 is an interspecific hybrid which has important value in terms of economic and horticultural characteristics. The use of this rootstock for some stone fruit trees including almond and peach has been increased dramatically in recent years. It has some useful characteristics i.e. high tolerance to calcareous soil, a strong root system and suitability for poor soils, but its propagation is difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of putrescine (PUT) on the rooting of GF677 cuttings under mist conditions. Treatments used include PUT concentrations (2 and 4 mM for 5 minutes), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) using the quickdip method (1500 and 3000 mg l-1 for five seconds), and a commercial rooting powder and control (without any rooting substances). Treatments were applied at the end of the dormant season. Growth data were obtained 120 days after the treatments. The results showed that application of 1500 mg l-1 of IBA and commercial rooting powder improved GF677 rooting, but 3000 mg l-1 of IBA resulted in toxic effects on rooting and foliage of the cuttings. Cuttings treated with PUT solutions showed the best roots and shoots in terms of the number and quality. In conclusion, IBA may be replaced by PUT in the rooting process of GF677 cuttings.
Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus mortality on Irish roads
Authors: Haigh Amy , O'Riordan Ruth M. , Butler Fidelma
Published: July 2014

Hedgehogs are one of the most common mammalian road fatalities in Europe. Between April 2008 and November 2010, two stretches of road measuring 227 km (Cork City to Caherlistrane, Co. Galway) and 32.5 km (Cork City to Bandon, Co. Cork) respectively were surveyed for hedgehog road kill. In addition to the sightings of road kill on the two stretches of road, a further 135 carcasses were collected over the study period from throughout Ireland and the sex and age group were recorded. Over the three years, a total of 50 430 km were surveyed and 133 hedgehog fatalities were observed between the two surveyed roads. The number of hedgehog road kill per km in the current study was low when compared to countries such as Belgium, Poland and New Zealand. It is suggested that this may be a consequence of hedgehogs having a greater opportunity to encounter larger busier roads in other countries. Over the three years, the majority of the 133 carcasses sighted were located beside pasture, which was the most prominent habitat along both routes. Arable land was the only habitat used in a greater proportion than what was available. K‐function analysis detected clustering along the surveyed roads, with fatalities clustering annually at several locations. This would suggest that hedgehogs may use specific crossing points which would be important for the implementation of management strategies and underpass construction. Of the 135 hedgehog carcasses collected from throughout Ireland there was significantly more males than females collected, with peaks in male deaths occurring in May and June. Female deaths only outnumbered males in August, with further peaks in female deaths observed in June and July. It is suggested that these peaks are related to the breeding season (adults) and dispersal/ exploration following independence (juveniles).
The high abundance of wild ungulates in a Mediterranean region: is this compatible with the European rabbit?
Authors: Carpio Antonio J. , Guerrero‐Casado José , Ruiz‐Aizpurua Leire , Vicente Joaquín , Tortosa Francisco S.
Published: July 2014

The landscape in southern Iberia has, over the last four decades, altered as a result of the land abandonment, while the abundance of wild boarSus scrofaand red deerCervus elaphushas simultaneously increased, and some key prey species such as the European rabbitOryctolagus cuniculushave declined. In this work we explore: 1) the relationships between big game species (red deer and wild boar) and rabbit abundance, and 2) whether these relationships could have effects on food quality (total nitrogen available in the pasture and percentage of leguminosae) and food availability of (herbaceous cover). We therefore selected nine big game estates with a range of abundance as regards ungulates and similar Mediterranean habitat. Wild boar abundance was statistically negative in relation to rabbit abundance, while no significant statistical relationships between rabbit abundance and habitat structure and forage quality were evidenced. However, wild boar abundance, but not that of red deer, was negatively associated with leguminosae cover, and the percentage of surface rooted by wild boar was negatively associated with the percentage of herbaceous cover. Overall, our results suggest that the abundance of wild boar is negatively related to that of rabbits, and could have a negative effects on rabbit abundances by food competition as a result of: 1) a decrease in herbaceous coverage and leguminosae in the pasture and 2) an increase in the total percentage of soil disturbed as a result of rooting.
Domestic cat predation on Neotropical species in an insular Atlantic Forest remnant in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Giovanne Ambrosio , Nakano‐Oliveira Eduardo , Genaro Gelson
Published: July 2014

The domestic cat Felis silvestris catus is considered a potential threat to the native fauna of regions it populates, particularly when it has free access to these areas. Although this problem is known in Brazil, little is known regarding the effects of this species on natural areas. This study aimed to obtain information concerning the diet of domestic cats by identifying the main items found in fecal samples from domestic cats. In addition, the effects of seasonality on the diet were examined, as it has been hypothesized that seasonal variation of food items has little influence of the diet of the domestic cat. These semi‐domiciled cats are thought to face a constant and continuous supply food offered by their owners throughout the year. Feces were collected in a remnant fragment of an Atlantic Forest located south of the municipality of Ilha Comprida — SP, Brazil. These samples provided important information regarding the dietary ecology and predation behavior of this species in endangered forest areas. The results of the scat content analyses demonstrated that domestic cats inserted in this biome presented a generalist and opportunist diet with little seasonal variation, even when receiving food from their owners. The most frequently consumed groups of prey were insects (20.8%) followed by mammals (13.9%) and birds (4.0%). Although the cat is not the only factor that impacts the species of the region, management programs need to be established in conjunction with the local community with the aim of minimizing the pressure exerted by these animals on the native fauna.
Dwindling Social Prosperity and Migratory Youths
Authors: Lama Suman
Published: July 2014

Migratory trend in Nepalese society is an ever growing trend. Nepalese have migrated abroad through different ways in different time like recruitment in army, as cheap manpower and now to pursue the foreign degrees. Whatsoever the excuses are, country is losing the skilled youths in present context jeopardizing the socio economic development of the country. This study investigates the influencing social factors that motivate educated youth to leave their country in the name of education. Similarly this study has also sensed the integrity of youth towards their own country. It should help concerned scholars to have a bit more concern about their role to choreograph the structure and function that favour the social welfare and development. Youths attempting to enroll themselves for IELTS test in British Council were surveyed and this study adopted an exploratory and descriptive research design. It is found that youths are tempted to go abroad with the motive to settle in there as the native structural and functional aspects of the society are not found justifiable. Moreover youths have placed the foreign degrees in higher priority to access in a decent job anywhere. Lastly the study has concluded that the execution of the policies in every field should not be manipulated instead fair competition and strict bureaucracy in the system must be practiced. However the trend of employment in foreign must also be accepted with dignity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjsa.v6i0.10731 Himalayan Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.6 2014: 211-220
Faecal calprotectin as a reliable screening biomarker in the patients with organic bowel diseases
Authors: Barua Ripon , Sarker Jogendra Nath , Sattar Abu Naser Ibne , Roy Chandan Kumar , Shampa Shaheda Anwar , Sattar Humayun
Published: July 2014

Calprotectin is a calcium and zinc binding protein released from leucocytes, markedly elevated in organic bowel diseases (OBD). Faecal calprotectin (FC) is supposed to be a reliable biomarker to screen the suspected patients with OBD. This study was aimed to determine the role of FC level in screening the suspected OBD patients. It was carried out by measurement of FC using a commercially available ELISA kit among 50 patients with chronic diarrhoea for ? 6 weeks with or without other GIT symptoms who underwent colonoscopic evaluation (35 OBD patients and 15 disease control) and 12 healthy control. Significantly higher value (P<0.001) of FC level were observed among OBD patients (n=35) (479.5+133µg/g) than those in disease control (n=15) (82.17+75.64µg/g) and healthy control (n=12) (27+18.2µg/g).  Measurement of FC in diagnosing OBD revealed the sensitivity 100%, specificity 67%, PPV 88% and NPV 100%. FC can be used as a reliable biomarker in screening of suspected OBD by selecting the patients who need colonoscopy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i1.19353 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(01): 7-10
Rapid detection of Rotavirus antigen in stool sample of acute diarrheic children
Authors: Roy Sushmita , Shamsuzzaman S.M. , Mamun K.Z.
Published: July 2014

Rotavirus is one of the leading causes of pediatric diarrhea globally. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of Rotavirus diarrhea should reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics and ultimately reduce drug resistance. Study was designed for rapid diagnosis of Rotavirus antigen in stool sample by ICT (Immunochromatographic test) as well as to observe the seasonal variation of rotavirus infection. This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Dhaka Medical College from January 2011 to December 2011. Eighty stool samples were collected from Dhaka Shishu Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. All samples were tested for rotavirus antigen by ICT. Among 80 patients, 42 (52.5%) samples were positive for rotavirus antigen. Among these 42 positive samples, 30 (71.43%) were from 0-12 months of age group, 10 (23.81%) from 13 to 24 months of age group and rest 2 (4.76%) from 25 to 36 months of age group. Rotavirus Ag was detected in stool samples from January to April and another peak episode from October to December. Considering the importance of Rotavirus associated diarrhea, rapid detection of Rotavirus infection in human is substantially needed and should be routinely practiced.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i1.19354 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(01): 11-13
IgM flow assay for detection of Typhoid Fever
Authors: Shumu Samshad Jahan , Saleh Abu A
Published: July 2014

A case-control study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at BSMMU, Dhaka from July 2007 to June 2008 to validate IgM flow assay commercial diagnostic kits to assess the usefulness for the rapid diagnosis of typhoid fever. A total of 437 febrile patients clinically suspected of having typhoid fever were studied. Sixty cases were taken as controls, in which 30 were febrile controls (non-typhoidal febrile illness) and 30 were healthy controls. Among these 437 patients, Salmonella typhi was isolated from 58 (13.27%) cases .The isolation rate of S.typhi from blood was higher 21 (22.34%) in pediatric age group than that of the adult 37(10.78%); which is statistically significant (P<0.003).The detection of specific LPS antibody (IgM flow assay) were evaluated in 58 culture proven cases,42 high Widal titre patients and 60 controls. The sensitivity of LPS antibody and Widal test was 91% and 54% respectively and specificity was 100% and 91.66% respectively. The serological  assays based on the detection of IgM antibodies against serotype Typhi LPS had a significantly higher sensitivity and specificity than Widal test when used with a single acute phase serum sample(P<0.007). So, these test involving detection of anti-LPS antibodies could be of use for the diagnosis of typhoid fever in patients who have clinical typhoid fever but are negative in culture or in regions where bacterial culturing facilities are not readily available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i1.19362 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(01): 18-21
Antibiotic Stewardship
Authors: Uddin Mashuk
Published: July 2014

No Abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i2.19366 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(02): 1
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in smear negative sputum by PCR
Authors: Jobayer Mohammad , Shamsuzzaman SM , Mamun Kazi Zulfiquer
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a major health problem in Bangladesh that is responsible for about 7% of total death in a year. This study was conducted to isolate and identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum and to evaluate the efficacy of PCR as a modern diagnostic tool, for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, especially in the smear negative cases. One hundred and fifty suspected pulmonary TB patients (male/ female: 97/53) were included in this study. Single morning sputum was collected from each patient and diagnostic potential of PCR was compared with staining and culture. Twenty five (16.7%) sputum were positive by ZN stained smear. Among 125 smear negative samples, 13 (10.4%) yielded growth in culture in LJ media and 21 (16.8%) samples were positive by PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR in smear negative cases was 100% and 92.9% respectively. Mean detection time in PCR was 24 hours. PCR detected M. tuberculosis in 21 smear negative and 9 culture negative samples. For diagnosis of tuberculosis in smear negative cases, PCR directly from sputum was a very sensitive and accurate method. In conclusion, PCR may be done, especially in clinically suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients who remain negative by conventional methods.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i2.19368 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(02): 2-6
Isolation of post operative hospital acquired infections in a private hospital of Bangladesh and identification of clonal relatedness of E. coli by using Pulse filed gel electrophoresis
Authors: Murshed Mohammad , Shahnaz Sabeena , Malek Md. Abdul
Published: July 2014

Isolation and identification of post operative hospital acquired infection was carried out from July 2008 to December 2008 in Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital (private hospital). The major pathogen of wound infection was E. coli. A total; of 120 samples were collected from the surrounding environment of post operative room like floor, bed sheets, instruments, dressing materials, catheter, nasogastric and endotracheal tube. E. coli (40%) was the predominant organism followed by S. aureus (24%). DNA fingerprinting analysis using pulsed field gel electreopheresis of XbaI restriction digested genomic DNA showed that clonal relatedness between the two clinical nd environmental isolates were 100%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i2.19369 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(02): 7-10
Study of bacterial infection and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in diabetic foot lesion
Authors: Akhter Shameem , Asna Shah Md Zahurul Haque , Rahman M Mushfequr , Hafez MA
Published: July 2014

A cross sectional study was carried out on patients with diabetic foot lesions to determine the spectrum of aerobic microbial flora and to determine the microbial pathogens of the diabetic foot lesions and their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. A total of 226 organisms were isolated from 218 patients and polymicrobial infection was found in 3.7 % cases. Age of the study population ranged from 20 - >80 yrs of which most of the patients were from 40 to 70 yrs (81 %). Male female ratio was= 3:1. In this study, Pseudomonas sp. (22.1 %), Proteus mirabilis (16.4 %) and S. aureus (14.6 %) were the predominant organisms isolated. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates were done in which imipenem and ciprofloxacin were found to be the most effective against all organisms.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v6i2.19372 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2012; 06(02): 20-23
Isolation and identification of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in paediatric diarrhoeal patients by detection of bfpA gene by PCR
Authors: Saha Shimu , Jhora Sanya Tahmina , Paul Shikha , Azmi Israt Jahan , Khan Tarek Mahbub
Published: July 2014

This study has been undertaken to investigate the isolation and identification of EPEC strains from paediatric diarrhoeal patients.Total 300 samples were studied.Two hundred and seventy two samples from patients with diarrhoea and  28 samples from control children were collected from two tertiary care hospital. Esch. coli was isolated and identified from all the 300 samples including patient and control using standard microbiological techniques. EPEC strains were identified on the basis of  presence of bundle forming pilus (bfpA) gene. Out of 272 samples from diarrhoeal patient only Esch. coli was isolated from 240 (88.2%) samples. Shigella spp. with Esch. coli were isolated from 27 (10%) specimens and Salmonella spp. with Esch. coli were isolated from 5 (1.8%) samples. Among 272 samples 20 (7.35%) isolates were identified as EPEC on the basis of presence of bfpA gene detected by polymerase chain reaction. EPEC strains were identified from those 240 samples, from which Esch. coli had been isolated only. No EPEC strain was identified  from control children. Rapid and reliable detection of EPEC is required for successful microbiological surveillance and for treatment of EPEC mediated diarrhoeal disease. bfpA gene detection by polymerase chain reaction can be a appropriate method where facilities for polymerase chain reaction are available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v7i2.19324 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2013; 07(02): 2-5
XDR and MDR tuberculosis from a tertiary chest hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Hasina , Mamun K. Z. , Shamsuzzaman S. M. , Nahar Most. Naznin , Kamal S. M. Mostafa
Published: July 2014

The present article provides an overview of the new diagnostic options available for diagnosis of drug resistant tuberculosis, which include liquid based culture and susceptibility tests. To effectively address the threats of drug resistant tuberculosis, global initiatives are required to scale-up culture and drug susceptibility testing capacities. In parallel efforts are needed to expand the use of new technologies for rapid diagnosis of drug resistance.The study was carried out at National Institute of Diseases of Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Mohakhali, Dhaka, which is the only tertiary- level chest disease hospital for the treatment of referred patients from all over the country. One morning sputum sample was taken from each of the 50 suspected new pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 50 samples from previously treated group included patients who did not complete the full regimen or those who did not respond to antibiotic treatment. All samples were cultured on sula liquid media for 12 days. Sensitivity tests against isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), streptomycin (SM) and ethambutol (EMB), gatifloxacin (G),kanamycin (K) and ofloxacin (OF) were done by slide culture  method. Sensitivity test against P-nitro benzoic acid (PNB) were also done to differentiate typical Mycobacterium from atypical Mycobacterium.Among the 50 isolated new cases 98% were sensitive to isoniazid, rifampicin and streptomycin. Regarding resistant pattern for MDR-TB to second line drugs, 2% were resistant to kanamycin and 10% to ofloxacin.One MDR-TB which was resistant to kanamycin was also resistant to ofloxacin. Hence it was identified as extensively-drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).No atypical Mycobacteria were detected by PNB.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v7i2.19329 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2013; 07(02): 17-20
Isolation of ESBL producing organisms by Double Disc Synergy Test in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Saha Mili Rani , Jhora Sanya Tahmina , Paul Shikha , Chowdhury Durdana
Published: July 2014

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms pose unique challenges to clinical microbiologists, clinicians, infection control professionals and antibacterial discovery scientists. The study was done to determine ESBL producing strains by a most feasible and accurate phenotypic method. Urine, surgical wound swab, burn wound swab and pus samples were taken from Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital and from Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2011 to December 2011. ESBL producers were detected by Double Disc Synergy Test. From 354 different samples, 59.04% organisms were isolated.  Among them 89% were Gram-negative organisms. Out of these Gram-negative organisms 41.40% isolates were ESBL producers. Among them 75% were Klebsiella spp. and 41.67% were Esch coli. This study shows that the frequency of ESBL producing strains of Esch. coli and Klebsiella spp. is high in both hospitals and it has a significant inference for patient's management. Hence, it is very important that a doctor should be familiar with the clinical significance of these enzymes and potential strategies for dealing with this growing problem.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v7i2.19330 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2013; 07(02): 21-24
Eosinophilic Cationic Protein in Bronchial Asthma  current concepts
Authors: Begum Afroza , Ahmed Mejbah Uddin
Published: July 2014

Bronchial asthma is a chronic and inflammatory disease of lungs.  On the basis of pathogenesis, asthma can be grouped into allergic, inflammatory, neurogenic and physical mechanisms.  It is characterized by a 50 fold increase in the number of eosinophil in relation to neutrophil in the bronchial mucosa. After allergic sensitization, regulatory Th2 cell releases IL-5.  This IL-5 is responsible for differentiation and maturation of eosinophil. On re-exposure, activation and degranulation of eosinophil occur. In this review this mechanism is described in updated way.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v7i2.19331 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2013; 07(02): 25-27
Which method is more suitable for nocardia isolation of polymicrobial site?
Authors: Bafghi Mehdi Fatahi , Nasab Masoumeh Rasouli , Habibnia Shahi
Published: July 2014

No abstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v7i2.19374 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2013; 07(02): 1
Changes in flow experience among occupational therapy students: a 1-year longitudinal study
Authors: Hirao Kazuki
Published: July 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this 1-year longitudinal study is to investigate the change in flow experience among occupational therapy students (OTS). Methods: In December 2012, we prospectively recruited 97 OTS from the Department of Occupational Therapy, Kibi International University. To assess flow experience in daily life, we used the Flow Experience Checklist. Results: The dataset included 87 OTS, of which 75 participated in the assessment at 1 year (follow-up rate, 86.2%). The mean age at baseline of 45 male and 30 female OTS was 19.59±1.1 years (range, 18 to 24 years). A comparison of the ‘frequency of flow experience’ showed significant differences between baseline values and those after 1 year (December 2013) among male OTS (P<0.05). Conclusion: The present results indicate that, for male OTS, the frequency of flow was significantly reduced after 1 year compared with baseline values. This finding suggests the need for further education to increase the frequency of flow among male OTS.
The Role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling in Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Matsuoka Tasuku , Yashiro Masakazu
Published: July 2014

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is one of the key signaling pathways induced by various receptor-tyrosine kinases. Accumulating evidence shows that this pathway is an important promoter of cell growth, metabolism, survival, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Genetic alterations in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in gastric carcinoma have often been demonstrated. Many kinds of molecular targeting therapies are currently undergoing clinical testing in patients with solid tumors. However, with the exception of the ErbB2-targeting antibody, targeting agents, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors, have not been approved for treatment of patients with gastric carcinoma. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma and the possible therapeutic targets for gastric carcinoma. Improved knowledge of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in gastric carcinoma will be useful in understanding the mechanisms of tumor development and for identifying ideal targets of anticancer therapy for gastric carcinoma.
On Conservation Equation Combinations and Closure Relations
Authors: Gray William , Dye Amanda
Published: July 2014

Fundamental conservation equations for mass, momentum and energy of chemical species can be combined with thermodynamic relations to obtain secondary forms, such as conservation equations for phases, an internal energy balance and a mechanical energy balance. In fact, the forms of secondary equations are infinite and depend on the criteria used in determining which species-based equations to employ and how to combine them. If one uses these secondary forms in developing an entropy inequality to be used in formulating closure relations, care must be employed to ensure that the appropriate equations are used, or problematic results can develop for multispecies systems. We show here that the use of the fundamental forms minimizes the chance of an erroneous formulation in terms of secondary forms and also provides guidance as to which secondary forms should be used if one uses them as a starting point.
Association of Seasonal Climate Variability and Age-Specific Mortality in Northern Sweden before the Onset of Industrialization
Authors: Rocklöv Joacim , Edvinsson Sören , Arnqvist Per , De Luna Sara , Schumann Barbara
Published: July 2014

Background and aims: Little is known about health impacts of climate in pre-industrial societies. We used historical data to investigate the association of temperature and precipitation with total and age-specific mortality in Skellefteå, northern Sweden, between 1749 and 1859. Methods: We retrieved digitized aggregated population data of the Skellefteå parish, and monthly temperature and precipitation measures. A generalized linear model was established for year to year variability in deaths by annual and seasonal average temperature and cumulative precipitation using a negative binomial function, accounting for long-term trends in population size. The final full model included temperature and precipitation of all four seasons simultaneously. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for total, sex- and age-specific mortality. Results: In the full model, only autumn precipitation proved statistically significant (RR 1.02; CI 1.00–1.03, per 1cm increase of autumn precipitation), while winter temperature (RR 0.98; CI 0.95–1.00, per 1 °C increase in temperature) and spring precipitation (RR 0.98; CI 0.97–1.00 per 1 cm increase in precipitation) approached significance. Similar effects were observed for men and women. The impact of climate variability on mortality was strongest in children aged 3–9, and partly also in older children. Infants, on the other hand, appeared to be less affected by unfavourable climate conditions. Conclusions: In this pre-industrial rural region in northern Sweden, higher levels of rain during the autumn increased the annual number of deaths. Harvest quality might be one critical factor in the causal pathway, affecting nutritional status and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Autumn rain probably also contributed to the spread of air-borne diseases in crowded living conditions. Children beyond infancy appeared most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Association of TNFRSF10D DNA-Methylation with the Survival of Melanoma Patients
Authors: Ratzinger Gudrun , Mitteregger Simone , Wolf Barbara , Berger Regina , Zelger Bernhard , Weinlich Georg , Fritsch Peter , Goebel Georg , Fiegl Heidelinde
Published: July 2014

In this retrospective pilot study, the DNA-methylation status of genes that have been demonstrated to be involved in melanoma carcinogenesis was analyzed in order to identify novel biomarkers for the risk assessment of melanoma patients. We analyzed DNA extracted from punch-biopsies from 68 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) melanoma specimens. Using MethyLight PCR, we examined 20 genes in specimens from a training set comprising 36 melanoma patients. Selected candidate genes were validated in a test set using FFPE tissue samples from 32 melanoma patients. First, we identified the TNFRSF10D DNA-methylation status (TNFRSF10D methylated vs. unmethylated) as a prognostic marker for overall (p = 0.001) and for relapse-free survival (p = 0.008) in the training set. This finding was confirmed in the independent test set (n = 32; overall survival p = 0.041; relapse-free survival p = 0.012). In a multivariate Cox-regression analysis including all patients, the TNFRSF10D DNA-methylation status remained as the most significant prognostic parameter for overall and relapse-free survival (relative-risk (RR) of death, 4.6 (95% CI: 2.0–11.0; p < 0.001), RR of relapse, 7.2 (95% CI: 2.8–18.3; p < 0.001)). In this study, we demonstrate that TNFRSF10D DNA-methylation analysis of a small tissue-punch from archival FFPE melanoma tissue is a promising approach to provide prognostic information in patients with melanoma.
Polymorphisms of Leptin-b Gene Associated with Growth Traits in Orange-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides)
Authors: Huang Hai , Wei Yun , Meng Zining , Zhang Yong , Liu Xiaochun , Guo Liang , Luo Jian , Chen Guohua , Lin Haoran
Published: July 2014

In mammals, leptin has been demonstrated to perform important roles in many physiological activities and to influence development, growth, metabolism and reproduction. However, in fish, its function is still unclear. Duplicate leptin genes, leptin-a and leptin-b, have been identified in the orange-spotted grouper. In the present study, the polymorphisms in the leptin-b gene of the orange-spotted grouper were detected, and the relation between these polymorphisms and 12 growth traits were analyzed. Six polymorphisms (including 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (c.14G>A, c.93A>G, c.149G>A) in exon 1, 2 SNPs (c.181A>G, c.193G>A) in intron 1, and 1 SNP (c.360C>T) in exon 2) were identified and genotyped from 200 different individuals. The results revealed that the SNP c.149G>A was significantly associated with growth traits, that the heterozygous mutation genotype GA having negative effects on growth traits. However, the other five SNPs (c.14G>A, c.93A>G, c.181A>G, c.193G>A, c.360C>T) did not show significant associations with all the growth traits. Compared with our findings in leptin-a gene, the results suggested that the leptin-a hormone has more important physiological effects in fish bodies than the leptin-b type. Moreover, leptin genes were supposed to be one class of major candidate genes of regulating growth traits in the orange-spotted grouper.
Radiosensitization of Human Leukemic HL-60 Cells by ATR Kinase Inhibitor (VE-821): Phosphoproteomic Analysis
Authors: Šalovská Barbora , Fabrik Ivo , Ďurišová Kamila , Link Marek , Vávrová Jiřina , Řezáčová Martina , Tichý Aleš
Published: July 2014

DNA damaging agents such as ionizing radiation or chemotherapy are frequently used in oncology. DNA damage response (DDR)—triggered by radiation-induced double strand breaks—is orchestrated mainly by three Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinases (PIKKs): Ataxia teleangiectasia mutated (ATM), DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and ATM and Rad3-related kinase (ATR). Their activation promotes cell-cycle arrest and facilitates DNA damage repair, resulting in radioresistance. Recently developed specific ATR inhibitor, VE-821 (3-amino-6-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-N-phenylpyrazine-2-carboxamide), has been reported to have a significant radio- and chemo-sensitizing effect delimited to cancer cells (largely p53-deficient) without affecting normal cells. In this study, we employed SILAC-based quantitative phosphoproteomics to describe the mechanism of the radiosensitizing effect of VE-821 in human promyelocytic leukemic cells HL-60 (p53-negative). Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-prefractionation with TiO2-enrichment and nano-liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed 9834 phosphorylation sites. Proteins with differentially up-/down-regulated phosphorylation were mostly localized in the nucleus and were involved in cellular processes such as DDR, all phases of the cell cycle, and cell division. Moreover, sequence motif analysis revealed significant changes in the activities of kinases involved in these processes. Taken together, our data indicates that ATR kinase has multiple roles in response to DNA damage throughout the cell cycle and that its inhibitor VE-821 is a potent radiosensitizing agent for p53-negative HL-60 cells.
Value of Micro-CT for Monitoring Spinal Microvascular Changes after Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Authors: Long Hou-Qing , Xie Wen-Han , Chen Wen-Li , Xie Wen-Lin , Xu Jing-Hui , Hu Yong
Published: July 2014

Neurological degeneration can occur after compression of the spinal cord. It is widely accepted that spinal cord compression leads to ischemic lesions and ultimately neurological dysfunction due to a narrowed spinal canal. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of spinal cord compression injury is required to help develop effective clinical interventions. In the present study, we propose a new method of quantitative 3D micro-CT to observe microvascular events in a chronic spinal cord compression rat model. A total of 36 rats were divided into two groups: sham control group (n = 12) and compressive spinal cord injury group (n = 24). Rats were scarified at four weeks after surgery. In each group, CD34 micro-vessel immunohistochemical staining was performed in half of the animals, while micro-CT scanning was performed in the other half. Microvessel density (MVD) was measured after immunohistochemical staining, while the vascular index (VI) was measured in 3D micro-CT. In comparison with sham control, abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) can be seen in all 24 cases of the compression group, and VI shows the amount of microvessels reduced consistently and significantly (p < 0.01). A significant correlation is also found between MVD and VI (r = 0.95, p < 0.01). These data suggest that quantitative 3D micro-CT is a sensitive and promising tool for investigating microvascular changes during chronic compressive spinal cord injury.
Morphology and Quantitative Monitoring of Gene Expression Patterns during Floral Induction and Early Flower Development in Dendrocalamus latiflorus
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xuemei , Zhao Lei , Guo Zhenhua
Published: July 2014

The mechanism of floral transition in bamboo remains unclear. Dendrocalamus latiflorus (Bambusease, Bambusoideae, Poaceae) is an economically and ecologically important clumping bamboo in tropical and subtropical areas. We evaluated morphological characteristics and gene expression profiling to study floral induction and early flower development in D. latiflorus. The detailed morphological studies on vegetative buds and floral organography were completed using paraffin sectioning and scanning electron microscopy. The 3 mm floral buds commence the development of stamen primordia and pistil primordium. Furthermore, homologs of floral transition-related genes, including AP1, TFL1, RFL, PpMADS1, PpMADS2, SPL9, FT, ID1, FCA, and EMF2, were detected and quantified by reverse transcriptase PCR and real-time PCR in vegetative and floral buds, respectively. Distinct expression profiles of ten putative floral initiation homologues that corresponded to the developmental stages defined by bud length were obtained and genes were characterized. Six of the genes (including DlTFL1, DlRFL, DlMADS2, DlID1, DlFCA, DlEMF2) showed statistically significant changes in expression during floral transition. DlAP1 demonstrated a sustained downward trend and could serve as a good molecular marker during floral transition in D. latiflorus. The combined analysis provided key candidate markers to track the transition from the vegetative to reproductive phase.
Hepatic Atypical Protein Kinase C: An Inherited Survival-Longevity Gene that Now Fuels Insulin-Resistant Syndromes of Obesity, the Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Farese Robert , Lee Mackenzie , Sajan Mini
Published: July 2014

This review focuses on how insulin signals to metabolic processes in health, why this signaling is frequently deranged in Western/Westernized societies, how these derangements lead to, or abet development of, insulin-resistant states of obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and what our options are for restoring insulin signaling, and glucose/lipid homeostasis. A central theme in this review is that excessive hepatic activity of an archetypal protein kinase enzyme, “atypical” protein kinase C (aPKC), plays a critically important role in the development of impaired glucose metabolism, systemic insulin resistance, and excessive hepatic production of glucose, lipids and proinflammatory factors that underlie clinical problems of glucose intolerance, obesity, hepatosteatosis, hyperlipidemia, and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes. The review suggests that normally inherited genes, in particular, the aPKC isoforms, that were important for survival and longevity in times of food scarcity are now liabilities in times of over-nutrition. Fortunately, new knowledge of insulin signaling mechanisms and how an aberration of excessive hepatic aPKC activation is induced by over-nutrition puts us in a position to target this aberration by diet and/or by specific inhibitors of hepatic aPKC.
Study of Back Biasing Schemes for ULV Logic from the Gate Level to the IP Level
Authors: De Streel Guerric , Bol David
Published: July 2014

Minimum energy per operation is typically achieved in the subthreshold region where low speed and low robustness are two challenging problems. This paper studies the impact of back biasing (BB) schemes on these features for 28 nm FDSOI technology at three levels of abstraction: gate, library and IP. We show that forward BB (FBB) can help cover a wider design space in terms of the optimal frequency of operation while keeping minimum energy. Asymmetric BB between NMOS and PMOS can mitigate the effect of systematic mismatch on the minimum energy point (MEP) and robustness. With optimal asymmetric BB, we achieve either a MEP reduction up to 18% or a 36× speedup at the MEP. At the IP level, we confirm the MEP configurability with BB with synthesis results of microcontrollers at 0.35 V.We show that the use of a mix of overdrive FBB voltages further improves the energy efficiency. Compared to bulk 65 nm CMOS, we were able 28 nm FDSOI to reduce the energy per cycle by 64% or to increase the frequency of operation by 7×, while maintaining energy per operation below 3 µW/MHz over a wide frequency range.
Ovothiol Isolated from Sea Urchin Oocytes Induces Autophagy in the Hep-G2 Cell Line
Authors: Russo Gian , Russo Maria , Castellano Immacolata , Napolitano Alessandra , Palumbo Anna
Published: July 2014

Ovothiols are histidine-derived thiols isolated from sea urchin eggs, where they play a key role in the protection of cells toward the oxidative burst associated with fertilization by controlling the cellular redox balance and recycling oxidized glutathione. In this study, we show that treatment of a human liver carcinoma cell line, Hep-G2, with ovothiol A, isolated from Paracentrotus lividus oocytes, results in a decrease of cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of an autophagic process is revealed by phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, together with the expression of the specific autophagic molecular markers, LC3 II and Beclin-1. The effect of ovothiol is not due to its antioxidant capacity or to hydrogen peroxide generation. The concentration of ovothiol A in the culture media, as monitored by HPLC analysis, decreased by about 24% within 30 min from treatment. The proliferation of normal human embryonic lung cells is not affected by ovothiol A. These results hint at ovothiol as a promising bioactive molecule from marine organisms able to inhibit cell proliferation in cancer cells.