bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors determining the kinetics of a single dose of testosterone in rats
Authors: Filová Barbora , Majzúnová Miroslava , Malinová Mária , Ostatníková Daniela , Celec P. , Hodosy J.
Published: July 2012

The results from different authors regarding testosterone and cognitive
research show controversial results. One of the reasons may be the form of
testosterone used in the experiment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the
testosterone levels in plasma and its kinetics after the single application
of either a long-acting or a short-acting form of this hormone. Twenty female
and twenty male adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups that were
either gonadectomized or not. The two groups were divided into 4 subgroups
depending on whether the animals received testosterone propionate or
testosterone isobutyrate intramuscularly. Samples for analysis were collected
before and at 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h after injection. The results
showed significant differences in the dynamics between rapid and depot forms
of testosterone, together with the rebound effect and hormonal negative
feedback. These aspects of testosterone kinetics need to be considered when
planning experiments on the physiology of testosterone.
Dimethyl sulfoxide improves sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR and qRT-PCR amplification of low-expressed transgenes
Authors: Simonovic Ana , Trifunovic Milana , Raspor M. , Cingel A. , Bogdanovic Milica , Dragicevic M. , Subotic Angelina
Published: July 2012

The expression of transgenes in a host plant may be low for a number of
reasons. Both low expression and poor specificity of amplification were
encountered during analysis of the expression of the Arabidopsis cytokinin
oxidase/dehydrogenase (AtCKX1) gene in transgenic Centaurium erythraea. The
optimization of the PCR protocol involved a gradient of annealing
temperatures, as well as the application of seven PCR enhancers: formamide,
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol, ethylene glycol, trehalose, BSA and
Tween-20. The best results for AtCKX1 amplification were obtained at 55.1?C,
with the addition of 5% DMSO. Glycerol and trehalose also improved the
sensitivity of amplification, while formamide, ethylene glycol and BSA
enhanced only the amplification of control purified targets, but not the
transcripts. Tween-20 inhibited PCR. DMSO enhanced AtCKX1 PCR amplification
and improved the specificity of qPCR amplification, as well as the assay
reproducibility. This work emphasizes the usefulness of additives, which are
rarely used for PCR optimization in real-time experiments.
Identification and molecular characterization of Chryseobacterium vrystaatense ST1 isolated from oligomineral water of southeast Serbia
Authors: Tasic S. , Kojic M. , Stankovic S. , Obradovic D.
Published: July 2012

The isolation and molecular characterization of bacterial strains isolated
from water sources in the Vlasina Mountain in southeast Serbia, confirmed the
presence of a new species Chryseobacterium vrystaatense ST1. This Gram-
negative species showed an extremely low level of biochemical reactivity in
biochemical tests. The gene for 16S rRNA was amplified by PCR using universal
primers and sequenced. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequence and phenotypic
features indicated that the isolate ST belonged to Chryseobacterium
vrystaatense. A BLAST search of sequenced 1088 nucleotides of the 16S rRNA
gene with all sequences deposited in the NCBI collection showed the highest
similarity (98%) with the strain Chryseobacterium vrystaatense sp. nov.,
designated as strain R-23533. The very high homology of these two strains
allowed classification of our strain at the species level, but some
differences indicate, and indirectly confirm, that the isolate ST is an
authentic representative. On the basis of these results, we could conclude
that Chryseobacterium vrystaatense ST was for first time isolated in Serbia,
which is particularly important when one bears in mind that there are only
three sequences of this species deposited in the NCBI collection.
Activity concentrations of 137Cs and 40K in mosses from spas in Eastern Serbia
Authors: Cuculovic Ana , Cuculovic R. , Sabovljevic M. , Veselinovic D.
Published: July 2012

With the aim of detecting the presence of radionuclides in moss samples in
eastern Serbia, 129 samples of mosses were collected from 2000 to 2010 in the
region of the spas: Sokobanja, Banja Josanica and Gamzigradska banja. The
data obtained show that 137Cs was present in all of the 129 samples from 3
sampling areas and 15 sampling localities and in 20 moss taxa. This indicates
that pollution with this radionuclide resulting from the Chernobyl accident
still exists. Changes in the average activity concentrations of 40K are
within measurement error limits, while for 137Cs changes in the average
activity concentrations are more noticeable, i.e. they have decreased with
time.
Karyological comparisons of the European hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) from the Asian part of Turkey, with morphological contributions
Authors: Tez C. , Özkul Y. , İbiş O.
Published: July 2012

We focused on a comparison of karyological data for the European brown hare
Lepus europaeus, from the Asian part of Turkey. In Turkish L. europaeus, the
diploid number (2n), the fundamental number of chromosomal arms (FN) and the
number of autosomal arms (FNa) were determined to be 2n=48, 84 and 80,
respectively. The autosomes are composed of three pairs of metacentric
chromosomes, four pairs of submetacentric chromosomes, ten pairs of
subtelocentric chromosomes and six pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. The X
chromosome was a medium-large submetacentric and the Y chromosome was a very
small acrocentric. This is the third report for L. europaeus from Turkey and
confirmed the previous results with regard to 2n. However, when comparing our
findings with those of other authors, there were karyotypic differences among
the chromosomes. These differences were related to the number of chromosome
arms. Additionally, we present the skull measurements of seven samples for
the Turkish brown hare collected from three localities, and these
measurements conformed to those of previous studies.
Seasonal changes in oxidative stress biomarkers of the snail Viviparus acerosus from the Velika Morava River, Serbia
Authors: Despotovic Svetlana , Perendija Branka , Gavric Jelena , Borkovic-Mitic Slavica , Paunovic M.M. , Pavlovic S.Z. , Saicic Zorica
Published: July 2012

The river snail (Viviparus acerosus) from the Velika Morava River, Serbia was
chosen in our study in order to determine seasonal changes in oxidative
stress biomarkers between July (summer) and September (autumn). The
activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione
peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and the phase II
biotransformation enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as the
concentration of total glutathione (GSH), were examined in the whole body of
the river snails. The obtained results show significantly higher activities
of CAT, GSH-Px, GR and biotransformation phase II enzyme GST in September
compared to July, while the GSH concentration was lower. There was no general
trend in the seasonal changes in the activity of SOD. The presented data show
that animals in their natural environment are exposed to constant
fluctuations of environmental conditions that could cause antioxidants to
exhibit seasonal variations. This fact should be considered as an important
variable in the interpretation of results in biomonitoring studies.
Evaluation of the nutritional quality of Chaetoceros muelleri Schütt (Chaetocerotales: Chaetocerotaceae) and Isochrysis sp. (Isochrysidales: isochrysidaceae) grown outdoors for the larval development of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) (Decapoda: Penaeidae)
Authors: Rodríguez Erika , López-Elías José , Aguirre-Hinojosa Eduardo , del Garza-Aguirre , Constantino-Franco Francisco , Miranda-Baeza Anselmo , Nieves-Soto Mario
Published: July 2012

The biomass, proximal composition and fatty acid profile of Isochrysis sp.,
Chaetoceros muelleri and their mixture, grown under greenhouse conditions,
were evaluated. The nutritional value of both species supplied as the
monoalgal (Chaetoceros muelleri: Diet I, and Isochrysis sp. Diet II) and
mixed diet (Diet III) for larval Litopenaeus vannamei was also assessed on
the basis of the development and biochemical composition of the larvae. The
highest protein levels were obtained in Diets I and II (40% and 35%,
respectively). No significant differences in larval survival were found among
the diets; however, larvae fed on Diet II had the lowest mean larval length.
Length-weight relationship and condition factor of two sympatric Rutilus (Rrafinesque, 1820) species from Lake Skadar (Montenegro)
Authors: Milosevic D. , Pesic V. , Petrovic D. , Pavicevic A. , Maric D.
Published: July 2012

Two species from the genus Rutilus (Rafinesque, 1820), R. prespensis and R.
albus inhabit Lake Skadar. The conditional factor (K) and length-weight
relationships (LWRs) of 165 specimens were studied from January 2008 to
January 2009. Based on the LWRs, it was found that R. albus exhibited
isometric growth to the stage of sexual maturity, after which it exhibited
allometric growth; R. prespensis, exhibited only allometric growth. The
conditional factor for the both species significantly differed between
months. The spawning period of R. albus began in February, while for R.
prespensis it was April-May.
Potential application of thermo-sensitive hydrogels for controlled release of phenacetin
Authors: Ilic-Stojanovic Snezana , Nikolic Ljubisa , Nikolic Vesna , Milic Jela , Petrovic Slobodan , Nikolic Goran , Kapor Agnes
Published: July 2012

Over the past years, many scientific researches have been focused on
thermo-sensitive hydrogels containing N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as a
monomer. The NIPAM based hydrogels with 20 mol% 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate
(HPMet) were synthesized using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a
cross-linker. The characterization of xerogel and phenacetin using FTIR
spectra and SEM micrographs confirm the performed synthesis with satisfactory
purity as well as loading of phenacetin into hydrogel. The swelling transport
mechanism at simulated physiological conditions (pH 2.20 and 7.40 at 37?C) is
described by the time-independent kinetics. The potential application of
synthesized hydrogels for the controlled release of phenacetin as a model
drug was investigated at simulated physiological conditions by HPLC method.
Chemical reaction effect on an unsteady MHD free convection flow past a vertical porous plate in the presence of suction or injection
Authors: Shivaiah S. , Rao Anand
Published: July 2012

The objective of this paper is to analyze the effect of chemical reaction on
unsteady magneto hydrodynamic free convective fluid flow past a vertical
porous plate in the presence of suction or injection. The governing
equations of the flow field are solved numerically by a finite element
method. The effects of the various parameters on the velocity, temperature
and concentration profiles are presented graphically and values of
skin-friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number for various
values of physical parameters are presented through tables.
Outcome of phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and corneal opacity partially obscuring the pupillary area
Authors: Panda A , Krishna S N , Dada T
Published: July 2012

Objective: To evaluate the intra-operative difficulties and postoperative visual outcome following phacoemulisification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with cataract and a coexisting corneal opacity partially obscuring the pupillary area. Materials and methods: The study included 205 eyes of 205 patients with cataract, an extensive corneal opacity partially obscuring the pupillary area and a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of less than 40/200 who had undergone phacoemulisification with IOL implantation by a single surgeon. The patients were followed up on day 1, day 7, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Intra-operative and post operative course and CDVA were evaluated. Results: Seventy nine percent of the patients underwent phaco-emulsification via superior clear corneal approach while the rest were operated via temporal clear corneal approach. Trypan blue (0.06%) dye assisted capsulorrhexis was successfully completed in all eyes with additional maneuvers including posterior synechiolysis and sphincterotomy. Nucleotomy with primary chop technique and phacoemulsification were performed uneventfully in all but one eye, which was converted to an extra capsular cataract extraction (ECCE). A foldable intraocular lens was implanted in 76 eyes, rigid IOL in 128 eyes and 1 eye was left aphakic. The pre-operative CDVA of less than 40/200 improved to 20/60 at the end of 3 months follow up.Conclusions: Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation provides ambulatory and useful vision in eyes with coexisting cataract and corneal opacity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6535 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 217-223
Trypan blue staining of filtering bleb in eyes with operated trabeculectomy
Authors: Dada T , Bali S J , Mohan S , Bhartiya S , Sobti A , Panda A
Published: July 2012

Objective: To report the use of trypan blue staining of the filtering bleb to assess its functional status in eyes undergoing phacoemulsification after trabeculectomy. Subjects and methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary eye care centre in North India and studied 33 eyes of 33 patients ( with previously operated trabeculectomy), who underwent phacoemulsification. Trypan blue dye (0.06%) was used to stain the anterior capsule. After completion of phacoemulsification, the staining of the trabeculectomy bleb was noted as diffuse, patchy, minimal or no staining. Results: Of the 33 eyes, 13 had diffuse staining (39.4%, mean IOP = 9.3 ± 2.2 mm Hg), 7 (21.2%, mean IOP= 15.5 ± 1.8 mm Hg) had patchy staining, 4 had minimal staining (12.1%, mean IOP= 17.5 ± 0.5mm Hg) and nine (27.3%, mean IOP= 19.3 ± 1.6 mm Hg) had no staining. These staining patterns were labeled as groups 1 - 4 respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the difference between the IOPs in Group 1 - 2 and between Group 2 - 3 was not significant statistically (p=0.682 and 0.665 respectively). However the differences between the IOPs between Groups 1 - 3, 1 - 4, 2 - 4, and 3 - 4 were found to be highly significant statistically (p<0.0005).Conclusions: Trypan blue dye can be used to test the amount of sub-conjunctival filtration in eyes undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6536 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 224-229
Ganglion cell complex scan in the early prediction of glaucoma
Authors: Ganekal S
Published: July 2012

Objective: To compare the macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) with peripapillary retinal fiber layer (RNFL) thickness map in glaucoma suspects and patients. Subjects and methods: Forty participants (20 glaucoma suspects and 20 glaucoma patients) were enrolled. Macular GCC and RNFL thickness maps were performed in both eyes of each participant in the same visit. The sensitivity and specificity of a color code less than 5% (red or yellow) for glaucoma diagnosis were calculated. Standard Automated Perimetry was performed with the Octopus 3.1.1 Dynamic 24-2 program. Statistics: The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 10.1 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, EUA). Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and a p value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Results: Provide absolute numbers of these findings with their units of measurement. There was a statistically significant difference in average RNFL thickness (p=0.004), superior RNFL thickness (p=0.006), inferior RNFL thickness (p=0.0005) and average GCC (p=0.03) between the suspects and glaucoma patients. There was no difference in optic disc area (p=0.35) and vertical cup/disc ratio (p=0.234) in both groups. While 38% eyes had an abnormal GCC and 13% had an abnormal RNFL thickness in the glaucoma suspect group, 98% had an abnormal GCC and 90% had an abnormal RNFL thickness in the glaucoma group.Conclusion: The ability to diagnose glaucoma with macular GCC thickness is comparable to that with peripapillary RNFL thickness. Macular GCC thickness measurements may be a good alternative or a complementary measurement to RNFL thickness assessment in the clinical evaluation of glaucoma.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6538 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 236-241
Changing trends in idiopathic retinal vasculitis in a tertiary eye care centre of Nepal over a ten-year period
Authors: Kharel R Sitaula , Aryal S , Joshi S N , Shrestha J K
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To study the demographic profile, clinical presentations, management and visual outcome of retinal vasculitis in a tertiary eye care center of Nepal Materials and methods: A retrospective, record based study of retinal vasculitis cases in the retina clinic of a tertiary care centre in Nepal from January 2009 to January 2011 was carried out. Results of the study were compared to those from the study conducted in a similar set- up between 1998 and 2000. Results: Sixty-nine eyes of 51affected patients were evaluated in the study. The male/female ratio was 2.64:1 vs 19:1 a decade ago (p=0.0027). The mean age of the patients was 33.53 ± 12.29 years in the present study. Bilateral ocular involvement was present in 18 cases (35.3%) vs 56.14% in the past decade (p=0044).The common symptoms were dimness of vision (29.4%), floaters (25.5 %) and flashes of light (3.92%). Seventy-one eyes (69.6%) had the best corrected visual acuity of 6/18 or better. Four eyes (3.92 %) had no light perception. Vascular sheathing was the most common finding (32.35%), followed by vitritis (30.39%). Corticosteroids were primarily used to manage retinal vasculitis (39.21%). No association of retinal vasculitis with tuberculosis was found.Conclusion: The demographic pattern and clinical presentation of idiopathic retinal vasculitis has changed over a decade period in Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6541 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 256-262
Visual outcome in open globe injuries
Authors: Thevi T , Mimiwati Z , Reddy S C
Published: July 2012

Objective: To determine the factors affecting the visual outcome in patients with open globe injuries of eye. Materials and methods: In a prospective interventional study of consecutive patients with open globe injuries, the age, gender, place of injury, object causing injury and safety precautions taken were recorded. A detailed examination of the eye was done with a slit-lamp. X-rays of the orbits were taken in order to determine the presence of a foreign body. The injuries were classified as simple or complicated depending on the involvement of the pupil/iris, lens and retina. Finally, post operative best-corrected visual acuity at last follow up was noted. Results: Fifty-two patients (52 eyes) were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 27.25±12.62 years (range 9-73 years). The majority of injuries occurred in the workplace (36.5%); nail (15.4%) and glass (15.4%) were the most common objects causing injury. Of those with good initial visual acuity, 90% maintained good visual outcome. Patients with corneal lacerations of less than 5 mm had significant good visual outcome. The number of corneal lacerations and visual axis involvement did not affect the visual outcome. Those with corneoscleral lacerations had significantly poor visual outcomes compared to those with corneal or scleral lacerations alone.Conclusion: Predictors of good visual outcome are good initial visual acuity, a corneal laceration wound of less than 5mm, a deep anterior chamber, and simple lacerations. Age, gender, place of injury, object causing injury, presence of hyphema or intraocular foreign body, and the use of safety precautions did not affect the visual outcome.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6542 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 263-270
Gender equity in eye health of Nepal: A hospital-based study
Authors: Shrestha M K , Chan H , Gurung R
Published: July 2012

Introduction: There is a lack of literature examining the impact of gender on access to eye care in developing countries. Objective: To assess the differences in access to eye care between females and males, in the urban hospital setting and in rural outreach clinics. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was designed to review the patients who sought eye care at a tertiary level eye care institute and its rural outreach clinics from 2006 to 2009 in Nepal. Data were retrieved from clinical records. Results: In the hospital, females accounted for 50.8% of patients receiving outpatient care and 48.3% of patients receiving surgical care. In rural outreach clinics, females accounted for 56.1% of clinic patients and 51.5% of patients undergoing surgery. Fewer girls than boys aged 0-14 years (44.3%) sought clinical care at the hospital. Conclusion: Females account for approximately half of the hospital eye care services in Nepal. More females seek care at rural outreach clinics than at the urban hospital. However, given the female burden of disease in Nepal, there is still much improvement to be made in this area of care.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6544 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 277-281
Vision science literature of Nepal in the database “Web of Science”
Authors: Risal S , Prasad H N
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Vision Science is considered to be a quite developed discipline in Nepal, with much research currently in progress. Though the results of these endeavors are published in scientific journals, formal citation analyses have not been performed on works contributed by Nepalese vision scientists. Objective: To study Nepal’s contribution to vision science literature in the database “Web of Science”. Materials and methods: The primary data source of this paper was Web of Science, a citation database of Thomas Reuters. All bibliometric analyses were performed with the help of Web of Science analysis service. Results: In the current database of vision science literature, Nepalese authors contributed 112 publications to Web of Science, 95 of which were original articles. Pokharel GP had the highest number of citations among contributing authors of Nepal. Hennig A contributed the highest number of article as a first author. The Nepal Eye Hospital contributed the highest number of articles as an institution to the field of Vision Science.Conclusion: Currently, only two journals from Nepal including Journal of Nepal Medical Association (JAMA) are indexed in the Web of Science database (Sieving, 2012). To evaluate the total productivity of vision science literature from Nepal, total publication counts from national journals and articles indexed in other databases such as PubMed and Scopus must also be considered.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6548 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 303-308
Repositioning of Ahmed glaucoma valve tube in the anterior chamber with prolene sutures to manage tube-endothelial touch
Authors: Dada T , Gupta R , Tinwala S I , Sobti A , Panda A
Published: July 2012

Background: Corneal endothelial damage is a known complication of aqueous shunt surgery. Objective: To describe a new technique for repositioning the Ahmed glaucoma valve tube in a case of tube-endothelial touch.Case: A patient with advanced glaucoma, having undergone Ahmed glaucoma valve (AVG) implantation, developed localized corneal endothelial damage due to contact between the tube and superior corneal endothelium. Two 10-0 prolene anchor sutures were passed over the tube in the anterior chamber, repositioning it away from the endothelium, thus preventing further damage to the corneal endothelium. Resolution of corneal oedema was noted without affecting the tube drainage and intraocular pressure. Conclusion: Intracameral repositioning of the shunt tube using prolene sutures is a useful technique for correcting the tube malposition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6549 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 309-411
Prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with enucleated eye - a case report
Authors: Garg P , Garg S , Bansal D , Suresh S
Published: July 2012

Background: The loss of an eye has a crippling effect on the psychology of the patient, making rehabilitation process challenging for both doctor and patient. Objective: To report a case of anophthalmic socket with prosthetic rehabilitation in a cost effective manner. Case: A 32-year-old female presented with anophthalmic socket for prosthetic rehabilitation. A custom made ocular prosthesis was implanted successfully. Conclusion: The custom made ocular prosthesis is simple, affordable and can be carried out in a small clinical set-up and provides a superior natural appearance.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6550 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 312-314
Ocular myocysticercosis: Favorable outcomes with early diagnosis and appropriate therapy
Authors: Chopra R , Kapoor H , Chopra A
Published: July 2012

Background: Ocular myocysticercosis is rare and a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis. Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of ocular myocysticercosis. Cases: We describe a series of three patients who had different clinical presentations of ocular myocysticerocosis namely diplopia, restricted ocular motility and subconjunctival cyst. The treatment with oral albendazole and prednisolone was effective in all three cases. Conclusion: Favorable outcomes can be achieved with a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and treatment with oral albendazole and prednisolone in patients with ocular myocysticercosis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6551 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 315-318
Melanocytoma of the optic disc – a case report
Authors: Sharma H , Puri L R
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Melanocytoma of the optic disc is a benign lesion. Objective: To describe a case of optic disc melanocytoma Case: A 48-year old lady presented with gradual visual impairment associated with a floater. The right eye fundus examination showed a mass uniformly dark black in colour on the optic disc. The mass completely obscured the fluorescence on fluorescein angiography and was thus differentiated from malignant melanoma. Conclusion: Optic disc melanocytoma can present with visual impairment and a floater. Fluorescein angiography can be useful to differentiate between malignDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6553 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 323-325
Trench, lollipop, lift and chop technique for mild to moderate cataracts
Authors: Vivekanand U , Kulkarni C
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6561 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 344-345
Patient reported evaluation of functional symptoms (PREFS): a simple method of ascertaining patient satisfaction post cataract surgery
Authors: Waqar S , Holdstock C , Evans N
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6562 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 346-347
Book and Website Reviews
Authors: Rief Silvia , Palumbo Antonino , Craig John , Sheridan Dorothy , Stierer Barry , Edlinger Gabriela
Published: July 2012

Myra H. Strober (2011): Interdisciplinary Conversations. Challenging Habits of Thought

Review by Silvia Rief

Hans Radder (ed.) (2010): The Commodification of Academic Research: Science and the Modern University

Review by Antonino Palumbo

Gabriela Pleschová (ed.) (2010): IT in Action: Stimulating Quality Learning at Undergraduate Students

Review by John Craig

Les Back (2010-11): Academic Diary, http://www.academic-diary.co.uk/

Sally Fincher, Janet Finlay, Isobel Falconer, Helen Sharp and Josh Tenenberg (2008-11): The Share Project, http://www.sharingpractice.ac.uk/homepage.html

Review by Dorothy Sheridan and Barry Stierer

Sabine Hikel (ed.): Leaving Academia: Offering Resources for Academic Leavers and Accounting for the Phenomenon of Brain Drain in Academia, http://www.leavingacademia.com/

Review by Gabriela Edlinger
Growth response of Spirulina platensis in papaya skin extract and antimicrobial activities of Spirulina extracts in different culture media
Authors: Akhtar Nasima , Ahmeda Monzur Morshed , Sarker Nishat , Mahbuba Khandaker Rayhan , Sarker Abdul Matin
Published: July 2012

Growth response of Spirulina platensis in papaya skin extract media and their antimicrobial activity were studied. Five different concentrations  e.g. 10gm/L, 8gm/L, 6 gm/L, 4 gm/L and 2gm/L of Papaya (Carica papaya) skin extract media and BD1 (control) medium were used  in this study. After 8 days of cultivation, the optical density (0.33) was recorded in BD1 medium and among the five different concentrations  of papaya skin extract media the maximum was found (0.31) in 6gm/L. Antimicrobial activity of Spirulina platensis grown in three  media namely Zarrouk, BD1 media and media made from papaya skin extract was also studied. Only freeze dried Spirulina platensis powder  extract showed inhibitory effect against bacteria and no antifungal activity was observed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11445 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 147-152, 2012
In vitro plant regeneration of Coccinea cordifolia (Linn.) Cogn., an anti-diabetic medicinal plant
Authors: Roy Chapol Kumar , Munshia John Liton , Begum Nadira , Khatun Rahima , Hassanb AKM Sayeed
Published: July 2012

An efficient protocol was developed for in vitro plant regeneration of a popularly used anti-diabetic medicinal plant, Coccinea cordifolia (Linn.) Cogn.(Cucurbitaceae) through direct organogenesis using shoot tip and nodal explants. Best shoot induction was observed on MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP, in which 88.2% of nodal explants responded to produce maximum number (6.2 ± 0.58) of shoots per culture. In vitro raised shoots rooted on half strength MS medium with 0.5 mg/l IBA. The survival rate of regenerated plantlets was 85%.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11450   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 187-190, 2012
Studies of mechanical properties of carbon fabric-polymer hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Lingaraju Dumpala , Suneel D , Lakshmi Sree
Published: July 2012

The development of nanoparticle reinforced composites is presently one of the most explored areas in materials science and engineering.   Multiscale composites can be produced with superior properties by combining nanoparticles with traditional reinforcement materials. This   research focuses on the development of such composites, through the use of carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon fibers and modified epoxy resin for structural and impact applications. Flexural and tensile behavior of composites has been analysed to investigate the effect of modification  of epoxy matrix by adding CNFs on the mechanical properties of composites. Better strengths are obtained at 2.5 wt% of Epoxy terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ETBN) and 2 wt% of Carbon nanofibers (CNF) in the polymer hybrid nanocomposite. Morphological and fracture analysis of composites were performed by SEM DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11451 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 191-196, 2012
In vitro shoot proliferation and plant regeneration of Plumbago indica L. (Ractochita), a rare medicinal shrub of Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Fowzia , Hassan AKM Sayeed , Jahan Miskat Ara Akhter , Roy Shyamal K
Published: July 2012

A protocol was established for in vitro shoot proliferation and plant regeneration of a rare medicinal shrub of Bangladesh, Plumbago indica L. (Plumbaginaceae) using shoot tip and nodal explants. Best shoot induction was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l       BAP, in which 92% of nodal explants responded to produce maximum number (42.8 ± 1.18) of shoots per explants. In vitro raised shoots       rooted on half strength of MS medium with 0.5 mg/l IAA. For acclimatization and transplantation, the plantlets in the rooting culture tubes were kept in normal room temperature for 7 days before transplanting them in pots containing soil where plantlets were reared for three weeks. The survival rate of regenerated plantlets was 82%.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11452   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 197-202, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of copoly(L-lactic acid-caprolactone) and its stereo-effect with poly D-lactic acid and biodegradability
Authors: Hoque M Amirul , Nakayama A , Nur HP , Raya SK , Rahman MM , Uddin S Khabir
Published: July 2012

Random copolymerizations of L-Lactide with ?-Caprolactone by ring opening polymerization reactions were carried out. A number of copolymers were formed and observed that any composition of copolymer can be formed by changing the feed ratio of the respective monomers. The effect of temperature and time in copolymerization reaction were studied. For their characterization, NMR, IR, DSC and GPC were measured. The stereo-effect of the lactic acid based biodegradable polymers and copolymers for improve thermo-mechanical properties were studied. The obtained copolymers also show stereo-effect like homopolymer. The biodegradability of obtained polymers, copolymers and stereocomplex were studied in three different biodegradation methods; e.g., Enzymatic method, Composting method and Activated Sludge treatment method; and compared to each other. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11453 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 203-210, 2012
In vitro multiple shoot regeneration from corm bud explant in ghet kachu, typhonium trilobatum schott - a medicinal aroid
Authors: Paul KK , Bari MA
Published: July 2012

An efficient in vitro regeneration protocol was developed in medicinal aroid, Ghetkachu (Typhonium trilobatum Schott) using field grown corm bud explant. Highest percentage (75 %) of direct multiple shoot regeneration obtained in MS media supplemented with 5.0 mgL-1BAP + 1.5mg L-1NAA. Callus formation occur (80 %) in MS media containing 0.5mgL-1BAP + 2.0mgL-1NAA. The appearance of calli was white, creamy white light green in colour and the texture of calli were soft, friable and semi hard and compact. Shoot regeneration (85 %) obtained from calli in MS medium having 5.0mgL-1BAP +1.0mgL-1NAA. The regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized with loamy fertile soil and survived cent percentage in natural condition.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11454   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 211-216, 2012
In vitro micropropagation of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) from shoot tip and nodal segment
Authors: Huq Amdadul , Akter Shahina , Islam Shahina , Khan Salim
Published: July 2012

An efficient protocol was developed for plant regeneration, multiplication and rooting under in vitro condition in pointed gourd. Highest percent of shoot regeneration was 91.66%, when nodal explants were cultured on MS+1.0 mg/1 BAP. The maximum number of shoots (4.8) per explant was observed in MS + 1.0 mg/1 BAP + 0.2 mg/1 NAA from nodal segment. Among the two explants, nodal segment was found better for shoot regeneration and multiplication. The best response towards root induction was achieved on half MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/1 NAA. The regenerated healthy rooted plantlets were transferred to small plastic pot containing garden soil and compost in a ratio of 2:1. Immediately after transplantation the plantlets were covered with polythene bag to prevent desiccation. After acclimatization the plantlets were successfully transferred to the garden soil and the percentage of survivability in such condition was 90%.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11457   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 217-222, 2012
Effects of antimony and tungsten additions in Mn_Mo_Sn oxide electrocatalyst for hydrogen production from electrolysis of 0.5 M NaCl solution
Authors: Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: July 2012

Successfully tailored new types of nanocrystalline Mn-Mo-Sn-W-O and Mn-Mo-Sn-W-Sb-O electrocatalysts on the intermediate layer of  Ir1-x-ySnxSbyO2+0.5y on titanium metal substrate for the production of hydrogen gas from electrolysis of 0.5 M NaCl solution of pH 1 at   very high current density of 1000 A.m-2 with forming less than 0.3 % of the environmentally harmful chlorine. Antimony and tungsten additions   are more effective for better durability of both the electrodeposited Mn-Mo-Sn-X(X=Sb,W)-O/Ir1-x-ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anodes than that   of Mn-Mo-Sn-O/Ir1-x-ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anode for long period electrolysis of acidic 0.5 M NaCl solution to produce hydrogen. The high   oxygen evolution efficiency (OEE) of the quadrate or more oxides electrocatalysts (i. e., 99.7-99.9 % OEE) maintained during prolonged   electrolysis and even after electrolysis for five or more months. The Mn-Mo-Sn-X(X=Sb,W)-O/Ir1-x-ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anodes showed  about 99.7-99.9 % of oxygen evolution efficiency.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11459   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 231-238, 2012
Loss of vitamin A in fortified edible oils and ghee during cooking in asian traditional style
Authors: Akhtar Hifza , Tahir Lubna , Mahmud Shahid , Hamid Shahnaz
Published: July 2012

Vitamin 'A' is essential for normal growth and its deficiency causes night blindness, affects the regulatory function of skin and reduces the    general resistance of organism to infection. This deficiency does not occur by using balanced diet or by fortification of staple food with appropriate amount of Vitamin 'A'. In Pakistan vitamin 'A' fortification is done in vegetable ghee/cooking oil. It is generally assumed that  fortified amount of vitamin 'A' is fully destroyed when the food is cooked at high temperature. The present study was focused to examine the effect of Pakistani traditional cooking style on the degree of destruction of vitamin 'A' mandatory fortified in the vegetable ghee/ cooking oils. The study indicates that there are some losses of Vitamin A of the fortified oils during cooking. However in case of deep fat frying destruction of added vitamin 'A' is more pronounced. The loss of vitamin 'A' was less than 50%,  when the food was cooked in Pakistani style in case of all the cooking oils/ vegetable ghee. In prolonged frying conditions substantial amount of vitamin 'A' (45%) remains in the oil. Any how, this retention of vitamin 'A' is sufficient to meet the body requirements when oils/ghee was fortified according to the prescribed Pakistan Pure Food Rules 1965 i.e. 33,000 IU per Kg.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11461   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 243-248, 2012
Urinary Iodine Excretion of Lactating Mothers Predicts the Iodine Content of Their Breast Milk
Authors: Molla Golam Morshed , Arslan M Iqbal , Mollah Forhadul Hoque , Khan Md Aminul Haque , Jinnah Chaklader Md Kamal
Published: July 2012

Background: Iodine is essential for normal growth, mental development and survival of infants. Bangladesh is an iodine deficient region. Breast milk is the only source of iodine for exclusively breast-fed infants. Routine measurement of breast milk iodine concentration is very difficult in our country due to some social and religious barriers. So, we designed this study in our population using urinary iodine as the indicator for assessing iodine status. Objectives: To assess the iodine status of lactating mothers and their breast-fed infants and to propose a method on how to predict the iodine concentration in breast milk. Materials and Methods: This observational analytical study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka with active cooperation of Kumudini Womens Medical College Hospital, Mirzapur, Tangail involving fifty lactating mothers and their exclusively breast-fed infants. Early morning urine and breast milk samples were collected in dry and clean plastic container free from any chemical contamination. All statistical analyses were done by using SPSS (Statistical Programme for Social Science) 12 version software package for windows. Results: The median (range) urinary iodine concentration of lactating mothers and their breast-fed infants were 225.25 ?g/L (61.50-530.00) and 225.75 ?g/L (100.50-526.50). 96% (48) mothers had no biochemical iodine deficiency (UIE ?100?g/L), only 4% (2) mothers had mild biochemical iodine deficiency (UIE 50-99?g/L). There was no biochemical deficiency of breast-fed infants. The median (range) breast-milk iodine concentration was 157 ?g/L (54.50-431.50) which was more than three times of recommended minimum concentration (50 ?g/L). Iodine in breast milk of lactating mothers positively correlated with their urinary iodine excretion (P<0.01). Infants urinary iodine positively correlated with iodine concentration in breast milk (P<0.01) and also positively correlated with urinary iodine excretion of lactating mothers. Conclusion: Lactating mothers and their breast-fed infants in this study were found iodine sufficient. Urinary iodine concentration of lactating mothers predicts the iodine content of their breast milk. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i1.11132J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(1): 15-18
Exclusive Breastfeeding among Preterm Low Birth Weight Infants at One Month Follow-up after Hospital Discharge
Authors: Akter Shaheen , Hossain Kamrul , Moniruzzaman SM , Jahan Ishrat
Published: July 2012

Background: Establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding in preterm low birth weight (PT LBW) neonates after discharge from hospital is challenging and may be affected by multiple factors. We designed this study to find out the association of these factors with breastfeeding in our population. Objectives: To observe the rate of exclusive breasrfeeding (EBF) among the PT LBW neonates at one month follow up and to identify the factors that are related with the maintenance of EBF. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted during the period from July 2009 to October 2011 in Enam Medical College Hospital (EMCH). Preterm infants ? 34 wks gestation, stayed in the NICU for >3 days and discharged home were eligible. Mothers were interviewed at one month follow-up after discharge. Infants who were given only breast milk up to 4 weeks were termed as Exclusively breastfed (EBF) and who were given formula milk in addition were labeled as Nonexclusively breastfed (NEBF). Baseline information regarding maternal demography, delivery of the baby, feeding during discharge was taken from database of neonatal ward. Results: Among 89 infants, 37 (42%) were female and 52 (58%) were male, including 5 twins. Gestational age ranged from 29 to 34 weeks (mean 32±2), and birth weight ranged from 1100 to 2200 grams (mean 1763±20 g). At one month follow up visit 19% (17/89) were found to be NEBF and 81% were EBF. Factors significantly associated with EBF were shorter duration of hospital stay (p=0.001), method of feeding at discharge (p=0.001), mode of delivery (p=0.004), below average socio-economic status (p=0.03), maternal education (p=0.02), number of antenatal visits (p=0.02) and larger birth weight (p=0.038). Conclusion: A variety of factors may affect EBF in PT LBW babies. Extensive counseling of the mothers during antenatal visits, counseling of the family members regarding the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding is necessary. Support should be provided for the mothers both in the hospital and also outside the hospital for a long period. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i1.11135J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(1): 24-30
Comparison of ABO and Rh-D Blood Group Systems between the Garo Tribal People of Mymensingh and General People of Dhaka City
Authors: Sultana Rayhana , Rahman Zaida , Sannyal Dipok Kumar , Al Masud Mohammad Abdullah , Molla Golam Morshed , Begum Rokeya , Amin Ruhul , Shahjamal Sharif
Published: July 2012

Background: The distribution pattern of ABO and Rh-D blood group in our country including the tribal people is not fully established as elaborated and large scale studies have not been carried out on it. Therefore this study was designed to observe the distribution pattern of ABO and Rh-D blood groups among the Garo tribes of Mymensingh and general people of Dhaka city. Objectives: To determine and to compare the distribution pattern of ABO and Rh-D blood groups among the Garo tribal people of Mymensingh and general people of Dhaka city and to compare this distribution between this two groups. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2008 to June 2009. After proper ethical consideration total 900 Garo people of Mymensingh and 784 general people of Dhaka city were included in this study. The Garo localities and the general people of Dhaka city were selected by systematic random sampling. ABO and Rh-D blood groups were determined by the antigen antibody agglutination test of slide method. Chi square statistical analyses were done to compare the results of ABO blood group systems between the Garo people and general people of Dhaka city. Results: This study revealed that there are significant variations in the distribution of ABO and Rh-D blood groups between the Garo tribal people of Mymensingh and the general people of Dhaka city. In this study it was observed that blood group A was apparently predominant in Garo population, while blood group B was predominant in general population (p<0.001), blood group AB and O were almost similar in both groups. Rh typing of the participants reveals that majorities of both groups were Rh positive. Rh negative persons are rare in both populations, but it is extremely rare in the Garo population (0.9%). Conclusion: From the findings of the present study it can be concluded that distribution of ABO and Rh-D blood groups varies between the Garo tribal people and the general people of Dhaka city. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i1.11137J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(1): 31-35
Selection of Blood (Packed RBCs) for Transfusion in Newborn Baby up to the Age of 4 Months
Authors: Khan Ghulam Mostafa
Published: July 2012

Proper selection of donors blood group is essential to prevent transfusion hazards. It is known that ABO antigen is fully developed at birth but the newborn baby does not produce ABO antibodies until 3 to 6 months of age. The ABO antibodies present in the serum of newborn babies are derived from mothers blood due to placental transfer. So the blood group of the newborn baby is done by ABO antigen grouping (forward grouping) only, antibody grouping (reverse grouping) is not required. In case of transfusion of blood in newborn under 4 months of age, cross-matching of donors blood is done with the mothers blood if it is available. We know, recipients same group of blood is always preferable in case of transfusion in adults or older children. But selection of blood for transfusion in the infants under 4 months of age depends on the mothers blood group as well. If the mothers blood group differs from the infants blood group, the infants same group of blood may not be selected for transfusion. For example, if the mothers blood group is O and the newborn blood group is A or B, infants same group A or B group blood could not be transfused, because the anti-A & anti-B antibodies can be derived in the infants serum from mothers blood which may react with the A or B antigen of the donors blood. In this case O group packed RBCs should be selected for transfusion. O group whole blood may contain IgG anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma which can react with the A or B antigen of the infants blood. So to avoid anti-A & anti-B antibodies in O group, plasma should be discarded and the packed RBCs should be transfused. In case of Rh-negative mother with Rh positive baby, Rh antibody may develop in mothers blood and Rh antibody may enter into babys circulation, in this case the infant should be transfused with Rh-negative blood to avoid Rh antigen & antibody reaction. So for the selection of blood for transfusion in newborn baby up to the age of 4 months mothers blood group is important to select the appropriate blood. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i1.11138J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(1): 36-40