bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GIP Does Not Potentiate the Antidiabetic Effects of GLP-1 in Hyperglycemic Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mentis Nikolaos , Vardarli Irfan , Köthe Lars D. , Holst Jens J. , Deacon Carolyn F. , Theodorakis Michael , Meier Juris J. , Nauck Michael A.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

The incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) exerts insulinotropic activity in type 2 diabetic patients, whereas glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) no longer does. We studied whether GIP can alter the insulinotropic or glucagonostatic activity of GLP-1 in type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twelve patients with type 2 diabetes (nine men and three women; 61 ± 10 years; BMI 30.0 ± 3.7 kg/m2; HbA1c 7.3 ± 1.5%) were studied. In randomized order, intravenous infusions of GLP-1(7-36)-amide (1.2 pmol · kg−1 · min−1), GIP (4 pmol · kg−1 · min−1), GLP-1 plus GIP, and placebo were administered over 360 min after an overnight fast (≥1 day wash-out period between experiments). Capillary blood glucose, plasma insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, GIP, GLP-1, and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined.

RESULTS

Exogenous GLP-1 alone reduced glycemia from 10.3 to 5.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L. Insulin secretion was stimulated (insulin, C-peptide, P < 0.0001), and glucagon was suppressed (P = 0.009). With GIP alone, glucose was lowered slightly (P = 0.0021); insulin and C-peptide were stimulated to a lesser degree than with GLP-1 (P < 0.001). Adding GIP to GLP-1 did not further enhance the insulinotropic activity of GLP-1 (insulin, P = 0.90; C-peptide, P = 0.85). Rather, the suppression of glucagon elicited by GLP-1 was antagonized by the addition of GIP (P = 0.008). FFA were suppressed by GLP-1 (P < 0.0001) and hardly affected by GIP (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

GIP is unable to further amplify the insulinotropic and glucose-lowering effects of GLP-1 in type 2 diabetes. Rather, the suppression of glucagon by GLP-1 is antagonized by GIP.
Diet-Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Liver Steatosis Are Prevented by DPP-4 Inhibition in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Shirakawa Jun , Fujii Hideki , Ohnuma Kei , Sato Koichiro , Ito Yuzuru , Kaji Mitsuyo , Sakamoto Eri , Koganei Megumi , Sasaki Hajime , Nagashima Yoji , Amo Kikuko , Aoki Kazutaka , Morimoto Chikao , Takeda Eiji , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

Diet composition alters the metabolic states of adipocytes and hepatocytes in diabetes. The effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition on adipose tissue inflammation and fatty liver have been obscure. We investigated the extrapancreatic effects of DPP-4 inhibition on visceral fat and the liver.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated diet-induced metabolic changes in β-cell–specific glucokinase haploinsufficient (Gck+/−) diabetic mice. We challenged animals with a diet containing a combination of sucrose and oleic acid (SO) or sucrose and linoleic acid (SL). Next, we assessed the effects of a DPP-4 inhibitor, des-fluoro-sitagliptin, on adipose tissue inflammation and hepatic steatosis.

RESULTS

The epididymal fat weight and serum leptin level were significantly higher in Gck+/− mice fed SL than in mice fed SO, although no significant differences in body weight or adipocyte size were noted. Compared with SO, SL increased the numbers of CD11c+ M1 macrophages and CD8+ T-cells in visceral adipose tissue and the expression of E-selectin, P-selectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). DPP-4 inhibition significantly prevented adipose tissue infiltration by CD8+ T-cells and M1 macrophages and decreased the expression of PAI-1. The production of cytokines by activated T-cells was not affected by DPP-4 inhibition. Furthermore, DPP-4 inhibition prevented fatty liver in both wild-type and Gck+/− mice. DPP-4 inhibition also decreased the expressions of sterol regulatory element–binding protein-1c, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, and fatty acid synthase, and increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that DPP-4 inhibition has extrapancreatic protective effects against diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation and hepatic steatosis.
Dietary Patterns and Incident Type 2 Diabetes in Chinese Men and Women
Authors: Odegaard Andrew O. , Koh Woon-Puay , Butler Lesley M. , Duval Sue , Gross Myron D. , Yu Mimi C. , Yuan Jian-Min , Pereira Mark A.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

To empirically derive dietary patterns and examine their association with incident type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study, including 43,176 Chinese men and women (aged 45–74 years), free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at baseline (1993–1998) and followed up through 2004. Two major dietary patterns were identified using principal components analysis: a vegetable, fruit, and soy-rich pattern (VFS) and a dim sum and meat-rich pattern (DSM). Pattern scores for each participant were calculated and examined with type 2 diabetes risk using Cox regression.

RESULTS

The associations of the two dietary patterns with diabetes risk were modified by smoking status. Neither pattern was associated with risk of diabetes in ever smokers. In never smokers, the VFS dietary pattern was inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes. Compared with the lowest quintile of the VFS dietary pattern score, the hazard ratios (HRs) for quintiles 2–5 were 0.91, 0.82, 0.73, and 0.75 (P = 0.0005 for trend). The DSM dietary pattern was positively associated with risk of type 2 diabetes in never smokers, with HRs for quintiles 2–5 of 1.07, 1.25, 1.18, and 1.47 (P < 0.0001 for trend).

CONCLUSIONS

A dietary pattern with higher intake of vegetables, fruits, and soy foods was inversely associated with risk of incident type 2 diabetes, and a pattern with higher intake of dim sum, meat and processed meat, sweetened foods and beverages, and fried foods was associated with a significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese men and women in Singapore.
Spring-block model for a single-lane highway traffic
Authors: Járai-Szabó Ferenc , Sándor Bulcsú , Néda Zoltán
Published: February 2011

A simple one-dimensional spring-block chain with asymmetric interactions is considered to model an idealized single-lane highway traffic. The main elements of the system are blocks (modeling cars), springs with unidirectional interactions (modeling distance-keeping interactions between neighbors), static and kinetic friction (modeling inertia of drivers and cars) and spatiotemporal disorder in the values of these friction forces (modeling differences in the driving attitudes). The traveling chain of cars correspond to the dragged spring-block system. Contrary to most of the studies in the field of highway traffic here we focus on a measure characteristic for one car in the row. Our statistical analysis for the spring-block chain predicts a non-trivial and rich complex behavior. As a function of the disorder level in the system a dynamic phase-transition is observed. For low disorder levels uncorrelated slidings of blocks are revealed while for high disorder levels correlated avalanches dominates.
Amplification of radiation in atomic vapor induced by a linearly polarized laser radiation
Authors: Movsisyan Marina , Shmavonyan Svetlana , Papoyan Aram
Published: February 2011

We present the results of spectroscopic and polarization studies of dilute rubidium vapor exposed to a single-frequency linearly polarized diode laser radiation in a spectral range of atomic D2 line. We report the origin of a circularly polarized radiation on V-type transitions of 87Rb F
g = 2 → F
e = 3 and 85Rb F
g = 3 → F
e = 4, and amplification of this radiation in backward direction caused by a partial population inversion among magnetic sublevels of the ground and excited levels. This is confirmed experimentally by high directivity of backward radiation, absence in its spectrum of 85Rb F
g = 2 → F
e = 1 (Λ-type) radiation, as well as by different nature of intensity dependences of backward and fluorescence radiations.
Pterygia measurements are more accurate with anterior segment optical coherence tomography - A pilot study
Authors: Welch MN , Reilly CD , Kalwerisky K , Johnson A , Waller SG
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Slit-lamp beam measurements of a pterygium can be difficult to reproduce accurately. Purpose: To compare standard slit-lamp beam measurements of pterygia to computer caliper measurements of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images. Subjects and methods: Thirteen pterygia of ten patients were evaluated. Two physicians independently measured each pterygium using the slit lamp beam. Caliper measurements of two different OCT images of each pterygium were obtained. All measurements determined the distance from the limbus to the pterygium apex. Results: The difference in the slit lamp beam measurements of each pterygium was calculated and the mean of the differences was 0.3 and the standard deviation was 0.32. The difference in the two OCT measurements of each pterygium was also calculated and the mean of the differences was 0.1 and the standard deviation was 0.12. A two-tailed t-test demonstrated a statistically significant difference in these measurements (p = 0.0256). Conclusion: Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) gives significantly more reproducible results than the slit lamp beam for measurements of the distance of a pterygium’s apex from the limbus. This tool may provide more accurate clinical assessment of extension of pterygia onto the cornea and may be useful for research purposes. Key words: pterygium; pterygia; anterior segment optical coherence tomography; OCT DOI: 10.3126/nepjoph.v3i1.4271Nepal J Ophthalmol 2011;3(5):9-12
Outcomes of high volume cataract surgeries at a Lions Sight First Eye Hospital in Kenya
Authors: Trivedy Jyotee
Published: February 2011

Background: High volume cataract surgery is practised in many eye centres. Objective: To investigate whether routine high volume cataract surgery can be performed without compromising the quality of surgery. Materials and methods: A retrospective interventional study was carried out at a high volume eye care centre including 368 subjects with cataract operated within 5 randomly selected theatres. Suture-less manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with PCIOL was performed in all except nine cases. Results: Of the total, 81.8 % of the patients achieved post-operative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 6/18 and better by the 4th week. Only 0.3 % had a posterior capsule tear without vitreous loss, 0.5 % posterior capsule tear with vitreous loss and 0.8 % had hyphema. Post-operative examination done at the camp site after Day 30 did not reveal anterior segment complications in any of the patients. Fifteen patients were found to have posterior capsular opacification and had the UCVA between 6/24 – 6/60. Only 12.9 % of the patients had first post operative day complications, which included transient corneal oedema (3.0 %) with less than 10 Descemet folds, transient corneal edema with > 10 Descemet folds (3.6 %), transient corneal edema (4.3 %), shallow anterior chamber (0.3 %) and others like iritis and peaked pupil. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed no significant association between risk factors like age, sex, laterality, pre-operative visual acuity, surgeon, time of surgery and post-operative UCVA. Conclusion: The study results show that high quality cataract surgery can be attained in a high volume setting. Key words: small-incision cataract surgery; surgical outcome; blindness DOI: 10.3126/nepjoph.v3i1.4276Nepal J Ophthalmol 2011;3(5):31-38
The conjunctival impression cytology between the diagnosed cases of dry eye and normal individuals
Authors: Shresta E , Shrestha JK , Shayami G , Chaudhary M
Published: February 2011

Background: The dry eye or tear film dysfunction is a common ophthalmic syndrome. Objective: To compare the results of conjunctival impression cytology between dry eye patients and normal individuals.Subjects and methods: A case control study including consecutive cases of dry eye syndrome was carried out. Individuals without dry eye were taken as control. Impression of conjunctiva with cellulose acetate filter paper was taken from inferonasal bulbar conjunctiva and was stained with Periodic Acid- Schiff (PAS) and counter-stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Main outcome measure: goblet cell density. Results: There was a female preponderance in dry eye disease. Of 114 dry eye cases, 49.2% eyes showed decreased or absent goblet cell density. In 72 normal individuals 73.7% eyes showed normal goblet cell density and 26.3% of eyes showed decreased or absent goblet cells (p < 0.001). The tear break-up time (TBUT) test was significantly more likely to be less than 10 seconds in cases as compared to the controls ( OR = 19.36, 95% CI = 7.56 – 52.52). Similarly, the goblet cell density was likely to be significantly reduced in cases with dry eye syndrome (OR= 2.25, 95% CI = 1.26 – 4.02, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Goblet cell density significantly reduces in dry eye syndrome. The impression cytology is a useful test for the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome. Key words: impression cytology; conjunctiva; dry eyes; tear filmDOI: 10.3126/nepjoph.v3i1.4277Nepal J Ophthalmol 2011;3(5):39-44
Intraocular lens tilt and decentration: A concern for contemporary IOL designs
Authors: Ale Jit B
Published: February 2011

Purpose: To review published studies reporting the posterior chamber intraocular lens tilt and decentration after surgically uneventful implantation. Potential influences of normally occurring misalignment of modern designs of IOL on the optical performances are discussed. Materials and methods: Published theoretical and clinical studies in relation to primarily implanted posterior chamber intraocular lenses and reports relating to more recent development of intraocular lens technologies were reviewed. Results: Capsulotomy type and integrity, ocular pathology, fixation position of the haptics are some of the important factors causing the misalignment. On an average, a 2-3 degrees tilt and a 0.2 -0.3 mm decentration are common, and which remain clinically unnoticed for any design of IOL. However, theoretical studies predict deterioration of retinal image quality particularly with customized wavefront correcting IOLs. More than a 10 degrees tilt and above 1 mm decentration are occasionally reported even with modern cataract surgery in about 10 % of pseudophakic population. Conclusions: The rate and extent of the complication have lowered substantially concomitant with developments in surgical techniques and IOL designs. While emerging designs of modern IOLs offer improved quality of postoperative vision, optimum performance is vastly influenced by the position of the device in the eye. Therefore, additional precision in alignment of modern designs of IOL may be warranted. Key words: IOL misalignment; Intraocular Lens; modern IOL; consequences of misalignment DOI: 10.3126/nepjoph.v3i1.4281Nepal J Ophthalmol 2011;3(5):68-77
School eye survey in rural population in UP, India
Authors: Gupta Y , Sukul RR , Gupta M , Phougat A , Jain R , Varshney A
Published: February 2011

Objective: To find out the prevalence of refractive errors and pattern of ocular morbidity amongst the school children of a rural village. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in children of age group 3 – 12 years in a rural village of Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India. All the children were examined including visual acuity measurement using Snellen’s E chart, retinoscopy and refraction under cycloplegia. Examination of the anterior segment, media, and fundii was also done. Myopia was defined as spherical/cylindrical equivalent refractive error of at least -0.50 D and hypermetropia as +0.50 D or more (Dandona et al 2002). Results: In the survey 220 eyes of 110 children were examined, majority of them were in 5-10 year age group. The prevalence of uncorrected visual acuity of 6/6 was 85.40%. Refractive error was the cause in 6.81% of eyes with vision impairment, out of which myopia and hypermetropia were present in 26.67% of eyes. Blepharo-conjunctivitis was present in 15.45% of children and Bitot’s spots were present in 0.90% of them. Colour blindness was found in one child. Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive error in rural school is 6.81 %. Blepharitis is the commonest cause of ocular morbidity.  DOI: 10.3126/nepjoph.v3i1.4282Nepal J Ophthalmol 2011;3(5):78-79
Coccygectomy for chronic refractory coccygodynia: clinical case series and literature review
Authors: Kerr Edward E. , Benson Daniel , Schrot Rudolph J.
Published: February 2011

Object

Coccygodynia is disabling pain in the coccyx and is usually provoked by sitting or rising from sitting. The diagnosis can be missed by neurosurgeons likely to encounter the disorder, and surgical treatment for coccygodynia has historically been viewed with caution. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 62 successive coccygectomy surgeries for coccygodynia performed at their institution.

Methods

Sixty-two consecutive cases of coccygectomy for coccygodynia in 61 unique patients were identified from the surgical database; they had been treated between 1997 and 2009. The authors succeeded in contacting 26 patients for follow-up (42.6%). A retrospective chart review was performed, and a telephone questionnaire was administered to these patients. Data collected included cause, pre- and postoperative visual analog scale, a graded outcome measure, and patient satisfaction. The median follow-up time was 37 months (range 2–133 months).

Results

The clinical results among the 26 patients with follow-up were as follows: 13 excellent, 9 good, 2 fair, and 2 poor. The overall favorable (excellent and good) outcome after coccygectomy was 84.6%. There were 3 wound infections (11.5%). There were no rectal injuries. An overwhelming majority of patients were satisfied with the procedure.

Conclusions

The authors report the results of their clinical case series, which to date is the largest in North America. The results closely concur with previously published case series from Europe. Coccygectomy for chronic intractable coccygodynia is simple and effective, with a low complication rate. A comprehensive literature review and discussion of coccygectomy is provided.
Utility of minimum clinically important difference in assessing pain, disability, and health state after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Parker Scott L. , Adogwa Owoicho , Paul Alexandra R. , Anderson William N. , Aaronson Oran , Cheng Joseph S. , McGirt Matthew J.
Published: February 2011

Object

Outcome studies for spine surgery rely on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to assess treatment effects. Commonly used health-related quality-of-life questionnaires include the following scales: back pain and leg pain visual analog scale (BP-VAS and LP-VAS); the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); and the EuroQol-5D health survey (EQ-5D). A shortcoming of these questionnaires is that their numerical scores lack a direct meaning or clinical significance. Because of this, the concept of the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) has been put forth as a measure for the critical threshold needed to achieve treatment effectiveness. By this measure, treatment effects reaching the MCID threshold value imply clinical significance and justification for implementation into clinical practice.

Methods

In 45 consecutive patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for low-grade degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis-associated back and leg pain, PRO questionnaires measuring BP-VAS, LPVAS, ODI, and EQ-5D were administered preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively, and 2-year change scores were calculated. Four established anchor-based MCID calculation methods were used to calculate MCID, as follows: 1) average change; 2) minimum detectable change (MDC); 3) change difference; and 4) receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for two separate anchors (the health transition index [HTI] of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36], and the satisfaction index).

Results

All patients were available at the 2-year follow-up. The 2-year improvements in BP-VAS, LP-VAS, ODI, and EQ-5D scores were 4.3 ± 2.9, 3.8 ± 3.4, 19.5 ± 11.3, and 0.43 ± 0.44, respectively (mean ± SD). The 4 MCID calculation methods generated a range of MCID values for each of the PROs (BP-VAS, 2.1–5.3; LP-VAS, 2.1–4.7; ODI, 11–22.9; and EQ-5D, 0.15–0.54). The mean area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic curve from the 4 PRO-specific calculations was greater for the HTI versus satisfaction anchor (HTI [AUC 0.73] vs satisfaction [AUC 0.69]), suggesting HTI as a more accurate anchor.

Conclusions

The TLIF-specific MCID is highly variable based on calculation technique. The MDC approach with the SF-36 HTI anchor appears to be most appropriate for calculating MCID because it provided a threshold above the 95% CI of the unimproved cohort (greater than the measurement error), was closest to the mean change score reported by improved and satisfied patients, and was least affected by the choice of anchor. Based on the MDC method with HTI anchor, MCID scores following TLIF are 2.1 points for BP-VAS, 2.8 points for LP-VAS, 14.9 points for ODI, and 0.46 quality-adjusted life years for EQ-5D.
Neurological outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury and its relationship with computed tomography patterns of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Wong George K. C. , Yeung Janice H. H. , Graham Colin A. , Zhu Xian-lun , Rainer Timothy H. , Poon Wai S.
Published: February 2011

Object

Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a poor prognostic factor for traumatic brain injury. The authors aimed to further investigate neurological outcome among head injury patients by examining the prognostic values of CT patterns of traumatic SAH, in particular, the thickness and distribution.

Methods

The study was conducted using a database in a regional trauma center in Hong Kong. Data had been prospectively collected in consecutive trauma patients between January 2006 and December 2008. Patients included in the study had significant head injury (as defined by a head Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score of 2 or more) with traumatic SAH according to admission CT.

Results

Over the 36-month period, 661 patients with significant head injury were admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong. Two hundred fourteen patients (32%) had traumatic SAH on admission CT. The mortality rate was significantly greater and a 6-month unfavorable outcome was significantly more frequent in patients with traumatic SAH. Multivariate analysis showed that the maximum thickness (mm) of traumatic SAH was independently associated with neurological outcome (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9) and death (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.5) but not with the extent or location of hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Maximum thickness of traumatic SAH was a strong independent prognostic factor for death and clinical outcome. Anatomical distribution per se did not affect clinical outcome.
Cytological Effect of Herbicides on Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Akhter A , Rani R , Munira S , Ud-Deen MM , Kabir G
Published: February 2011

Context: In order to control weeds many chemicals are being used. It is well known that the chromosomal constitution of the cells may be changed as a result of herbicide treatment.Objectives: This investigation was made to study the cytological effects of herbicides on somatic and germ cells of hexaploid wheat. Materials and Methods: Two herbicides namely, Fielder and Ronstar were used with three different concentrations along with control. Treatment duration was 12 hours for each of the concentrations. Seeds of hexaploid wheat were treated and the roots emerged from them were studied for mitotic study. A part of the treated seeds were sown in earthen pots and pollen mother cells along with pollen grain were studied from the plants aroused from these treated seeds. Results: Mitotic index were high as well as low in most of the treatments compared to that of control but did not show any clear relationship based on increasing or decreasing of the doses of herbicides. Interphase chromosome volume was found to decrease in case of Fielder however, increased in case of Ronstar with increasing the concentration of herbicides. Percentage of pollen sterility was found to increase with increasing the concentration of both herbicides. Main chromosomal irregularities were chromosome fragments, bridges, laggards, single and multiple chromatid bridges etc.  Conclusion: Generally it is reported that any chemical might have effect on the plant cells. Mainly investigations have evidenced that the chromosomal anomalies caused by radiation and chemical mutagen is very much common matter now. The herbicides used in the present study showed similar type of radiomimetic effect in the plant cells. Therefore it may be suggested that herbicides should be used in agricultural field maintaining their proper concentration. Key words: Herbicides; Cytological effect; Wheat.DOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7095J. bio-sci. 17: 21-26, 2009
Biochemical Analysis and Physico Chemical Stability of a Partially Purified Lectin from Hilsha Eggs
Authors: Hasan Imtiaj , Kabir Syed Rashel , Haque Md Ashraful , Absar Nurul
Published: February 2011

Context: Hilsha is one of the most popular fish in Bangladesh. Biochemical analysis of Hilsha egg revealed that it is quite a healthful food. A specific class of proteins called lectins is partially purified from this source.Objectives: To carry the nutritional analysis of Hilsha eggs and to isolate sugar-specific lectins from the animal source by applying effective purification techniques.Materials and Methods: The moisture, ash, protein, lipid, polysaccharide, free sugar, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus and iron contents were determined by the conventional methods and the lectins were isolated by using the affinity chromatographic technique. The effect of temperature, pH and metal ions were observed by performing the hemagglutination assay.Results: The moisture, ash, protein, lipid, polysaccharide, free sugar, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus and iron contents were 34-, 2.4-, 32.59-, 28.35-, 0.036-, 0.059-, 0.40-, 0.178-, 0.193- and 0.136%, respectively. The partially purified crude protein by affinity chromatography from Hilsha eggs agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes and the hemagglutinating activity is inhibited by 25mM Raffinose followed by 100 mM of glucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-galactosamine-HCl each. In the presence of the chelating agent EDTA, the lectin lost its activity completely. Thermal and pH inactivation assay of the lectin indicates that the activity is highest at 30 to 40°C and at the pH 5 to 9, respectively. Conclusion: Hilsha fish eggs can be recommended as a nutritious food and as well as can be regarded as a source of animal lectins, a group of sugar-binding proteins.Key words: Nutritional analysis; Hemagglutination assay; Temperature; pH; Tenualosa ilisha.DOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7097J. bio-sci. 17: 35-40, 2009
Insecticidal Activities of Stem Bark Extracts from Vitex negundo L. against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)
Authors: Chowdhury NY , Islam W , Khalequzzaman M
Published: February 2011

Context: Medicinal plants contains some pesticidal activities that may control stored product insects.Objectives: To elucidate the insecticidal activity from the stem bark extracts of nishinda (Vitex negundo L.) and their toxicity against red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Tenebrionidae).Materials and Methods: The powdered stem bark (250 g) was extracted with methanol (MeOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetone and chloroform sequentially. Solvents were evaporated using a rotary evaporator to obtained dry extract, weighed and re-dissolved in the same solvent from which they were extracted for bioassay. Red flour beetles were reared for the experiment in 500 ml beakers containing food medium and kept in a control temperature room (30 ± 0.50C). Residual film bioassay was used to evaluate the toxicity. The adult mortality of T. castaneum (CTC-12, FSS-II and KANO strains) was recorded after 24, 48 and 72 h, but for larvae, the mortality was recorded on 12th and 20th larval day after treatment. The mortality percentages were subjected to probit analysis.Results: The LD50 values for first through fourth instar larvae were more or less similar whereas, LD50 for fifth instar larva and adults were the lowest. Among the solvents, methanolic extracts elucidated more toxicity on both adult and larval insects. The degree of toxicity of the extracts according to solvents was MeOH>Pet spt.>acetone>EtOAc. The susceptibility order according to insect strains was FSS-II>CTC-12>KANO. Conclusion: The   results suggest the presence of active toxic substances of nishinda acting after consumption or topical application on T. castaneum. Methanolic extracts of the plant provided the most potent and reliable control of the flour beetle.Key words: Vitex negundo; sovent extracts; toxicity; Tribolium castaneum DOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7103J. bio-sci. 17: 63-70, 2009
Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Three Lectins Purified from Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Leaves
Authors: Khatun Shahanaz , Khan MMH , Ashraduzzaman M , Pervin Farzana , Bari Luthfunnessa , Absar N
Published: February 2011

Context: Plant materials contain glycoproteins (phytolectins) that are toxic in nature may play a key role in the control of various normal and pathological processes in living organisms and have diverse biochemical and diagnostic applications. Objectives: Screening of three lectins SLL-1, SLL-2 and SLL-3 purified from Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves for their antibacterial activities and brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Materials and Methods: Three bioactive lectins were purified from Drumstick leaves by conventional chromatographic methods. The lectins were tested for their antibacterial activities against three pathogenic bacteria- Escherichia coli (gram-negative) Shigella dysenteriae (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) using the standard disc-diffusion method. Mortality of the brine shrimp naupli was assessed by hality bioassay. Results: All the lectins showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, Sh. dysenteriae and St. aureus. They also showed cytotoxic effect in brine shrimp (Artemia salina L.) lethality bioassay. The LC50 values of SLL-1, SLL-2 and SLL-3 were found to be 15.8, 17.78 and 14.12 μg/ml respectively. The experimental results revealed that SLL-3 is more cytotoxic than other lectins. The lectin SLL-3 showed lowest activity whereas SLL-1 showed highest activity against the three bacteria. Conclusion: Results suggest that the extracts from M. oleifera leaf can be a source of natural antimicrobials with potential applications in pharmaceutical industry to control coliform bacteria.Key words:  Drumstick; Moringa oleifera; lectins; antibacterial activity; brine shrimp; bioassayDOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7112J. bio-sci. 17: 89-94, 2009
Fecundity and Sex Ratio of Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio< var. communis (L.)
Authors: Joadder MAR , Hossain Md , E-Shirin Nur
Published: February 2011

DOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7127J. bio-sci. 17: 159-160, 2009
Excavations on the Cist Cemetery at Poltalloch, Argyll: 1960–62
Authors: Cregeen Eric R , Harrington Peter
Published: February 2011

Summary

In the course of gravel working at Poltalloch, Argyll,four Early Bronze Age graves were discovered. Grave 1 was largely destroyed but Graves 2–4 produced a beaker, two food vessels and a plano-convex knife, all of which were associated with inhumation burials. The excavations were carried out as part of a larger project, not described here, which revealed an extensive occupation area, with first millennium be and later levels.
Archaeological implications of a new palaeoenvironmental model for part of the Ayrshire coast
Authors: Boyd W
Published: February 2011

Summary

New evidence suggests that in part of Ayrshire the old shore-line of the post-glacial high sea level was nearer the present coast than was previously supposed. Some finds of Mesolithic flints from near Shewalton are now seen to be the debris of coast dwellers during the high sea period rather than, as they used to be, interpreted as anomalously late.
Towards a Geography of Shetland Brochs
Authors: Fojut Noel
Published: February 2011

Summary

A variety of simple techniques based upon the distribution, location and siting of Shetland's brochs, when used in conjunction with data from excavated sites, allows a partial reconstruction of the forces behind the observed patterns of broch-period settlement. The various spatial influences are examined at a number of scales, and the results used to construct a model of settlement location in relation to the physical environment. The process of model-formation demonstrates the potential of fieldwork as a source of illumination where excavation evidence is scanty.
A Statue of Mars from Balmuildy
Authors: Keppie L JF , Arnold Beverly J , Ingham J K
Published: February 2011

Summary

Fragments of a statue of the war god Mars, found during excavation at Balmuildy Roman fort in 1912–14, have been reassembled, with the missing portions restored. The statue, of about half life size, is now on display in the Hunterian Museum.
Environmental change and Iron Age land management in the area of the Antonine Wall, central Scotland: a summary
Authors: Boyd W E
Published: February 2011

Summary

Palaeoenvironmental evidence from two Roman sites in central Scotland indicates that by the time of the Agricolan and Antonine Roman presence in this area, much of the landscape was already open. Forest clearance appears to have been pre-Roman in origin, and was principally associated with pastoral agricultural practices. By the time the Antonine Wall was being constructed, this agricultural landscape was in decay, with evidence for a decline in grazing intensity and the spread of heathland, although some elements of the agricultural landscape, such as hedges, may still have been present.
The Excavation of Dun Flodigarry, Staffin, Isle of Skye
Authors: Martlew R
Published: February 2011

Summary

Dun Flodigarry, on the north-east coast of Skye, is a badlyruined Iron Age stone structure on a low rock knoll and having a plan like an open-sided ring. Two-thirds of the double wall remains, two or three courses high, and a C-14 date suggested that it was built in the 1 st century A. D. The interior was full of unstratified earth, with no trace of a floor level; this, and the presence of a deposit of rubble diagnosed as bulling material, suggests that the site is an unfinished ground-galleried broch rather than a D-shaped semi-broch. The finds were relatively few, and the pottery is mainly incised ware, analogous to the ‘native’ wares found at Dun Mor Vaul, Tiree.
EXCAVATIONS AT THE ROMAN FORT OF BAR HILL, 1978-82
Authors: Keppie L J F
Published: February 2011

Summary

Excavation of this Antonine Wall fort, previously explored by Sir George Macdonald and Mr Alexander Park in 1902-05, has exposed the bathhouse and headquarters building (principia) for permanent public view. The sequence of rooms in the bathhouse is now better understood; set into one wall of its main furnace was a small pottery kiln, from which came some 900 sherds in a distinctive fabric, showing strong influences from N Africa. In the headquarters building, a dais was recognised at the SW corner of the crosshall, and a strongbox in the floor of a room in the rear range. In a secondary phase the W half of the courtyard was converted to house a timber-framed storebuilding. The defences and part of the interior of the underlying ‘fortlet’ were examined; its clay rampart was located, and several possible cooking areas. Most probably, despite the recovery of some native finds, the ‘fortlet’ should be seen as a Roman labour-camp associated with the building of the Antonine Wall hereabouts. From its ditch came hawthorn twigs and branches, which along with blocks of turf had served to pack the ditch when the fort was built on top.
Archaeological Work in Lanark 1979
Authors: Wordsworth J , McGavin N A
Published: February 2011

Summary

Four areas of archaeological interest within the medieval burgh of Lanark were examined in advance of redevelopment by the Urban Archaeological Unit (now Scottish Urban Archaeological Trust). The medieval deposits were poorly preserved, but the excavations did suggest when the focus of the town shifted from the Castlegate to a High Street axis.
Cauldron Chains from Bailie Knowe, Dumfriesshire
Authors: Close-Brooks Joanna
Published: February 2011

Summary

Drawings made by Francis Grose show parts of two iron cauldron chains, one of Great Chesterford type, found at Bailie Knowe in 1789.
The excavation of a cist-group at Upper Largie quarry, Kilmartin, central Argyll 1982-1983
Authors: Mercer R J , Rideout J , Barnetson L , Barlow A J , Cowie T G , MacCullagh R P J
Published: February 2011

Summary

A rescue excavation at a quarry site uncovered the remains of a cist-cemetery including three cists and several cist-features containing fragments of urns and cremation remains. Three radiocarbon dates were obtained from charcoal from a cist (1645bc) and from a cist-feature containing cremated human remains and urn shards (1020bc and 1050bc).
Excavations at Miltown of Clava, Inverness-shire
Authors: Sharples Niall M
Published: February 2011

Summary

This report presents the results of the excavation of a cairn at Miltown of Clava, Inverness District, Highland Region. The excavations were superficial but revealed that underneath a large spread of more recent field clearance was a prehistoric cairn probably of Clava type. The cairn was circular with an estimated diameter of 12m. To the SW of the cairn is a large standing stone and lying on the cairn was a large slab decorated with small cup marks. The presence of both these features is characteristic of Clava type cairns.
Cup-and-Ring Markings at Ballochmyle, Ayrshire
Authors: Stevenson J. B.
Published: February 2011

Summary

This short note describes a remarkable cupand-ring decorated rockface which has recently been discovered at Ballochmyle, Ayrshire and subsequently recorded by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.
The Monitoring of an Eroding Prehistoric Site at Achnasavil,Carradale, Kintyre.
Authors: Siggins Gloria , Carter Stephen
Published: February 2011

Summary

Recent changes in the course of the Carra Water have revealed archaeological features in the river bank at Achnasavil, Carradale. They include pits, post-holes or slots and hearths probably of late Bronze Age and early Iron Age date.
Excavations at the Roman fort of Barochan Hill, Renfrewshire, 1972 and 1984-1986
Authors: Keppie Lawrence , Newall Frank
Published: February 2011

Summary

Limited excavation combined with ground observation and the study of aerial photographs has established the area of the fort as c. 1.44 ha (3.55 acres). The defences were examined on the S and W sides, and two gates located. The intervallum space near both gates had seen intense occupation. Timberframed buildings lay behind the West Gate. The pottery, some of it made locally, and other small finds indicated occupation in the Flavian period of the later 1st century AD, from c. AD 80 onwards, a dating which the excavation's only coin find, a probable As of AD 86, served to confirm. The lifespan of the fort was short, probably no more than a decade, during which modifications to the defences and internal buildings occurred.
Excavation of a grain-drying kiln and mill lade at Kettlestoun Mains, Linlithgow, West Lothian
Authors: Alexander Derek
Published: February 2011

Summary

The Centre for Field Archaeology is contracted to undertake archaeological monitoring of a six year gravel extraction programme at Kettlestoun Mains, Linlithgow. In the first year of this project, the remains of a grain-drying kiln, containing charred oat seeds and chaff, and a mill lade were excavated. Both of these structures contained post-medieval pottery and represent parts of a wider post-medieval landscape revealed by analysis of documentary evidence.
Reviewing Social Networks: using Ucinet
Authors: Postles David
Published: February 2011

Social relationships have become an increasingly important area of historical research. The very precise (perhaps, in the context of historical data, too rigorous) manipulation performed by exponents of formal SocialNetworkAnalysis, who nowmainlycomprise sociologists, has not been received into the historian's methodology. Two ofthe possible reasons maybe that: there is a strongbeliefthathistorical data are both too complex and too incomplete to support such manipulation; and there has not been easily available and user-friendlysoftware. The most recent release of Ucinet is reviewed here to assess how far it might address the latter problem.
Object Oriented Databases and their Application to Historical Data
Authors: Price Gwyn , Gray Alec
Published: February 2011

Relational Database Systems currently dominate the marketplace and thus the use of Database Management Systems by historians. This technology can constrain the thinking ofits users and limit the representational and analytical power of the applications built using it. This has led to research into other models of Database Management which are less restricting. An introduction toone ofthese approaches, Object OrientedDatabase Systems, ispresentedhere in a historical context with the purpose ofillustrating its power for historical research. An example of this power is given with a description of the authors research into the development of a workbench system utilising Object Orientedprinciples for Nominal Record Linkage.
Four Databases for Microsoft Windows
Authors: Wright Robert E.
Published: February 2011

After waiting for years for a good Windows database management system, historians now are spoiled for choice.
Retrieving the Past: A Reclamation and Reconstruction of the Social Survey of Bristol, 1937
Authors: Wardley Peter , Woollard Matthew
Published: February 2011

This article describes the problems presented by the reclamation and reconstitution of historical survey data. The major aim of the article is to identify methodological and practical issues posed by the coding of historical data. It reiterates a critique of post-coding which has become the emergent historical standard. The Bristol Social Survey of 1937, which has survived only in a coded form, provides data and examples which demonstrate the perils and pitfalls inherent in pre-coded historical data.
WWW and the Internet: New Opportunities for Historical Discourse?
Authors: Gibson Alex
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the potential ofthe World Wide Web (WWW) for teaching and research in history, although the current lack of material of particular interest to historians is noted. The paper describes how the WWW can be utilised, but particularly emphasises the need for practising historians to contribute to the WWW. How this can be done is outlined, but the paper concludes by acknowledging the institutional and cultural barriers which must be addressed if the potential of the WWW is to be fulfilled.
Computer-based Analysis of Early-modern English Wills
Authors: Litzenberger Caroline
Published: February 2011

The study of local manifestations of the English Reformation has created an interest in the beliefs of ordinary lay people, and wills are a potentially fruitful, but problematic, source of such information. This article describes the ways in which the text-based database askSam, and the spreadsheet, Quattro, were used to analyse a systematic sample of approximately 2,600 wills written between 1540 and 1580 in Gloucestershire. However, it is first necessary to discuss the problematic nature of the source, that is, the question of testator agency with regard to the wills' contents. The contents of the database and the analytical methodology employed are then discussed. Finally, the article presents a brief summary of the results of this analysis and suggests other ways in which the wills database might be used.
Les systèmes de méta-information, instruments d'interprétation critique des sources informatiques
Authors: Boydens Isabelle
Published: February 2011

Fondée sur I'application de la critique historique aux sources informatiques, l'analyse critique d'une base de données administrative beige illustre les apports et limites de la représentation informatique. Elle montre ainsi l'importance des systémes de metainformation, instruments d'interprétation destinés tant aux utilisateurs qu'aux concepteurs de bases de données.
Virtual History: An Outline of Research Being Undertaken at Sheffield Hallam University
Authors: Grove Jonathan
Published: February 2011

The Education section seeks to cover education broadly, encompassing its materials, methods, assessment, evaluation, organisation and resources, and to do so by means of news, views, comments, reports, reviews and articles from the readers of History and Computing. Examples would be reports on the experience of running a new computer-based course, reflections on the value for teaching a specific piece ofsoftware, or consideration of the costs and benefits ofa particular approach to implementing the computer in the classroom. Discussions of the interconnections (or lack thereof!) between research and teaching in historical computing are also appropriate. Contributions concerning developments outside as well as within the UKare warmly welcomed. Likewise the intention to cover schools as well as higher education remains undiminished. Items for future numbers should be sent to: AllanMartin, University ofGlasgow, Office ofInformation Technology, 3, The Square, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, e-mail: a.martin@compserv.gla.ac.uk. The following two items, however, are the responsiility of the editor.
Record Linkage Theory and Practice: an Experiment in the Application of Multiple Pass Linkage Algorithms
Authors: Harvey Charles , Green Edmund M , Corfield Penelope J
Published: February 2011

By implementing multiple-pass record linkage algorithms between two compatible datasets, the number of records linked may be dramatically increased above the level achieved by any single algorithm. This increase is made without commensurate diminution in confidence in the linked dataset.
Redistributing the Population: GIS Adds Value to Historical Demography
Authors: Lee Janette
Published: February 2011

A model for more accurately representing the distribution of population is currently under development using some of the functionality of the Arc/Info GIS software. Included are factors for settlement pattern, topography and the presence of water bodies. The model is tested on County Antrim in Northern Ireland and the value of traditional choropleth mapping assessed in comparison with the output from the model.
Source-Oriented Data Processing. The triumph of the micro over the macro?
Authors: Burt Janet , James Tom Beaumont
Published: February 2011

This article discusses the different approaches to the treatment of historical databases: the relational database system and κλειω, a source-oriented approach.
trans-2-Phenyl-4-thiophenoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzothiopyran
Authors: Mallik Asok K. , Mandal Tapas K. , Pal Rammohan , Patra Amarendra
Published: February 2011

Iodine-catalyzed cyclocondensation of cinnamaldehyde and thiophenol yields rapidly trans-2-phenyl-4-thiophenoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzothiopyran in excellent yield with very high diastereoselectivity.