bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Gingivitis among Patients Attending in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Zannath Mst Mostary , Haque Md Monoarul , Akther Masuma
Published: February 2015

Background: Gingivitis is one of the common diseases in Bangladesh and a public health problem also. Broadly factors of two categories are responsible for the occurrence of gingivitis: anatomical and behavioral. Few physiological factors also have influence. In Bangladesh we have no national health survey on periodontal condition. Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the factors affecting gingivitis among patients of 15 to 40 years of age attending in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka city.Materials and method: This was a cross sectional study and purposive sampling method was used. Total 200 samples were taken who fulfilled the inclusion criteria by pretested structured questionnaire in outpatient department (OPD) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: The mean(±SD) age of respondents was 27±5 years. Dietary factors responsible for gingivitis were sweets (80%), followed by fast food (14%). Regarding behavioral factors, smoking (48%), tobacco using (8%) and betel nuts chewing (28%) influenced gingivitis. Most of the respondents (89%) were suffering from gingivitis for at least one year and gum bleeding was documented in 99% of respondents. Conclusion: Dietary and behavioral patterns were found to be responsible for gingivitis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v3i1.22233 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2015; 3(1): 09-12
Correlation between Aminotransferase Ratio (AST/ALT) and Other Biochemical Parameters in Chronic Liver Disease of Viral Origin
Authors: Karim Shah Md Fazlul , Rahman Md Rezwanur , Shermin Shahana , Sultana Razia
Published: February 2015

Background: In recent years the ratio of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in patients of chronic liver disease (CLD) of various origins has gained much attention. This variable is readily available, easy to interpret, and inexpensive and the clinical utility of the AST/ALT ratio in the diagnostic workup of patients with CLD is quite promising. Objective: The present study was designed to find out the link between aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio with commonly measured biochemical parameters of liver function tests in CLD of viral origin. Materials and method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Forty four biopsy proven diagnosed subjects of chronic viral hepatitis without cirrhosis of both sex were selected purposively. With aseptic precaution 5 mL venous blood was collected from each subject and common liver function tests (serum AST, ALT, AST/ALT ratio, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, serum total protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, serum albumin/globulin ratio, prothrombin time) and viral serology (HBsAg, Anti HDV antibody, Anti HCV antibody) were performed. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 19 for Windows. Pearsons correlation test was done to determine association between AST/ALT with other biochemical parameters. Results: Mean(±SD) age of the study subjects was 32.55±10.55 years (range 20-50 years) with 48 (77.7%) male and 14 (22.6%) female subjects. Pearsons correlation test was done between AST to ALT ratio with other biochemical parameters and prothrombin time showed significant positive correlation (p <0.01). Conclusion: In our study we found significant positive correlation between AST/ALT with prothrombin time in CLD subjects without cirrhosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v3i1.22234 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2015; 3(1): 13-17
Adrenal Insufficiency - Aetiology, Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Akter Nazma , Qureshi Nazmul Kabir
Published: February 2015

Adrenal insufficiency is caused by either primary adrenal failure or by hypothalamic-pituitary impairment of the corticotropic axis. Adrenal insufficiency, first codified in 1855 by Thomas Addison, remains relevant in 2014 because of its lethal nature. Though, it is a rare disease but is life threatening when overlooked. Main presenting symptoms such as fatigue, anorexia and weight loss are nonspecific, thus diagnosis is often delayed. The diagnostic work-up is well established but some pitfalls remain. The diagnosis is adequately established by the 250 ?g ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test in most cases. Glucocorticoids provide life saving treatment but long-term quality of life is impaired, perhaps because therapy is not given in a physiologic way. Dehydroepiandrosterone-replacement therapy has been introduced that could help to restore quality of life. It may be useful in pubertal girls, but not in adults. Monitoring of glucocorticoid-replacement is difficult due to lack of objective methods of assessment and is therefore largely based on clinical grounds. Thus, long-term management of patients with adrenal insufficiency remains a challenge, requiring an experienced specialist. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dmcj.v3i1.22238 Delta Med Col J. Jan 2015; 3(1): 36-47
Effect of Gamma Radiation on Morpho-Physiological Characters of Soybean
Authors: Sarker S , Rahman MS , Islam MR , Hasna S , Islam MS
Published: February 2015

An experiment was carried out at the experimental farm of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh during the period from January, 2011 to April, 2011. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of gamma radiation on morpho-physiological characters of BARI soybean. Four levels of gamma irradiation viz. 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy ?-ray from 60C source and control were irradiated on assigned two genotypes viz. BARI soybean 5 and BARI soybean 6. Data for growth analyses were collected at different days after sowing. Results revealed that the soybean varieties and gamma irradiation significantly affected morpho-physiological characters where BARI soybean 5 and 200 Gy ?-ray levels produced the greater results alone or combinations. This combination produced the tallest plant (37.42 cm), maximum leaf and branch plant-1 (23.15 and 2.10) at 75 DAS. 200 Gy ?-ray irradiated plants of BARI soybean 5 produced the highest seed yield (2373.70 kg ha-1) followed by control treatment (1887.90 kg ha-1) at the same variety. On the other hand, the plants consequential from 500 Gy ?-ray radiated of BARI soybean 5 had shown the lowest seed yield (1050.70 kg ha-1). This result indicating that irradiation significantly decreased on seed yield with increasing doses of gamma rays. So, the variety BARI soybean 5 and 200 Gy ?-ray alone or combination had outstanding superiority for plant growth over the other gamma ray levels.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22199 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 25-30 2014
Assessing Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change by Farming Communities in Southwestern Coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Ullah MB , Rahman MH
Published: February 2015

Southwestern coastal Bangladesh is characterized by low-lying topography, high productive mangrove ecosystem and unique biodiversity. At the same time, the region is highly prone to cyclones, coasting flooding, and salinity, which causes huge losses to agriculture production and rural livelihoods. Marginal and small farmers are affected more. The objective of this paper is to examine the extent of climatic variations and to analyze farming communities vulnerabilities and adaptations to climate change in the saline prone southwestern coastal Bangladesh. We used both primary and secondary data for this study. We collected primary data from Atulia and Padmapukur unions of Shyamnagar upazila under Satkhira district of Bangladesh in April 2013. We collected secondary data from published statistics. We did not find significant changes in temperature and rainfall over time but salinity level has increased over time. Major vulnerability faced by farming communities due to climate change were saline water intrusion, scarcity of safe drinking and irrigation water, and problems on crop production, livestock rearing, fresh water fish culture, and sanitary latrines. Major adaptations practiced by farmers were culturing saline water shrimp in farms, harvesting rain water, drinking ponds water, catching fish from the sea and river, and desalinization of river water by constructing embankments. Agricultural adaptation practices such as saline tolerant rice varieties cultivation, crabs fattening, sowing and planting date shifting, mulching, soil flashing, fertilizers management, seeds sowing using dibbling method, raise or slopping bed method crop cultivation in embankments, pit method crop cultivation, changing cropping patterns, zero tillage, and sorjan method crop cultivation can helps minimize the impacts of climate change, particularly to vulnerable smallholder farmers. Policies and programs are needed to develop and disseminate these adaptation practices complemented by farmers training on these practices.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22200 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 31-35 2014
Exploration of Ionic Contamination for Groundwater in Some Irrigated Sites of Rajshahi Area
Authors: Islam A , Rahman MM
Published: February 2015

Groundwater samples collected from 15 tube wells of six unions under Puthia upazila of Rajshahidistrict was evaluated their quality for irrigation usage in relation to soil properties and crop growth. Groundwater samples under test were slightly alkaline (pH = 7.10-7.34) in nature and were not problematic for crop production. As regards to TDS, allwater samples were classified as fresh water (TDS<1,000 mg L-1) in quality. EC and SAR values reflected that water samples were medium salinity (C2) and low alkalinity (S1) hazard classes expressed as C2S1. Regarding EC, all collected water samples could be safely used for crops growing on soils with moderate level of permeability and leaching. Groundwater samples were excellent in quality as per SAR and SSP. All water samples were free from RSC and belonged to suitable in category. All groundwater sampleswere hard in quality. The status ofHCO3,Fe, Mn, BO3, SO4, PO4 and Cl ions were recorded below the permissible limit for irrigation and these ions might not create hazardous impact on soil ecosystem. The relationships between chemical parameters of groundwater like EC, TDS, SAR, SSP, RSC and hardness (HT) were established. Significant correlations existed between EC-TDS, EC-RSC, EC-HT, TDS-RSC, TDS-HT, SAR-SSP and RSC-HT.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22201 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 37-41 2014
IN VITRO Regeneration of Bina Mungbean Varieties
Authors: Mojumder S , Hossain MD , Haque MS , Nasiruddin KM
Published: February 2015

The experiment was conducted to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro regeneration of mungbean (Vignaradiata) on the aspect of regeneration potentiality of two mungbean varieties (BINA mung 5 and BINA mung 7) as influenced by different combinations of growth regulators supplemented with MS medium. Cotyledon explant of both varieties was used for the present study. Data were collected for various characters of callus initiation, shoot regeneration and root proliferation. Initiation of callus (%) and required days for its initiation and weight of callus were influenced significantly due to the effect of varieties where BINA mung 5 produced more callus induction (40.36%) at minimum requiring time (18.27 days) including heavier sizes of callus (1.54 g) than BINA mung 7 when BINA mung 5 further recorded the longest root (2.92 cm) compare to BINA mung 7. Effect of treatments of the present study were significantly influenced the whole characters regarding callus culture, shoot regeneration and root proliferation. The highest percentage of callus (88.44%) within minimum time (12.53 days) including larger sizes callus (3.521 g) were produced in 1.0 mg L1 BAP + 2.5 mg L1 NAA among the treatments while the highest percentage of regenerated shoot (83.44%) at minimum requiring time (17.59 days) and more shoots (7.69 callus1) were obtained in 1.0 mg L1 BAP + 2.0 mg L 1 NAA. Root induction (82.50%), number of roots plantlet1 (8.469) with minimum requiring time for initiation (14.13 days) and root length (5.250 cm) were the highest in 0.2 mg L1 IAA + 1.0 mg L1 kinetin + 0.2 mg L1 BAP. Incase of interaction, percentage of callus initiation (89.38 %) was the highest in BINA mung 5 treated by 1.0 mg L1 BAP + 2.5 mg L1 NAA at requiring minimum time (12.38 days) while same treatment produced the larger callus (3.581 g) among the interactions. The highest percentage (84.38%) and number (7.813 callus1) of shoot with minimum requiring time (17.50 days) were found from BINA mung 5 treated by 1.0 mg L1 BAP + 2.0 mg L1 NAA. Similarly, the longest shoot (5.58 cm) was produced from the BINA mung 5 treated by 1.0 mg L1 BAP + 2.0 mg L1 NAA. However, root induction (%), roots plantlet1, days required for root initiation and root length were statistically similar among the whole interaction treatments due to non significant variation. This result mentioned that the variety BINA mung 5 was better than BINA mung 7 for callus induction, shoot regeneration and root initiation while 1.0 mg L1 BAP + 2.5 mg L1 NAA, 1.0 mg L1 BAP + 2.0 mg L1 NAA and 0.2 mg L1 IAA + 1.0 mg L1 kinetin + 0.2 mg L1 BAP supplemented with MS medium were the best combinations for better callusing, higher ability of shoot regeneration and root proliferation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22203 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 47-52 2014
Assessment of Physico-chemical Characteristics of Textile Effluent at Different Stages of Treatment Process
Authors: Mondol SK , Sarif MR , Rimi RH , Bakali B , Mobin MN
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted to observe effluent management technique, physico-chemical characteristic (BOD, TDS, DO, pH, EC, temperature, color, odor, transparency and heavy metals) at different steps of effluent treatment process and compare those with standards of Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR)-1997. Nine effluent samples were collected from Impress Newtex Composite Textile Ltd Industries at Gorai under Mirzapur Upazila during the month of January to June 2013. The color and odor of the inlet effluent samples were highly colored and emit foul smell, respectively but in case of outlet effluent samples very low. The DO, BOD, TDS, EC, pH, temperature, transparency value of all collected samples from ETP outlet were 5 mg/l, 42 mg/l, 2245 mg/l, 192 ?s/cm, 6.5, 31.2 cm, respectively which fulfils ECR (1997) standards for inland surface water, public sewerage water and land for irrigation excepts the value of TDS. In case of heavy metal (Pb, Zn &Ni) assessment the concentrations of all collected samples were within the permissible limit according to ECR, 1997 accepts Pb for inland surface water and land for irrigation. Different types of dyes and chemicals were used during fabrics dyeing. As a result, the values of different physico-chemical parameters were more in inlet effluent but due to treatment its shows less value at the outlet effluent which fulfils ECR (1997) standards requirement. Only best management practices can ensure the best effluent quality discharged into the environment as well as best performance of ETP.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22204 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 53-58 2014
Spatio-temporal Analysis of Maximum and Minimum Temperature in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin MN , Mondal MSA , Nasher NMR
Published: February 2015

The analysis of annual mean maximum and annual mean minimum temperature data are studied in GIS environment, obtained from 34 meteorological stations scattered throughout the Bangladesh from 1948 to 2013. IDW method was used for the spatial distribution of temperature over the study area, using ArcGIS 10.2 software. Possible trends in the spatially distributed temperature data were examined, using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall method with statistical significance, and the magnitudes of available trends were determined using Sens method in ArcMap depiction. The findings of the study show positive trends in annual mean maximum temperatures with 90%, 95%, 99% and 99.9% significance levels.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22210 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 73-77 2014
Temporal Variability of Soil and Water Salinity and Its Effect on Crop at Kalapara Upazila
Authors: Haque MA , Jahiruddin M , Hoque MA , Rahman MZ , Clarke D
Published: February 2015

Salinity is a serious threat to the crop production in the southern region of Bangladesh and it is especially important during dry period of a year. A study was undertaken to examine the changes in water and soil salinity over the period from February to April, 2014 at Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district. Water samples were periodically collected from lake, pond, earthen well, deep tube-wells (5, 15 and 30 km away from the sea) and rivers (Tulatoli, Khaprabhanga, Sonatala and Andharmanik). Soil sampling was done from different crop fields (mustard, sweet gourd, potato, chilli, Khira-cucumber) and water melon and also from Sonatala and Andharmanik River flooded soils inside and outside polders. The electrical conductivity (EC) value of lake and pond waters was below 4 dS/m showing quite safe for irrigation while the EC value of earthen well exceeded 4 dS/m which are suitable in April. Water salinity of deep tube-wells (DTWs) increased as the DTW was closer to the sea, however all EC values were below 4 dS/m that suitable for irrigation, but not suitable for drinking purpose. Salinity level of all rivers tended to rise with the advancement of drying period, and for all dates of sampling, the EC value showed more than 4 dS/m. Soil salinity varied between inside and outside polder, and between mustard and sweet gourd fields, the higher EC values were observed outside polder and in the sweet gourd field. Soil EC levels were all above 4 dS/m particularly in April, crops showed varying degrees of leaf injury depending on the types of crops and extent of soil salinity. The EC values were positively correlated with Na and K contents of soil.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22218 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 111-114 2014
Landscape Transformation in Turag River Basin between 1980 and 2010
Authors: Salam MA , Alam MS
Published: February 2015

Landscape transformation process for the study area has been analyzed for three decades. The change of each class has been studied and attempt has been made to find out the reasons of changing pattern. The change dynamics were not same all over the study area, so for detail analysis the whole basin has been classified into three different zones (High, Medium and Low land) on the basis of elevation as adopted by Soil Resources and Development Institute (SRDI) of Bangladesh. Human settlement has been changed more actively in High land (Zone 1), on the other hand Small area built-up has been changed more actively in Medium land (Zone 2). These two classes have been changed positively. Forest has been changed negatively in High land (Zone 1) compared to other two zones (Medium land and Low land). Urban area has been changed to Medium land (Zone 2) as it is very near to Dhaka city. Another significant positive change has been found in Brick field area in low land (Zone 3) along the main stream of Turag river, and the reason for this is the easy transportation of bricks to Dhaka city and around by river transportation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22219 Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 115-125 2014
Analysis of Variability in Rainfall Patterns in Greater Rajshahi Division using GIS
Authors: Shamsuzzoha M , Parvez A , Chowdhury AFMK
Published: February 2015

The study entitled Analysis of Changes in Rainfall Patterns in Rajshahi Division using GIS is an experimental climatological research. The main objectives of the study is to examine the long-term changes in rainfall patterns of Rajshahi Division. Secondary data of rainfall distribution have been collected from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Dhaka. The study has analysed monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall distribution pattern from 1962 to 2007 of five selected weather stations namely Bogra, Dinajpur, Ishurdi, Rajshahi and Rangpur. For convenience of analysis, the data has been divided into two halves of time period as 1962-1984 and 1985-2007. Based on GIS, the study gifts the spatial analysis of rainfall patten using Thiessen Polygon Method, Isohytal and Hytograph Method and Percentage Method. It has been found that there is evidence of annual rainfall change with an increasing pattern in Bogra, Dinajpur, Rajshahi and Rangpur. In these four stations, the changing pattern in Rangpur is the highest. Downward shift of annual rainfall shows a decreasing pattern in Ishurdi. The descending order of monthly and seasonal rainfall pattern for Ishurdi, Rajshahi and Rangpur has been found as July > June > September >August > October > April > March > February > November > December. Although Bogra and Dinajpur have contained this trend in the same order from July to March, anomalies pattern has been found for last four months. The seasonal variation of rainfall has been established as Monsoon > Pre  Monsoon > Post Monsoon > Winter for all those five stations. Evaluating the rainfall contour lines, it has been found that the rainfall annually varies from 1542.1 mm to 2235.8 mm in Rajshahi Division. The average number of rainy days in this region mostly varies from 86 to 112 days per year.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22223 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 141-149 2014
The Repellent Effect of Some Indigenous Plant Extracts Against Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis)
Authors: Ahmed MT , Begum M , Zaman MW
Published: February 2015

An Experiment was conducted in the laboratory of the Division of Entomology, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh to evaluate the efficacy of four indigenous plants parts such as leaves of raintree (Albizia saman), riot lata (Mikania micrantha), pithraj (Aphanamixis polystachya) and seeds of mahogani (Swietenia macrophylla) with methanol extracts at the rates of 10.0, 7.5, 5.0 and 2.5% for their direct toxicity against the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.). Among the four plants extracts tested, pithraj leaf showed the highest (52.28%) mean repellency effect followed by riot lata (Mikania) leaf extract (46.07%), mahogani seed extract (38.79%) and raintree leaf extract (25.13%). On the basis of mean repellency rate, it was found that mahogany seed, pithraj leaf and riot lata (Mikania) leaf extracts were in the same repellency class i.e. Class Ill and except raintree leaf (Class II).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22224 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 151-154 2014
Fishing Gears and Crafts Used by the Fishers at Lohalia River in Patuakhali
Authors: Ali MM , Das BC , Islam SMA , Masud MA , Rahman MZ
Published: February 2015

Lohalia River is one of the most renowned rivers in the coastal Bangladesh and supports diverse fisheries communities. The present study was conducted to identify the types of fishing gears and crafts including their mode of operation in fishing in the Lohalia River during the period from April 2012 to March, 2013. The survey was designed to gather information on the type of gears, process of operation, cost, manpower needed for operation, seasons of operation and principal species of fish caught. The survey revealed that a wide variety of fishing gears were operated throughout the year in the study area for commercial fishing. Some of the gears were selective for a particular species, whereas others account for a number of species caught during operation giving multispecies nature of the fishing. But a number of the fishing gears was found to catch fish irrespective of their size or species and destroys the habitat of the wild species thus causing multiple harms to the biodiversity of the estuary. Training program should be conducted to the fishermen to create awareness of the long-term effects of different fishing gears and to impart knowledge of fishing laws.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22227 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 169-175 2014
Social correlates of sexual risk behaviors among urban men who have sex with men in Kolkata, India
Authors: Sarkar Soumya , Bhandari Subhasis , Sensarma Pinaki
Published: February 2015

The factors defining the vulnerability of men who have sex with men (MSM) population are multiple and follow a complex social pattern culminating to their risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Even though the vulnerability of this population has been previously reported, prevention efforts are poor, may be due to the lack of understanding of the nature of sexual behavior in its social context. The main aim of this research was to study the social factors that are correlated with sexual risk behavior among the urban MSM population living in Kolkata. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area using a pre-structured interview guide. Data obtained from 126 beneficiaries of the NGO networks representing the MSMs of the area, were analyzed. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among the MSMs during a recall period of last six months was used as a marker of sexual risk. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to estimate and test associations between STI and social variables. The prevalence of STI among the respondents was 60.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 51.2-68.9). Inconsistent condom use (OR:11.98; 95%CI: 4.03-35.59), low self-esteem (Rosenberg scale) (OR:4.18; 95%CI: 1.48-11.82), substance abuse during sexual activity (OR:4.94; 95%CI: 1.30-18.82), and adverse reactions when coming out (OR:4.91; 95%CI: 1.63-14.77) were significantly associated with STI prevalence. For HIV risk reduction among the MSM population, intervention efforts should address the potential social stressors and adverse life events in addition to condom promotion.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v4i1.21834 South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.4(1) 2014: 17-24
Realization of an Automated Vertical Warp Stop Motion Positioning
Authors: Cloppenburg Frederik , Gloy Yves-Simon , Gries Thomas
Published: February 2015

The tension in the warp yarns is a critical variable in the weaving process. If the warp tension is too high or too low the weaving process will be interrupted. A parameter that directly affects the warp tension is the vertical warp stop motion position. The position of the warp stop motion must be set for every produced new article. The setting procedure is performed completely manual. In this paper we present a mechatronic modification of an air jet-weaving machine to adjust the vertical warp stop motion position with the help of actuators. The parameters for the automated movement are determined and an open loop control, which uses a PLC, is proposed.
The Potential of Lr19 and Bdv2 Translocations to Improve Yield and Disease Resistance in the High Rainfall Wheat Zones of Australia
Authors: Rosewarne Garry , Bonnett David , Rebetzke Greg , Lonergan Paul , Larkin Philip
Published: February 2015

Chromosomal translocations in wheat derived from alien species are a valuable source of genetic diversity that have provided increases in resistance to various diseases and improved tolerance to abiotic stresses in wheat. These alien genomic segments can also affect multiple traits, with a concomitant ability to alter yield potential in either a positive or negative fashion. The aim of this work was to characterize the effects on yield of two types of translocations, namely T4-derived translocations from Thinopyrum ponticum, carrying the leaf rust resistance gene Lr19, and the TC14 translocation from Th. intermedium, carrying the barley yellow dwarf virus resistance gene Bdv2, in Australian adapted genetic backgrounds and under Australian conditions. A large range of germplasm was developed by crossing donor sources of the translocations into 24 Australian adapted varieties producing 340 genotypes. Yield trials were conducted in 14 environments to identify effects on yield and yield components. The T4 translocations had a positive effect on yield in one high yielding environment, but negatively affected yield in low-yielding environments. The TC14 translocation was generally benign, however, it was associated with a negative impact on yield and reduced height in two genetic backgrounds. The translocation was also associated with a delayed maturity in several backgrounds. The T4 translocations results were consistent with previously published data, whilst this is the first time that such an investigation has been undertaken on the TC14 translocation. Our data suggests a limited role for each of these translocations in Australia. The T4 translocations may be useful in high yielding environments, such as under irrigation in NSW and in the more productive high rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia. Traits associated with the TC14 translocation, such as BYDV resistance and delayed maturity, would make this translocation useful in BYDV-prone areas that experience a less pronounced terminal drought (e.g., south-eastern Australia).
The Effects of Fiber Inclusion on Pet Food Sensory Characteristics and Palatability
Authors: Koppel Kadri , Monti Mariana , Gibson Michael , Alavi Sajid , Donfrancesco Brizio , Carciofi Aulus
Published: February 2015

The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the influence of fiber on the sensory characteristics of dry dog foods; (b) differences of coated and uncoated kibbles for aroma and flavor characteristics; (c) palatability of these dry dog foods; and (d) potential associations between palatability and sensory attributes. A total of eight fiber treatments were manufactured: a control (no fiber addition), guava fiber (3%, 6%, and 12%), sugar cane fiber (9%; large and small particle size), and wheat bran fiber (32%; large and small particle size). The results indicated significant effects of fibers on both flavor and texture properties of the samples. Bitter taste and iron and stale aftertaste were examples of flavor attributes that differed with treatment, with highest intensity observed for 12% guava fiber and small particle size sugar cane fiber treatments. Fracturability and initial crispness attributes were lowest for the sugar cane fiber treatments. Flavor of all treatments changed after coating with a palatant, increasing in toasted, brothy, and grainy attributes. The coating also had a masking effect on aroma attributes such as stale, flavor attributes such as iron and bitter taste, and appearance attributes such as porosity. Palatability testing results indicated that the control treatment was preferred over the sugar cane or the wheat bran treatment. The treatment with large sugarcane fiber particles was preferred over the treatment with small particles, while both of the wheat bran treatments were eaten at a similar level. Descriptive sensory analysis data, especially textural attributes, were useful in pinpointing the underlying characteristics and were considered to be reasons that may influence palatability of dog foods manufactured with inclusion of different fibers.
Lead Excretion in Spanish Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Fuentes-Albero Milagros , Puig-Alcaraz Carmen , Cauli Omar
Published: February 2015

Among epigenetic factors leading to increased prevalence of juvenile neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, exposure to metals, such as lead (Pb) have led to conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of Pb in the urine of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with typically developing children (TD) age- and sex-matched, and to analyze any association between core symptoms of ASD, special diets, supplements intake or prescription drugs and the concentration of Pb. The study was performed in a group of children with ASD (n = 35, average age 7.4 ± 0.5 years) and TD (n = 34, average age 7.7 ± 0.9 years). Measurement of lead in urine was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry; symptoms of ASD were analyzed by diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DMS-IV) using the questionnary ADI-R. Careful clinical evaluation was also undertaken and statistical analysis was done taking into account any possible confounding factor.
TEV—A Program for the Determination of the Thermal Expansion Tensor from Diffraction Data
Authors: Langreiter Thomas , Kahlenberg Volker
Published: February 2015

TEV (Thermal Expansion Visualizing) is a user-friendly program for the calculation of the thermal expansion tensor αij from diffraction data. Unit cell parameters determined from temperature dependent data collections can be provided as input. An intuitive graphical user interface enables fitting of the evolution of individual lattice parameters to polynomials up to fifth order. Alternatively, polynomial representations obtained from other fitting programs or from the literature can be entered. The polynomials and their derivatives are employed for the calculation of the tensor components of αij in the infinitesimal limit. The tensor components, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and their angles with the crystallographic axes can be evaluated for individual temperatures or for temperature ranges. Values of the tensor in directions parallel to either [uvw]’s of the crystal lattice or vectors (hkl) of reciprocal space can be calculated. Finally, the 3-D representation surface for the second rank tensor and pre- or user-defined 2-D sections can be plotted and saved in a bitmap format. TEV is written in JAVA. The distribution contains an EXE-file for Windows users and a system independent JAR-file for running the software under Linux and Mac OS X. The program can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.uibk.ac.at/mineralogie/downloads/TEV.html (Institute of Mineralogy and Petrography, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria)
Thermophysical Characteristics of the Ferrofluid in a Vertical Rectangle
Authors: Seo Jae-Hyeong , You Byoung-Hee , Kwen Sang-Seuk , Lee Dong-Yeon , Lee Moo-Yeon
Published: February 2015

The article aimed to analytically investigate the thermophysical behaviors of a ferrofluid in a vertical rectangle with the variation of intensity of the magnetic field, viscosity of the ferrofluid and boundary conditions. The governing equations of the ferrofluid include the continuity, momentum and energy equations for describing the thermal-fluidic behaviors of the ferrofluid and the Maxwell equation and magnetization equation are also added to consider rotating effect of the nano-sized particles. The flow behavior and heat transfer characteristics of the ferrofluid with the intensity of the magnetic field, viscosities of the ferrofluid and boundary conditions were analyzed through isotherms, velocity profiles and both mean and local Nusselt numbers. As a result, the isotherms of the ferrofluid in the vertical rectangle increased with the increase of the magnetic volume fractions and magnetic field intensities. In addition, the mean Nusselt numbers increased with the increase of magnetite volume fractions at all magnetic field intensities because of the combined effects of both heat conduction by magnetite and the magnetic volume force.
Modeling Tree Characteristics of Individual Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) Trees for Use in Remote Sensing-Based Inventory
Authors: Balenović Ivan , Jazbec Anamarija , Marjanović Hrvoje , Paladinić Elvis , Vuletić Dijana
Published: February 2015

The main aim was to develop models for predicting diameter at breast height (DBH), merchantable tree volume (V), and aboveground biomass (AGB) of individual black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) trees grown in Sub-Mediterranean Croatian pure even-aged forests, which will be suitable for remote sensing based forest inventories. In total, eight variables obtained from field measurement, existing database, and digital terrain model were candidates for independent variables in regression analysis. DBH, V, and AGB were modeled as linear function of each of the independent variables, and all possible linear combinations thereof. Goodness of fit of every model was then evaluated using R2 statistic. Comparison between selected models showed that the variability of all dependent variables are explained best by models which include both crown diameter and tree height as independent variables with coefficients of determination of 0.83, 0.89, 0.82 for DBH, V, and AGB, respectively. Consequently, these models may be recommended as the most suited for DBH, V and AGB estimation of black pine trees grown in pure Sub-Mediterranean forest stands using high-resolution aerial images or high-density airborne laser scanning data. This assumption should be further validated by conducting remote sensing inventory and comparing the obtained results with field measurement results.
Production of the Allergenic Protein Alt a 1 by Alternaria Isolates from Working Environments
Authors: Skóra Justyna , Otlewska Anna , Gutarowska Beata , Leszczyńska Joanna , Majak Iwona , Stępień Łukasz
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of Alternaria isolates from workplaces to produce Alt a 1 allergenic protein, and to analyze whether technical materials (cellulose, compost, leather) present within the working environment stimulate or inhibit Alt a 1 production (ELISA test). Studies included identification of the isolated molds by nucleotide sequences analyzing of the ITS1/ITS2 regions, actin, calmodulin and Alt a 1 genes. It has been shown that Alternaria molds are significant part of microbiocenosis in the archive, museum, library, composting plant and tannery (14%–16% frequency in the air). The presence of the gene encoding the Alt a 1 protein has been detected for the strains: Alternaria alternata, A. lini, A. limoniasperae A. nobilis and A. tenuissima. Environmental strains produced Alt a 1 at higher concentrations (1.103–6.528 ng/mL) than a ATCC strain (0.551–0.975 ng/mL). It has been shown that the homogenization of the mycelium and the use of ultrafiltration allow a considerable increase of Alt a 1 concentration. Variations in the production of Alt a 1 protein, depend on the strain and extraction methods. These studies revealed no impact of the technical material from the workplaces on the production of Alt a 1 protein.
Childhood Leukemia and 50 Hz Magnetic Fields: Findings from the Italian SETIL Case-Control Study
Authors: Salvan Alberto , Ranucci Alessandra , Lagorio Susanna , Magnani Corrado , On behalf of the SETIL Research Group
Published: February 2015

We report on an Italian case-control study on childhood leukemia and exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF). Eligible for inclusion were 745 leukemia cases, aged 0–10 years at diagnosis in 1998–2001, and 1475 sex- and age-matched population controls. Parents of 683 cases and 1044 controls (92% vs. 71%) were interviewed. ELF-MF measurements (24–48 h), in the child’s bedroom of the dwelling inhabited one year before diagnosis, were available for 412 cases and 587 controls included in the main conditional regression analyses. The magnetic field induction was 0.04 μT on average (geometric mean), with 0.6% of cases and 1.6% of controls exposed to >0.3 μT. The impact of changes in the statistical model, exposure metric, and data-set restriction criteria was explored via sensitivity analyses. No exposure-disease association was observed in analyses based on continuous exposure, while analyses based on categorical variables were characterized by incoherent exposure-outcome relationships. In conclusion, our results may be affected by several sources of bias and they are noninformative at exposure levels >0.3 μT. Nonetheless, the study may contribute to future meta- or pooled analyses. Furthermore, exposure levels among population controls are useful to estimate attributable risk.
Dynamic Assessment of Water Quality Based on a Variable Fuzzy Pattern Recognition Model
Authors: Xu Shiguo , Wang Tianxiang , Hu Suduan
Published: February 2015

Water quality assessment is an important foundation of water resource protection and is affected by many indicators. The dynamic and fuzzy changes of water quality lead to problems for proper assessment. This paper explores a method which is in accordance with the water quality changes. The proposed method is based on the variable fuzzy pattern recognition (VFPR) model and combines the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model with the entropy weight (EW) method. The proposed method was applied to dynamically assess the water quality of Biliuhe Reservoir (Dailan, China). The results show that the water quality level is between levels 2 and 3 and worse in August or September, caused by the increasing water temperature and rainfall. Weights and methods are compared and random errors of the values of indicators are analyzed. It is concluded that the proposed method has advantages of dynamism, fuzzification and stability by considering the interval influence of multiple indicators and using the average level characteristic values of four models as results.
Relation between Overweight/Obesity and Self-Rated Health Among Adolescents in Germany. Do Socio-Economic Status and Type of School Have an Impact on That Relation?
Authors: Krause Laura , Lampert Thomas
Published: February 2015

This study investigates the relation between overweight/obesity and self-rated health (SRH), and whether this relation varies by social factors. Data was taken from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS, baseline 2003‒2006). For the definition of overweight and obesity, body mass index was calculated based on standardized height and weight measurements. SRH of adolescents (n = 6813, 11‒17 years) was raised with the question: “How would you describe your health in general?” The response categories were “very good”, “good”, “fair”, “poor”, and “very poor”. We dichotomized these responses into: “very good/good” vs. “fair/poor/very poor”. Socio-economic status (SES) in the family of origin and adolescents’ school type were analyzed as modifying factors. Prevalence and age-adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by binary logistic regression models. We found that overweight and obese boys and obese girls reported fair to very poor SRH more often than their normal weight peers, and that these differences were more apparent in early than late adolescence. In addition, the relation between obesity and SRH was similarly strong in all sub-groups, but there was seldom a relation between overweight and SRH. In summary, the results show that obesity is linked to poor SRH regardless of SES and school type, while the relation between overweight and SRH varies by social factors among adolescents.
Biological Functions of Thyroid Hormone in Placenta
Authors: Chen Cheng-Yi , Chen Chie-Pein , Lin Kwang-Huei
Published: February 2015

The thyroid hormone, 3,3,5-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3), modulates several physiological processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, metabolism, inflammation and proliferation, via interactions with thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) in the regulatory regions of target genes. Infection and inflammation are critical processes in placental development and pregnancy-related diseases. In particular, infection is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, to date, no successful approach has been developed for the effective diagnosis of infection in preterm infants. Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious disorder that adversely affects ~5% of human pregnancies. Recent studies identified a multiprotein complex, the inflammasome, including the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family of cytosolic pattern recognition receptors, the adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and caspase-1, which plays a vital role in the placenta. The thyroid hormone modulates inflammation processes and is additionally implicated in placental development and disease. Therefore, elucidation of thyroid hormone receptor-regulated inflammation-related molecules, and their underlying mechanisms in placenta, should facilitate the identification of novel predictive and therapeutic targets for placental disorders. This review provides a detailed summary of current knowledge with respect to identification of useful biomarkers and their physiological significance in placenta.
Genetic Variant in Interleukin-18 Is Associated with Idiopathic Recurrent Miscarriage in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Yue Jun , Tong Yu , Zhou Jing , Liu Qingqing , Yang Jiyun
Published: February 2015

Levels of IL-18 were significantly lower in women with recurrent miscarriage (RM) than those without idiopathic RM. IL-18 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms were previously identified to have an impact on IL18 gene transcription activity and influence the level of IL-18 protein production. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether IL-18 gene polymorphisms are risk factors for idiopathic RM in Chinese Han population. Study subjects comprised of 484 idiopathic RM patients and 468 controls. Three polymorphisms (rs360717, rs187238, rs1946518) in IL-18 gene and serum IL-18 concentrations were assessed. rs187238 variant exhibits significant association with RM in additive and recessive genetic model (additive model p = 1.05 × 10−4, dominant model p = 0.025, recessive model p = 2.43 × 10−5). In contrast, rs360717 and rs1946518 are not significantly associated with RM. Serum IL-18 levels are significantly lower in RM cases than in control (111.98 ± 93.13 versus 148.74 ± 130.51 pg/mL, p = 7.42 × 10−7). There are lower levels of serum IL-18 in rs187238 homozygous mutant (CC) than homozygous wild-type (GG) in this study population, including cases and control groups (98.31 ± 86.46 versus 131.87 ± 115.02 pg/mL, p = 0.015). These results suggest that reduced IL-18 levels and rs187238 variant may contribute to pathogenesis of idiopathic RM in Chinese Han population.
Potential Role of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV in the Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Authors: Salles Thiago , Dos Santos Leonardo , Barauna Valério , Girardi Adriana
Published: February 2015

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is a widely expressed multifunctional serine peptidase that exists as a membrane-anchored cell surface protein or in a soluble form in the plasma and other body fluids. Numerous substrates are cleaved at the penultimate amino acid by DPPIV, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-α), all of which play important roles in the cardiovascular system. In this regard, recent reports have documented that circulating DPPIV activity correlates with poorer cardiovascular outcomes in human and experimental heart failure (HF). Moreover, emerging evidence indicates that DPPIV inhibitors exert cardioprotective and renoprotective actions in a variety of experimental models of cardiac dysfunction. On the other hand, conflicting results have been found when translating these promising findings from preclinical animal models to clinical therapy. In this review, we discuss how DPPIV might be involved in the cardio-renal axis in HF. In addition, the potential role for DPPIV inhibitors in ameliorating heart disease is revised, focusing on the effects of the main DPPIV substrates on cardiac remodeling and renal handling of salt and water.