bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Myocardial Bioenergetics in HFpEF and the Role of Antioxidants
Authors: Hiebert John B. , Shen Qiuhua , Thimmesch Amanda , Pierce Janet
Published: August 2016

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a significant cardiovascular condition for more than 50% of patients with heart failure. Currently, there is no effective treatment to decrease morbidity and mortality rates associated with HFpEF because of its pathophysiological heterogeneity. Recent evidence shows that deficiency in myocardial bioenergetics is one of the key pathophysiological factors contributing to diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF. Another known mechanism for HFpEF is an overproduction of free radicals, specifically reactive oxygen species. To reduce free radical formation, antioxidants are often used. This article is a summative review of the recent relevant literature that addresses cardiac bioenergetics, deficiency in myocardial bioenergetics, and increased reactive oxygen species associated with HFpEF and the promising potential use of antioxidants in managing this condition.
Post-extinction Delay Necessary to Induce Retrograde Amnesia for a Moderate Extinction Training Memory
Authors: Zikmund Ashlyn J. , Briggs James F.
Published: August 2016

Two experiments using rats were conducted to evaluate the post-extinction delay necessary to obtain retrograde amnesia for a moderate extinction training memory. In Experiment 1, six minutes of extinction (i.e., cue-exposure) was sufficient to reduce fear of the black compartment of a white-black shuttle box, however the amnestic treatment cycloheximide (CHX) failed to produce retrograde amnesia for extinction (i.e., show fear). In Experiment 2, CHX was administered at various post-extinction delays (0-min, 60-min, 75-min, 120-min) to assess whether the active extinction memory could be susceptible to amnesia if the original fear memory had time to reconsolidate. The results indicated that administrating CHX 75 minutes after extinction produced retrograde amnesia for extinction, but not for shorter post-extinction delays, thus demonstrating a temporal gradient. These findings suggest that the extinction memory was active and susceptible to disruption 75 minutes after the extinction session, but the original fear memory may have been protected from the amnestic effects with sufficient time to reconsolidate.
A Review on Regulation of Gene in Eukaryotes
Authors: Panda Sasmita
Published: July 2016

Gene expression in eukaryotes can be induced by environmental factors like heat and light and by chemical molecules such as hormones and growth factors. Hormone- induced gene expression is mediated by proteins that interact with the hormones. Some of these hormone receptors act directly as transcription factors by binding to DNA sequences in the vicinity of a gene; others control transcription indirectly through a signal transduction path way that targets transcription factors to a gene.
Comparison of antimicrobial resistance pattern among clinical isolates of Gram negative bacilli from Intensive care units and General wards in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Maniyan* Gomathi , Arumugam Vijayalakshmi , Gomatheswari Nithya , Murugesan Malathi
Published: July 2016

Increasing antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide concern. The prevalence of resistance among hospitalized patients varies in different location. The right choice of antibiotic is utmost importance to initiate empirical therapy especially in critical care areas. To compare and assess the differences in the pattern of antimicrobial resistance shown by Gram Negative Bacilli (GNB) isolates from general wards and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital on 100 (50 + 50) isolates of GNB from clinical samples collected from General ward and ICU patients respectively. GNB isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined as per CLSI guidelines and analyzed for both the groups. The resistant strains were identified for Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL) and Metallo Beta Lactamase (MBL) production. In general ward isolates, Enterobacteriaceae was the commonest (78%) and nonfermenters accounts to 22%. In ICU, Enterobacteriaceae 64% and nonfermenters 36%. In ICU maximum resistance to third generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones was noted among nonfermenters. In contrary, in general ward, Escherichia coli showed highest resistance to almost all the drugs except aminoglycosides. Majority of the isolates in both the groups were sensitive to aminoglycosides (80%). ESBL producer in ICU was 80% and in general ward 72%. MBL production among nonfermenters in ICU was 25%. This study provides information on antibiotic resistance in different areas of the hospital. Need of the day is that, each hospital should have a comprehensively drafted and strictly implemented antibiotic policy.
Optimization of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production by halotolerant bacterial strains isolated from saline environment
Authors: Fathima Nabila , Krishnaswamy* Veena Gayathri
Published: July 2016

PHB is a biodegradable plastic which is becoming an environmentally friendly substitute to the synthetic plastics that are persistent and accumulate in large amounts and are non-degradable. PHB is a class of Polyhydroxyalkanoate which are similar to commercial plastics like polypropylene but with an added advantage of being biodegradable. To overcome the problem of commercializing PHB production by microorganisms because of the high cost involved, Halotolerant organisms can be used as they are easier to cultivate and do not require strict sterile conditions. In this present study PHB producing halotolerant bacterial strains were isolated from a marine environment and cultivated under saline conditions. The growth conditions of the bacterial strains were optimized for maximum production of PHB. The parameters such as pH, temperature, NaCl concentration, carbon sources, nitrogen sources and carbon and nitrogen ratio were optimized and studied.  The growth conditions for each of the parameter were optimized and the PHB production was estimated for the bacterial strains under saline conditions. The optimum pH and temperature range yielded maximum PHB production of about 42 – 45 mg/100ml and 30 – 40 mg/100ml respectively. The perspective application of PHB could be in the medicinal field for manufacturing medical devices as implants for various surgeries such as dental, cranio – maxillofacial and dental surgeries.
Productivity and Level of Weed Infestation of Legume Meadow Grasses Depending On Grass Species and Fertilization
Authors: Churkova Boryana , Bozhanska* Tatyana
Published: July 2016

The experiment was conducted in the period of 2013-2015 in the experimental field of RIMSA-Troyan. The influence of bio-fertilizers, such as boron humate and molybdenum humate at doses of 1600 ml/ha, was studied.  They were applied in the beginning of bud-formation period on legumes, such as bird's-foot-trefoil, sainfoin, and red clover. The highest positive effect of studied bio-fertilizers over productivity was found in the treatment of grassland of sainfoin. Its yield increased, after the application of boron humate, in comparison with the control by 8.3%, and molybdenum humate increased the productivity of red clover by 4.0%. Both bio-fertilizers showed a negative effect in relation to dry matter yield of bird's-foot trefoil. Foliar treatment with boron and molybdenum humate of bird's-foot-trefoil, red clover and sainfoin decreased the level of weed infestation of crops and had an influence over the biological characteristics of grass species and meteorological conditions. As a result of the influence of bio-fertilizers, the stem height of sainfoin and red clover increased, which had a favorable influence over productivity of their grasslands.
First record of Pestalotiopsis spp. from affected leaves of mastic shrubs (Pestacia lentiscus L.) in northeastern of Libya.
Authors: El-Gali Zahra Ibrahim
Published: July 2016

This study was carried out to identify the unknown different symptoms and their causes as plant pathogenic fungi from Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar District. Plant materials with fungal signs and symptoms were collected and examined. The main fungi consistently isolated from symptomatic leaves and twigs were Pestalotiopsis spp. Morphology, colony characteristics, and pathogenicity of the isolates were examined. My report the occurrence of Pestalotiopsis spp. on leaves of mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) for the first time in Libya.
Extraction of high quality genomic DNA from Madhuca longifolia (J. Koenig ex l.) J.F. macbr.
Authors: Gavankar* Rohan Vilas , Chemburkar Maya S.
Published: July 2016

Madhuca longifolia commonly known as the Mahua tree is a medium to large sized deciduous tree distributed in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is found growing wild and cultivated. The tree is considered as a kalpavriksha by the tribal who are forest dwellers and keenly conserve this tree. The flowers and fruits are edible and the flowers are fermented to prepare mahua drink which is an integral part of their cultural heritage. The seeds are good source of edible fats and used to extract oil. Several pharmacological activities are reported using various parts of the tree. Very little information exists on the molecular aspects of Madhuca longifolia which requires high quality DNA. Optimization of DNA extraction using CTAB and SDS buffer system was standardized. A protocol for extraction of high quality DNA from tree species which are rich in polyphenols is hereby discussed.
Sensitivity detection of Abacavir in human through SNP detection of HLA-B*5701 allele
Authors: Mitra* Tanushree , Kumdale Shivshankar , Chowdhary Sameer , Raut Amol D.
Published: July 2016

The main objective of this study was to make sure whether randomly taken 12 samples were sensitive to abacavir. The genomic DNA from 12 blood sample were extracted by phenol chloroform DNA extraction method, extracted genomic DNA were amplified and sequenced, thereafter SNPs were detected. Every sample had shown the presence of normal base at SNP position. This study indicated, those randomly taken 12 patients were sensitive to abacavir, so they can consume abacavir if they get infected with HIV.
Study of lipid profile, enzymatic antioxidant and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Mahato Binod
Published: July 2016

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death in the India, therefore present study, was aimed to study the lipid profile, enzymatic antioxidant and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. The study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry and Medicine MGM Medical College and Hospital, Mumbai. 5ml. Blood sample was drawn into plain vacutainers and was utilised for estimation of lipid profile, oxidative stress markers concentration and antioxidant enzymes activities. The mean values of Total cholesterol, LDL TG, and MDA were significantly increased in CVD patients as compared to control (p<0.0001) and HDL, NO, SOD, CAT in CVD patients were significantly decreased as compared to control (p<0.0001). The present study reveals the importance of determining the lipid profile, free radicals and antioxidant status in CVD to enable the formulation of specific therapies for early intervention and better management of disease.
Evaluation of In-vitro cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis
Authors: Jain Anushi , Roy Soumen , Joshi* Ambika , Joshi Nitesh
Published: July 2016

Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis are two common weeds in India which have shown to possess several medicinal properties. The present study pertains to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of the leaf extracts of these plants. The extraction of leaf content of the plants was carried out by soxhlet method using methanol. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed in vitro on vero cell line by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay method. In vitro antioxidant activity was carried out by DPPH radical scavenging method. The cytotoxicity activity for I. Carnea i.e. IC50 (50% growth inhibition) value was found to be 1mg/ml and the IC50 of A.sessilis was found to be 6.5mg/ml. The antioxidant activity of I. Carnea i.e. IC50 value was found to be 1200ug/ml whereas that of A. sessilis was found to be 400ug/ml. The cytotoxic activity was higher for Ipomoea extracts as compared to Alternanthera extracts. However, the DPPH free radical scavenging activity was higher for Alternanthera sessilis extracts as compared to Ipomoea carnea extracts. Both showed high in vitro activity, which indicates the therapeutic potential of these plants.
A survey on the biological control of leafhoppers and planthoppers, injurious to rice plants by Pipunculids (Diptera)
Authors: Amogh* Shailendra Kumar , Kumar Ashwani , Michael Prakash
Published: July 2016

The project aim of the research is to find out different species of Pipunculids, natural enemies of rice leaf hoppers and plant hoppers in Indo- Nepal region in order to contribute towards the basic study of taxonomy of Pipunculids and biological control of these pests. In the present work eight specimen of Pipunculids were collected in which two species are new ones (Eudoryllas curvibellata sp. nov. and Pipunculus (Cephalops) Pokharensis sp. nov.) Simultaneously several leaf hoppers were collected and examined in different seasons and in different places. The percentage of parastism by Pipunculids in leaf hoppers was about 27.5%. It was also concluded that fencing of field with flowering plants saves crops because it was observed that the average parasitism was 46.5% in fencing field with flowering plants in comparision to the non-fencing field where the average parasitism was only 13%. Biological control of these pests will offer scope to contribute to better rice pest management.
Enlivening the Waterfront: Crime prevention through design
Authors: Md Radzi Mohd Zulhaimi Izwan , Isnin Zarina , Yahya Zaharah
Published: August 2016

This paper proposed a theoretical design principle to enlivening waterfront space planning for crime prevention. Waterfront is usually the focal point of urban or port activity and became the symbiosis between water-related and urban-based functions. Increasing reports on crime problem have caused design, planning and development of waterfronts to be challenging and contentious. This study involved qualitative method and observation to Lumut Waterfront in Perak, Malaysia. Design approaches were identified based on crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). Characteristics and criteria of CPTED were adapted to emphasise on public safety. It may be costly, but safety is more important.
Food Safety and Hygiene Practice among Hotel in Malaysia: Qualitative Approach
Authors: Jeinie Mohammad Halim , Md. Sharif Mohd Shazali , Saad Mazni , Md Nor Norazmir
Published: August 2016

This study examines the effectiveness of food safety and hygiene practice (FSHP) among restaurants in a selected Malaysian hotel and impact of FSHP toward culinary intern. It is essential to examine effectiveness FSHP among the hotel restaurants and its impact on culinary intern towards producing competent food handler. Using qualitative method, five (5) of culinary intern were interviewed. The data were then transcribing and analyzed using Atlas.ti software. Finding of a current study confirming the effectiveness FSHP in a hotel restaurant in Malaysia depends on the type of hotel, star rating, and location.
Editorial
Authors: Jha Prof. P. N.
Published: July 2016

You may subscribe to a notion that the ambitious plan on entrepreneurship and innovation in our country has to be nurtured through emerging technologies, resulting as newly sprouted shoots of scientific researches & investigations carried out globally. According to Unesco's Science Report, the European Union is the world leader in terms of its global share of science researchers (22.2%), ahead of China (19.1%) and the US (16.7%). The EU is admittedly a community of scientific talent which can flow between countries and which can assemble bespoke constellations of cutting-edge labs, industry and small businesses to tackle challenges local and global. Given that the European Research Area produces a major chunk of the world's research output, this collective spirit provides a powerful environment to combine leading players across borders to common advantage. So large is the programme that top teams in about two hundred other nations in the world are easily taken on board as secondary participants. Since the 1980s, global research has rapidly grown more international. The prevalence of scientific research papers co-authored by researchers from more than one country has risen sharply. This, in a nutshell, is how a larger aggregation of countries converts its critical mass into a critical research advantage, globally. But, the recent disaster of Brexit referendum, the exit of the UK from the European Union, on an ugly xenophobia leading to a slim margin of 51.9% to 48.1%, is most likely to unleash global turmoil. It would not only weaken the EU economically and politically, but would equally be a blow to the European scientific projects, which in turn may adversely affect our entrepreneurial and innovation-drives. We, therefore, ought to ensure our preparedness to combat any similar challenge in the aftermath of Brexit. The new issue of SMS Journal of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, with twelve research papers and articles representing the intellectual strivings of a new set of authors, is expected to be matching to your cognitive tastes. The Journal has been striving to bring together the views of all the relevant epistemological stakeholders on a common platform for causing a continuous learning and development. Your feedback, suggestions, and contemporary article contributions will go a long way in making the publication one of the most resourceful knowledge-reservoir in the country for the relevant domain. All the contributors to this issue deserve our heartfelt thanks, and I on behalf of the Editorial Board hereby do so. We further seek a similar patronage of the Advisory Board for the great mission of 'SMS Journal of Entrepreneurship & Innovation' to be attained. I close with warm wishes.
An Enterprenuerial Approach for Revival: A Case Study of IFCI
Authors: Yadav Hemant Kumar
Published: July 2016

The Industrial Finance Corporation of India is the first development financial institution established on 1st July 1948 to cater a long term financial needs of the Indian industries by act of parliament. The main objective of this development financial institution is to promote Entrepreneurial thinking of the different sectors in Indian Industries. Since from 1947, IFCI supported wide variety of Indian industries through its financial resources as well as advisory services to create a huge difference from other countries and made our country developing. In early 1990, after the economic reforms Industrial Finance Corporation of India is not responding according to the changing scenario, which creates a huge nonperforming assets during 1995 to 2008. To revive again from this dark period, IFCI has adopted entrepreneurial steps by starting special schemes for project financing and economic development. IFCI has fulfilled its original mandates as a developing financial institution by providing long term, medium term and short term financial support to all segments of Indian industries. So the main theme of this paper is to examine about the project financing, advisory services and promotional schemes started by IFCI to wide variety of industries and sectors for the revival of itself. It also focuses on development of all the community and removing regional disparity as well as providing low rate loans to entrepreneurial needs. This research paper has a great impact on those factors which shows potential performance in coming future years.
Role of Income Generation Programme in Women Empowerment
Authors: Rao Shalakha , Kushwaha Shivani
Published: July 2016

The connection between poverty and women's lack of power over resources and decision-making has now caught the attention of policymakers in government and mainstream development all over the world. Women empowerment issues perceived nationally or locally are being addressed by both state and non-state agencies. Beside the government intervention, NGOs are implementing various types of Women Empowerment Programmes including IG Programmes. Women Empowerment Programmes in India include livelihood support Programme, rehabilitation and job placement for rescued women, safe motherhood Programme and so forth. In spite of involvement of various NGOs in women empowerment through Income Generation and Skill Development Programmes, the status of women is still not satisfactory in India as various official as well as unofficial reports claim and the outcomes against the stated objectives of the NGOs' Women Empowerment Programmes are often questioned. Therefore, the present study is focused in assessing the impact of IG Programmes run by non-government organizations in empowering women. The researcher hypothesizes that IG Programme with its components viz., skill training, resource inputs of loan and equipment help to increase income to the women through independent business or work in the related field; the increased income lessens their dependence on family heads and enables to spend for personal expenses; gives them certain freedoms as individuals; enables them to contribute to family affairs financially, which creates an environment in the family in favor or the women to accept her views and participation in family matters like education, marriage, purchase etc.
Agricultura familiar, habitus e acesso à terra
Authors: De Castro Luís Felipe Perdigão
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo discute a dinâmica histórica e cultural do rural brasileiro, enfatizando as formas de agir e viver do agricultor familiar. Investigam-se fatores de caráter social e cultural altamente específicos dos agricultores familiares e suas relações com perspectivas de desenvolvimento agrícola alternativas às propostas originárias da Revolução Verde. O pano de fundo é o acesso à terra como direito constitucional fundamental.
Home-Based Psychiatric Outpatient Care Through Videoconferencing for Depression: A Randomized Controlled Follow-Up Trial
Authors: Hungerbuehler Ines , Valiengo Leandro , Loch Alexandre A , Rössler Wulf , Gattaz Wagner F
Published: August 2016

Background

There is a tremendous opportunity for innovative mental health care solutions such as psychiatric care through videoconferencing to increase the number of people who have access to quality care. However, studies are needed to generate empirical evidence on the use of psychiatric outpatient care via videoconferencing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and clinically unsupervised settings.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of home-based treatment for mild depression through psychiatric consultations via videoconferencing.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with a 6- and 12-month follow-up including adults with mild depression treated in an ambulatory setting was conducted. In total, 107 participants were randomly allocated to the videoconferencing intervention group (n=53) or the face-to-face group (F2F; n=54). The groups did not differ with respect to demographic characteristics at baseline. The F2F group completed monthly follow-up consultations in person. The videoconferencing group received monthly follow-up consultations with a psychiatrist through videoconferencing at home. At baseline and after 6 and 12 months, in-person assessments were conducted with all participants. Clinical outcomes (severity of depression, mental health status, medication course, and relapses), satisfaction with treatment, therapeutic relationship, treatment adherence (appointment compliance and dropouts), and medication adherence were assessed.

Results

The severity of depression decreased significantly over the 12-month follow-up in both the groups. There was a significant difference between groups regarding treatment outcomes throughout the follow-up period, with better results in the videoconferencing group. There were 4 relapses in the F2F group and only 1 in the videoconferencing group. No significant differences between groups regarding mental health status, satisfaction with treatment, therapeutic relationship, treatment adherence, or medication compliance were found. However, after 6 months, the rate of dropouts was significantly higher in the F2F group (18.5% vs 5.7% in the videoconferencing group, P<.05).

Conclusions

Psychiatric treatment through videoconferencing in clinically unsupervised settings can be considered feasible and as effective as standard care (in-person treatment) for depressed outpatients with respect to clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, therapeutic relationship, treatment adherence, and medication compliance. These results indicate the potential of telepsychiatry to extend access to psychiatric care to remote and underserved populations.

ClinicalTrial

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01901315; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01901315 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6jBTrIVwg)
Truck Fleet of Northern Plains Grain Farms
Authors: Vachal Kimberly
Published: August 2016

A survey of farm operators in the Northern Plains region of North Dakota, northern South Dakota, western Minnesota, and eastern Montana was conducted to gather information about the transportation of crops, the inventory and characteristics of the farmer-owned truck fleet, and on-farm storage capacity. The objective of the study was to provide information about farm truck inventory in the Northern Plains region. There was no other source for this information, and it should be unique and complementary to other farm-to-market information and national commodity flow publications. Farmers may use the results for their own investment and productivity assessments. Local and regional planners and policy makers can use the information for calibrating travel demand and freight flow models for investment and asset management choices.
Dynamic Model for System-Level Strategic Intermodal Facility Investment Planning
Authors: Benedyk Irina V. , Peeta Srinivas , Zheng Hong , Guo Yuntao , Iyer Ananth V.
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a scenario-based mixed-integer dynamic capacitated intermodal facility location model (IFLM) for determining the optimal strategic intermodal facility investment planning strategy that accounts for freight transportation demand uncertainty. The proposed model helps high-level policy makers with strategic investment planning for intermodal facilities at a regional or national level and fosters coordinated strategies and policies for intermodal facility development from a systems perspective. A scenario-based approach characterizes demand uncertainty induced by global trade changes and emerging infrastructure development projects. Dynamic demand is incorporated into the model to capture the impact of differences in the evolution of various scenarios on system-level strategic intermodal investment planning. The proposed IFLM captures the impact of congestion, transshipment costs, changes in capacity of intermodal facilities, economies of scale, and empty-container repositioning costs on freight transportation demand and strategic intermodal investment planning. Three numerical experiments demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and explore the impacts of intermodal facility service-level changes of some regions on the freight transportation demand for other regions and the optimal intermodal investment planning strategy in the United States. The results show that the proposed model can help decision makers in strategic intermodal facility investment planning by prioritizing capacity expansion of ports and terminals. The results also illustrate the importance of system-level and coordinated planning in strategic intermodal investment in the decision-making process. The proposed IFLM can be integrated with operational planning models to improve investment decision making.
Estimation of heritability, breeding values and genetic trends for growth traits of exotic goat
Authors: Hassan MR , Sultana S , Iqbal A , Talukder MAI
Published: July 2016

The present study was considered to estimate the variance components, heritability and prediction of breeding values (PBV) for important growth traits of exotic goat. Traits were considered birth weight, weaning weight, 6 months weight and weight at 9 months. Data were collected from the goat farm of Bangladesh livestock research institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka. Heritability values for the studied traits were estimated by Multivariate animal model using principles of Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) procedure. The mean birth weight, weaning weight, 6 and 9 months weight of exotic goat were recorded as 1.41, 7.39, 11.06 and 14.09 kgs respectively. Calculated Heritability values were 0.33, 0.39, 0.45 and 0.32 for the birth weight, weaning weight, and weight at 6 and 9 month respectively. Heritability estimates for different growth traits of exotic goat were found higher but the highest for the 6 month body weight (0.45). Among the live weight categories of exotic goat the maximum average PBV was found for the 6-month body weight (7.42). The genetic trends among the generations in birth and 6 month weight were increased from foundation to generation 1 and 2. Therefore, the results revealed that the 6 months body weight can be considered as an indicator of growth and sire selection and could be effective for enhancing growth of exotic kids.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2013), 3(1-4) 7-11
Effect of enzyme, multivitamin and growth promoter on growth performance and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken
Authors: Das MR , Sarker MMH , Rashid MB , Miah MA
Published: July 2016

To investigate the effect of exogenous enzymes, multivitamin and growth promoter on growth performance and different hemato-biochemical parameters of broilers, ten days old Cobb 500 chicks were used and randomly divided into five equal groups (n=10). Group A was considered as control, fed only with commercial ration. Group B, C, D and E were supplemented with enzymes, multivitamin and enzymes plus multivitamin and growth promoter, respectively for the period of 21 days. Results revealed that body weight was increased significantly (p <0.05) in all four treated groups and highest body weight was recorded in group D. Weights of different organs except viscera (liver, spleen, skin, legs, breast meat, leg meat and viscera) were also varied significantly (p <0.05) among the treated groups. TEC increased significantly (p<0.05) in birds of all treated groups except group E whereas Hb concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) in all treated groups (B, C, D and E) as compared to control group A. Highest PCV was also recorded in group C but all the values were more or less similar and statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Biochemical parameters like AST were decreased significantly (p<0.05) in treated groups except group B and C. But, ALT values decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all treated groups in comparison to control group. It is concluded that combined supplementation of enzyme and multivitamin improved better in body weight and different organs weight gain and improves hemato-biochemical profile in broilers.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(1) 1-4
Prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine clinical mastitis in Patiya upazila under Chittagong district of Bangladesh
Authors: Bari MS , Alam M , Uddin M , Rahman MK
Published: July 2016

A cross sectional study was conducted to measure the prevalence; and identification of risk factors associated with clinical mastitis in dairy cows at Patiya upazila under Chittagong district of Bangladesh from 20th July to 31st December, 2013. A total of 160 farms and households were selected and 634 cows were clinically examined for determining the prevalence of mastitis and identification of risk factors. The overall prevalence of clinical mastitis was found 8.36%. Mastitis prevalence in crossbred cows was significantly (P<0.05) higher (10.09%) than indigenous cows (4.26%). The prevalence of mastitis was also significantly higher (P<0.05) with advancing age (12.5%) and in 3rd lactation period (13.62%). The cows were more prone to mastitis during 1st month of lactation (17.53%). There was a significant relationship (P<0.05) between prevalence of clinical mastitis and associated risk factors like general physical condition, herd size, frequency of dung removal, floor drainage quality and condition of floor. There was higher (P<0.01) prevalence (33.67%) of mastitis in cows having history of peri-parturient disease compared to those not having such history. Therefore, it can be concluded that minimization of risk factors of mastitis is very much necessary to control mastitis as well as to increase profitability of dairy farms.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(1) 5-9
Effects of gamma irradiation on the shelf-life of frozen tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798)
Authors: Mustafa MG , Hossain MA , Alam MJ , Khan MMR , Nilla SS , Alam MZ
Published: July 2016

The effects of three levels of irradiation (3, 6 and 9 KGy) during storage period (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days) were evaluated in frozen tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Biochemical composition was analyzed before and after treatment. Quality of tiger shrimp was assessed through organoleptic, chemical (Total Volatile Nitrogen, TVN and Trimethylamine, TMA) and microbiological (Total Bacterial Count (TBC); Total Mold Counts (TMC); Total Yeast Count, (TYC); Total Coliform Count, (TCC) and Salmonella count) evaluation at an interval of 15 days during the storage period. High doses of radiation affected on the texture of fish. While, the maximum shelf life was observed for 9 KGy irradiated sample. All the samples were acceptable during 90 days of storage period because the upper limit of all spoilage indicators did not exceed the recommended values.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(1) 10-15
A Comparative Study on the Quality of Available Brand and Non Brand Fluid Milk Consumed by the People of Chittagong City of Bangladesh
Authors: Debnath GK , Kober AKMH , Chanda T , Chanda GC , Bari MS
Published: July 2016

The study was undertaken to have a comparative investigation on the quality of available brand and non-brand fluid milk consumed by the inhabitants of Chittagong City (CC). Milk samples were collected from the city vendors, departmental stores, households and dairy farms. A total of 100 samples were analyzed for nutritional (percentage of butter fat, solids-not-fat and protein), chemical (pasteurization test, added preservatives and adulteration status) and microbial (standard plate count and coliform count) parameters to evaluate the quality of the collected milk samples. The study reveals that the collected milk samples show significant (P?0.01) variation in nutritional, chemical and microbiological parameters among the sources. All brands milk samples were properly pasteurized. The quality of milk samples from local farms was good except coliform counts. All the samples possessed high coliform counts. The quality of farm produced milk and rural milk were deteriorated by middlemen due to adulteration with water. Water adulteration was detected in 68% and 54% of the milk samples in case of vendor supplied rural and vendor supplied farm milk respectively. Most alarming fact is more than 10% milk samples contained formalin in case of vendor supplied rural milk. It may be concluded that both the vendor supplied rural milk and vendor supplied farm milk were low quality due to water adulteration and added formalin preservatives respectively.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(1) 16-20
Prevalence and clinico-pathological parameters of PPR infected goats and their response to antibiotic treatment at Panchlaish, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Naznin M , Ahaduzzaman M , Chowdhury S , Biswas PK
Published: July 2016

The present study was conducted in the Panchlaish Upazilla Veterinary Hospital of Chittagong district during the period of July to September, 2013 to find out the prevalence and clinico-pathological findings of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in goats, and to observe the response of PPR-goats to different treatments. During the course of study 202 goats were examined of which 98 were PPR positive. Diagnosis of a PPR case was made following the clinical examinations. The results showes that the median age of PPR-goats was higher compared with the healthy ones. The median per-rectum temperature, heart and respiratory rates were also higher in the the PPR-postive goats. No significant difference was seen on its prevalence in goats belonging to Black Bengal or Jamunapari breeds. Its occurence was also evenly seen in each of the three months-July, August and September. But, prevalence of PPR was significantly higher in the non-vaccinated goats. Some hematological parameters except neutrophil count was lower in PPR goats. The recovery rate from clinical signs was higher in goats treated with parenteral administration of oxytetracycline.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(2) 1-7
Socio-economic status of the farmers and economic analysis of poultry farming at Gazipur district in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam M , Sultana S , Hassan MM , Hasanuzzaman M , Faruk MSA
Published: July 2016

The study was conducted to identify the socio-economic status of the poultry farmers and economic analysis of poultry farming at Gazipur, Bangladesh. A Total of 40 poultry farms (20 broilers and 20 layers) were selected. The farmers and farming were evaluated through the analysis of data that were collected in a pre-structured questionnaire. This study revealed that comparatively rich farmers (42.5% had >4.94 acre of land) were involved in farming. There were significant variations (p<0.05) in source of investment (57.5% own, 32.5% bank loan, 7.5% from money lenders with interest and 5% from money lenders without interest), training (72.5% not received and 27.5% received), farming as an occupation for the farmers (55% main and 45% subsidiary occupation), amount of loan taken (50% have loan and 50% have no loan), level of educational knowledge (62.5% poor, 25% medium and 23.5 % high), sources of drinking water (87.5% have own tube-well), latrine condition (67.5% have sanitary latrine) and health status of the farmers (30% good, 50% medium and 20% poor). There were no significant variation (p>0.05) in farm size and management skills of the farmers. The average number of children per farmer attends to primary school, high school, college and university were 0.7, 0.75, 0.1 and 0.01 in case of boys and 0.5, 0.45, 0.07 and 0.01 in case of girls, respectively. Per bird average annual rearing cost, return, and cost benefit ratio were 925.5 BDT., 1080 BDT. and 1:1.17 in broiler and 1332.5 BDT., 2210 BDT. and 1:1.66 in layer, respectively. This study recommends although initial investment is higher; layer farming is more profitable than broiler.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(2) 8-12
Effect of different constant and alternative temperatures and light situations on germination behavior of two Purslane (Protulaca oleracea L.) populations
Authors: Golzardi F , Vaziritabar Y , Asilan K Sadat , Ashraf M , Ebadi SZ , Sarvaramini SH
Published: July 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the germination behavior of two purslane populations (Karaj and Ahvaz), the effect of constant temperatures under two light regimes (12 hrs light/dark and continuous dark), alternative temperatures (day/night) and the lighting/darkness periods on purslane germination. The study was conducted in a randomized complete blocks design with four replications. The results showed that the highest percentage and germination rate in constant temperatures under two light regimes in Karaj mass (continuous darkness) and Ahvaz (12/12 hrs light/darkness), respectively at 25 and 30 °C (Optimum temperature) was observed. Purslane percentage and germination rate changes in alternating temperature (day/night) showed, the maximum values of both masses achieved at 30/20°C alternative temperature. According to result, by getting away from the optimum temperature, the germination percentage and its rate tends to have a descending process in both thermal experiments (alternative and constant temperature tests). Also the effect of different darkness/light periods on purslane percentage and germination rate showed, at (0/24) constant darkness treatment these traits got to the lowest point. The highest percentage and germination rates in Karaj and Ahvaz populations, respectively observed at 0/24, 12/12, 10/14 and 8/16 treatments; which had no statistical difference. Radicle length, shoot length and fresh weight of seedlings in both populations at constant temperatures under both light regimes at 20 to 30 °C and alternative temperatures (light/dark) at 30/20 °C had the highest values.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(2) 13-21
Determination of the serum antibody level of different age groups of broiler chicken against Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)
Authors: Hossain MI , Nath BK , Prodhan MAM
Published: July 2016

A study on Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) was conducted on broiler chicks (N=200+70) of strains: Cobb-500 and Hubbard classic at Laxmipur district of Bangladesh. The blood sample were collected at day old chicks (1st day), pre-vaccinated flocks (11th day) and post-vaccinated flocks (26th day), to measure the antibody titer by indirect ELISA method. Maternal derived antibody (MDA) mean titer of day old chicks (N=40) were found 9621.65 ± 780.78 and 4232.60 ± 301.66 for Cobb-500 and Hubbard classic respectively. MDA mean titer was measured at day eleven chicken (N=60) before vaccination and found 1963.00 ± 143 and 984.16 ± 126.4037 respectively. Of these two titers; Cobb-500 strain was found to be protective (>1000) where Hubbard classic was below protective (<1000) titer level. The two flocks of Cobb-500 and Hubbard classic strains of broiler chickens were vaccinated with intermediate (Bursine-2) and intermediate plus (IBD Blen) vaccine respectively at day twelve and serum was harvested on day twenty six. The mean serum titers were found 131.30 ± 36.04 and 7413.54 ± 569.39 in Cobb-500 and Hubbard classic respectively, where mean titer level of Cobb-500 was below the minimum protective level but Hubbard classic strain was developed 7413.54, protective level. These results were indicating that the maternal derived antibody titer persists above 1000 level hindering the development of antibody titer in vaccinated flocks. However, persistence of MDA titer above 1000 may causes of vaccination failure of IBD vaccine.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(2) 22-27
Effect of exogenous salicylic acid under irrigation withholding at different growth stages in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Dabzad MA , Moghadam HRT , Zahedi H
Published: July 2016

Salicylic acid (SA), an endogenous plant growth regulator has been found to generate a wide range of metabolic and physiological responses in plants affecting their growth and development. In order to study effect of salicylic acid foliar application and limited irrigation on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of wheat, this experiment was conducted at Varamin, Iran during 2014 growing season. The experimental design was laid out in a randomized complete block with a split plots arrangement of treatments in three replications. Main plots included four different levels of irrigation (complete irrigation, irrigation withholding at stem elongation stage, irrigation withholding at flowering stage and irrigation withholding at seed filling period stage) and different concentration of foliar application of salicylic acid (0, 150 and 300 ?M) were allocated to subplots. The results showed that irrigation withholding conditions in different growth stages significantly decreased seed yield, RWC and total chlorophyll but by contrast increased membrane stability, proline content, SOD and CAT enzymes activity and also lipid and protein peroxidation. Salicylic acid foliar application had positive effect on all attributes in this experiment. In general, the results of the present study indicate that usage of salicylic acid reduces the harmful effects of water deficit stress and increases resistance to drought stress in wheat plant.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(2) 28-33
Post Mortem Examination of Barn owl in Bangladesh - A first case report
Authors: Das BC , Das S , Nath BK , Parvez MA , Hossain S
Published: July 2016

The present study was the first postmortem examination of a barn owl in Bangladesh. A female Barn owl weighing 450grams was brought to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital (TVH) at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) by the forest department, Chittagong. The history of traumatic injury on left wing by an electric fan one day back was recorded. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed an open overriding proximal left metacarpal fracture and was decided for pinning to correct the fracture. Retrograde intramedullary pinning was performed and immobilized the wing by bandage. At postoperative day one, owl was found death and PM was performed to find out the actual clues. Gross postmortem examination revealed chalky whitish layer formed over the heart and liver which indicates pericarditis and perihepatitis. Hemorrhage in the left thigh muscle was also observed. Biochemical examination revealed salmonella organism in the samples of liver and heart. Histopathological examination found tissue changes in the suspected organs. In conclusion, it is revealed that the probable causes of death were inanition, pain shock, unfavorable environment and with salmonella infection.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(2) 34-37
The study of humic acid foliar application on physiological and biochemical changes in wheat under irrigation withholding at different growth stages
Authors: Tohidi HR
Published: July 2016

In order to study effect of humic acid (HA) foliar application and limited irrigation, on physiological and biochemical characteristics of wheat an experiment was conducted in research field of Varamin, Iran during 2012 growing season. The experimental design was laid out in a randomized complete block with a split plots arrangement of treatments in three replications. Main plots included four different levels of irrigation (complete irrigation, irrigation withholding at stem elongation stage, irrigation withholding at flowering stage and irrigation withholding at seed setting stage) and three different concentration of HA foliar application (0, 150 and 300) was allocated to subplots. The results showed that irrigation withholding conditions in different growth stages significantly decreased seed yield and total chlorophyll content but by contrast increased electrolyte leakage, antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid and protein peroxidation. It appears that HA act in plants via a specific form of stress that is detected by anti-stress defense systems in plants. These HA applied to plants can protect against water stress in degraded soils.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(1) 1-7