bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Disorder-Specific, Cognitively Focused Group Treatment for Childhood Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Development and Case Illustration of the No Worries! Program
Authors: Holmes Monique C. , Donovan Caroline L. , Farrell Lara J.
Published: November 2015

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent, chronic, and costly mental disorder in children, and there is a comparative lack of research on specific treatments for GAD, relative to other anxiety disorders. Furthermore, treatment programs for child GAD, unlike those for adults, are almost uniformly transdiagnostic in nature and do not specifically target the cognitive variables (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty, negative beliefs about worry, cognitive avoidance, and negative problem orientation) demonstrated to be correlated with the disorder. However, helping children to understand and address these rather complex cognitive factors is difficult. This article describes the development of a disorder-specific, cognitively focused group treatment program for child GAD (the No Worries! Program) that aims to target the cognitive variables and symptoms correlated with the GAD. It provides a detailed discussion of the strategies taught to children and highlights some of the challenges involved. A case study is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving successful outcomes with complex presentations.
Phenomenology, Clinical Correlates, and Impairment in Emetophobia
Authors: Wu Monica S. , Rudy Brittany M. , Arnold Elysse B. , Storch Eric A.
Published: November 2015

Emetophobia, or a specific phobia of vomiting, is an underresearched disorder characterized by extensive avoidance and safety-seeking behaviors. Extant literature has primarily focused on online support groups and qualitative investigations, thereby limiting the generalizability of results. As such, this study sought to examine the clinical correlates, phenomenology, and impairment related to emetophobia in 436 undergraduate students. About 5% of the sample exhibited significant emetophobia symptoms (n = 21), with all participants in this subsample reporting an age of onset prior to adulthood. In addition, participants’ most distressing aspects of emetophobia were reported to be the somatic sensations of vomiting and the social impact of the disorder. For the entire sample (N = 436), emetophobia symptoms were associated with heightened anxiety, somatization, and depressive symptoms. In addition, functional impairment was observed across home/family, school/work, and social domains of life, even after controlling for the effects of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Detailed results and implications of the findings are discussed, and suggestions for future studies are presented.
Intravenous Immune Globulin in Amyopathic Dermatomyositis - Report
of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cafardi John M. , Sami Naveed
Published: November 2015

Amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) is a rare subtype of dermatomyositis which is often recalcitrant to
immune suppressing treatments. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used in the treatment of refractory
dermatomyositis. We present two patients with severe ADM, who were treated with IVIG at 2 g/kg every four weeks.
Both patients had a successful response and were able to taper the dosage of prednisone. We present both cases in
describing IVIG as a rescue and maintenance steroid-sparing agent in the treatment of severe refractory ADM. We also
review the treatment of refractory ADM with IVIg in the English literature.
Non-Recurrence Complications of Fibrin Glue Use in Pterygium Surgery: Prevention and Management
Authors: Hüseyin Cagatay Halil , Gökçe Gökçen , Mete Alper , Koban Yaran , Ekinci Metin
Published: November 2015

Purpose :

To present complications of using fibrin glue in conjunctival-limbal autografting in pterygium
surgeries other than recurrences and discuss their prevention and management strategies.

Materials and Methodology:

The charts of all patients who underwent fibrin glue assisted pterygium excision surgery with
conjunctival-limbal autograft transplantation from 2010 to 2013 were reviewed. Patients who developed complications
except recurrence postoperatively were included in this study.

Results :

Sixteen (17.39%) of the 92 patients were detected with a complication. Graft dehiscence was diagnosed in 7
(7.6%) patients with 5 of them treated conservatively and 2 patients requiring suturing. Five (5.43%) patients were
diagnosed with cyst formation between the graft and conjunctiva or in the graft-removal area; these cysts were primarily
excised and no additional problems occurred. Corneal dellen developed in 3 (3.26%) patients and 2 of them regressed
after cessation of topical steroids and application of lubricant therapy while one was treated with amniotic membrane
transplantation. Residual fibrin glue particles had stiffened on the ocular surface, which resulted in intensive pain and
irritation in one (1.08%) patient on the same day of the surgery. The patient’s complaints were reduced by removing these
particles from the ocular surface under topical anesthesia.

Conclusion :

Complications in fibrin glue assisted pterygium surgery are relatively different from other techniques. To
avoid potential complications of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery, peroperatively ophthalmologists should ensure the
conjunctival autograft and conjunctiva are properly adhered, fibrin glue remnants are completely removed from the ocular
surface, and no Tenon’s capsule remains between the graft and the conjunctiva.
Screening for breast cancer with Breast-CT in a ProHTA simulation
Authors: Ruile Georg , Djanatliev Anatoli , Kriza Christine , Meier Florian , Leb Ines , Kalender Willi A , Kolominsky-Rabas Peter L ,   ; on behalf of the National Leading-Edge Cluster Medical Technologies ‘Medical Valley EMN’
Published: November 2015

Aims:
The potential of dedicated Breast-CT is evaluated by simulating its impact onto the performance of the German breast cancer screening program. Attendance rates, cancer detection and economic implications are quantified.
Methods:
Based on a prospective health technology assessment approach, we simulated screening in different scenarios.
Results:
In the simulation, attendance rates increase from 54 to up to 72% due to reduced pain. Breast cancers will be detected earlier while nodal positives and distant recurrences decrease. Assuming no additional cost, cost savings of up to €55 million in one screening period are computed.
Conclusion:
The simulation indicates that earlier cancer detection, fewer unnecessary biopsies and less pain are potential benefits of Breast-CT resulting in cost savings and higher attendance.
Approaches to the management of functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Rogers Jason H , Bolling Steven F
Published: November 2015

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is an acquired valvular abnormality that is most frequently encountered during the evaluation and operative management of left-sided heart failure and left heart valve disease. Observational studies have demonstrated that uncorrected significant FTR during mitral valve surgery can result in inferior early and late outcomes due to progression of FTR and underlying right heart failure. The 2012 ESC/EACTS and 2014 ACC/AHA guidelines strongly encourage the surgical correction of greater than mild tricuspid regurgitation or tricuspid annular dilation greater than 4 cm in patients undergoing left-sided valve surgery. Prospective randomized trials are needed to bolster the evidence behind the current recommendations. Percutaneous therapies in development may eventually result in less invasive options for treating FTR.
Analysis of ratio of global to extra-terrestrial radiation (clearness index) at some tropical locations in India
Authors: Ravichandran Shanmugham , Rathnaraj Jebamani
Published: November 2015

An attempt has been made to analyze and evaluate the daily average clearness index (Hg/H0) in terms of daily average cloudiness index (Hd/H0) for three tropical locations in South India (Chennai, Trivandrum, and Visakapatnam). Long term data (15 years, 1993-2007) of measured daily average global and diffuse solar radiation for the locations have been used for this study. Two correlation equations (linear and polynomial) for each location have been developed for clearness index in terms of cloudiness index and found its validity. Performance statistics of the model has been done and applicability of the model is done by comparing the performance statistics with the existing models. It has been found that the proposed model has least error compared with the existing models.
Electrical energy generation with differently oriented photovoltaic modules as façade elements
Authors: Pantic Lana , Pavlovic Tomislav , Milosavljevic Dragana , Mirjanic Dragoljub , Radonjic Ivana , Radovic Miodrag
Published: November 2015

In this paper the results of theoretical and experimental investigation of
electrical energy generated with differently oriented PV modules used as
facade elements, are presented. It was found that in 2013, optimally oriented
monocristalline solar module of 60 Wp generated 62.9 kWh; horizontal module
58.1 kWh; vertical module oriented toward the South 43.9 kWh; vertical module
oriented toward the East 25.7 kWh, and vertical module oriented toward the
West 22.9 kWh of electrical energy. Also it was found that optimally oriented
Building Integrated PV system (BIPV) of 1.2 kWp can produce 1081.6 kWh/year;
horizontal, vertical oriented toward the South, vertical oriented toward the
East and vertical oriented toward the West can generate 7.6%, 30.2%, 59.2%
and 63.6 less electrical energy, respectively. The greenhouse-gas payback
periods (GPBP) for the optimally oriented and horizontal BIPV systems were
estimated to be 7.8 and 8.5 years, respectively. The obtained results can be
applied in designing residential, commercial and other buildings with BIPV
systems in Serbia.
Oblique stagnation point flow of a non-Newtonian nanofluid over stretching surface with radiation: A numerical study
Authors: Ghaffari Abuzar , Javed Tariq , Labropulu Fotini
Published: November 2015

In this study, we discussed the enhancement of thermal conductivity of elasticoviscous fluid filled with nanoparticles, due to the implementation of radiation and convective boundary condition. The flow is considered impinging obliquely in the region of oblique stagnation point on the stretching surface. The obtained governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations by employing a suitable transformation. The solution of the resulting equations is computed numerically using Chebyshev spectral newton iterative scheme. An excellent agreement with the results available in literature is obtained and shown through tables. The effects of involving parameters on the fluid flow and heat transfer are observed and shown through graphs. It is importantly noted that the larger values of Biot number imply the enhancement in heat transfer, thermal boundary layer thickness, and concentration boundary layer thickness.
CFD simulations of thermal comfort in naturally ventilated primary school classrooms
Authors: Stevanovic Zana , Ilic Gradimir , Vukic Mica , Zivkovic Predrag , Blagojevic Bratislav , Banjac Milos
Published: November 2015

The purpose of Thermal Comfort is to specify the combinations of indoor space
environment and personal factors that will produce thermal environment
conditions acceptable to 80% or more of the occupants within a space.
Naturally ventilated indoors has a very complex air movement, which depends
on numerous variables such as: outdoor interaction, intensity of
infiltration, the number of openings, the thermal inertia of walls, occupant
behaviors, etc. The most important mechanism for naturally ventilated indoors
is the intensity of infiltration and thermal buoyancy mechanism. In this
study the objective was to determine indicators of thermal comfort for
children, by the CFD model based on experimental measurements with
modification on turbulent and radiant heat transfer mathematical model. The
case study was selected on school children aged 8 and 9 years in primary
school ?France Presern?, Belgrade. The purpose was to evaluate the
relationships between the indoor environment and the subjective responses.
Also there was analysis of infiltration and stack effect based on
meterological data on site. The main parameters that were investigated are:
operative temperature, radiant temperature, concentration of CO2 and air
velocity. The new correction of turbulence and radiative heat transfer models
has been validated by comparison with experimental data using additional
statistical indicators. It was found that both turbulence model correct and
the new radiative model of nontransparent media have a significant influence
on CFD data set accuracy.
Passive cooling technology by using solar chimney for mild or warm climates
Authors: Kalkan Naci , Dağtekin İhsan
Published: November 2015

This study describes the design and analysis of solar system for mild or warm climatic conditions. In order to improve the performance of solar chimney system, well known software FLUENT is used to demonstrate the structures of these systems and finally compare the results with several examples, which have been studied previously. In order to improve the performance of solar chimney system, highly efficient sub-system components are considered for the design. The general purpose of the research is to understand how efficiently solar chimney systems generate cooling, and is to improve the efficiency of such systems for integration with existing and future domestic buildings.
Prevalence, genotyping and macrolide resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among isolates of patients with respiratory tract infections, Central Slovenia, 2006 to 2014
Authors: Kogoj Rok , Mrvic Tatjana , Praprotnik Marina , Kese Darja
Published: November 2015

In this retrospective study we employed real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyse the occurrence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTI) in the Central Region of Slovenia between January 2006 and December 2014. We also used a culture and pyrosequencing approach to genotype strains and infer their potential macrolide resistance. Of a total 9,431 tested samples from in- and out-patient with RTI, 1,255 (13%) were found to be positive by M. pneumoniae PCR. The proportion of positive samples was 19% (947/5,092) among children (?16 years-old) and 7% (308/4,339) among adults (>16 years-old). Overall, among those PCR tested, the highest proportions of M. pneumoniae infections during the study period were observed in 2010 and 2014. In these two years, 18% (218/1,237) and 25% (721/2,844) of samples were positive respectively, indicating epidemic periods. From the 1,255 M. pneumoniae PCR-positive samples, 783 (614 from paediatric and 169 from adult patients) were successfully cultured. Of these, 40% (312/783) were constituted of strains belonging to the P1 type II genomic group, while 60% (469/783) contained strains of the P1 type I group. Two isolates comprised both P1 type I and II strains. Results of a genotype analysis by year, showed that the dominant M. pneumoniae P1 type during the 2010 epidemic was P1 type II (82% of isolates; 81/99), which was replaced by P1 type I in the 2014 epidemic (75%; 384/510). This observation could indicate that the two epidemics may have been driven by a type shift phenomenon, although both types remained present in the studied population during the assessed period of time. Only 1% of strains (7/783) were found to harbour an A2063G mutation in the 23S rRNA gene, which confers macrolide resistance, suggesting that the occurrence of M. pneumoniae macrolide resistance still seems to be sporadic in our geographic area.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning Middle East respiratory syndrome among Umrah and Hajj pilgrims in Samsun, Turkey, 2015
Authors: Sahin Mustafa Kursat , Aker Servet , Kaynar Tuncel Ebru
Published: November 2015

We performed a questionnaire study to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) among people intending to participate in the Hajj or Umrah Muslim pilgrimages. Of the 381 respondents aged between 17 and 85 years, 55% had never heard of MERS, while only one in three knew that it is a respiratory disease. Approximately half were insufficiently informed about protective measures. Prospective pilgrims do not seem prepared to take such precautions.
Spatial methods for infectious disease outbreak investigations: systematic literature review
Authors: Smith Catherine M , Le Comber Steven C , Fry Hannah , Bull Matthew , Leach Steve , Hayward Andrew C
Published: November 2015

Investigations of infectious disease outbreaks are conventionally framed in terms of person, time and place. Although geographic information systems have increased the range of tools available, spatial analyses are used relatively infrequently. We conducted a systematic review of published reports of outbreak investigations worldwide to estimate the prevalence of spatial methods, describe the techniques applied and explore their utility. We identified 80 reports using spatial methods published between 1979 and 2013, ca 0.4% of the total number of published outbreaks. Environmental or waterborne infections were the most commonly investigated, and most reports were from the United Kingdom. A range of techniques were used, including simple dot maps, cluster analyses and modelling approaches. Spatial tools were usefully applied throughout investigations, from initial confirmation of the outbreak to describing and analysing cases and communicating findings. They provided valuable insights that led to public health actions, but there is scope for much wider implementation and development of new methods.
Communal Identities in Rohinton Mistry's Bombay Novel
Authors: Minerva Kelly A.
Published: November 2015

The article examines Rohinton Mistry's Such a Long Journey as a defining example of the Bombay novel. This genre of literature, I argue, depicts Bombay as a powerful force that defines individual residents just as much as it is defined by them. The genre demands a reading strategy that highlights the artifice and agency necessary to create the composites of personal and public (i.e., historical and political) narratives that comprise the city's postcolonial identities. Mistry, like many Bombay novelists, presents the city as a nuanced site produced through the interactions between memory, personal and public histories, and power relationships. His use of literary realism emphasizes the limitations of individual agency and presents Bombay as a decaying, unwelcoming place defined by pessimistic nostalgia. Thus, Mistry's depiction of Bombay exemplifies the tenuous nature of individual narrative agency over personal and urban identity as well as both the alienating and the restorative consequences of communal politics.
US–Soviet Antagonism and the “Indirect Propaganda” of Book Schemes in India in the 1950s
Authors: Brouillette Sarah
Published: November 2015

The article addresses US perceptions of subsidized pro-Soviet books and periodicals in India in the 1950s and the way that pro-US book programs, intended to counter the Soviet initiative, imagined that they might help to strengthen the hold of liberal capitalist democracy in the face of the threat of Soviet influence.
Crystallization Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Nanosilica-Reinforced Isotactic Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Li J. , Long L.-J. , He W.-T. , Zhang K. , Xiang Y.-S. , Zhang J. , Zhang M.-M. , Yang C.-P. , Yu J.
Published: November 2015

Two different types of inorganic silica fillers, nano-silica powder (NSP) and colloidal silica sol (CSS) were added into isotactic polypropylene (iPP) with low silica content (0.2 wt%) and the influence of the two silica fillers on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of iPP were investigated. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results showed that the crystallization temperature of iPP with CSS and NSP were increased by 4.1 °C, and 2.4 °C, respectively. The tensile strength, flexural strength, and izod impact strength of iPP/CSS (33.75 MPa, 33.04 MPa, and 4.80 kJ/m2) were higher than that of iPP/NSP (32.09 MPa, 32.27 MPa, and 4.25 kJ/m2). In addition, the haze value of iPP/CSS was decreased from 37.6 % to 27.6 %, which was 4.7 % lower than that of iPP/NSP (32.3 %). The better performance of CSS as ascribed to its better dispersion ability in iPP matrix than NSP, and it was verified by scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Overall, these results indicated that inorganic silica sols had a potential application in the nanoparticle-reinforced composites field.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Amides as Slip Additives in Polypropylene
Authors: Coelho F. , Vieira L. F. , Benavides R. , da Silva Paula M. Marques , Bernardin A. M. , Magnago R. F. , da Silva L.
Published: November 2015

In this study, we describe the synthesis of amides and evaluate their use as slip additive agents in polypropylene films. The additives N-isopropyl-stearamide and N,N-diisopropyl-stearamide were synthesized and characterized and then used to prepare masterbatches. Erucamide, a commercial masterbatch, was used as the reference standard. A 32 factorial experimental design was used to create the different compositions of slip additives in polymer films. The films were processed via flat-die extrusion and stored in an oven at a constant temperature of 40 °C for seven days. The following are the properties evaluated in the study: thermal decomposition temperature, fusion temperature, fusion enthalpy, coefficient of friction, surface energy, contact angle, and seal initiation temperature. The results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 90 % confidence interval. The analysis of the results showed that N-isopropyl stearamide and N,N-diisopropyl stearamide do not provide an adequate surface slip for polypropylene films at the conditions used in the study. In turn, at the same conditions, erucamide, the commercial amide, also does not provide the required surface energy for printing and lamination processes required for polypropylene films.
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a review
Authors: Fewel Matthew E. , Thompson B. Gregory , Hoff Julian T.
Published: November 2015

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is a blood clot that arises in the brain parenchyma in the absence of trauma or surgery. This entity accounts for 10 to 15% of all strokes and is associated with a higher mortality rate than either ischemic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Common causes include hypertension, amyloid angiopathy, coagulopathy, vascular anomalies, tumors, and various drugs. Hypertension, however, remains the single greatest modifiable risk factor for SICH. Computerized tomography scanning is the initial diagnostic modality of choice in SICH, and angiography should be considered in all cases except those involving older patients with preexisting hypertension in thalamic, putaminal, or cerebellar hemorrhage. Medical management includes venous thrombosis prophylaxis, gastric cytoprotection, and aggressive rehabilitation. Anticonvulsant agents should be prescribed in supratentorial SICH, whereas the management of hypertension is controversial.

To date, nine prospective randomized controlled studies have been conducted to compare surgical and medical management of SICH. Although definitive evidence favoring surgical intervention is lacking, there is good theoretical rationale for early surgical intervention. Surgery should be considered in patients with moderate to large lobar or basal ganglia hemorrhages and those suffering progressive neurological deterioration. Elderly patients in whom the Glasgow Coma Scale score is less than 5, those with brainstem hemorrhages, and those with small hemorrhages do not typically benefit from surgery. Patients with cerebellar hemorrhages larger than 3 cm, those with brainstem compression and hydrocephalus, or those exhibiting neurological deterioration should undergo surgical evacuation of the clot. It is hoped that the forthcoming results of the International Surgical Trial in IntraCerebral Hemorrhage will help formulate evidence-based recommendations regarding the role of surgery in SICH.
Réponse à la sécheresse de conifères indigènes et exotiques: une étude dendroécologique
Authors: Lévesque Mathieu , Rigling Andreas , Brang Peter
Published: November 2015

Drought response of native and non-native conifers: a dendroecological study

The sensitivity to drought of five conifers was studied along a climatic gradient covering the northern flank of the Swiss Alps, the Swiss Plateau, the Jura foothills and the central Alps. Three native species, i.e., Norway spruce, Scots pine and European larch, and two non-native species, i.e., Douglas fir and black pine, were analyzed. A total of 770 trees on 14 sites were sampled. To assess the sensitivity of conifers to drought, dendroecological analyses were performed for the period 1941–2006. On dry sites in the central Alps, spring water deficits sharply reduce growth, while on mesic sites located on the Swiss Plateau and the Jura foothills summer droughts significantly restrict growth. Spruce, larch and Scots pine are, depending on the site conditions, the most vulnerable species to extreme droughts, which implies that their long-term performance and survival may be compromised if the climate becomes warmer and drier. Conversely, black pine and Douglas fir were less drought-sensitive and grew faster than native species along the gradient. Selecting species with different but complementary strategies regarding drought could secure the productivity and efficiency of water use of forest stands and increase their resistance to climate change.
Verjüngungspotenzial verschiedener Waldföhrenund Fichtenherkünfte bei variabler Trockenheit
Authors: Moser Barbara , Metslaid Marek , Walthert Lorenz , Wasem Ulrich , Wohlgemuth Thomas
Published: November 2015

Regeneration potential of different Scots pine and Norway spruce provenances under variable drought

Rising temperatures will lead to extended periods of summer drought, which may challenge the persistence of Scots pine and Norway spruce in dry alpine valleys where these species play an important role in the protection against natural hazards. We tested whether the natural regeneration of the two species in the Rhine valley near Chur, Switzerland, might be limited under future climatic conditions and we compared the performance of autochthonous provenances with that of seedlings originating from regions with already drier summer climate such as the Rhone valley, continental Eastern Europe or the Mediterranean basin. Seeds of Scots pine and Norway spruce were sown repeatedly in forest clearings at three south-exposed sites in the Rhine valley near Chur, Switzerland. Soil moisture was manipulated to a minor extent with throughfall reduction roofs. In both species, regeneration success was primarily driven by the weather conditions during the three months following seed sowing: the seedlings having emerged in the rainy spring of 2013 had a higher survival rate and accumulated up to five times more aboveground biomass than the seedlings emerging in the dry spring of 2011. In years with an average or even positive water balance, Scots pine seedlings were able to establish at all sites. In Norway spruce, by contrast, establishment rate exceeded 10% of viable seeds only at the site with the highest water retention capacity. In years with a positive water balance during spring, the seedlings from the Rhine and Rhone valleys outperformed those from most Mediterranean and Eastern European provenances, while no differences between provenances were found in the dry spring of 2011. We suggest that periodical regeneration of Scots pine will be likely in the Rhine valley even under future climatic conditions, whereas the establishment of Norway spruce may remain an exceptional event in dry, south-exposed clearings.
Empfindlichkeit typischer Schweizer Waldbestände auf den Klimawandel
Authors: Bircher Nicolas , Cailleret Maxime , Huber Markus , Bugmann Harald
Published: November 2015

Sensitivity of typical Swiss forest stands to climate change

In Switzerland, first climate-induced changes of forest ecosystems can be observed. However, it is widely unknown how and to what extent the typical (widespread) forest stands will respond to future climate change. With the data of the third National forest inventory and the forest succession model ForClim we examined the development 71 typical stands under current and future climatic conditions (A2 emission scenario) with and without management, respectively. The simulations show a weak response until the middle of the century. In contrast, an increased sensitivity towards the end of the century becomes apparent, expressed by declines of basal area at lower elevations, respectively increases at higher elevations. The responses of forest stands are depending on site-specific characteristics. For example, Norway spruce is expected to decline up to higher elevations. Our results show an increase of deciduous tree species in higher elevation zones, particularly if management is applied. The impacts of climate change on important forest ecosystems services vary along a bioclimatic elevation gradient. Thereby, current forest management shows approaches how to at least partly counteract adverse effects of climate change. However, target- and site-specific strategies are needed and, particularly with regard to lower elevations, more knowledge on the potential of tree species to adapt is required.
Prevalence of clinical diseases and disorders of goats at Upazila Livestock Development Center, Kapasia, Gazipur
Authors: Alam Mohammad Ashraful , Amin Mohammad Rohul , Paul Torun Kumar , Saha Tapu Kumar , Rahman Md Khalilur , Rizon Md Khalikuzzaman
Published: November 2015

The study was conducted at Upazila Livestock Development Centre, Kapasia, Gazipur, during July, 2011 to December, 2011 to identify and determine the prevalence of clinical diseases and disorders of goats. A total number of 488 clinical cases of goats were recorded. Diagnosis of the clinical cases of goats were based on general examination (history and owners complaint), physical examination of patient (inspection, palpation and percussion), clinical examination, microscopic examination and using common laboratory techniques. The clinical cases were divided into three groups on the basis of treatment required-medicinal, gynaeco-obstetrical and surgical cases. Among the three types of cases, medicinal cases 428(87.72%) were highest followed surgical cases 43(8.80%) and gynaeco-obstetrical cases 17(3.48%). Among the medicinal cases of goats, the contagious diseases PPR 32(6.56%), black quarter 23(4.73%) fascioliasis 77(15.78%), diarrhoea 35(7.17%), dysentery 30(6.15%), ectoparasitism 30(6.15%), paramphistomiasis 25(5.12%), gastrointestinal nematodiasis 21(4.3%), fever 20(4.1%) were recorded major disease problems in goats. Among the gynaeco-obstetrical cases, retained placenta 5(1.02%) and repeat breeding 12(2.46 %) were recorded as major gynaeco-obstetrical problems in goats. Abscess 9(1.84 %), castration 4(0.81%), myiasis 10(2.05%), navel-ill 7(1.43%), gid disease 2(0.41%), urolithiasis 5(1.02%) and fracture 6(1.23%) were recognized as the main disorders which required surgical interventions. It may conclude that a number of diseases have been occurring in goats at study area and this report may help to develop strategies against major diseases reported in this study.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(1): 47-52
Epidemiology of infectious bursal disease in broiler birds of three districts in Bangladesh
Authors: Chakma Shovon
Published: November 2015

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 450 broiler farms of three districts of Bangladesh from June 2012 to July 2013. The estimated prevalence and mortality of infectious bursal disease (IBD) in three districts were 10.2% (CI, 9.2-11.2) and 7.8% (CI, 6.4-9.2) respectively. On clinical sign such as anorexia, ruffled feathers and diarrhoea and necropsy gross changes at bursa of fabricius, the highest prevalence was recorded in Comilla district (10.4%) followed by Feni district (10.3%) and Chittagong district (10.0%), while the highest mortality was recorded in the same Comilla district (8.3%) followed by Chittagong district (8.1%) and Feni district (7.0%). IBD was recorded year-round and had significant association (P<0.05) with season. Significantly higher prevalence (13.1%) and mortality (9.8%) was documented in winter season. Broiler chicken age between 21-30 days was significantly reported with high prevalence rate and high mortality rate. The study result indicated the difference of IBD occurrence in Bangladesh, thereby would support to improve the current control plans.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(1): 59-64
Seasonal cycle of leydig cells in the Japanese Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)
Authors: Islam Muhammad Nazrul , Aoyama Masato , Sugita Shoei
Published: November 2015

The investigation was conducted to elucidate seasonal histomorphological changes of Leydig cells in Japanese Jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos). All adult crows (n=12) were killed for H&E staining. Histologic data of Leydig cells regarding their locations in the interstitium, appearance and disappearance of lipoidal materials in their cytoplasm, precursor cells and fibroblasts are studied. In the nonbreeding season, in the interstitium, clusters of Leydig cells were found in abundant number. They looked foamy, white and easily visible. Their nuclei were found small and are located eccentrically. During recrudescence, the Leydig cell became less foamy and less white. In peak breeding season, the Leydig cells showed bigger in size and the nuclei became prominent. Cytoplasmic lipoidal material was lowest and cytoplasm was found dense pink. At the end of breeding period, heavy accumulation of lipid materials occurred in the Leydig cell. The clusters of Leydig cells were visible and looked white and foamy again. During this transition, disintegration of Leydig cells occurred after pycnotic nuclei of Leydig cells were found. During involution, new generation of fibroblast like cells appeared in the interstitium. Within the fibroblast like cells, some of them became lipoidal by accumulating lipid materials. Thus a new generation of Leydig cells appeared in the interstitium. These lipoidal cells are thought to be a new generation of Leydig cells for the next breeding season. This study suggests that in seasonally breeding birds, new generation of Leydig cell is derived from fibroblast like cells of the interstitium.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(1): 65-73
Effects of feeding Bacillus subtilis to heat stressed broiler chickens with or without an antibiotic growth promoter
Authors: Roy Bibek Chandra , Chowdhury Sachchidananda Das , Kabir SM Lutful
Published: November 2015

The effects of feeding probiotic (PB) with or without Lincomycin 2.2% (AGP) were investigated in broiler chickens during summer. Seven hundred Cobb-500 one day old straight run broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments each of five replications. Four diets were compared: control; control diet plus PB (Bacillus subtilis DSM17299) at a level of 50g/100kg; control plus (AGP) at a level of 15g/100kg and control plus a combination of PB and AGP (50gm/100kg and 15g/100kg respectively). Control birds were fed on a corn-soybean based starter mash that contained ME 3000 kcal/kg and CP 24.39% from 0-21 days of age and a corn-soybean based grower mash of ME 3100 kcal/kg and CP 20.43% during 22-35 days of age. The records were kept of feed intake (FI), body weight and mortality while weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survivability were calculated. Temperature and humidity were recorded four times daily except during extreme heat stress when measurements were made more frequently. One bird that was close to average of pen weight was taken from each replication at the end of the trial and the birds were sacrificed to determine carcass characteristics. Both performance and carcass yield data were statistically analyzed. Birds that received PB and a combination of PB +AGP treatments showed significant differences (P<0.01) from control with respect to body weight gain and FCR while feeding AGP alone although showed a decrease in feed intake. Abdominal fat was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in PB treated birds. Higher mortality was encountered in control group. Both PB alone and a combination of AGP treatments were able to show improved performance and reduced mortality, feeding PB alone may be practiced on the combined grounds of improved performance, efficiency in combating heat stress and to discourage the use of AGP in broiler diet.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(1): 80-88
GENETIC VARIATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA FOR SEED YIELD RELATED TRAITS IN RAPE SEED (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Parveen S. Parveen , Rashid M. H. Rashid , Bhuiyan M. S. R.
Published: November 2015

The field experiment was conducted to estimate the genetic variability and correlation between yield contributing traits using 15 rape seed genotypes. The results indicated that the phenotypic variance for all the characters was considerably higher than the genotypic variance denoting little influence of environmental factors on their expression. Characters like 1000-seed weight (12.39, 14.10), days to 50% flowering (18.36, 18.77) and days to maturity (4.63, 5.06) showed low genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation. Moderate genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed in number of primary branches per plant (20.22, 22.16), length of siliqua (20.84, 20.97), number of seeds per siliqua (30.90, 33.06), number of siliquae per plant (49.34, 49.81) and yield per plant (34.36, 39.98) and high genotypic (67.00) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (68.57) was observed for number of secondary branches per plant. Plant height (85.98%, 30.89), 1000 seed weight (77.14%, 22.41), days to 50% flowering (95.66%, 20.35) and days to maturity (83.85%, 7.82) showed high heritability with low genetic advance which indicated the possibility of non-additive gene action. Number of primary branches per plant (83.22%, 37.99, 636.02), length of siliqua (98.83%, 42.68, 1084.42), number of seeds per siliqua (87.40%, 59.52, 424.22), number of siliqua per plant (98.15%, 100.71, 178.83) and yield per plant (73.87%, 60.84, 4539.97) showed high heritability with high genetic advance and high genetic advance in percentage of mean revealed the possibility of predominance of additive gene effects. Number of primary branches per plant had showed highly significant positive association with number of secondary branches per plant (rg=0.597, rp= 0.537) and yield per plant (rg=0.43). Days to 50% flowering showed significant positive association with seeds per siliqua (rg=0.492; rp=0.436), 1000 seed weight (rg=0.486; rp=0.472) and yield per plant (rg=0.438; rp=0.379). Length of siliqua manifested highly significant positive association with siliqua per plant (rg=0.571; rp=0.514) and significant negative association with yield per plant (-0.471) at genotypic level. Siliqua per plant had highly significant negative association at both genotypic and phenotypic level with yield per plant (-0.697; -0.525) but 1000 seed weight had highly significant positive association with yield per plant both genotypic and phenotypic level (0.893; 0.814). The results of the path analysis revealed that 1000 seed weight (0.766) had the maximum direct effect and the maximum negative direct effect was observed in seeds per siliqua (0.305). In summary, the results suggested that there were some yield related traits such as 1000 seed weight and days to 50% flowering could be selected and used in breeding program for increasing the grain yield of rapeseed.
GENETIC DIVERSITY IN ADVANCED GENERATION OF VEGETABLE PEA (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Siddika A. , Islam A. K. M. Aminul , Rasul M. G. , Mian M. A. K. , Ahmed J. U.
Published: November 2015

Twenty five advanced lines among them twelve lines obtained from the cross between Edible Podded Pea and IPSA Motorsuty-1, nine obtained from the cross between Local White and IPSA Motorsuty-3 and five parental lines were included to measure genetic diversity. The field experiment was conducted at the research farm, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all characters. Multivariate analysis based 14 agronomic characters indicated that the 26 genotypes fell into five distant clusters. Fifty percent germination was found to be contributed maximum towards the total divergence. The inter cluster (D2 values) distance was maximum between cluster I and cluster II and intra-cluster distance was in cluster III. Cluster V comprising five genotypes, namely, G11, G14, G21, G22, G25 and scored first position for 50% germination, pod per plant, 100 green seed weight and seed yield per plant (6.02). Genotypes belonging to the cluster I, II and V having greater inter cluster distance and higher cluster means for various characters could be recommended for inclusion in future breeding program as they are expected to produce good segregates.
COMBINING ABILITY ANALYSIS FOR DIFFERENT YIELD COMPONENTS IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.) INBRED LINES
Authors: Haydar F. M. A. , Paul N. K.
Published: November 2015

The  present  study  was  carried  out  to  determine  the  combining  ability  of  yield and yield components by crossing six diverse maize  inbred lines in a half diallel mating design. Fifteen F1 progenies along with their six parents were planted in randomized complete block design with three replications. GCA to SCA ratios were less than one for plant height, cob diameter, cob length and number of kernels row/cob indicating a preponderance of additive over non additive gene action. The crosses P1×P2, P3×P5 and P5×P6 were exhibited significant and positive SCA effects for yield and cob diameter, number of row/cob and number of grains/cob of yield contributing characters. The parents P1 (IL4), P3 (IL18)and P5 (IL23 were good general combiner for grain yield and yield attributing characters. It can be concluded that these parental lines can be desirable parents for hybrids as well as for inclusion in breeding program, since they may contribute favorable alleles in the synthesis of new varieties.
Relationship between P Wave Dispersion and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Hypertensive and Ischemic Heart Disease Patients
Authors: Tushar Asif Zaman , Majumder AAS , Azam STM Abu , Ullah Mohammad , Ahmed Rashid , Saha Tapash , Islam Lohani Md Tajul , Rahman Md Arifur
Published: November 2015

Background: There is growing recognition that congestive heart failure caused by a predominant abnormality in left ventricular diastolic function is common and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Diastolic function usually declines before systolic function, and this precedes clinical signs. 12-lead electrocardiogram is a commonly used tool to assess left atrial enlargement, which is a marker of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. We investigated the relationship between P wave dispersion, which is easily measured on the surface electrocardiogram and left ventricular diastolic function.Methods: There were 100 patients: 50 with diastolic dysfunction and 50 without. P wave dispersions were calculated by measuring minimum and maximum P wave duration values on the surface electrocardiogram. The relationships between P wave dispersion and echocardiographic measurements of diastolic dysfunction were assessed.Results: Maximum P wave duration was observed significantly (p=0.001) in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (119.60±8.2 ms vs 114.0±6.4 ms). Minimum P wave duration was observed significantly (p=0.001) higher in patients without diastolic dysfunction (72.6±7.5 ms vs 62.70±7.4 ms). P wave dispersion was observed significantly (p=0.001) higher in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (56.6±6.3 ms vs 41.5±5.2 ms). When patients were grouped according to grades of diastolic dysfunction, P wave dispersion was observed sequentially increased among 3 grades of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (55.8±5.2 ms vs 55.9±7.0 ms vs 61.4±4.7) but the differences were not statistically significant (p=0.09).Conclusion: We conclude that P wave dispersion increases in diastolic dysfunction of LV. When clinical and echocardiographic variables are taken into account, there is a weak but significant correlation between P wave dispersion and left ventricular ejection fraction.Cardiovasc. j. 2015; 8(1): 13-18
Comparison of Diagnostic Criteria to Detect Undiagnosed Diabetes in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Admission Hyperglycemia
Authors: Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Khan HI Lutfur Rahman , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Sabah Khandker Md Nurus , Amin Md Gaffar , Kabir SM Eftar Jahan , Abdullah Abu Sadique , Hossain Mofazzal , Khan Tunaggina Afrin , Shahidullah Md Sk
Published: November 2015

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important risk factors of coronary artery disease. Admission hyperglycemia adversely influences the outcome of acute coronary syndrome patients. The study was conducted to compare the various diagnostic methods for the detection of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus in acute coronary syndrome patients with admission hyperglycaemia in Bangladeshi population.Methods: It was a cross sectional comparative study involving 157 patients with admission blood glucose level e7.8 mmol/l. Fasting plasma glucose, Glycated haemoglobin, pre-discharge oral glucose tolerance test was measured in all subjects and comparison of performance of different methods was done.Results: Oral glucose tolerance test revealed that in spite of admission hyperglycaemia, 57 (36.3%) patients were diabetic and 52 (33.12%) patients had impaired glucose homeostasis and 48 (30.57%) patients had normal glucose metabolism. Undiagnosed diabetes could not be adequately predicted with admission plasma glucose, fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c alone (area under the ROC curve 0.589, 0.825 and 0.852 respectively).Conclusion: Admission hyperglycaemia does not diagnose diabetes reliably in a stressful condition like acute coronary syndrome. Although neither admission plasma glucose, fasting plasma glucose, nor HbA1c level were as good as oral glucose tolerance test in detecting true diabetes, but combined fasting plasma glucose & HbA1c were found to be more sensitive & specific screening tool for detecting unknown diabetes in acute coronary syndrome patients with admission hyperglycaemia.Cardiovasc. j. 2015; 8(1): 35-42