bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is a comparative clinical trial for breast cancer tumor markers to monitor disease recurrence warranted? A value of information analysis
Authors: Thariani Rahber , Henry Norah Lynn , Ramsey Scott D , Blough David K , Barlow Bill , Gralow Julie R , Veenstra David L
Published: May 2013

Background: Breast cancer tumor markers are used by some clinicians to screen for disease recurrence risk. Since there is limited evidence of benefit, additional research may be warranted.Aim:To assess the potential value of a randomized clinical trial of breast tumor marker testing in routine follow-up of high-risk, stage II–III breast cancer survivors.Materials & methods:We developed a decision-analytic model of tumor marker testing plus standard surveillance every 3–6 months for 5 years. The expected value of sample information was calculated using probabilistic simulations and was a function of: the probability of selecting the optimal monitoring strategy with current versus future information; the impact of choosing the nonoptimal strategy; and the size of the population affected.Results:The value of information for a randomized clinical trial involving 9000 women was US$214 million compared with a cost of US$30–60 million to conduct such a trial. The probability of making an alternate, nonoptimal decision and choosing testing versus no testing was 32% with current versus future information from the trial. The impact of a nonoptimal decision was US$2150 and size of population impacted over 10 years was 308,000. The value of improved information on overall survival was US$105 million, quality of life US$37 million and test performance US$71 million.Conclusion:Conducting a randomized clinical trial of breast cancer tumor markers appears to offer a good societal return on investment. Retrospective analyses to assess test performance and evaluation of patient quality of life using tumor markers may also offer valuable areas of research. However, alternative investments may offer even better returns in investments and, as such, the trial concept deserves further study as part of an overall research-portfolio evaluation.
Robotic and standard open radical prostatectomy: oncological and quality-of-life outcomes
Authors: Huang Kuo-How , Carter Stacey C , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Hu Jim C
Published: May 2013

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the USA. Use of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for the management of localized prostate cancer has increased dramatically in recent years. This review focuses on comparing quality of life following RARP versus retropubic radical prostatectomy. RARP is associated with improved perioperative outcomes, such as reduced blood loss and fewer transfusions. In addition, cancer control after RARP versus retropubic radical prostatectomy is equivalent, with similar incidences of positive surgical margins and comparable early oncological outcomes. RARP appears to provide advantages in recovery of continence, potency and quality of life compared with retropubic radical prostatectomy; however, methodological limitations exist in current literature.
Interview: Comparative effectiveness research and challenges to healthcare reform in the Middle East and USA
Authors: Younis Mustafa Z
Published: May 2013

Mustafa ‘Mike’ Z Younis was a member of the Executive Committee of the International Society for Research of Healthcare Financial Management and is an Editorial Board member or manuscript reviewer for several national and international journals. As an internationally recognized scholar, Dr Younis has authored and published over 100 articles and abstracts in refereed journals, and has presented at national and international conferences. He has collaborated with faculties from the School of Medicine at Jena University (Jena, Germany), as well as those from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. He served with the American University of Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon) and the World Bank training workshops for health sector reforms in the Middle East, which involved training health administrators from several Middle Eastern countries. His present and future research activities focus on issues related to disparities and access in healthcare, cancer centers, long-term care and nursing homes; capital structure and debt financing for hospitals and healthcare organizations; examination of quality and efficiency in the healthcare sector; hospital mergers, conversions and changes of ownership; and hospital profitability. Dr Younis has administrative experience as Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management at Florida International University (FL, USA) where he led the accreditation efforts for the Healthcare Management Program. He has strong research expertise in working with hospital and nursing home data to measure economic and financial performance.
Histological and morphometric aspects of ridge preservation with a moldable, in situ hardening bone graft substitute
Authors: Jurisic M. , Manojlovic-Stojanoski Milica , Andric M. , Kokovic V. , Danilovic Vesna , Jurisic Tamara , Brkovic B.
Published: May 2013

Biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP) are widely used in alveolar ridge
regeneration as a porous scaffold for new bone formation. The aim of this
case series was to evaluate the regenerative effect of the combination of BCP
and polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) which can serve as a barrier membrane
during bone regeneration. The study included five patients. Four months into
the healing period, bone samples were collected for histological and
morphometric analyses. The results of morphometric analysis showed that newly
formed bone represented 32.2 ? 6.8% of the tissue, 31.9 ? 8.9% was occupied
by residual graft and 35.9 ? 13.5% by soft tissue. Active osteogenesis was
seen around the particles of the graft. The particles were occupied mostly by
immature woven bone and connective tissue. The quality and quantity of newly
formed bone, after the use of BCP/PLGA for ridge preservation, can be
adequate for successful implant therapy after tooth extraction.
The Ala/Ala genotype of PPARY Pro12 Ala polymorphism is associated with late onset of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lukic N. , Stankovic A. , Dincic E. , Bundalo M. , Krsmanovic Z. , Alavantic D. , Zivkovic M.
Published: May 2013

The function of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ? (PPAR?) in
immune regulation, as well as in antiinflammatory and anti-proliferative
actions towards T lymphocytes, has been reported. A potential role of PPARs
in multiple sclerosis (MS) was suggested. The aim of this study was to
investigate if there is an association of PPAR?-2 Pro12Ala polymorphism with
MS in 361 patients from Serbia. The genotype and allele frequencies of
Pro12Ala polymorphism were not significantly different between controls and
patients, or between females and males. In contrast to controls, we detected
a rare Ala/Ala genotype in patients with MS. We found that there is a
significant association of Ala/Ala genotype with older age at onset (ANOVA,
p=0.07; LSD post-hoc, Ala/Ala vs. Pro/Ala, p=0.03, Ala/Ala vs. Pro/Pro
p=0.02). It would be useful to validate our results in other populations, as
well as to perform follow-up of the disease progression in regard to PPAR?
genotypes.
Assessment of possible association between rs378854 and prostate cancer risk in the Serbian population
Authors: Brajuskovic G. , Nikolic Zorana , Kojic A. , Savic-Pavicevic Dusanka , Cerovic Snezana , Tomovic S. , Filipovic Natasa , Vukotic Vinka , Romac Stanka
Published: May 2013

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men
worldwide. Despite its high incidence rate, the molecular basis of PCa onset
and its progression remains little understood. Genome-wide association
studies (GWAS) have greatly contributed to the identification of single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with PCa risk. Several GWAS
identified 8q24 as one of the most significant PCa-associated regions. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the association of SNP rs378854 at 8q24
with PCa risk in the Serbian population. The study population included 261
individuals diagnosed with PCa, 257 individuals diagnosed with benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 106 healthy controls. Data quality analysis
yielded results showing deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in groups
of PCa patients and BPH patients as well as in the control group. There was
no significant association between alleles and genotypes of the genetic
variant rs378854 and PCa risk in the Serbian population.
The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes in mice
Authors: Saksida Tamara , Stosic-Grujicic Stanislava , Stojanovic Ivana
Published: May 2013

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is implicated in the
pathogenesis of several inflammationrelated diseases, including obesity and
type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, MIF deficiency itself promotes obesity and
glucose intolerance in mice. Here we show that the introduction of a high-fat
diet (HFD) further aggravates the parameters of obesity-associated T2D:
weight gain and glucose intolerance. Furthermore, in contrast to MIF-KO mice
on standard chow, HFD-fed MIF-KO mice develop insulin resistance. Although
the clinical signs of obesity-associated T2D are upgraded, inflammation in
MIF-deficient mice on HFD is significantly lower. These results imply that
MIF possesses a complex role in glucose metabolism and the development of
obesity-related T2D. However, the downregulation of inflammation upon MIF
inhibition could be a useful tool in short-term T2D therapy for preventing
pancreatic islet deterioration.
The pressure of Aphids (Aphididae, Hemiptera), vectors of potato viruses
Authors: Vucetic Andja , Jovicic Ivana , Petrovic-Obradovic Olivera
Published: May 2013

Plant viruses and aphids as their vectors, are limiting factors in the
production of healthy seed potato. Potato Virus Y (PVY) and Potato Leafroll
Virus (PLRV) are the two most significant potato viruses in Europe, and seed
quality depends directly on the infection level. In order to determine the
possibilities for healthy seed potato production in Serbia, aphid flight
activities have been monitored for four years in four localities. Over 6400
specimens of aphids have been collected. The number of aphids and vector
pressure index varies depending on the localities? altitude. In localities at
altitudes under 1000 m, they were high. The highest index was in locality
Kotraza in 2007, when the PVY index exceeded the value of 180, while for PLRV
it was 60. At high altitudes, above 1100 m, the number of aphids was low, as
was the vector pressure index. The lowest index values were recorded in
localities on Mt. Golija at 1300 m a.s.l. where the indexes for both viruses
never exceeded value 6.
Morphological differentiation of the common toad Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Cadjenovic Natalija , Vukov Tanja , Popovic Ester , Ljubisavljevic Katarina
Published: May 2013

This study analyzes the degree of morphological differentiation among
populations of the common toad Bufo bufo in the central part of the Balkan
Peninsula. Variations in a number of morphometric and qualitative characters
in 14 population samples were analyzed using univariate and multivariate
statistics. We found a high degree of female-biased sexual size dimorphism.
Morphological variation among the samples was more expressed in morphometric
than in qualitative characters. The significant size differences that exist
between northern and southern population groups could be the result of
phenotypic plasticity. Our results do not support a clear split between
northern and southern populations, contrary to the current taxonomic
treatment of these groups as B. b. bufo and B. b. spinosus, respectively.
On the identity of types of Roncus diocletiani Curcic, Dimitrijevic & Radja and Archaeoroncus tenuis (Hadzi) (Pseudoscorpiones, Neobisiidae) from Croatia
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Makarov S.E. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Curcic S.B. , Ilic B.S.
Published: May 2013

Five years ago, Curcic et al. (2008) described two new pseudoscorpions:
Roncus diocletiani Curcic, Dimitrijevic and Radja (from Croatia) and R.
orjensis Curcic, Dimitrijevic and Radja (from Montenegro). The pseudoscorpions
studied were mounted on slides with gum-chloral medium. They are deposited in
the collection of the Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of
Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and in the collection of the Natural History
Museum, 21000 Split, Croatia. It has been shown that only the male of R.
diocletiani belongs to the nominal species, while the female of the same
taxon belongs to Archaeoroncus tenuis (Hadzi). Therefore, the ?allotype male?
of R. diocletiani is actually a holotype of this species, while the
?holotype? of R. diocletiani becomes a paratype of A. tenuis.
Winklerites serbicus, a new endogean species of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidiini) from southeastern Serbia
Authors: Curcic S. , Antic D. , Radja T. , Makarov S. , Curcic B. , Curcic Nina , Lucic L.
Published: May 2013

A new endogean bembidiine ground beetle species, Winklerites serbicus sp. n.,
from a cave in the southeastern part of Serbia is both described and
diagnosed. Male and female genital structures and other taxonomically
important characters are illustrated. The new species is clearly distinct
from its closest congeners. Fifteen species of the genus so far known are
arranged in six groups. The new species is both endemic and relict,
inhabiting southeastern Serbia only.
A new electrochemical method for the determination of chondroitin sulfate based on its supramolecular interaction with cupferron-lead(II) complex
Authors: Niu Xueliang , Zhang Pingping , Zhang Weili , Sun Wei
Published: May 2013

In this paper, the interaction of cupferron (Cup) and lead (II) complex
[Cup-Pb (II)] with chondroitin sulfate (CS) was investigated by linear sweep
voltammetric method. In the selected medium of pH 5.5 (acetic acid-hexamine
buffer solution), Cup can interact with Pb (II) to form a stable complex of
[Cup-Pb(II)], which has a sensitive second order derivative polarographic
reductive peak at -0.64V (vs.SCE). After the addition of CS into Cup-Pb (II)
complex solution, the reductive peak current decreased without any shift of
the peak potential and no new peak appeared, which indicated that an
unelectroactive supramolecular complex of CS with [Cup-Pb(II)] was formed.
The binding reaction conditions were carefully investigated. Under the
optimal conditions, the interaction mechanism was discussed. The decrease of
reductive peak current was directly proportional to the CS concentration,
thus a new quantitative determination method for CS was established with the
linear regression equation as ?Ip?(nA)=36.97 C/mg L-1+12.45 (n=10, ?=0.995).
The effects of other substances on the determination were carefully
investigated and three synthetic samples were determined with satisfactory
results. The binding constant (?s) and the binding number (m) of CS with
[Cup-Pb(II)] complex were calculated from the voltammetric data with the
results as ?s=1.89?1010 and m?2.5.
Serum total adenosine deaminase activity in Nepalese patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gautam N , Archana J , Kumar R , Singh LI , Sapkota RM , Mishra S , Pokharel DR
Published: May 2013

Objective: Several studies indicate that serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity could be a potential marker for the diagnosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there has been no such study that could independently verify this finding in Nepali population. The present study therefore aims to measure the total ADA activity in the sera of Nepalese RA patients and verify its diagnostic potential. Materials and Methods: A total of 69 RA patients who visited Universal College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UCMSTH), Bhairahawa, Nepal for their medical treatment were enrolled for this study. An equal number of age and sex-matched healthy controls were also included in the study. Blood samples were collected from each study subjects and analyzed for serum total ADA, Creactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF). Results: Serum total ADA activity was found to be significantly (p<0.0001) higher (30.0 }10.1 U/L) in all RA patients compared to healthy controls (13.5 } 3.6 U/L). However, no significant difference (p>0.05) in the ADA activity was found between the smokers and non-smoker RA patients. Out of total 69 RA patients, only 16 (23.1%) were positive for CRP and 11 (15.9%) were positive for RF. Conclusion: Measurement of serum total ADA activity could be a reliable marker for the diagnosis of RA in Nepali population with relevant clinical scenarios when there is absence of CRP and RF in the serum.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i2.6208 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 30-35
Penile Metastases presenting as priapism in Carcinoma Prostate -A Case Report and review of literature
Authors: Gupta Sweety , Singh Dinesh , Agarwal Sandeep , De Sudarsan
Published: May 2013

Metastatic neoplasms of the penis are uncommon. The most common primary organs have been reported to be the bladder and prostate. In the present report, a patient with priapism was demonstrated to have carcinoma prostate complicated with penile, lung, and liver metastasis in the absence of bone involvement and normal serum PSA levels.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i2.7827 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 51-54
A correlative study of uric acid with lipid profile
Authors: Sarmah Devajit , Sharma Booloo
Published: May 2013

Objective: the study was conducted to verify the association of hyperuricemia with lipid profile in a group of Assamese people so as to take necessary precautions from developing future cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) were estimated in sixty hyperuricemic Assamese people who had no previous history of CVD to ascertain the pattern of their association between uric acid and lipid profile if any. Results: The study proves a significant positive correlation (p < 0.005) between uric acid and TC, TG and LDL, and a significant negative correlation (p < 0.005) between uric acid and HDL. Conclusion: The study thus shows that hyperuricemia is associated with dyslipidemia which may predispose to future CVD. So treating such subject for hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia can very well reduce cardiovascular morbidity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i2.7893 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 8-14
Identification of introgressed rice lines of Binadhan-7×FL-378 under salt stress through SSR markers
Authors: Haque MA , Mahmud MA , Islam MM , Begum SN
Published: May 2013

Thirty two rice lines of BC1F1 population (Binadhan-7/FL 378) were used to identify introgressed rice lines for salt tolerance using SSR markers at the Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Divisions of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh. Seeds of BC1F1 population of Binadhan-7/FL-378 were collected from backcross population of F1 (Binadhan-7/FL 378). Salt tolerant genotype, FL-378 was crossed with high yielding variety, Binadhan-7. Randomly selected 32 BC1F1 progenies along with their two parents (Binadhan-7, FL-378) were genotyped with microsatellite or SSR markers for identification of introgressed rice lines. Parental polymorphism survey was assayed by 8 SSR markers and three polymorphic SSR markers viz., RM296, RM585 and OSR30 were selected to evaluate BC1F1 rice lines for salt tolerance. Primer RM585 indicated 16 lines as introgressed and 16 lines as susceptible in comparison with salt tolerant parent FL-378 and salt susceptible parent Binadhan-7. Primer RM296 identified 13 introgressed, and 19 susceptible lines. Nine introgressed and 23 susceptible lines were identified when BC1F1 lines were evaluated with marker OSR30. Line BC1F1-30, BC1F1-40, BC1F1-2, BC1F1-16 and BC1F1-34 were identified as introgressed in comparison with parent FL-378 (salt tolerant) when RM585 and RM296 markers were used but line BC1F1-1 and BC1F1-3 were identified as introgressed incase of 3 primers (RM585, RM296 and OSR30). Again the lines BC1F1-5, BC1F1-24, BC1F1-26, BC1F1-27, BC1F1-29, BC1F1-31, BC1F1-37 and BC1F1-38 were found susceptible as compared with parent Binadhan-7 when marker RM585, RM296 and OSR30 were used. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.3290 to 0.3671 with an average of 0.3544. The overall gene diversity of SSR loci for the 32 BC1F1 rice lines along with two parents was 0.4614, ranging from 0.4152 to 0.4844. Positive correlations were found between the genetic diversity and the maximum number of repeats. Among the lines, all the loci were polymorphic and clearly distinct and the cluster analysis (NJ tree and UPGMA) showed nearly similar pattern of variation which could be used for improvement of salt tolerant rice lines of rice through SSR markers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14680 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 185190, 2012
Effect of spacing and number of seedlings per hill on the performance of aus rice cv. NERICA 1 under dry direct seeded rice (DDSR) system of cultivation
Authors: Bhowmik SK , Sarkar MAR , Zaman F
Published: May 2013

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from April to August 2011 to find out the effect of spacing and number of seedlings hill-1 on the performance of Aus rice cv. NERICA 1. Four spacing viz. 25 cm × l5 cm, 20 cm × l5 cm. 20 cm × 10 cm and 15 cm × 10 cm and four number of seedlings hill-1 viz. 2, 3, 4 and 5 were included in the experiment. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest number of total tillers m-2, number of effective tillers m-2, number of grains panicle-1, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index were obtained from 20 cm × 10 cm spacing. Plant height and 1000- grain weight were not significantly affected by spacing. Number of seedlings hill-1 exerts a significant effect on plant height. The highest value of total tillers m-2, number of effective tillers m-2, total grains panicle-1, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index were obtained from five seedlings hill-1. The interaction between spacing and number of seedlings hill-1 significantly influenced yield and plant characters. The highest number of effective tillers m-2, grains panicle-1, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were recorded from the interaction between 20 cm × 10 cm and five seedlings hill-1. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14681 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 191-195, 2012
Characterization of lentil (Lens culinaris M.) germplasm through phenotypic marker
Authors: Gupta R , Begum SN , Islam MM , Alam MS
Published: May 2013

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of 22 lentil (Lens culinaris M.) genotypes for their yield and yield contributing characters at phenotypic level, relationship and diversity among the individuals and characterize the germplasm through phenotypic markers. ANOVA table revealed that significant variation was found among the genotypes for the characters plant height, days to maturity, number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, height of the lowest pod and 100-seed weight. Yield plant-1 was positively correlated with pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, seeds plant-1 and 100-seed weight. Considering yield plant-1 LM-123-7 was the best followed by LM-132-7, ICARDA-2348 and LM-13-1. Days to flowering, days of maturity and 100-seed weight showed high heritability. Path analysis revealed that pods plant-1 and 100-seed weight had positive direct effects on yield plant-1. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters based on Euclidean distance following Wards method and the highest intra-cluster distance was found in cluster IV and inter-cluster distance between the cluster IV and cluster V. Study of selection indices through discriminate functions observed that LM-123-7 ranked as the best followed by LM-132-7, LM-21-6, LM-24-3 and LM-14-2 and suggests that the highest scoring genotypes might be recommended for farmers cultivation for better yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14682 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 197-204, 2012
Starch and flour extraction and nutrient composition of tuber in seven cassava accessions
Authors: Fakir MSA , Jannat M , Mostafa MG , Seal H
Published: May 2013

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots (tubers) are used as staple food. Starch extracted from tubers is widely utilized as raw materials in industries. Dry matter (DM) content, starch and flour extraction and proximate composition were investigated in seven cassava accessions (Coc-A1, Kh-A2, Cow-A3, Sa-A4, Me-A5, Va-A6 and Sy-A8.) in 2010- 2011. Leaf DM varied from 20.51% in Me-A5 to 29.01% in Sy-A8; that of stem from 27.24% in Va-A6 to 32.10% (average of Sy-A8, Me-A5 and Sa-A4); and that of tuber from 37.30% in Kh-A2 to 45.26% in Sy-A8. Starch was extracted by blending chopped tuber followed by decantation. Tubers were sliced, sun dried and milled into flour. Tuber starch content (fresh wt. basis) varied between 15.04% in Sy-A8 and 24.97% (average of Coc-A1 and Me-A5); that of peel from 4.54% in Va-A6 to 5.85% in Coc-A1. Crude protein varied from 1.80% (average of Kh-A2, Cow-A3 and Sy-A8) to 4.53% in Va-A6. Crude fiber content varied from 1.95% (average of Sa-A4 and Coc-A1) to 4.27% in Cow-A3. Cyanogens present in cassava plant escape as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) during harvesting and processing. Variation for HCN existed and it was 140.95 mg/kg fresh tuber (average of Sy-A8 and Coc-A1) to 546.0 mg/kg fresh tuber in Va-A6. There was no detectable HCN in the extracted flour and starch. It may be concluded that genetic variation for DM, starch, protein and HCN existed in seven cassava accessions, and Coc-A1 may be a better one due to its lower HCN, higher DM and starch content. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14698 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 217-222, 2012
Effect of supplementation of fish meal on growth and reproductive performance of crossbred heifers
Authors: Alam MS , Rashid MH , Uddin ME , Asaduzzaman M
Published: May 2013

The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm to study the effect of fish meal (FM) on growth and reproductive performances of crossbred heifers. The experiment was designed into four treatment (T0=0% FM; T1=5% FM; T2=7.5% FM and T3 =10% FM) groups having initial weight 231.33 ± 32.39, 241.00 ± 46.29, 198.66 ±58.53 and 236.66 ± 31.64 kg, respectively. The average age of the animal is 2 years 9 month. Results of the experiment revealed that there was a significant difference of FM on daily DMI (kg/d). In 90 days period, FM with rice straw based diet had significant effect on daily weight gain (kg/d) of crossbred heifers. DM, CP and CF digestibility (%) differ significantly (p<0.05) among the group. But, the EE, Ash and NFE do not differ significantly. However, there is a tendency to increase digestibility when increase the FM among the Treatment group. Among this group T3 and T1 treatment showed 100% and T0 treatment 66% estrus and T1 did not showed estrus. Based on above findings, it may be concluded that supplementation of FM with Rice straw based diet can be the best options for feeding crossbred heifers to obtain better performances in terms of dry matter intake, digestibility, daily weight gain and reproductive performance especially estrus.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14917 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 261-266, 2012
Participation of rural women in micro credit: A study on BRAC in sadar upazila of Gazipur district
Authors: Rana MM , Rahman MA , Uddin GMK , Sarma PK
Published: May 2013

The study presents the issues of rural women in Sadar Upazila of Gazipur district considering their participation in micro credit programs for poverty alleviation. Data were collected from 75 BRAC women beneficiaries of four villages following random sampling techniques. On the basis of credit, the respondents have been classified into three categories. These are: i) A-small credit (up to Tk.4000) ii) B-Medium credit (Tk.4001-7000) and iii) C-Large credit (Tk.7001-10000). Average credits received by the respondents were Tk. 3250, Tk. 5875, and Tk. 8895 by small, medium, and large categories, respectively. The average annual income and savings of the respondents were Tk. 24245 and Tk. 1106, respectively. The repayment rate was 69.81 percent. Level of education, size of own land area, amount of income, savings and amount of loan received were found to be positive contribution to loan repayment performance. The study clearly hints that micro credit provides greater opportunity for rural poor women to improve their socioeconomic conditions.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14919 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 277-282, 2012
Input use pattern and profitability of improved mungbean varieties in coastal region of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam QMS , Mohiuddin M , Sarma PK , Islam MS
Published: May 2013

The study was conducted in three mungbean growing districts namely Barisal, Patuakhali and Noakhali of Bangladesh during the period of 2010-11 to assess the extent of technology adoption, profitability, farmers attitude, and constraints to mungbean. The study focuses the level of technology adoption for both input use and agronomic practices follow by most of the farmers were close to the recommendation which was very encouraging. All the farmers adopted improved mungben varieties and they were mostly influenced by DAE personnel and neighboring farmers. The yield of improved mungbean was found 824 kg/ha, which was more or less same with the national average of 820 kg/ha. The cultivation of improved mungbean was profitable since the net profit and BCR were Tk.38850 and 1.62 respectively. The variables such as experience, training, organizational membership, relation with different media, and mungbean suitable area had positive and significant influence in increasing the area under mungbean cultivation. Maximum number of farmers showed positive attitude towards improved mungbean cultivation of which 67% farmers wanted to increase its cultivation in the next year. The major constraints to improved mungbean production were; high price of insecticides, lack of labour and disease and insect infestation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14920 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 283-289, 2012
Micro-credit programmes of different NGOs/MFIs: A comparative study
Authors: Islam Mohammad Amirul , Khatun MA , Hossain D , Alom J
Published: May 2013

This study evaluated micro-credit programmes of six leading NGOs/MFIs (BRAC, Grameen Bank, PROSHIKA, ASA, SSS and TMSS) in terms of the clients views towards the programmes. The objective of this project is to develop a selection criterion to identify the efficient programme. A total of 406 members from the selected NGOs/MFIs operating micro-credit programmes in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sherpur, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Norshingdi, Sylhet and Lalmonirhat were interviewed. The data analyses reveal that the majority of the large amount of loans (above Tk.15000) was taken by GB members (33.7 percent). The respondents who knew the actual interest rate were more in BRAC (42.9 percent). Workers of GB ranked first in terms of field visit (24.9 percent). Request needed to get loan was the highest in BRAC (53.0 percent). The satisfaction level of respondents was more in GB and low in SSS. Poverty alleviation due to micro-credit was the highest among GB members (22.0 percent). Logistic regression analysis suggests that amount of loan taken, experience of poverty alleviation and NGO membership are three important determinants of satisfaction level on the micro-credit programme. A set of characteristics were chosen to find out the best performing micro-credit operating NGOs/MFIs. The data analysis suggests that TMSS is the best performing NGOs/MFIs. The successive NGOs/MFIs in order of rank are GB, SSS, PROSHIKA, BRAC and ASA, respectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14922 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 297-302, 2012
Effects of addition of tilapia on the abundance of periphyton in freshwater prawn culture ponds with periphyton substrates
Authors: Hasan MN , Rahman MS , Hosen MF , Bashar MA
Published: May 2013

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of addition of tilapia on abundance of periphyton in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) in periphyton based culture system for a period of 120 days at Fisheries Field Laboratory Complex, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. A large pond (83×8.9 m) was drained completely and partitioned by galvanized iron sheet into 18 small ponds of 40 m2 each; of which 6 ponds were used for this experiment. The experimental ponds were divided into 2 treatments each with 3 randomly selected ponds. The absence and presence (0 and 0.5 individual m-2) of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were investigated in 40 m2 ponds stocked with 3 prawn juveniles (5±0.05 g) m-2 with added substrates for periphyton development. A locally formulated and prepared feed containing 30% protein was supplied considering the body weight of prawn only. Addition of periphyton substrates significantly reduced the inorganic N-compounds (TAN, NO2-N, and NO3-N) in water column. Forty six genera of periphyton were identified belonging to the Bacillariophyceae (10), Chlorophyceae (21), Cyanophyceae (7), Euglenophyceae (2), Crustacea (1) and Rotifera (5) with significant difference (P<0.05) of phyto-periphyton except Euglenophyceae and without significant difference (P>0.05) of zoo-periphyton between the treatments. The abundance of periphyton biomass in terms of dry matter, ash, ash free dry matter and chlorophyll-a were significantly higher in tilapia-free ponds comparing to tilapia added ponds. Benthic organisms had no significant difference (p>0.05) between the treatments. Addition of tilapia in periphyton-based system benefited the freshwater prawn culture through (i) reducing toxic inorganic nitrogenous compounds in water (ii) reducing demand for supplemental feed (iii) using periphyton as additional natural feed and, (iv)improving survival and production of prawn and tilapia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14924 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 313-324, 2012
Comparison of the efficacy of selected bacterins against Edwardsiella tarda in immunized Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
Authors: Hossain MMM , Kawai Kenji , Duston Jim , Oshima Syunichirou
Published: May 2013

An effective vaccine against Edwardsiella tarda has not been reported in substitution for high concentration of formalin for the prevention of edwardsiellosis disease. In this study, the efficacy of inactivated E. tarda was evaluated and compared by intraperitoneal (IP) injection-immunization or challenge against Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). Formalin, formalin with heat, citric acid, pressure and electric current were used for inactivation of the bacteria, and the relative percent survival (RPS) values of pressure (600 psi for 5 min) killed cells was determined. PKC-inactivated vaccine showed-89-93 protection that was higher than others. PKC-inactivated vaccine at a concentration of 106 cells/fish was sufficient to induce high protection (RPS>89). Protection of the different-inactivated vaccines was evaluated at different time post immunization, and the peak of protection was observed at 9 days post-challenge. Fish immunized with PKC showed significantly (P<0.05) higher serum and mucus antibody titers elicit both systemic and mucosal adaptive immune responses, and induce specific humoral immune responses in eel. Coincident with higher protection, sera of fish immunized with the PKC vaccine had higher agglutination titers than FKC, FHKC, CAKC and ECKC. All these data strongly suggested that PKC vaccine is an effective strategy to protect eel against edwardsiellosis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14929 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 355-366, 2012
Characterization of a Phospho-Specific Antibody to the Fcε Receptor γ Chain, Reveals Differences in the Regulation of Syk and Akt Phosphorylation
Authors: Suzuki Ryo , Leach Sarah , Dema Barbara , Rivera Juan
Published: May 2013

We previously demonstrated that the Fc receptor γ-chain Y58(C-terminal tyrosine) is highly susceptible to dephosphorylation; a mechanism that controls the extent of Syk activation and the downstream signaling in mast cells. Here, we explored the importance of the γ-chain Y47 (N-terminal tyrosine) in mast cell signaling. We generated a highly sensitive and versatile phospho-specific antibody that recognized the phosphorylated Y47 in various species. Using this antibody, we found that mutation of the FcεRIβ Y219 to phenylalanine caused a loss in the phosphorylation of the γ-chain Y47, consistent with the previously described role of Y219 in Lyn association with FcεRIβ and subsequent FcεRIγ phosphorylation. These conditions also diminished the tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk and LAT1 but, surprisingly, not the phosphorylation of Akt at T308. Mutation of Y47 or Y58 of the γ-chain also caused a marked inhibition of Syk and LAT1 phosphorylation, but only the latter mutant showed a reduction in Akt phosphorylation. These findings show that the full phosphorylation of Syk and LAT1 requires the FcεRIβ Y219 and both Y47 and Y58 of the γ-chain. However, T308 phosphorylation of Akt is largely independent of FcεRIγ Y47 phosphorylation and of the Lyn-binding site (Y219) on the FcεRIβ.
Outlier Detection in Regression Using an Iterated One-Step Approximation to the Huber-Skip Estimator
Authors: Johansen Søren , Nielsen Bent
Published: May 2013

In regression we can delete outliers based upon a preliminary estimator and re-estimate the parameters by least squares based upon the retained observations. We study the properties of an iteratively defined sequence of estimators based on this idea. We relate the sequence to the Huber-skip estimator. We provide a stochastic recursion equation for the estimation error in terms of a kernel, the previous estimation error and a uniformly small error term. The main contribution is the analysis of the solution of the stochastic recursion equation as a fixed point, and the results that the normalized estimation errors are tight and are close to a linear function of the kernel, thus providing a stochastic expansion of the estimators, which is the same as for the Huber-skip. This implies that the iterated estimator is a close approximation of the Huber-skip.
A Collaborative Geospatial Shoreline Inventory Tool to Guide Coastal Development and Habitat Conservation
Authors: Mitsova Diana , Wissinger Frank , Esnard Ann-Margaret , Shankar Ravi , Gies Peter
Published: May 2013

We are developing a geospatial inventory tool that will guide habitat conservation, restoration and coastal development and benefit several stakeholders who seek mitigation and adaptation strategies to shoreline changes resulting from erosion and sea level rise. The ESRI Geoportal Server, which is a type of web portal used to find and access geospatial information in a central repository, is customized by adding a Geoinventory tool capability that allows any shoreline related data to be searched, displayed and analyzed on a map viewer. Users will be able to select sections of the shoreline and generate statistical reports in the map viewer to allow for comparisons. The tool will also facilitate map-based discussion forums and creation of user groups to encourage citizen participation in decisions regarding shoreline stabilization and restoration, thereby promoting sustainable coastal development.
MAPKs and Signal Transduction in the Control of Gastrointestinal Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Osaki Luciana , Gama Patrícia
Published: May 2013

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are activated by several stimuli and transduce the signal inside cells, generating diverse responses including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Each MAPK cascade comprises a series of molecules, and regulation takes place at different levels. They communicate with each other and with additional pathways, creating a signaling network that is important for cell fate determination. In this review, we focus on ERK, JNK, p38 and ERK5, the major MAPKs, and their interactions with PI3K-Akt, TGFβ/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. More importantly, we describe how MAPKs regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in the rapidly renewing epithelia that lines the gastrointestinal tract and, finally, we highlight the recent findings on nutritional aspects that affect MAPK transduction cascades.
Stability of Solutions to Evolution Problems
Authors: Ramm Alexander
Published: May 2013

Large time behavior of solutions to abstract differential equations is studied. The results give sufficient condition for the global existence of a solution to an abstract dynamical system (evolution problem), for this solution to be bounded, and for this solution to have a finite limit as t → ∞ , in particular, sufficient conditions for this limit to be zero. The evolution problem is: u ˙ = A(t)u + F(t, u) + b(t), t ≥ 0; u(0) = u 0 . (*) Here u ˙ := du dt , u = u(t) ∈ H, H is a Hilbert space, t ∈ R + := [0,∞), A(t) is a linear dissipative operator: Re(A(t)u,u) ≤−γ(t)(u, u) where F(t, u) is a nonlinear operator, ‖ F(t, u) ‖ ≤ c 0 ‖ u ‖ p , p > 1, c 0 and p are positive constants, ‖ b(t) ‖ ≤ β(t) , and β(t)≥0 is a continuous function. The basic technical tool in this work are nonlinear differential inequalities. The non-classical case γ(t) ≤ 0 is also treated.
Spasmolytic Effect of Caulerpine Involves Blockade of Ca2+ Influx on Guinea Pig Ileum
Authors: Cavalcante-Silva Luiz , De Carvalho Correia Ana , Barbosa-Filho José , Da Silva Bagnólia , De Oliveira Santos Bárbara , De Lira Daysianne , Sousa Jéssica , De Miranda George , De Andrade Cavalcante Fabiana , Alexandre-Moreira Magna
Published: May 2013

In this work, we investigated the spasmolytic effect of caulerpine, a bisindole alkaloid isolated from marine algae of the Caulerpa genus, on guinea pig ileum. Our findings indicated that caulerpine inhibited phasic contractions induced by carbachol (IC50 = 7.0 ± 1.9 × 10−5 M), histamine (IC50 = 1.3 ± 0.3 × 10−4 M) and serotonin (IC50 = 8.0 ± 1.4 × 10−5 M) in a non-selective manner. Furthermore, caulerpine concentration-dependently inhibited serotonin-induced cumulative contractions (pD′2 = 4.48 ± 0.08), shifting the curves to the right with Emax reduction and slope of 2.44 ± 0.21, suggesting a noncompetitive antagonism pseudo-irreversible. The alkaloid also relaxed the ileum pre-contracted by KCl (EC50 = 9.0 ± 0.9 × 10−5 M) and carbachol (EC50 = 4.6 ± 0.7 × 10−5 M) in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was probably due to inhibition of Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV), since caulerpine slightly inhibited the CaCl2-induced contractions in depolarizing medium without Ca2+, shifting the curves to the right and with Emax reduction. According to these results, the spasmolytic effect of caulerpine on guinea pig ileum seems to involve inhibition of Ca2+ influx through CaV. However, other mechanisms are not discarded.
Synthesis of a New ent-Cyclozonarone Angular Analog, and Comparison of Its Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Effects with ent-Cyclozonarone
Authors: Sobarzo Natalia , Venegas Iván , Sánchez Cristian , Catalán Luis , Rojas Cristóbal , Valdivia Valentina , García Joan , Fritis Mauricio
Published: May 2013

The synthesis of a newangular analog 11 of cyclozonarone was achieved via Diels-Alder reaction between a sesquiterpene-1,3-diene and 1,4-benzoquinone. The cytotoxic activity of ent-cyclozonarone [(+)-10] and the angular (−)-cyclozonarone analog 11 has been determined in three human cancer cell lines and in normal fibroblasts using the sulforhodamine B assay. The analyzed isomers induce cell death in different cancer cell lines by eliciting nuclear condensation and fragmentation, decreasing mitochondrial membrane permeability and increasing caspase-3 activity, all traits indicating apoptosis, with the effects of (+)-10 being stronger than those of 11 in all cases.
From in vitro to in vivo Models of Bacterial Biofilm-Related Infections
Authors: Lebeaux David , Chauhan Ashwini , Rendueles Olaya , Beloin Christophe
Published: May 2013

The influence of microorganisms growing as sessile communities in a large number of human infections has been extensively studied and recognized for 30–40 years, therefore warranting intense scientific and medical research. Nonetheless, mimicking the biofilm-life style of bacteria and biofilm-related infections has been an arduous task. Models used to study biofilms range from simple in vitro to complex in vivo models of tissues or device-related infections. These different models have progressively contributed to the current knowledge of biofilm physiology within the host context. While far from a complete understanding of the multiple elements controlling the dynamic interactions between the host and biofilms, we are nowadays witnessing the emergence of promising preventive or curative strategies to fight biofilm-related infections. This review undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the literature from a historic perspective commenting on the contribution of the different models and discussing future venues and new approaches that can be merged with more traditional techniques in order to model biofilm-infections and efficiently fight them.
Presence of Viral Genome in Urine and Development of Hematuria and Pathological Changes in Kidneys in Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) after Inoculation with Dengue Virus
Authors: Moi Meng , Omatsu Tsutomu , Hirayama Takanori , Nakamura Shinichiro , Katakai Yuko , Yoshida Tomoyuki , Saito Akatsuki , Tajima Shigeru , Ito Mikako , Takasaki Tomohiko , Akari Hirofumi , Kurane Ichiro
Published: May 2013

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) developed high levels of viremia, clinical signs including fever, weight loss, a decrease in activity and hematuria upon inoculation with dengue virus (DENV). Presence of DENV genome in urine samples and pathological changes in kidneys were examined in the present study. Levels of DENV genome were determined in 228 urine samples from 20 primary DENV-inoculated marmosets and in 56 urine samples from four secondary DENV-inoculated marmosets. DENV genome was detected in 75% (15/20) of marmosets after primary DENV infection. No DENV genome was detected in urine samples from the marmosets with secondary infection with homologous DENV (0%, 0/4). Two marmosets demonstrated hematuria. Pathological analysis of the kidneys demonstrated non-suppressive interstitial nephritis with renal tubular regeneration. DENV antigen-positive cells were detected in kidneys. In human dengue virus infections, some patients present renal symptoms. The results indicate that marmosets recapitulate some aspects of the involvement of kidneys in human DENV infection, and suggest that marmosets are potentially useful for the studies of the pathogenesis of DENV infection, including kidneys.