bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factibilidad agronómica del uso de vinaza, subproducto de la fabricación del pisco, como biofertilizante en viñedos
Authors: Callejas Rodrigo , Silva Álvaro , Peppi Cecilia , Seguel Óscar
Published: March 2015

La vinaza, subproducto orgánico líquido de la fabricación del pisco, es catalogada en Chile como desecho industrial, generándose la necesidad de lograr su reclasificación y promover su uso como biofertilizante. Para esto, se propusieron tres experimentos entre los años 2010 y 2012, con el objetivo de definir dosis que no provocaran efectos negativos en el sistema radical, el crecimiento aéreo de las vides y características químicas del suelo. En los dos primeros experimentos se aplicó el equivalente a 0, 168, 336 y 672 m3 ha-1 en la var. Pedro Jiménez, utilizando un rizotrón estrella de un 10,1 L de cuatro puntas (experimento uno) y maceta de 20 L (experimento dos). El tercer experimento se realizó en campo, var. Chardonnay, con cuatro tratamientos (0,103, 206 y 412 m3 ha-1) utilizando grupos de cuatro plantas como unidad experimental. En los dos primeros experimentos se definió que la dosis de 336 m3 ha-1 no afectaban la parte aérea y promovía mayor crecimiento del sistema radical. En el experimento tres, cantidades de hasta 206 m3 ha-1 no causaron cambios químicos a nivel de suelo o la parte aérea de la planta, pero promovieron un mayor índice de enraizamiento en los primeros 20 cm. El uso adecuado de la vinaza de pisco podría transformarse en una buena oportunidad para los pequeños agricultores, al utilizarse como enmienda orgánica o biofertilizante agrícola en viñedos.
Aplicación líquida edáfica y foliar de manganeso en espinaca (Spinacia oleraceae L.) cultivada en sustrato vermicompost
Authors: Prato Andrés I. , Gómez Manuel Iván
Published: March 2015

En la agricultura orgánica de hortalizas, el uso de sustratos a base de vermicompost es una alternativa cada vez con mayor aceptación. La fertilización eficiente de manganeso (Mn) requiere manejos agronómicos diferenciados dadas las complejas variables de absorción y disponibilidad de este micronutriente en el suelo. Nuevos productos de fertilizantes deben ser estudiados extensamente. Se evaluó en condiciones de invernadero, el efecto de la fertilización de Mn en espinaca, híbrido Panther, empleando dos fuentes –sulfato y gluconato– en aplicación líquida edáfica y foliar, a una concentración de 50 mg L-1 (1,5 kg ha-¹), y sin la aplicación del micronutriente. La fertilización fue parcializada en 10 aplicaciones. Plántulas con 15 días desde germinación fueron trasplantadas en materas de 2 L en un sustrato vermicompost. Desde los 12 días después de iniciar los tratamientos, las plantas evidenciaron efecto según la fuente y método de aplicación para la masa seca aérea y área foliar. Al final del periodo de estudio, la fuente de MnSO4 edáfico presentó la mejor respuesta, con mayor acumulación de masa seca aérea, número de hojas y altura planta frente a las plantas control, 86,7; 56,8 y 28,0%, respectivamente. Tanto la aplicación foliar y edáfica del gluconato de Mn resultaron en valores próximos, sin síntomas visibles de toxicidad a la dosis evaluada. Este producto podría llegar a ser una opción viable de fertilización de Mn en espinaca.
Etileno y retardantes de la maduración en la poscosecha de productos agrícolas. Una revisión
Authors: Balaguera-López Helber Enrique , Salamanca-Gutiérrez Fredy Alexander , García Juan Camilo , Herrera-Árevalo Aníbal
Published: March 2015

El etileno es la hormona vegetal responsable de regular diferentes procesos durante la maduración de productos agrícolas, llevando a procesos de senescencia y finalmente, pérdida de valor nutricional y comercial. A través del tiempo se han desarrollado diversos retardantes químicos de la maduración para disminuir los efectos negativos del etileno en la poscosecha, los cuales actúan en las etapas de biosíntesis (aminoetoxi-vinil-glicina (AVG) y ácido aminooxiacético (AOA), acción/señalización (1-MCP)) y sales de plata como nitrato y tiosulfato de plata (STS) y compuestos que oxidan al etileno de la atmósfera (permanganato de potasio (KMnO4)). En esta revisión se describen las características principales de cada uno de los retardantes de madurez mencionados, además, se analiza con estudios científicos, el efecto que tienen estos retardantes sobre los cambios moleculares, fisiológicos, químicos y físicos durante la poscosecha de frutos, hortalizas y especies ornamentales.
Maduración y comportamiento poscosecha de la guayaba (Psidium guajava L.). Una revisión
Authors: Parra Coronado Alfonso
Published: March 2015

Dentro de la familia Myrtaceae, la guayaba es la principal especie del género Psidium por su importancia económica. La clasificación de la guayaba como fruto climatérico o no climatérico es contradictoria, depende de la variedad. Los diferentes estudios indican que a medida que transcurre el periodo poscosecha, se presenta pérdida de peso, aumento en los sólidos solubles y el pH, además se disminuye la firmeza del fruto y el ángulo hue, el cual expresa significativamente el cambio en el color de la epidermis y es un buen indicador del estado de madurez. La tendencia de la acidez titulable y del contenido de ácido ascórbico son muy variables, aumentando y/o disminuyendo durante la poscosecha, según características varietales. Los frutos de la guayaba son muy susceptibles al daño por frío y a enfermedades generándose pardeamiento (temperatura óptima de almacenamiento 5-10ºC). El comportamiento poscosecha está influenciado por las características varietales, la edad de la planta y por las condiciones climáticas y de cultivo a que hayan estado expuestos.
Mining‐caused changes to habitat structure affect amphibian and reptile population ecology more than metal pollution
Authors: Sasaki Kiyoshi , Lesbarrères David , Watson Glen , Litzgus Jacqueline
Published: March 2015

Emissions from smelting not only contaminate water and soil with metals, but also induce extensive forest dieback and changes in resource availability and microclimate. The relative effects of such co‐occurring stressors are often unknown, but this information is imperative in developing targeted restoration strategies. We assessed the role and relative effects of structural alterations of terrestrial habitat and metal pollution caused by century‐long smelting operations on amphibian and reptile communities by collecting environmental and time‐ and area‐standardized multivariate abundance data along three spatially replicated impact gradients. Overall, species richness, diversity, and abundance declined progressively with increasing levels of metals (As, Cu, and Ni) and soil temperature (Ts) and decreasing canopy cover, amount of coarse woody debris (CWD), and relative humidity (RH). The composite habitat variable (which included canopy cover, CWD, Ts, and RH) was more strongly associated with most response metrics than the composite metal variable (As, Cu, and Ni), and canopy cover alone explained 19–74% of the variance. Moreover, species that use terrestrial habitat for specific behaviors (e.g., hibernation, dispersal), especially forest‐dependent species, were more severely affected than largely aquatic species. These results suggest that structural alterations of terrestrial habitat and concomitant changes in the resource availability and microclimate have stronger effects than metal pollution per se. Furthermore, much of the variation in response metrics was explained by the joint action of several environmental variables, implying synergistic effects (e.g., exacerbation of metal toxicity by elevated temperatures in sites with reduced canopy cover). We thus argue that the restoration of terrestrial habitat conditions is a key to successful recovery of herpetofauna communities in smelting‐altered landscapes.
Effect of Fluoxetine on Periodontal Status in Patients With Depression: A Cross‐Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Bhatia Anu , Sharma Rajinder K. , Tewari Shikha , Khurana Hitesh , Narula Satish C.
Published: March 2015

Background: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been reported to reduce periodontal disease severity in a rat ligature‐induced periodontitis model. The objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of fluoxetine intake on periodontal parameters in patients with periodontitis with clinical depression.

Methods: A sample of 236 patients with chronic periodontitis and clinical depression were assessed for clinical parameters of periodontal disease. Of these, 115 patients were taking fluoxetine (20 mg/day) for ≥2 months, and 121 patients were not. Participants taking fluoxetine were further analyzed for correlation between duration of drug intake and periodontal parameters.

Results: All periodontal parameters, except plaque index, were significantly lower in participants taking fluoxetine (P <0.01). Partial correlation analysis, adjusted for confounders, revealed a significant and negative correlation between duration of fluoxetine intake and attachment loss (AL) (R2 = −0.321, P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that fluoxetine intake was associated with a lower risk of having AL ≥3 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31 to 0.96) and lower odds of increased bleeding on probing (BOP) percentage values (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.97).

Conclusion: In this observational study, use of fluoxetine was associated with lower BOP percentages and reduced AL.
Selective Insulin Resistance in Homeostatic and Cognitive Control Brain Areas in Overweight and Obese Adults
Authors: Kullmann Stephanie , Heni Martin , Veit Ralf , Scheffler Klaus , Machann Jürgen , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Preissl Hubert
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

Impaired brain insulin action has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. To date, the central nervous effects of insulin in obese humans still remain ill defined, and no study thus far has evaluated the specific brain areas affected by insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 25 healthy lean and 23 overweight/obese participants, we performed magnetic resonance imaging to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) before and 15 and 30 min after application of intranasal insulin or placebo. Additionally, participants explicitly rated pictures of high-caloric savory and sweet food 60 min after the spray for wanting and liking.

RESULTS

In response to insulin compared with placebo, we found a significant CBF decrease in the hypothalamus in both lean and overweight/obese participants. The magnitude of this response correlated with visceral adipose tissue independent of other fat compartments. Furthermore, we observed a differential response in the lean compared with the overweight/obese group in the prefrontal cortex, resulting in an insulin-induced CBF reduction in lean participants only. This prefrontal cortex response significantly correlated with peripheral insulin sensitivity and eating behavior measures such as disinhibition and food craving. Behaviorally, we were able to observe a significant reduction for the wanting of sweet foods after insulin application in lean men only.

CONCLUSIONS

Brain insulin action was selectively impaired in the prefrontal cortex in overweight and obese adults and in the hypothalamus in participants with high visceral adipose tissue, potentially promoting an altered homeostatic set point and reduced inhibitory control contributing to overeating behavior.
Small Nerve Fiber Quantification in the Diagnosis of Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy: Comparing Corneal Confocal Microscopy With Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density
Authors: Chen Xin , Graham Jim , Dabbah Mohammad A. , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Ponirakis Georgios , Asghar Omar , Alam Uazman , Marshall Andrew , Fadavi Hassan , Ferdousi Maryam , Azmi Shazli , Tavakoli Mitra , Efron Nathan , Jeziorska Maria , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

Quantitative assessment of small fiber damage is key to the early diagnosis and assessment of progression or regression of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN). Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) is the current gold standard, but corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), an in vivo ophthalmic imaging modality, has the potential to be a noninvasive and objective image biomarker for identifying small fiber damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of CCM and IENFD by using the current guidelines as the reference standard.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighty-nine subjects (26 control subjects and 63 patients with type 1 diabetes), with and without DSPN, underwent a detailed assessment of neuropathy, including CCM and skin biopsy.

RESULTS

Manual and automated corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (P < 0.0001), branch density (CNBD) (P < 0.0001) and length (CNFL) (P < 0.0001), and IENFD (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in patients with diabetes with DSPN compared with control subjects. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for identifying DSPN was 0.82 for manual CNFD, 0.80 for automated CNFD, and 0.66 for IENFD, which did not differ significantly (P = 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows comparable diagnostic efficiency between CCM and IENFD, providing further support for the clinical utility of CCM as a surrogate end point for DSPN.
Urban-rural gradients of ecosystem services and the linkages with socioeconomics
Authors: Hou Yin , Müller Felix , Li Bo , Kroll Franziska
Published: March 2015

The principle of urban-rural gradients can reveal the spatial variations of ecosystem services and socioeconomic dimensions. The interrelations between ecosystem services and socioeconomics have scarcely been considered in the context of urban-rural areas. We investigated the spatial gradients and the mutual linkages of several ecosystem services and socioeconomic variables in the urban-rural areas of Leipzig, Germany, and Kunming, China. The results showed some regularities in the spatial patterns of ecosystem services and socioeconomic dimensions in both study areas. Habitat quality and f-evapotranspiration of Leipzig and habitat quality of Kunming demonstrated apparent increasing trends along all gradient patterns. However, the other ecosystem services presented divergent spatial variabilities in different gradient patterns. Road density, urban fabric and population density showed identical declining trends in both case study areas. Differently, household size, housing area as well as unemployment rate in Leipzig presented inconsistent spatial dynamics with considerable fluctuations. With regard to the gradient interrelations, road density, urban fabric and population density were strongly correlated with most ecosystem services in both case study areas. In contrast, the gradients of household size, housing area and unemployment rate of Leipzig showed inconsistent correlations with the ecosystem services gradients. Our study provides evidence to the argument that typical patterns of ecosystem service gradients do not exist in different urban-rural areas.
Sustainable landscape development and value rigidity: the Pirsig‘s monkey trap
Authors: Zurlini Giovanni , Petrosillo Irene , Bozsik András , Cloud Jon , Aretano Roberta , Lincoln Noa Kekuewa
Published: March 2015

New broader, adaptable and accommodating sets of themes have been proposed to help to identify, understand and solve sustainability problems. However, how this knowledge will foster decisions that lead to more desirable outcomes and analyses necessary to transition to sustainability remains a critical theoretical and empirical question for basic and applied research. We argue that we are still underestimating the tendency to lock into certain patterns that come at the cost of the ability to adjust to new situations. This rigidity limits the ability of persons, groups, and companies to respond to new problems, and can make it hard to learn new facts because we pre-select facts as important, or not, in line with our established values. Changing circumstances demand to reappraise values like in the case of Pirsig's monkey and its rice. There is an urgent need to go beyond such local, static and short-term conceptions, where landscape sustainability has been incorrectly envisioned as a durable, stable condition that, once achieved, could persist for generations. We argue that to manage a global transition toward more environmentally efficient and, therefore, more sustainable land-use we have to reappraise societal values at the root of overregulation and rigidity.
Influence of Organic Manures (Biofertilizers) on Soil Microbial Population in the Rhizosphere of Mulberry (Morus Indica L.)
Authors: Louis Mary L. Christilda , Sujatha R. , Chozhaa A. J. , Navas P. Mohideen Askar
Published: March 2015

The effect of different kinds of organic manures on soil microbial population and mulberry production was assessed. A field experiment wascarried out at Periyar EVR College, Tamil Nadu, India in basic soil to study the influence of organic manures on soil bacterial population andmulberry production. The 4 groups of mulberry plants of MR2 variety were biofertilized with FYM, Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria andVermicompost respectively. The biofertilizers lodged bacteria on the rhizosphere of mulberry plants. When the root microorganism areanalyzed Farm yard manure biofertilized mulberry plant root tips had Gluconacobacter diazotrophicus, Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas putida,Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus sonorensis, Azotobacter chrococcum; Azospirillum biofertilized mulberry plants root tips had Bacillus coaculans,Azotobactor chrococcum, Azotobactor vinelandii, Bacillus subtilis and Azospirillum brasilense. Phosphobacteria biofertilized mulberry plantroot tips had Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brevibacillus borslelansis and Streptomycies thermonitrificans andvermicompost biofertilized mulberry plant root tips had lodged bacterias like Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Gluconacobacterdiazotrophicus, Pseudomonas putida, Azotobacter chrococcum, Azotobacter vinelandi, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brevibacillus borslelansisand Bacillus sonorensis. Microbiology work reveals luxuriant growth of bacteria in all the biofertizer treated rhizosphere in the order FYM <Azospirillum < Phosphobacteria < Vermicompost. Increased availability of NPK and other micronutrients were noticed in T4 treated plantscompared to other treatments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12137    Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 61-66
Prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV infected patients presenting with diarrhea and their association with CD4+ Counts
Authors: Singh Desh D , Singh Vinod
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infection has been an important problem in HIV patients, worldwide. Hence, this study was undertaken toestablish the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among people with and without HIV infection and its association with diarrhea andCD4 T-cell count. we aimed to measure the prevalence and identify the factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection in peopleinfected with HIV. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study in 1490 HIV-infected people attending for CD4 T-cell count wasconducted. Results: The incidence of intestinal parasitic infection was 22.4% (95% CI 29.25 to 38.25). In univariate investigation, age, sex,longer time because diagnosis of HIV, CD4 T-cell count of <200/μL, diarrhoea, wedded status, and individual under tuberculosis (TB)treatment were drastically related with increased chances of intestinal parasite infection. Nevertheless, in the logistic malfunctionrepresentation, only the CD4 T-cell count of <200/μL (accustomed OR=6.3, 95% CI 3.75 to 10.5), diarrhoea (accustomed OR=4.2,95% CI 2.7 to 6.45) and individual under TB cure (adjusted OR=4.35, 95% CI 2.7 to 6.45) remain as significant predictors. Onstratification, CD4 T-cell count of <200/ μL was independently associated with higher odds of protozoal as well as helminthes infection. Theparasites Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were observed only in participants with CD4 T-cell counts <200/μL. Conclusions: HIV infectionincreased the risk of having intestinal parasites and diarrhoea. Therefore, raising HIV positive’s immune status and screening for intestinalparasites is important. This study showed that Immunodeficiency increased the risk of having opportunistic parasites and diarrhea. Therefore;raising patient immune status and screening at least for those treatable parasites is important.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12203     Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 96-100
Immediate Outcome of Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvotomy in Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Nagma , Bhatta Yadav Kumar Dev , Maskey Arun , Malla Rabi , Rajbhandari Rajib , Kansakar Subodh , Sharma Ranjit , Yadav Dharmanath , Adhikari Chandra Mani , Prajapati Dipanker , Kesavan Sujatha , Shrestha Sushan
Published: March 2015

Background and Aim: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy is well established as safe and effective procedure for patients with mitral stenosis due to Rheumatic Heart Disease. There are some retrospective studies on safety and efficacy of it in different subgroups of patients from our centre. Our study aims to assess the safety, efficacy and outcome of it in Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A Single centre, prospective study was conducted from July 1st 2013 to June 31st 2014 in our centre. All the patients who underwent percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy for moderate to severe mitral stenosis during the study period were included. Safety and efficacy of the procedure was analyzed. Results: There were 262 patients enrolled in the study among which 194 (74%) were females. Mean age of patients was 33.2±12.5 years. Seventy patients (26.7%) were in atrial fibrillation, six (2%) were pregnant, three (1%) had history of stroke, twelve (4.6%) underwent previous surgical or balloon commissurotomy. The mean left atrial pressure reduced from 26.8 ± 8.9 mmHg to 15.6 ± 7.2 mmHg (p < 0.05).The mean mitral valve area increased from 0.9 ± 0.17 cm2 to 1.6 ± 0.28 cm2 (p < 0.05). Forty nine patients (18.7%) developed moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. There was no mortality related to the procedure. The procedural success was achieved in 84% patients. Conclusion: Our study suggests that percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy is a safe and effective procedure for symptomatic mitral stenosis patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v12i1.12325 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.12(1) 2015: 11-14
My Letter of Confession: Sara Jeannette Duncan's Late Imperial Rhetoric and Risk-Taking
Authors: Hulan Shelley
Published: March 2015

Canadian writer Sara Jeannette Duncan (1861–1922) found early success as a journalist in North America, writing most of her novels after she migrated to India and England in 1890. Janice Fiamengo's argument that the young Duncan developed an “insouciant public voice” in the ephemeral press invites inquiry into whether, and to what ends, she cultivated that voice after her move. A newly-discovered collection of Duncan's letters shows that she continued to evolve the risk-taking persona of her early journalism, deploying it in this instance to enhance her relationship with India's Vicereine Mary Curzon. In this correspondence, Duncan transforms a satirical sketch she published pseudonymously in London's Daily Mail into an amusing anecdote that dramatizes her loyalty to the Vicereine. The letters thus reveal some of the rhetorical strategies that Duncan used to collapse the social hierarchy of the late British empire to her advantage while critiquing that same hierarchy.
ECG - are we doing it right
Authors: Chowdhury Abdul Wadud
Published: March 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22684 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 1-2
Management of fracture shaft of femur in children with Titanium Elastic Nailing (TEN) at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Mobarak , Alam Quazi Shahidul , Haque E , Rahman MS
Published: March 2015

Context: Management of femoral diaphyseal fractures in children with ages 5 to 15 years is controversial. There has been debate of operative fixation worldwide. Objective: To evaluate the outcome of Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN) for the treatment of fracture of shaft of femur in pediatric age group. Method: Ten children aged 5-15 years with femoral diaphyseal fractures were stabilized with Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN). The results were evaluated using Flynns Scoring Criteria. Two nails were used in each fracture. Radiological union in all cases was achieved in a mean time of 8 weeks. Full weight bearing was possible in a mean time of 06 weeks. Result: The results were excellent in 10 patients (100%). Intramedullary fixation by TEN is an effective treatment of fracture of femur in properly selected patients of the 5-15 years age group. Conclusion: Treatment of femoral shaft fracture in children aged 5-15years by TEN is ideal, as it hastens fracture union, reduce the rate of mal union, shortening and allow early rehabilitation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22689 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 24-30
Effect of intraarticular steroid injection in addition to physical modalities in osteoarthritis knee
Authors: Islam Md Jahidul , Uddin MM Jalal , Hossain Md Shahadat , Amin Md Ruhul , Rahman Md Moshiur , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman , Salek AKM
Published: March 2015

Context: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis accounting for about 30% of general physician visits. Intrarticular (IA) corticosteroid injections have been used for decades in clinical practice for pain relief and control of local inflammation in OA. In the present study a combined therapy of long acting intra-articular injection in addition to physical modalities of OA knee was given to find out the functional improvement and clinical outcome of the patient. Methods: It was a prospective interventional non-randomized clinical study conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from October, 2011 to March, 2012. Fifty four patients between 35 and 75 years without consideration of gender with a history of not less than three months knee pain with radiographic confirmation of primary osteoarthritis were selected purposefully. Then they were divided randomly in group A and B, having 27 patients in each group. Group A received NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) i.e. aceclofenac 100mg twice daily for 10 days + omeprazol 20mg twice daily for 10 days + MWD (micro wave diathermy 20 minutes for 14 days. + therapeutic exercise + ADL (activities of daily living), while Group B received 80mg intraarticular triamcinolon acetonide injection once followed by NSAID i.e. aceclofenac 100mg twice daily for 10 days + omeprazol 20mg twice daily for 10 days + MWD 20 minutes for 14 days. + therapeutic exercise + ADL. In both groups the patients were observed for six weeks. Results: The mean of age of patients in group A and B were 52.33±9.62 years and 52.29±9.67 years respectively. In group A, 9 (33.3%) were male and 18 (66.7%) were female. In group B, 10 (37.0%) were male and 18 (63.0%) were female. Mean visual analogue scale (VAS) during pre treatment in group A and group B were 6.22±1.60 and 7.15±1.56 respectively. Mean range of motion (ROM) during pre treatment in group A and group B were 117.33±13.05 and 112.37±19.01 respectively. Mean time taken to walk 50 feet during pre treatment in group A and group B were 18.22±2.39 and 18.81±2.13 minutes respectively. Mean Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities (WOMAC) index in group A and group B were 60.85±15.86 and 67.33±16.33 minutes respectively. After treatment in both groups visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), time taken to walk 50 feet and Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities (WOMAC) index gradually decreased and range of motion (ROM) gradually increased, which were statistically significant. However, the study conducted with small sample size in a single centre in Dhaka city, which may not be representative for the whole country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22694 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 48-54
Relationship of clinicopathological parameters and preoperative CA19-9 level in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Shirin Laila , Rahman Md Mizanur , Ahmed Saifuddin , Hossain Md Nabir
Published: March 2015

Objective: This study is an evaluation of serum level of the tumor marker CA 19-9 in gastric cancer patients in preoperative periods to assess the relationship of level of tumor markers in serum and clinicopathological parameters in gastric cancer. Methods: A prospective study was done of 61 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer treated at a single institution in Bangladesh National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka, from July 2010 to December 2011. Analyses were performed to identify patient and tumor-related characteristics in gastric cancer patients. The sera from 61patients with gastric cancer were measured for CA19-9 level using a commercial immunoradiometric assay. All the patients underwent diagnostic imaging with computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US) before laparotomy. Metastasis was confirmed by either by US or CT and direct visualization of metastatic deposits after laparotomy. Results: The serum levels of CA 19-9 e the cutoff value of 40 U/ml was regarded as positive. The serum levels of CA 19-9 d the cutoff value of 40 U/ml was considered as negative. Clinicopathological factors age, sex, tumor infiltration, N-classification, staging and grading was compared with CA19-9 level in gastric carcinoma. Preoperative levels of CA19-9 was above the cut-off levels in 23% of all cases. In the present study, we found CA 19-9 positivity was not significantly related with age (p.48) & sex (p.35) of the patients. There was no correlation with the histologic type and CA 19-9 positivity (P.19). CA 19-9 positivity had correlation with the proportions of depth of invasion (T stage) (P.007), lymph node involvement (P.000), metastasis (p .03); but no correlation with stage (P .4) in case of gastric carcinoma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22696 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 60-67
Explained infertility among the couple attending the infertility unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Arifa , Tanira Shaorin , Adhikary Sanchita , Keya Kashfia Ahmed , Akhter Sayeba
Published: March 2015

Context: The causes of infertility vary from country to country among different cultural, environmental and socio economic groups. The aim of the study was to explain the causes of infertility among the couple attending infertility unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh and to compare with previous studies of both local and abroad. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out between September 2007 and March 2008 at infertility unit of BSMMU Hospital, Dhaka, among 110 couples, who had tried unsuccessfully for more than one year to reproduce. The data included history, physical examination and relevant investigations for female partners and male partners. Results: The age group of 25-30 years was the most vulnerable as they represented 52% of primary and 51.42% of secondary infertility. Among the 110 subfertile couples, 43.63% had female factor problems; 20% were suffering from male factor problems. In 21.81% of cases both male and female were responsible. In 14.54% cases, there were no causes, and, therefore, remain unexplained infertility. Among women, primary subfertility was 68.18%, secondary subfertility was 31.81% and among men, it was 79% and 21% respectively. Most of the infertile couples (43.64%) were trying for 2-5 years. In this study, most common cause was ovarian dysfunction (33.63%). Among them, anovulation with regular menstruation was found in 60%, polycystic ovarian disease in 32%, hyperprolactinaemia in 16% cases. Bilateral tubal occlusion was found in 8% and pelvic adhesions in 24% by doing laparoscopy. In addition, 10% of patients had endometriosis. Fibroid uterus was found in 26% cases. Among the primary subfertility cases, common causes were anovulation with regular menstruation (14.66%) and polycystic ovarian disease (12%). 40% of secondary subfertility was related with menstrual regulation (MR). Among male factors, azoospermia was found in 6.36% cases, oligozoospermia in 10.9% cases, asthenozoospermia 18.18%, teratozoospermia was in 6.36% cases. Conclusion: Primary subfertility cases were more common than secondary subfertility cases. Ovarian dysfunction was the common causes of subfertility. Other factors were abnormal semen analysis, endometriosis, tubal occlusion, pelvic adhesions and fibroid uterus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22705 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 114-120
Isolated Infundibular pulmonary Stenosis in adult: a case report
Authors: Rahman Md Mostafizur , Sunny Mohammad Samir Azam , Hasan Md Kamrul , Adhikary Asit Baran
Published: March 2015

Isolated infundibular pulmonary stenosis (IIPS) in adult is an uncommon cardiac abnormality. Infundibular pulmonary stenosis leading to right ventricular hypertrophy is a big problem. Early excision of hypertrophied muscular band can overcome this problem. In our case report we have done excision of pulmonary infundibular muscle band of a late case of isolated pulmonary infundibular stenosis. And our patient showed a good response after excision of infundibular muscle band. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22711 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 140-142
Reforms of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination regarding item development and performance evaluation
Authors: Yim Mi Kyoung
Published: March 2015

Purpose: The Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE) has undergone a variety of innovative reforms implemented by the National Health Personnel Licensing Examination Board (NHPLEB) in order to make it a competency-based test. The purpose of this article is to describe the ways in which the KMLE has been reformed and the effect of those innovations on medical education in Korea. Methods: Changes in the KMLE were traced from 1994 to 2014 by reviewing the adoption of new policies by the NHPLEB and the relevant literature. Results: The most important reforms that turned the examination into a competency-based test were the following: First, the subjects tested on the exam were revised; second, R-type items were introduced; third, the proportion of items involving problem-solving skills was increased; and fourth, a clinical skills test was introduced in addition to the written test. The literature shows that the above reforms have resulted in more rigorous licensure standards and have improved the educational environment of medical schools in Korea. Conclusion: The reforms of the KMLE have led to improvements in how the competency of examinees is evaluated, as well as improvements in the educational system in medical schools in Korea.
How undergraduate medical students reflect on instructional practices and class attendance: a case study from the Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Talat , Shaheen Abida , Azam Fahad
Published: March 2015

The goal of this study was to assess student perceptions of a variety of instructional practices and attitudes toward class attendance. Data were obtained and analyzed by administering a questionnaire to students of the Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan in 2011 and 2012. The subjects positively assessed most instructional practices, and in particular felt that teaching sessions conducted in small groups were more valuable than formal lectures in large groups. Students did not like having to give presentations, quizzes, panel discussions, and journal club. A positive correlation was found between the perceived importance of attendance and levels of academic motivation. Of the students surveyed, 11.8% were against mandatory attendance, saying that it reduced motivation and that attendance should be optional. In conclusion, the students had a positive perception of a range of instructional practices, and felt especially positively about practices that involve student activity in small groups. Programmatic improvement in instructional practices might increase class attendance.
Tackling Critical Catalytic Residues in Helicobacter pylori L-Asparaginase
Authors: Maggi Maristella , Chiarelli Laurent , Valentini Giovanna , Scotti Claudia
Published: March 2015

Bacterial asparaginases (amidohydrolases, EC 3.5.1.1) are important enzymes in cancer therapy, especially for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. They are tetrameric enzymes able to catalyze the deamination of L-ASN and, to a variable extent, of L-GLN, on which leukemia cells are dependent for survival. In contrast to other known L-asparaginases, Helicobacter pylori CCUG 17874 type II enzyme (HpASNase) is cooperative and has a low affinity towards L-GLN. In this study, some critical amino acids forming the active site of HpASNase (T16, T95 and E289) have been tackled by rational engineering in the attempt to better define their role in catalysis and to achieve a deeper understanding of the peculiar cooperative behavior of this enzyme. Mutations T16E, T95D and T95H led to a complete loss of enzymatic activity. Mutation E289A dramatically reduced the catalytic activity of the enzyme, but increased its thermostability. Interestingly, E289 belongs to a loop that is very variable in L-asparaginases from the structure, sequence and length point of view, and which could be a main determinant of their different catalytic features.
Drinking Water from Dug Wells in Rural Ghana — Salmonella Contamination, Environmental Factors, and Genotypes
Authors: Dekker Denise , Krumkamp Ralf , Sarpong Nimako , Frickmann Hagen , Boahen Kennedy , Frimpong Michael , Asare Renate , Larbi Richard , Hagen Ralf , Poppert Sven , Rabsch Wolfgang , Marks Florian , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , May Jürgen
Published: March 2015

Salmonellosis is an important but neglected disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Food or fecal-oral associated transmissions are the primary cause of infections, while the role of waterborne transmission is unclear. Samples were collected from different dug wells in a rural area of Ghana and analyzed for contamination with bacteria, and with Salmonella in particular. In addition, temporal dynamics and riks factors for contamination were investigated in 16 wells. For all Salmonella isolates antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed, serovars were determined and strains from the same well with the same serovar were genotyped. The frequency of well water contamination with Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria was 99.2% (n = 395). Out of 398 samples, 26 (6.5%) tested positive for Salmonella spp. The serovar distribution was diverse including strains not commonly isolated from clinical samples. Resistance to locally applied antibiotics or resistance to fluoroquinolones was not seen in the Salmonella isolates. The risk of Salmonella contamination was lower in wells surrounded by a frame and higher during the rainy season. The study confirms the overall poor microbiological quality of well water in a resource-poor area of Ghana. Well contamination with Salmonella poses a potential threat of infection, thus highlighting the important role of drinking water safety in infectious disease control.
Identification of an AMPK Phosphorylation Site in Drosophila TSC2 (gigas) that Regulate Cell Growth
Authors: Kim Myungjin , Lee Jun
Published: March 2015

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important metabolic regulator that mediates cellular adaptation to diverse stresses. One of the AMPK substrates, tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), was suggested to mediate AMPK-induced silencing of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling that is critical for cell growth. However, it is not known whether the AMPK-dependent TSC2 phosphorylation, originally observed in mammalian cells, is conserved in invertebrates. Here we show that energy depletion inhibits mTORC1 signaling through the AMPK-TSC2 axis in Drosophila S2 cells. We have discovered an AMPK phosphorylation site in TSC2-like genes from many different invertebrate species including Drosophila. The site (Ser1338 in Drosophila TSC2) is specifically and efficiently phosphorylated by AMPK in vitro. To evaluate the functional role of this phosphorylation site in vivo, we generated transgenic flies that can express identical amount of either wild-type or phosphorylation-resistant mutant Drosophila TSC2 in a tissue-specific manner. In response to transgenic Sestrin induction, which causes ectopic AMPK activation and subsequent mTORC1 inhibition, wild-type Drosophila TSC2 synergistically reduced tissue growth in the dorsal epithelium of Drosophila wings. However, phosphorylation-resistant mutant Drosophila TSC2 was unable to show such a growth-inhibiting effect, suggesting that this phosphorylation is important for AMPK-dependent regulation of cell growth.
Rapid Characterization of Fatty Acids in Oleaginous Microalgae by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Jin , Chen Tianpeng , Yang Bo , Jiang Yue , Wei Dong , Chen Feng
Published: March 2015

The key properties of microalgal biodiesel are largely determined by the composition of its fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). The gas chromatography (GC) based techniques for fatty acid analysis involve energy-intensive and time-consuming procedures and thus are less suitable for high-throughput screening applications. In the present study, a novel quantification method for microalgal fatty acids was established based on the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique. The lyophilized cells of oleaginous Chlorella containing different contents of lipids were scanned by NIRS and their fatty acid profiles were determined by GC-MS. NIRS models were developed based on the chemometric correlation of the near-infrared spectra with fatty acid profiles in algal biomass. The optimized NIRS models showed excellent performances for predicting the contents of total fatty acids, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:3, with the coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.998, 0.997, 0.989, 0.991 and 0.997, respectively. Taken together, the NIRS method established here bypasses the procedures of cell disruption, oil extraction and transesterification, is rapid, reliable, and of great potential for high-throughput applications, and will facilitate the screening of microalgal mutants and optimization of their growth conditions for biodiesel production.
Integrated in silico Analyses of Regulatory and Metabolic Networks of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 Reveal Relationships between Gene Centrality and Essentiality
Authors: Song Hyun-Seob , McClure Ryan , Bernstein Hans , Overall Christopher , Hill Eric , Beliaev Alexander
Published: March 2015

Cyanobacteria dynamically relay environmental inputs to intracellular adaptations through a coordinated adjustment of photosynthetic efficiency and carbon processing rates. The output of such adaptations is reflected through changes in transcriptional patterns and metabolic flux distributions that ultimately define growth strategy. To address interrelationships between metabolism and regulation, we performed integrative analyses of metabolic and gene co-expression networks in a model cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. Centrality analyses using the gene co-expression network identified a set of key genes, which were defined here as “topologically important.” Parallel in silico gene knock-out simulations, using the genome-scale metabolic network, classified what we termed as “functionally important” genes, deletion of which affected growth or metabolism. A strong positive correlation was observed between topologically and functionally important genes. Functionally important genes exhibited variable levels of topological centrality; however, the majority of topologically central genes were found to be functionally essential for growth. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis revealed that both functionally and topologically important genes in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 are predominantly associated with translation and energy metabolism, two cellular processes critical for growth. This research demonstrates how synergistic network-level analyses can be used for reconciliation of metabolic and gene expression data to uncover fundamental biological principles.
Arsenic Removal by Liquid Membranes
Authors: Marino Tiziana , Figoli Alberto
Published: March 2015

Water contamination with harmful arsenic compounds represents one of the most serious calamities of the last two centuries. Natural occurrence of the toxic metal has been revealed recently for 21 countries worldwide; the risk of arsenic intoxication is particularly high in Bangladesh and India but recently also Europe is facing similar problem. Liquid membranes (LMs) look like a promising alternative to the existing removal processes, showing numerous advantages in terms of energy consumption, efficiency, selectivity, and operational costs. The development of different LM configurations has been a matter of investigation by several researching groups, especially for the removal of As(III) and As(V) from aqueous solutions. Most of these LM systems are based on the use of phosphine oxides as carriers, when the metal removal is from sulfuric acid media. Particularly promising for water treatment is the hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) configuration, which offers high selectivity, easy transport of the targeted metal ions, large surface area, and non-stop flow process. The choice of organic extractant(s) plays an essential role in the efficiency of the arsenic removal. Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) systems have not been extensively investigated so far, although encouraging results have started to appear in the literature. For such LM configuration, the most relevant step toward efficiency is the choice of the surfactant type and its concentration.
Meso-Structuring of SiCN Ceramics by Polystyrene Templates
Authors: Ewert Julia-Katharina , Denner Christine , Friedrich Martin , Motz Günter , Kempe Rhett
Published: March 2015

A simple one-pot synthesis of well-defined PS-silazane nano-composites (polystyrene, PS) is described. In contrast to the, thus far, used two-step procedure ((1) assembly of a PS template bed and (2) careful filling of the voids between the PS spheres), which is restricted to macro structuring, we are able to simply mix the PS template and a commercially available silazane precursor HTT-1800 in toluene. The key is the alteration of the zeta potential of the PS template leading to a homogeneous dispersion in the silazane-toluene mixture. Removal of solvent gives rise to a highly ordered PS-silazane nano-composites and subsequent pyrolysis leads to mesoporous silicon carbonitride (SiCN) materials. The one-pot procedure has two advantages: easy upscaling and the use of PS spheres smaller than 100 nm in diameter, here 60 nm. The PS template was characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy, zeta potential measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The resulting mesoporous SiCN materials were analyzed by SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen sorption analysis, and Fourier transform infrared measurements (FT-IR).