bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy of BAU-fowl cholera and DLS-fowl cholera vaccines in indigenous chicken
Authors: Shampa Chamak Nahar , Akter Suma , Saha Sukumar , Hadiuzzaman Md , Alam Azhar Ul , Hossain Muhammad Tofazzal
Published: September 2018

The present study was conducted to determine the immune response induced in indigenous chicken produced against BAU-FC and DLS-FC vaccines with their efficacy study against Pasteurella multocida. A total of forty (40) chickens were selected and divided into Group A (15), Group B (15) and Group C (10). Group A and B were vaccinated with BAU-FCV and DLS-FCV, respectively at the dose rate of 0.5 ml through SC at six weeks of age followed by boostering at 10 weeks of age while Group C was kept as unvaccinated control. Sera samples were collected after primary and booster vaccination and antibody titre was determined by Passive hemagglutination (PHA) test. The mean PHA titres recorded at 4 weeks after primary vaccination was 51.20 ± 7.84 in birds of group A and 38.40 ± 6.40 in birds of Group B. After booster vaccination, mean PHA titer was found 140.80 ± 31.35 at 16 weeks of age in case of BAU-FC vaccinated group and 115.20 ± 12.80 in case of DLS-FC vaccinated group. The mean PHA titer was 204.80 ± 31.35 and 179.20 ± 31.35 at 19 weeks of age in birds of BAU-FC and DLS-FC vaccinated group, respectively. Birds of all groups were challenged with virulent P. multocida at 17 weeks of age. It was observed that vaccinated chickens showed maximal resistance (100%) following challenge with virulent whereas unvaccinated control birds failed to resist the challenge infection. It can be assumed from the findings of present research work that both BAU-FCV and DLS-FCV are able to protect indigenous chicken from the outbreak of avian pasteurellosis and BAU-FV vaccine showed relatively higher immuno-protective titre than that of DLS-FC vaccine.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 193-199, August 2018
Occurrence of surgical affections in zoo herbivores: a retrospective study
Authors: Hoda Nazmul , Talukder Zaied , Mishra Pravin , Jaman Md Mehedi , Alam Md Mahmudul
Published: September 2018

Correction: On 21st September 2018, the author 'Pravin Kumar Mishra' was changed to 'Pravin Mishra' - Editorial Board. The study has been directed to find out the occurrence of surgical affections in herbivorous zoo animals in National Zoological Garden, Dhaka, Bangladesh predicated on record books from 2012 to 2016. A total of 330 surgically affected animals were recorded. The overall occurrence of surgical affections was higher in Bovidae (34.85%) followed by Cervidae (25.45%), Equidae (13.94%), Cercopithecidae (10.61%), Giraffidae (4.85%), Elephantidae (4.55%) Hippopotamidae (4%), Rhinocerotidae (1.52%) and Macropodidae (0.61%). In this study, it is found a higher occurrence of surgically affected are male than female animals. The overall occurrence in male was 56.36% and those in female, it was 43.64%. In terms of different affections, the highest occurrence was wound (13.03% male, 16.67% female) and followed by lameness (14.55% in male, 11.82% in female), skin lesions (9.39% in male, 6.67% in female), myiasis (5.76% in male, 3.33% in female), Horn fracture 3.33% (Only in male), arthritis (2.42% male, 1.52% female), hoof injury (1.82% male, 1% female), abscess (1.52% male, 1.21% female), sore (0.61% male, 2.12% female), Fracture (1.21% male, 0.3% female), Paralysis (0.61% male, 0.3% female) and Corneal opacity (0.61% male, 0.3% female). This report may help to develop control strategies against major surgical affections reported in this study.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 209-214, August 2018
Comparative study on dog bite and rabies in livestock and pet animal with their management in Faridpur sadar upazilla Veterinary hospital
Authors: Rumi Md Aftabuddin , Bari Md Saiful , Abid Md Harisul , Rabbani Golam , Hossain Mohammad Belayet
Published: September 2018

A cross-sectional study was carried out from 13th January to 15thMarch 2015 in the Upazilla Veterinary Hospital of the Sadar Upazilla under Faridpur District to estimate the dog bites, rabies, and their management in different livestock and pet animals registered for treatment. A prototype questionnaire was used to obtain the necessary information from the owners of the animals observed. Out of the total 170 animals diagnosed and treated based on gross lesion and history, 24, 13, 133 were cattle, dogs, and goats, respectively. The proportion positive of dog bite cases was 17.4% in cattle, 20.5% in goats, and 8.3% in dogs. Among the dog bitten animals, 77.8% were Category-III (single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, licks on broken skin) bite. The prevalence of rabies in dog bitten animals was 2.50% in dogs, 0.8% in goats and no rabies case was recorded in cattle. Post-rabies vaccine was used in 46.4%, 100% and 75.0% dog-bitten goats, cattle and dogs, respectively. The occupation and literacy of the owner, types of cattle, animal’s age, and animal source etc. showed a considerable difference in prevalence. However, none of the association was statistically significant. This baseline study might be extended with a required number of samples to identify potential risk factors for the occurrence of rabies in different animals.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 215-224, August 2018
Broilers of live bird markets at Mymensingh city carrying H9N2 Avian influenza virus in their respiratory tract
Authors: Rahman Sanzida , Yasmin Afroja , Ruba Tahmina , Khan Mohammad AHNA
Published: September 2018

Avian influenza (AI) caused by Type A influenza virus is a global zoonosis, infecting vast majority of mammalian and avian species. Broilers are meat type birds and randomly reared and sold by the farmers in Bangladesh with poor biosecurity. This study was aimed to identify the Type and subtypes of AI viruses in the broilers of two live bird markets, Mymensingh. A total of 10 birds from each of the market were randomly selected, investigated by clinical, pathological, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR), sequencing and sequence analysis. Out of 20 birds investigated, 06 were sick, 02 were dead and 12 were apparently healthy. Clinically, the sick/dead birds did not reveal any changes typical to AI. During necropsy, the sick/dead birds showed congested lungs and moderate hemorrhages in the trachea. Such lesions was absent in the lungs of apparently healthy birds. Following histopathological examination interstitial pneumonia with bronchitis was seen in sick/dead birds. The RT-PCR protocol was adapted to identify matrix protein gene of Type A influenza virus and amplified 430bp fragment is even cases. To identify the sub types of AI viruses involved, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene specific RT-PCR was carried out. 1475bp and 1089bp amplicons specific to HA and NA genes of AI viruses were generated in 07 cases. The cDNAs of HA and NA genes were sequenced, edited and revealed that the AI virus circulated in the live bird market of Mymensingh city is H9N2 subtype. Two sick, one dead and four apparently healthy birds found to carry H9N2 AI virus. The H9N2 virus is naturally low pathogenic for poultry, has got public health significance, and may donate partial or even whole cassette of internal genes to generate novel human-lethal reassortants of AI viruses; this was main concern for AI viral outbreak investigation in this study. It needs to examine large number of samples from wider sources to trace the rate of mutation and subsequent reemergence of pandemic AI viruses.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 225-233, August 2018
A review on Silonia silondia (Hamilton, 1822) threatened fish of the world: (Siluriformes: Schilbeidae)
Authors: Flura - , Alam Mohammad Ashraful , Hossain Md Robiul Awal
Published: September 2018

Silond catfish Silonia silondia is one of the food fishes high in nutritional value in Asian countries. However, natural populations have seriously declined or are on the verge of extinction due to over-exploitation and various ecological changes in its natural habitats, leading to an alarming situation which deserves high conservation attention. This paper suggests conservation measures that should be considered towards the preservation of the remnant isolated population of this fish in Asian countries.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 235-240, August 2018
Effect of onion top leaves extract on the quality of smoked Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829)
Authors: Jega Ibrahim Shehu , Michael Philomina , Mohammed Ribah Ibrahim
Published: September 2018

Food preservation techniques to improve the oxidative stability of fish-based foods are gaining renewed research interest in natural compounds of vegetable origin as valid alternatives to synthetic preservatives. This study was designed to determine the effect of Onion Top Leaves Extract (OTLE) on the chemical and sensory qualities of smoked Heterotis niloticus using four concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% w/w) and three storage periods replicated four times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 48 fresh samples of H. niloticus were treated with the different concentrations of OTLE, sundried for three hours and smoked using a modified portable drum kiln designed in the laboratory. The treated smoked samples were packaged in paper envelopes and stored at room temperature for a period of three weeks. The results indicated that OTLE concentration had significantly affected (P<0.05) moisture content, crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen and total volatile base – nitrogen (TVB-N). The storage period was significantly affected (P<0.05) by OTLE for all tested chemical parameters except carbohydrates, (P>0.05). The results for sensory qualities indicated that after three weeks of storage, OTLE exerted a significant effect (P<0.05) on all sensory qualities tested in the study except general acceptability. The results for merit analysis showed that the samples treated with OTLE concentration of 0.25% ranked better followed by 0.5% while 0.75% recorded the lowest performance. For better optimisation of shelf life, chemical and sensory qualities of smoked H. niloticus, the product can be preserved in 0.25% w/w OTLE and stored for one week at room temperature in paper envelopes.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 241-248, August 2018
Assessment of shelf life and quality aspect of market salted and laboratory prepared salted hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha)
Authors: Tabassum Khandaker Sadia , Islam Md Tariqul , Chakraborty Subhash Chandra , Rana Md Masud
Published: September 2018

Correction: On 20th September 2018, Figure 8 was inserted onto page 255 of the PDF of the article. It had been omitted in error - Editorial Board. This study was conducted to compare different qualities of laboratory prepared salted hilsa and salted hilsa from different markets of Bangladesh. There were five treatment namely T1 = Fresh hilsa, T2=Laboratory prepared salted hilsa, T3 = Salted hilsa from Boro Bazar, Rajshahi, T4 = Salted hilsa from Mechoya bazar, Mymensingh, and T5= Salted hilsa from Kewatkhali, Mymensingh.All samples were evaluated by studying proximate composition, TVBN value, salt concentration and total microbial load. Moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash content of fresh hilsa were 60.98%, 19.92%, 17.51% and 1.18% respectively while moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash content of laboratory salted hilsa were 42.92%,25.55%,21.23% and 10.21% respectively. Moisture was significantly higher in fresh hilsa than salted hilsa and the crude protein, crude lipid and ash were significantly higher in salted hilsa than fresh hilsa due to dehydration of salted hilsa. TVB-N content of fresh, laboratory prepared, Rajshahi market, Mechoya bazar and Kewatkhali market sated hilsa were 2.26, 3.74, 4.65, 5.04 and 5.29 mg/100g respectively which showed the best quality product was laboratory prepared salted hilsa. Similarly, salt content of fresh, laboratory prepared, Rajshahi market, Mechoya bazar and Kewatkhali market sated hilsa were 10.26, 15.61, 23.65, 25.04, and 28.31 % respectively which resulted excess salt content of market samples. The total Bacterial Load (CFU/g) of fresh, laboratory prepared, Rajshahi market, Mechoya bazar and Kewatkhali market sated hilsa were 1.75×106, 2.37×102, 1.83×104, 3.26×104, and 2.55×105, respectively.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 249-257, August 2018
Status of threaten fish species in Narsunda river
Authors: Arefin Fahimul , Moniruzzaman Md , Lupa Saymuna Tarin , Rahman Md Ashikur , Islam Ariful , Akter Shirin
Published: September 2018

To identify the threatened fish species and focus on fish biodiversity conservation in the Narsunda River Kishoreganj Sadar, Kishoreganj district, the present study was conducted for a time period of 6 months (April-November, 2012). A total of 23 threatened fish species were identified in the river among them, 9 vulnerable, 11 endangered and 3 critically endangered species as well as 8 exotic fish species were also found in the River. The fishing gears used by the fishermen in Narsunda River includes 4 types of nets, 3 types of traps, 3 hooks and lines and 2 types of wounding gears whereas major fishing craft and gears were mainly wooden boat and seine net (locally called ‘ber jal’) respectively. Due to environmental degradation and manmade causes the biodiversity of this river decreasing day by day and it could be minimized by proper management and conservation techniques.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 259-268, August 2018
Present status of traditional aquaculture and socio-economic condition of fish farmers at Paba upazila in Rajshahi District, Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Sumaiya , Ferdousi Sultana Shamima , Haque Md Ayenuddin , Sarker Md Al Amin
Published: September 2018

Data were collected from 50 fish farmers through questionnaire interview and Focus Group Discussion (FDG) in Paba upazila, Rajshahi district of Bangladesh during the period of October, 2015 to May, 2016 to evaluate the present status of traditional aquaculture and socio-economic condition of fish farmers. In the study area, average pond size was 0.83 ha (2-7 feet depth) and 80% of the ponds were characterized with loamy soil. Ground water was the main source for 70% of the ponds where about 90% of the fish farmers were engaged in polyculture of carp species. Majority of fish farmers were in the age group of 41-50 years with fish farming experience of 16 years (44%). Activities of DoF were minimum regarding fish farming of the fish farmers. In the present study, 80% of the respondents were related to fish culture as their principal occupation and majority of the fish farmers (50%) have the annual income of BDT 51,000 to 100,000. 30% of the respondents were educated up to secondary level of education. Health and sanitary status are in good condition than before. 94% of fish farmers have improved their socio-economic condition through fish farming. Therefore, proper training on fish farming and advanced technical knowledge are necessary to improve high pond productivity.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 269-277, August 2018
Accelerating natural breeding of cuchia and creating employment opportunities of poor people through household based cuchia farming
Authors: Farhaduzzaman AM , Mahamud Md Abdullah AI , Das Shipon , Kamruzzaman -
Published: September 2018

Heed Bangladesh has been implementing the LIFT project titled “Accelerating natural breeding of cuchia and creating employment opportunities of poor People through household based cuchia farming” from June to mid-September 2017 in Kamolgonj upazila under Maulvibazar district. The project goal is to reduce poverty and increasing productivity and create self-employment through cuchia rearing by applying modern technology to the poor and marginal people. The initiative will implement mainly with a view to contribute in improving livelihood condition of the small holder cuchia farmers or culturists or rearers who are living in poverty due to natural disaster and climate vulnerability through increasing income. The income of targeted cuchia culturists or members will be increased through increasing productivity, improving quality and market access. Under this initiative, initially a total of 200 members will included. The project focus on building the capacity of members, local service providers, input suppliers and buyers in order to provide embedded or commercial services to the producers and enterprises that will create a competitive market. It will also engage the private and public sector to build the technical capacity of groups and link with high value market to gain a better price for their products.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 279-291, August 2018
Centralidade do professor nas políticas educacionais
Authors: Viana Jeane dos Santos Silva , Santos Fabiano Antonio dos
Published: September 2018

Sob influências neoliberais, as políticas educacionais têm alterado a gestão escolar e, consequentemente, modificado a formação e a atuação de docentes. Este estudo discute a centralidade do professor nas políticas educacionais difundidas pelos Organismos Multilaterais (OM). Para isso, foram analisados documentos internacionais que identificam o professor como componente primordial para a implementação eficiente das ações educacionais reformadoras, em consonância com a Agenda Globalmente Estruturada para a Educação. Aliteratura sobre o tema foi consultada para embasar a discussão. Constatou-se que o papel central do professor nas políticas educacionais o classifica,concomitantemente, como o “salvador da educação” e como entrave para a efetivação das reformas na escola.
Rupturas e permanências: um estudo das imagens de objetos em manuais de ensino de Química – 1856/1971
Authors: Meloni Reginaldo Alberto
Published: September 2018

Desde o século XIX os manuais de ensino de Química indicados para a educação secundária no Brasil contêm imagens de objetos. Nesse artigo são apresentados os resultados de uma pesquisa que tem por objetivo responder à seguinte pergunta: quais foram as ocorrências e os usos das imagens de objetos nos manuais de ensino de Química entre os anos cinquenta do século XIX e os anos sessenta do século XX? Para a análise das imagens utilizou-se a pesquisa quantitativa para verificar a ocorrência de cada modelo de objeto nos manuais de ensino e a pesquisa qualitativa para analisar as categorias de indicações de usos e de relações com o conteúdo. Os resultados apontam quehá uma semelhança na frequência das imagens nos dois períodos, mas que há mudanças nos modelos de objetos que foram representados. Além disso, nos dois períodos,os objetos aparecem com a finalidade de ilustrar procedimentos e não de induzir a realização de atividades práticas.
Aprendizagem baseada em problemas em Engenharia de Computação: uma avaliação qualitativa
Authors: Santos David Moises Barreto dos , Da Silva Carlos Alberto dos Santos , Moreira Jefferson da Silva
Published: September 2018

Este artigo apresenta resultados finais de pesquisa qualitativa que objetivou investigar as percepções de estudantes sobre a proposta da Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas em um curso de Engenharia da Computação. Pressupostos da análise de conteúdo foram utilizados para analisar o corpus das entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com uma amostra de 19 estudantes. Os resultados revelam que os estudantes têm se adaptado ao método, pelo menos, em sua maioria. Além disso, demonstraram-se motivados com o uso de problemas, têm desenvolvido autonomia no seu aprendizado e habilidades relevantes para o seu contexto de atuação profissional. As estratégias de avaliação de aprendizagem demonstraram algumas fragilidades em termos de clareza de critérios e/ou feedback.
Integrating Extensive Reading in a College Preparatory Year Program: Perceptions, Challenges, and Possibilities
Authors: C. Meniado Joel
Published: September 2018

Many studies in different EFL contexts have shown positive impacts of extensive reading (ER) on learners’ language abilities, reading proficiency, motivation, and attitude toward reading. With the aim of investigating the appropriateness and effectiveness of ER in a context where there is no strong culture for reading, this study surveyed students’ attitudes towards ER, their perceptions on the benefits they gain from ER, and the challenges they encountered during its implementation. Utilizing interview, it also examined teachers’ perspectives on the possibilities and trajectories of ER within the institution after its first implementation. The study sample consisted of 365 randomly selected male Saudi college-level EFL students who answered the questionnaire and 5 teachers who separately responded to the unstructured interview. Results revealed that students have positive attitudes towards ER. They believe that ER is very useful, interesting, enriching, and empowering that it can make them better readers and learners. Results also revealed that ER provides various linguistic benefits. However, there can be challenges such as time constraints, lack of resources, and linguistic and cultural barriers. Analysis of the interview with teachers revealed that there can be many possibilities to improve ER implementation. The study concluded with its limitations and important recommendations.
Status Quo and Development of Taiwan’s Machine Tool Industry from the Perspective of Machine Tool Export Models and Major Exporting Countries
Authors: Chen Jui-Lung
Published: September 2018

The machine tool industry is comprised of high-tech production and processing equipment that combines various software and hardware functions such as machinery, motor, optoelectronics, new materials and automatic control. The demands for machine tools has been continuously developed and expanded, from the early mold and home appliance industries to today’s automotive, aerospace and 3C industries. Furthermore, it has gradually extended to emerging industries such as biomedical, green energy and space, indicating that the machine tool industry plays an important role in overall national industries. Taiwan’s Machine Tool Industry is world-renowned and enjoys a complete vertical division of labor. Based on the production and sales statistics in 2016 and 2017 issued by Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders’ Association (2018), this study conducts comparison, analysis and exploration on the machine tool export model and major exporting countries, output conclusions and offer relevant recommendations on policy formulation and management that are proposed for the government and industry respectively.
Distributed Detection and prevention of Web Threats in Heterogeneous Environment
Authors: Manaseer Saher , Hwaitat Ahmad K. Al , Jabri Riad
Published: September 2018

The growth of web Applications have increased rapidly due to the huge development of technology with very short turnaround time and with this development the protection from vulnerabilities became very difficult. There is a continuous demand for developing new methods that is able to prevent the fast growth of attacking methods and vulnerabilities. Furthermore there is a great demand to have coordination between different security infrastructure and protection applications to distribution of the attack log in order to prevent the attacker from further attacks to other web hosts. This research proposes a distributed web firewall defensive mechanism which provide a synchronized environment that is consists of several synchronized web application firewalls. Every web application is protected by a web application firewall that send feedback reports that include the type of the attack, The IP Address of the attacker and time of attack to other synchronized firewalls inside the environment to take action against the attacker.
Epidemiology of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates in an Intensive Care Unit in Kazakhstan
Authors: BİSSENOVA Nelya , YERGALİYEVA Aigerim
Published: September 2018

    ABSTRACT

Objective: Objectives: Acinetobacter

baumannii is an important pathogen of infections in many hospitals,

especially in intensive care unit patients, conditioned difficulty to control

spread and treatment. The objective of the present study is to report the

prevalence and antibiotic resistance rates of A. baumannii strains in ICU patients during a five-year period in a

tertiary care hospital in Kazakhstan.

Methods: Consecutive,

non – duplicate isolates of A. baumannii

were collected and processed during the course of routine diagnostic work up

from adult patients hospitalized in ICU. Identification of isolates and

antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed by Vitek 2 automated system.

Results: In

total 325 A. baumannii strains were

evaluated. The most frequent of strains were from tracheostomy tubes (67

isolates, 22.1%), followed by tracheal aspirates (58 isolates, 19.1%) and

urinary tract (47, 15.5%). The prevalence of A. baumannii strains in ICU was significantly increased from 6.9%

in 2011 to 34.1% to 2015 (p=0.002). Most of testing isolates were 96.7% and

higher resistant to cephalosporins, carbapenems, quinolones. Lower resistance

50% and highest was obtained to aminoglycosides.

Conclusion: we report for the first time in Central Kazakhstan the

prevalence and resistance rates of A.

baumannii in ICU in a single tertiary hospital. The present report is

alarming because the increasing resistance can lead to no alternative situation

on the choice of drugs for the casual treatment of infections caused by

extremely resistant A. baumannii

strains. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(3):83-88.
Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 and Cytological Findings in Urine of Residents of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in an Endemic Community
Authors: ETUK Ukeme Gideon , INYANG-ETOH Paul Columba , UDONKANG Mfonisa İniobong , Japhet Emmanuel Monday , Opara-Osuoha Uloma
Published: September 2018

Objective: Urogenital schistosomiasis has continued to cause

severe morbidity among residents of Adim community. The aim of the study was to

screen both adults and children residents of this community for urine tumour

markers and to stain cytologically for epithelial changes which indicate the

risk of them being predispose to bladder cancer.

Methods: Terminal

urine samples were collected by simple random sampling method from 350 subjects

(300 children and 50 adults) in Adim Community for microscopy using standard

parasitological methods, urinalysis, ELISA-based Nuclear Matrix Protein 22

(NMP22), and Papanicolaou- and Alcian blue-stained cytological analysis.

Results: S. haematobium infection was observed in 18 (5.1%), proteinuria 21

(6.0%) and hematuria 30 (8.6%). Age group 25-31 years had the highest level of

NMP22 values (1692.3 ± 46.4) among the adults and children. The difference was

statistically significant (P=0.001). In general male subjects had higher NMP22

values (1214.6+ 487.1) than females (1198.9+ 472.9) (P=0.389). The cytological

findings showed abnormal epithelial cells in Papanicolaou stain 2 (0.57%) and

hyaluronic acid 1 (0.29%). Cytological findings with Papanicolaou stain

revealed metaplasia 1 (0.3%), mild dysplasia 1 (0.3%), inflammation 6 (1.7%),

and hyaluronic acid positive cells 1 (0.29%).

Conclusion: The study showed S.

haematobium prevalence of 5.1% but NMP 22 values were not positive for

bladder cancer. The cytological findings revealed metaplasia, mild dysplasia

and hyaluronic acid positive epithelial changes which are indicators for

bladder cancer. J Microbiol Infect Dis

2018; 8(3):89-96
Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern among Candida species: An Evaluation of Disc Diffusion and Micro Broth Dilution Method
Authors: Jayachandran Abirami Lakshmy , Katragadda Radhika , Ravinder Thyagarajan , Vajravelu Leela , Manorajan Lavanya , Hemalatha S. , Shanmugam Kaliappan
Published: September 2018

Objective: Candida species are emerging as a significant pathogen certain
species of Candida like Candida krusei
are inherently resistant to azoles. In vitro susceptibility testing is
essential for guiding therapy. The present study aims to study the antifungal
susceptibility pattern of Candida isolates by disc diffusion and micro broth
dilution method and to evaluate the degree of agreement between both the
techniques.

Methods: Candida
isolated from specimens like Oropharyngeal swabs, blood, pus and wound swabs
were included in the study. Speciation was done as per standard microbiological
methods. Antifungal resistance was determined by disc diffusion method for
fluconazole, Itraconazole, amphotericin B, nystatin and clotrimazole.
Microbroth dilution method was performed for fluconazole, Itraconazole and
amphotericin B. The degree of agreement between both the methods for the
resistant isolates was analysed by deriving the kappa value.

Results: Out
of the 156 Candida isolates obtained, Candida
albicans was the most common species isolated. By disc diffusion method
fluconazole and Itraconazole showed an overall resistance of 34 (21.7%) and 27
(17.3%), respectively. Using micro broth dilution method, Fluconazole and
Itraconazole had a resistance percentage of 35 (22.4%) and 29 (18.5%),
respectively. There was a good agreement between both the methods in detecting
the percentage of resistant isolates for fluconazole and Itraconazole (κ=0.9).

Conclusion: It is essential to perform susceptibility testing for
all the Candida isolates for providing crucial information about the resistance
pattern and help in choosing the appropriate antifungal drug for therapy. Disc
diffusion method which is easy to perform can be utilized for day to day
practice. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(3):97-101
Profile of Person Affected by Leprosy with Clinical Relapse among in High Endemic State of India
Authors: GİTTE Sunil Vilasrao , NİGAM Chaitanya , CHAKRABORTY Ashish B. , KAMBLE Krishnamurty , SONİ Mukesh , GAHLOT Rupam
Published: September 2018

Objective: Relapse is not an unusual phenomenon in leprosy, there are many predisposing factors which may lead to occurrence of relapse; some of these include the presence of persistent bacilli, drug monotherapy, inadequate or irregular therapy. Patients usually presents with presence of multiple skin lesions and/or thickened nerves, reason for early relapse is probably bacillary persistence due to inadequate treatment and for late relapse due to or re-infection. The objectives of this study are to assess various clinico-epidemiological factors associated with the occurrence of relapses in leprosy patients. Methods: A hospital record based retrospective follow-up study has been performed and 117 relapse cases of leprosy were included. Leprosy relapse cases presented in the study hospital were interviewed using a predesigned and pretested preformed. Each patient was subjected to clinical, bacteriological and disability assessments for diagnosis of relapse and followed until the completion of multi drug therapy. Results: During a study period, relapse was seen more in male as compared to female. The duration between cessation of treatment and re-appearance of new lesions varied from 1 to 33 years. Disability proportion was high among MB patients. Conclusion: Relapse in leprosy should be thoroughly examined and looked for drug resistance. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(3):103-107
Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Pathogens in the Indoor Air and Floors of Surgical Wards in a University Hospital
Authors: OLOWO-OKERE Ahmed , IBRAHİM Yke , BABANDİNA M. , OLAYİNKA Bo
Published: September 2018

Objective: The hospital environment is a major source of

nosocomial pathogens. These pathogens could contaminate and colonize surgical

wounds leading to infections. This study evaluated the bacteriological quality

of air and floors of surgical wards of a University Teaching Hospital in Abuja,

Nigeria.

Methods: Bacteriological

quality of air and floor of surgical wards of the hospital was evaluated using

passive air sampling and swabbing methods respectively. The isolates were

characterized using rapid test kits and antibiotic susceptibility was

determined by the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results: A

total of 121 bacterial isolates comprising eleven species were isolated. In the

air and floor of all the surgical wards, Staphylococcus

spp. (>42%) was the most prevalent Gram-positive bacterium followed by

Bacillus subtilis (20.4%). Among the Gram-negative bacterial isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.0%) and Proteus mirabilis (9.0%) were the most

prevalent in the air and floor, with occasional detection of Acinetobacter baumannii and other

members of the Enterobacteriaceae

family. The bacterial isolates exhibited diverse degrees of susceptibility to

the commonly prescribed antibiotics. The isolated bacteria were mostly

sensitive to fluoroquinolones.

Conclusion: This study documented the diverse environmental

microbiota of the surgical wards of the hospital. The high resistance of the

isolated bacteria to the commonly prescribed antibiotics in the hospital

highlighted the need for improved infection control and patient safety

protocols in the hospital so as to mitigate the spread of nosocomial infections

in the surgical wards of the hospital. J

Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(3):108-113
Phenotypic Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase and AmpC producing Enterobacteriaceae Isolated in A General Hospital
Authors: EBONGUE Cecile Okalla , MENGUE Roane Nkodo , MEFO’O Jean-pierre Nda , TEMFACK Elvis , MENGUE Emmanuel Roddy , ADİOGO Dieudonne
Published: September 2018

Objective: The antibiotic resistance of Enterobacteriaceae is a worldwide preoccupation, and misuse

antibiotics of beta-lactam group allowed the development of bacteria producing

extended spectrum beta-lactamase and cephalosporinase AmpC enzymes type

resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of these

enzymes among strains isolated at the General Hospital in Douala, Cameroon.

Methods: We

conducted a cross-sectional study. For phenotypic detection of resistance

enzymes, MASTDISCS™ test impregnated third and fourth generation

cephalosporin’s was used by diffusion on Mueller Hinton agar. Measuring the

inhibition areas and comparing the inhibition diameters determined the nature

of the resistance mechanism.

Results: This

study included 195 strains of Enterobacteriaceae.

The most frequent species were Escherichia

coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae,

with a frequency of 49.2% and 31.3% respectively. After determination of

resistance phenotypes, 101 (51.8%) isolates were found to be producing

resistance enzymes. The frequency of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae was 19.5%; AmpC producing was 14.3% and both

enzymes (AmpC + ESBL) 17.9%. E. coli

and K. pneumoniae resistance rates

were 90% and 83.7% for Cotrimoxazole, 82.5% and 78.3% for ciprofloxacin, 20%

and 13.5% for Amikacin, respectively. Imipenem, Amikacin and Fosfomycin were

the most active molecules with 4.9%, 19.8% and 33.6%, out of 101 resistant

strains, respectively.

Conclusion: This study showed a high frequency of resistance

enzyme producing strains. This situation leads to resistance to antibiotics

most commonly used. This finding justifies a change in prescription habits for

protection of molecules that are still active. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(3):113-119
Development of Simplex-PCR assays for Accurate Identification of Nine Staphylococcal Species at Genus and Species Levels
Authors: SHOME Bibek Ranjan , NATESAN Krithiga , MİTRA Susweta Das , VENUGOPAL Nimita , MANİ Bhuvana , GANAİE Feroze , SHOME Rajeswari , RAHMAN Habibur
Published: September 2018

Objective: Species identification of Staphylococcus is the prerequisite for precise assessment of

microbial dynamics including their transmission and pathogenic significance in

the dairy herd environment. The present study aimed to develop simplex PCR

assays for rapid and specific identification of nine different Staphylococcus species.

Methods: Specific

primers targeting sodA gene for S. aureus, S. chromogenes, S. hominis,

S. haemolyticus, S. hyicus; gap gene for S. sciuri, S. auricularis, S. simulans;

and rdr gene for S. epidermidis were designed. The PCR assays were evaluated against

28 ATCC reference strains and 209 composite milk samples. Partial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to

reconfirm the results.

Results: The

PCR assays allowed species level identification of 348 staphylococcal field

isolates recovered from 209 milk samples. The identification pattern was S. aureus (n=101), S. chromogenes (n=89), S.

epidermidis (n=57), S. sciuri

(n=43), S. haemolyticus (n=34), S. hyicus (n=13), S. hominis (n=5), S.

auricularis (n=3) and S. simulans (n=3). The PCR based species

identification was in 100% concordance with the partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach.

Conclusion: The simplex PCR assays can be used as a precise tool

for routine identification of Staphylococcus

species from bovine milk as Staphylococcus

species including coagulase-negative staphylococci is recognized a major cause

of bovine mastitis in different parts of the world including India. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(3):120-127
A Severe Autoimmune-like Anti-Tuberculosis Drug-induced Liver Injury: Case Report and Review
Authors: MOSQUEİRA Jorge R. , ANİCAMA Sue , DE LOS RÍOS Jorge
Published: September 2018

Drug-induced

liver injury is one of the most significant adverse drugs reactions and, in

severe cases, could be a potentially life-threatening condition. It can be

classified in intrinsic and idiosyncratic reactions and, anti-tuberculous drugs

are known to induce the later one. In some cases, it might develop some

autoimmune features which represent a challenge for both diagnosis and

treatment. We report a 37-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital with

signs of severe acute liver injury. She was diagnosed with autoimmune-like

drug-induced liver injury by anti-tuberculous drugs and was treated with

corticosteroids, N-Acetylcysteine and Ursodesoxycholic acid. Indeed, based on

this case a review of the literature is presented. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(3):128-134
Latest Insights and Methods in Analyzing Liquid Dense Clusters and Crystal Nucleation
Authors: Falke Sven , Brognaro Hevila , Betzel Christian
Published: September 2018

Liquid dense clusters (LDCs) are distinct membrane‐less microcompartments of molecules in aqueous solution, which arise in the process of liquid–liquid phase separation. LDC formation is observed most frequently in vivo during cell development, in neurodegenerative diseases and stress signaling, as well as in vitro, in liquid–solid phase transition. LDCs emerge spaciotemporally depending on the physicochemical environment, surface properties, and conformational flexibility of the molecules involved. Knowledge about structural and dynamic properties of growth and division of different macromolecule LDCs and other clustering phenomena, such as gels and fibers, is till now incomplete and only simplified thermodynamic models are available to predict some aspects of clustering so far. For example, for crystal growth a multistep mechanism is today most commonly accepted, starting with the early formation of LDCs, followed by a self‐organization within this LDCs and initial nucleation of an ordered crystal lattice. Therefore, insights about the LDCs formation and stability will also support directed optimization of macromolecule crystallization and will shed light on physiological LDC processes as well. Furthermore, it will support the establishment of new sample preparation and imaging techniques in structural biology utilizing latest and upcoming X‐ray imaging methods at high‐intensity radiation sources.
Silica Nanofibrous Membranes for the Separation of Heterogeneous Azeotropes
Authors: Loccufier Eva , Geltmeyer Jozefien , Daelemans Lode , D'hooge Dagmar R. , De Buysser Klaartje , De Clerck Karen
Published: September 2018

Nanofibrous materials produced through electrospinning are characterized by a high porosity, large specific surface area, and high pore interconnectivity and, therefore, show potential for, e.g., separation and filtration. The development of more inert nanofibers with higher thermal and chemical resistance extends the application field to high‐end purification. Silica nanofibrous membranes produced by direct electrospinning of a sol–gel solution without a sacrificing carrier, starting from tetraethoxysilane, meet these challenging requirements. After electrospinning the membrane is highly hydrophobic. Storage under dry conditions preserves this property. Oppositely, a superhydrophilic membrane is obtained by storage under high humidity (month scale). This switch is caused by the reaction of ethoxy groups, present due to incomplete hydrolysis of the precursor, with moisture in the air, resulting in an increased amount of silanol groups. This transition can be accelerated to hour scale by applying a heat treatment, with the additional increase in cross‐linking density for temperatures above 400 °C, enabling applications that make use of hydrophobic and hydrophilic membranes by tuning the functionalization. It is showcased that upon designing the water repellent or absorbing nature of the silica material, fast gravity‐driven membrane separation of heterogeneous azeotropes can be achieved.
Biomimetic Cilia‐Patterned Rubber Electrode Using Ultra Conductive Polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Jin Gyeong J. , Uddin M. Jalal , Shim Joon S.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a biomimetic cilia‐patterned flexible electrode using ultra conductive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is presented. Due to the flexibility and cilia patterns, the developed electrode can have conformal contact with the human skin without interruptions of hair and rough skin. The conductive PDMS is prepared by mixing PDMS prepolymer and curing agent with Ag particles at different ratios. The performance of the best composite‐made ciliated electrode is evaluated under different skin‐like physical environments, and compared to the nonciliated flat electrode. For a typical flat electrode, hair and rough surface of the human skin disturb electrical contact, increasing contact impedance, whereas flexible ciliary structures of the proposed electrode show significantly improved conductivity passing through the furs to penetrate well into the gap on the alloyed skin, thus increasing the contact areas. Furthermore, bio‐signal measurement using rigid metal electrodes suffers from motion artifacts causing signal errors due to bodily movement, which is remarkably addressed by ciliated flexible electrode. Therefore, the proposed electrode is applied to recording electrocardiography signal and compared with signal measured with conventional metal electrode, which showed about 20% enhancement than that of metal counterpart in identifying electrical activity of heart muscle of a person, as point‐of‐care clinical applications.
Engineering Anisotropic Muscle Tissue using Acoustic Cell Patterning
Authors: Armstrong James P. K. , Puetzer Jennifer L. , Serio Andrea , Guex Anne Géraldine , Kapnisi Michaella , Breant Alexandre , Zong Yifan , Assal Valentine , Skaalure Stacey C. , King Oisín , Murty Tara , Meinert Christoph , Franklin Amanda C. , Bassindale Philip G. , Nichols Madeleine K. , Terracciano Cesare M. , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Drinkwater Bruce W. , Klein Travis J. , Perriman Adam W. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: September 2018

Tissue engineering has offered unique opportunities for disease modeling and regenerative medicine; however, the success of these strategies is dependent on faithful reproduction of native cellular organization. Here, it is reported that ultrasound standing waves can be used to organize myoblast populations in material systems for the engineering of aligned muscle tissue constructs. Patterned muscle engineered using type I collagen hydrogels exhibits significant anisotropy in tensile strength, and under mechanical constraint, produced microscale alignment on a cell and fiber level. Moreover, acoustic patterning of myoblasts in gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels significantly enhances myofibrillogenesis and promotes the formation of muscle fibers containing aligned bundles of myotubes, with a width of 120–150 µm and a spacing of 180–220 µm. The ability to remotely pattern fibers of aligned myotubes without any material cues or complex fabrication procedures represents a significant advance in the field of muscle tissue engineering. In general, these results are the first instance of engineered cell fibers formed from the differentiation of acoustically patterned cells. It is anticipated that this versatile methodology can be applied to many complex tissue morphologies, with broader relevance for spatially organized cell cultures, organoid development, and bioelectronics.
A Cryogenic Process for Antisolvent‐Free High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ng Annie , Ren Zhiwei , Hu Hanlin , Fong Patrick W. K. , Shen Qian , Cheung Sin Hang , Qin Pingli , Lee Jin‐Wook , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , So Shu Kong , Li Gang , Yang Yang , Surya Charles
Published: September 2018

A cryogenic process is introduced to control the crystallization of perovskite layers, eliminating the need for the use of environmentally harmful antisolvents. This process enables decoupling of the nucleation and the crystallization phases by inhibiting chemical reactions in as‐cast precursor films rapidly cooled down by immersion in liquid nitrogen. The cooling is followed by blow‐drying with nitrogen gas, which induces uniform precipitation of precursors due to the supersaturation of precursors in the residual solvents at very low temperature, while at the same time enhancing the evaporation of the residual solvents and preventing the ordered precursors/perovskite from redissolving into the residual solvents. Using the proposed techniques, the crystallization process can be initiated after the formation of a uniform precursor seed layer. The process is generally applicable to improve the performance of solar cells using perovskite films with different compositions, as demonstrated on three different types of mixed halide perovskites. A champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.4% with open‐circuit voltage (VOC) = 1.14 V, short‐circuit current density ( JSC) = 23.5 mA cm−2, and fill factor (FF) = 0.80 is achieved using the proposed cryogenic process.
Selected‐Area Chemical Nanoengineering of Vanadium Dioxide Nanostructures Through Nonlithographic Direct Writing
Authors: Wang Shuxia , Wei Wei , Huang Tiantian , Zhang Tianning , Chen Zhimin , Sun Liaoxin , Xia Hui , Li Tianxin , Chen Xin , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei , Dai Ning
Published: September 2018

Nanoscale selected‐area chemical engineering is challenging but critical to manipulate carrier transport and realize multifunctional characteristics in advanced devices. Undesired chemical contaminants might occur in conventional lithographic processes and would degrade the characteristics of chemical‐sensitive vanadium oxide nanostructures. Here, a facile strategy is introduced to chemically engineer VO2 nanostructures using a nonlithographic direct‐writing process without chemical reagents and sacrificial layers. Nanoscale selected‐area photooxidation promotes the formation of VO2+x patterns in VO2 nanostructures. Selected‐area chemical nanoengineering allows direct designing and engineering of correlated vanadium oxides for controllable Mott field‐effect transistors and memory devices.