bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant biodiversity effects in reducing fluvial erosion are limited to low species richness
Authors: Allen Daniel C. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Wynn‐Thompson Theresa
Published: August 2015

It has been proposed that plant biodiversity may increase the erosion resistance of soils, yet direct evidence for any such relationship is lacking. We conducted a mesocosm experiment with eight species of riparian herbaceous plants, and found evidence that plant biodiversity significantly reduced fluvial erosion rates, with the eight‐species polyculture decreasing erosion by 23% relative to monocultures. Species richness effects were largest at low levels of species richness, with little increase between four and eight species. Our results suggest that plant biodiversity reduced erosion rates indirectly through positive effects on root length and number of root tips, and that interactions between legumes and non‐legumes were particularly important in producing biodiversity effects. Presumably, legumes increased root production of non‐legumes by increasing soil nitrogen availability due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Our data suggest that a restoration project using species from different functional groups might provide the best insurance to maintain long‐term erosion resistance.
Microbiologic Findings in Relation to Risk Assessment for Periodontal Disease: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Hur Yong , Choi Seung Kee , Ogata Yumi , Stark Paul C. , Levi Paul A.
Published: August 2015

Background: In this study, an association between a computerized risk calculator and microbiologic testing is examined in patients with periodontitis.

Methods: Seventy‐four patients with moderate and severe periodontitis were selected from patients receiving treatment at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Their periodontal risk was analyzed with a periodontitis risk assessment tool, and microbiologic testing was performed. Periodontitis risk assessment and microbiologic testing were examined for a possible association. The data were evaluated by the χ2 test at P <0.05 levels.

Results: Forty‐six patients scored as having a “very high” risk of periodontitis and 22 patients scored as having a “high” risk of periodontitis by the risk assessment tool. Patients with a risk score of very high risk showed a higher detection of each bacterium except Capnocytophaga species than the rest of the study population. Treponema denticola and Prevotella intermedia (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) were two bacteria that showed a statistically significant difference between patients at very high risk and those at high risk.

Conclusions: Patients with periodontitis were identified as high risk and very high risk compared with the rest of the risk categories by the risk assessment tool. The study population, categorized mostly as very high risk, showed high detection of putative periodontal bacteria.
Chronic Periodontitis Is Associated With Spinal Dysmobility in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Kang Eun Ha , Lee Jung Tae , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Lee Joo Youn , Chang Sung Hae , Cho Hyon Joung , Choi Byoong Yong , Ha You‐Jung , Park Kyoung Un , Song Yeong Wook , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Lee Yun Jong
Published: August 2015

Background: Although microbes have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), several studies present contradictory results regarding the association between AS and chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and medication data were collected from 84 patients with AS and 84 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Periodontal measurements, including probing depths (PDs), clinical attachment loss (AL), serum anti‐Porphyromonas gingivalis titers, and the detection of P. gingivalis DNA in gingival crevicular fluid, were recorded. All participants with periodontitis with PD ≥4 to <7 mm received scaling and root planing and were re‐evaluated at 12 weeks; those still exhibiting periodontitis with PD of ≥4 to <7 mm at 12 weeks were followed at 24 weeks.

Results: The prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe CP was not different between patients with AS and controls (70.2% versus 66.6%). The P. gingivalis detection rate was not different between patients with AS and controls or between patients with AS receiving and not receiving anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α agents. However, CP was positively associated with impaired spinal mobility of patients with AS in multivariate analyses. After periodontal treatment, PD and AL levels were improved in both groups, but the change was significantly greater in patients with AS than in controls. Patients with AS receiving anti‐TNF‐α agents exhibited a greater improvement in PD and AL than those who did not.

Conclusions: Although AS was not associated with the presence of CP, CP was associated positively with the severity of spinal dysmobility in Korean patients with AS. These results suggest that periodontitis can have a negative effect on axial movement in AS.
Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of More Than 1.9 Million Individuals From 38 Observational Studies
Authors: Knott Craig , Bell Steven , Britton Annie
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

Observational studies indicate that moderate levels of alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition to providing an updated summary of the existing literature, this meta-analysis explored whether reductions in risk may be the product of misclassification bias.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic search was undertaken, identifying studies that reported a temporal association between alcohol consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes. No restrictions were placed upon the language or date of publication. Non-English publications were, where necessary, translated using online translation tools. Models were constructed using fractional polynomial regression to determine the best-fitting dose-response relationship between alcohol intake and type 2 diabetes, with a priori testing of sex and referent group interactions.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies met the selection criteria, representing 1,902,605 participants and 125,926 cases of type 2 diabetes. A conventional noncurrent drinking category was reported by 33 studies, while five reported a never-drinking category. Relative to combined abstainers, reductions in the risk of type 2 diabetes were present at all levels of alcohol intake <63 g/day, with risks increasing above this threshold. Peak risk reduction was present between 10–14 g/day at an 18% decrease in hazards. Stratification of available data revealed that reductions in risk may be specific to women only and absent in studies that adopted a never-drinking abstention category or sampled an Asian population region.

CONCLUSIONS

Reductions in risk among moderate alcohol drinkers may be confined to women and non-Asian populations. Although based on a minority of studies, there is also the possibility that reductions in risk may have been overestimated by studies using a referent group contaminated by less healthy former drinkers.
Wild bird surveillance around outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus in the Netherlands, 2014, within the context of global flyways
Authors: Verhagen J H , van der Jeugd H P , Nolet B A , Slaterus R , Kharitonov S P , de Vries P P , Vuong O , Majoor F , Kuiken T , Fouchier R A
Published: August 2015

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) viruses that emerged in poultry in east Asia since 2010 spread to Europe and North America by late 2014. Despite detections in migrating birds, the role of free-living wild birds in the global dispersal of H5N8 virus is unclear. Here, wild bird sampling activities in response to the H5N8 virus outbreaks in poultry in the Netherlands are summarised along with a review on ring recoveries. HPAI H5N8 virus was detected exclusively in two samples from ducks of the Eurasian wigeon species, among 4,018 birds sampled within a three months period from mid-November 2014. The H5N8 viruses isolated from wild birds in the Netherlands were genetically closely related to and had the same gene constellation as H5N8 viruses detected elsewhere in Europe, in Asia and in North America, suggesting a common origin. Ring recoveries of migratory duck species from which H5N8 viruses have been isolated overall provide evidence for indirect migratory connections between East Asia and Western Europe and between East Asia and North America. This study is useful for better understanding the role of wild birds in the global epidemiology of H5N8 viruses. The need for sampling large numbers of wild birds for the detection of H5N8 virus and H5N8-virus-specific antibodies in a variety of species globally is highlighted, with specific emphasis in north-eastern Europe, Russia and northern China.
Surveillance and Outbreak Response Management System (SORMAS) to support the control of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Fähnrich C , Denecke K , Adeoye O O , Benzler J , Claus H , Kirchner G , Mall S , Richter R , Schapranow M P , Schwarz NG , Tom-Aba D , Uflacker M , Poggensee G , Krause G
Published: August 2015

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Assessment of an outreach street-based HIV rapid testing programme as a strategy to promote early diagnosis: a comparison with two surveillance systems in Spain, 2008–2011
Authors: Belza M J , Hoyos J , Fernández-Balbuena S , Diaz A , Bravo M J , de la Fuente L , the Madrid HIV rapid testing group collective
Published: August 2015

We assess the added value of a multisite, street-based HIV rapid testing programme by comparing its results to pre-existing services and assessing its potential to reduce ongoing transmission. Between 2008 and 2011, 8,923 individuals underwent testing. We compare outcomes with those of a network of 20 sexually transmitted infections (STI)/HIV clinics (EPI-VIH) and the Spanish National HIV Surveillance System (SNHSS); evaluate whether good visibility prompts testing and assess whether it reaches under-tested populations. 89.2% of the new infections were in men who have sex with men (MSM) vs 78.0% in EPI-VIH and 56.0% in SNHSS. 83.6% of the MSM were linked to care and 20.9% had?<350 CD4 HIV prevalence was substantially lower than in EPI-VIH. 56.5% of the HIV-positive MSM tested because they happened to see the programme, 18.4% were previously untested and 26.3% had their last test ≥2 years ago. The programme provided linkage to care and early diagnosis mainly to MSM but attendees presented a lower HIV prevalence than EPI-VIH. From a cost perspective it would benefit from being implemented in locations highly frequented by MSM. Conversely, its good visibility led to reduced periods of undiagnosed infection in a high proportion of MSM who were not testing with the recommended frequency.
Internet-based recruitment system for HIV and STI screening for men who have sex with men in Estonia, 2013: analysis of preliminary outcomes
Authors: Rüütel K , Lõhmus L , Jänes J
Published: August 2015

The aim of the current project was to develop an Internet-based recruitment system for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Estonia in order to collect biological samples during behavioural studies. In 2013, an Internet-based HIV risk-behaviour survey was conducted among MSM living in Estonia. After completing the questionnaire, all participants were offered anonymous and free-of-charge STI testing. They could either order a urine sample kit by post to screen for chlamydia infections (including lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)), trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma genitalium infections, or visit a laboratory for HIV, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and syphilis screening. Of 301 participants who completed the questionnaire, 265 (88%), reported that they were MSM. Of these 265 MSM, 68 (26%) underwent various types of testing. In the multiple regression analysis, Russian as the first language, previous HIV testing and living in a city or town increased the odds of testing during the study. Linking Internet-based behavioural data collection with biological sample collection is a promising approach. As there are no specific STI services for MSM in Estonia, this system could also be used as an additional option for anonymous and free-of-charge STI screening.
Anal human papillomavirus and HIV: A cross-sectional study among men who have sex with men in Moscow, Russia, 2012–2013
Authors: Wirtz A L , Zelaya C E , Peryshkina A , McGowan I , Cranston R D , Latkin C , Galai N , Mogilniy V , Dzhigun P , Kostetskaya I , Beyrer C
Published: August 2015

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A systematic review of evidence to inform HIV prevention interventions among men who have sex with men in Europe
Authors: Strömdahl S , Hickson F , Pharris A , Sabido M , Baral S , Thorson A
Published: August 2015

An estimated 42% of all newly diagnosed HIV cases in Europe in 2013 were transmitted during sex between men. This review was performed to identify and describe studies evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions among men who have sex with men (MSM), in relation to implementation data from European settings. A systematic search was performed individually for 24 interventions. Data were extracted from studies including efficacy or implementation data from European settings, appraised for efficacy, implementation and plausibility, and assigned a grade (1-4) according to the Highest Attainable Standard of Evidence (HASTE) framework. Four interventions (condom use, peer outreach, peer-led groups, and using universal coverage of antiretroviral treatment and treatment as prevention) were assigned the highest HASTE grade, 1. Another four interventions were assigned 2a for probable recommendation, including voluntary counselling and testing for HIV, using condom-compatible lubricant, using post-exposure prophylaxis, and individual counselling for MSM living with HIV. In addition, seven interventions were assigned a grade of 2b, for possible recommendation. Encouragingly, 15 interventions were graded to be strongly, probably or possibly recommended. In the relatively resource-rich European setting, there is an opportunity to provide global leadership with regard to the regional scale-up of comprehensive HIV prevention interventions for MSM.
Intensified shigellosis epidemic associated with sexual transmission in men who have sex with men - Shigella flexneri and S. sonnei in England, 2004 to end of February 2015
Authors: Simms I , Field N , Jenkins C , Childs T , Gilbart V L , Dallman T J , Mook P , Crook P D , Hughes G
Published: August 2015

Surveillance data suggest an intensification of the shigellosis epidemic associated with sexual transmission in men who have sex with men (MSM) in England with separate introductions into the population. In 2014, sexual transmission between MSM might have accounted for 97%, 89%, and 43% of non-travel associated Shigella flexneri 3a and S. flexneri 2a, and S. sonnei diagnoses. Clinicians should sensitively ascertain sexual history for men with enteric infections to facilitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
Strengths and limitations of assessing influenza vaccine effectiveness using routinely collected, passive surveillance data in Ontario, Canada, 2007 to 2012: balancing efficiency versus quality
Authors: Savage R D , Winter A L , Rosella L C , Olsha R , Gubbay J B , Skowronski D M , Crowcroft N S
Published: August 2015

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Emergence of enterovirus D68 in Denmark, June 2014 to February 2015
Authors: Midgley S E , Christiansen C B , Poulsen M W , Hansen C H , Fischer T K
Published: August 2015

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Chikungunya outbreak in Montpellier, France, September to October 2014
Authors: Delisle E , Rousseau C , Broche B , Leparc-Goffart I , L’Ambert G , Cochet A , Prat C , Foulongne V , Ferré J B , Catelinois O , Flusin O , Tchernonog E , Moussion I E , Wiegandt A , Septfons A , Mendy A , Moyano M B , Laporte L , Maurel J , Jourdain F , Reynes J , Paty M C , Golliot F
Published: August 2015

In October 2014, an outbreak of 12 autochthonous chikungunya cases, 11 confirmed and 1 probable, was detected in a district of Montpellier, a town in the south of France colonised by the vector Aedes albopictus since 2010. A case returning from Cameroon living in the affected district was identified as the primary case. The epidemiological investigations and the repeated vector control treatments performed in the area and around places frequented by cases helped to contain the outbreak. In 2014, the chikungunya and dengue surveillance system in mainland France was challenged by numerous imported cases due to the chikungunya epidemic ongoing in the Caribbean Islands. This first significant outbreak of chikungunya in Europe since the 2007 Italian epidemic, however, was due to an East Central South African (ECSA) strain, imported by a traveller returning from West Africa. Important lessons were learned from this episode, which reminds us that the threat of a chikungunya epidemic in southern Europe is real.
Seroprevalence in blood donors reveals widespread, multi-source exposure to hepatitis E virus, southern France, October 2011
Authors: Mansuy J M , Sauné K , Rech H , Abravanel F , Mengelle C , L’Homme S , Destruel F , Kamar N , Izopet J
Published: August 2015

The apparent seroprevalence of hepatitis E Virus (HEV) varies greatly among developed countries depending on the geographical area and the sensitivity of immunoassays. We used a validated assay to determine the prevalence of HEV IgG and IgM antibodies among 3,353 blood donors living in southern France, who gave blood during the two first weeks of October 2011 and participated in the study. Demographic and epidemiological information was collected using a specific questionnaire. We also screened 591 samples for HEV RNA. Overall IgG seroprevalence was 39.1% and varied from 20% to 71.3% depending on the geographical area (p?<?0.001) while IgM seroprevalence was 3.31%. Anti-HEV IgG was significantly correlated with increasing age (p?<?0.001), eating uncooked pork liver sausages (p?<?0.001), offal (p?=?0.003), or mussels (p?=?0.02). Anti-HEV IgM was associated with being male (p?=?0.01) and eating uncooked pork liver sausages (p?=?0.02). HEV RNA was detected in one of the 99 anti-HEV IgM-positive samples, but in none of the 492 anti-HEV IgM-negative samples. HEV is hyperendemic in southern France. Dietary and culinary habits alone cannot explain the epidemiology of HEV in this region, indicating that other modes of contamination should be investigated.
West Nile virus circulation in south-eastern Romania, 2011 to 2013
Authors: Dinu S , Cotar A I , Pănculescu-Gătej I R , Fălcuţă E , Prioteasa F L , Sîrbu A , Oprişan G , Bădescu D , Reiter P , Ceianu C S
Published: August 2015

Lineage 2 West Nile virus (WNV), previously found only in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, was identified in Hungary in 2004 and has rapidly expanded in Europe in the past decade. Following a significant outbreak of West Nile fever with neurological cases caused by lineage 1 WNV in Romania in 1996, scattered cases have been recorded in the south-east of the country in each transmission season. Another outbreak, affecting a larger area and caused by lineage 2 WNV, was recorded in 2010. We analysed human sera from neuroinvasive West Nile fever cases and mosquitoes, sampled in south-eastern Romania between 2011 and 2013, for the presence of WNV genome, and obtained partial NS5 and envelope glycoprotein sequences. Human- and mosquito-derived WNV sequences were highly similar (99%) to Volgograd 2007 lineage 2 WNV and differed from isolates previously detected in central and southern Europe. WNV was detected in one pool of Culex pipiens s.l. males, documenting vertical transmission. Lineage 4 WNV, of unknown pathogenicity to mammals, was found in the amphibian-feeding mosquito Uranotaenia unguiculata from the Danube Delta. Our results present molecular evidence for the maintenance of the same isolates of Volgograd 2007-like lineage 2 WNV in south-eastern Romania between 2011 and 2013.
Genome sequence analysis of Ebola virus in clinical samples from three British healthcare workers, August 2014 to March 2015
Authors: Bell A , Lewandowski K , Myers R , Wooldridge D , Aarons E , Simpson A , Vipond R , Jacobs M , Gharbia S , Zambon M
Published: August 2015

We determined complete viral genome sequences from three British healthcare workers infected with Ebola virus (EBOV) in Sierra Leone, directly from clinical samples. These sequences closely resemble those previously observed in the current Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa, with glycoprotein and polymerase genes showing the most sequence variation. Our data indicate that current PCR diagnostic assays remain suitable for detection of EBOV in this epidemic and provide confidence for their continued use in diagnosis.
The challenge of West Nile virus in Europe: knowledge gaps and research priorities
Authors: Rizzoli A , Jiménez-Clavero M A , Barzon L , Cordioli P , Figuerola J , Koraka P , Martina B , Moreno A , Nowotny N , Pardigon N , Sanders N , Ulbert S , Tenorio A
Published: August 2015

West Nile virus (WNV) is continuously spreading across Europe, and other continents, i.e. North and South America and many other regions of the world. Despite the overall sporadic nature of outbreaks with cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) in Europe, the spillover events have increased and the virus has been introduced into new areas. The high genetic diversity of the virus, with remarkable phenotypic variation, and its endemic circulation in several countries, require an intensification of the integrated and multidisciplinary research efforts built under the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union (FP7). It is important to better clarify several aspects of WNV circulation in Europe, including its ecology, genomic diversity, pathogenicity, transmissibility, diagnosis and control options, under different environmental and socio-economic scenarios. Identifying WNV endemic as well as infection-free areas is becoming a need for the development of human vaccines and therapeutics and the application of blood and organs safety regulations. This review, produced as a joint initiative among European experts and based on analysis of 118 scientific papers published between 2004 and 2014, provides the state of knowledge on WNV and highlights the existing knowledge and research gaps that need to be addressed with high priority in Europe and neighbouring countries.
Hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Slovenia: study on 31,849 samples obtained in four screening rounds during 1999, 2003, 2009 and 2013
Authors: Kopilović B , Poljak M , Seme K , Klavs I
Published: August 2015

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NDM-1- or OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonising Polish tourists following a terrorist attack in Tunis, March 2015
Authors: Izdebski R , Bojarska K , Baraniak A , Literacka E , Herda M , Żabicka D , Guzek A , Półgrabia M , Hryniewicz W , Gniadkowski M
Published: August 2015

We describe the introduction of NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 and Escherichia coli ST410, and OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae ST101 strains to Poland by two patients transported to the country after hospitalisation in Tunisia. The patients had gunshot wounds following the terrorist attack in the Bardo National Museum in Tunis in March 2015. Our report reinforces the need for microbiological screening of patients returning from travel on admission to healthcare institutions, especially following hospitalisation in countries where carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are endemic.
Outbreak of psittacosis in a group of women exposed to Chlamydia psittaci-infected chickens
Authors: Laroucau K , Aaziz R , Meurice L , Servas V , Chossat I , Royer H , de Barbeyrac B , Vaillant V , Moyen J L , Meziani F , Sachse K , Rolland P
Published: August 2015

Eight cases of psittacosis due to Chlamydia psittaci were identified in May 2013 among 15 individuals involved in chicken gutting activities on a mixed poultry farm in France. All cases were women between 42 and 67 years-old. Cases were diagnosed by serology and PCR of respiratory samples. Appropriate treatment was immediately administered to the eight hospitalised individuals after exposure to birds had been discovered. In the chicken flocks, mainly C. gallinacea was detected, a new member of the family Chlamydiaceae, whereas the ducks were found to harbour predominantly C. psittaci, the classical agent of psittacosis. In addition, C. psittaci was found in the same flock as the chickens that the patients had slaughtered. Both human and C. psittaci-positive avian samples carried the same ompA genotype E/B of C. psittaci, which is widespread among French duck flocks. Repeated grassland rotations between duck and chicken flocks on the farm may explain the presence of C. psittaci in the chickens. Inspection by the veterinary service led to temporary closure of the farm. All birds had to be euthanised on site as no slaughterhouses accepted processing them. Farm buildings and grasslands were cleaned and/or disinfected before the introduction of new poultry birds.
Imported case of MERS-CoV infection identified in China, May 2015: detection and lesson learned
Authors: Wu J , Yi L , Zou L , Zhong H , Liang L , Song T , Song Y , Su J , Ke C
Published: August 2015

At the end of May 2015, an imported case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection was confirmed in China. The patient is in a stable condition and is still undergoing treatment. In this report, we summarise the preliminary findings for this imported case and the results of contact tracing. We identified 78 close contacts and after 14 days of monitoring and isolation, none of the contacts presented symptoms and all tested negative for MERS-CoV.
Waterborne outbreaks in the Nordic countries, 1998 to 2012
Authors: Guzman-Herrador B , Carlander A , Ethelberg S , Freiesleben de Blasio B , Kuusi M , Lund V , Löfdahl M , MacDonald E , Nichols G , Schönning C , Sudre B , Trönnberg L , Vold L , Semenza J C , Nygård K
Published: August 2015

A total of 175 waterborne outbreaks affecting 85,995 individuals were notified to the national outbreak surveillance systems in Denmark, Finland and Norway from 1998 to 2012, and in Sweden from 1998 to 2011. Between 4 and 18 outbreaks were reported each year during this period. Outbreaks occurred throughout the countries in all seasons, but were most common (n = 75/169, 44%) between June and August. Viruses belonging to the Caliciviridae family and Campylobacter were the pathogens most frequently involved, comprising n = 51 (41%) and n = 36 (29%) of all 123 outbreaks with known aetiology respectively. Although only a few outbreaks were caused by parasites (Giardia and/or Cryptosporidium), they accounted for the largest outbreaks reported during the study period, affecting up to 53,000 persons. Most outbreaks, 124 (76%) of those with a known water source (n = 163) were linked to groundwater. A large proportion of the outbreaks (n = 130/170, 76%) affected a small number of people (less than 100 per outbreak) and were linked to single-household water supplies. However, in 11 (6%) of the outbreaks, more than 1,000 people became ill. Although outbreaks of this size are rare, they highlight the need for increased awareness, particularly of parasites, correct water treatment regimens, and vigilant management and maintenance of the water supply and distribution systems.
The role of superspreading in Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) transmission
Authors: Kucharski A J , Althaus C L
Published: August 2015

As at 15 June 2015, a large transmission cluster of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was ongoing in South Korea. To examine the potential for such events, we estimated the level of heterogeneity in MERS-CoV transmission by analysing data on cluster size distributions. We found substantial potential for superspreading; even though it is likely that R0 < 1 overall, our analysis indicates that cluster sizes of over 150 cases are not unexpected for MERS-CoV infection.
Phylogenetic analysis of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus outbreak strains provides evidence for four separate introductions and one between-poultry farm transmission in the Netherlands, November 2014
Authors: Bouwstra R J , Koch G , Heutink R , Harders F , van der Spek A , Elbers A R , Bossers A
Published: August 2015

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Reengineering Education and Reimagining Rural Transformation
Authors: Dhakal Rebat Kumar
Published: August 2015

Editorial
Good Practices in Pursuit of Sustainable Rural Transformation
Authors: Rabinowicz Sarit Grinberg , Chinapah Vinayagum
Published: August 2015

Responding to the world's instability in the economy, society, and in the environment, initiatives such as the EFA goals and MDGs acknowledge that the developing world is in crisis. For the rural people, who are the majority of the poor worldwide, economic, social, and environmental instability is a daily reality. Rural people are among the most vulnerable, the most marginalized, and the most oppressed groups and they make up the majority of the poor in most countries. With education as a catalyst for transformation, providing the rural people with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to improve their lives, and taking into account the context and reality of rural people, sustainability has to be a part of this transformation process. Sustainable rural transformation as a holistic perspective takes into account rural needs, the context, and the process of transformation. This paper identifies the challenges that rural populations are facing, and argues how the concept and practice of education for rural transformation should work towards a sustainable development, envisioning a 'sustainable rural transformation'. This paper illustrates and examines the concept of sustainable rural transformation and why education and good practices are important to promote an equitable sustainable rural transformation and human well-being.
Education for Rural Transformation in Thailand: Perspectives on Policies and Practices
Authors: Bhola Harbans Singh
Published: August 2015

To engage meaningfully on the subject of "Education for Rural Transformation," it is essential first to understand the concept of the "Rural Condition" as well as of "Education" -- which is influenced by social, economic, political, technological and cultural factors. There are two additional complexities in that the "Rural Condition" itself is not something stable and absolute but is indeed in perpetual flux across Time and Place; and that the rural condition is inconceivable without at the same time understanding the "Urban Condition."

Concomitantly, "Education" itself will have to undergo transformation to serve as the lever of rural and urban transformations. Rural and urban transformations today have come to acquire one globally-focused mission, dealing with three objectives: mitigation of global warming, pursuing sustainable development and committing to poverty alleviation, in both rural and urban habitations.

For "Planned Action" informed by the general conceptual framework constructed here, the general must be contextualized in each particular setting of time, space and locality – responding to a specific "Political Economy"; to policy processes such as formulation, planning, mobilization, implementation and evaluation; and configurations of agents and adopters of planned actions. Finally, the "Logic of Action" must come from the dialectics between the structural and the instructional.
Evaluation of sweet potato genotypes against salinity
Authors: Begum Farida , Haque M Azizul , Alam MS , Mohanta HC
Published: August 2015

Ten sweet potato lines/varieties were studied for growth response under NaCl salt stress condition. The rooting ability, in terms of root number, root length and root volume was studied. Growth in terms of root and shoot dry weight was also studied. A variation was recorded among the eight varieties and two lines in different doses of NaCl for growth responses in terms of rooting ability. The genotypes BARI SP-9, showed rooting ability up to 20 dS-m among the 10 genotypes. The genotypes BARI SP-2, BARI SP-3, BARI SP-7, BARI SP-9 and line SP-613 showed increase in root number upto 6 dS-m as compared to control. Accumulation of Na+ increased with a concomitant decrease in K+. Sweet potato plantlet transport less amount of Na+ and more amount of K+ to the shoot. Genotypes BARI SP-7 and BARI SP-9 showed better performance upto15dS-m.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(2): 249-257 June 2015
Improvement from mustard-Boro-T. Aman cropping pattern to mustard-Boro-jute-T. Aman
Authors: Rahman MM , Rahaman MA , Ahmed M , Uddin MM , Choudhury AK
Published: August 2015

The experiment was conducted at the farmers field of FSRD site, Elenga and MLT site Modhupur, Tangail during two consecutive years 2011-12 and 2012- 13 to study the productivity, production efficiency, land use efficiency and economic return of the improved cropping pattern (Mustard - Boro - Jute -T. Aman) against the existing cropping pattern (Mustard -Boro - T. Aman) through incorporating of modern crop varieties and improved management practices. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications. The pooled data of improved management practice for the pattern produced significantly higher yield in Mustard and T. Aman rice respectively and also gave additional jute yield. The gross return and gross margin were higher in improved pattern compared to that of existing farmers pattern with only 149 and 151% extra cost at FSRD site, Elenga and MLT site Modhupur, respectively. The higher benefit cost ratio (1.74 and 1.79), rice equivalent yield (22.41 and 21.82), production efficiency (40.19 and 39.48) and land-use efficiency (95.75 and 96.48) indicated the superiority of the improved pattern over the farmers existing pattern at both sites. Higher rice equivalent yield indicates that improved cropping pattern (Mustard - Boro - Jute -T. Aman) could be suitable in Tangail region for increasing crop productivity as well as cropping intensity.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(2): 259-270 June 2015
A Comparative Study Between Laparoscopic Management of Ectopic Pregnancy and Laparotomy: Experience in Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh: A Prospective Trial
Authors: Jahan Samsad , Das Tripti Rani , Habib Samira Humaira , Jahan Akter , Joarder Mahjabin , Nahar Nurun , Banarjee Manisha
Published: August 2015

Objectives: To compare the efficiency and surgical morbidity associated with laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) compared with that of open laparotomy. Materials and methods: During November 2008 to October 2012, there were 89 with a confirmed ectopic pregnancy These patients were admitted through emergency or outpatient department and managed by laparoscopy (number 70) and by laparotomy (number 19). The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was based on history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, a positive serum B-human chorionic gonadotropin (B-HCG), transvaginal ultrasonography. Patients were informed pre-operatively about the surgical procedures. The main outcome measured included operative time, blood loss, and complications.Results: Laparoscopic surgery gives an overall success rate of 98.9%. Linear salpingostomy was the main procedure performed in both groups. Estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopy group compared with laparotomy group (p<0.001). Only 3 (3.81%) patients in the laparoscopy group required blood transfusion, whereas 16 (74.94%) in the laparotomy group needed transfusion (P<0.0001). The duration of operation in laparoscopy group was 53.2 ± 16.8 minutes and 84.5 ± 30.3 minutes in the laparotomy group. The duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group 1.12±0.5 days compared to 5.25±0.1days in the laparotomy group (p<0.0001). ). In the laparoscopy group 57(72.4%) patients did not need analgesia after surgery compared with laparotomy group where all the patients needed analgesia.Conclusion: Laparoscopic treatment (Salpingostomy or Salpingectomy) of EPs offers major benefits superior to laparotomy in terms of less blood loss, less need for blood transfusion and postoperative analgesia, a shorter duration of hospital stay. Laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy might be the most beneficial procedure with maximal safety and efficacy.
Posterior Urethral Obstruction: COPUM
Authors: Dewan Paddy
Published: August 2015

Not available.
Removal of Chromium (III) from Tannery Wastewater by Bioaccumulation Method Using Vallisneria sp. River-weed
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Rajeeb Sajjad , Alam AM Shafiqul
Published: August 2015

The presence of chromium (III) in the wastewater is one of the major concerns for the tannery industry in Bangladesh. In this study the removal of chromium (III) from tannery effluent has been carried out by bioaccumulation method using abundantly available Vallisneria sp. river-weed in river all over Bangladesh. Various factors influencing the uptake of chromium, viz., quantity of river-weed, concentration of chromium (III), pH of the solution and duration of treatment have been optimized. Chemical modifications of the river-weed through pretreatment with H2SO4, CaCl2 and MgCl2 showed improved removal efficiency of chromium (III). Langmuir isotherm has been fitted for 0.5 g of river-weed. The dynamic method of treatment of protonated river-weed with a chromium (III) solution at a pH of 3.2 for duration of 4 days gave the maximum uptake of about 81%. A similar uptake has been established for commercial chrome tanning wastewater. In addition, the potential reuse of chromium-containing river-weed for the preparation of basic chromium sulfate (tanning agent) has been demonstrated.Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(2):91-96, 2015 (July)
An ECM Approach for Long Run Relationship Between Real Exchange Rate and Output Growth: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Kamal Khnd Md Mostafa
Published: August 2015

Currency exchange rate is an important aspect in modern economy which indicates the strength of domestic currency with respect to international currency. This study uses 42 years (1972 to 2013) time series data for Bangladesh in order to empirically determine whether the real exchange rate has significant impact on output growth for Bangladesh by using error correction model (ECM).The time series econometrics properties of the data series have been thoroughly investigated to apply ECM approach. The empirical evidence suggests mixed results; in the short run low exchange rate has positive significant effect while in the long run output growth is positively affected high exchange rate pass through.Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 63(2):105-110, 2015 (July)
A study of spatial and temporal distribution of land utilization pattern in Mopka village using RS & GIS
Authors: Prasoon Soni , Pushpraj Singh
Published: August 2015

Remote Sensing and GIS is a very good modality for retrospection and the strategy for better exploitation of sustainable land use system. The present study was conducted in the Bilaspur district for analyzing the spatial distribution of Land Use Change. During last decades the increasing population of Bilaspur city, affect the land use pattern of Mopka Village. The anthropogenic activities were affecting the agricultural land along with barren land. For the development of civic amenities the land of the above village was used. The main objective of the present study is to analyses the land use/land cover distribution in Mopka village, Bilaspur district in between last 12 years and to identify the main forces behind the changes. The objectives of present studies are, to create a land use land cover maps of Mopka village using satellite imagery. To analysis the temporal changes of village area in between the year 2000 and 2012, the primary, secondary and satellite data were used. The results of the present study show that the decadeial changes due to population growth and increasing demand of infrastructure were destroying the natural resources, natural habitat and soil structure of area.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 5 (1): 1-9, June, 2015
Grow out test and determination of physical characteristics of seed of rice landraces
Authors: Alam MS , Islam MM , Begum SN
Published: August 2015

The study was attempted with an objective to check the purity of commonly used farmers rice seed stock. Assessment of varietal purity of collected 76 rice genotypes showed that there was a variation among the genotypes for varietal purity. Thirty-two genotypes showed 100% varietal purity and forty-four genotypes were contaminated with different types of offtypes. The lowest varietal purity was observed in Lal gotal (74.67%). Grain dimension and 1000 seed weight were measured as important physical characteristics of seed to identify varietal purity.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 5 (1): 15-21, June, 2015
Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Parvin Tanjima , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Siddique Md Abu , Habib SM Ahsan , Rahman Mukhlesur , Rahman Mohammad Hafizur , Sultan Md Ashraf Uddin , Hoque Md Harisul
Published: August 2015

Objective: Diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic disorder, is often associated with severe coronary artery disease. In this study, we compared the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease in diabetic patients compared with that of non diabetic patients.Methods: This observational study comprised of 102 subjects who had coronary artery disease on coronary angiography in the Department of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2009 to December 2009. The patients were divided into two groups: one group with 24 (23.5%) diabetic patients and another group with 78 (76.5%) non diabetic patients. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and angiographic data were analyzed and compared between two groups.Results: Mean age±SD of the study subjects was 52.8±9.5 years and 94 (92%) of them were male. Diabetic patients were older (mean age±SD; 57.6±9.5 versus 51.3±9.9 years; p 004), and had higher frequency of hypertension (75% versus 50%, p 0.036), chronic stable angina (71% versus 41%, p 0.018), and lower frequency of smoking (42% versus 67%, p 0.034) and acute coronary syndrome (29% versus 59%; p 0.018) in comparison to non diabetic patients. Left main stem disease (21% versus 5%, p 0.031) and three-vessel disease (50% versus 31%, p 0.094) were more prevalent in diabetic patients. Severe coronary artery stenosis was significantly more present in diabetics than non diabetics (Gensini score, 50.9±29.9 versus 32.6±21.9, p 0.001).Conclusion: Diabetic patients are more likely to have severe and extensive coronary artery disease. Left main stem and triple vessel disease are more commonly seen in diabetic patients compared to non diabetic patients.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 1, January 2014; 13-17
Generalised Complex Geometry in Thermodynamical Fluctuation Theory
Authors: Fernández de Córdoba P. , Isidro J.
Published: August 2015

We present a brief overview of some key concepts in the theory of generalized complex manifolds. This new geometry interpolates, so to speak, between symplectic geometry and complex geometry. As such it provides an ideal framework to analyze thermodynamical fluctuation theory in the presence of gravitational fields. To illustrate the usefulness of generalized complex geometry, we examine a simplified version of the Unruh effect: the thermalising effect of gravitational fields on the Schroedinger wavefunction.
Hair, Death, and Memory: The Making of an American Relic
Authors: Heiniger Abigail
Published: August 2015

This article traces the transformation of hairworks in America during the mid-nineteenth-century. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin transformed the meaning of hair and hairworks in the American cultural imaginary by endowing Little Evangeline St. Clare’s hair with sacred, moralizing power. Likewise, after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln’s hair achieved nationwide, relic-like significance. The Abraham Lincoln Papers contains six hair requests; these letters demonstrate that the cultural meaning of Lincoln’s hair resembles the fictional power of Eva’s hair in Stowe’s novel. Analyzing this phenomena of relic-like hair modifies our understanding of the unprecedented sentimental reaction to Lincoln’s assassination and particularly the fascination with seeing and approaching the president’s body.
Pandemic of Pregnant Obese Women: Is It Time to Re-Evaluate Antenatal Weight Loss?
Authors: Davis Anne
Published: August 2015

The Obesity pandemic will afflict future generations without successful prevention, intervention and management. Attention to reducing obesity before, during and after pregnancy is essential for mothers and their offspring. Preconception weight loss is difficult given that many pregnancies are unplanned. Interventions aimed at limiting gestational weight gain have produced minimal maternal and infant outcomes. Therefore, increased research to develop evidence-based clinical practice is needed to adequately care for obese pregnant women especially during antenatal care. This review evaluates the current evidence of obesity interventions during pregnancy various including weight loss for safety and efficacy. Recommendations are provided with the end goal being a healthy pregnancy, optimal condition for breastfeeding and prevent the progression of obesity in future generations.
Combining HJ CCD, GF-1 WFV and MODIS Data to Generate Daily High Spatial Resolution Synthetic Data for Environmental Process Monitoring
Authors: Wu Mingquan , Huang Wenjiang , Niu Zheng , Wang Changyao
Published: August 2015

The limitations of satellite data acquisition mean that there is a lack of satellite data with high spatial and temporal resolutions for environmental process monitoring. In this study, we address this problem by applying the Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (ESTARFM) and the Spatial and Temporal Data Fusion Approach (STDFA) to combine Huanjing satellite charge coupled device (HJ CCD), Gaofen satellite no. 1 wide field of view camera (GF-1 WFV) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data to generate daily high spatial resolution synthetic data for land surface process monitoring. Actual HJ CCD and GF-1 WFV data were used to evaluate the precision of the synthetic images using the correlation analysis method. Our method was tested and validated for two study areas in Xinjiang Province, China. The results show that both the ESTARFM and STDFA can be applied to combine HJ CCD and MODIS reflectance data, and GF-1 WFV and MODIS reflectance data, to generate synthetic HJ CCD data and synthetic GF-1 WFV data that closely match actual data with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.8989 and 0.8643, respectively. Synthetic red- and near infrared (NIR)-band data generated by ESTARFM are more suitable for the calculation of Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) than the data generated by STDFA.