bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of Kinesiotaping on quadriceps muscle performance at different velocities: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guedes Rogerio , Bottaro Martim , Magalhães Igor , Trindade Matheus , Brown Lee E. , Carmo Jake do , Carregaro Rodrigo Luiz
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND:

Kinesiotaping (KT) has become popular among athletic trainers and physical therapists. Most of KT studies investigated only the immediate responses, and only a few evaluated the long-term effects.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the effects of 48 hours of KT on knee extensor performance of healthy subjects during isokinetic exercise at different muscle action velocities.

METHODS:

Twenty six healthy men were enrolled and the study presented a drop-out rate of 19%. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups: 1. KT with the tape applied for activation of rectus femoris with 40% tension 2. Control (CO) with the tape applied on rectus femoris without tension. Measurements were collected at baseline (BL) without KT, immediately (T0) post KT application, and 24 h (T24) and 48 h (T48) after KT application. The main outcome measures were Knee extension peak torque (PT), load range (LR) and time to reach the PT (TPT).

RESULTS:

There were no significant differences between KT and CO for PT, LR or TPT at 60 or 240°/s, and no significant differences on time (BL, IMD, 24 h and 48 h) for both groups.

CONCLUSION:

Kinesiotaping did not enhance knee extensor neuromuscular performance of healthy men at different muscle action velocities. An important finding was that the continued use of the Kinesiotaping (48 h) did not influence muscle performance.
The influence of hemiparesis on triceps surae morphological and mechanical properties in stroke survivors
Authors: Dias Caroline Pieta , Lanferdini Fábio Juner , Onzi Eduardo dos Santos , Goulart Natalia Batista Albuquerque , Becker Jefferson , Gomes Irênio , Vaz Marco Aurélio
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND:

Hemiparesis causes a reduction in neuromuscular structure and function and affects the contractile properties of the plantar flexors.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the triceps surae volume, activation and mechanical properties in hemiparetic stroke survivors to those of healthy subjects.

METHODS:

Twelve hemiparetic stroke survivors (mean age, 62 years) and twelve healthy subjects (mean age, 60 years) participated in the study. The triceps surae muscle volume was estimated by ultrasound and anthropometric data. Plantar flexor muscle activation and dorsiflexor co-activation were measured with surface electromyography, and isometric plantar flexor moment was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle quality was determined by the moment/muscle volume ratio. One-way ANOVA was used for between-groups comparisons (α = 0.05).

RESULTS:

The paretic and non-paretic limbs of stroke survivors showed smaller muscle volume (∼ 36% and ∼ 35%, respectively) than the dominant limb of healthy subjects (p< 0.01). The muscle quality was similar between the non-paretic limb and the dominant limb of healthy subjects (p> 0.05) but was lower in the paretic limb (p< 0.05). Peak moment was lower (∼ 61%) in the paretic and non-paretic (∼ 33%) limbs compared to the dominant limb of healthy subjects (p< 0.01). The paretic limb showed lower gastrocnemius medialis activation than did the non-paretic (∼ 45%) and dominant (∼ 33%) limbs of healthy subjects (p< 0.01).

CONCLUSION:

Structural and functional losses are higher in the paretic than in the non-paretic limb and in the non-paretic compared to a healthy limb.
Neurorestorative effects of epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on cognitive function in a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rat model
Authors: Han Jae-Young , Kim Jung-Kook , Kim Jae-Hong , Oh Bong-Seok , Cho Wan-Ju , Jung Young Do , Lee Sam-Gyu
Published: June 2016

Purpose: This study investigated whether (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can enhance cognition by a neurorestorative effect in a rat model of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO).

Methods: Forty-eight male, 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups 6 weeks after BCCAO or sham operation: EGCG-single intravenous injection (25 mg/kg/day; SIV group), EGCG-multiple intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/kg/day for 5 days; MIP group), untreated BCCAO group (untreated group), and sham-operated group (sham group).

Results: Escape latency was significantly shorter in the SIV and MIP groups than in the untreated group. SIV and MIP groups were significantly different from the untreated group in the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of malondialdehyde ( p < 0.05). Protein expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was not significantly different between groups ( p > 0.05), while protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly lower in the SIV group than in the untreated group ( p < 0.05). Protein expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B was significantly higher in the MIP group than in the untreated group ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions: EGCG administration at 6 weeks after BCCAO is neurorestorative via an anti-oxidant effect and synaptogenesis, except for angiogenesis.
Day/night difference in extradural cortical stimulation for motor relearning in a subacute stroke rat model
Authors: Kim Joo Yeon , Sun Woong , Park Eunhee , Lee Jiyeong , Kim Hyun , Shin Yong-Il , Kim Yun-Hee , Chang Won Hyuk
Published: June 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the proper timing of extradural cortical stimulation (ECS) on the motor relearning in a rat model of subacute photothrombotic stroke.

Methods: Photothrombotic infarction was induced on the dominant sensorimotor cortex in male Sprague-Dawley rats after training in a single-pellet reaching task (SPRT). Rats were randomly divided into three groups after stroke: ECS during the inactive period (Day-ECS group), ECS during the active period (Night-ECS group) and no ECS (Non-stimulated group). Six sham-operated rats were assigned to the control group. The Day- and Night-ECS group received continuous ECS for 12 hours during the day or night for 2 weeks from day 4 after the stroke. Behavioral assessment with SPRT was performed daily.

Results: SPRT showed a significantly faster and greater improvement in the Day and Night-ECS groups than in the Non-stimulated group. In the Day- and Night-ECS groups, the success rate of SPRT differed significantly from Non-stimulated group on day 11 and day 8, respectively. In addition, the Night-ECS group showed a significantly higher SPRT success rate than the Day-ECS group from days 10 to 13.

Conclusion: ECS during the active period might be more effective for motor relearning in the subacute stroke rat model.
Anatomical and functional effects of lateral cervical hemicontusion in adult rats
Authors: Walker Chandler L. , Zhang Yi Ping , Liu Yucheng , Li Yiping , Walker Melissa J. , Liu Nai-Kui , Shields Christopher B. , Xu Xiao-Ming
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Cervical injuries are the most common form of spinal cord injury (SCI), and are often complicated by pathological secondary damage. Therefore, cervical SCI is of great clinical importance for understanding pathology and potential therapies. Here we utilize a weight drop cervical hemi-contusion injury model using a NYU/MASCIS impactor that produced graded anatomical and functional deficits.

Methods: Three groups of rats were established: 1) Sham (laminectomy only) ( n = 6), 12.5 mm weight drop ( n = 10), and 25 mm weight drop ( n = 10) SCI groups. Forelimb functional assessments of grooming ability, cereal manipulation, and forepaw adhesive removal were performed weekly after injury. Using transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials (tcMMEPs), supraspinal motor stimulations were recorded in both forelimbs and hindlimbs at 5 and 28d post-injury. Lesion volume and myelinated tissue area were assessed through histological analysis.

Results: A 12.5 mm weight drop height produced considerable tissue damage compared to Sham animals, while a 25 mm drop induced even greater damage than the 12.5 mm drop ( p < 0.05). Forelimb functional assessments showed that increased injury severity and tissue damage was correlated to the degree of forelimb functional deficits. Interestingly, the hindlimbs showed little to no motor function loss. Upon tcMMEP stimulation, surprisingly little motor signal was recorded in the hindlimbs despite outward evidence of hindlimb motor recovery.

Conclusions: Our findings highlight a correlation between anatomical damage and functional outcome in a graded cervical hemi-contusion model, and support a loss of descending motor control from supraspinal inputs and intraspinal plasticity that promote spontaneous hindlimb functional recovery in this model.
Post-stroke gaseous hypothermia increases vascular density but not neurogenesis in the ischemic penumbra of aged rats
Authors: Sandu Raluca Elena , Uzoni Adriana , Ciobanu Ovidiu , Moldovan Mihai , Anghel Andrei , Radu Eugen , Coogan Andrew N. , Popa-Wagner Aurel
Published: June 2016

Purpose: In aged humans, stroke is a major cause of disability for which no neuroprotective measures are available. In animal studies of focal ischemia, short-term hypothermia often reduces infarct size. Nevertheless, efficient neuroprotection requires long-term, regulated lowering of whole body temperature. Previously, we reported that post-stroke exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) effectively lowers whole body temperature and confers neuroprotection in aged animals.

Methods: In the present study using behavioral tests, MRI, telemetrical EEG, BP and temperature recordings, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, we assessed infarct size, vascular density, neurogenesis and as well as the expression of genes coding for proteasomal proteins as well as in post-stroke aged Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to H2S- induced hypothermia.

Results: Two days exposure to mild hypothermia diminishes the expression of several genes involved in protein degradation, thereby leading to better preservation of infarcted tissue. Further, hypothermia increased the density of newly formed blood vessels in the peri-lesional cortex did not enhance neurogenesis in the infarcted area of aged rats. Likewise, there was improved recovery of fine vestibulomotor function and asymmetric sensorimotor deficit.

Conclusion: Long-term hypothermia may be a viable clinical approach by simultaneously targeting multiple processes including better tissue preservation, enhanced vascular density and improved behavioral performance.
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor promotes brain repair following traumatic brain injury by recruitment of microglia and increasing neurotrophic factor expression
Authors: Song Shijie , Kong Xiaoyuan , Acosta Sandra , Sava Vasyl , Borlongan Cesar , Sanchez-Ramos Juan
Published: June 2016

Purpose: The overall objective was to elucidate cellular mechanisms by which G-CSF enhances recovery from traumatic brain injury in a hippocampal-dependent learning task.

Methods: Chimeric mice were prepared by transplanting bone marrow cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP+) from a transgenic “green” mice into C57BL/6 mice. Two months later, the animals sustained mild controlled cortical impact (CCI) to the right frontal-parietal cortex, followed by G-CSF (100 μg/kg) treatment for 3 consecutive days. The primary behavioral end-point was performance on the radial arm water maze (RAWM) assessed before and after CCI (days 7 and 14). Secondary endpoints included a), motor performance on a rotating cylinder (rotarod), b) measurement of microglial and astroglial response, c) hippocampal neurogenesis, and d) measures of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) in brain homogenates.

Results: G-CSF treatment resulted in significantly better performance on the rotorod at one week, and in the RAWM after one and two weeks. The cellular changes found 2 wks after CCI in the G-CSF group included increased numbers of hippocampal newborn neurons as well as astrocytosis and microgliosis in striatum and frontal cortex on both sides of brain. GFP+ cells that co-labeled with Iba1 (microglial marker) comprised a significant proportion of striatal microglia in G-CSF treated animals, indicating the capacity of G-CSF to increase microglial recruitment to the site of injury. Neurotrophic factors GDNF and BDNF, elaborated by activated microglia and astrocytes, were increased in G-CSF treated mice.

Conclusions: G-CSF serves as a neurotrophic factor that increases hippocampal neurogenesis (or enhances survival of new-born neurons), and activates astrocytes and microglia. In turn, these activated glia release a plethora of cytokines and neurotrophic factors that contribute, in a poorly understood cascade, to the brain’s repair response. G-CSF also acts directly on bone marrow-derived cells to enhance recruitment of microglia to the site of CCI from circulating monocytes to the site of CCI.
Mobile game-based virtual reality rehabilitation program for upper limb dysfunction after ischemic stroke
Authors: Choi Yoon-Hee , Ku Jeonghun , Lim Hyunmi , Kim Yeo Hyung , Paik Nam-Jong
Published: June 2016

Background: Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to provide intensive, repetitive, and task-oriented training, and game-based therapy can enhance patients’ motivation and enjoyment.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop a mobile game-based upper extremity VR program for patients who have experienced stroke, and to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the program.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial included 24 patients with ischemic stroke. The intervention group ( n = 12) received 30 min of conventional occupational therapy (OT) and 30 min of the mobile upper extremity rehabilitation program using a smartphone and a tablet PC (MoU-Rehab). The controls ( n = 12) received conventional OT alone for 1 h per day. Rehabilitation consisted of 10 sessions of therapy, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks. The outcome measures (Fugl−Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity [FMA-UE], Brunnström stage [B-stage] for the arm and the hand, manual muscle testing [MMT], modified Barthel index [MBI], EuroQol-5 Dimension [EQ-5D], and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]) were assessed at the beginning and end of treatment, and at 1 month. User satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire.

Results: A greater improvement in the FMA-UE, B-stage, and MMT was found after treatment with the MoU-Rehab than with conventional therapy. The extent of improvements in the MBI, EQ-5D, and BDI was not significantly different between the two groups. Patients in the experimental group completed the 2-weeks treatment without adverse effects, and they were generally satisfied with MoU-Rehab.

Conclusion: This mobile game-based VR rehabilitation program appears to be feasible and effective for promoting upper limb recovery after ischemic stroke.
Use of human mesenchymal stem cell treatment to prevent anhedonia in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Darkazalli Ali , Ismail Abdol Aziz Ould , Abad Nastaren , Grant Samuel C. , Levenson Cathy W.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Major depression and related mood disorders are the most common long-term outcomes associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Given the potentially debilitating consequences of depression, and the fact that TBI patients are frequently refractory to antidepressant drugs, new therapies are clearly needed. We hypothesized that human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), delivered intravenously, can effectively treat TBI-induced depression and other behavioral deficits associated with TBI.

Methods: Rats ( n = 8 per group) were subjected to experimental TBI or control sham operation. Six hours post TBI, rats were treated with 1×106 hMSC or vehicle control. Immediately after TBI and prior to hMSC or control treatment, rats were subjected to either targeted precision x-ray irradiation to eliminate subventricular zone (SVZ) proliferation or sham irradiation. One week after TBI, SVZ irradiation, and hMSC treatment, rats were evaluated for the depression-like behavior, anhedonia, using the two-bottle saccharin preference paradigm; and for working memory using the novel object recognition test.

Results: TBI resulted in a 54% ( p≤0.05) decrease in saccharin preference scores while treatment of TBI with hMSC fully prevented this anhedonic behavior. TBI was also found to produce a 73% ( p≤0.05) decrease in novel object interaction time, indicating impaired working memory, and was similarly improved by treatment with hMSC. The ability of hMSC to prevent TBI-associated depression and working memory impairment was eliminated when SVZ proliferation was inhibited by irradiation.

Conclusions: This work has identified a possible role for hMSC in the treatment of TBI-induced depression and other behaviors and suggests a mechanistic role for proliferative cells of the SVZ proliferation in hMSC efficacy.
Abnormal increase of neuronal precursor cells and exacerbated neuroinflammation in the corpus callosum in murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Leung Joseph Wai-Hin , Lau Benson Wui-Man , Chan Vera Sau-Fong , Lau Chak-Sing , So Kwok-Fai
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease which is characterised by elevated levels of autoantibodies and cytokines in the body. Via alteration of the regulation of inflammation, damage to different organ systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), was found in SLE patients. Patients diagnosed with SLE were reported to suffer from different kinds of psychiatric signs and symptoms. As neurogenesis has been suggested to be a potential key player of psychiatric symptoms and emotional behavior disturbances, this study aims to investigate whether neurogenesis is altered in an animal model of SLE. Also, neuroinflammation was studied.

Methods: Female NZB/W F1 mice were used as an animal model of SLE. Animals were divided into two groups: 1. pre-diseased mice (lupus-prone NZB/W F1 female mice, age 10–15 weeks, negative for proteinuria and with basal levels of serum anti-dsDNA autoantibodies) and 2. diseased mice (NZB/W F1 female mice, > 25 weeks of age, with elevated serum levels of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies and with persistent proteinuria of > 3 mg/ml for more than 2 weeks). Comparisons of the levels of neurogenesis and neuroinflammtion between two groups of mice were studied by the immunohistochemistry.

Results: After the onset of SLE symptoms, a reduction of neurogenesis in the hippocampus was found, while there was a dramatic increase of doublecortin (DCX+) neuronal precursor cells in the corpus callosum (CC) and in the subventricular zone (SVZ). Meanwhile, exacerbated inflammation was present in the corpus callosum of the diseased mice, which was suggested by the increased number of GFAP+ cells and IBA-1+ cells.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing an increase of neuronal precursor cells in the corpus callosum of the female NZB/W F1 mice. The present study suggests a coincidence but not a causal relationship between neurogenesis and neuroinflammation. The present results have also provided new insight showing that the altered neurogenesis and neuroinflammation may be a potential neurological mechanism for the cognitive and mood disturbance found in the SLE patients.
The Fight Against Cancer: Missiles in Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Nisa Lutfun , Quadir Kamila Afroj
Published: June 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 95-96, July 2014
Analysis of Lag Behind Thyrotropin State After Radioiodine Therapy in Hyperthyroid Patients
Authors: Mokaddema Mohshi Um , Begum Fatima , Salekin Simoon , Naushin Tanzina , Quddus Sharmin , Ali Nabeel Fahmi , Sultana Sadia , Nahar Nurun
Published: June 2016

Introduction: A good number of hyperthyroid patients may show delayed recovery of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level in clinically evident euthyroid condition after radioiodine therapy. This group of patients need to be addressed in therapeutic decision making. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the duration and pattern of lag in TSH recovery after I - 131 therapy and the relationship between clinical parameters with stable thyroid function status.Materials and Methods: Total 192 hyperthyroid patients treated with I-131 were included in this study. These patients were followed up clinically and biochemically at three month, six month and one year after radioiodine therapy. Patients having suppressed TSH with normal Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) / Free Thyroxin (FT4) level and clinically euthyroid condition were followed-up for one year without giving antithyroid drug.Results: At three months follow-up 42/192 (22%) had suppressed TSH with normal FT3/FT4 level. Duration of lagging behind state of TSH was three months for 42 patients (22 %), six months for 13 patients (7%) and One year in three patients (2 %). Twelve patients were lost from follow-up. Among 30 patients with lag behind TSH level, 16 (53%) became hypothyroid, 8 (27%) became euthyroid and 6 (20%) became hyperthyroid at one year follow-up. Lagging behind patient with high serum FT4 level at diagnosis and high Radio Active Iodine Uptake (RAIU) showed increased rate of relapse of hyperthyroidism.Conclusion: Lagging state of TSH may be unexpectedly prolonged in some hyperthyroid patients treated with I-131. These patients should be followed up with both TSH and thyroid hormone levels. Most of them do not require further therapy with short period of time.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 103-107, July 2014
Dosimetric Comparison of Different 3DCRT Techniques in Left Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Planning
Authors: Mollah Abdus Sattar , Sharmin Meher Niger
Published: June 2016

Treatment plan of 10 patients with left-sided breast cancer treated to a prescribed dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions were selected. The treatment plans were generated by using an Elekta Precise PLAN treatment plan system (TPS) in three different ways namely M1 method, M2 method and M3 method for evaluation of dosimetric parameters based on three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) technique. Pencil beam calculation algorithm was used for dose calculation of Planning Treatment Volume (PTV) as well as Organ At Risk (OAR), with heterogeneity corrections. Plans were compared according to dose-volume histogram (DVH) analysis in terms of PTV homogeneity and conformity indices (HI and CI) as well as OARs dose and volume parameters. All the three treatment methods achieved comparable radiation dose delivery to PTV-95% of the prescribed dose covering > 95% of the breast PTV. The mean volume of PTV receiving 105% (V105) of the prescribed dose was 2.12% (range 0 - 5.7%) for M1 plan, 1.9% for M2 plan, and 3.08% for M3 plan. The homogeneity and conformity indices (HI and CI) were similar for M1 plan and M2 plan, whereas the M3 plan had better conformity index at the cost of less homogeneity. The low-dose volumes (V5Gy) in the heart and lungs were larger in M1 plan than in the other methods. The value of the mean dose to the ipsilateral lung was higher for M2 plan than the values for with M1 plan and M3 plan. Compared with M1 and M3 plan, M2 plan proved to be a simple planning method for 3DCRT breast irradiation.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 108-113, July 2014
Outcome of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Receiving a Cumulative Doses of ? 600 mCi (22GBq) of I-131
Authors: Nasreen Faria , Nahar Nurun , Sultana Sadia , Alam Faridul
Published: June 2016

Background: There is no maximum limit for cumulative dose of I-131 for persistent disease in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients. However, most remissions are obtained with cumulative activity equal to or lower than 600 mCi (22 GBq). On the other hand a significantly increased risk of leukemia and secondary cancers has been reported with high cumulative dose of I-131 (? 600 mCi). Above this cumulative activity further radioiodine therapy should be taken on an individualized basis.Objective: The aim of the study was to see the outcome of patients with well differentiated thyroid carcinoma receiving a cumulative doses (CDs) of ? 600 mCi I-131.Patient and Method: A retrospective study of 72 patients with DTC receiving a CDs of ?600 mCi I-131 in the National Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (NINMAS), Dhaka during the period of January 1994 up to December 2007 was carried out. Initially all patients were treated by thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine therapy as adjusted by standard protocol. The mean period of follow up was 8.9 ± 6 years.  From the medical files, age, gender, histopathological variant, thyroid remnant and radio ablation doses, follow up data were recorded. Age was further categorized as <45 and ?45 years. Thyroid bed remnant was designated as significant if the thyroid bed uptake was ?5% after surgery. Dose was categorized in ?5 dose and > 5 doses to find its association with status on last follow up. Disease free (DF) was established as: undetectable or suppressed serum Tg levels <2.0 ng/mL and stimulated serum Tg level <10 ng/mL, two consecutive negative whole body scans.Results: A total of 38 patients had papillary carcinoma, eight had follicular variant of papillary carcinoma and 26 had follicular carcinoma. Age range at diagnosis was nine to 72 years. There were 22 males and 50 females giving a M: F ratio of about 1:2. Among the 72 patients 25 patients had lymph node metastases, eight had lung metastases and 20 had bone metastases at presentation. Twenty-one patients died during the whole observation period and 20 of them were cancer related. Two patients developed second malignancy.Conclusion: DTC patients with follicular variant, ? 45 years of age, having bone metastasis and significant thyroid remnant have less favourable outcome in spite of high cumulative doses of radioiodine. DTC patients with higher TNM stage and bone metastasis require higher and more radioiodine doses.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 114-119, July 2014
Role of Competent Authority in Strengthening of Radiation Safety Infrastructure for Nuclear Medicine Facilities in Bangladesh
Authors: Haider Md Mofazzal , Nahar Mehrun , Rahman Mustafizur , Hossain Amzad , Islam Shahidul , Afroz Shahana
Published: June 2016

The peaceful use of radioactive sources/radiation generating equipment, in different areas, particularly in the medical sector contributes a lot in ensuring better quality treatment. The simple examples of beneficial application of radiation in the nuclear medicine are where radiation is being used for diagnosis and treatment of the patient. The misused or uncontrolled use of radiation can be a matter of serious concern for the human health in such kind of application. It is therefore essential to establish a stringent regulatory framework to avoid unwanted radiation exposure. According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and national standard, every country should have an independent regulatory authority, which will maintain a process in order to control radiation related activities. In the present study, a comprehensive investigation is done on the nuclear medicine practices to assess the variations, which may happen in radiation safety situation due to the regulatory activities. The study is carried out including 5 nuclear medicine facilities, which are arbitrarily chosen, and their safety features are analyzed accordingly from the regulatory point of view. It is observed that at the outset of regulatory functions the radiation safety conditions of the facilities were not up to the level, as it was required by national and international standards. But the significant progress has been observed in the facilities within the couple of years after initiation of the regulatory program by the competent authority.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 125-129, July 2014
BMD status of Postmenopausal Women in relation with BMI: A study with 93 cases
Authors: Sharmin Samira , Haque Mabubul , Miah Syedur Rahman , Rahman Md Mahbub Ur , Haque Jasmine Ara , Rahman Hosne Ara , Siddique Md Abu Bakker , Ferdous Jasmine , Uddin Md Monir , Yeasmin Farida
Published: June 2016

Objectives: Low bone mass is a common disorder in elderly population which predisposes to fracture with minimal trauma. This study was performed to find out the association between the Body Mass Index (BMI) and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences Comilla and Mitford, Dhaka over a period of 12 months from January 2013 to December 2013. A total 93 postmenopausal women were enrolled for this study. All postmenopausal women underwent a BMD scan of femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae using a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Participants were categorized into three groups according to their age and BMI. BMD were expressed base on T-score according to WHO criteria. The relation among BMI, age and BMD were assessed.Results: The results of this study showed that the mean age of the study group was 57.13±7.49 years with range of 46 to 75 years. The most postmenopausal women were in age group 55-65years. The mean BMI of the study subjects were 24.18±5.08 kg/m2 with a range of 15.62 to 36.20 kg/m2. Among 93 subjects osteopenia was greater at lumbar spine (45.2%) with T-score mean±SD-1.83±0.33 and osteoporosis at femoral neck (51.6%) with T-score mean ±SD-3.36±-0.67. Pearsons correlation coefficient test showed inverse relationship between age and BMD both lumbar spine (r = -0.301, p = 0.003) and femoral neck (r = -0.303, p=0.003) whereas the positive relation between BMI and BMD both at lumbar spine (r=0.338, p=0.001) and femoral neck (r =0.343, p=0.001). These showed that with advancing age, BMD decreases and the risk of osteoporosis increases and with increasing BMI, BMD increases and risk of osteoporosis decreases.Conclusion: The findings of this study portrait that aging and low BMI are risk factors associated with bone loss. So preventive measure should be taken for high risk post menopausal women.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 138-141, July 2014
Association of Thyroid Dysfunction and Mood Disorders and Role of Imaging: a Review
Authors: Biswas Tanima , Dey Shankar Kumar
Published: June 2016

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in the adult brain impacting mood and cognition. Some psychiatric symptoms are produced by thyroid illnesses and there is a frequent association of thyroid dysfunction with mood disorders. It is now clear that without optimal thyroid function, mood disturbance, cognitive impairment and other phychiatric symptoms can emerge. The usefulness of adding thyroid hormones to antidepressive treatment in euthyroid patients to obtain a potentiation effect has been proved repeatedly. The most common strategy is potentiation with T3 , but high doses of T4 have been also used in patients with resistant depression.  Brain imaging techniques evaluating cerebral metabolism, perfusion, and anatomy enabled encouraging insights into the thyroid-brain relationship. The most consistent finding in patients with hypothyroidism is global diffuse hypoperfusion more pronounced in posterior brain region or in parietal lobe. Functional MRI in patients with thyroid diseases of different length and severity could help to identify functional aberrations such as memory impairments or altered emotional processing, which has long been suggested from animal studies. Structural changes related to myelin, which have been observed in various animal models, can now be studied with quantitative T2 or quantitative magnetization transfer (MT) imaging. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can reveal information on white matter integrity.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 146-152, July 2014
Role of Tc-99m RBC Scintigraphy in Specific Diagnosis of Giant Hepatic Hemangioma: a Case Report
Authors: Perveen Rahima , Begum Shamim MF , Sultana Nasreen
Published: June 2016

Hemangioma is one of the most common benign liver tumors. They are mostly asymptomatic. Differentiating hemangiomas from malignant tumoral lesions and metastases by a non invasive method is very important. We report a asymptomatic case with incidental finding of a large massive hemangioma occupying almost whole of the right lobe of liver and emphasized its detection by Tc-99m red blood cell (RBC) three phase imaging and localization of the tumor.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 153-155, July 2014
Thalidomide induced Thyrotoxicosis - a Rare Case Report
Authors: Khan Mohafizul Hoque , Nahar Nurun
Published: June 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 17(2): 159-160, July 2014
Choline Binding Proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae: A Dual Role as Enzybiotics and Targets for the Design of New Antimicrobials
Authors: Maestro Beatriz , Sanz Jesús
Published: June 2016

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is an important pathogen responsible for acute invasive and non-invasive infections such as meningitis, sepsis and otitis media, being the major cause of community-acquired pneumonia. The fight against pneumococcus is currently hampered both by insufficient vaccine coverage and by rising antimicrobial resistances to traditional antibiotics, making necessary the research on novel targets. Choline binding proteins (CBPs) are a family of polypeptides found in pneumococcus and related species, as well as in some of their associated bacteriophages. They are characterized by a structural organization in two modules: a functional module (FM), and a choline-binding module (CBM) that anchors the protein to the choline residues present in the cell wall through non-covalent interactions. Pneumococcal CBPs include cell wall hydrolases, adhesins and other virulence factors, all playing relevant physiological roles for bacterial viability and virulence. Moreover, many pneumococcal phages also make use of hydrolytic CBPs to fulfill their infectivity cycle. Consequently, CBPs may play a dual role for the development of novel antipneumococcal drugs, both as targets for inhibitors of their binding to the cell wall and as active cell lytic agents (enzybiotics). In this article, we review the current state of knowledge about host- and phage-encoded pneumococcal CBPs, with a special focus on structural issues, together with their perspectives for effective anti-infectious treatments.
Terminalia bellirica Extract Inhibits Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation and Macrophage Inflammatory Response in Vitro
Authors: Tanaka Miori , Kishimoto Yoshimi , Saita Emi , Suzuki-Sugihara Norie , Kamiya Tomoyasu , Taguchi Chie , Iida Kaoruko , Kondo Kazuo
Published: June 2016

The deciduous tree Terminalia bellirica found in Southeast Asia is extensively used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of hypertension, rheumatism, and diabetes. The anti-atherogenic effect of Terminalia bellirica fruit has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effect of Terminalia bellirica extract (TBE) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and inflammation in macrophages. TBE showed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (EC50: 7.2 ± 1.2 μg/mL) and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. TBE also significantly inhibited free radical-induced LDL oxidation compared to the solvent control in vitro. In THP-1 macrophages, TBE treatment resulted in significant decreases of the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). TBE also reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 secretion and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in THP-1 macrophages. These results show that TBE has the inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation and macrophage inflammatory response in vitro, suggesting that its in vivo use might inhibit atherosclerosis plaque progression.
2D Gaze Estimation Based on Pupil-Glint Vector Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Zhang Guangyue , Shi Jiadong
Published: June 2016

Gaze estimation methods play an important role in a gaze tracking system. A novel 2D gaze estimation method based on the pupil-glint vector is proposed in this paper. First, the circular ring rays location (CRRL) method and Gaussian fitting are utilized for pupil and glint detection, respectively. Then the pupil-glint vector is calculated through subtraction of pupil and glint center fitting. Second, a mapping function is established according to the corresponding relationship between pupil-glint vectors and actual gaze calibration points. In order to solve the mapping function, an improved artificial neural network (DLSR-ANN) based on direct least squares regression is proposed. When the mapping function is determined, gaze estimation can be actualized through calculating gaze point coordinates. Finally, error compensation is implemented to further enhance accuracy of gaze estimation. The proposed method can achieve a corresponding accuracy of 1.29°, 0.89°, 0.52°, and 0.39° when a model with four, six, nine, or 16 calibration markers is utilized for calibration, respectively. Considering error compensation, gaze estimation accuracy can reach 0.36°. The experimental results show that gaze estimation accuracy of the proposed method in this paper is better than that of linear regression (direct least squares regression) and nonlinear regression (generic artificial neural network). The proposed method contributes to enhancing the total accuracy of a gaze tracking system.
Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Sensing of Lysozyme
Authors: Vasilescu Alina , Wang Qian , Li Musen , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: June 2016

Protein analysis and quantification are required daily by thousands of laboratories worldwide for activities ranging from protein characterization to clinical diagnostics. Multiple factors have to be considered when selecting the best detection and quantification assay, including the amount of protein available, its concentration, the presence of interfering molecules, as well as costs and rapidity. This is also the case for lysozyme, a 14.3-kDa protein ubiquitously present in many organisms, that has been identified with a variety of functions: antibacterial activity, a biomarker of several serious medical conditions, a potential allergen in foods or a model of amyloid-type protein aggregation. Since the design of the first lysozyme aptamer in 2001, lysozyme became one of the most intensively-investigated biological target analytes for the design of novel biosensing concepts, particularly with regards to electrochemical aptasensors. In this review, we discuss the state of the art of aptamer-based electrochemical sensing of lysozyme, with emphasis on sensing in serum and real samples.
Information and Selforganization: A Unifying Approach and Applications
Authors: Haken Hermann , Portugali Juval
Published: June 2016

Selforganization is a process by which the interaction between the parts of a complex system gives rise to the spontaneous emergence of patterns, structures or functions. In this interaction the system elements exchange matter, energy and information. We focus our attention on the relations between selforganization and information in general and the way they are linked to cognitive processes in particular. We do so from the analytical and mathematical perspective of the “second foundation of synergetics” and its “synergetic computer” and with reference to several forms of information: Shannon’s information that deals with the quantity of a message irrespective of its meaning, semantic and pragmatic forms of information that deal with the meaning conveyed by messages and information adaptation that refers to the interplay between Shannon’s information and semantic or pragmatic information. We first elucidate the relations between selforganization and information theoretically and mathematically and then by means of specific case studies.
A University-Assisted, Place-Based Model for Enhancing Students’ Peer, Family, and Community Ecologies
Authors: Lawson Michael , Alameda-Lawson Tania , Richards K.
Published: June 2016

Community schools have recently (re)emerged in the United States as a vital, comprehensive strategy for addressing poverty-related barriers to children’s school learning. However, not all low-income school communities are endowed with the resources needed to launch a comprehensive array of school-based/linked services and programs. In this article, the authors describe a place-based model for school improvement for low-income school communities where formal and fiscal resources are in short-supply. Framed by two best-practice interventions from the youth development and family support literatures, the authors identify five “high leverage” improvement mechanisms that social workers, educators, and parents can collaboratively target to affect change. These improvement mechanisms, together with the interventions they implicate, can help community school efforts provide a more powerful, engagement-focused reach into students’ peer, family, and community ecologies.
Study of the Injection Control Strategies of a Compression Ignition Free Piston Engine Linear Generator in a One-Stroke Starting Process
Authors: Feng Huihua , Guo Yuyao , Song Yu , Guo Chendong , Zuo Zhengxing
Published: June 2016

For a compression ignition (CI) free piston engine linear generator (FPLG), injection timing is one of the most important parameters that affect its performance, especially for the one-stroke starting operation mode. In this paper, two injection control strategies are proposed using piston position and velocity signals. It was found experimentally that the injection timing’s influence on the compression ratio, the peak in-cylinder gas pressure and the indicated work (IW) is different from that of traditional reciprocating CI engines. The maximum IW of the ignition starting cylinder, say left cylinder (LC) and the right cylinder (RC) are 132.7 J and 138.1 J, respectively. The thermal-dynamic model for simulating the working processes of the FPLG are built and verified by experimental results. The numerical simulation results show that the running instability and imbalance between LC and RC are the obvious characters when adopting the injection strategy of the velocity feedback. These could be solved by setting different triggering velocity thresholds for the two cylinders. The IW output from the FPLG under this strategy is higher than that of adopting the position feedback strategy, and the maximum IW of the RC could reach 162.3 J. Under this strategy, the prototype is able to achieve better starting conditions and could operate continuously for dozens of cycles.
A Stackelberg Game Theoretic Analysis of Incentive Effects under Perceived Risk for China’s Straw-Based Power Plant Supply Chain
Authors: Wang Lingling , Watanabe Tsunemi
Published: June 2016

The rapid expansion of the biomass power generation industry has resulted in the conversion of substantial agricultural waste (crop straw) into energy feedstock, thereby increasing the income of farmers and promoting the development of rural areas. However, the promising industry faces financial deficits because of difficulties in collecting straw from farmers. To determine strategies for overcoming the biomass supply problem, we apply Stackelberg game theory in modeling the Chinese biomass supply chain and design incentive scenarios under stakeholder risk perception. We illustrate the proposed methodology through an empirical case study on China and demonstrate the effects of incentives on farmers and middlemen. Results show that with incentives, straw quantity and stakeholder profit are expected to increase. Incentives exert a particularly remarkable effect on farmers, with such inducements producing the highest social welfare. Moreover, perceived risk dramatically affects stakeholder profit. Mitigating the risk perception of farmers is expected to significantly advance the development of the biomass power generation industry, increase stakeholder profit, and decrease the amount of incentives needed.
Correction: Wang, J.S., et al. Effects of Nitrogen Addition on Leaf Decomposition of Single-Species and Litter Mixture in Pinus tabulaeformis Forests. Forests, 2015, 6, 4462–4476
Authors: Wang Jinsong , Bu Wensheng , Zhao Bo , Zhao Xiuhai , Zhang Chunyu , Fan Juan , Gadow Klaus
Published: June 2016

We discovered typographical errors in two sentences and, therefore, changes are needed to our published manuscript [1].[...]
Co-Cultivation of Penicillium sp. AKB-24 and Aspergillus nidulans AKB-25 as a Cost-Effective Method to Produce Cellulases for the Hydrolysis of Pearl Millet Stover
Authors: Kumar Amit , Gautam Archana , Dutt Dharm
Published: June 2016

Hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicelluloses into fermentable sugars is the primary step for the production of fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass, and is often hindered by the high cost of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes. In the present study co- and monocultures of Penicillium sp. AKB-24 and Aspergillus nidulans AKB-25 were used under a variety of fermentation conditions to optimize enzyme production. Wheat bran was found to be the optimal carbon source yielding maximum enzyme production under solid-state fermentation conditions due to its higher water retention value (175%) and minimum C/N ratio (22.7). Penicillium sp. AKB-24 produced maximum endoglucanase (134 IU/gds), FPase (3 FPU/gds), β-glucosidase (6 IU/gds) and xylanase (3592 IU/gds) activities when incubated for 7 days at 30 °C and pH 7 with a moisture content of 77.5%, and 1.2% yeast extract and 0.1 (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulphate supplement. Co-culturing of Penicillium sp. AKB-24 and Aspergillus nidulans AKB-25 enhanced endoglucanase, FPase, and exoglucanase activities by 34%, 18%, and 11% respectively compared to Aspergillus nidulans AKB-25 alone under optimum conditions. Enzymes produced by co-cultivation released equal amounts of reducing sugars at an enzyme dose of 15 FPU/g and reaction time 72 h, but the required quantity of enzyme was 14% less compared to enzyme released from Aspergillus nidulans AKB-25 mono-culture. In conclusion, co-cultivation of Penicillium sp. AKB-24 and Aspergillus nidulans AKB-25 to produce enzymes for the hydrolysis of pearl millet stover is more cost-effective than cultivation with Aspergillus nidulans AKB-25 alone.
Essential Oils in Foods: From Ancient Times to the 21st Century
Authors: Sendra Esther
Published: June 2016

Medicinal plants and culinary herbs have been used since ancient times. Essential oils (EO) are a mixture of numerous compounds, mainly terpenes, alcohols, acids, esters, epoxides, aldehydes, ketones,aminesandsulﬁdes,thatareprobablyproducedbyplantsasaresponsetostress[1].[...]
Getting “Unstuck”: A Multi-Site Evaluation of the Efficacy of an Interdisciplinary Pain Intervention Program for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Clark Timothy , Wakim Jean , Noe Carl
Published: June 2016

Chronic low back pain is one of the major health problems in the U.S., resulting in a large number of years of disability. To address the biopsychosocial nature of pain, interdisciplinary pain programs provide integrated interventions by an interdisciplinary team in a unified setting with unified goals. This study examined outcomes of an interdisciplinary program located at two sites with different staff, yet with a unified model of treatment and documentation. Efficacy at the combined sites was examined by comparing standard measures obtained upon admission to the program with measures at completion of a 3–4 week long program for 393 patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Repeated measures included pain severity, pain interference, efficacy of self-management strategies, hours of activity, depression, ability to do ADLs, and physical endurance. All repeated measures differed at the p < 0.001 level, with large effect sizes (0.66–0.85). Eighty-two percent of graduates reported being “very much improved” or “much improved”. A second analyses provided evidence that treatment effects were robust across sites with no differences (<0.001) found on five of seven selected outcome measures. A third analysis found that number of days of treatment was correlated on three of seven measures at the <0.01 level. However, the amount of variance explained by days of treatment was under 5% on even the most highly correlated measure. These finding are consistent with previous research and explore short-term effectiveness of treatment across treatment sites and with variable duration of treatment.