bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Landfill Site by Using Geospatial Technology and Multi Criteria Method- A Case Study of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur District of Nepal
Authors: Basnet Deepa
Published: February 2015

Landfill is a mode of municipal solid waste disposal. Thus, it is imperative to select relevant site for land filling in order to curtail environmental damage and harmful impacts on wellbeing of public. Through the decades, rummage around various places for landfill site has been going on concerning its distance from artery road, resident area and water surface in order to prevent serious health and environmental hazards. In case of Nepal, Sisdole landfill site at Okharpauwa VDC in Nuwakot is struggling to manage garbage produced by the Kathmandu valley. The valley alone mounds to 700 metric tons of garbage on a daily basis that would loosened carrying capacity of the place really soon. With the intention of uncovering suitable site for alternative to present disposal site, the Multi criteria method has been applied in GIS domain. Here, data layers of land use pattern, residential areas, urban areas, roads and water bodies of the Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur district were mainly considered. The buffer zones were created to those 5 layers assigning various decisive factors to determine area around them within a certain distance. Then, weightings were assigned to each criterion as per their relative importance and ratings. Furthermore, weights were integrated in GIS environment to generate suitable site. Lastly, comparative study of data layers suggested that next site for dumping refuse could be the Bhaktapur district.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12183International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, page : 121-129
Balanites Aegyptiaca (L.): A Multipurpose Fruit Tree in Savanna Zone Of Western Sudan
Authors: Fadl Kamal Eldin Mohammed
Published: February 2015

Underutilized fruit trees play a vital role in food security and economy of the rural population in a number of African countries. Beside the significant important of the underutilized fruit trees in food security and livelihood of the local population many applications can be summarized such as using of leaves for fodder, branches for fencing materials, fire wood and charcoal making, timber for furniture and constructing huts, controlling soil erosion and competing desert encroachments . In spite of their great potential little attention has been given to this species. Balanites aegyptiaca “soap berry tree; thorn tree, desert date” is an important multipurpose trees species in dry land Africa. The tree is a potential source of medicines, pesticides, edible oil, animal feed, nuts, soap, and fuel wood. The edible fruits are rich in saturated fatty acids which are used as cooking oil. The fruit also contains Stereoids (Saponins, Sapogenins, and Disogenins) which are used as row materials for industrial production of contraceptive pills and other sexual hormones. The excessive uses of the tree for fruit production and for other uses combined with scarcity of natural regeneration lead to drastic depletion of this species. The desert date tree is adapted to dry and hot climatic environment which are characterized by increasing of land and water resources. However, little information is available about propagation and domestication of this valuable tree species; therefore, studies are needed for sustainable use of underutilized fruit trees in general and for Balanites aegyptiaca in particular. This article aims at highlighting and summarizing information on different aspect of B. aegyptiaca to stimulate the scientist interest in this valuable tree species which is of economical importance for rural inhabitants of western Sudan and other African countries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12188International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 197-203
Body Status and Occupational Health Hazards of Female Workers : A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Arora Dimpal , Sitholay Pooja , Sau Soudeep Kr
Published: February 2015

Objective: Health is nothing but a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing not merely the absence of disease. Health depends on life style and requires the promotion of healthy life style. Health is both a consequence of an individual’s life style and factors in determining it. Working pattern or type of work has long been known to influence human health specially. The present study was under taken to evaluate the body status and physiological stress and occupational health hazards of the female workers.Methods: According to the work load the working group was classified in to low physical work group (LPWG) and the moderate type of physical work group (MPWG). Eighty women (forty in each group), excluding pregnant women, were selected from the municipal area of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India, aged between 20 to 40 years. The anthropometric measurement and skin fold thickness were taken, from which the body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage were determined. The blood pressure of all the   subjects was taken by mercury sphygmomanometer at resting condition. The occupational health hazards were determined by questionnaire technique.Result: The result indicates that the MPWG workers suffer in significantly (p<0.001) low weight, BMI and Fat% than that of the LPWG workers. The MPWG workers also suffer from significantly (p<0.001) higher percentage of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) at neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, cuff and feet-ankle joint. MPWG workers, hemoglobin concentration also significantly (p<0.01) lower than that of the LPWG workers.Conclusion: It may be concluded that, this study is helpful to identify the risk factor for the occurrence of different cardiovascular as well as musculoskeletal abnormalities and accordingly prevention program, regarding proper food habit be undertaken. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12166
Evaluation of in vitro Interaction of Metformin with Ibuprofen in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Saha Shuvashis , Begum Rehana , Rahman Asma , Sultan Md Zakir , Amran Md Shah , Hossain Md Amjad
Published: February 2015

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vitro complex formation and to study the nature and strength of complexes which could be formed due to interaction of metformin with ibuprofen. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug and ibuprofen is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The in vitro interaction of metformin with ibuprofen was studied at room temperature and at different pH conditions. The studies were performed by UV-Visible spectrophotometry, conductometry and reversed - it was phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). It was found that metformin formed stable 1:1 complex with ibuprofen. The interaction may greatly influence the activity of these molecules. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v16i2.22303 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 16(2): 189-194, 2013
Preparation and Evaluation of Paracetamol Effervescent Tablets under Normal and Exaggerated Storage Conditions
Authors: Sultana Rehana , Sarker Krishna , Sultana Sakina
Published: February 2015

A single blind study was conducted to prepare and evaluate paracetamol effervescent tablets. Potency, content uniformity, diameter, thickness and crushing strength of the prepared tablets were used as the bench mark parameters for quality assessment. Our results showed that all parameters met official values except for friability. The performance of the tablets in terms of duration of effervescence was investigated under high stresses of humidity as well as at low and high temperatures. The duration of the investigational period lasted for 3 days and results showed an increase in effervescence time in each case. In this study, the normal effervescence time at 111.00±14.22 seconds was changed to 286.13±55.18 seconds, 140.38±21.59 seconds and 158.63±26.14 seconds under high humidity, at refrigeration (representing cool temperature) and at high temperature, respectively. Here, a long term performance study was also conducted under normal storage conditions spanning a period of 60 days. Duration of effervescence on day 1 was 212.54±0.34 seconds, but at the end of 60 days the duration increased to 634.23±0.65 seconds. In the present study the changes in organoleptic properties were also evaluated. Results showed that the properties remained the same over a period of 60 days while the potency of the drug reduced from 99% to 95%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22320 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 75-78, 2014
Interactions of DNA with H2TMPyP4+and Ru(II)TMPyP4+: Probable Lead Compounds for African Sleeping Sickness
Authors: Habib Md Ahsan , Sarker Ashish Kumar , Tabata Masaaki
Published: February 2015

Interactions of DNA with free base porphyrin, tetrakis(1-methylpyridium-4-yl)porphyrin (H2TMPyP4+) and its metallo-derivative of ruthenium(II) have been investigated by UV-Vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy at 0.1 M NaCl, 7.5 pH and 25 °C. The results suggest that Ru(II)TMPyP4+ interacts with DNA via outside binding in self-stacking manner as indicated by UV-Vis data, a small red shift (?? =3 nm) and a minimal hypochromicity (10%) upon addition of DNA. CD spectra showed the presence of a new peak in the Soret region on addition of Ru(II)TMPyP4+ to DNA solution. On the other hand, the interaction of free base porphyrin, H2TMPyP4+ with DNA revealed a significant hypochromicity (30%) and a large red shift (??=20 nm)in the UV-Vis results which conforms intercalation of free base porphyrin with DNA. In this case, the CD results showed only a negative peak developed in the Soret region during titration with DNA. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that initially aggregated porphyrin species were de-aggregated after addition of DNA. This phenomenon has been verified with the fluorescence experiments for the porphyrins in the presence of different concentrations of NaCl and ethanol. Ru(II)TMPyP4+ showed enhanced DNA cleavage in the presence of EcoR1 restriction enzyme, where the enzyme did not cleave DNA. Metallo-porphyrins having the ability to cleave DNA could be used as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of African sleeping sickness (Trypanosomiasis). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22321 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 79-85, 2014
Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Decoctions of Coccinia grandis Linn. and Centella asiatica (L.) on Alloxan-induced Diabetic rats
Authors: Islam Md Siddiqul , Parvin Salma , Uddin Md Nasir , Mazid Md Abdul
Published: February 2015

The decoctions of Coccinea grandis (L.) and Centella asiatica (L.) leaves were evaluated for their antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials in alloxan-induced rat model and by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, respectively. Graded doses of the decoctions administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for two weeks showed significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in the normal as well as in treated diabetic animals. The experiment showed 188.42 ± 1.2 mg/dl glucose and 117.78 ± 11.2 mg/dl cholesterol levels for C. grandis, while 187.23 ± 0.8 mg/dl glucose and 116.14 ± 1.5 mg/dl cholesterol for C. asiatica. Although, the decoctions produced significant effect on serum urea level, the total protein and liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) were found to be normal. Acute toxicity studies showed that both the decoctions were safe at 2-fold high dose when compared with the commonly used antidiabetic dose. Total phenolic contents in decoctions were found to be 12.45±0.52 and 8.32 ± 0.31 for C. grandis and C. asiatica, respectively while DPPH free radical scavenging assay showed the IC50 values of 0.14 ± 0.001 for C. grandis and 0.17± 0.001 for C. asiatica. Our current studies for the first time, justified the use of decoctions of the leaves of C. grandis and C. asiatica for treating diabeties, hyperlipaedemia and atherogenic lesion in the indigenous system of medicine. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22322 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 86-91, 2014
In vitro Model for Studying Interactions between Ketorolac and Omeprazole with Bovine Serum Albumin by UV-Spectroscopic Method
Authors: Deepa Kanij Nahar , Hossain Md Khalid , Amran Md Shah , Kabir Shaila
Published: February 2015

The binding of Ketorolac and Omeprazole to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by equilibrium dialysis method followed by UV spectroscopy. Warfarin and Diazepam were used as site-I and site-II specific probe, respectively. The binding of Ketorolac and Omeprazole was characterized by two sets of association constant: high affinity association constant (K1) with low capacity binding site (n1) and low affinity association constant (K1) with high capacity binding site (n1). In this study, n1 and n1 values were found to be 0.25 ± 0.006 and 1.8 ± 0.025 for Ketorolac and 0.22 ± 0.030 and 1.3±0.035 for Omeprazole at pH 7.4 and 37°C, respectively. At the same condition, the values of K1 and K1 for Ketorolac were found to be 0.624 ± 0.033 ?M-1 and 0.133 ± 0.023 ?M-1 and that of Omeprazole were 0.51 ± 0.001 ?M-1 and 0.28 ± 0.005 ?M-1, respectively. Site specific probe displacement studies implied that both Ketorolac and Omeprazole bind predominantly to site-II, the Diazepam site. In the present study, both Ketorolac and Omeprazole increased the free fraction of each other when they simultaneously bound to BSA. They compete for a common binding site on the albumin molecule, thereby free fraction of both the drugs was increased as compared to the level obtained when the drugs were given individually. We, thus, conclude that during concurrent administration of Ketorolac and Omeprazole adequate precautions should be taken. However, further studies are needed on in-vivo model to substantiate the findings from in-vitro experiments. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22323 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 92-98, 2014
Formulation and Evaluation of Swellable Oral Thin Film of Metoclopramide Hydrochloride
Authors: Alam Marzia , Tasneem Farhana , Pathan Md Saiful Islam
Published: February 2015

Traditionally metoclopramide hydrochloride is used as an antiemetic in migraine & cancer patients and in controlling post-operative nausea and vomiting. The main aim of this study was to develop a swellable oral thin film for the treatment of the mentioned pathological conditions. This swellable thin film formulation is specially designed for paediatric patients for oral administration, where it will swell up when exposed to saliva in the oral cavity and will be easily swallowed by the patient, without the need for water. Nine formulations of swellable oral thin film of metoclopramide hydrochloride such as F1 to F9 were prepared by solvent casting method. The drug-Povidone K90 ratio were 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8 and 1:9, respectively. Various physicochemical evaluations including weight variation, thickness, folding endurance, in vitro dissolution studies, content uniformity, FTIR, Trinocular microscopic imaging and swelling property of film were conducted. It was observed that thickness and weight of film was directly proportional to the total solid content of the film (F1 showed the lowest thickness and weight and F9 showed the highest). All the batches revealed content uniformity between 98.0% to 101.0% and cumulative drug release between 94.8% and 102.4%. Swelling behavior of film was inversely proportional to the quantity of Povidone K90 in the film. Formulation F1 showed the highest linear expansion co-efficient (L%) and percentage increase in weight due to swelling while F9 demonstrated the lowest corresponding to the quantity of Povidone K90. Quantity of glycerin and Povidone K90 affected the appearance and peeling of the films. F1, F2 and F3 had lowest quantity of glycerin and Povidone K90 and were least glossy and easier to peel out and F7, F8 and F9 with highest quantity of glycerin and Povidone K90 and were glossiest but hardest to peel out. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22325 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 102-112, 2014
DSC and HPLC Studies of Some Common Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Drugs
Authors: Rahman Md Anisur , Salam Md Abdus , Sultan Md Zakir , Hossain Khohinur , Rahman Asma , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

Now-a-days, a significant percentage of our population suffers from diabetes, hypertension and various inflammatory conditions. In such cases antihypertensive, antidiabetic and anti inflammatory drugs are prescribed concomitantly. Therefore, there is a possibility to have drug-drug interactions which may cause various complications to the patients or may be beneficial too. So study of drug-drug interaction is very important. To attain this objective, equimolar homogeneous mixture of naproxen, losartan potassium and pioglitazone HCl (mixture-1) and mixture of lercanidipine, captropril, naproxen and glimepiride (mixture-2) were studied by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and HPLC. DSC studies revealed that there was no interaction among naproxen, losartan potassium and pioglitazone HCl but same interaction was observed among lercanidipine, captropril, naproxen and glimepiride. The results obtained from DSC were further verified by HPLC. However, further studies are needed to make any conclusive remarks at this point. In future, the drug-drug interactions involving these molecules will be quantitatively evaluated for more precise predictions of in vivo drug-drug interactions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22326 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 123-127, 2014
Pharmacological Activities of Grevillea robusta, a Medicinal Plant of Bangladesh
Authors: Ullah Md Sharif , Sikder Md Al Amin , Sharmin Tasnuva , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the crude methanol extract of leaf of Grevillea robusta as well as its hexane, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble partitionates for cytotoxic, thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing and antimicrobial activities. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the crude methanolic extract of G. robusta leaf revealed the highest cytotoxic activity with LC50 values as 1.50 ± 0.45 ?g/ml as compared to 0.45 ?g/ml for vincristine sulphate. Among the extractives of G. robusta, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction showed 69.95±0.11% clot lysis as compared to 70.77% clot lysis by standard streptokinase. At concentration of 1.0 mg/ml, the chloroform soluble fraction inhibited 40.31 ± 0.59% and 62.93 ± 0.73% of haemolysis of RBC induced by heat and hypotonic solution as compared to 42.12% and 71.90% by acetyl salicylic acid, respectively. The test samples also showed antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 7.0 to 17.0 mm in diameter. The chloroform soluble partitionate demonstrated the highest zone of inhibition (17.0 mm) against Salmonella Typhi. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22329 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 135-137, 2014
In vitro Insecticidal and Time-Kill Profile of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Marine Streptomyces sp. Isolated from Sundarbans, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md Anwarul , Sarker Ashish Kumar , Islam Mohammad Sayful , Rahman Md Ajijur , Chouduri Md Akter Uzzaman , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: February 2015

The marine soil and sediment samples were collected from different locations of mangrove forest Sundarbans, Bangladesh the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. A total of twenty nine Actinomycete strains (AIAH-1 to AIAH-29) were isolated by serial dilution method using isolation media. Among twenty nine strains, AIAH-10 was selected for further study due to its potent antibacterial activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacterial strains. On the basis of morphological, cultural and biochemical studies, the strain AIAH-10 was assigned to Streptomyces sp. The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro insecticidal and time-kill profile of ethyl acetate extracts of marine Streptomyces sp. A dose dependent mortality was observed against the larvae of Sitophilus oryzae. The larval mortality was recorded as 100% in the concentration of 80 mg/ml and higher concentrations, LC50 was found as 11.48 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded as 8 to 32 mg/ml against six different pathogenic bacterial strains. Average Log10 reductions in viable cell counts for the extracts ranged from 1.91 Log10 and 2.86 Log10 cfu/mL after 3 h interaction and 2.10 Log10 and 2.93 Log10 after 6 h interaction at MIC, 2 × MIC, 3 × MIC and 4 × MIC concentrations. This investigation reveals that the Streptomyces species isolated from Sundarbans, Bangladesh may be interesting source for the isolation of potent bioactive compounds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22332 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 151-156, 2014
Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Adsorption of Aqueous Crystal Violet by Peanut Shells
Authors: Begum Hosne Ara , Islam Md Ariful , Muslim Tanvir
Published: February 2015

In the present study, the ability of a non-conventional biosorbent, peanut shells (PnS) for the removal of crystal violet (CV), a cationic dye, from aqueous solution was evaluated. The surface zero point charge (pHzpc) of peanut shells was estimated and found to be 6.27. Batch adsorption experiments were performed and system variables were investigated including contact time, initial dye concentration, temperature and pH of the solution. The estimated equilibrium time was found to be 4 hours. The adsorption of CV on PnS was found to increase with the increment of initial concentration of CV solution and pH of the medium. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir and Freunlich isotherms. The best result was achieved with Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption rates were found to be consistent with a pseudo-second-order model. The result showed that the amount of CV adsorbed decreased with the increase of temperature. It suggested that the adsorption occurred due to physical interaction and it was favorable at lower temperature. The value of activation energy Ea (11.27 kJ mol?1) revealed that adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The adsorption of crystal violet by peanut shell suggests that this adsorbent may be evaluated for removal of other dyes produced and/or used in pharmaceutical process industries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22335 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 163-171, 2014
In vitro Thrombolytic and Membrane Stabilizing Studies of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt
Authors: Jahan Nushrat , Rahman SM Ashikur , Rahman Mohammad S , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: February 2015

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt is a popular herb in Bangladesh. In the present studies, the plant has been assessed to evaluate its in vitro thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing properties. Initially, the plant was collected, processed and extracted with methanol and the concentrated crude methanol extract was fractionated into petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble materials. All extractives, including the parent extract were subjected to thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing bioassays. In case of thrombolytic study, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction exhibited highest clot lysis. Here, streptokinase and distilled water were used as positive and negative control, respectively. However, in the assay for membrane stabilizing activity, the crude methanol extract along with other extractives were capable to inhibit hemolysis of erythrocyte membrane in hypotonic solution- and heat- induced conditions, which indicated anti-inflammatory property of the samples. Acetyl salicylic acid was used as standard drug in this assay. This represents the first report of thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing activities of B. rapa subsp. chinensis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22336 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 172-176, 2014
Synthesis of Some Chitosan Derivatives and Their Iron (II) Adsorption Behavior- a Class of Pharmaceutically Important Biosorbents
Authors: Muslim Tanvir , Alam Muhammad Tanzirul , Begum Hosne Ara , Alam Syed Samsul
Published: February 2015

In the present study, chitin was isolated from the shells of freshwater crab (Sartoriana spinigera), available in Bangladesh. The isolated chitin was converted into chtiosan by deacetylation reaction. The chtiosan was characterized by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectral analyses. The prepared chitosan was reacted with glutaradehyde, vanillin and salicylaldehyde to synthesize chitosan Schiff bases- vanillin-chitosan, salicylaldehyde-chitosan and glutaradehyde-chitosan. Iron (II) adsorption behavior of these derivatives was studied under varying experimental conditions such as contact time and initial concentration of iron (II) solution. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models and the model parameters were evaluated. Both the models represented the experimental data satisfactorily. Maximum adsorption capacity for iron (II) ions on chitosan, vanillin-chitosan, salicylaldehyde-chitosan and glutaradehyde-chitosan was evaluated and found be to 68.03, 35.59, 7.50 and 4.78 mg/g, respectively. The uses of chitosan derivatives as environment friendly biosorbents in pharmaceutical and API industries have been hightlighted. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22340 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 193-201, 2014
Medical News 17(2)
Authors: Editor The
Published: February 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i2.22344 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(2): 217-225, 2014
Moderate Activity and Fitness, Not Sedentary Time, Are Independently Associated with Cardio-Metabolic Risk in U.S. Adults Aged 18–49
Authors: Van der Velde Jeroen , Savelberg Hans , Schaper Nicolaas , Koster Annemarie
Published: February 2015

This cross-sectional study is one of the first to examine and compare the independent associations of objectively measured sedentary time, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fitness with cardio-metabolic risk factors. We studied 543 men and women (aged 18–49 years) from the NHANES 2003–2004 survey. Sedentary time and MVPA were measured by accelerometry. Fitness was assessed with a submaximal treadmill test. Cardio-metabolic risk factors included: waist circumference (WC), BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL- and non HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Sedentary time, MVPA and fitness were used as predictors for the cardio-metabolic outcomes in a multiple regression analysis. Standardized regression coefficients were computed. Results show that sedentary time was associated with HDL-cholesterol (β = −0.080, p = 0.05) and TG (β = 0.080, p = 0.03). These results became non-significant after adjustment for MVPA and fitness. MVPA was associated with WC (β = −0.226), BMI (β = −0.239), TG (β = −0.108) and HDL-cholesterol (β = 0.144) (all p < 0.05). These results remained significant after adjustment for sedentary time and fitness. Fitness was associated with WC (β = −0.287), BMI (β = −0.266), systolic blood pressure (β = −0.159), TG (β = −0.092), and CRP (β = −0.130) (all p < 0.05). After adjustment for sedentary time and MVPA these results remained significant. These differences in relative importance of sedentary time, MVPA and fitness on cardio-metabolic-risk are important in the design of prevention programs. In this population, the strength of the associations between MVPA and fitness with cardio-metabolic markers appeared to be similar; both MVPA and fitness showed independent associations with cardio-metabolic risk factors. In contrast, sedentary time showed no independent associations with cardio-metabolic risk after correction for fitness and MVPA.
Impact of a Risk Management Plan on Legionella Contamination of Dental Unit Water
Authors: Leoni Erica , Dallolio Laura , Stagni Francesca , Sanna Tiziana , D'Alessandro Giovanni , Piana Gabriela
Published: February 2015

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of Legionella spp. in dental unit waterlines of a dental clinic and to verify whether the microbiological parameters used as indicators of water quality were correlated with Legionella contamination. A risk management plan was subsequently implemented in the dental health care setting, in order to verify whether the adopted disinfection protocols were effective in preventing Legionella colonization. The water delivered from syringes and turbines of 63 dental units operating in a dental clinic, was monitored for counts of the heterotrophic bacteria P. aeruginosa and Legionella spp. (22 °C and 37 °C). At baseline, output water from dental units continuously treated with disinfection products was more compliant with the recommended standards than untreated and periodically treated water. However, continuous disinfection was still not able to prevent contamination by Legionella and P. aeruginosa. Legionella was isolated from 36.4%, 24.3% and 53.3% of samples from untreated, periodically and continuously treated waterlines, respectively. The standard microbiological parameters used as indicators of water quality proved to be unreliable as predictors of the presence of Legionella, whose source was identified as the tap water used to supply the dental units. The adoption of control measures, including the use of deionized water in supplying the dental unit waterlines and the application of a combined protocol of continuous and periodic disinfection, with different active products for the different devices, resulted in good control of Legionella contamination. The efficacy of the measures adopted was mainly linked to the strict adherence to the planned protocols, which placed particular stress on staff training and ongoing environmental monitoring.
Gender Differences in Suicide Prevention Responses: Implications for Adolescents Based on an Illustrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Hamilton Emma , Klimes-Dougan Bonnie
Published: February 2015

Background: There are well-documented gender differences in adolescent suicidal behavior; death by suicide is more common in males, while nonfatal suicide attempts are more common among females. Over the past three decades, researchers have documented the effectiveness of a myriad of suicide prevention initiatives. However, there has been insufficient attention to which types of suicide prevention interventions are effective in changing attitudes and behaviors for young males and females. In this review of the literature, we consider common examples of primarily universal suicide prevention programs from three implementation settings: school-based, community-based, and healthcare-based. Our purpose is to delineate how the potential gender bias in such strategies may translate into youth suicide prevention efforts. Methods: Research in which gender was found to moderate program success was retrieved through online databases. Results: The results that feature programming effects for both males and females are provocative, suggesting that when gender differences are evident, in almost all cases, females seem to be more likely than males to benefit from existing prevention programming. Conclusions: We conclude by considering recommendations that may benefit males more directly. Implications for adolescent suicide prevention in particular are discussed. Personalization of suicide intervention is presented as a promising solution to reduce suicide rates.
The Internet as a New Tool in the Rehabilitation Process of Patients—Education in Focus
Authors: Forczek Erzsébet , Makra Péter , Lanyi Cecilia , Bari Ferenc
Published: February 2015

In the article we deal with the rehabilitation of patients using information technology, especially Internet support. We concentrate on two main areas in the IT support of rehabilitation: one of them is the support for individual therapy, the other one is providing patients with information, which is the basic step in emphasising individual responsibility. In the development of rehabilitation programmes, the knowledge of the IT professional and the therapist, in the IT support of web guidance, medical expertise plays the primary role. The degree of assistance involved in the rehabilitation process depends on the IT knowledge of medical (general practitioner, nursing staff) professionals as well. The necessary knowledge required in healing and development processes is imparted to professionals by a special (full-time) university training. It was a huge challenge for us to teach web-based information organisation skills to doctors and nurses, and it is also a complex task to put forward such an IT viewpoint to information specialists in order to create the foundations of the cooperation between IT and healthcare professionals.
Impact of an Educational Hands-on Project on the Antimicrobial, Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Plants on Portuguese Students’ Awareness, Knowledge, and Competences
Authors: Azevedo Maria-Manuel , Pinheiro Céline , Dias Alberto , Pinto-Ribeiro Filipa , Baltazar Fátima
Published: February 2015

Promoting environmental and health education is crucial to allow students to make conscious decisions based on scientific criteria. The study is based on the outcomes of an Educational Project implemented with Portuguese students and consisted of several activities, exploring pre-existent Scientific Gardens at the School, aiming to investigate the antibacterial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts, with posterior incorporation in soaps and creams. A logo and a webpage were also created. The effectiveness of the project was assessed via the application of a questionnaire (pre- and post-test) and observations of the participants in terms of engagement and interaction with all individuals involved in the project. This project increased the knowledge about autochthonous plants and the potential medical properties of the corresponding plant extracts and increased the awareness about the correct design of scientific experiments and the importance of the use of experimental models of disease. The students regarded their experiences as exciting and valuable and believed that the project helped to improve their understanding and increase their interest in these subjects and in science in general. This study emphasizes the importance of raising students’ awareness on the valorization of autochthonous plants and exploitation of their medicinal properties.
An Efficient Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Strawberry cv. Camarosa by a Dual Plasmid System
Authors: Haddadi Fatemeh , Abd Aziz Maheran , Abdullah Siti , Tan Soon , Kamaladini Hossein
Published: February 2015

An Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method was applied to introduce the luciferase reporter gene under the control of the CaMV35S promoter in the pGreen0049 binary vector into strawberry cv. Camarosa. The in vitro regeneration system of strawberry leaves to be used in the transformation was optimized using different TDZ concentrations in MS medium. TDZ at 16 µM showed the highest percentage (100%) of shoot formation and the highest mean number of shoots (24) produced per explant. Studies on the effects of different antibiotics, namely timentin, cefotaxime, carbenicillin and ampicillin, on shoot regeneration of strawberry leaf explants showed the best shoot regeneration in the presence of 300 mg/L timentin and 150 mg/L cefotaxime. Assessment of the different factors affecting Agrobacterium mediated-transformation of strawberry with the luciferase gene showed the highest efficiency of putative transformant production (86%) in the treatment with no preculture, bacterial OD600 of 0.6 and the addition of 150 mg/L cefotaxime in the pre-selection and selection media. The presence of the luciferase gene in the plant genome was verified by the luciferase reporter gene assay, nested PCR amplification and dot blot of genomic DNA isolated from the young leaves of each putatively transformed plantlet.
Comparative Study of Two Table Grape Varieties with Contrasting Texture during Cold Storage
Authors: Ejsmentewicz Troy , Balic Iván , Sanhueza Dayan , Barria Romina , Meneses Claudio , Orellana Ariel , Prieto Humberto , Defilippi Bruno , Campos-Vargas Reinaldo
Published: February 2015

Postharvest softening of grape berries is one of the main problems affecting grape quality during export. Cell wall disassembly, especially of pectin polysaccharides, has been commonly related to fruit softening, but its influence has been poorly studied in grapes during postharvest life. In order to better understand this process, the Thompson seedless (TS) variety, which has significantly decreased berry texture after prolonged cold storage, was compared to NN107, a new table grape variety with higher berry firmness. Biochemical analysis revealed a greater amount of calcium in the cell wall of the NN107 variety and less reduction of uronic acids than TS during cold storage. In addition, the activity of polygalacturonase was higher in TS than NN107 berries; meanwhile pectin methylesterase activity was similar in both varieties. Polysaccharide analysis using carbohydrate gel electrophoresis (PACE) suggests a differential pectin metabolism during prolonged cold storage. Results revealed lower pectin fragments in TS after 60 days of cold storage and shelf life (SL) compared to 30 days of cold storage and 30 + SL, while NN107 maintained the same fragment profile across all time points evaluated. Our results suggest that these important differences in cell wall metabolism during cold storage could be related to the differential berry firmness observed between these contrasting table grape varieties.
Augmentation of diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna in toy breed dogs using a free autogenous omental graft and bone plating
Authors: Cooley S. , Warnock J. J. , Nemanic S. , Stieger-Vanegas S. M. , Baltzer W. I.
Published: February 2015

Objectives: Evaluation of the short-term outcome, duration of bone healing, and complications following bone plate fixation in dogs weighing [uni2264]6 kg, with and without the use of a free autogenous greater omental graft (OG).

Materials and methods: A retrospective clinical study reviewed the medical records of 25 dogs of body weight <6 kg with mid to distal diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna (29 fractures) treated with open reduction bone plate fixation. Thirteen out of 29 fractures were implanted with an additional 2–3 cm3 OG lateral, cranial, and medial to the fracture site, adjacent to the bone plate.

Results: Median time to radiographic healing in OG fractures (n = 11) was 70 days (range 28–98) compared to 106 days (range: 56–144) in non-OG grafted fractures (n = 14). The OG dogs had no major complications; minor complications included oedema, erythema, and mild osteopenia. Six of the eight non-OG dogs for which follow-up could be obtained developed osteopenia necessitating implant removal, four of which re-fractured the radius one to five months after implant removal, with one dog re-fracturing the limb a second time and resulting in amputation. Telephone follow-up of owners of OG dogs (n = 11) three to 15 months (median 10) post-surgery did not identify any signs of lameness or other complications. Owners of the non-OG dogs (n = 8) reported that there were not any signs of lameness six to 48 months (median 36) post-surgery.

Clinical relevance: Free autogenous omen-tal grafting of diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna was associated with radial and ulnar healing with minimal complications in dogs weighing less than 6 kg.
Structural, optical, opto-thermal and thermal properties of ZnS–PVA nanofluids synthesized through a radiolytic approach
Authors: Kharazmi Alireza , Faraji Nastaran , Mat Hussin Roslina , Saion Elias , Yunus W Mahmood Mat , Behzad Kasra
Published: February 2015

This work describes a fast, clean and low-cost approach to synthesize ZnS–PVA nanofluids consisting of ZnS nanoparticles homogeneously distributed in a PVA solution. The ZnS nanoparticles were formed by the electrostatic force between zinc and sulfur ions induced by gamma irradiation at a dose range from 10 to 50 kGy. Several experimental characterizations were conducted to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine the chemical structure and bonding conditions of the final products, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for determining the shape morphology and average particle size, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) for confirming the formation and crystalline structure of ZnS nanoparticles, UV–visible spectroscopy for measuring the electronic absorption characteristics, transient hot wire (THW) and photoacoustic measurements for measuring the thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity of the samples, from which, for the first time, the values of specific heat and thermal diffusivity of the samples were then calculated.
Photovoltaic-driven organic electrosynthesis and efforts toward more sustainable oxidation reactions
Authors: Nguyen Bichlien H , Perkins Robert J , Smith Jake A , Moeller Kevin D
Published: February 2015

The combination of visible light, photovoltaics, and electrochemistry provides a convenient, inexpensive platform for conducting a wide variety of sustainable oxidation reactions. The approach presented in this article is compatible with both direct and indirect oxidation reactions, avoids the need for a stoichiometric oxidant, and leads to hydrogen gas as the only byproduct from the corresponding reduction reaction.
Revisiter la traduction en entreprise : un vecteur d'efficacité stratégique et opérationnelle dans un environnement multiculturel
Authors: Clouet Louis-Marie
Published: February 2015

Dans cette communication, nous analysons le phénomène de la construction de sens et du rôle, central, que peut jouer la traduction dans le management des firmes internationales. C’est dans des situations multipliées d’interactions multiculturelles et multilingues qu’émerge un besoin croissant de traduction, que l’on entendra ici dans le sens de « tout travail de médiation interlinguistique permettant la communication entre membres de communautés de langues différentes » ( Ladmiral , 1989, p. 90). Cette contribution apporte un éclairage sur le rôle stratégique et opérationnel que peut jouer la traduction dans des entreprises internationalisées. Le cas d’étude à l’origine de cette communication présente l’élaboration de documents d’évaluation des managers et la traduction de ces documents en plusieurs langues.
L'identité d'une entreprise peut-elle franchir les frontières en empruntant l'anglais, la lingua franca d'aujourd'hui ?
Authors: Tréguer-Felten Geneviève
Published: February 2015

Partout dans le monde, les organisations cherchent à internationaliser leur identité corporate (IC) en proposant dans leurs traditionnelles brochures institutionnelles ou sur leurs sites Internet des discours en anglais lingua franca (ELF), ce qui leur permet de se présenter à un public « international ». L’image d’elles-mêmes (l’ ethos ) ainsi véhiculée vise à inspirer confiance à ce dernier. Conçue dans la langue/culture d’origine des entreprises et transposée dans une langue qui a la particularité d’être dénuée de fondement culturel qui lui soit propre, cette image idéale a-t-elle des chances de convaincre un public dont la seule caractéristique connue est sa pratique de la langue en question ? L’analyse des auto-présentations que s’échangent virtuellement entre elles des organisations appartenant à des pays aussi distants physiquement et culturellement que la France et la Chine, montre que les images « idéales » qui constituent l’IC des unes et des autres ne sont guère superposables. Ce constat soulève une question rarement abordée, celle de la pertinence du transfert en ELF d’une IC dont la démarche de persuasion a été élaborée pour une audience nationale.
Les enjeux de l' ethnomarketing dans le secteur bancaire : le cas d'une banque autrichienne
Authors: Caseau Cornelia , Bonesc Mihaela
Published: February 2015

Le groupe bancaire Raiffeisen de Basse Autriche et de Vienne est en train de construire, et même de conduire et de valoriser, une politique active de développement et de fidélisation auprès d’une clientèle d’immigrés originaires de Turquie et de l’ex-Yougoslavie. Son activité et sa communication mettent l’accent sur son engagement en faveur de l’intégration des immigrés. En partant de la problématique propre à l’ ethnobanking , nous proposons ici une étude du discours identitaire déployé par la banque régionale de la capitale autrichienne. L’analyse de sa communication écrite (rapports d’activité, publications diverses, sites Internet) sera complétée par une étude qualitative menée auprès de ses managers et de ses responsables. L’ambition de notre article est de montrer comment une banque peut nourrir et communiquer un positionnement différenciant à travers un discours global cohérent et en phase avec les enjeux du marketing ethnique dans le domaine bancaire.
Confluent Diode Laser Coagulation: The Gold Standard of Therapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Prepiaková Zuzana , Tomcíková Dana , Kostolná Barbora , Gerinec Anton
Published: February 2015

Purpose:

The authors compare results of retinopathy of prematurity treatment with single-spot diode laser coagulation (DLC) versus confluent DLC. The final anatomical outcome and need for additional therapy, such as additional DLC, cryotherapy, scleral buckling, and intravitreal bevacizumab, were evaluated.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients with threshold retinopathy of prematurity treated between January 2001 and October 2012 was conducted. Single-spot laser treatment or confluent laser treatment was applied anterior to the ridge extending to the ora serrata. In the first group (the single-spot group), a single-spot DLC was used between January 2001 and May 2008. The single-spot group included 338 patients (671 eyes) with retinopathy of prematurity. In the second group (the confluent group), confluent DLC was used in 326 patients (652 eyes) between June 2008 and October 2012. The authors compared the need for re-treatment to achieve regression of retinopathy of prematurity in both groups. The rate of progression, frequency of re-treatment, complications, and structural outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

In the single-spot group, re-treatment only with DLC was necessary in 43 (6.4%) eyes, additional cryotherapy was performed in 22 (3.3%) eyes, and scleral buckling in 107 (15.9%) eyes. Altogether, additional therapy was used in 172 (25.6%) eyes. In the confluent group, re-treatment with DLC was used in 5 (0.8%) eyes, additional cryotherapy in 6 (0.9%) eyes, scleral buckling in 16 (2.5%) eyes, and intravitreal bevacizumab in 14 (2.1%) eyes. Altogether, additional therapy was used in 41 (6.3%) eyes. The confluent group showed a favorable anatomical outcome in 99.1% of the cases compared with 96.4% in the single-spot group. The results were statistically significant (
P
= .001.)

Conclusions:

The DLC method was significantly more effective than single-spot DLC in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2015;52(1):43–51.]