bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Snow particle characteristics in the saltation layer
Authors: Gromke Christof , Horender Stefan , Walter Benjamin , Lehning Michael 
Published: April 2014

AbstractShadowgraphy was employed to study snow saltation in boundary-layer wind tunnel experiments with fresh, naturally deposited snow. The shadowgraphy method allowed for a temporally and spatially high-resolution investigation of snow particle characteristics within a measurement area of up to 50 mm × 50 mm. Snow particle size and number characteristics, and their variation with height in the saltation layer, were analysed. The following observations and findings were made for the saltation layer: (1) the particle number decreases exponentially with height, (2) the mean particle diameter is fairly constant, with a very slight tendency to decrease with height, (3) the maximum particle diameter decreases linearly with height, and (4) the snow particle size distribution can be adequately described by gamma probability density functions. The shape and scale parameters of the gamma distribution were found to vary systematically, though only slightly, with height over ground and between experiments with different snowpack characteristics.
Geophysical analysis of transverse ridges and internal structure at Lone Peak Rock Glacier, Big Sky, Montana, USA
Authors: Florentine Caitlyn , Skidmore Mark , Speece Marvin , Link Curtis , Shaw Colin A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRock glaciers are periglacial alpine landforms that are found in many locations worldwide. Whereas well-developed models of deformation are established for traditional alpine glaciers, rock glacier deformation is poorly understood. Geophysical data from Lone Peak Rock Glacier (LPRG), southwest Montana, USA, are paired with lidar bare-earth 1 m digital elevation model (DEM) analysis to explore potential genetic relationships between internal composition, structure and regularly spaced arcuate transverse ridges expressed at the rock glacier surface. The internal composition of LPRG is heterogeneous, with frozen debris and clean ice overlain by an unconsolidated talus mantle. Upslope-dipping, clearly distinguished reflectors in the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) longitudinal survey at LPRG correspond to transverse ridges. The spacing and slope of individual features at the surface and in the subsurface were measured and compared and are found to be similar. The structures observed at LPRG and other rock glaciers are similar to structures detected in glaciotectonically altered sediment, ice-cored moraines and other rock glacier settings. This finding suggests that transverse ridges on rock glaciers may be used as geomorphic indicators of internal deformation. This study contributes to the body of research on the application of GPR to rock glaciers, and is the first to directly pair and analyze individual surface topographic features with internal structures.
Household Food Security and Nutritional Status of Rural Elderly
Authors: Alam MA , Rahman Md Anisur , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Karim Md. Rizwanul , Sharif Md. Parvez Iqbal , Alam Md. Ashraful 
Published: April 2014

Household food security is an emerging public health issue and the rural elderly people are one of the most vulnerable groups for the household food security. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Barobaria union of Gofargaon upazila of Mymensingh district to assess the nutritional status of rural elderly (?60 years) in relation to the household food security. A total of 118 purposively selected elderly were interviewed and measured for height and weight following a standard protocol. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 68.6 (7.3) years and gender participation was equally represented. Majority (68.6%) of the respondents was illiterate and 92% were Muslims. Mean family size and monthly family income was estimated to be 5.5 and Taka 6106, respectively and 70% of the rural elderly were found to be dependent on their family members as they were not involved in income generation and most of the respondents were the members of joint family. Only about 29% of the total elderly were at the highest quarter of food security. Illiteracy, members of single family and larger family were found to be significantly associated with lower level of household food security (p < 0.05). Although age, sex, personal income and occupational category had no significant association, the total family income was significantly associated with household food security. Among the respondents 56% were underweight including 13% with severe chronic energy deficiency. Only 5.9% were overweight. Illiterates were three times more likely to be underweight than literates (OR 2.95 with 95% CI 1.32, 6.59). Smoking, lower family income, poor housing, single family, irregularity in treatment were significantly associated with underweight. A significant difference was found between mean body mass index of different household food security level (F =3.22, p < 0.05). There was gradual increase of mean body mass index with the improved status of food security level. Policy makers, therefore, need to consider programs that empower people to solve the problem of food insecurity and to improve the nutritional status of rural elderly people. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18649 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):8-11
Health-related Quality of Life Among Adult Migrant Garment Workers in Dhaka City
Authors: Islam MZ , Ahmed S , Sarker RN , Farjana S , Akter A , Saha S 
Published: April 2014

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the health-related quality of life among adult migrant garment workers (age 18-59 years) in Dhaka city. The study was conducted with 400 workers for quantitative research, and two health care service providers for qualitative research. Data were collected during February to March 2009. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a constructed pre-tested questionnaire adapted from WHOQOL-BREF. Data were analyzed by applying descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, range and median) and inferential statistics (unpaired ttest and oneway ANOVA) to examine the relationship between health-related quality of life and socio-demographic characteristics, living and working conditions, and accessibility to health care services. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. The results revealed that 94.00% of workers reported low level of health-related quality of life. The rest were moderate and high, 3.25% and 2.75% respectively. For socio-demographic characteristics, workers' marital status, having family members, income, history of sickness and getting treatment when sick were discovered to have association with health-related quality of life. For living and working conditions, workers' living place, work permit, length of current job and satisfaction on work conditions were significantly associated with health-related quality of life. For accessibility to health care services, perception on difficulty to go to the health facility, crowdedness of the health facility and having health insurance card were found to be associated with health-related quality of life. Further longitudinal researches and policies are recommended to improve access to health care services and higher health-related quality of life for migrant garment workers in Dhaka city. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18651 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):14-17
A Study on Outcome of VVF Repair at Kumudini Women's Medical College Hospital
Authors: Begum B , Khandakar S , Rahman F 
Published: April 2014

This cross sectional study was carried out on 101 cases of vesico-vaginal fistula who were admitted and operated in Kumudini Women's Medical College Hospital. The aim of the study was to find out the outcome of vesicovaginal fistula repair. A detailed interview was taken from the patients and attendants by using a questionnaire. Necessary information were collected from the patient's record sheets . Small, medium and large sized fistulae were 59.41%, 26.73% and 11.88% respectively. The result of the study showed that success of fistula repair was 73.27%, though seven cases developed stress incontinence. Totally 27 patients were unsuccessfully repaired. Of which 19 (70.37%) were dropped out, 5(18.52%) were referred and 3(11.11%) had operative failure. Post-operative recovery was mostly (87.13%) uneventful. Urethral leakage (6.93%), blocked catheter ( 2.97%) and UTI (2.97%) were the leading complications. To improve the outcome, more training and skill of surgeons, improvised per-operative and post-operative care is necessary. Approaches should be designed to make the incidence of drop out to zero. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18652 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):18-20
Correlation Between Amniotic Fluid Index and Estimated Fetal Weight in Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Parveen Rafia , Ahmed Akhteruddin , Mohiuddin AS , Rahman Shaikh Shofiur , Paul Tapesh Kumar 
Published: April 2014

This study was conducted to find out the correlation between amniotic fluid index (AFI) & estimated fetal weight (EFW) in third trimester of pregnancy. This cross sectional study was carried out on 105 women with normal singleton pregnancies at third trimester. The pregnant women were subdivided into three groups. The AFI & EFW were evaluated according to gestational age groups & fetal sex. Significant positive correlations were found between estimated fetal weight and amniotic fluid index in female fetuses of all three groups. In male fetuses, there was a significant positive correlation between AFI & EFW in group III (38 to 40 weeks), but insignificant correlation in other two groups. No study was conducted previously in Bangladesh to see the relationship between AFI & EFW. This study shows that amniotic fluid volume can be evaluated more precisely during third trimester of pregnancy by taking estimated fetal weight into consideration in third trimester of pregnancy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18669 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):21-23
Factors Underlying Defaulting on Antihypertensive Treatment
Authors: Alam Nur , Azhar MA , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Sabah KMN , Amin Md. Rasul 
Published: April 2014

The magnitude of hypertensive patient not continuing treatment is not well documented. But it is assumed that it could be worse and thereby would contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity. A study can produce awareness among all level of medical practitioners regarding the factors underlying defaulting on anti hypertensive treatment. To find out the factors underlying being defaulter of antihypertensive treatment and making future recommendation for remedy - were the main objectives of the present study It was a cross sectional study which was carried out in medical indoor & out patient department of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, (SSMC & MH) Dhaka on 100 patients selected by purposive sampling who were defaulters of anti hypertensive treatment. The main causes of becoming defaulters were lack of knowledge and misconception (40%) and financial constrain (32%). The complications of defaulters of antihypertensive treatment were enormous. Most of the patients (80%) suffered from major target organ damage like Stroke/TIA (35%), LVH/LVF/IHD (15%), Retinopathy (12%), Nephropathy (5%) and more than one organ damage (13%). Awareness both of physicians and public about hypertension and proper counseling with education and information about hypertension, rational use of medication and regular follow up will be helpful to avoid morbid complication. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18670 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):24-27
Ageing: A Growing Challenge
Authors: Flora Meerjady Sabrina 
Published: April 2014

Elderly population needs economic support including food, clothing, medical care, and housing as well as cultural support. In view of the size of the population, scarcity of resources, poverty, insufficient health facilities and absence of strong social security, ageing is going to be a major problem for Bangladesh. Preparing for an elderly population old age and ill-health are inseparable entities to general people. To ensure medical care services separate ward or unit in a hospital should be established for elderly people. Age-friendly Principles for PHC Centres serve as a tool to increase provider awareness and empower older users of PHC centers. There is need for change in the attitude of not only community and the government but also the people. The elderly should be considered not as a burden to society rather their valuable experience should be utilized fruitfully and it should be the responsibility of the society and the government to impart an improved and effective quality of life to them in return for their lifelong dedicated service towards their children and the nation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18676 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):48-51
Role of Maternal Iron Status in the Pathogenesis Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sarker Manika Rani , Jebunnesa Fatema , Khatun Taslima , Helal Romena , Ali Liaquat , Rahim Abu Trab MA 
Published: April 2014

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the commonest complications of pregnancy; but its pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Recently attention has been focused on the relation between iron metabolism and glucose intolerance in the genesis of GDM. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of body iron store with various covariates of metabolic syndrome. A total 100 subjects were included in this study: 43 were healthy nondiabetic and nonanemic pregnant women (Control group) and 57 were pregnant women having Diabetes Mellitus (GDM group). Glucose level was measured by using glucose-oxidase method, fasting serum C-peptide by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay, Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by using a modified high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) and insulin secretory capacity (HOMA%B) were calculated by Homeostasis Model Assessment. Serum transferrin receptor (STfR) was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and serum ferritin level was assessed by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay. Serum iron concentration was measured by IRN method. The age of the study groups were found to be matched (p=0.522). Gestational weeks and parity of the study groups were significantly higher in GDM than Controls (p=0.004 and p=0.015 respectively). HbA1c level (%, M±SD) was significantly higher in GDM group (6.09±1.1) as compared to Control Among the marker of body iron status hemoglobin level showed no difference between GDM (11±1.25) and Control groups (10.6±0.8), but serum iron concentration [median (range)] was significantly lower in GDM group [6(2-19)] as compared to Control [12(2-36)].Serum Iron was strongly correlated with HOMA%B in univariate Spearman correlation analysis (r =0.347, P=0.008).On multivariate linear regression analysis also found Serum Iron associated (p=0.011) with HOMA% B in GDM group. GDM in Bangladeshi subjects does not seem to be associated with iron deficiency or elevated body iron store. GDM subjects may show lower serum iron, but this is probably related to chronic inflammatory state of diabetes rather than iron deficiency. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18678 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):55-60
Effect of Two Combined Oral Contraceptives on Serum Lipid Profile
Authors: Mustafa Md Tarek Golam , Zabeen Shahana , Monirujjaman Md , Bashar Tahmina 
Published: April 2014

Alterations in the composition of the plasma lipids caused by estrogens are characterized by an increase in the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and plasma triglyceride, a slight reduction in the low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and a reduction in total plasma cholesterol levels. Oral Contraceptive pills(OCP) having different doses of hormones may affect blood lipids differently. The present study was designed to see the effect of two combined oral contraceptives on lipid levels. 68 females of the reproductive age who were advised to do lipid profile before and after using oral contraceptives were included in this study. One group of 38 females was advised to take 30 mcg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg of progesterone in the form of Desogestrel while another group of 38 females was advised to take 0.05 mg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 1 mg of progesterone in the form of Lynestrenol. Cholesterol(P<0.0001) and LDL(P<0.0001) decreased while HDL(P<0.0001) increased in the group which received 30 mcg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg of progesterone in the form of Desogestrel. Cholesterol(P<0.0001) and LDL(P<0.0001) also decreased and HDL(P<0.0001) increased in the group which received 0.05 mg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 1 mg of progesterone in the form of Lynestrenol. OCPs have a beneficial effect on blood lipid profile. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18679 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):61-63
Sur les trois caféiers endémiques de l'archipel des Mascareignes
Authors: Leroy Jean-François 
Published: April 2014

II existe au moins trois espèces spontanées de Caféiers aux Mascareignes, dont deux endémiques à Maurice : C. macrocarpa, C. Bojeriana. La troisième, C. mauritiana, qui croît à Maurice et à la Réunion, serait endémique de cette dernière île et seulement subspontanée à Maurice (Pierre). En tout cas, c'est sur la base d'une détermination erronée, je l'ai montré, que l'aire du C. macrocarpa se trouvait étendue à la Réunion. Par ailleurs, en l'absence du type en fruit du C. macrocarpa, actuellement égaré, j'ai eu la chance de découvrir, déterminés comme Chasalia, et classés comme tels, une série de cinq spécimens en fruits récoltés par Commerson et du Petit Thouars ; cette trouvaille m'a permis d'établir les diagnoses différentielles des deux espèces propres à Maurice confondues jusqu'à présent en une seule. De plus, elle montre que le véritable découvreur du C. macrocarpa est P. Commerson et non pas Chapelier.
Les trois espèces ici en cause, quoique sûrement bien distinctes, n'en sont pas moins étroitement apparentées. Elles forment un bel ensemble naturel qu'il sera d'un extrême intérêt biologique d'étudier. Dès maintenant, et malgré le caractère d'ébauche des recherches, on peut considérer comme insatisfaisante la classification du mauritiana et du macrocarpa en deux séries distinctes proposée par Chevalier ; on ne saurait légitimement dissocier les trois espèces des Mascareignes les unes des autres : elles appartiennent à un même phylum (dont font aussi partie, semble-t-il, le C. Humblotiana de l'Archipel des Comores, et le C. nossikoumbaensis de l'île Nossi Koumba).
Cutting Edge: Depletion of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Is Necessary, But Not Sufficient, for Induction of Organ-Specific Autoimmune Disease
Authors: McHugh Rebecca S. , Shevach Ethan M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThymectomy of BALB/c mice on day 3 of life results in the development of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) due to the absence of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. However, depletion of CD4+CD25+ T cells by treatment with anti-CD25 rarely resulted in AIG. Depletion was efficient, as transfer of splenocytes from depleted mice induced AIG in nu/nu mice. One explanation for this result is that CD4+CD25− T cells upon transfer to nude recipients undergo lymphopenia-induced proliferation, providing a signal for T cell activation. Cotransfer of CD25+ T cells did not inhibit initial proliferation but did suppress AIG. Surprisingly, immunization with the AIG target Ag, H/K ATPase, in IFA failed to induce disease in normal animals but induced severe AIG in CD25-depleted mice. These results demonstrate that second signals (nonspecific proliferation, TCR activation, or inflammation) are needed for induction of autoimmunity in the absence of CD25+ regulatory T cells.
Cutting Edge: BLyS Enables Survival of Transitional and Mature B Cells Through Distinct Mediators
Authors: Hsu Benjamin L. , Harless Susan M. , Lindsley R. Coleman , Hilbert David M. , Cancro Michael P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThese studies characterize BLyS responsiveness and receptor expression among transitional and mature peripheral B cells. The results show a maturation-associated increase in BLyS binding capacity that reflects differential expression patterns of the three BLyS receptors. Accordingly, BLyS administration enlarges only late transitional and mature peripheral B (MB) cell compartments. Furthermore, bromodeoxyuridine labeling and cell cycle analyses show these effects are mediated through enhanced proportional survival of cells traversing the T2, T3, and MB cell stages, rather than by causing proliferation or slowing transit within these subsets. Despite similar effects on survival, BLyS up-regulates the antiapoptotic genes A1and bcl-xL in MB cells but not immature B cells. Together, these findings show that, while BLyS influences B cell survival in several peripheral differentiation subsets, the downstream mediators differ, thus providing the first direct evidence for an established B lineage survival system whose intermediates change as B cells mature.
Cutting Edge: MyD88 Is Required for Resistance toToxoplasma gondiiInfection and Regulates Parasite-Induced IL-12 Production by Dendritic Cells
Authors: Scanga Charles A. , Aliberti Julio , Jankovic Dragana , Tilloy Florence , Bennouna Soumaya , Denkers Eric Y. , Medzhitov Ruslan , Sher Alan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHost resistance to the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is highly dependent on early IL-12 production by APC. We demonstrate here that both host resistance and T. gondii-induced IL-12 production are dramatically reduced in mice lacking the adaptor molecule MyD88, an important signaling element used by Toll-like receptor (TLR) family members. Infection of MyD88-deficient mice with T. gondii resulted in uncontrolled parasite replication and greatly reduced plasma IL-12 levels. Defective IL-12 responses to T. gondii Ags (soluble tachyzoite Ag (STAg)) were observed in MyD88−/− peritoneal macrophages, neutrophils, and splenic dendritic cells (DC). In contrast, DC from TLR2- or TLR4-deficient animals developed normal IL-12 responses to STAg. In vivo treatment with pertussis toxin abolished the residual IL-12 response displayed by STAg-stimulated DC from MyD88−/− mice. Taken together, these data suggest that the induction of IL-12 by T. gondii depends on a unique mechanism involving both MyD88 and G protein-coupled signaling pathways.
Cutting Edge: Vα14-Jα281 NKT Cells Naturally Regulate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Mars Lennart T. , Laloux Véronique , Goude Karine , Desbois Sabine , Saoudi Abdelhadi , Van Kaer Luc , Lassmann Hans , Herbelin André , Lehuen Agnès , Liblau Roland S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAlthough deficiencies in the NKT cell population have been observed in multiple sclerosis and mouse strains susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), little is known about the function of these cells in CNS autoimmunity. In this work we report that TCR Vα14-Jα281 transgenic nonobese diabetic mice, which are enriched in CD1d-restricted NKT cells, are protected from EAE. The protection is associated with a striking inhibition of Ag-specific IFN-γ production in the spleen, implying modulation of the encephalitogenic Th1 response. This modulation is independent of IL-4 because IL-4-deficient Vα14-Jα281 mice are still protected against EAE and independent of NKT cell-driven Th1 to Th2 deviation, because no increased autoantigen-specific Th2 response was observed in immunized Vα14-Jα281 transgenic mice. Our findings indicate that enrichment and/or stimulation of CD1d-dependent NKT cells may be used as a novel strategy to treat CNS autoimmunity.