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Crystal violet (CV) is the most commonly used cationic dye that is highly carcinogenic in nature. In this study, synthesis of cobalt ferrite and zinc ferrites nanoparticles and grafting of CoFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was carried out by using hydrothermal technique. The prepared nanostructures were characterized by employing various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FES-EM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). XRD studies confirmed the formation of CoFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with average crystallite size of 25 nm and 18.5 nm, respectively. The influence of concentration, pH, and temperature on the adsorption of CV dye was monitored. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate and optimize the factors that affect the adsorption capacity of nanoadsorbents such as temperature and concentration of dye solution. The removal efficiency of CV for CoFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 NPs was found 88% and 87%, while it was 96% and 97% for CoFe2O4/MWCNTs and ZnFe2O4/MWCNTs, respectively. The sorption data was fitted to Langmuir, Freundilch and Temkin adsorption isotherms. The thermodynamic parameters like ∆G, ∆H and ∆S have also been calculated. The optimum pH for maximum adsorption of CV onto nanostructures was found out to be 4.5, while with the increase in temperature, an increase in adsorption of dye has been observed which indicates the endothermic nature of the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting sacroiliac joints, spine and peripheral joints. Pamidronate and thalidomide are proven to be effective in refractory axial SpA in some studies. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of pamidronate and thalidomide in refractory axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: This open label randomized clinical trial was conducted on refractory SpA patients at the department of rheumatology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Pamidronate 60mg intravenous monthly and thalidomide 200mg/day were given to pamidronate and thalidomide groups, respectively for 6 months. Both groups received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and therapeutic exercises. More than 20% improvements in Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS-20) at 6 months were considered as primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis meteorological index (BASMI), patient global assessment, physician global assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, ASAS 40 etc. Results: Significant improvement in ASAS 20 was observed in both pamidronate (76.9%) and thalidomide (85.2%) groups (P=0.501). Among the secondary outcome ASAS 40 response rates were 46.2% and 51.9% in the pamidronate and thalidomide groups respectively. All other secondary outcome indicators such as BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI etc. within-group showed significant improvements in both groups (P<0.001). Between-group differences were nonsignificant (P>0.1) except for ESR (P=0.006). There were no serious adverse events in any group. Conclusions: Pamidronate and thalidomide were effective in refractory axial SpA and were well tolerated. However, there was no significant difference in the efficacy of the two drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores the enhanced spectroscopic characterizations of the soil plasma through the magnetic field-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique and its dependence upon laser fluence. The laser-induced soil plasma has been produced by the employment of Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) on the surface of the pelletized river soil samples in the absence and presence of a magnetic field of 0.66 T at different laser fluences (30–61 J/cm2). Various elements particularly trace elements (arsenic, chromium, manganese, barium, titanium, cobalt, and strontium) were detected in the soil samples, where an enhancement factor of up to 6 times is achieved with the application of a magnetic field to LIBS. The plasma parameters like electron temperature (Te) and electron number density (ne) show an increasing trend with the laser fluence and then decline slightly after 51 J/cm2 laser fluence but with higher values of these parameters under the magnetic field. The better spectroscopic results are attributed to the magnetic confinement of the plasma, confirmed by the plasma parameter βt < 1. In addition, the threshold laser fluences have been estimated for the soil sample as ~ 6 J/cm2 and ~ 11 J/cm2 with and without magnetic field, respectively. The variation in Inverse Bremsstrahlung co-efficient and plasma frequency as a function of laser fluence is also reported. Improved spectroscopic results of magnetic field-assisted LIBS demonstrate it as a promising tool for the detection of multi-elements particularly trace elements in river soil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This roundtable brings together contributions from nine senior, mid-career and junior scholars who work on the history of science in pre-1800 Islamicate societies. The contributions reflect upon some of the challenges that have historically constrained the subfield, how they have sought to overcome them, and what they see as some of the more productive and fruitful turns the field has taken and/or should take in the future. A central trend in all contributions is how they seek to confront the combined weight of colonialism, Orientalism, and the teleological history of science that continues to haunt contemporary discussions in both academia and the general public with regards to science in pre-1800 Islamicate societies. Without diminishing the pioneering achievements of the generations of historians who have preceded us, and upon whose work we continue to rely, this combined weight has tended a) to marginalize the study of occult sciences in Islamicate societies; b) to emphasize investigations of content from an etic perspective of how we got to the present, which is primarily seen as how the scientific content is connected to the rise of modern science in Europe; and c) to concomitantly marginalize the study of science in post-1200 Islamicate societies, particularly those with little to no connection to the rise of "Western" science. The contributions build upon conversations that took place among participants in December 2019 at a workshop at New York University (NYU), Abu Dhabi Institute in New York City, funded by a grant from NYU Abu Dhabi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy is a promising spectroscopic technique with a vast spectrum of applications in fields concerned with identification and detection of elements. But it faces some limitations due to self-absorption, noise due to matrix effect and line broadening resulting in low emission signal. This research proposes LIBS signal enhancement by incorporation of metal nanoparticles (Cu, Mg, Au) on Al surface and compares their effect. The successful optical emissions enhancement is achieved as the emission intensities of Al- and Na- lines of three coated samples are compared with those of uncoated Al. The Electron Temperature has been evaluated by Boltzmann plot and an increase in Electron Temperature has been observed with the incorporation of nanoparticles to the aluminum surface as compared to the untreated aluminum, due to more plasma emissions. The Electron Number Density of the aluminum plasma did not have much effect with the incorporation of Nanoparticles. The Local Thermal Equilibrium condition has been satisfied and checked by Mc Whirter's Criterion. The incorporation of metal nanoparticles can be declared as an effective method not only for LIBS signal enhancement but also better detection of trace elements which were not observed without the use of Nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bleeding hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is potentially a fatal condition which must be dealt with promptly. The pathology is usually a consequence of trauma, infection and upper abdominal surgery. The treatment ranges from endovascular to surgical intervention. Herein, we report a patient who was a drug abuser with bacterial endocarditis presented with melaena and jaundice. He was hemodynamically stable. Imaging revealed he has obstructive jaundice secondary to the blood clot in the bile duct as a result of bleeding from the right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. Radiological intervention was done to relief the obstruction as well as percutaneous coil embolization to arrest the bleeding. The treatment for bleeding hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm can be performed via transcatheter intraarterial embolisation by placing coils or arterial stent at the neck of the aneurysm. However, in a dire situation where the patient is unstable, surgical treatment is indicated. Alternatively, in selective cases, angiography and embolisation can be done percutaneously. Conclusion: Percutaneous coil embolisation of bleeding right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a viable option in situation where transcatheter approach is limited and patient has multiple co-morbidities or unfit for surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture highly depends on the actions taken by the farmers and their ability to make a decision by using their knowledge and information efficiently. Therefore, farmers' perception needs to transfer from a technocratic approach to a social approach for promoting sustainable agriculture. This study was planned to analyze the tea growers' perception of sustainable agriculture in Rize Province. For this reason, a stratified sample of 138 tea farmers was contacted to get their perceptions about predefined sustainable farming practices. A total of 60 items were factor analyzed and ultimately 33 items in four main factors, namely, policy, social, environmental, and economic were identified to construct a sustainability perception index. Considering this index score, farmers' perceptions were divided into three groups including low, medium, and high-level perception. The explanatory variables were selected from the socioeconomic characteristics and communication behavior of farmers. The model results showed that education level, age, participation in farming events, watching television, and using the internet affected farmers' perception of sustainable farming in the region. Government should focus on policy-related issues like illegal tea entry, social factors like increasing the communication and socialization level among stakeholders, and environmental problems as a result of farm practices through arranging appropriate workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Journal of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (JBCPS), all the go by 'BCPS Journal', is the official organ of BCPS inclusive of academic, extra-academic and official matters. The journal started its journey in August 1983, now in the fourth decades is embedded in the fanfare of Golden Jubilee of BCPS. It commensurate with the fellows' desire that a supplement of the JBCPS shall be published as the official organ of the college on behalf of the education, training, research and publication to Showcase the college image in the academic arena. The special editorial board is tasked to marinate a document of the sojourn of the JBCPS, for now and then. The authors have tried to pick up pieces of information from all available local libraries and online resources to build up an edifice to be added on from time to time. It has been tried to fullfill the mandate through expanded and extended search and find the tenets of the emergence and evolution of the JBCPS with an endeavor to bring out a canvas of the paintings of the stories of the Odyssey. Bangladesh Medical Journal (BMJ) published by Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) is the oldest journal of the country first published 50 years ago in July 1972. Then the Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin (BMRC Bulletin), published in December 1975. JBCPS is the third in this sequence. Prof Golam Rasul was the first editor in chief and so far, fifteen chiefs navigated the journal so far. The first editorial board consisted of five members and present editorial board embracing almost all the subjects including editors from abroad. JBCPS is online since 2004 and is available in the Bangladesh Journals Online (BanglaJOL) since 2006. With Continued relentless untiring efforts of the editorial board and collaboration from the executive committee of BCPS the JBCPS is now one of the top ranked & prestigious peer reviewed journal of the country. The next endeavor shall be to enlist the journal in PubMed which is expected very soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manuscript type: Research article Research aims: This study investigates the impact of cognitive ability, money management skills, and cultural norms on the financial literacy of women working in the cottage industry. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs a crosssectional research design. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and analysed using Smart-PLS. Research findings: The results revealed that cognitive ability and money management was positively related to financial literacy. There was also substantial evidence to demonstrate the negative effect of cultural norms on financial literacy. Theoretical contribution/Originality: The findings provide empirical evidence on the importance of cognitive ability, money management skills, and cultural norms on financial literacy among women in the cottage industry. Practitioner/Policy implication: The government should emphasises policies that not only provide education, but also training and programmes that would improve cognitive functions. Cultural norms need to be changed in such a way that females being held accountable for financial decisions from an early age. There is a need to recognise, inspire, and empower women in the field of the cottage industry. Research limitation/Implications: This study uses a cross-sectional research design. Future researches can supplement the existing study by conducting studies with longitudinal research design and interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption of thymine on a defined Cu(110) surface was studied using reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were undertaken in order to further understand the energetics of adsorption and self-assembly. The combination of RAIRS, TPD, and DFT results indicates that an upright, three-point-bonded adsorption configuration is adopted by the deprotonated thymine at room temperature. DFT calculations show that the upright configuration adopted by individual molecules arises as a direct result of strong O-Cu and N-Cu bonds between the molecule and the surface. STM data reveal that this upright thymine motif self-assembles into 1D chains, which are surprisingly oriented along the open-packed [001] direction of the metal surface and orthogonal to the alignment of the functional groups that are normally implicated in H-bonding interactions. DFT modelling of this system reveals that the molecular organisation is actually driven by dispersion interactions, which cause a slight tilt of the molecule and provide the major driving force for assembly into dimers and 1D chains. The relative orientations and distances of neighbouring molecules are amenable for p-p stacking, suggesting that this is an important contributor in the self-assembly process [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study revolves around the ballistic response of Al2O3/Al 5083-H116 bilayer armour against a 12.7 mm Armour Piercing (AP) tracer projectile. The study features the experimental and numerical study where the penetration of the AP projectile through a semi-infinite Al 5083-H116 target and Al2O3/Al 5083-H116 armour were determined. The semi-infinite Al 5083-H116 target consisted of three aluminium plates where the projectiles penetrated the first two plates. On the other hand, the bi-layer Al2O3/Al 5083-H116 armour arrested the armour piercing projectile after it penetrated the ceramic plate. A FEA model was also developed to investigate the impact phenomenon and predict the depth of penetration. High strain-rate deformation of ceramic material was modelled with Johnson Holmquist damage model for ceramics (JH-2), and that of the Al 5083-H116 was modelled with Johnson-Cook material model. During the impact simulation the progressive failure of the AP tracer projectile was observed. The predicted residual penetration depth and the hole size in the ceramic plate were lower than the experimentally observed values. The ballistic efficiency factor of the Al2O3/Al 5083-H116 bi-layer armour was higher than one showing that the bi-layer armour was better in terms of mass efficiency and space efficiency in comparison to Al 5083-H116 armour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch is the extended version of the traditional economic emission dispatch problem in which ramp rate is taken into account for the limit of generators in a power network. Purpose. Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch considered the treats of economy and emissions as competitive targets for optimal dispatch problems, and to reach a solution it requires some conflict resolution. Novelty. The decision-making method to solve the Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch problem has a goal for each objective function, for this purpose, the multi-objective problem is transformed into single goal optimization by using the weighted sum method and then control/solve by Whale Optimization Algorithm. Methodology. This paper presents a newly developed metaheuristic technique based on Whale Optimization Algorithm to solve the Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch problem. The main inspiration for this optimization technique is the fact that metaheuristic algorithms are becoming popular day by day because of their simplicity, no gradient information requirement, easily bypass local optima, and can be used for a variety of other problems. This algorithm includes all possible factors that will yield the minimum cost and emissions of a Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch problem for the efficient operation of generators in a power network. The proposed approach performs well to perform in diverse problem and converge the solution to near best optimal solution. Results. The proposed strategy is validated by simulating on MATLAB® for 5 IEEE standard test system. Numerical results show the capabilities of the proposed algorithm to establish an optimal solution of the Dynamic Economic Emission Dispatch problem in a several runs. The proposed algorithm shows good performance over the recently proposed algorithms such as Multi-Objective Neural Network trained with Differential Evolution, Particle swarm optimization, evolutionary programming, simulated annealing, Pattern search, multi-objective differential evolution, and multi-objective hybrid differential evolution with simulated annealing technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates ballistic response of a developed perforated armour plate against 12.7 mm armour piercing tracer projectile. Experimental as well as numerical studies were carried out and the penetration of the projectile through a base aluminium plate was determined with and without the perforated armour plate. The armour piercing projectiles were able to penetrate the base armour plate in successive impacts. However, the combination of the perforated and base armour plates was able to stop the penetration of the armour piercing projectile. A finite element method-based numerical model was developed to investigate the defeating phenomenon of perforated and base armour plate combination. It was observed that the asymmetric impact of the projectile core did not produce large enough bending to fracture the core. However, the high hardness of the developed perforated plate was able to shatter the projectile core in multiple fragments which were then unable to penetrate the base armour plate. Craters of varying depths were observed on the impact side of the base armour plate. The research showed that the selected structural steel can be successfully used for ballistic protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When water is adsorbed on Pt(111) above 135 K several different ice structures crystallize, depending on the thickness of the ice layer. At low coverage water forms extended islands of ice with a ([Square_Root]37×[Square_Root]37)R25° unit cell, which compresses as the monolayer saturates to form a ([Square_Root]39×[Square_Root]39)R16° structure. The [Square_Root]39 low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) pattern becomes more intense as the second layer grows, remaining bright for films up of 10–15 layers and then fading and disappearing for films more than ca. 40 layers thick. The ice multilayer consists of an ordered [Square_Root]39 wetting layer, on which ice grows as a crystalline film which progressively loses its registry to the wetting layer. Ice films more than ca. 50 layers thick develop a hexagonal LEED pattern, the entire film and wetting layer reorienting to form an incommensurate bulk ice. These changes are reflected in the vibrational spectra which show changes in line shape and intensity associated with the different ice structures. Thin amorphous solid water films crystallize to form the same phases observed during growth, implying that these structures are thermodynamically stable and not kinetic phases formed during growth. The change from a [Square_Root]39 registry to incommensurate bulk ice at ca. 50 layers is associated with a change in crystallization kinetics from nucleation at the Pt(111) interface in thin films to nucleation of incommensurate bulk ice in amorphous solid water films more than 50 layers thick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the mixed p(3×3)-(3OH+3H2O) phase on Pt{111} has been investigated by low-energy electron diffraction-IV structure analysis. The OH+H2O overlayer consists of hexagonal rings of coplanar oxygen atoms interlinked by hydrogen bonds. Lateral shifts of the O atoms away from atop sites result in different O–O separations and hexagons with only large separations (2.81 and 3.02 Å) linked by hexagons with alternating separations of 2.49 and 2.81/3.02 Å. This unusual pattern is consistent with a hydrogen-bonded network in which water is adsorbed in cyclic rings separated by OH in a p(3×3) structure. The topmost two layers of the Pt atoms relax inwards with respect to the clean surface and both show vertical buckling of up to 0.06 Å. In addition, significant shifts away from the lateral bulk positions have been found for the second layer of Pt atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO adsorption on Ni{110} and on hydrogen precovered Ni{110} surfaces at 180 K has been studied by FT-RAIRS. On a clean Ni{110} surface CO adsorbs at on-top sites upto a coverage of 0.7 ML. At higher coverages the on-top CO band at 2060 cm-1 decreases in intensity with a concomitant increase in a band at 1960 cm-1 which shifts up in frequency. The (2×1)p2mg structure at 1.0 ML CO coverage shows a single band at 1998 cm-1 attributed to CO tilted at bridged sites. FT-RAIRS of CO adsorption on H precovered Ni{110} surfaces shows complex CO site switching within different CO and H coverage regimes. A model is presented involving compression of H into islands of high coverage and both mixed H and CO and unmixed CO islands are formed. CO adsorbs in the unmixed CO islands the same as that on clean Ni{110}. Within the mixed H/CO islands the first layer nickel atoms reconstruct and a new hydrogen desorption state is observed. The CO site switching observed by FT-RAIRS within the various H and CO coverage regimes is discussed in terms of a dominant indirect interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma parameter studies of the Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, Nd:YAlO) crystal by using the fundamental (1064 nm) and second (532 nm) harmonics of Nd:YAG laser are reported. The electron temperature ( T ) and electron number density ( N ) were determined using the Boltzmann plot method and the Stark-broadened line profile, respectively. An increase in the plasma parameters have been observed with an increase in the laser irradiance for both laser modes. The electron temperatures were calculated in the range of 0.53-0.66 eV for 1064 nm and 0.47-0.60 eV for 532 nm, and the electron number densities were determined in the range of 7.43 × 10-3.27 × 10 cm for 1064 nm and 1.35 × 10-3.97 × 10 cm for 532 nm in the studied irradiance range of 1.19-12.5 GW/cm. However, the spatial evolution of the plasma parameters investigated up to 2.75 mm away from the target surface at a fixed laser irradiance of 6.51 GW/cm2 showed a decreasing trend. In addition, the estimated values of the inverse bremsstrahlung (IB) absorption coefficients at both laser wavelengths showed that the IB process is dominant for the 1064-nm laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative analysis of the standard aluminum-silicon alloy has been performed using calibration free laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS). The plasma was produced using the fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) of the Nd: YAG laser and the emission spectra were recorded at 3.5 ls detector gate delay. The qualitative analysis of the emission spectra confirms the presence of Mg, Al, Si, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sn, and Pb in the alloy. The background subtracted and selfabsorption corrected emission spectra were used for the estimation of plasma temperature as 101100± K. The plasma temperature and self-absorption corrected emission lines of each element have been used for the determination of concentration of each species present in the alloy. The use of corrected emission intensities and accurate evaluation of plasma temperature yield reliable quantitative analysis up to a maximum 2.2% deviation from reference sample concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The germanium plasma produced by the fundamental harmonics (1064 nm) of Nd:YAG laser in single and double pulse configurations have been studied spectroscopically. The plasma is characterized by measuring the electron temperature using the Boltzmann plot method for neutral and ionized species and electron number density as a function of laser irradiance, ambient pressure, and distance from the target surface. It is observed that the plasma parameters have an increasing trend with laser irradiance (9-33 GW/cm2) and with ambient pressure (8-250 mbar). However, a decreasing trend is observed along the plume length up to 4.5 mm. The electron temperature and electron number density are also determined using a double pulse configuration, and their behavior at fixed energy ratio and different interpulse delays is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report new experimental data on term energies and effective quantum numbers of the odd parity Rydberg states of sodium in the 40687-41408 cm energy range. The experiment was performed using a two-color scheme of three-photon laser excitation in conjunction with a thermionic diode ion detector. The new observation includes much extended nf F (12 ≤ n ≤ 51) series excited from the 3 d D intermediate state. In addition, oscillator strengths of the 3 d D → nf F (16 ≤ n ≤ 45) Rydberg transitions have been determined and a complete picture is presented from n = 4-45 incorporating the present work and earlier computed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present experimental work, laser induced magnesium plasma has been characterized using plasma parameters. The plasma has been generated by the fundamental (1064 nm) and second harmonics (532nm) of Nd:YAG laser. The plasma parameters such as electron temperature and electron number density have been extracted using Boltzmann plot method and Stark broadened line profile, respectively. The laser irradiance dependence and spatial behavior of electron temperature and number density in laser induced magnesium plasma have been studied. The electron temperature as a function of laser irradiance (0.5 to 6.5GW/cm2) ranges from (9.16-10.37)×10³K and (8.5-10.1) ×10³K, and electron number density from (0.99-1.08)×1016cm-3 and (1.04-1.22)×1016cm-3 for 1064 and 532 nm, respectively. These parameters exhibit fast increase at low laser irradiance and slow increase at high irradiance. The spatial distribution of electron temperature and electron number density shows same decreasing trend up to 2.25mm from the target surface. The electron temperature and number density decrease from (9.5-8.6)×10³K, (1.27-1.15)×1016cm-3 and (10.56-8.85) ×10³K, (1.08-0.99)×1016cm-3 for 532nm and 1064 nm laser ablation wavelengths, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop and to validate a Bengali version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index in Bangladesh. The WOMAC was translated into the local language of Bangladesh (Bengali) and adapted in the local sociocultural context, following the standard guidelines by Beaton et al. Content validity of the preliminary Bengali version was assessed by using the index of content validity (ICV) and floor and ceiling effects. Patients were assessed at the Department of Rheumatology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and were diagnosed to have knee OA by American College of Rheumatology criteria and recruited according to the requirements of the validation study. Convergent and divergent validity were measured by comparing with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The questionnaire was readministered to 40 patients within a week for assessing reliability by using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In addition, factor analysis of Bengali WOMAC questionnaire was performed to examine the number of factors influencing a common set of items. A Bengali version was developed with changes in three items to suit local practices. The ICV of the content validity was 1 for all items. The Bengali WOMAC had similar construct validity when compared to the HAQ ( ρ 0.74, n = 70) and SF-36 bodily pain and physical functioning. It had dissimilar construct validity to SF-36 mental health domain except WOMAC pain. Factor analysis revealed five factors with eigenvalues of more than 1.0. Cronbach's alpha and ICC exceeded 0.7 in all domains. In the test-retest reliability testing, Spearman's ρ for all items exceeded 0.4 ( n = 40). This study has demonstrated that the Bengali version of WOMAC is a valid tool for assessing quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis in Bangladesh and is reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of integrated nitrogen management (INM) on saffron yield, corm production, nutrient concentration, crocin content, and soil health were studied in field experiments at the Dryland (Karewa) Agriculture Research Station, Budgam District of Kashmir Himalayas, India, during 2006–2010. The levels of fertilizers applied were 0, 45, and 90 kg ha−1of nitrogen; 0, 30, and 60 t ha−1of farm yard manure (FYM), and 0 and 5 kg ha −1ofAzotobacterin solid form. The greatest yields of 3.64 and 3.51 kg ha−1were observed when nitrogen was applied at 90 kg ha−1and FYM was applied at 60 t ha−1. The increases over the controls (2.31 and 2.45 kg ha−1) were 57.57% and 43.26%, respectively. The maximum corm productions (10.26 and 13.10 t ha−1) were observed with the application of nitrogen at 90 kg ha−1and FYM at 60 t ha−1respectively, with the corresponding increases of 79.62% and 260.97% over their respective controls. Biofertilizer application in the form of viable strain ofAzotobactersignificantly increased the corm production only. The influence of INM on nutrient and crocin content of saffron and soil health was also found to be sustainable over nonapplication of organic and inorganic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective The primary objective of the study was to explore safety and tolerability of hyperimmune caprine serum (AIMSPRO) in established diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc). Secondary objectives included assessment of potential efficacy and biological activity and exploration of candidate biomarkers. Methods This was a double-blind parallel group randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial. After informed consent 20 patients with established diffuse cutaneous SSc of greater than 3 years duration not receiving immunosuppressive therapy were randomised to receive either active (n=10) or placebo formulation (n=10) by subcutaneous twice weekly injection over 26 weeks. Clinical assessments were evaluated over 26 weeks. Results There were no safety concerns during this study. Frequency of adverse events was not different between active and placebo groups. Mean modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) fell by 1.4±4.7 units with active treatment but increased by 2.1±6.4 units on placebo when baseline values were compared with 26 weeks and responder analysis showed clinically meaningful improvement in mRSS at 26 weeks in 5 (50%) of actively treated patients compared with 1 (10%) in the control group (p=0.062). PIIINP (mg/L) showed a comparatively larger increase in the treatment group compared with the placebo group, (p=0.0118). Conclusions These results confirm tolerability and safety of this novel biological agent in established diffuse SSc. The value of a placebo treated control group in small clinical trials evaluating skin disease in SSc is confirmed. Potential improvement in mRSS and changes in PIIINP in cases receiving active therapy suggest that this intervention may be of clinical benefit and warrants further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetic parameters of ceftazidime, a third generation cephalosporin, were investigated in six buffalo calves after single intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg body weight. Ceftazidime concentrations in plasma and urine were determined by microbiological assay. Ceftazidime disposition was best fitted by a two-compartmental and a one-compartmental open model with first-order elimination after IV and IM dosing, respectively. After IV administration, distribution was rapid (t½α = 0.15 ± 0.01 h) with an area under the ceftazidime plasma concentration/time curve (AUC0-∞) of 253.9 ± 7.8 μg/ml.h and a steady state volume of distribution (Vd(ss)) of 0.18 ± 0.01 L.kg-1. The elimination half life (t½β) and total body clearance were 3.4 ± 0.2 h and 39.5 ± 1.2 ml/kg/h, respectively. Following intramuscular administration, the absorption half life (t½ka), peak plasma concentration (Cmax), time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax), AUC0-½ and bioavailability were 0.25 ± 0.04 h, 45.8 ± 2.7 μg/ml, 0.75 h, 207.9 ± 9.9 μg/ml.h and 81.7 ± 5.9%, respectively. Urinary excretion of ceftazidime was less than 55% 36 h post administration. In vitro plasma protein binding of ceftazidime was 13.1 ± 1.1%. To maintain minimum therapeutic concentration of 4 μg/ml, a satisfactory dosage regimen of ceftazidime in buffalo calves would be 9.4 mg/kg to be repeated at 12 h intervals. In conclusion, ceftazidime (10 mg/kg, IM) shows favorable pharmacokinetic behavior in buffalo calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]