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Amphibian hosts from the Samaspur Bird Sanctuary were investigated for the study of helminth parasites. A total of four species of hosts were studied and revealed the infection of five species of helminth parasites. In the study area, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis harboured four species namely, Cosmocerca sp., Rhabdias sp., Ganeo tigrinum and Pleurogenoides gastroporus with prevalence of 0.33% each and intensity of 1.33, 1.66, 0.33 and 2 respectively. While, Duttaphrynus stomaticus was infected by a single species, Cosmocerca kalesari with prevalence of 1%, intensity 4-6 and abundance of 4.66. No infection was found in Polypedates maculatus and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus. This is the first study on the helminth parasites in Amphibian hosts from Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh.

Purpose Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Haematoloechus dehradunensis sp. nov. collected from the lungs of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider 1799) from Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India and reporting first record of H. singaporensis from India. Methods Digeneans were fixed in AFA (alcohol-formalin-acetic acid), stained with Borax's carmine, studied and photomicrographed with a BX53 DIC/BF Olympus research microscope. Molecular studies were done by DNA isolation using Qiagen, DNeasy® Blood and Tissue Kit and PCR amplification using r-DNA ITS-1 marker situated between 18S and 1.58S gene. Results and conclusion The new species is differentiated from other known species of Haematoloechus in having larger oral sucker, kidney-shaped ovary and oval-lobed testes. H. singaporensis collected from E. cyanophlyctis represents a first record for India and a new host record. ITS sequences submitted and compared at NCBI GenBank support the uniqueness of the new species.

The present study was undertaken in the sub-alpine and alpine region of Gangotri valley of Gangotri National Park (GNP) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. Results showed that selected soils were sandy loam (83%) throughout the region. Soil reactions (pH) vary from 5.00 – 6.28 and showed acidic to the slightly neutral condition. The mean soil Nitrogen (N), and Phosphorus (P) content were calculated 0.37 ± 0.02% and 0.35 ± 0.02%. The value of NP first increased and then decreased along the elevation. Nitrogen and Phosphorus values ranged from 0.01-0.73 and 0.13-0.87. The correlation analysis among the different soil parameters showed that Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) was positively correlated with soil moisture(r = 0.661, p = 0.038); Phosphorus (r = 0.794, p = 0.006) and Nitrogen (r = 0.964, p = 0). SOC and soil moisture increases at the middle elevation (3400-3500 m and 3700-3800 m) and further decreases along the elevation. This may be explained as the impact of long term human influence and altering the natural habitat in the form of a camping spot for trekkers at this elevation and presence of mixed forest (subalpine deodar, pine, and birch) at 3400-3500 m elevational range. This baseline information on soil parameters in Gangotri valley may further help in climate change study in the current scenario of global warming in relation with above ground vegetation and underground soil biota to understand the soil food web dynamics.

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Haematoloechus dehradunensis sp. nov. collected from the lungs of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider 1799) from Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India and reporting first record of H. singaporensis from India.Digeneans were fixed in AFA (alcohol-formalin-acetic acid), stained with Borax's carmine, studied and photomicrographed with a BX53 DIC/BF Olympus research microscope. Molecular studies were done by DNA isolation using Qiagen, DNeasy® Blood and Tissue Kit and PCR amplification using r-DNA ITS-1 marker situated between 18S and 1.58S gene.The new species is differentiated from other known species of Haematoloechus in having larger oral sucker, kidney-shaped ovary and oval-lobed testes. H. singaporensis collected from E. cyanophlyctis represents a first record for India and a new host record. ITS sequences submitted and compared at NCBI GenBank support the uniqueness of the new species.

Rhabdias garhwalensissp. nov. from the lungs ofDuttaphrynus himalayanus(Günther, 1864) collected in Kimoi Tehsil, district Tehri Garhwal (Uttarakhand), India is described and illustrated.Rhabdias garhwalensissp. nov. represents the 15th species described from the Oriental zoogeographical zone and the 9th species from India. The new species is differentiated from the closely related Oriental species in having 6 lips, cup–shaped buccal cavity with muscular striations in the posterior region and smaller esophagus to body length ratio. In addition to the new species, a second species,Cosmocercoides bufonisKarve, 1944, was found in the large intestine ofD. himalayanus.

Describe current Dental Public Health [DPH] curricula content and delivery across European dental schools and ascertain views on a core undergraduate curriculum for dental students.Survey of European dental schools, informed by professional and academic literature and European Association for Dental Public Health [EADPH] Special Interest Working Group discussions. Questionnaires were distributed electronically, by post, and via EADPH network members, to the Deans of 252 dental schools in Europe. E-mail reminders were sent to non-responders.European Dental Schools.Around half (n=124, 49%) out of a possible 252 schools responded, all of which reported having some DPH education. Two-thirds reported having a dedicated DPH department. Education was delivered by a variety of staff including those trained in paediatric and preventive dentistry. There were differing degrees of integration within the undergraduate programme and substantial variability in topics, teaching methods and approaches to assessment. Key components of the curriculum supported by respondents were: DPH philosophy and approach, population demography and health, health promotion and disease prevention, health care systems, the dental workforce and planning for health and oral health. Respondents were generally in favour of improving current teaching and shaping a core DPH curriculum for Europe.Amongst those who completed the questionnaire, there was a general agreement on the need for a core Dental Public Health curriculum for European dentists. Given the variation across Europe, increased awareness and prioritisation of the subject is required, facilitated by collaborative support.

Needle stick injuries are a major concern for workers in hospitals, service and hospitality sectors. Current prevention strategies include double/triple gloving reduce flexibility significantly and also do not provide a significant reduction in injuries as desired. Here, we develop a new particle-laden elastomer using colloidal silica (CS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) which when coated onto high-density polyethylene (HDPE) woven fabric shows a remarkable 90% increase in specific penetration resistance force (SPRF) to hypodermic needles as compared to the neat fabric. We show that the resistance to penetration is dependent on the concentration of the hard silica particles and hypothesize that a percolation network of connected particles form upon impact that distributes the load and provides high resistance. We term this phenomenon as elastic jamming. Furthermore, we also show that by adding silicon carbide nanoparticles to CS increases the SPRF to 110% of neat fabric. A two-layer stack of the same treated fabric was able to completely prevent the penetration of a 21 G needle at a speed of 50 cm/min in about one-third of the performed experiments. These results demonstrate that impregnation of textiles with these nanocomposites can be an attractive method for the manufacture of needle stick penetration resistant garments. Keywords: Elastic jamming, Needlestick injury, Nanoparticle laden elastomer, Penetration resistance, Colloidal silica, Silicon carbide

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is very difficult to treat. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of carbamazepine and amitryptyline for reduction of diabetic neuropathic pain. Methodology: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in the department of Neurology including Neuropathy Clinic of BSMMU and in collaboration with department of Endocrinology, BSMMU, Dhaka from January 2012 to December 2013 for a period of two (2) years. Adult diabetic patients presented with neuropathic pain with symmetrical involvement of distal limbs from indoor and outpatient department of Neurology including Neuropathy clinic as well as indoor and outpatient department of Endocrinology, BSMMU were enrolled in the study population. The study population was divided into two groups named as group A and group B. The group A was experimental group. In this group, patients were treated with oral carbamazepine 400mg/day in two divided doses for initial 2 weeks, then 600mg/ day in three divided doses for further 4 weeks. The group B was control group. In this group, patients were treated with oral amitriptyline 25mg/ day at night for initial 2 weeks, then 50mg/day taking at night for further 4 weeks. During trial, three follow ups were taken at 2 weeks interval and encountered the clinical response by pain score (VAS) and the side effects. The first follow up after 2 weeks of treatment; the second follow up was after 4 weeks of treatment and the third follow up was after 6 weeks of treatment. Result: A total number of 110 cases clinically diagnosed as painful diabetic polyneuropathy, then 56 cases randomly selected for Group A and 54 cases randomly selected for Group B. During follow up of 6 weeks, 2 case of Group A developed skin rash for which they discontinued drug. From rest of cases, 2 from Group A and 4 from Group B were dropped out. Because they did not come for follow up. So finally 52 cases for Group A group and 50 cases for Group B group were studied. A total of 102 patients were included in the study. They were divided into four Groups according to their age. The mean age was found 52.17(±10.02) years in Group A and 53.41(±8.82) years in Group B. The mean (±SD) of percent improvement in Group A and Group B were 41.11(±11.29) vs. 31.76(±19.14) (P

Integrated system approach becomes key pillar for sustainable intensification of agri-food systems while ensuring ecological functions under changing climate, diet and demography. The digitization of the agroecosystems become most essential entry point for any sustainable developmental entities whether it is plant genetics for breeding better varieties, crop diversification and intensification, efficient use of farm inputs, agronomic practices, stable economic return, to ecosystem services management. The functional production systems become more important than single commodity production systems. Recent advances in Earth Observation System (EOS), Open-Access (AO), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Information, and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Cloud Computing Platforms (CCP) along with smartphone-enabled Citizen Science (CS) increasingly make Big-Data analytics much smarter, interoperable and much useful than ever before, and create valuable baseline information for decision making. This has opened tremendous opportunities to address the knowledge gaps at multiple levels (e.g., data, yield, ecology, economy, resilience) for demand-driven ecological interventions across the scale (e.g., space, time and package). Ongoing efforts in big-data driven digital augmentation aim at quantifying functional production dynamics and drivers to target site-specific sustainable developmental interventions and scaling the ecological intensification such as intensification of pulses in cereal-based systems (rice fallows), adoption of conservation agriculture, bridging the yield gaps, geo-localization of the research and impact reporting. Here we present some of the ongoing efforts in EOS Big Data for digital augmentation for accelerating agroecological intensification in different agroecologies and regions in the drylands.

ObjectiveGraduate entry medical students’ views of psychiatry may differ from those of school leavers. This study hypothesised that (i) exposure to a psychiatry attachment is associated with a positive change in attitudes towards psychiatry in both graduate entry and non-graduate entry students, (ii) graduate entry students exhibit a more positive attitude to psychiatry compared to non-graduate entry students and (iii) graduate entry students are more interested in a career in psychiatry than non-graduate entry students.MethodsIn this study 247 medical students (118 females and 129 males) completing their psychiatry rotation were invited to complete questionnaires examining career choice, attitudes to psychiatry and career attractiveness for a range of specialties including surgery, medicine, general practice and psychiatry before and after their psychiatry attachment. Questionnaires were distributed prior to commencement of their attachment and redistributed on the final day of the attachment.ResultsOf the 165 participants in the study, 75 students entered medicine via the traditional route (without a primary degree), 49 entered via the graduate entry programme and 41 had a primary degree. Overall, medical students displayed positive attitudes towards psychiatry. However, while there was an improvement in attitudes towards psychiatry and the career attractiveness of psychiatry on completion of the rotation, no differences were found between graduate and non-graduate entry students. Psychiatry and general practice had lower ratings for career attractiveness than other specialities. No significant changes were found in the first and second choice of specialty.ConclusionOur results show that improvements in attitude and career attractiveness do not necessarily correlate with increased choice of psychiatry as a specialty. Graduate entry has been considered a possible opportunity for increasing recruitment in psychiatry but our results suggest that this may not be the case. Follow-up studies are required to determine whether career attractiveness correlates with future career choice.

Rhabdias stomatica sp. nov. from the lungs of Duttaphrynus stomaticus (Lutken, 1864) from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India is described and illustrated. Rhabdias stomatica sp. nov. is the 16th species described from the Oriental biogeographical region and the 8th species from India. The new species is differentiated from the closely related Oriental species in having 4 weakly developed lips, a trapezoidal shaped buccal cavity, different position of nerve ring and in the esophagus/body length ratio. In addition, to the new species found in the lungs, mature specimens of Aplectana macintoshii (Stewart, 1914) Travassos, 1931 and larvae representing two unidentified species of nematode were found in the large intestine of the D. stomaticus.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review outcomes for patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx at a community hospital and to compare our results with the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Treatment records of 46 patients with localized carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx treated from January 1987 through January 2012 were reviewed. Overall, 18 (39%) presented with stage I or II disease, whereas 28 (61%) presented with stage III to IV. In total, 30 patients (65%) were treated using hyperfractionation, whereas 16 (35%) received once-daily fractionation. Twelve patients (26%) received concurrent chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess outcomes. RESULTS The median follow-up for the living patients was 6.7 years (range, 1.7 to 23.1 y). At 5 years, the local-regional control (LRC), ultimate LRC, laryngeal preservation, and overall survival (OS) rates were 70%, 82%, 65%, and 53%, respectively. At 5 years, disease-free survival and cause-specific survival rates were 75% and 76%, respectively. The 5-year OS rates by American Joint Committee on Cancer stage were as follows: I to II, 61%; III, 51%; and IV, 44%. For those receiving concurrent chemotherapy, there was no improvement in 5-year LRC (83% vs. 66%; P=0.4081) or OS (55% vs. 50%; P=0.7697). For those receiving hyperfractionation, there was no improvement in 5-year LRC (75% vs. 63%; P=0.3369) or OS (55% vs. 50%; P=0.4161). CONCLUSIONS Our outcomes are similar to those reported in the literature. Neither hyperfractionation nor chemotherapy appeared to confer a benefit for disease control or OS possibly owing to small sample size and the inherent bias of a retrospective review.

Parapharyngodon tuberculata sp. nov., Thelandros tuberculata sp. nov. and Thelandros dehradunensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from the large intestine of a rock lizard, Laudakia tuberculata Gray, 1827), are described and illustrated. Parapharyngodon tuberculata sp. nov. is the 8th Oriental species and 59th species assigned to the genus Parapharyngodon and differs from other species of the genus by possessing 3 pairs of caudal papillae, an echinate cloacal lip, 112–115 µm spicule length and postbulbar ovary. Thelandros tuberculata sp. nov. is the 5th and Thelandros dehradunensis sp. nov. the 6th Oriental species, respectively, and they are the 40th and 41st species assigned to the genus Thelandros. They differ from other species of the genus in caudal papillae arrangement, length of spicules, and structure of the anterior end of the esophagus. We transfer Para-pharyngodon arequipensis Calisaya and Cordova, 1997 to Thelandros arequipensis (Calisaya and Cordova, 1997) comb. n. based upon the presence of a terminal operculum in the egg and large, pendant, caudal papillae.

Although considerable research has been directed at developing materials for ballistic protection, considerably less has been conducted to address non-firearm threats. Even fewer studies have examined the incorporation of particle-laden elastomers with textiles for spike, knife, and needle protection. We report on a new composite consisting of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric impregnated with nanoparticle-loaded elastomer, specifically designed for spike- and needle-resistant garments. Failure analysis and parametric studies of particle-loading and layer-count were conducted using a mixture of SiC and polyurethane at 0, 30, and 50 wt.%. The maximum penetration resistance force of a single-layer of uncoated fabric increased up to 218&ndash, 229% due to nanoparticle loading. Multiple-layer stacks of coated fabric show up to 57% and 346% improvement in spike puncture and hypodermic needle resistance, respectively, and yet were more flexible and 21&ndash, 55% thinner than a multiple-layer stack of neat fabric (of comparable areal density). We show that oxygen-plasma-treatment of UHMWPE is critical to enable effective coating.

Parapharyngodon jairajpurii n. sp. from the rectum of the yellow-bellied house gecko, Hemidactylus flaviviridis Ruppell, 1835, collected in Dehradun, India, is described, illustrated, and photomicrographed. It represents the eighth species of Parapharyngodon from the Oriental realm and 48th species assigned to the genus. Of the Oriental species, Parapharyngodon jairajpurii n. sp. is most similar to Parapharyngodon adamsoni in that males of both species possess 4 pair of papillae and a smooth anterior cloacal lip, while females of both species possess a stout tail spike, 6 simple lips, and a prebulbar ovary. These two species differ in that males of P. adamsoni have spicules reaching 120 µm in length compared to spicules of P. jairajpurii, which reach 75 µm in length; females of P. adamsoni have smooth egg shells compared to the punctate eggs of P. jairajpurii.

Rhabdias himalayanus n. sp. from the lungs of Duttaphrynus himalayanus and Rhabdias dehradunensis n. sp. from the lungs of Nanorana minica from Dehradun, India are described and figured. Of the 3 previously described Indian species, Rhabdias himalayanus n. sp. is most similar to Rhabdias shortii in having a cylindrical corpus, inflated cuticle, and conical tail; it differs from R. shortii in having greater body measurements, longer esophagus, larger eggs, and a different pattern of cuticle inflation at the vulva and tail region. Rhabdias dehradunensis n. sp. is most similar to Rhabdias bulbicauda in that both possess a swollen posterior end; it differs from R. bulbicauda by having a subterminal anus, a prominent tail, and a postequatorial vulva.

Chabaudus dehradunensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Seuratoidea) from the large intestine of the water skipper, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura, Dicroglossidae), from Dehrandun, India is described and illustrated. Chabaudus dehradunensis sp. nov. is the 6th species assigned to the genus and 1st species reported from India. It is separated from its congeners based upon the number and arrangement of caudal papillae and the length of spicule. Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis is the new host record for the genus Chabaudus.

The present paper reports three species of soil nematodes of the suborder Cephalobina collected from Ladakh region of the Jammu & Kashmir State, India. Two species, Cervidellus vexilliger (de Man, 1880) Thorne, 1937 and Chiloplacus demani (Thorne, 1925) Thorne, 1937 are reported for the first time from India, while, Acrobeloides nanus (de Man, 1880) Anderson 1968 is a first record from Ladakh. The species dealt with here have been adequately described and photomicrographed, with additional notes provided on variations encountered in measurements. The occurrence of these species from trans-Himalayan zone conforms with the zoogeographical pattern of distribution of the invertebrate fauna of the zone which harbours both Palaearctic and Oriental elements.

Helminth parasite fauna in anuran amphibia were investigated during the general faunistic surveys of Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Haryana state. Three species of amphibian hosts were found to harbour 12 genera of helminth parasites. The prevalence, intensity and abundance were studied. Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis harboured maximum parasite species followed by Fejervarya limnocharis and Duttaphrynus melanostictus. In E. cyanophlyctis, among nematode parasites, the genus Camallanus was most prevalent followed by Cosmocerca and Cosmocercoides, whereas, Rhabdias and Aplectana were the least prevalent genera. Among trematode parasites, Ganeo was the most prevalent genus and least was Diplodiscus. Acanthocephalus was recovered only once and no cestode infection was found. In F. limnocharis, the most prevalent nematode genus was Oxysomatium, followed by Cosmocerca and the only trematode recorded was Ganeo, whereas, cestode Proteocephalus was also recovered once. In D. melanostictus, only two nematode genera were recovered of which Oxysomatium was dominant followed by Cosmocerca. The helminth parasite community in anuran amphibia of Kalesar WLS comprised 52.9% of nematodes, 46.2% of trematodes, 0.58% cestodes and 0.29% acanthocephala.

Objectives: To distinguish between three distinct groups of male and transgender sex workers in Pakistan and to demonstrate how members of these stigmatised groups need to be engaged in the research process to go beyond stated norms of behaviour. Methods: A peer ethnography study was undertaken in a major city in Pakistan. 15 male and 15 transgender sex workers were trained as peer researchers to each interview three peers in their network. Analysis was based on interviews with peer researchers as well as observation of dynamics during training and analysis workshops. Results: The research process revealed that, within the epidemiological category of biological males who sell sex, there are three sociologically different sexual identities: khusras (transgender), khotkis (feminised males) and banthas (mainstream male identity). Both khusras and khotkis are organised in strong social structures based on a shared identity. While these networks provide emotional and material support, they also come with rigid group norms based on expected “feminine” behaviours. In everyday reality, sex workers showed fluidity in both behaviour and identity according to the situational context, transgressing both wider societal and group norms. The informal observational component in peer ethnography was crucial for the accurate interpretation of interview data. Participant accounts of behaviour and relationships are shaped by the research contexts including who interviews them, at what stage of familiarity and who may overhear the conversation. Conclusions: To avoid imposing a “false clarity” on categorisation of identity and assumed behaviour, it is necessary to go beyond verbal accounts to document the fluidity of everyday reality.

Obesity is an established risk factor of stroke. Malnutrition in post-stroke period is common and can influence outcome. But malnutrition, though predicted, has not yet been established as a risk factor of stroke. This descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka and Department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College (DMC), from January 2009 to December 2010 to explore whether malnutrition is an independent risk factor of stroke. Nutritional status of 100 stroke patients and 100 healthy controls were assessed in this study. Anthropometric measurements including Body Mass Index (BMI), Triceps skin fold (TSF), Mid-arm circumference (MAC) and Arm-muscle circumference (AMC) were measured within 7 days of stroke. Haemoglobin and haematocrit percentage, serum iron and serum albumin were measured at the same time. No significant difference was observed regarding TSF thickness, MAC, AMC, mean Hb and mean albumin level between the stroke patients and the control group, although iron level was significantly lower in stroke group. Multiple logistic regressions analysis showed that increase in age, smoking and decreased serum iron level has a positive association with stroke. Malnutrition is, according to this study, not a significant risk factor of stroke and triceps skin fold (TSF) thickness, mid-arm circumference (MAC), arm-muscle circumference (AMC), hemoglobin and serum albumin are not appropriate predictor of stroke.

Prosotocus punjabensis sp. nov. (Digenea, Pleurogenidae) from the intestine of the water skipper, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura, Dicroglossidae), from Punjab, India is described and illustrated. Prosotocus punjabensis sp. nov. is the 13th Oriental species assigned to the genus and is separated from its congeners based upon the morphology of the vitellaria and cecal terminations. In addition, E. cyanophlyctis was found to harbour three species of Nematoda, Aplectana macintoshii, Cosmocerca kalesari and an unidentified species assigned to Cosmocerca.

Of 460 interns from five Pakistani teaching hospitals surveyed, only 22% correctly identified the estimated number of new TB cases in Pakistan. The majority (96%) knew that droplet infection was the usual mode of transmission. Only 38% considered sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli as the best test for diagnosis of pulmonary TB and 43.5% for follow-up during TB treatment. The recommended four-drug anti-TB regimen was prescribed by 56.5% in the initiation phase and the recommended two-drug combination in the continuation phase by 52%. Most interns (82%) were unable to identify a single component of directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy. Our study reflects poor awareness of and low compliance to the World Health Organization/National Tuberculosis Programme guidelines among interns. For effective control of TB, immediate action to improve undergraduate and continuing medical education is essential, with special emphasis on national guidelines.

Gorgoderina spinosa sp. nov. (Digenea, Gorgoderidae) from the bladder of the water skipper, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura, Dicroglossidae), from Dehradun, India is described and illustrated. Gorgoderina spinosa is the 6th Indian species assigned to the genus and is separated from its congeners based upon the morphology of vitelline glands and the presence of a spinose integument. Two additional digenean species, Diplodiscus amphichrus and Ganeo tigrinus, and 3 nematode species, Cosmocerca kalesari, Gendria chauhani, and unidentified larvae were found. Diplodiscus amphichrus, Ganeo tigrinus, Cosmocerca kalesari, and Gendria chauhani have previously been reported to infect Indian individuals of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis.

Cosmocercoides himalayanus sp. nov. (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) from the large intestine of Duttaphrynus himalayanus (Amphibia, Anura) from Dehradun, India is described and illustrated. Cosmocercoides himalayanus sp. nov. represents the 21st species assigned to the genus and the 9th species from the Oriental biogeographical region. Cosmocercoides himalayanus sp. nov. differs from the previously described Oriental species in number and position of rosette papillae; it is the only species possessing 24 or more rosette papillae to have 4 postcloacal papillae. In addition, a list of species assigned to Cosmocercoides is provided; however, C. fotedari Arya, 1992 is removed from the genus and until further study is considered a species inquirenda.

Microtechnology is regarded as one of the key technologies of the 21st century that will decisively influence nearly all fields of daily life. The demand for vocational education in this discipline is growing rapidly. This education must be a continuous life long learning process since microtechnology is characterised by frequent improvements of the fabrication processes and facilities. The use of Internet-resources offers new chances in teaching and training, especially for design, production or application of products from high aspect ratio micro-engineering technologies. The present paper reports on the development of a novel concept of interactive Internet-based training entities in the field of High Aspect Ratio Technologies. The training topics are dedicated towards innovative engineering technologies, particularly the LIGA technique, laser-based microtechnologies and microengineering related aspects of precision engineering. This training is addressed to graduate students, design engineers and executives mainly in small and medium sized enterprises. http://www-ttec.rs.uni-siegen.de

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of disease characterized by fibrosis and scarring of the lung while Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a multisystem disorder and both of these diseases are of unknown etiologies. Interstitial lung disease, as a presenting feature of SLE without any significant systemic involvement is a unique presentation and this case reports such example.interstitial lung disease; systemic lupus erythematosus.

Commercial digital multimirror devices offer a cheap and effective alternative to more expensive spatial light modulators for ablation via beam shaping. Here we present femtosecond laser ablation using the digital multimirror device from an Acer C20 Pico Digital Light Projector and show ablation of complex features with feature sizes ranging from sub-wavelength (400 nm) up to ∼30 ̈m. Simulations are presented that have been used to optimize and understand the experimentally observed resolution.

Conference on Laser Applications in Microelectronic and Optoelectronic Manufacturing (LAMOM) XVIII, San Francisco, CA, FEB 04-07, 2013; International audience; The development of organic electronic requires a non contact digital printing process. The European funded e-LIFT project investigated the possibility of using the Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) technique to address this field of applications. This process has been optimized for the deposition of functional organic and inorganic materials in liquid and solid phase, and a set of polymer dynamic release layer (DRL) has been developed to allow a safe transfer of a large range of thin films. Then, some specific applications related to the development of heterogeneous integration in organic electronics have been addressed. We demonstrated the ability of LIFT process to print thin film of organic semiconductor and to realize Organic Thin Film Transistors (OTFT) with mobilities as high as 4 10(-2) cm(2).V-1.s(-1) and I-on/I-off ratio of 2.8 10(5). Polymer Light Emitting Diodes (PLED) have been laser printed by transferring in a single step process a stack of thin films, leading to the fabrication of red, blue green PLEDs with luminance ranging from 145 cd.m(-2) to 540 cd.m(-2). Then, chemical sensors and biosensors have been fabricated by printing polymers and proteins on Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices. The ability of LIFT to transfer several sensing elements on a same device with high resolution allows improving the selectivity of these sensors and biosensors. Gas sensors based on the deposition of semiconducting oxide (SnO2) and biosensors for the detection of herbicides relying on the printing of proteins have also been realized and their performances overcome those of commercial devices. At last, we successfully laser-printed thermoelectric materials and realized microgenerators for energy harvesting applications.

Three new species of batrachotrematid trematodes from the small paa frog, Nanorana minica, collected in Uttarakhand, India are described and illustrated: Batrachotrema korbaensis sp. nov., Opisthioparorchis dehradunensis sp. nov. and Opisthioparorchis nanoranae sp. nov. The new species are assigned to genera based on presence or absence of cuticular spines; absent in Batrachotrema, present in Opisthioparorchis. Five species are assigned to Batrachotrema, which are separated by position of genital pore, location of testes and host; B. korbaensis differs from previously described species in that it is the only species from an anuran host with testes in the 4th quarter of the body. Ten species are assigned to Opisthioparorchis, which are separated by testes position, extent of vitellaria, and oral sucker-acetabulum ratio. O. nanoranae sp. nov. is the only species possessing tandem testes. Two species, O. dehradunensis sp. nov. and O. yaanensis, possess oblique testes, the remaining 7 species have symmetrical testes. Opisthioparorchis dehradunensis sp. nov. is distinguished from O. nanoranae sp. nov. by testes orientation; oblique in O. dehradunensis sp. nov., tandem in O. nanoranae sp. nov.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are very common among the diabetic patients and frozen shoulder is one of the disabling conditions. The present study was conducted to compare the serum triglyceride level among the patients of type 2 diabetic presented with and without frozen shoulder.Methodology: This case control study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2009, in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka with an aim to compare the serum triglyceride level among diabetic patients presented with, and without frozen shoulder. Thirty types 2 diabetic patients with frozen shoulder were selected as cases and similar number well matched type 2 diabetic patients without frozen shoulder were selected as control.Results: We prospectively studied 30 diabetes mellitus (type 2) patients with the diagnosis of frozen shoulder. The blood sugar both fasting and 2 hours after breakfast, HbA1c and serum triglyceride levels were measured in all patients and compared with those in 30 diabetic patients without frozen shoulder. The blood sugar, fasting and 2 hours after breakfast, HbA1C and serum triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in the frozen-shoulder group (fasting blood sugar p = 0.012; blood sugar 2 hours after breakfast p

Pakistan ranks sixth in the world in terms of tuberculosis (TB) burden, with a World Health Organization estimated incidence of 181 per 100000, or 286000 new cases annually. Hospital-based data indicate a significant problem of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in the country and highlight the need to assess its extent at community level. In this cross-sectional study, sputum samples from 742 untreated newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients from all over the country were used.To assess the prevalence of primary drug resistance in Pakistan.Of 672 culture-positive patients, 76 (11.3%) showed resistance to one or more drugs. Resistance to streptomycin (10 microg/ml) was found in 36 (5.4%) patients, isoniazid (INH) (1 microg/ml) in 51 (7.6%), rifampicin (RMP) (5 microg/ml) in 15 (2.2%), ethambutol (10 microg/ml) in 12 (1.8%) and pyrazinamide in 22 (3.3%) samples. Forty-six (6.8%) of the isolates tested were resistant to a single drug, 10 (1.5%) to two drugs, 12 (1.8%) to three drugs, and 6 (0.9%) to four drugs, while 2 (0.3%) isolates were resistant to all five first-line agents. Primary MDR-TB was 1.8% (n=12) (INH 1 microg/ml, RMP 5 microg/ml).The results of this study show a prevalence of primary MDR-TB in Pakistan of2%, which needs to be addressed through an effective DOTS strategy.

A quasi-monochromatic backlighting scheme for the diagnosis of laser-produced plasmas using spherically curved crystals to produce the monochromatic beam is proposed. Comparative flux measurements have been made of a variety of candidate backlighting materials using a spherically bent quartz [10 1 0] crystal as the monochromaticising component. It is demonstrated that very bright quasi-monochromatic beams can be obtained with this crystal in the narrow spectral range 8.43 A ± 0.03 A using L-shell emitters with z = 29–33 or M-shell emitters with z = 64–68.

A novel method of measuring absolute x-ray wavelengths using simultaneous Bragg reflections at two parallel crystal plates of equal atomic spacing is presented. The accuracy of wavelength determination Δλ/λ for this method is discussed and a value of 5 × 10-5is achieved. Absolute wavelengths of L-shell laser-produced spectra of Cu, Ge, As, and Se and M-shell spectra of Gd and Tb have been measured in the wavelength region 7.5-8.5 Å using a quartz (10T0) quasimonolithic crystal blank.

To study the differences in presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis in young adult and elderly patients.A prospective study was conducted between December 1999 to May 2000, which included all the patients presenting with pulmonary tuberculosis at the Department of Thoracic Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi.There were 67 young adult (mean age 30.63 yrs) and 36 elderly patients (mean age 65.92 yrs) with pulmonary tuberculosis. The difference in presentation of two groups were analyzed for statistical difference. Chi-square test was used for testing difference of percentage. The students t-test was used for testing difference of mean. The P0.05 level of significance was adopted.The elderly patients were more likely to have dyspnoea (73% vs 23.9% P0.001) and non-specific symptoms (62.2% vs 17.9% P0.001) but less haemoptysis (21.6% vs 46.3% P0.01). The chest radiograph in elderly patients more commonly had extensive bilateral infiltration (32.4% vs 14.9% P0.03) and lower zone infiltration (37.8% vs 3% P0.001).The result of our study suggests that elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were more likely to present with dyspnoea, non-specific symptoms and atypical radiographic appearance.

High-resolution micromachining of a range of materials (polymers, fused silica, silicon, diamond) has been investigated using both short wavelength (157 nm, F/sub 2/) and short (100 fsec, Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/) pulse laser radiation. Results using the two sources are compared.

To assess the efficacy of Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-pap), administered by nasal mask in patients with acute respiratory failure due to acute exacerbation of COPD.Prospective non-randomized study in a hospital setting.Eighteen patients were recruited from those admitted in the Chest Unit of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi with acute exacerbation of COPD. Along with conventional treatment, Bi-pap was administered by a nasal mask. Arterial blood gas analysis, respiratory and heart rate and subjective sensation of dyspnoea, before and during Bi-pap application were monitored.The respiratory rate decreased from 33.2 +/- 5.3/min to 22.0 +/- 3.5 (P0.001), heart rate also decreased from 113.2 +/- 7.6/min to 90.2 +/- 11.9 (P0.001). A rise in pH was observed from 7.2 +/- 0.09 to 7.4 +/- 0.06 (P0.41 n.s.), PaCO2 decreased from 76.5 +/- 15.5 to 51.3 +/- 10.5 (P0.001). PaO2 also increased from 52.1 +/- 14.3 to 62.9 +/- 11.5 (P0.01). The mean hospital stay was shorter i.e., 10.6 +/- 5.6 days and the hospital mortality rate 11.1%. Bi-pap administered by nasal mask was generally well tolerated with few minor complications.Bi-pap is particularly useful in patients presenting with acute respiratory failure due to acute exacerbation of COPD particularly in our setting where invasive ventilation is not easily available.

To estimate the proportion of smokers among passengers of air-conditioned (A/C) coaches running between Karachi and Hyderabad. Pakistan.A cross-sectional survey was done on passengers and staff members of 20 air-conditioned coaches.Of 847 passengers interviewed, 17.3% were smokers and 11.7% passengers smoked during travel while rest of them remained passive smokers. Out of 147 smokers 91.2% were literate persons. Among staff members 59.3% were smokers. Approximately 56% of smokers among passengers were in the age range of 14-40 years. In 95% of A/C coaches there were no anti-smoking warning signs or written words present.In this study majority of smokers were literate, so inter-personal communication and counseling may change the smoking behavior. Ministry of Health should disseminate educational messages regarding hazards of passive smoking among commuters of AC coaches and above all proper implementation of legislation for smoking at public places especially in transport.

A Phase I study of squalamine, a novel antiangiogenic agent originally isolated from the dogfish shark Squalus acanthias, was conducted in patients with advanced cancers to: (a) determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and pharmacokinetics of squalamine lactate when given as a 120-h continuous i.v. infusion every two weeks; and (b) to obtain information on prolonged (120-h) continuous i.v. infusions in patients who have tolerated 120-h infusions.A rapid dose escalation scheme was used that permitted intrapatient dose escalation. Three or more patients were treated at each dose, of which at least one patient started treatment de novo at that dose. Once DLT was encountered, the dose was decreased by one dose level, and the duration of infusion was prolonged from 10 up to 30 days in 5-day increments.Nineteen patients were treated at eight squalamine dose levels; the number of patients/dose level who received 120-h infusions were [expressed as dose in mg/m(2)/day (number of patients initiated de novo at that dose/total number of patients treated at that dose)]: 6 (3/3), 12 (3/6), 24 (1/5), 48 (2/6), 96 (4/10), 192 (2/6), 384 (3/8), and 538 (1/5). DLT was encountered at 384 mg/m(2)/day (1/3 de novo patients, 5/8 total patients) and 538 mg/m(2)/day (1/1 de novo patients, 4/5 total patients) and consisted of hepatotoxicity, characterized by grade 3 transaminase elevations that resolved 3-11 days after ceasing squalamine infusion. Three patients did not experience hepatotoxicity when first treated at 384 mg/m(2)/day but developed DLT at the same dose when de-escalated from 538 mg/m(2)/day. Other toxicities included grade 1-3 fatigue, grade 1-2 nausea, anorexia, and neuromuscular symptoms. The maximum duration of continuous i.v. infusion was 20 days at a dose rate of 192 mg/m(2)/day in one patient without adverse effects. Pharmacokinetic calculations revealed a linear relationship between area under the curve or Cmax and squalamine dose rate up to 384 mg/m(2)/day, with a prolonged terminal squalamine persistence in patient plasma (median t(1/2) = 18 h; range, 8-48 h). Transient tumor responses were observed in a patient with synovial cell sarcoma and a patient with breast carcinoma with cutaneous metastases.The best tolerated dose rate of squalamine when administered as a 120-h continuous i.v. infusion was 192 mg/m(2)/day; however, patients without prior exposure to squalamine appeared to tolerate a dose rate of 384 mg/m(2)/day without DLT. On the basis of preclinical evidence of synergy with cytotoxic agents and demonstration of human safety from this trial, additional clinical trials have been initiated with squalamine in combination with chemotherapy for patients with late stage lung cancer and ovarian cancer.

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices pertaining to tuberculosis (TB) amongst family physicians.A questionnaire-based study in which 150 family physicians were interviewed.Of the family physicians 21.3% considered that TB is not a serious problem; 29% did not advise BCG vaccination as they considered that BCG vaccination has adverse side effects and limited usefulness. Only 38% depended on sputum analysis for diagnosis and 39% were prescribing four drug regimen for newly diagnosed TB patients. Majority of family physicians were prescribing the drugs that are classified currently as non-recommendable. Only 7.3% were able to write down the correct contents and quantity of tablets of what they were prescribing.There are many misunderstandings about the transmission of tuberculosis and BCG vaccinations. Method of diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of treatment by and large is not satisfactory.