Trends and prospects of geothermal energy as an alternative source of power: A comprehensive review.

The world has capitalized on numerous renewable energy resources by developing its energy infrastructure mainly around solar, biomass, and hydro energy. However, geothermal energy has not yet been developed at a significant scale, despite reports from 62 wells showing evidence of geothermal gradients ranging from 20.8 °C/km to 48.7 °C/km in various areas of the world. Recent studies suggest that Bangladesh also has a huge potential for geothermal energy. This review extensively reports on exploiting the range of geothermal temperature in various direct and indirect energy application sectors including but not limited to the agriculture and industrial sector of Bangladesh. Additionally, the authors have analyzed and proposed adaptable measures to harness the abundance of geothermal energy. Furthermore, a comparative and possible solution has been discussed extensively for implementing a geothermal powerplant by analyzing techno-economic costs, policies, and systems of other countries in the world. Further, this review also shows the prospect of geothermal energy for Bangladesh as a case study.

Prognostic value of bone marrow MUC4 expression in acute myeloid leukaemia.

Background: Aberrant expression of mucin-4 (MUC4) is present in a variety of solid cancers, but the expression pattern of MUC4 and its clinical relevance in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the expression level of MUC4 and explore its prognostic value in newly diagnosed adult patients with AML. Methods: Bone marrow from 70 AML patients and 26 healthy donors was obtained. MUC4 levels were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. Routine blood indices were measured by standard techniques. Results: Bone marrow MUC4 expression levels were significantly elevated in AML patients compared to controls at median (range) 2.77 (0.7-16.6) and 1.14 (0.5-1.99) respectively (p = 0.005). Moreover, lower MUC4 expression was strongly associated with persistent remission (p = 0.001) while higher MUC4 levels were associated with worse overall as well as disease-free survival (p = 0.011 and p = 0.006, respectively). Thus, its level may act as an indicator of disease progression. High MUC4 expression was identified as an independent prognostic predictor for both overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion: MUC4 over-expression is an independent predictor of a poor prognosis in AML patients.

Effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity in individuals with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) often do not meet recommended guidelines for physical activity. The aim of this study was to systematically review available evidence that evaluated the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity in individuals with ID. METHOD: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception of the database to July 2017 to identify randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of interventions to improve physical activity among people with ID. Trials were included if they measured at least one objective measure of physical activity. Quality appraisal was completed by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The magnitude of treatment effect was estimated for each intervention by calculating the standardised mean difference (SMD) and associated 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Nine randomised controlled trials (976 participants, 501 women, age range 9 months to 83 years) were included. Four trials evaluated unimodal interventions and five trials evaluated multimodal health promotion programmes based on using supportive environments to enable sustained behavioural changes in physical activity. None of the trials were rated as low risk of bias as all had at least one item on the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool that was considered to be high risk. No trials were able to implement participant blinding. Three trials found statistically significant beneficial effects of interventions for increasing physical activity. Results showed that a 10-week progressive resistance training programme led to maintenance of physical activity levels at 24 weeks in adolescents with Down syndrome (SMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.40). Additionally, a 12- to 16-month multicomponent diet and physical activity programme produced improvement in physical activity at programme completion in adults with ID (reported effect size of 0.29). Finally, an 8-month physical activity and fitness programme increased physical activity at 8 months in adults with ID (SMD 0.91, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.60). Findings regarding other interventions were inconclusive with small effects that were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: There is inconsistent evidence of the effects of interventions for improving physical activity levels in individuals with ID. A progressive resistance training programme was found to maintain physical activity levels in adolescents with Down syndrome, while a multicomponent diet and physical activity programme and a physical activity and fitness programme were found to improve physical activity levels in adults with ID. Future trials using rigorous research designs are required to confirm these findings and establish whether other interventions designed to increase physical activity in people with ID are effective.

Comparative study of precise measurements of natural radionuclides and radiation dose using in-situ and laboratory γ-ray spectroscopy techniques.

In this study, in-situ and laboratory γ-ray spectroscopy techniques were compared to evaluate the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in soil. The activity concentrations of 238U (226Ra), 232Th, and 40K in the soil in 11 sites were simultaneously measured with in-situ portable HPGe and the NaI(Tl) detectors. In parallel, 55 soil samples collected from these sites were analyzed with a laboratory γ-ray spectroscopy technique (HPGe). A strong correlation was observed between the in-situ and laboratory HPGe techniques with a linear correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99 for 226Ra and 232Th and 0.975 for 40K, respectively. The in-situ HPGe technique shows a strong correlation with the NaI(Tl) detector. γ-Rays cps of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K of the NaI (Tl) detector were then converted to specific activities (Bq kg-1 unit) in soil using the empirical formulas obtained in this study. The absorbed dose rate in air at 1 m height above ground due to these radionuclides was calculated using the Beck's formula and the results were compared with measured values obtained with an high pressure ionization chamber. The results of the calculated and measured dose rate show a strong correlation of R2 = 0.96. The reliability and precision of analytical spectroscopy techniques of radioactivity and radiation dose were confirmed in this work.

Undergraduate dental students' perceptions of head and neck anatomy teaching in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Most Australian universities have abbreviated the anatomy curriculum and modified its mode of delivery. This study examines dental student perceptions of different methods of head and neck anatomy teaching with respect to the adequacy of allocated time and the relative meaningfulness of the teaching methods. METHODS: All second-year students in the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences at Charles Sturt University (CSU) were invited to complete a matrix-grid questionnaire. Participants were asked to score four methods of teaching (lectures, study of prosected materials, tutorials and quizzes) using a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire included questions about the time adequacy for anatomy lectures, tutorials and laboratory study, and the potential value of learning anatomy through the study of prosected materials. SPSS (Version 21.0) was used to analyse the data, and statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Seventy-two students (79.5%) responded to the survey. Overall, learning anatomy through the study of prosected materials was the single highest scored method, followed by lectures, tutorials and quizzes. Graduate entrants felt that not enough time was devoted to learning anatomy through the study of prosected materials, compared with school leavers (89.4% and 10.6%, respectively), having one extra session of learning in the anatomy laboratory (71.4% and 28.6%, respectively) and adding dissection (75.0% and 25.0%, respectively) would be helpful. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that dental students perceive the study of prosected materials in the wet laboratory as the most valuable method of learning anatomy, but an extended anatomy curriculum would be even more effective and appreciated.

A comparative study of thorium activity in NORM and high background radiation area.

Several industrial processes are known to enrich naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). To assess such processes with respect to their radiological relevance, characteristic parameters describing this enrichment will lead to interesting information useful to UNSCEAR. In case of mineral treatment plants, the high temperatures used in smelting and refining processes lead to high concentrations of (238)U and (232)Th. Also due to thermal power combustion, concentration of U and Th in the fly ash increases manifold. NORM samples were collected from a Thailand mineral treatment plant and Philippine coal-fired thermal power plants for investigation. Some studies are initiated from a high background radiation area near Gopalpur of Orissa state in India. These NORM samples were analysed by gamma-ray spectrometry as well as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The radioactivity in case of Orissa soil samples is found to be mainly contributed from thorium. This study attempts to evaluate levels of thorium activity in NORM samples.

International intercomparisons of integrating radon/thoron detectors with the NIRS radon/thoron chambers.

Intercomparisons of radon/thoron detectors play an important role not only for domestic radon/thoron survey but also for international or interregional discussion about radon/thoron mapping in dwellings as well as that in the soil. For these purposes, it is necessary to improve and standardise technical methods of measurement and to verify quality assurance by intercomparisons between laboratories. Therefore, the first thoron international intercomparison was provided at the NIRS (National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Japan) thoron chamber with a 150 dm(3) inner volume. In addition, a second intercomparison of radon detectors was conducted at NIRS with a 24.4 m(3) inner volume walk-in radon chamber. Only etched-track detectors were used during thoron intercomparison as well as three types for the radon intercomparison: etched-track, charcoal and electret. In general, 45 % results for thoron experiment do not differ more than 20 % from the reference value of thoron concentration and 69 % for radon.

Evaluation of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in Egypt. Part 1: client satisfaction.

HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services were launched in Egypt in 2005. A study of all functioning VCT centres in Egypt (7 mobile and 9 fixed) aimed to determine the profile of clients and their level of satisfaction to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service. In direct interviews with a sample of 928 clients, the main motive for seeking VCT was risky sexual behaviour (34.2%). More females than males sought services because of partners' risky sexual behaviour. More than 90% of the clients were satisfied with the counselling service. Only 41.4% were willing to discuss the test results with their partners. Male sex, higher education level and attendance at fixed VCT centres were associated with higher satisfaction.

Evaluation of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in Egypt. Part 2: service providers' satisfaction.

Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services are major components of HIV prevention and treatment efforts. A study in Egypt aimed to determine the satisfaction of service providers at VCTs to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service. Direct interviews with all 50 VCT team members and focus group discussions with 16 counsellors showed that the majority believed that they had received enough training (90%), but still 66% wanted further training. Only 50% reported receiving sufficient incentives. Problems that were highlighted included absence of a fixed job description, lack ofadministrative support, unclear working rules and regulations and lack of proper community awareness. Counsellors expressed the need for improving working environment to ensure privacy and confidentiality.

Evaluation of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in Egypt. Part 2: service providers' satisfaction

Voluntary counselling and testing [VCT] services are major components of HIV prevention and treatment efforts. A study in Egypt aimed to determine the satisfaction of service providers at VCTs to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service. Direct interviews with all 50 VCT team members and focus group discussions with 16 counsellors showed that the majority believed that they had received enough training [90%], but still 66% wanted further training. Only 50% reported receiving sufficient incentives. Problems that were highlighted included absence of a fixed job description, lack of administrative support, unclear working rules and regulations and lack of proper community awareness. Counsellors expressed the need for improving working environment to ensure privacy and confidentiality

Evaluation of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in Egypt. Part 1: client satisfaction

HIV voluntary counselling and testing [VCT] services were launched in Egypt in 2005. A study of all functioning VCT centres in Egypt [7 mobile and 9 fixed] aimed to determine the profile of clients and their level of satisfaction to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service. In direct interviews with a sample of 928 clients, the main motive for seeking VCT was risky sexual behaviour [34.2%]. More females than males sought services because of partners' risky sexual behaviour. More than 90% of the clients were satisfied with the counselling service. Only 41.4% were willing to discuss the test results with their partners. Male sex, higher education level and attendance at fixed VCT centres were associated with higher satisfaction

Needs assessment and coping strategies of persons infected with HIV in Egypt.

The aims of this study were to identify the psychosocial and health care needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and to determine their coping strategies. The study was conducted in 3 governorates of Egypt on 153 people infected with HIV. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The majority of the people had been forced to change the pattern of their sexual behaviour. Fear of stigmatization and feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and depression were frequently reported, resulting in a negative psychosocial impact on the infected person. Decreasing stigma and providing psycho-social support would help people living with HIV/AIDS to utilize effective ways of coping with the negative sequelae of the infection.

Needs assessment and coping strategies of persons infected with HIV in Egypt

The aims of this study were to identify the psychosocial and health care needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and to determine their coping strategies. The study was conducted in 3 governorates of Egypt on 153 people infected with HIV. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The majority of the people had been forced to change the pattern of their sexual behaviour. Fear of stigmatization and feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and depression were frequently reported, resulting in a negative psychosocial impact on the infected person. Decreasing stigma and providing psycho-social support would help people living with HIV/AIDS to utilize effective ways of coping with the negative sequelae of the infection

Association between experience of stressful life events and muscle-related temporomandibular disorders in patients seeking free treatment in a dental hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Psychological factors are known to play an important role in the etiology and maintenance of temporomandibular disorders. Since there have been very few studies on this issue in Asian countries, the study was aimed to investigate the relationship between various stressful life events and temporomandibular disorders in patients seeking free treatment in a Dental Hospital, Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and twenty Bangladeshi adults (370 males and 150 females; mean age, 30.9 +/- 8.2 years) participated in this study. The subjects were given a questionnaire to evaluate their stress status in the last 12 months. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) was used as TMD diagnostic system by three standardized examiners. Two hundred and thirty-six patients were RDC/TMD-defined TMD-positive and were subsequently classified into 7 groups: group I, myofacial pain only; group II, disk displacement only; group III, joint pain only; group IV, myofacial pain and disc displacement; group V, myofacial pain and joint pain; group VI, disc displacement and joint pain; and group VII, myofacial pain, disk displacement and joint pain. Two hundred and eighty-four subjects were RDC/TMD-defined TMD-negative subjects (controls). Adjusted odds ratios were calculated by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients diagnosed with myofacial pain (group I) and a combination of myofacial and joint pain (group V) had significantly higher levels of financial and job stress than did the controls. Self-health-related stress and stress related to a spouse or deaths of a relative were also identified as predisposing factors for myofacial pain (group I). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that myofacial pain is more common in individuals with various types of psychological stress. When treating patients with facial pain, dentists should consider the possible presence of psychological factors.

Risk perception and precautions taken by health care workers for HIV infection in haemodialysis units in Egypt.

A cross-sectional study was made in 32 haemodialysis units in the the Nile delta, Egypt to evaluate knowledge and practices towards risk of HIV infection by 317 health care workers. Exposure to needle-stick injury was reported by 48.6% in the previous year. Significantly more workers in government units than in private units had good knowledge of bloodborne infections, universal blood precautions and safe disposal of contaminated items, and recognized asymptomatic HIV patients as a risk. Previous training, but not years of experience, influenced knowledge. Despite good knowledge, the performance of health workers was poor for universal blood precautions, and was worse in private haemodialysis units.

Naphthaquinones of Alkanna Orientalis (L.) Boiss

The roots of Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss yielded a- methyl-n-butyl alkannin (compound 1) and alkannin acetate (compound 2). The compounds were identified by UV; MS; 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Quantitative determination of a- methyl-n-butyl alkannin and alkannin acetate in Alkanna orientalis (L) Boiss roots was established by TLC densitometry

Risk perception and precautions taken by health care workers for HIV infection in haemodialysis units in Egypt

A cross - sectional study was made in 32 haemodialysis units in the Nile delta, Egypt to evaluate knowledge and practices towards risk of HIV infection by 317 health care workers. Exposure to injury was reported by 48.6% in the previous year. Significantly more workers in government units needle-stick than in private units had good knowledge of bloodborne infections, universal blood precautions and safe disposal of contaminated items, and recognized asymptomatic HIV patients as a risk. Previous training, but not years of experience, influenced knowledge. Despite good knowledge, the performance of health workers was poor for universal blood precautions, and was worse in private haemodialysis units

Changes of antioxidants levels in two maize lines following atrazine treatments.

Growth and antioxidants levels of shoot of 10-d-old maize lines (Zea mays L. Hybrid 351 and Giza 2) differentially responded to atrazine treatment at the recommended field dose (RFD) during the following 20 d. Atrazine significantly reduced shoot fresh and dry weights but significantly accumulated H(2)O(2), lipid peroxides and carbonyl groups in Giza 2 during the whole experiment; an effect that prolonged with either elapse of time or increasing the herbicide dose. Meanwhile, ascorbic acid (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were significantly decreased along with significant inhibitions in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.7), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.7), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18). Similar responses were observed in Hybrid 351 only during the first 12 d, and seemed to be overcome thereafter. These findings indicate an induced oxidative stress in maize following atrazine treatments. Such state appeared to be counterbalanced in Hybrid 351 but continued in Giza 2 concluding Giza 2 as more susceptible to atrazine than Hybrid 351. Therefore, the differential susceptibility of Giza 2 to atrazine is related to deficiency in antioxidant levels.

Association of dietary habits with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in Bangladeshi adolescents.

The prevalences of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in Bangladeshi adolescents and their associations with intake of various hard food items were investigated. A group of 1200 randomly selected high school students aged 12-17 years from three communities (rural, semi-urban and urban) completed a questionnaire on dietary habits and presence of TMD symptoms and were examined clinically. In bivariate analysis, no significant relationship was observed between TMD symptoms and eating of hard foods. However, in logistic regression analysis, clicking showed a significant correlation with consumption of hard vegetable and fruits more than three times per week (P < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was also observed between consumption of all hard food items (at least one item in each of the four categories of hard food) more than 12 times per week and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (P < 0.05). A positive association was found between pain in the TMJ and older age (15-17 years) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of pain in the TMJ was significantly higher in males (P < 0.01). Prevalences of clicking and pain in the TMJ were significantly higher in subjects living in a rural area than in subjects living in an urban area (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Subjects having one or more decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) showed significantly higher prevalences of clicking (P < 0.01) and restricted mouth opening (P < 0.01). The results suggest that prevalence of TMD symptoms are related to prolonged consumption of hard food items.

Quinolizidine alkaloids from Sophora alopecuroides.

A new matrine-type alkaloid, 7alpha-hydroxysophoramine (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Sophora alopecuroides together with eight known alkaloids, 12beta-hydroxysophocarpine (2), sophoramine (3), 14beta-hydroxymatrine, matrine, sophoridine, sophocarpine, adenocarpine, and baptifoline. The structures of compounds 1-3 were confirmed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.