bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transição florestal e modernização ecológica: a eucaliptocultura para além do bem e do mal
Authors: Farinaci Juliana Sampaio , Ferreira Leila da Costa , Batistella Mateus
Published: August 2013

Neste artigo, o caso da eucaliptocultura é usado para explorar as possibilidades analíticas da modernização ecológica para as discussões sobre transição florestal. São abordadas as problemáticas da inclusão de monoculturas florestais no cômputo da transição e da influência indireta que essas monoculturas podem exercer na recuperação da cobertura florestal nativa. São analisados aspectos gerais sobre o tema, bem como um estudo de caso em São Luiz do Paraitinga, SP. Argumenta-se que as monoculturas florestais não deveriam ser incluídas no cômputo da transição, porém tampouco deveriam ser ignoradas nas discussões sobre conservação e recuperação florestal. O estudo de caso mostra o papel desempenhado pela pressão da sociedade, não apenas com suas decisões como consumidores, mas principalmente de uma articulação política para construir instrumentos jurídicos.
Contaminação por chumbo em Santo Amaro desafia décadas de pesquisas e a morosidade do poder público
Authors: Andrade Maiza Ferreira de , Moraes Luiz Roberto Santos
Published: August 2013

A contaminação por chumbo em Santo Amaro (BA) é estudada há quase 40 anos, desde as evidências encontradas no Rio Subaé e em amostras de sangue de trabalhadores da Companhia Brasileira de Chumbo (Cobrac), e de urina e cabelo de pescadores. A persistência da contaminação continua motivando novas pesquisas, mesmo após 20 anos do fechamento da Cobrac, o que evidencia a falta de políticas públicas para afastar o risco de contaminação da população exposta, principalmente crianças e mulheres adultas. Este artigo apresenta uma análise cronológica e crítica da produção científica sobre o caso, e discute a pouca participação das Ciências Sociais na discussão, assim como a necessidade de inclusão dos afetados, baseada na perspectiva da ampliação da comunidade de pares (FUNTOWICZ; RAVETZ, 1997). A partir da percepção de que as pesquisas não retornaram à comunidade (DI GIULIO, 2010), constatou-se em levantamento bibliográfico nas bibliotecas que apenas 6,45% da produção científica estavam disponíveis.
As bases plurais da confiança alimentar nos produtos orgânicos: da certificação ao 'teste da minhoca'
Authors: Truninger Monica
Published: August 2013

Os estudos sociais da confiança são extensos e multidisciplinares e partem, geralmente, de uma premissa que aporta a confiança nas relações sociais. O material empírico analisado neste artigo - trinta entrevistas em profundidade com consumidores de produtos orgânicos na cidade de Lisboa - dá conta de dois tipos de confiança ('desenraizada' e 'enraizada'), explorando um terceiro tipo: a confiança nos orgânicos através de 'testes' sensoriais cotidianos. O comportamento metabólico dos alimentos bem como a ausência ou presença de minhocas, lagartas e respectivos rastos (e.g. buracos deixados na fruta e verduras), aqui alusivamente apelidados de 'testes da minhoca', são relevantes bases de confiança. Levanta-se a hipótese de a confiança ser entendida como um fenômeno que emerge das relações entre entidades humanas e não humanas. Defende-se uma noção de confiança que é ontologicamente relacional e informada por perspectivas não-humanistas, e que se manifesta de formas variadas no cotidiano.
Exercícios de trato vocal semiocluído: revisão de literatura
Authors: Cielo Carla Aparecida , Lima Joziane Padilha de Moraes , Christmann Mara Keli , Brum Ricardo
Published: August 2013

Este trabalho tem como tema os exercícios de trato vocal semiocluído (ETVSO) e procura sintetizar e organizar, por meio de revisão de literatura, informações sobre noções físicas e de anatomofisiologia subjacentes aos ETVSO e seus diferentes tipos, com descrição, aplicabilidades clínicas, restrições, tempo de realização, efeitos e eficácia. Os ETVSO são realizados com alguma oclusão no trato vocal que modifica a impedância acústica e gera ressonância retroflexa, afastando as pregas vocais na vibração, reduzindo os riscos de trauma e equilibrando as pressões sub e supraglótica, com economia vocal; tipos: vibração de lábios e de língua, sons fricativos, /b/ prolongado, humming, firmeza glótica, constrição labial e fonação em tubos; são utilizados em distúrbios vocais, incluindo a hipernasalidade, no aquecimento e aperfeiçoamento vocal; a fonação com tubo imerso a 15cm em água somente deve ser utilizada em disfonias hipocinéticas; não há definição científica quanto ao tempo de execução; os efeitos positivos gerados são a melhora da propriocepção, dos aspectos vocais perceptivo-auditivos e acústicos e mudanças no trato vocal; os estudos realizados com ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada verificaram modificações no trato vocal após a técnica de fonação em tubos, tais como área central mais alargada, firme fechamento do esfíncter velofaríngeo, diminuição da região do esfíncter velofaríngeo, epiglote em posição vertical, língua mais elevada posteriormente, expansão das áreas transversais da orofaringe e da cavidade oral; não foram encontrados estudos sobre eficácia dos ETVSO.
Associações sociotécnicas e práticas de gestão em desenvolvimento: analisando rastros por entre o traçado do P1MC
Authors: Andrade Jackeline Amantino de , Cordeiro Neto José Raimundo , Valadão José de Arimatéia Dias
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir um entendimento alternativo da gestão do desenvolvimento a partir do desdobramento de práticas vinculadas às denominadas tecnologias sociais, indicando possíveis inovações para o desenvolvimento neste século. Neste sentido, são abordadas concepções de desenvolvimento e suas implicações no que diz respeito à tecnologia, criticando-se uma compreensão sobre sua neutralidade, mesmo quando se trata de tecnologias apropriadas em experiências "alternativas de desenvolvimento", sendo salientada a teoria do ator-rede como saída conceitual da tensão paralisante entre determinismo econômico e social. Para tanto, é apresentado um estudo de caso que, ao adotar os pressupostos metodológicos da TAR - agnosticismo, simetria generalizada e livre associação- -, para analisar o desenrolar dos momentos de translação do programa Um Milhão de Cisternas Rurais, implantado na região do semiárido brasileiro, identificando-se uma trajetória tecnológica em que a criatividade cultural e morfogênese social do verdadeiro desenvolvimento, nos termos de Furtado (1974; 1982), se destacam e cujas repercussões são diferenciadas daquelas tradicionais aos projetos da gestão do desenvolvimento. Finalmente, as considerações finais destacam essas trajetórias como constituintes de gestões em desenvolvimento, fundamentadas em um caráter múltiplo que é revelado pela translação naquilo que construções sociotécnicas podem praticamente concretizar.
Gestões do desenvolvimento e desenvolvimentos da gestão: da unilateralidade reificada à dialogicidade da simbiose homem/natureza
Authors: Justen Carlos Eduardo , Moretto Neto Luís
Published: August 2013

Este artigo, ao situar culturalmente os fenômenos da gestão e do desenvolvimento, em sua concepção tradicional, no projeto da modernidade e ao identificar o predomínio da unilateralidade reificada na interface entre gestão e desenvolvimento - a primeira vista como instrumento técnico submisso à via clássica do segundo - almeja evidenciar as potencialidades da compreensão e da construção de alternativas, tanto para a gestão como para o desenvolvimento, a partir da ressignificação dessa interface. Para tanto, o esforço foi direcionado ao resgate do que é comum aos fenômenos da gestão e do desenvolvimento - os substratos antropológico e ecológico -, nucleados nos princípios da reciprocidade dialógica, concretizadora da condição antropológica, e da finitude, caracterizadora da condição ecológica. Ao final, são apresentadas oito potenciais contribuições advindas da exploração renovada da interface entre a gestão e o desenvolvimento. Propôs-se, ainda, a substituição da lógica instrumental da eficiência financeira, comum à concepção tradicional dos fenômenos estudados, pela lógica da simbiose dialógica homem/natureza, uma vez que, como fenômenos sociais, desenvolvimento e gestão, mediados pelo meio, também são ecológicos em sua essência.
Factors Influencing the Field Germination of Forage Kochia
Authors: Creech Cody F. , Waldron Blair L. , Ransom Corey V. , ZoBell Dale R. , Creech J. Earl
Published: August 2013

Forage kochia (Bassia prostrata) is a drought and salt tolerant perennial, semi‐shrub that has proven to be valuable forage in the western United States, but can be difficult to reliably establish. This study evaluated the effects that forage kochia entry (accession and seed lot combinations) and planting date have on forage kochia seed germination in the field. Evaluated were recently harvested and cold‐stored, year‐old seed from one accession each of Bassia prostrata subspecies virescens and grisea. Planting was simulated by placing seed packets at ground level, at two Utah locations, once each month mid‐January through mid‐April. Subsequently, seed packets were retrieved every 15 d until 75 d after planting (DAP) to determine the amount of seed that had germinated. Forage kochia germination was affected (P < 0.05) by the accession and seed lot combination and planting date. At 45 DAP, when germination was at or near maximum, recently harvested seed of subspecies grisea had field germination of 84, 96, 80, and 28% compared with virescens germination of 59, 55, 27, and 14% for planting dates in January, February, March, and April, respectively. Year‐old seed of both subspecies had much lower field germination of 13, 14, 10, and 7% for grisea and 6, 9, 0, and 0% for virescens during the same planting dates of January through April. These results confirm that seeding in January or February using recently harvested seed of subspecies grisea promotes forage kochia germination and increases the likelihood of successful stand establishment.
Genetic Variation in Salt Tolerance during Seed Germination in a Backcross Inbred Line Population and Advanced Breeding Lines Derived from Upland Cotton × Pima Cotton
Authors: Tiwari Rashmi Sharma , Picchioni Geno A. , Steiner Robert L. , Hughs Sidney E. , Jones Don C. , Zhang Jinfa
Published: August 2013

Seed germination is a crucial phase of the plant life cycle that affects its establishment and productivity. However, information on salt tolerance at this phase is limited. Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) may be more salt tolerant during germination than Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) based on its evolutionary and breeding history. The objective of this study was to evaluate germination salt tolerance of introgressed lines derived from hybrids between the two species under standard controlled conditions. A backcross inbred line (BIL) population of 146 lines from a cross between Upland cotton ‘Sure‐Grow’ (SG) 747 and ‘Pima S‐7’ (Test 1) and 120 advanced breeding lines from ‘Acala 1517‐99’ × Pima Phy 76 (Test 2) were evaluated for germination under 200 mM NaCl and nonsalt (control) conditions. Based on reduction in seed germination under NaCl conditions, G. barbadense parents were significantly more tolerant than the Upland parents. There were significant effects of genotype, treatment, and genotype × treatment interaction in both tests. The heritability for seed germination was moderate, ranging from 0.39 to 0.43 with at least two genes estimated. The genetic result is corroborated by the identification of many salt tolerant BILs and advanced breeding lines. This study has provided one of the first lines of evidence that the introduction of salt tolerance at seed germination from Pima into Upland cotton may be attainable.
Parent–Progeny Relationships between Maize Inbreds and Hybrids: Analysis of Grain Yield and Its Determinants for Contrasting Soil Nitrogen Conditions
Authors: D'Andrea K. E. , Otegui M. E. , Cirilo A. G. , Eyhérabide G. H.
Published: August 2013

Most research in maize (Zea mays L.) parent–progeny relationships has focused on heterosis for plant grain yield (PGY) determination, whereas nonheterotic effects for traits other than PGY has remained less explored. Our objectives were to analyze (i) frequency distribution and phenotypic plasticity for 29 eco‐physiological traits in different genotypic groups (6 inbreds and 12 hybrids) and environments, (ii) parent–progeny relationships for these traits as well as variations in these relationships caused by contrasting growing conditions, and (iii) direct and indirect effects of traits measured in inbreds on hybrid PGY determination. Genotypes were cropped in the field at two contrasting N levels during three growing seasons. Range in phenotypic plasticity was (i) similar for inbreds and hybrids, (ii) largest for traits such as PGY and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and (iii) smallest for traits such as time to flowering and kernel weight. Inbred phenotype was usually (26 traits) a good predictor of hybrid phenotype, but analysis of standardized data demonstrated that (i) for nine traits (e.g., PGY, kernel numbers) this relationship was exclusively driven by environmental effects, and (ii) for the other traits there was a true genetic control. A high correlation (r > 0.26; P ≤ 0.024) was established between hybrids PGY and 12 traits measured in inbreds, among which we distinguished NUE and ear growth rate for their high direct effect and participation in the indirect effect of other traits.
Solution of export coefficients of nitrogen from different land-use patterns based on Bayesian analysis
Authors: Liu Mei , Lu Jun
Published: August 2013

The export coefficient model has been applied worldwide to the estimation of non-point source (NPS) pollution. Determining the export coefficients (ECs) from each pollution source and different space–time progressions is problematic because of uncertainty in the ECs of nitrogen from different land-use patterns. Bayesian theory uses the prior probability distribution and likelihood data to generate a posterior probability distribution. The total nitrogen (TN) ECs and stream loss rates K (d−1) for five land-use patterns were estimated by combining published results with monthly data for ChangLe River system for 2004–08. After 104 iterations, the results had small Markov chain Monte Carlo errors and convergence was obtained. Average TN ECs for the entire watershed were 26.1 ± 8.8, 70.3 ± 9.4, 41.7 ± 6.9, 8.9 ± 1.6 and 6.2 ± 0.5 kg ha−1 yr−1 for paddy field, dry land, residential land, woodland and barren land with coefficients of variation (CVs) of 16.9, 6.31, 8.91, 13.3 and 27.9% among sub-catchments respectively. The average K value was 0.33 d−1 with a CV of 11.3%. Estimated ECs, K and the coupling water quality model were used to predict the years 2008 and 2009; the results validated the model. This Bayesian model can determine ECs using prior knowledge and monitored data, overcoming the problems of the regression model. The model facilitates explicit consideration of uncertainty in NPS management.
Enhancement of denitrification in a down-flow hanging sponge reactor by effluent recirculation
Authors: Ikeda N. , Natori T. , Okubo T. , Sugo A. , Aoki M. , Kimura M. , Yamaguchi T. , Harada H. , Ohashi A. , Uemura S.
Published: August 2013

A down-flow hanging sponge reactor, constructed by connecting three identical units in series, was applied to the treatment of artificial wastewater containing phenol and ammonia under high salinity conditions (10.9 g-Cl−/L). The theoretical hydraulic retention time (HRT) of each unit was 4 h (total HRT = 12 h). To enhance denitrification by effluent recirculation, the effluent recirculation ratio was increased in increments ranging from 0.0 to 2.0. The concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), NO2-N, and NO3-N in the final effluent as a proportion of the TAN in the influent was determined to calculate the unrecovered, or denitrification, proportion. The denitrification proportion of the reactor was equivalent to 19.1 ± 14.1% with no effluent recirculation; however, this was increased to 58.6 ± 6.2% when the effluent recirculation ratio was increased to 1.5. Further increasing the effluent recirculation ratio to 2.0 resulted in a decrease in the denitrification proportion to 50.9 ± 9.3%. Activity assays of nitrification and denitrification, as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, revealed that denitrification occurred primarily in the upper sections of the reactor, while nitrification increased in the lower sections of the reactor. Gene sequence analysis revealed that denitrification by Azoarcus-like species using phenol as an electron donor was dominant.
A new oxic-settling-anaerobic (NOSA®) activated sludge process for minimizing excess sludge in secondary biological treatment plants: a pilot-scale evaluation of the absorption–biodegradation process
Authors: Wu Ke , Li Shi-yu , Jiang Feng , Wang Jun , Liu Guang-li , Chen Guang-Hao
Published: August 2013

This study compared the sludge reduction performance of a new oxic-settling-anaerobic (NOSA) process with that of a conventional adsorption–biodegradation process. A 50 m3/d pilot trial system with two different process configurations was operated for 6 months. The NOSA process functioned effectively in removing both chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen with the efficiencies of 86 and 92.5%, respectively, which reduced approximately 40% of the excess sludge. In this research, 0.77 kg volatile suspended solids/d sludge vanished in the anaerobic tank, which accounted for 58.9% of the total sludge loss in the NOSA process. Economic calculation suggests that the new process can dramatically upgrade the sludge reduction in wastewater treatment plants without a digestion device, and the investment for fundamental upgrading can be recovered in 5–6 years by cutting the costs of excess sludge dewatering and disposal treatment.
Agent-based assessment of stormwater re-use potential of low-impact development control facilities at the site of Vlasina Lake, Serbia
Authors: Blagojević Borislava , Milićević Dragan , Potić Olivera
Published: August 2013

Vlasina Lake in south-east Serbia is classified as an Area of Distinct Land Use and, as such, is subject to high environmental protection standards applied in the Master Plan. Two open channels for stormwater and sediment transportation to two large detention basins with pumping stations for water evacuation into the lake were envisaged in the Master Plan. In the preliminary design, the stormwater system was quite different: wherever possible, on-site natural features were used for allocation of ponds, and drainage channels were led through existing road culverts. The applied design concept has been low impact development (LID), which led to potential blue-green corridors, recognized by project stakeholders. The paper studies the possibility of using ponds as a key element of both the LID concept and the blue-green corridors approach. For that purpose, an initial Vlasina Lake site agent-based simulation model has been created. A realistic physical model is included, and simulation results for two hypothetical climatic and socio-economic scenarios are presented. From the experience in creating the agent-based model, and based on the simulation results, recommendations are given for further work. It is shown that ponds have potential for the investigated water re-use purposes.
Searching for a compromise between ecological quality targets, and social and ecosystem costs for heavily modified water bodies (HMWBs): the Lambro-Seveso-Olona system case study
Authors: Azzellino A. , Antonelli M. , Canobbio S. , Çevirgen S. , Mezzanotte V. , Piana A. , Salvetti R.
Published: August 2013

The Lambro-Seveso-Olona (L-S-O) system derives from the human regulation of the natural hydrology of the territory around Milan city area. The average population density in the L-S-O area is among the highest in Italy and Europe. Industry is also highly developed in this basin: chemical, textile, paper, pulp and food industries being the most important ones. Although, at present, the L-S-O system no longer receives the untreated wastewaters of the Milan urban area, treated wastewaters constitute about half of the streamflow. Biotic communities in this river have a long history of poor quality status, having suffered great damage due to domestic and industrial discharges. Recently, new chemical quality standards for macropollutants have been set by the Italian legislation as support for the good ecological status according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD). This new index is very restrictive, and it makes it extremely challenging to achieve the water quality objectives for the L-S-O system. The aim of this study is to analyse through a modelling exercise the restoration possibilities of the L-S-O system, investigating both the source apportionment of the macropollutants, the discharge limits that should be set to achieve the good quality status and their corresponding cost.
Audit Quality Indicators: Audit Practice Meets Audit Research
Authors: Martin Roger D.
Published: August 2013

Regulators, audit firms, and academic researchers are exploring issues related to Audit Quality Indicators (AQIs), including how to optimize their use and how to anticipate the consequences of measuring, reporting, and monitoring AQIs on a routine basis. This article describes the main topics addressed by a panel discussion and participant breakout group discussions at a 2012 symposium hosted by the Center for Audit Quality. Topics include how AQIs could be useful to audit stakeholders, what we know from practice about the current state of AQIs, and how academic research might inform the development and use of AQIs by stakeholders.
Independent Audits of Conflict Minerals Reports
Authors: Herda David N. , Snyder Herbert W.
Published: August 2013

There has been an increasing international focus on “conflict minerals,” which are sourced from mines in Central Africa and believed to benefit armed groups that engage in serious human rights abuses. In August 2012, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC 2012) issued a final rule (Release No. 34-67716) related to implementing new disclosures required by the Dodd-Frank Act that are aimed at dissuading publicly-traded companies from engaging in trade that supports conflict minerals. Beginning in 2014, many publicly traded companies will be required to issue Conflict Minerals Reports, and have the reports independently assured. For the first time, there is an SEC audit requirement for corporate social responsibility information. Significant uncertainty surrounds the nature of the requisite audit procedures and the form and content of the audit reports themselves. For example, issuers have the option of engaging auditors for either an attestation engagement or a performance audit. We summarize the SEC's final rule, with particular focus on the audit requirement, and discuss some challenges that audit firms face.
Silent hepatitis E virus infection in Dutch blood donors, 2011 to 2012
Authors: Slot E , Hogema B M , Riezebos-Brilman A , Kok T M , Molier M , Zaaijer H L
Published: August 2013

In Europe, the dynamics of endemic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection remain enigmatic. We studied the presence of silent HEV infection among Dutch blood donors. Using donations collected throughout the Netherlands in 2011 and 2012, 40,176 donations were tested for HEV RNA in 459 pools of 48 or 480 donations. Deconstruction of the reactive pools identified 13 viraemic donors. In addition, 5,239 donors were tested for presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM and for HEV RNA when IgM-positive. Of the 5,239 donations, 1,401 (27%) tested repeat-positive for HEV IgG, of which 49 (3.5%) also tested positive for anti-HEV IgM. Four of the HEV IgM-positive donors tested positive for HEV RNA. HEV IgG seroprevalence ranged from 13% among donors younger than 30 years to 43% in donors older than 60 years. The finding of 17 HEV RNA-positive donations among 45,415 donations corresponds to one HEV-positive blood donation per day in the Netherlands. For 16 of the 17 HEV RNA-positive donors, genotyping succeeded, revealing HEV genotype 3, which is circulating among Dutch pigs. Apparently, silent HEV infection is common in the Netherlands, which possibly applies to larger parts of Europe.
Impact of universal two-dose vaccination on varicella epidemiology in Navarre, Spain, 2006 to 2012
Authors: García Cenoz M , Castilla J , Chamorro J , Martínez-Baz I , Martínez-Artola V , Irisarri F , Arriazu M , Ezpeleta C , Barricarte A
Published: August 2013

In 2007 in Navarre, Spain, universal varicella vaccination with two doses of Varivax was introduced in the childhood immunisation schedule for children aged 15 months and three years. This study describes changes in the epidemiology of varicella in the period 2006 to 2012 and evaluates vaccination effectiveness using epidemiological surveillance data. The incidence of varicella in children aged 0 to 14 years decreased by 98.1%, from 50.1 cases per 1,000 inhabitants in 2006, to 1.0 per 1,000 in 2012. Children aged one to eight years were the vaccinated cohorts, and their incidence of varicella decreased by 98.5% (p<0.0001). In unvaccinated age groups, important reductions were also achieved between 2006 and 2012: 90.5% (p<0.0001) in infants under one year of age, and 89.4% (p<0.0001) in children aged nine years. In the period 2006 to 2012, the hospital admissions rate for varicella or its complications decreased by 89.0%, and in 2012, there was only one admission of a newborn with neonatal varicella. Vaccine effectiveness for at least one dose was 96.8% (95% confidence interval: 96.3-97.2%). Universal vaccination with two doses has reduced varicella circulation to minimum levels within five years and has proved highly effective.
Effect of Statin Therapy In Ventricular Arrhythmias In Patient With Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kawsar Syeda Masuma , Majumder AAS , Ali MA , Ullah M , Islam AKMM
Published: August 2013

Background: Though statins are widely used in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), there is a paucity of information on the efficacy of high dose statin therapy in reducing the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction. Arrhythmias are relatively common in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) anterior, and sometimes progress to cardiac arrest. This study was planned to evaluate the role of high dose atorvastatin therapy in prevention of ventricular arrhythmias after acute anterior myocardial infarction. Methods: This study was conducted in NICVD from December 2010 to October 2011. Total 200 patients with newly diagnosed acute anterior myocardial infarction who received thrombolytic therapy were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Group I (n=100) was selected for high dose atorvastatin therapy and group II (n=100) was selected for conventional doses of atorvastatin therapy. 24 hours Holter monitoring was performed 48 hours after hospital admission to evaluate arrhythmia. Results: Majority of the patients belonged to age range of 40 to 59 years with a male predominance. Patient characteristics regarding age, sex, drug use, risk factors for ventricular arrhythmia, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction were similar in two study groups. There was no electrolyte imbalance or renal impairment in any patient in either group. A significant difference in frequency of ventricular arrhythmias was found between the two groups. Ventricular premature beats were found in 66% patients in group I and 97% patients in group II (p=0.001) whereas non sustained ventricular tachycardia were observed in 0% and 4% in group I and group II respectively. Conclusion: High dose atorvastatin therapy is associated with lower frequency of ventricular arrhythmias after acute anterior myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 37-42 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16113
The Increasing importance of Normal Flora  Commensals in Health or Potentially Pathogens for Disease
Authors: Hassan Munir , Bashar MA
Published: August 2013

Abstract not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16011 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 1
A Study on Type-1 Tympanoplasty in Perforated Ear Drum
Authors: Mahmud Khaled , Faruque MN , Faisal KA
Published: August 2013

Tympanoplasty without mastoidectomy is performed to prevent recurrent infection and reconstruct the sound conducting mechanism. In our study 60 patients were selected for tympanoplasty operation. All operations were done in Dhaka National Medical college hospital and private hospital in Dhaka city. Choice of incision was post auricular approach. 20% of patients were operated under general anesthesia and 80% of patients were operated under local anesthesia. Age range of patient was between15 to 40 yrs. Female patients were predominant. Follow up of patients were up to 2yrs. Overall success rate was 93.3%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16015 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 14-16
Intracellular changes of Na+, K+, Ca++ & Mg++ in rat pancreatic islets in different glucose concentration and their relation with insulin secretion
Authors: Chowdhury AN , Saha S , Ali L
Published: August 2013

Impairment of insulin secretion from pancreatic ?cell constitutes an important pathophysiological factor in the development of diabetes mellitus. The changes of intracellular concentration of Na+, K+, Ca++ and Mg++ were observed in substimulatory and stimulatory different glucose concentrations. Pancreatic islets from Long-Evans rats were isolated by collagenase digestion. The concentrations of ions expressed in terms of islet protein in the homogenized islets were measured by using an ion-sensitive electrode based autoanalyzer. In the physiological medium, the islet content of all the four ions increased significantly in response to glucose with maximum level at 11 mM and no further increase at 20 mM. Initial depolarizing effect of glucose is due to reduction of K+ permeability. The reduction of K+ permeability by glucose in ?cell is a major step in stimulus-secretion coupling for insulin release. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16016 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 17-20
Studies on Cardiac Troponin I in patients with Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Rukunuzzman Muhammed , Latif Shah Abdul , Rahman Maruf-Ur , Kirtania Kalyan , Islam Md Tauhidul , Ali Md Omar , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul
Published: August 2013

Despite recent advances in the care of patients with acute coronary disease and the benefits associated with the early use of reperfusion strategies, cardiogenic shock as a complication of acute myocardial infarction continues to be associated with a dismal prognosis. There is a strong relationship between serum cardiac troponin I with cardiogenic shock as a complication of acute myocardial infarction. A case control study was designed to see the association of serum cardiac troponin I with cardiogenic shock. The study was done from July 2008 to June 2009. Sixty subjects were selected as study population which were taken from department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College hospital, Mymensingh. Among them 30 were diagnosed case of cardiogenic shock and 30 were age and sex matched control. It revealed that the mean cardiac troponin- I levels in case group were 15.998±28.31 ng/ml and control group were 0.065 ± 0.08 ng/ml respectively. The study suggest that serum cardiac troponin- I level is significantly associated with cardiogenic shock. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16017 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 21-23
Relationship between Age and Serum Intact Parathyroid Hormone in Adult Obese Males
Authors: Akter N , Begum R , Akhter QS , Shahjadi S , Akhtar J , Rahman T , Jahan S
Published: August 2013

Background: Obesity is a common health problem in urban population nowadays. Objective: The present study was carried out to asses the relationship of age with obesity in adult males. Methods: This cross sectional study was done in department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. For this purpose, 60 male subjects within the age range of 25 to 50 years were included in the study. Among them 30 non-obese, apparently healthy subjects were selected as control (Group A) and 30 obese subjects as case (Group B). Case and control subjects were selected from the Urban Primary Health Care Project (UPHCP), PA-2, Dhaka City Corporation, Dhaka and by personal contact during the period from January 2010 to December 2010. All the subjects were apparently healthy. Result: In this study, obese males showed significant negative correlation (p=0.032, r= -392) but non obese male showed non-significant (p=0.719, r= +0.069) positive correlation with age. Conclusion: This study concludes that, Serum iPTH level decreases with age in obese males. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16019 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 27-29
Study on feeding practices of infants among the mothers in selected villages, at Dhamrai.
Authors: Karim Mohoshina , Farah Shayela , Ferdousi Jannatul
Published: August 2013

Infants are the most vulnerable group among all the groups in our society. Infants constitute about 3% of the total population of Bangladesh. About 1 new born comes to the earth per 11 seconds in Bangladesh. Breastfeeding of infants is an essential health and medical decision for both the mother and her baby. Breastfeeding results in significant health gain, obesity reduction and cost saving to society. Breastfeeding decisions and practices are influenced by multiple factors including knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, as well as socio-cultural and physiological factors. This was a rural based cross sectional descriptive study carried out among 320 villagers of selected villages, at Dhamrai upazilla health complex, Dhaka provides information about breast feeding practices & awareness regarding usefulness of it from 7th December to 30th December 2011. Result shows, 48.1% of the respondents were from the age group of 21-25 years. The mean age of the respondents was 25.34 yrs & SD = ± 4.281. About half of the respondents 151(47.2%) had primary education & 96(30%) had secondary education. Most of the respondents 301(94.1%) were housewife, 14(4.4%) were service holder and 5(1.6%) were agriculture worker. The mean monthly family income of the respondents was 7626.56±3171.248 Taka. Out of 320 respondents about 137(42.8%) of the responding mothers continued breast feeding to their babies for 9-12 months and 239 (91.6%) weaned their babies at correct times that means within 6 months of life. The present study showed that most mothers 315(98.4%) were aware about the usefulness of breast feeding, we found 218 (68.1%) had the knowledge of starting weaning food. The present study was done in selected villages of Dhamrai, covering a small group of population which does not represent the whole nation. Therefore, a large scale community based study is needed to know the real situation of the country DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16020 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 30-36
Status of Serum bilirubin, Serum Proteins and Prothrombin time in babies with Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Islam Md Tariqul , Hoque Seikh Azimul , Nazir Fahmida , Bhuiyan Md Mostafizur Rahman , Islam Md Nazrul
Published: August 2013

Background and Objectives: Because of hypoxemia, different organ systems of the body are affected in perinatal asphyxia. This study was carried out to see the status of Serum bilirubin, Serum Proteins and Prothrombin time in asphyxiated babies and to know any correlation existing between hepatic dysfunction and the severity of perinatal asphyxia. Methods: A total of 70 full-term asphyxiated newborns (study group) were studied during January 2008 to December 2008 in the department of Paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. After enrolment these babies were grouped according to Sarnat & Sarnat stages of HIE as stage I, II & III (Sarnat & Sarnat 1976). Babies who are small for gestational age, having severe jaundice, sepsis or congenital anomalies of the hepatobiliary system were excluded from the study. A total of 50 healthy newborns were also studied as reference group. Two c.c. of venous blood were taken both from asphyxiated and healthy babies between 2nd and 5th day of life to estimate Total serum bilirubin (TSB), Serum Total protein (STP), Serum Albumin and Prothrombin time (PT). Data were analyzed by computer software SPSS version 15. Unpaired students t test was used to measure the level of significance and Spearmans rank correlation was done to see the correlation and at P < 0.05 the results were considered significant. Results: The mean TSB, STP & S. Albumin of asphyxiated babies were 5.52 ± 2.01mg/dl, 55.74 ± 8.84 & 32.60 ± 5.48 g/L respectively and those of normal babies were 4.51 ± 1.19 mg/dl, 66.30 ± 10.36 & 40.90 ± 6.45 g/L respectively and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). On the other hand no significant changes were noted in prothrombin time. The rise of PT showed a significant positive correlation with the severity of perinatal asphyxia. On the other hand STP, S. Albumin & TSB showed no significant correlation. Conclusion: This study concludes that TSB, STP & S. Albumin significantly elevated and this elevation was proportional to the severity of perinatal asphyxia. On the other hand no significant changes were noted in prothrombin time. Recommendation: A large scale multi-centre study is recommended to establish this finding. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16022 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 43-46
Accuracy Of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) In The Diagnosis Of Thyroid Swellings
Authors: Sikder Md Alamgir Hossain , Rahman AZM Mahfuzur , Khair Md Abul
Published: August 2013

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in comparison to paraffin section in thyroid swelling. Study design: Cross sectional study. Place and duration of study: Department of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2009 to June 2011. Patient and method: One hundred patients with enlarged thyroid gland of both sexes were selected from admitted patient of Surgery department. All patients had preoperative FNAC, performed by pathologist at the Histopathology department and postoperative specimen were also examined and histopathological diagnosis were made. All FNAC diagnosis were correlated with the histopathological diagnosis. Results: Out of 100 patients 23 were male and 77 were female, male-female ratio 1: 3.3. In FNAC 76 patients were diagnosed as benign lesion of which 8 were later diagnosed as malignant on histopathological examination (68 were true negative 8 were false negative). 22 cases were diagnosed as malignant, both on FNAC and histopathological examination. Only 2 cases were diagnosed as follicular neoplasm on FNAC but on histopathological examination diagnosed as follicular carcinoma (22 cases were true positive) in this study. Overall sensitivity of FNAC were 68.75%, specificity 100.00% and accuracy 90%; PPV=100% & NPV=87.18% Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable, safe and accurate method as a preoperative evaluation in thyroid gland swelling before surgery. FNAC has more accuracy and specificity in detecting thyroid gland malignancy and therefore it is a reliable diagnostic test for evaluating thyroid swellings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16023 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 47-51
Prediction of major adverse cardiac events of patients with acute coronary syndrome by using TIMI risk index
Authors: Ehsan Mohammad Abul , Mahmood Md Manzoor , Khan Laila Farzana , Salim Md Abu
Published: August 2013

Patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has considerable variability in outcome and mortality risk. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk index (TRI) for unstable angina/non ST elevation myocardial infarction & ST elevation myocardial infarction were a convenient bedside clinical risk score for predicting 30 days mortality at presentation with ACS. This study was done to predict and validate major adverse cardiac events in patients of ACS thus it will help us to quantify risk, observe the prognostic value and to guide appropriate therapy by using TRI. This prospective study was carried out in the department of cardiology, BSMMU, Dhaka from April, 2011 to March, 2012. After considering all ethical issues, data were collected from 279 patients attending at cardiac emergency department with the presentation of ACS. History & physical examinations were done. TIMI risk index were calculated for each patient. The major adverse cardiac events (recurrent myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization, and all-cause mortality) were measured for next 30 days in hospital setting & outpatient department by follow up. After follow-up, Cox univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to evaluate the influence of potential risk factors on duration of event-free survival, and likelihood ratio tests to assess the outcome. Major adverse events of TIMI risk index group 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 were 0%, 0%, 3.7%, 12.9% & 19.2% respectively in UA/NSTEMI group. In STEMI group major adverse cardiac events of TIMI risk index group 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 were 0%, 4.7%, 12.5%, 17.1% & 24.1% respectively. Increasing TRI were associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiac events. These score were a valid tool for risk assessment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16024 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 52-57
Lung Function and Chronic Exposure to Air pollution A Study on adolescent male of urban area.
Authors: Akhter Najneen , Begum Noorzahan , Begum US Naima , Akther Dilruba , Habib Nasrin , Parveen Mst Humayra
Published: August 2013

Background Chronic exposure to heavily polluted air affects the respiratory status. Objectives: To observe the effects of air pollution on pulmonary functions of adolescent male living in urban areas of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the department of Physiology, BSMMU. For this purpose, 60 apparently healthy adolescent male of age 13 to 18 were selected from different slum areas of Dhaka city. Sex and age matched 55 subjects were taken as control from rural area of Bangladesh. All subjects were of low socio-economic status and living in the corresponding areas since birth. In the study, Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1 /FVC % and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were estimated by VMI ventilometer on standing position. Statistical analysis was done by using Z test. Result: The mean measured values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC% and PEFR were lower in the experimental group than in the control group. FVC and FEV1 were lowered significantly (p<0.05) but FEV1/FVC % and PEFR in experimental group though lowered , the result were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of the study reveals that pulmonary functions were lowered in urban adolescent and it was of restricted lung function type. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16025 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 58-60
Multiple Active Tuberculosis : A rare case
Authors: Dey LC , Mollah TU , Arefin N , Rahman M , Talukder MF , Rahman ABMF
Published: August 2013

Tuberculosis is a peculiar infectious disease because of the latent period between the infection and the appearance of the disease which may be prolonged for many weeks , months or years as it is in case of the secondary tuberculosis. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis gained new importance, because it represented a progressively greater proportion of new cases. Multiple extra pulmonary sites were reported rarely except for one anatomical site, which was reported frequently. A 20 yrs old boy was admitted at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital with pain at back, buttock and thigh with a swelling at the anterior aspect of upper part of left thigh. He was diagnosed as a case of tuberculosis of spine (D12 and L1) with psoas abscess with tuberculosis of hip joint (lt) and an enquiry and investigation found to have pulmonary TB as well. So this rare involvement of multiple tuberculosis is presented here. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16026 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 61-63
Soil Erosion in Britain: Updating the Record
Authors: Boardman John
Published: August 2013

Concern about soil erosion on arable land in Britain dates back at least 40 years. Monitoring schemes and case studies have subsequently identified the areas at risk, the rates and frequencies and the major factors responsible for erosion. Initial concern focused on impacts on the farm and therefore on food production. Latterly the emphasis has shifted to off-farm impacts particularly reservoir sedimentation, muddy flooding of properties and the ecological damage to watercourses due to nutrient enrichment, pesticides and damage to fish spawning grounds from fine-sediment inputs. The shift has therefore been to concerns about a healthy and sustainable environment which includes soils. Government agencies, the water companies and the farming industry have lagged behind scientific studies in recognising and addressing erosion problems. Attempts at mitigation are now largely driven by the need to comply with the EU Water Framework Directive whereby watercourses must reach “good status” by 2015. Future changes in land use and climate will offer further challenges in terms of effective monitoring and compliance.
Chemical Composition and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Essential Oil from Leaves of Casearia Sylvestris, Its Main Compound α-Zingiberene and Derivatives
Authors: Bou Diego , Lago João , Figueiredo Carlos , Matsuo Alisson , Guadagnin Rafael , Soares Marisi , Sartorelli Patricia
Published: August 2013

Casearia sylvestris (Salicaceae), popularly known as “guaçatonga”, is a plant widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases, including cancer. The present work deals with the chemical composition as well as the cytotoxic evaluation of its essential oil, its main constituent and derivatives. Thus, the crude essential oil from leaves of C. sylvestris was obtained using a Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed by GC/MS. This analysis afforded the identification of 23 substances, 13 of which corresponded to 98.73% of the total oil composition, with sesquiterpene a-zingiberene accounting for 50% of the oil. The essential oil was evaluated for cytotoxic activity against several tumor cell lines, giving IC50 values ranging from 12 to 153 mg/mL. Pure a-zingiberene, isolated from essential oil, was also evaluated against the tumor cell lines showing activity for HeLa, U-87, Siha and HL60 cell lines, but with IC50 values higher than those determined for the crude essential oil. Aiming to evaluate the effect of the double bonds of a-zingiberene on the cytotoxic activity, partially hydrogenated a-zingiberene (PHZ) and fully hydrogenated a-zingiberene (THZ) derivatives were obtained. For the partially hydrogenated derivative only cytotoxic activity to the B16F10-Nex2 cell line (IC50 65mg/mL) was detected, while totally hydrogenated derivative showed cytotoxic activity for almost all cell lines, with B16F10-Nex2 and MCF-7 as exceptions and with IC50 values ranging from 34 to 65 mg/mL. These results indicate that cytotoxic activity is related with the state of oxidation of compound.