bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In or Out?: Spatial Scale and Enactment in Narratives of Native and Nonnative Signing Deaf Children Acquiring British Sign Language
Authors: Smith Sandra , Cormier Kearsy
Published: May 2014

In this study we investigate the use of spatial scale and enactment (via constructed action, or CA) in British Sign Language (BSL) narratives of deaf native and nonnative signing children aged eight to ten. We find that the two types of prototypically aligned uses of spatial scale and enactment as described in the sign language literature (i.e. use of character scale with CA, and use of observer scale without CA) occur in both the native and nonnative signing children. We find that observer scale with CA is used by the non-native signing children but not the native signing children, and the opposite pattern with character scale without CA. These findings suggest that cognitive abilities such as perspective taking and the use of spatial scale should be considered along with linguistic abilities when looking at age of acquisition effects.
Ways of Taking from Books in ASL Book Sharing
Authors: Snoddon Kristin
Published: May 2014

Using a multimodal literacies framework, this article describes the teaching goals and strategies of three instructor participants in an ASL book-sharing program. The concept of multimodal literacies views literacy as a social practice where the written mode is embedded in other modes of representation. An ethnographic approach that included participant observation and interviews was taken in a ten-month study of parents, children, and instructors participating in the program. In the study, the written mode was embedded in ASL storytelling and children’s books were themselves multimodal resources that were utilized in distinct ways by the instructor participants.
Between-Learners’ Outside-of-Classroom Uses of American Sign Language as a Foreign Language
Authors: Rosen Russell S.
Published: May 2014

The ability of learners of American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language (FL) to extend their education outside of classrooms is one of the chief goals of ASL-as-FL education. As part of course requirements, ASL and spoken FL teachers often send their learners to interact with native users to help the former develop their communication skills. Learners, however, also use ASL with each other outside of classrooms. To date, no empirical study has looked at these spaces. This study found that certain interpersonal situations and social contexts fostered the development of between-learners’ extra-classroom ASL spaces. The interpersonal situations arose when the ASL learners practiced and taught signs, bonded, and shared secrets with each other and used ASL as a form of expression, particularly when signing songs. The social contexts arose, for example, when the learners needed to be quiet or when there were greater-than-usual distances between them. A few learners did not use ASL with each other outside the classroom. Teachers can use the study’s findings to create lessons, develop opportunities, and construct the conditions for their learners to use ASL with each other when away from ASL-as-FL classrooms.
Relics of Bioart: Ethics and Messianic Aesthetics in Performance Documentation
Authors: Senior Adele
Published: May 2014

Australia-based art collective Tissue Culture and Art Project (TC&A) use the tools of biotechnology as artistic media to create “Semi-Living” sculptures. These sculptures are exhibited, eaten, and killed in various public contexts and, therefore, raise important ethical questions about the existence of life outside of the body. Departing from dominant concerns within the academy about the ethics of producing biological art, the essay instead focuses on the overlooked ethics of its reception. It addresses the ethics of spectatorship in TC&A’s work by arguing three main points: first, its documentary images reference, play with, and are haunted by religious iconography; second, examining the messianic resonances in TC&A’s work illuminates an ethics of spectatorship that is closely related to the Derridean ethical experience of otherness; and third, focusing on TC&A’s documentary images addresses the potential of bioart documentation to generate affect and engage in ethical relations.
The Theatre and Its Screen Double
Authors: Birringer Johannes
Published: May 2014

This essay offers a close exploration of the live filming and sound production in the schaubühne berlin staging of strindberg’s Fräulein Julie (directed by Katie Mitchell, shown on tour at the barbican, london, in 2012). It provides a series of theoretical and critical angles from which to discuss contemporary intermedia performance and audiovisual scenography. After a brief evocation of Artaud’s writings in “theatre and cruelty” and on raw cinema, the essay builds on a historical understanding of Western theatre’s evolving and hardly settled relationship to cinematography and moving-image technologies, as well as the “choreographic unconscious,” as examined in contemporary dance and technology, before delving into an analysis of Mitchell’s dramaturgy of real-time film construction and her use of the “camera-actor.” A particular emphasis is placed on the question whether the live mediatization of realist drama, under Mitchell’s direction, deliberately weakens the theatricality of the physical body and spoken language while proffering an extenuated, if uncritical/unpolitical modulation of digital prosthetics in a superbly crafted, seamless intermedial performance.
“Come and see what we do”: Contemporary Migrant Performances in Athens, Greece
Authors: Vourloumis Hypatia
Published: May 2014

As Greece currently experiences severe economic, political, and social crises, this essay examines the uncritical understanding of Greek sovereignty by studying the cultural productions of undocumented transnational migrants working and living in the country. Through an analysis of three works by the performance group ELANADISTIKANOUME (Come and see what we do), the essay argues that minoritarian figures denied citizenship and an official Greek identity are pivotal contributors to activism and culture. Against the backdrop of rising nationalism and alongside the social movements of the last few years, it critiques the separation of citizens and noncitizens within representations of class struggle. The essay seeks to draw attention to a negotiation with and refusal of the nation-state and its discourse enacted through fugitive performances that grapple with the politics and aesthetics of border struggles, illegality, and political presence.
On digital crossings in Europe
Authors: Ponzanesi Sandra , Leurs Koen
Published: May 2014

‘On digital crossings in Europe’ explores the entanglements of digital media and migration beyond the national and mono-ethnic focus. We argue how borders, identity and affectivity have been destabilized and reconfigured through medium-specific technological affordances, opting for a comparative and postcolonial framework that focuses on diversity in conjunction with cosmopolitan aspirations. Internet applications make it possible to sustain new forms of diaspora and networks, which operate within and beyond Europe, making issues of ethnicity, nationality, race and class not obsolete but transformed. It is therefore important and timely to analyse how these reconfigurations take place and affect everyday life. Using a critical approach to digital tools that avoids utopian notions of connectivity and borderlessness, this article highlights the dyssymmetries and tensions produced by the ubiquitousness of digital connectivity. It further introduces the different contributions to the special issue, making connections and tracing relations among themes and methods and sketching main patterns for further research. It also offers a panorama of other related studies and projects in the field, which partake in a critical reassessment of the enabling power of digital media and their divisive implications for new forms of surveillance, online racism and ‘economic’ inequality, which we gather under the heading of postcolonial digital humanities.
Dinheiro traz felicidade? A relação entre insumos e qualidade na educação
Authors: Pinto José Marcelino de Rezende
Published: May 2014

O presente artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma revisão, com base na literatura e em dados estatísticos, do debate sobre a relação entre os investimentos financeiros nos sistemas de ensino e a qualidade da educação, focando-se especialmente para a situação no Brasil no contexto mundial.  No trabalho busca-se mostrar como o debate acerca da relação entre insumos e qualidade do ensino, que remonta à década de 1960, continua suscetível de controvérsias em todo mundo. Conclui, contudo, tendo por base os indicadores internacionais de gastos por aluno e de desempenho dos estudantes em testes padronizados e os dados comparativos entre os gastos por aluno da rede pública e as mensalidade cobradas nas escolas privadas que, em especial para os países de baixo investimento por aluno, como o Brasil, um incremento, desde que significativo, nos gastos educacionais pode, sim, fazer diferença na qualidade, particularmente através da melhoria da infraestrutura e na oferta de equipamentos das escolas, bem como na atratividade e retenção de bons professores.  O artigo procura alertar também para o risco de se avaliar a qualidade do ensino oferecido pelas escolas tendo por base apenas o desempenho dos alunos em testes padronizados, tendo em vista que os mesmos sofrem forte influência do nível socioeconômico das famílias. Finalmente mostra-se que o efeito da escola na formação de seus alunos envolve um conjunto de indicadores que vão além dos resultados em testes padronizados.indicadores que vão além do desempenho em testes padronizados.
Contribuições para a História do sindicalismo docente, em Portugal: dos Grupos de Estudo, à afirmação e crise do movimento sindical docente
Authors: Tavares Manuel
Published: May 2014

Este artigo incide sobre as origens do sindicalismo docente, em Portugal, fazendo um percurso histórico pelo associativismo do século XIX e pelas primeiras manifestações sindicais na I República. À luz da História, pretende analisar a emergência do sindicalismo docente, em Portugal, e os seus percursos nas décadas de 70 e 80 do século XX e apresentar algumas das razões que contribuíram para uma substancial alteração no sindicalismo docente a partir de meados da década de 80. Daremos particular atenção às raízes do sindicalismo docente contemporâneo que se encontram nos Grupos de Estudo do Pessoal Docente do Ensino Secundário (GEPDES) e que constituem um movimento de reflexão e de reivindicação, antecipatório dos sindicatos de professores que se constituem nos dias imediatamente a seguir à revolução dos cravos. O estudo empírico realizado por meio de entrevistas a quatro dos principais protagonistas deste movimento revela os objetivos, a consciência política dos seus membros, as possíveis influências do Partido Comunista e a importãncia deste movimento na emergência e afirmação do sindicalismo docente.Faz-se uma reflexão sobre as condições existentes em Portugal no pós- 25 de Abril de 1974 e sobre as condições que emergiram a partir da segunda metade da década de 80, sobretudo com o avanço de políticas economicistas e neoliberais, que contribuíram para uma certa decadência e crise do movimento sindical docente tal como para a crise das identidades profissionais dos professores. O sindicalismo docente constituiu-se como um movimento reflexivo afastando-se, progressivamente, das referências do movimento operário afirmando, ao mesmo tempo,  a sua especificidade e autonomia.
Some aspects of implementing Regulatory Impact Analysis in Brazil
Authors: Castro Camila Moreira de
Published: May 2014

In an increasingly complex society, regulatory polices emerge as an important tool in public management. Nevertheless, regulation per se is no longer enough, and the agenda for a regulatory reform is increasing. Following this context, Brazil has implemented Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) in its regulatory agencies. Thus, Brazilian specificities have to be considered and, in this regard, a systematic approach provides a significant contribution. This article aims to address some critical reflections about which policy-makers should ask themselves before joining the implementation of a RIA system in the Brazilian context. Through a long-term perspective, the implementation of RIA must be seen as part of a permanent change in the administrative culture, understanding that RIA should be used as a further resource in the decision-making process, rather than a final solution.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF INFLUENZA B VIRUS OUTBREAK ON A CRUISE SHIP IN BRAZIL 2012
Authors: Borborema Samanta Etel Treiger , Silva Daniela Bernardes Borges da , Silva Kátia Corrêa Oliveira , Pinho Margarete Aparecida Benega , Curti Suely Pires , Paiva Terezinha Maria de , Santos Cecília Luiza Simões
Published: May 2014

In February 2012, an outbreak of respiratory illness occurred on the cruise ship MSC Armonia in Brazil. A 31-year-old female crew member was hospitalized with respiratory failure and subsequently died. To study the etiology of the respiratory illness, tissue taken at necropsy from the deceased woman and respiratory specimens from thirteen passengers and crew members with respiratory symptoms were analyzed. Influenza real-time RT-PCR assays were performed, and the full-length hemagglutinin (HA) gene of influenza-positive samples was sequenced. Influenza B virus was detected in samples from seven of the individuals, suggesting that it was the cause of this respiratory illness outbreak. The sequence analysis of the HA gene indicated that the virus was closely related to the B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus, Victoria lineage, a virus contained in the 2011-12 influenza vaccine for the Southern Hemisphere. Since the recommended composition of the influenza vaccine for use during the 2013 season changed, an intensive surveillance of viruses circulating worldwide is crucial. Molecular analysis is an important tool to characterize the pathogen responsible for an outbreak such as this. In addition, laboratory disease surveillance contributes to the control measures for vaccine-preventable influenza.
RESISTANCE TO AMOXICILLIN, CLARITHROMYCIN AND CIPROFLOXACIN OF Helicobacter pylori ISOLATED FROM SOUTHERN BRAZIL PATIENTS
Authors: Picoli Simone Ulrich , Mazzoleni Luiz Edmundo , Fernández Heriberto , De Bona Laura Renata , Neuhauss Erli , Longo Larisse , Prolla João Carlos
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria which infects half the world population and is an important cause of gastric cancer. The eradication therapy is not always effective because resistance to antimicrobials may occur. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility profile of H. pylori to amoxicillin, clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin in the population of Southern Brazil. Material and methods: Fifty four samples of H. pylori were evaluated. The antibiotics susceptibility was determined according to the guidelines of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and the Comité de l'Antibiogramme de la Société Française de Microbiologie. Results: Six (11.1%) H. pylori isolates were resistant to clarithromycin, one (1.9%) to amoxicillin and three (5.5%) to ciprofloxacin. These indices of resistance are considered satisfactory and show that all of these antibiotics can be used in the empirical therapy. Conclusion: The antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin are still a good option for first line anti-H. pylori treatment in the population of Southern Brazil.
THE EFFECT OF HOOKWORM INFECTION AND URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS ON BLOOD HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION OF SCHOOLCHILDREN LIVING IN NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE
Authors: Casmo Verónica , Augusto Gerito , Nala Rassul , Sabonete Acácio , Carvalho-Costa Filipe Anibal
Published: May 2014

This study aims to assess the association between schistosomiasis and hookworm infection with hemoglobin levels of schoolchildren in northern Mozambique. Through a cross-sectional survey, 1,015 children from five to 12 years old in the provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Niassa were studied. Hookworm infection and urinary schistosomiasis were diagnosed, through Ritchie and filtration methods, with a prevalence of 31.3% and 59.1%, respectively. Hemoglobin levels were obtained with a portable photometer (Hemocue®). The average hemoglobin concentration was 10.8 ± 1.42 g/dL, and 62.1% of the children presented levels below 11.5 g/dL, of which 11.8% of the total number of children had hemoglobin levels below 9 g/dL. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated negative interactions between hemoglobin levels and ancylostomiasis, this being restricted to the province of Cabo Delgado (β = -0.55; p < 0.001) where an independent interaction between hemoglobin levels and urinary schistosomiasis was also observed (β = -0.35; p = 0.016). The logistical regression model indicated that hookworm infection represents a predictor of mild (OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.17-3.00) and moderate/severe anemia (OR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.50 - 4.89). We concluded that, in the province of Cabo Delgado, hookworm and Schistosoma haematobium infections negatively influence hemoglobin levels in schoolchildren. Periodical deworming should be considered in the region. Health education and improvements in sanitary infrastructure could achieve long-term and sustainable reductions in soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis prevalence rates.
FATAL OUTCOME OF INFECTION BY DENGUE 4 IN A PATIENT WITH THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA AS A COMORBID CONDITION IN BRAZIL
Authors: Amâncio Frederico Figueiredo , Pereira Maira Alves , Iani Felipe Campos de Melo , D'anunciação Lorena , Almeida Jorge Luís Carvalho de , Soares Janer Aparecida Silveira , Ferraz Marcela Lencine , Vale Thiago Cardoso , Lambertucci José Roberto , Carneiro Mariângela
Published: May 2014

Dengue is currently a major public-health problem. Dengue virus (DENV) is classified into four distinct serotypes, DENV 1-4. After 28 years of absence, DENV-4 was again detected in Brazil in 2010 in Roraima State, and one year later, the virus was identified in the northern Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará, followed by Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In Minas Gerais, the first confirmed case of DENV-4 occurred in the municipality of Frutal in 2011 and has now been isolated from a growing number of patients. Although DENV-2 is associated with the highest risk of severe forms of the disease and death due to the infection, DENV-4 has also been associated with severe forms of the disease and an increasing risk of hemorrhagic manifestations. Herein, the first fatal case of confirmed DENV-4 in Brazil is reported. The patient was an 11-year-old girl from the municipality of Montes Claros in northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. She had idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura as a comorbid condition and presented with a fulminant course of infection, leading to death due to hemorrhagic complications. Diagnosis was confirmed by detection of Dengue-specific antibodies using IgM capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and semi-nested RT-PCR. Primary care physicians and other health-care providers should bear in mind that DENV-4 can also result in severe forms of the disease and lead to hemorrhagic complications and death, mainly when dengue infection is associated with coexisting conditions.
Antimicrobial and aromatic edible coating on fresh-cut pineapple preservation
Authors: Bitencourt Raphaela Gabri , Possas Arícia Mara Melo , Camilloto Geany Peruch , Cruz Renato Souza , Otoni Caio Gomide , Soares Nilda de Fátima Ferreira
Published: May 2014

The present research aimed to develop an edible coating incorporated with mint essential oil, evaluate its effectiveness in inhibiting in vitro microbial development, and improve both quality and shelf-life of fresh-cut pineapple. Mint essential oil-containing edible coatings showed in vitro antimicrobial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Enteritidis. Titratable acidity, pH, and texture were not affected (P>0.05) by coating or storage time. Mass loss was not higher than 1.0% after the 6th day of storage. No effect of storage time and coating on total soluble solids was observed. Mint essential oil-containing coatings inhibited the growth of yeasts and molds in fresh-cut pineapple. Compared to uncoated and control-coated samples, mint essential oil-containing coatings lessened psychrotrophic bacteria counts throughout storage. Counts of thermotolerant coliforms were not higher than 3.0MPN·g-1 in all treatments, whereas no Salmonella sp. was detected during the 6-day storage. Mint essential oil provided a strong flavor to the fruit, as shown by sensory evaluations.
Split Application of Potassium Improves Yield and End‐Use Quality of Winter Wheat
Authors: Lu Qiang , Jia Dianyong , Zhang Yu , Dai Xinglong , He Mingrong
Published: May 2014

Many studies have investigated the effects of basal K fertilization on the yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, less is known about the influence of the split application of K on yield, size distribution of protein fractions, and quality of wheat. Field studies were conducted in two successive seasons (2010/2011 and 2011/2012) using four winter wheat cultivars, Jimai 20, Gaocheng 8901, Yannong 19, and Jinan 17, and three regimes of K fertilization (K0: no K fertilization; KB: basal K fertilization of 120 kg ha−1; KS: basal K fertilization of 60 kg ha−1 plus topdressing of 60 kg ha−1 at jointing). The yield and its components, protein composition, dough‐mixing properties, and bread‐making quality were determined after harvesting. On average, the KS treatments had a yield advantage over KB treatments mainly resulting from higher kernel weight. The KS treatments improved wheat quality resulted in increased glutenin/gliadin ratio, higher polymerization index (the ratio of sodium dodecyl sulfate to insoluble glutenin in total glutenin), and larger glutenin macropolymer (GMP) particles compared to KB fertilization. No differences in the content of crude protein and wet gluten were found between the KS and KB treatments. Dough development time, stability time, and loaf volume were positively correlated with the glutenin/gliadin ratio, polymerization index, and average size of the GMP, respectively. These results suggest that KS can improve the yield and end‐use quality of winter wheat.
Soil Quality and the Solar Corridor Crop System
Authors: Kremer Robert J. , LeRoy Deichman C.
Published: May 2014

The solar corridor crop system (SCCS) is designed for improved crop productivity based on highly efficient use of solar radiation by integrating row crops with drilled or solid‐seeded crops in broad strips (corridors) that also facilitate establishment of cover crops for year‐round soil cover. The SCCS is an agroecosystem with diverse system structure that should inherently provide many features to build soil quality. Management strategies include reduced tillage, intercropping, and soil conservation through crop residue retention, which are associated with improved soil quality attributes of enhanced C and N content, effective nutrient cycling, and high microbial activity. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of SCCS in 76‐ and 152‐cm (corridor) row widths on selected soil quality indicators as an assessment of soil quality during establishment of SCCS. Microbial activity, measured as soil glucosidase activity, was highest in rhizosphere soils planted to corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids at 74,000 plants ha−1 regardless of row width. However, soil glucosidase activity was strongly correlated (r2 = 0.72) with active carbon (AC), and showed trends for increased contents in rows bordering the corridor. This suggested that increased carbon fixation by plants at the wide row spacing due to greater exposure to solar radiation also increased carbon substrates released into the rhizosphere for microbial metabolism. The limited soil quality assessment conducted in this study demonstrated that an integrated cropping system represented by the SCCS offers an effective management system for maintaining crop production while promoting soil quality and soil conservation.
Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Reproductive Biology of the Freshwater Teleost Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
Authors: Iwata Eri , Sasaki Hideaki , Sato Kenji
Published: May 2014

Soon after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear
power plant, we studied the reproductive biology of freshwater teleost bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) in a pond in the
city of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, about 50 km south of the nuclear power plant. The breeding period of the bluegill
was abbreviated and the frequency of spawning decreased. The radiation air dose rate and level of radioactivity in the fish
were less than would be expected to trigger behavioural alterations or to suppress reproduction. The occurrence of aftershocks
and two episodes of torrential rain is the likely reason for changes in the reproductive behaviour of bluegill in the
pond. These results suggest that our observations can be explained by a combination of natural disasters, rather than the
effects of nuclear radiation.
Tobacco Use Is a Global Problem
Authors: Khondker L
Published: May 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18950Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 7
Early Outcome of Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Patients with Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ahmed NU , Hasan K , Raha SK
Published: May 2014

As there have been appreciable bodies of evidence supporting the theoretical and practical advantages of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) over the conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) to avoid the harmful effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), many cardiac surgeons are using OPCAB as an effective alternative to conventional CABG. This study performed in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) evaluated the early surgical outcomes of OPCAB in terms of mortality and major post-operative morbidities and compared them with that of conventional CABG. Total 120 patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease were allocated into two groups: a) 60 patients who underwent OPCAB and b) another 60 patients who underwent conventional CABG between January 2009 and December 2011. The sex and mean age. A reduced level or complete cessation of sweating can be caused by a variety of factors affecting sweat glands directly or indirectly through alterations in their nerve supply. The most common presentation is the syndrome of heal intolerance with or without features of dysautonomia. An acquired idiopathic form of generalized anhidrosis is characterized by loss of sweating in the absence of any neurological features or destruction of sweat glands. ldiopalhic acquired generalized anhidrosis is a very rare condition in which the pathogenesis is still unknown. Cholinergic urticaria has been associated with some cases of this acquired idiopathic form of generalized anhidrosis.Distributions of patients were similar among two groups. Smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia were major risk factors. All co-morbid conditions were homogenously distributed between the two groups. Majority of the patients had triple vessel disease. Nearly three-quarter (73.3%) of patients in OPCAB group and 80% in conventional CABG group received 3 grafts (p=0.470. The mean total operative time (258±39.5 minutes versus 306±44.8 minutes; p<0.001), intubation times (7.6±0.3 versus 16.3±0.5 hours; p<0.001), blood losses (377.8±22.3 ml vs. 602.0±18.9 ml, p<0.001); requirements for blood and blood products (689.7±21.1 vs. 1199.3±34.5 ml, p < 0.0010); intensive care unit stays (31.7±0.9 hours versus 41.6±1.5 hours; p<0.001) and hospital stays (6.2±0.2 days versus 8.3±0.3 days; p<0.0010) were all significantly shorter in the OPCAB group. OPCAB is a safe and effective procedure for patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease and is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality. However, large randomized studies with long-term follow-up may show the real benefits of OPCAB compared with CABG on CPB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18951 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 8-14
Patient's Satisfaction on Surgical Services in Some Selected Private Hospitals in Dhaka
Authors: Begum M , Mehedi MT , Mahmud A , Sarwar AFM , Nasreen A
Published: May 2014

This was a descriptive type of cross-sectional study conducted in four selected private hospitals in Dhaka city with a view to assessing patient's satisfaction on surgical services. The study period was from March 2004 to June, 2004. The sample size was 110 and selected by purposive sampling technique. Surgical patients were interviewed with a structured questionnaire on the day of discharge or about to be discharged and also hospital record reviewed .for finding the selective patients. The result of study revealed that 87.3% patients were satisfied with surgeon's behavior, 85.5% were satisfied with pre-operative counseling by the surgeons. Regarding doctors services, maximum patients satisfied (91 8%) with doctors behavior. About 54.50% patients were satisfied with their physical examination and 67.30% were satisfied about pre-operative counseling by doctor. Satisfaction on post-operative care by doctors was 70.9%. Regarding nurses services, 71.8% patients were satisfied with their behavior 66.4% were satisfied with their dutifulness. In regard to general cleanliness of hospital 91.8% patients were satisfied while 62.8% were satisfied with cleanliness of toilet. According to this study 73.6% patients were satisfied with post-operative services and 78.2% were satisfied with water supply of hospital. Mean hospital stay of surgical patient as found in this study was 6.26 days with a standard deviation of ±3.58 days. Despite there were certain aspects of dissatisfaction namely inadequate waiting room facility and unclean toilets. Improvements of these areas were recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18952 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 15-18
Effect of Quadriceps Strengthening Exercise on Reduction of Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Walid CM , Islam MH , Rahman AZM M , Islam MT , Hassan MK , Sobhan F , Emran MA
Published: May 2014

Osleoarthritis is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical modalities like Quadriceps muscle strengthening exercise can be used to treat such cases. This Randomized clinical trial study was done in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sylhet M.A.G Osmani Medical College Hospital Sylhet, lo evaluate the role of quadriceps strengthening exercise in knee osteoarthritis during 1st April 2009 to 3lst October 2009. Sixty patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided in, group A and group B randomly. Group- A was treated with NSAID (Aceclofenac 100 mg 12hrly) and group-B with NSAID and quadriceps strengthening exercise 10 repetition 3 times daily. Each patient was followed try every week for four weeks. The mean age was 61.067 ± 8.320 years and male female ratio was 1.4:1. Marked improvement was observed in both the groups assessed by pain score (p<0.001), physicians global assessment (p<0.001) and patients global assessment (p<0 001); and was continued throughout the treatment period of 4 weeks; with significantly marked in group A than group B beginning at 1st week of treatment [pain score (p<0.001), physicians global assessment (p<0.040) and patients global assessment (p<0.034)] and was continued at the 4th week of treatment [pain score (p<0.001), physicians global assessment (p<0.001) and patients global assessment (p<0.001)]. The overall difference between the groups from baseline to end point of treatment is significant with group A (exercise plus NSAIDs) experienced a faster pain relief than that of group B (Only NSAID) (p:<0.001). So from the present study, it may be concluded that quadriceps strengthening exercise is useful in reduction of pain in knee osteoarthritis and may be an adjuvant therapy in knee osteoarthritis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18953 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 19-22
Comparative Study Between Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Managing Renal Stones
Authors: Islam MS , Biswas NP , Hossan MZ , Rahman I , Alam AKM K , Shameem IA , Kibria S , Islam AKM A
Published: May 2014

To find out better treatment option in treating renal stone safely, expeditiously. A total of 90 patient were prospectively randomized for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) (40) and Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) (50). Stone clearance, adjuvant procedures, hospital stay, post procedure morbidity, were compared for both methods. Stone clearance in PCNL and ESWL group was 87.50 and 66 percent respectively with a significant difference of clearance (P<0.05). Considering the stone size, in smaller stones, clearance was 87.50% and 72 50% among PCNL and ESWL group respectively without any significant difference (P>0.05). But in larger stones, stone clearance was 87.50% and 60.72% among PCNL and ESWL group respectively with significant difference in clearance between the groups (P<0.05). The rate of adjuvant procedures in PCNL and ESWL group was 12.50%, and 34% respectively. Requirement of adjuvant procedures were significantly higher in ESWL group (P<0.051 Post procedure hospital stay was significantly shorter in ESWL group than PCNL group (1.32 0.47 vs 4.52 1.99) with P yalue <0 05. Steinstrasse and Haematuria were significantly higher in ESWL group than PCNL group. Bleeding requiring transfusion, urinary cutaneous fistula and .fever were significantly higher in PCNL group than ESWL group. PCNL is more effective than ESWL in clearing larger renal stones. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18954 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 23-27
Efficacy of Topical Doxepin in the Treatment of Eczematous Dermatoses
Authors: Ahamed ARS , Islam AKMS , Islam MS , Hazra SC , Sultana R , Ahmed N
Published: May 2014

An interventional study was carried out in the department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faridpur Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from January, 2010 to June 2010 to evaluate the efficacy of topical doxepin cream in eczematous dermatoses. We included ninety three patients with moderate to severe pruritic eczematous dermatoses, in this study. Improvement of pruritus was assessed at day 3 and at day 7 by both Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Itch severity) scale (ISS). By VAS at day 3, 61.3% patients showed improvement and at day 7 improvement rate increases to 84.9%. By ISS, improvement at day 3 was 68.9%, and increased to 90.3% at day 7. Improvement was experienced by all types of eczema patients. By visual analogue scale (VAS) mean pruritus reduction at day 3 was 2.25 (± 1.93) and at day 7 was 4.30 (± 1.99). By ltch Severity Scale (ISS) mean pruritus reduction at day 3 was 3.76 (± 2.91), and at day 7 was 8.18 (± 3 42). An average of 27.27% (29.88% by VAS and 24.65% by ISS) reduction of pruritus noticed at the end of day 3 and at the end of study, response increases to 55.58% (57.10% by VAS and 54.06% by ISS) Paired sample t test was done and found that pruritus reduction was statistically significant at day 3 and day 7 both by VAS & ISS We can conclude that doxepin cream is highly effective in relieving pruritus associated with eczematous dermatoses but it has little effect on eczema itself. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18955 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 28-32
Clinical Profile and Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Brain in Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Noman F , Islam MI , Khan HA
Published: May 2014

This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the department of paediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from March 2006 to December 2006. This study was performed on 100 consecutive asphyxiated newborns who were admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the study period. Among them, 50 babies were preterm and 50 babies were full term with moderate to severe perinatal asphyxia. Full term (>37 weeks of gestation) and preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) newborn babies with perinatal asphyxia was taken as case in inclusion criteria. Among the preterm babies, highest number 23(46%) were in the age group o/ 34-36 weeks of gestational age and among the term babies, highest number 24(48%) were in the age group of 39-40 weeks of gestational age. This study shows that 39% mothers had prolong obstructed labour, 21% had premature rupture membrane and 17% had pre-eclamptic toxaemia during pregnancy,. Convulsion 66%, poor primitive reflexes 52%, cyanosis 49% pallor 32%, respiratory distress 32% and apnoic spells 26% were the common presentations of asphyxiated babies. Out of 50 preterm asphyxiated newborn, one showed periventricular leukomalacia, two IVH and two ventricular dilatation. In the present study abnormal sonogram were detected in ten term babies. Two cases showed features of cerebral oedema and eight cases showed mild to moderate ventriculomegaly together with several subcortical cystic lesions of varying size. In case of comparison, eight cases had ventricular dilatation in term babies while 2 cases had in preterm babies. None of the term babies had ventricular haemorrhage but 2 had in preterm babies. Only, one preterm baby had periventricular leukomalacia but none among the term babies. There were 2 cases of cerebral oedema in term babies but none in preterm babies. Thus ultrasonography helps early recognition of intracranial abnormalities in asphyxiated newborns. So prognosis may be assessed, complication may be anticipated and appropriate management plan can be designed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18956 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 33-37
Variation in The Body Composition in Pre-Menopausal & Post-Menopausal Women
Authors: Kamal MN , Islam MT , Rahman ASMM , Rahman MJ , Khan MM , Salek AKM
Published: May 2014

Menopause is an important hallmark for women because lots of changes occur in the body secondarily due to diminished ovarian function. This comparison study was carried out in the Department of Physical medicine and rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University to describe the variation of body composition and to observe the variation of body density, fat deposition among pre and post menopausal women. For this 50 patients of Pre menopausal and post menopausal women aged from 35 to 55 years were taken in this study. The average duration of which was 6 months. The patients were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Main outcome measures were mean value of height, weight and age of menarch, body mass index, total fat mass amount, percentage of body fat(%), lean mass amount( kg), lumbar spine BMD, waist to hip ratio. Mean values of body mass index, total fat mass amount, percentage of body fat (%), lean mass amount (kg), lumbar spine BMD, waist measurement, hip measurement, waist to hip ratio were higher in pre menopausal group than post menopausal group. The study concluded that bone mineral density is greater in pre-menopausal women than post-menopausal women and remains high up to 35-40 years of age, and declines to older age. BMD positively correlates with weight of women. Premenopausal women have higher height than postmenopausal women though height does not have correlation with BMD in this study. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18957 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 38-41
AntiHBc (total) as a Screening Assay for Safety of Donated Blood
Authors: Rahman MZ , Alam MR , Parveen S , Ahmed DS , Rahman MA , Chowdhury MS , Rana MA , Masud H
Published: May 2014

Detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in blood is diagnostic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In blood bank, screening .for HBsAg is carried out routinely to detect HBV infection. Despite this, transfusion-associated HBV infection still occurs due to presence of occult HBV infection. The aim of this study was to detection of occult HBV infection among the HBsAg negative/ Anti-HBc(total) positive donar. A total of 52 patients negative for HBsAg, but positive for Anti HBc(total) were included in this study, All the patients were then investigated for determination of Anti-HBs titre and HBV-DNA (PCR).Out of 52 patients, HBV DNA was detected in 16 patients(8.32%). Overall, 18 patients (9.36%) out of 52 were found positive for AntiHBs antibody. Among antiHBs positive patients, who are supposedly protected against HBV infection, 6 (33.33%) patients had detectable HBVDNA.In conclusion, a considerable number of HBV infected donars remain undiagnosed, if only HBsAg is used for screening. Addition of AntiHBc(total) testing for donar screening will definitely eliminate HBV infected blood donations and help in reducing HBV transmission with its potential consequences. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18958 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 42-44
Factors Affecting Surgical Outcome of Myringoplasty
Authors: Sarker MZ , Ahmed M , Patwary K , Islam R , Joarder AH
Published: May 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18959Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 45-48
Outcome of Induction of Labour in Post Dated Pregnancy
Authors: Yousuf NA , Khatan M
Published: May 2014

This prospective clinical study was designed on Outcome of induction of labour in post dated pregnancy. A randomized clinical trial was carried out at Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital Dhaka, during the period from November 2002 to June 2003. Sixty post dated pregnant patients, who were chosen for induction, were selected for this study. This study shows that the main method was oxytocin drip and second method was ARM + oxytocin drip, some cases induced by using oral prostaglandin and very few cases induced by intra cervical prostaglandin. 25 patients (65%) were induced by only oxytocin drip and failure rate was 32%, combined ARM and oxytocin drip applied on 25 patient and failure rate was 20%. From this study, it was found that efficacy of combined ARM and oxytocin drip method is superior then the only oxytocin drip method. Therefore combined ARM and oxytocin drip method can be used for induction of labour in post dated pregnancy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18960 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 49-52
Prevention & Management of Herpes Zoster- an Update
Authors: Haque AKM Rejaul , Sultana A , Habib A , Zakaria ASM
Published: May 2014

Herpes zoster (commonly referred to as "shingles") results .from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus infection, or chickenpox. Were as varicella is generally a disease of childhood, herpes zoster becomes more common with increasing age Factors that decrease immune function, such as human immunodeficiency virus infection, chemotherapv, malignancies and chronic corticosteroid use, may also increase the risk of developing herpes zoster. Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus from dorsal root ganglia is responsible.for lhe classic dermatomal rash and pain that occur with herpes zoster. Burning pain typically precedes the rash by several days and can persist for several months after the rash resolves. With post herpetic neuralgia, a complication of herpes zoster, pain may persist well after resolution of the rash and can be highly debilitating. Although the diagnosis of the conditions is generally straightforward, treatment can be frustrating for the patient and physician. Approaches to management include treatment of the herpes zoster infection and associated pain, prevention of post herpetic neuralgia, and control of the neuropathic pain until the condition resolves. Herpes zoster is contagious to those who have not had varicella or have not received the varicella vaccine. The role of the varicella vaccine in preventing herpes zoster is uncertain, but is being studied. The management of herpes zoster is challenging because many patients develop troublesome complication. So, appropriate management o/'herpes zoster is very important to avoid complication. On the other hand prevention is better than cure. Immunization with varicella zoster virus vaccine may boost humoral and cell mediated and decrease the incidence of zoster in population. So effectiveness of a vaccination program need to be evaluated. immunity DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18961 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 53-56
Generalized Anhidrosis: A Rare Dermatological Condition
Authors: Khondker L , Sultana A
Published: May 2014

Anhidrosis is the inability of the body to produce and /or deliver eccrine sweat to the skin surface in response to an appropriate stimulus or environment. It may be due to changes in the eccrine sweat gland, alterations in the nervous pathway or due to metabolic, endocrine or systemic disease. Purely psychogenic anhidrosis is also known. Occasionally it may not be possible to identify the cause. It may be localized, generalized, partial or complete. Extensive anhidrosis may impair heat regulation and produce heat exhaustion. The pathogenesis and underlying lesion of acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) are apparently heterogeneous. Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is a rare disorder in which systemic anhidrosis occurs in the absence of any causative skin, metabolic or neurological disorder. Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA), also known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type III is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the congenital lack of pain sensation, inability to sweat, episodes of recurrent hyperpyrexia. mental retardation, and self-mutilating behavior. It is due to mutations in the neurotrophic lyrosine receptor kinase I (NTRK1) gene in chromosome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18962 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 57-58
Orthopaedic Birth Trauma, Diagnosis & Management
Authors: Salam SI , Rahman F , Begum B
Published: May 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i3.18963Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol.41(3): 59-63
Redescription of Platynaspis flavoguttata (Gorham) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) and notes on nomenclature of Platynaspis kapuri Chakraborty & Biswas
Authors: Poorani J.
Published: May 2014

Platynaspis flavoguttata (Gorham) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is redescribed and the male genitalia are illustrated for the first time. It is also recorded from Sri Lanka for the first time. Platynaspis bimaculata (Hoang, 1983) is a new junior synonym of Platynaspis bimaculata Pang & Mao, 1979 (new synonym). Platynaspis kapuri Chakraborty & Biswas, 2000, the replacement name for Platynaspis bimaculata Pang & Mao, 1979 established by Ukrainsky (2007), is also the new replacement name for Platynaspis bimaculata (Hoang, 1983), as both are junior homonyms of Platynaspis bimaculata Weise, 1888 besides being synonyms. Platynaspis hoangi Ukrainsky (2007) is an unnecessary replacement name for P. bimaculata (Hoang).
First implementation of the Large Fish Index (LFI) in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Edelist Dor , Golani Daniel , Spanier Ehud
Published: May 2014

The composition and structure of fish assemblages caught by trawl in the Levantine Sea (eastern Mediterranean) were summarized using a fishing-sensitive univariate indicator. This metric, called the ‘Large Fish Index’ (LFI), has been developed in the North Sea since 2000 and is applied and adapted here for the first time in the eastern Mediterranean. It was defined as the fish biomass fraction above a pre-determined length threshold, expressed as proportion of the total fish biomass. Trawl-caught assemblages in the warm, oligotrophic, highly invaded Levant were found to be characterized by small fishes. ‘Large fish’ were thus delineated as 20-30 cm (total length) for this region, as opposed to 40 cm set in the North Sea. Desired minimum LFI proportions were set as 0.5 for fishes longer than 20 cm and 0.3 for fishes longer than 30 cm and the actual values found in Israeli bottom trawl surveys from 2008 to 2012 were 0.3 and 0.155 respectively. These low LFI values for the small fishes caught by trawlers attest to the ecological unsustainability and economic inefficiency of bottom trawling in Israel and provide a tool for managers with which to assess the state of the fishery and the general health of the ecosystem.