bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of cervical intraepithelial lesions in a population of adolescents treated in public health services in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Denise Leite Maia , Trajano Alexandre José Baptista , Silva Kátia Silveira da , Russomano Fábio Bastos
Published: May 2009

This study aimed to estimate the incidence and types of cervical cytopathological findings in adolescents who were treated in public health services between 1993 and 2006. This is a cohort study, with the following inclusion criteria: < 20 years of age, sexually-active, without cervical lesions upon entry into the study or sexually active < 1 year. The data were collected from 403 adolescents' medical records. Incidence density of cytopathological alterations was estimated and the actuarial method was used to calculate the 5-year incidence during follow-up after sexual initiation. In the first year of sexual activity, the incidence of cervical lesions was 24.1%. The incidence decreased to 3-8% over the following 4 years. The incidence density was 4.7 cases per 100 persons per year. The first abnormal cytological diagnosis showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in 5.5% (22) of patients, low-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions (LSIL) in 28% (113), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in 3% (12). Eight (67%) cases of HSIL occurred during the first year of sexual activity. The incidence of cytopathological findings at beginning of sexual life is high, suggesting the importance of including sexually-active adolescents in cervical cancer prevention programs.
Prevalência de deficiência auditiva referida e causas atribuídas: um estudo de base populacional
Authors: Cruz Mariana Sodário , Oliveira Luiz Roberto de , Carandina Luana , Lima Maria Cristina Pereira , César Chester Luis Galvão , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo , Alves Maria Cecilia Goi Porto , Goldbaum Moises
Published: May 2009

Objetivou-se verificar a prevalência de deficiência auditiva referida pela população urbana de quatro localidades do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, e estudar as causas atribuídas e variáveis sócio-demográficas. Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional com dados referentes à população com 12 anos ou mais residente nas quatro localidades, em 2001 e 2002. Participaram 5.250 sujeitos selecionados por amostragem probabilística, estratificada e selecionada por conglomerados, em dois estágios. A análise dos dados foi exploratória, incluindo análise bivariada e regressão logística múltipla. A prevalência de deficiência auditiva foi 5,21%, mais acentuada nas faixas etárias acima de 59 anos (18,7%), que referiram doenças nos 15 dias anteriores à entrevista (8,4%), com transtorno mental comum (8,85%) e que fizeram uso de medicamentos nos últimos 3 dias (8,45%). O estudo dos fatores que se associam à deficiência auditiva direcionam intervenções de saúde para que atendam as reais necessidades da população, principalmente na atenção primária. Há necessidade de mais estudos populacionais com enfoque na audição, visto que esta é uma área escassa de publicações no Brasil.
The role of the Family Health Program in the organization of primary care in municipal health systems
Authors: Medina Maria Guadalupe , Hartz Zulmira Maria de Araújo
Published: May 2009

The contribution of primary care to population health and health systems organization has been well documented, but some authors have highlighted that in Third World countries it has gained more ground in discourse than in facts and practices, with different possible configurations. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate and correlate organizational and local contextual characteristics to the degree of implementation of primary care in two municipalities (counties) in the State of Bahia State, Brazil, that had adopted the Family Health Program (FHP) as the system's central thrust. The research was based on two case studies with interwoven levels of analysis, using as the point of departure the underlying goal-image of primary care in the definition of criteria and standards for degree of implementation. The total scores for Municipalities A and B were 66 and 81, respectively (maximum total score = 100), while differences were observed between the urban and rural teams. The political and institutional contexts helped explain differences in the degree of implementation of primary care, but regardless of the municipal context, the study showed the emergence of organizational innovations closely related to the FHP.
Investigação de Campylobacter fetus e Tritrichomonas foetus na mucosa prepucial de touros da região do Médio Paraíba, RJ
Authors: Rocha Flávio Soares da , Jesus Vera Lúcia Teixeira de , Torres Helenita Marques , Gomes Marcos José Pereira , Figueiredo Márcio José de , Nascimento Elmiro Rosendo do , Ferreira Teresinha , Aquino Maria Helena Cosendey de
Published: May 2009

Trinta e nove touros provenientes de propriedades de pecuária leiteira (n=9) e de pecuária de corte (n=30), situadas na região do Médio Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), foram investigados para a presença de Campylobacter fetus e Tritrichomonas foetus. Para a pesquisa de Campylobacter, amostras de esmegma foram coletadas e submetidas à técnica de cultivo e isolamento e amostras de lavado prepucial ao teste de Imunofluorescência Direta (IFD). Para a pesquisa de Tritrichomonas, foi utilizada a técnica de exame direto a partir de lavado prepucial. Foi observada a presença de C. fetus em 14 amostras (35,9 %), por meio da IFD, e o isolamento de C. fetus, subespécie venerealis, foi obtido a partir de quatro amostras (10,3%). T. foetus não foi identificado nas amostras investigadas. A alta freqüência de C. fetus observada nos animais investigados sugere a presença da campilobacteriose na região do Médio Paraíba, em rebanhos com problemas reprodutivos.
Estrutura produtiva, restrição externa e crescimento econômico: a experiência brasileira
Authors: Carvalho Veridiana Ramos da Silva , Lima Gilberto Tadeu
Published: May 2009

Analisa-se a perda de dinamismo do crescimento econômico brasileiro a partir da década de 1980, utilizando a abordagem keynesiana de crescimento sob restrição externa. Resultados empíricos revelaram que a taxa de crescimento no período 1930-2004 foi a compatível com o equilíbrio externo e que o câmbio real e o fluxo de capitais tiveram um papel reduzido na obtenção desse equilíbrio. Mas a perda de dinamismo do crescimento, a partir da década de 1980, pode ser explicada por uma maior perversidade desse equilíbrio, dado o comportamento do fluxo de capitais e do câmbio real. Nos anos 1990, por sua vez, a estratégia de desenvolvimento provocou uma quebra estrutural na elasticidade-renda das importações, fazendo com que o equilíbrio externo resultasse em uma taxa de crescimento mais baixa.
Crises cambiais e financeiras: uma comparação entre América Latina e Leste Asiático
Authors: Aldrighi Dante Mendes , Cardoso André Daud
Published: May 2009

Este artigo investiga as fontes de vulnerabilidade e o grau de severidade das crises cambiais e financeiras na América Latina e no Leste Asiático. Evidências obtidas a partir de um conjunto de indicadores calculados por país e por região para cada ano entre 1990 e 2004 sugerem que as economias do Leste Asiático eram potencialmente mais vulneráveis em aspectos relacionados ao setor bancário, enquanto as fragilidades das economias latino-americanas concentravam-se nos desequilíbrios fiscais e nas transações correntes do balanço de pagamentos. Por sua vez, estimativas do grau de severidade das crises mostram que, embora atenuadas na crise asiática de 1997-1998, as diferenças regionais persistiam.
Valor ambiental em uma perspectiva heterodoxa institucional-ecológica: an institutional-ecological heterodox perspective
Authors: Amazona Maurício de Carvalho
Published: May 2009

O presente trabalho discute a perspectiva de valoração ambiental a partir de fundamentos heterodoxos, numa abordagem aqui denominada institucional-ecológica. Inicia-se pela identificação das principais limitações da abordagem neoclássica e suas correspondentes proposições de valoração, particularmente tendo-se em vista o desafio posto pelo critério de Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Em seguida, busca resgatar princípios propositivos de abordagens heterodoxas, particularmente nas formulações do campo teórico institucionalista e do campo teórico da economia ecológica, como elementos de potencial integração analítica para a constituição de uma conceituação heterodoxa de valores ambientais. Por fim, o trabalho propõe, a partir de uma discussão sobre o processo de formação e internalização dos valores ambientais e desse potencial de integração analítica, bases de constituição de uma abordagem institucional-ecológica para interpretação da valoração ambiental e, dentro dessa perspectiva, discute ao final qual o escopo de aplicação dos métodos de valoração correntemente utilizados pela Economia Ambiental Neoclássica.
A organização do ensino fundamental em ciclos: algumas questões
Authors: Alavarse Ocimar Munhoz
Published: May 2009

No artigo são problematizados alguns aspectos associados à organização do ensino fundamental em ciclos, a partir de iniciativas em redes públicas de ensino e da literatura relativa à temática. A implantação dos ciclos, com diferenças de várias ordens, intensificou-se com a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases (LDB) de 1996 e é apresentada como uma alternativa à seriação e ao fracasso escolar, especialmente quanto às altas taxas de reprovação e ao baixo aproveitamento dos alunos brasileiros, sendo também acompanhada de fortes resistências e polêmicas. Da perspectiva da democratização da escola, enfocam-se os desafios da igualdade de resultados, como aprofundamento da igualdade de oportunidades, o que compreende o tensionamento da seriação e da repetência escolar como expediente pedagógico, com destaque para os objetivos escolares e as implicações pedagógicas que os ciclos imporiam. Contudo, se os ciclos não podem ser associados à queda de qualidade do ensino, pondera-se que, apesar de seu enorme potencial democrático, ainda não foram atingidos os objetivos preconizados com sua adoção.
A implementação dos ciclos de formação em Porto Alegre: para além de uma discussão do espaço-tempo escolar
Authors: Fetzner Andréa Rosana
Published: May 2009

O artigo propõe a reflexão sobre as condições em que os ciclos de formação foram implementados na rede municipal de ensino de Porto Alegre. Situam-se as relações entre sociedade e cultura escolar; apresenta-se a gênese do conceito de ciclos, com referência nos estudos de Vygotsky e Wallon; retomam-se algumas propostas educacionais consideradas inéditos viáveis na educação brasileira, tais como a escola primária integral e a educação popular; e, ao final, apresentam-se algumas situações específicas de Porto Alegre em relação a outras propostas de ciclos contemporâneas. O conceito de cultura escolar é o foco na análise das práticas e indica a transição de processos escolares conservadores para processos democratizantes.
Os ciclos de formação como alternativa para a inclusão escolar
Authors: Dalben Ângela Imaculada Loureiro de Freitas
Published: May 2009

A partir da década de 1980, a cultura escolar passou a ser foco dos debates sobre as necessidades urgentes de construção de uma escola capaz de abrigar a diversidade da população escolarizável do país, para enfrentar o fracasso escolar e resolver o problema do analfabetismo e das desigualdades de acesso aos bens culturais da humanidade. Entre as alternativas, a organização da escola por ciclos passou a ser uma das alternativas apresentadas pelas propostas mais ousadas de mudança dessa cultura. Este trabalho discute parte dessa questão, situando a seguinte pergunta: seria a mudança da organização do trabalho escolar da seriação para a escola ciclada a alternativa para o enfrentamento do fracasso escolar na escola pública? Tomamos por base as pesquisas realizadas junto à rede municipal de Belo Horizonte, nos processos de implantação e implementação do Projeto Político-Pedagógico Escola Plural, em palco desde 1995. A pesquisa que deu suporte a essas reflexões discute as experiências práticas de implementação da organização por ciclos nas escolas e as dificuldades e os desafios vividos diante das condições de trabalho numa rede que decidiu por alterar a organização do trabalho em todo o sistema de uma só vez.
Docência, cinema e televisão: questões sobre formação ética e estética
Authors: Fischer Rosa Maria Bueno
Published: May 2009

O propósito deste artigo é discutir o tema da formação ético-estética docente tendo como ferramenta teórica principal os conceitos tratados por Michel Foucault no curso A hermenêutica do sujeito. O texto defende o argumento de que a educação ética e estética e a educação do olhar e da sensibilidade poderiam constituir-se como parte fundamental da formação docente. Assumo a posição de que a formação ética e estética poderia ser relacionada a um trabalho de imersão nas imagens audiovisuais, nos exercícios com sons, movimentos, diálogos e cores das imagens do cinema e da televisão, especialmente quando se trata de narrativas que fogem aos esquemas convencionais de apelo ao mero espetáculo. Com base em Michel Foucault e nos filósofos clássicos gregos e romanos por ele estudados, bem como nas obras de Alain Badiou sobre cinema, o texto discorre a respeito da possibilidade do estabelecimento de relações entre filosofia e formação docente, trazendo para o debate três produções (duas do cinema norte-americano e uma da televisão brasileira). A docência, no âmbito dessa discussão, é tratada como lugar privilegiado de experimentação, de transformação de si e de indagação permanente sobre de que modo nos tornamos o que somos, particularmente no campo da educação.
A inclusão escolar do ponto de vista dos professores: o processo de constituição de um discurso
Authors: Anjos Hildete Pereira dos , Andrade Emmanuele Pereira de , Pereira Mirian Rosa
Published: May 2009

O artigo analisa, nas falas dos professores da rede pública, as referências à inclusão de alunos com deficiência. Tais falas foram coletadas em entrevistas não-estruturadas, interpretadas seguindo os princípios da análise de discurso e organizadas em três grupos de sentido: concepções de base, o lugar de si e o lugar do outro. Aparece, no discurso, uma naturalização das temáticas da deficiência e da normalidade. O falante descreve-se como parte do processo inclusivo, mesmo relatando sentimentos como impotência, frustração e despreparo. Essa participação limita-se à sala de aula, evidenciando certa passividade com relação às carências da educação. Distingue-se do restante o mundo onde o professor tem função de direção (a sala de aula). As relações entre governo, pais, atendimento especializado e a ação pedagógica aparecem fragmentadas. Os fatores apontados como desfavoráveis à inclusão são naturalizados. Essa distinção entre o mundo pedagógico e o restante reforça uma concepção de inclusão como produto acabado, naturalizando-a e separando o processo inclusivo das relações entre inclusão e exclusão.
O engajamento político dos jovens no movimento hip-hop
Authors: Moreno Rosangela Carrilo , Almeida Ana Maria F.
Published: May 2009

O que leva alguns jovens a se envolver com a militância política, criando ou participando de grupos de interesse? Essa questão é discutida a partir dos resultados de uma pesquisa sobre um grupo de rappers envolvido com o movimento hiphop na cidade de Campinas, estado de São Paulo. Suas disposições para a militância são analisadas como resultado das condições objetivas e subjetivas em que se deu sua socialização, apreendidas por meio do estudo da trajetória social de suas famílias. Por sua vez, a entrada concreta em militância é analisada como resultado, nunca definitivo, dos encontros e das interações desenvolvidas no interior de redes de relações de vários tipos, inclusive afetivas, que se localizam num espaço social concretizado em instituições, modos de agir e de pensar que orientam microdecisões cotidianas, incluindo aquelas associadas à ação política.
Em busca de um perfil epistemológico para a prática educacional em educação em ciências
Authors: Mion Rejane Aurora , Angotti José André Peres
Published: May 2009

Procuramos fazer uma comparação entre programas de investigação científica em Lakatos (1978 e 1979) e programas de investigação-ação educacionais crítico-ativos, buscando assim o perfil epistemológico da prática educacional em ciências naturais, apontando em que a ciência pode iluminar a nossa prática, os nossos problemas de ensinar e aprender. Nas idéias de Lakatos, buscamos complementos para a estruturação de um programa de investigação-ação educacional na formação inicial de professores, bem como a orientação para a reconstrução racional da própria prática educacional. Não estamos querendo priorizar as ciências naturais sobre as ciências sociais, mesmo porque essa visão de mundo não daria conta dos problemas no ensino, pois são visões distintas. Buscamos bases epistemológicas para o fazer educativo.
Una visión Toulminiana respecto a la disciplina investigación básica en educación en ciencias: el rol del foro institucional
Authors: Moreira Marco Antonio
Published: May 2009

El objectivo de esta presentación es el argumentar que el área de investigación en educación en ciencias ha alcanzado un nivel de desarrollo que ya puede ser considerada una disciplina según los criterios de Stephen Toulmin. Por lo tanto, el foro institucional constituído por los grupos de referencia, las asociaciones de investigación, los periódicos y los cursos de postgrado del área deben asumir su importante papel en la continuidad de ese desarrollo. Al final son presentadas las conclusiones y recomendaciones de dos congresos de investigación en educación en ciencias que plantean cuestiones relevantes para dicho foro.
Construção de práticas didático-pedagógicas com orientação CTS: impacto de um programa de formação continuada de professores de ciências do ensino básico
Authors: Tenreiro-Vieira Celina , Vieira Rui Marques
Published: May 2009

No quadro da atual reorganização curricular do Ensino Básico português, salienta-se a idéia de que o ensino das ciências deve ser visto, acima de tudo, como promotor da literacia científica. Nesse sentido, a perspectiva CTS deverá constituir o eixo integrador e globalizante da organização e da aquisição de conhecimentos e do desenvolvimento de capacidades de pensamento. Mas qualquer inovação, reforma ou reorganização curricular obriga a equacionar a formação de professores, enquanto a questão central da inovação curricular residir sobretudo no que os professores vão fazer das orientações curriculares para o ensino das ciências na sala de aula. Neste artigo, pretende-se dar conta de um estudo desenvolvido com a finalidade de descrever e analisar os contributos de um programa de formação continuada de professores na construção de práticas CTS. Dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o programa de formação contribuiu para que os professores envolvidos promovessem práticas didáticopedagógicas com orientação CTS.
A construção coletiva do conhecimento científico sobre a estrutura do DNA
Authors: Scheid Neusa Maria John , Ferrari Nadir , Delizoicov Demétrio
Published: May 2009

Neste artigo, a epistemologia de Ludwik Fleck é utilizada na interpretação de relatos sobre a evolução do conhecimento científico que culminou na proposição do modelo de dupla hélice para a molécula de DNA e sua aceitação pela comunidade científica. A compreensão dos coletivos de pensamento e dos estilos de pensamento envolvidos nesse processo permite explorar uma visão mais adequada da produção do conhecimento científico, contribuindo para a melhoria da educação científica de professores de biologia e de ciências.
Discursos curriculares na disciplina escolar Química
Authors: Lopes Alice Casimiro
Published: May 2009

Neste artigo, é defendido que a disciplina escolar é um híbrido de discursos curriculares. Para argumentar em favor dessa idéia, é analisado como textos na área de ensino de Química influenciam nas políticas de currículo, hibridizando discursos oficiais e outros discursos curriculares. São articuladas as discussões teóricas de Ball, sobre políticas de currículo, de Goodson, sobre disciplinas escolares, de Bernstein, sobre recontextualização, e de Canclini, sobre hibridismo.
O computador na Educação em Ciências: breve revisão crítica acerca de algumas formas de utilização
Authors: Giordan Marcelo
Published: May 2009

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir algumas das principais questões atuais de pesquisa sobre a presença do computador nas aulas de Ciências. Para apresentar o estado da arte da pesquisa, recuperam- se as primeiras experiências de utilização do computador e também apresentam-se outras experiências de uso da internet, bem como de atividades desenvolvidas diante do computador. Paralelamente às formas de utilização do computador, são discutidas algumas questões de pesquisa desdobradas das doutrinas de pensamento que alimentam os programas de pesquisa em Educação em Ciências, enfatizando alguns conceitos da teoria da ação mediada.
Vascular Disrupting Agents: A Novel Mechanism of Action in the Battle Against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gridelli Cesare , Rossi Antonio , Maione Paolo , Rossi Emanuela , Castaldo Vincenzo , Sacco Paola Claudia , Colantuoni Giuseppe
Published: May 2009

Learning Objectives

Explain the molecular mechanism of action of vascular disrupting agents. Evaluate the preclinical results of vascular disrupting agents. Assess the preliminary clinical results of vascular disrupting agents in the treatment of patients with NSCLC.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Polo-Like Kinase (PLK) Inhibitors in Preclinical and Early Clinical Development in Oncology
Authors: Schöffski Patrick
Published: May 2009

Polo-like kinases (PLKs) are a group of highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinases that play a key role in processes such as cell division and checkpoint regulation of mitosis. About 80% of human tumors, of various origins, express high levels of PLK transcripts. However, PLK mRNA is mostly absent in surrounding healthy tissues. Overexpression of PLK is associated with a poor prognosis in several tumor types and a lower overall survival rate. The overexpression of PLKs in human tumors, but not in healthy nondividing cells, makes them an attractive, selective target for cancer drug development. PLK inhibitors interfere with different stages of mitosis, such as centrosome maturation, spindle formation, chromosome separation, and cytokinesis. They induce mitotic chaos and severely perturb cell cycle progression, eventually leading to cancer cell death. Several PLK inhibitors are in development and are undergoing evaluations as potential cancer treatments. This review includes an overview of PLK inhibitors in early clinical development (i.e., BI 2536, BI 6727, GSK461364, ON 019190.Na, and HMN-214) and in advanced preclinical development (i.e., ZK-thiazolidinone, NMS-1, CYC-800, DAP-81, and LC-445). If proof of principle is confirmed in large studies, PLK inhibitors will offer a new targeted antitumor therapy for cancer patients.
In Defense of the Whipple: An Argument for Aggressive Surgical Management of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chamberlain Ronald Scott , Gupta Chetan , Paragi Prakash
Published: May 2009

The authors argue that aggressive surgical management of patients with pancreatic cancer is warranted.
Decisions, Decisions
Authors: Steensma David P.
Published: May 2009

The author comments on van Laarhoven et al.’s reflection on the motives behind medical decision making.
Testosterone induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway
Authors: Altamirano Francisco , Oyarce César , Silva Patricio , Toyos Marcela , Wilson Carlos , Lavandero Sergio , Uhlén Per , Estrada Manuel
Published: May 2009

Elevated testosterone concentrations induce cardiac hypertrophy but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Anabolic properties of testosterone involve an increase in protein synthesis. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway is a major regulator of cell growth, but the relationship between testosterone action and mTORC1 in cardiac cells remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether the hypertrophic effects of testosterone are mediated by mTORC1 signaling in cultured cardiomyocytes. Testosterone increases the phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream targets 40S ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1; also known as RPS6KB1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). The S6K1 phosphorylation induced by testosterone was blocked by rapamycin and small interfering RNA to mTOR. Moreover, the hormone increased both extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 blocked the testosterone-induced S6K1 phosphorylation, whereas Akt inhibition (Akt-inhibitor-X) had no effect. Testosterone-induced ERK1/2 and S6K1 phosphorylation increases were blocked by either 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethylester or by inhibitors of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) pathway: U-73122 and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate. Finally, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was evaluated by, the expression of β-myosin heavy chain, α-skeletal actin, cell size, and amino acid incorporation. Testosterone increased all four parameters and the increase being blocked by mTOR inhibition. Our findings suggest that testosterone activates the mTORC1/S6K1 axis through IP3/Ca2+ and MEK/ERK1/2 to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Reversal of the hypothalamo-pituitary–adrenal response to oestrogens around puberty
Authors: Evuarherhe Obaro , Leggett James , Waite Eleanor , Kershaw Yvonne , Lightman Stafford
Published: May 2009

The neuroendocrine gender dimorphism that begins during perinatal development is completed during puberty. We have previously described how the perinatal gonadal steroids programme hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) activity in adulthood and we now assess the role of peripubertal ovarian hormones. Prepubertal females were treated subcutaneously with either cholesterol or 17β-oestradiol and their pituitary–adrenal activity was assessed 5 days later. Oestradiol suppressed the ACTH and corticosterone responses to restraint stress in the prepubertal female. Furthermore, groups of female rats were ovariectomised (OVX) either before or after puberty and adult animals were subsequently treated with subcutaneous implants containing either 17β-oestradiol or cholesterol. Corticosterone pulsatility was assessed using an automated blood sampling system to collect blood from freely moving animals at 10 min intervals over 24 h. Oestradiol administered to adults that had been OVX either pre- or post-pubertally displayed a significantly higher mean corticosterone level as well as increased pulse frequency and pulse amplitude compared with cholesterol treated controls. These data demonstrate a reversal in the effect of oestrogens on HPA axis activity over the time of puberty with inhibitory effects prepubertally and stimulatory actions after puberty and imply an ovarian steroid-independent mechanism of pubertal maturation of HPA sensitivity to oestrogens.
Application of image analysis in activated sludge to evaluate correlations between settleability and features of flocs and filamentous species
Authors: Arelli A. , Luccarini L. , Madoni P.
Published: May 2009

Digital image analysis is a useful tool to estimate some morphological parameters of flocs and filamentous species in activated sludge wastewater treatment processes. In this work we found the correlation between some morphological parameters and sludge volume index (SVI). The sludge was taken from a pilot—scale activated sludge plant, owned by ENEA, located side stream to the Trebbo di Reno (Bologna, Italy) municipal WWTP and fed by domestic wastewater. In order to use image analysis, we developed a correct method to acquire digital microbiological observations and to obtain images altogether representative of the sludge properties. We identified and assessed the parameters needed to estimate the settleability of the sludge and evaluated the morphological filamentous features. It is known that several conditions (i.e. low F/M, nutrient deficiency, low dissolved oxygen) select specific filamentous species and their excessive growth decrease floc-forming/filaments ratio, correspond to the worse settleability properties; we found a relationship between the relative abundance of filamentous species and SVI. We also evaluated the fractal dimension parameter (FD) and determined a threshold value useful to distinguish between the “weak” and “firm” floc and we found a correlation between FD and SVI.
Selective separation of phosphate and fluoride from semiconductor wastewater
Authors: Warmadewanthi B. , Liu J. C.
Published: May 2009

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) are widely used in semiconductor industry for etching and rinsing purposes. Consequently, significant amount of wastewater containing phosphate and fluoride is generated. Selective separation of phosphate and fluoride from the semiconductor wastewater, containing 936 mg/L of fluoride, 118 mg/L of phosphate, 640 mg/L of sulfate, and 26.7 mg/L of ammonia, was studied. Chemical precipitation and flotation reactions were utilized in the two-stage treatment processes. The first-stage reaction involved the addition of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) to induce selective precipitation of magnesium phosphate. The optimal condition was pH 10 and molar ratio, [Mg2 + ]/[(PO43−)], of 3:1, and 66.2% of phosphate was removed and recovered as bobierrite (Mg3(PO4)2·8H2O). No reaction was found between MgCl2 and fluoride. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) was used in the second-stage reaction to induce precipitation of calcium fluoride and calcium phosphate. The optimum molar ratio, [Ca2 + ]/[F−], was 0.7 at pH 10, and residual fluoride concentration of 10.7 mg/L and phosphate concentration of lower than 0.5 mg/L was obtained. Thermodynamic equilibrium was modeled with PHREEQC and compared with experimental results. Sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) was an effective collector for subsequent solid–liquid removal via dispersed air flotation (DiAF). The study demonstrated that phosphate can be selectively recovered from the wastewater. Potential benefits include recovery of phosphate for reuse, lower required dosage of calcium for fluoride removal, and less amount of CaF2 sludge.
Material flow analysis as a tool for sustainable sanitation planning in developing countries: case study of Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Authors: Meinzinger F. , Kröger K. , Otterpohl R.
Published: May 2009

Material Flow Analysis is a method that can be used to assess sanitation systems with regard to their environmental impacts. Modelling water and nutrients flows of the urban water, wastewater and waste system can highlight risks for environmental pollution and can help evaluating the potential for linking sanitation with resource recovery and agricultural production. This study presents the results of an analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus flows of Arba Minch town in South Ethiopia. The current situation is modelled and possible scenarios for upgrading the town's sanitation system are assessed. Two different scenarios for nutrient recovery are analysed. Scenario one includes co-composting municipal organic waste with faecal sludge from pit latrines and septic tanks as well as the use of compost in agriculture. The second scenario based on urine-diversion toilets includes application of urine as fertiliser and composting of faecal matter. In order to allow for variations in the rate of adoption, the model can simulate varying degrees of technology implementation. Thus, the impact of a step-wise or successive approach can be illustrated. The results show that significant amounts of plant nutrients can be provided by both options, co-composting and urine diversion.
In situ nutrient removal from aquaculture wastewater by aquatic vegetable Ipomoea aquatica on floating beds
Authors: Li Wenxiang , Li Zhongjie
Published: May 2009

Nutrient-rich effluents caused rising concern due to eutrophication of aquatic environment by utilization of a large amount of formula feed. Nutrient removal and water quality were investigated by planting aquatic vegetable on artificial beds in 36-m2 concrete fishponds. After treatment of 120 days, 30.6% of total nitrogen (TN) and 18.2% of total phosphorus (TP) were removed from the total input nutrients by 6-m2 aquatic vegetable Ipomoea aquatica. The concentrations of TN, TP, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and chlorophyll a in planted ponds were significantly lower than those in non-planted ponds (P<0.05). Transparency of water in planted ponds was much higher than that of control ponds. No significant differences in the concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) and nitrite nitrogen (NO2−-N) were found between planted and non-planted ponds. These results suggested that planting aquatic vegetable with one-sixth covered area of the fishponds could efficiently remove nutrient and improve water quality.
Extraction of extracellular polymeric substances from the acidophilic bacterium Acidiphilium 3.2Sup(5)
Authors: Tapia J. M. , Muñoz J. A. , González F. , Blázquez M. L. , Malki M. , Ballester A.
Published: May 2009

Extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from Acidiphilium 3.2Sup(5) was investigated using five methods: EDTA, NaOH, ion exchange resin, heating and centrifugation. The bacterium studied presents promising application in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The degree of cellular lysis provoked by each method was determined by UV-visible spectroscopy of cultures before and after EPS extraction. In addition, two electron microscopy techniques (TEM and SEM) were employed to determine the degree of attachment and the growth of the biofilm overtime on two solid supports: carbon fibre cloth and graphite rods. The main constituents of the EPS extracted by all methods were proteins and carbohydrates, as confirmed by FT-IR analysis, showing the major presence of carboxylic, hydroxylic and amino groups. The greater extractions of EPS were obtained using EDTA. This method also produced a less degree of cellular lysis. Furthermore, both the amount and the chemical composition of EPS strongly depended on the extraction method used.
A novel sludge minimized biological nitrogen removal process for saline sewage treatment
Authors: Tsang W. L. , Wang J. , Lu H. , Li S. , Chen G. H. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M.
Published: May 2009

This study reports a lab-scale evaluation of a new biological nitrogen removal process for saline sewage treatment, namely a SANI process (Sulfate reduction, Autotrophic denitrification and Nitrification Integrated process). The experimental system consisted of an up-flow anaerobic bed for sulfate reduction, an anoxic filter for autotrophic denitrification using dissolved sulfide produced in the up-flow anaerobic bed and an aerobic filter for nitrification. The system successfully operated for more than 180 days with an overall organic carbon removal efficiency of 95%, in which, 82% removal was contributed by the up-flow anaerobic bed operating at a HRT of 6 h, and 13% removal by the anoxic filter. An average COD removed /sulfate removed ratio was found to be 0.76 gCOD/gSO4 or 2.28 COD/gSO4-S further confirming that the organic removal was mainly achieved by the sulfate reduction. In terms of nitrogen removal efficiency, the SANI system was found sensitive to the recirculation rate between the anoxic filter and the aerobic filter. A recirculation rate of 3Q was found to be optimal for achieving 74% of the total nitrogen removal. It was confirmed that the autotrophic denitrification was a major contributor to the total nitrogen removal in the SANI system. Sulfur balance analysis indicated that both the accumulation of elementary sulfur in the biomass and the loss of hydrogen sulfide were trivial. During the entire operation period (330 days to date), no sludge was wasted from any reactors in this system. This was further confirmed by the biomass balance simulation results that low biomass yields of sulfate reducing bacteria, autotrophic denitrifiers and nitrifiers contribute to the zero excess sludge discharge.
Anaerobic filter for polishing effluent of UASB reactor treating strong sewage at 23°C
Authors: Alrajoula Mohammad , Halalsheh Maha , Fayyad Manar
Published: May 2009

Anaerobic filter (AF) was used for polishing effluent of UASB reactor treating strong sewage at an average water temperature of 23°C. The UASB-AF system was operated with sludge discharge taking place only from the AF reactor. It was hypothesized that better removal of suspended COD (CODss) fraction from the system can be achieved by increasing sludge discharge frequency from the AF reactor. For this purpose, sludge discharge frequencies of once, twice and thrice per day from the AF reactor were investigated. Results showed that average total COD (CODtot) removal efficiency of the system increased from 62% when sludge was discharged once per day from the AF reactor up to 67% when sludge was discharged twice and thrice per day. However, the increase in CODtot removal was not due to increased removal of CODss fraction; but mainly due to development of an active biomass on the filter media, which increased removal efficiency of soluble COD fraction. The AF reactor had also an evidence of pathogens reduction. The AF reactor achieved 1–2 log reduction in Fecal Coliform counts.
Fractionation of natural organic matter in the Nile River: implications for treated water quality
Authors: Smith Edward H. , Alqabany Ahmed A.
Published: May 2009

Recent sampling projects in greater Cairo, Egypt have indicated the presence of trihalomethanes and other chlorine disinfection by-products (DBPs) in the public water supply at levels that are periodically in excess of regulatory limits. Therefore, hydrophobic–hydrophilic fractionation of natural organic matter (NOM) was performed for raw Nile River water samples in order to identify the organic fractions that most readily react with chlorine to produce DBPs. Averages of five events over a 13-month period revealed that the hydrophilic neutral fraction made the highest contribution (35%) to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC), followed by hydrophobic (29%), transphilic (23%), and hydrophilic charged (13%) fractions. Relative contribution of NOM fractions to DBP formation was measured according to the trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) test. Although the transphilic fraction was only the third highest contributor to DOC, on average it constituted the major contribution to THMFP (38%) followed by the hydrophobic fraction (31%). This finding was corroborated by the results of two events in which samples were collected in both Cairo and Luxor (750 km upstream). The transphilic fraction also yielded the best correlation between percent contributions to THMFP versus DOC.
Computational study on microscale behavior of bubble generated by aeration in a plug-flow aeration tank
Authors: Wang Huanran , Li Yanpeng , Zhao Zhixin
Published: May 2009

The microscale hydrodynamics of bubbles generated by aeration is directly related to the oxygen transfer efficiency and the overall performance of the activated sludge wastewater treatment process. To gain a deeper insight on the microscale phenomena of dispersed bubble occurring in this process, a three-dimensional direct simulation method is developed to study the effects of the liquid cross-flow on microscale behavior of bubble generation in a plug-flow aeration tank. The numerical simulations are performed using the level set method coupling with the governing equations of a single fluid with variable properties. The governing equations are solved using the finite-volume technique. The simulation results are validated through comparison with experimental observations. The study indicates that the liquid cross-flow has a strong impact on the bubble generation. Compared to that generated under quiescent liquid conditions, the bubble under liquid cross-flow conditions grows downstream along the tilted axis. The bubble generation time tends to decrease noticeably and the bubble at detachment has significantly smaller size. The bubble size and generation time also increase with the increase of gas velocity. The relation of such results to the oxygen transfer efficiency of the wastewater treatment process is also discussed.
Quantitative fluorescent in-situ hybridization: a hypothesized competition mode between two dominant bacteria groups in hydrogen-producing anaerobic sludge processes
Authors: Huang C.-L. , Chen C.-C. , Lin C.-Y. , Liu W.-T.
Published: May 2009

Two hydrogen-producing continuous flow stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) fed respectively with glucose and sucrose were investigated by polymerase chain reaction-denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH). The substrate was fed in a continuous mode decreased from hydraulic retention time (HRT) 10 hours to 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 hours. Quantitative fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) observations further demonstrated that two morphotypes of bacteria dominated both microbial communities. One was long rod bacteria which can be targeted either by Chis150 probe designed to hybridize the gram positive low G + C bacteria or the specific oligonucleotide probe Lg10-6. The probe Lg10-6, affiliated with Clostridium pasteurianum, was designed and then checked with other reference organisms. The other type, unknown group, which cannot be detected by Chis150 was curved rod bacteria. Notably, the population ratios of the two predominant groups reflected the different operational performance of the two reactors, such as hydrogen producing rates, substrate turnover rates and metabolites compositions. Therefore, a competition mode of the two dominant bacteria groups was hypothesized. In the study, 16S rRNA-based gene library of hydrogen-producing microbial communities was established. The efficiency of hydrogen yields was correlated with substrates (glucose or sucrose), HRT, metabolites compositions (acetate, propionate, butyrate and ethanol), thermal pre-treatment (seed biomass was heated at 100°C for 45 minutes), and microbial communities in the bioreactor, not sludge sources (municipal sewage sludge, alcohol-processing sludge, or bean-processing sludge). The designed specific oligonucleotide probe Lg10-6 also provides us a useful and fast molecular tool to screen hydrogen-producing microbial communities in the future research.
Aggregate characterisation by using the FlocFormer system to improve sludge dewatering
Authors: Stoll M. S. , Sievers M. , Schroeder C. , Niedermeiser M.
Published: May 2009

In this paper, the influence of the polymer-induced flocculation on undigested sludge dewatering is investigated by image analysis. The mixing of flocculants in a so-called rapid-mixer and the subsequent forming of aggregates is carried out by the FlocFormer system, a new sludge conditioning system. For the mechanical dewatering a decanter device is used. To evaluate the efficiency of the dewatering process, the total solid content (TS) of the dewatered sludge is analysed. The results of this study show that this type of flocculation represents an alternative to improve sludge dewatering of undigested sludge. Compared with the standard conditioning (T-mixer), the FlocFormer leads to a better improvement (1.37 to 3.46%-points) in terms of TS while the rapid-mixer improves the dewatering efficiency only by 0.50 to 1.73%-points. Additionally, by using the FlocFormer conditioning, an optimal polymer dose of 5 g/kg TS has been detected. By increasing the polymer consumption (4–20% above the optimal dose) the dewatering efficiency remains practically constant (TS≈26.5%).
Incidence of multiple antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria isolated from surface and underground water sources in south western region of Nigeria
Authors: Oluyege J. O. , Dada A. C. , Odeyemi A. T.
Published: May 2009

In most rural and urban settlements, particularly in Nigeria, wells, spring, streams or rivers and lakes serves as major sources of water supply for drinking and other domestic purposes. Unfortunately, many of the available water sources are not potable without some form of treatment which is seldom available in most settings. The use of untreated surface water sources for drinking and for domestic purposes remains a major threat to public health as these could serve as reservoirs the for transfer of antibiotic resistant pathogens. The incidence of resistant bacteria isolated from surface and underground water in six rural settlements in Ekiti State Nigeria was thus investigated. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from wells, streams and boreholes in six rural settlements in Ekiti State Nigeria between January and April, 2006 and the prevalence of organisms exhibiting multiple antibiotic resistance to tetracycline, amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole, nitofurantoin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid and ofloxacin was observed. Gram-negative bacterial isolates comprised Escherichia coli (22.7%), Enterobacter aerogenes (2.5%), Salmonella spp. (13.3%), Shigella spp. (19.3%), Proteus spp. (18.5%), Klebsiella spp. (19.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.2%). Over 10% of the bacteria were resistant to four or more antibiotic. Antibiotic resistance was highest in members of the genera Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, and Proteus. Given the prevalence of appalling sanitary facilities and inappropriate public antibiotic use, the possibility of antibiotic resistance selection, faecal dissemination and subsequent contamination of local water sources available for rural residents of the developing world is highlighted. The implication for clinical practice of infections caused by antibiotic resistant strains especially among immunodeficient individuals is also discussed.
Applicability of immobilized wood-rotting fungal biomass for biosorption of basic dye Alcian Blue
Authors: Maurya N. S. , Mittal Atul K.
Published: May 2009

In this study potential applicability of immobilised biomass of a wood-rotting dead macro-fungus Fomitopsis carnea are explored for the removal of the basic dye Alcian Blue. Effect of several parameters viz., temperature, pH and salt were studied in batch mode. In view of reutilization of the dye as well as the biosorbent, desorption/regeneration experiments were conducted. Desorption/regeneration studies could also be helpful in determining dye sorption mechanism. Studies indicate that the immobilized biosorbent could remove Alcian Blue efficiently. The experimental equilibrium data were modeled using the Langmuir equation. Dye uptake capacity of the biosorbent was observed to increase with rise in temperature and indicates chemisorption and/or ion exchange. The uptake was 11.1, 13.2, 16.4 and 24.2 mg/g at 10, 20, 30 and 40°C respectively. Higher removal of dye was also observed at higher pH. However, increased salt concentration from 0 mmol/L to 100 mmol/L reduced from 89 to 85%. Desorption of dye could be possible up to 51% using 0.1 M hydrochloric/acetic acids and thus suggests that ion-exchange and chemisorption could be the possible dye sorption mechanism.
Pseudo-cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
Authors: Cusimano Michael D. , Sekhar Laligam N.
Published: May 2009

✓ Because of its potentially serious sequelae, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage following surgery for lesions of the cranial base is given immediate attention by neurosurgeons. Despite a multitude of approaches used to prevent its occurrence, CSF leakage complicates up to 30% of difficult skull-base tumor operations.

The authors describe the cases of 11 patients who developed a syndrome, not previously described in the literature, termed “pseudo-CSF rhinorrhea.” This syndrome occurs after surgery of the cranial base, usually involving dissection or removal of the petrous or cavernous carotid artery, the greater superficial petrosal nerve, and the pericarotid sympathetic plexus. It is characterized by nasal stuffiness and nasal hypersecretion and is sometimes accompanied by facial flushing. The symptoms are characteristically exacerbated by exertion or by elevated ambient room temperatures. Lacrimation is typically absent ipsilateral to the pseudo-CSF rhinorrhea. It is believed that pseudo-CSF rhinorrhea developed in these patients because of a relative imbalance of the regulatory autonomic supply of the nasal mucosa.