bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desafios da educação médica e da investigação em saúde no contexto de angola
Authors: Ferreira Albano V. L. , Fresta Mário , Simões Cristóvão F. C. , Sambo Maria do Rosário B.
Published: August 2014

Os apelos para reformas na educação médica são constantes e têm sido objeto de recomendações produzidas nos últimos cem anos, destacando-se as resultantes da avaliação crítica feita por Abraham Flexner, em 1910, nos Estados Unidos da América. No presente trabalho, abordam-se as tendências e os desafios atuais da educação médica e da investigação em saúde, com ênfase para os países em desenvolvimento, ressaltando-se a realidade africana. Com base na bibliografia consultada, apontam-se e discutem-se alguns desafios que se colocam ao binômio educação médica/investigação em saúde em Angola, muito em especial no contexto da II Região Acadêmica, que integra as províncias de Benguela e Kwanza Sul, destacando-se: (i) a necessidade de incorporar novas abordagens curriculares para o reforço da aprendizagem ao longo da vida; (ii) a aquisição e o desenvolvimento de competências de investigação científica orientadas para a caracterização e intervenção sobre a situação de saúde local; (iii) a inovação dos métodos de ensino e a incorporação de novas tecnologias na educação e prática médica; (iv) a contribuição para o reforço e melhoria da distribuição de médicos na região.
Formação das mulheres nas escolas de medicina
Authors: Ávila Rebeca Contrera
Published: August 2014

A feminização da medicina tem sido apontada por diversas pesquisas como uma das mudanças de maior impacto sobre a profissão médica. Embora na última década tenham representado a maior parte dos estudantes nas escolas de Medicina e a maior parte dos novos profissionais registrados, as mulheres continuam a sofrer significativo impacto negativo provocado por estereótipos sexistas e discriminação de gênero. Este artigo contempla uma revisão de literatura sobre as questões contemporâneas que envolvem a educação das mulheres nas escolas de Medicina. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar algumas das principais questões abordadas pela comunidade acadêmica com respeito a essa problemática e dar visibilidade às estratégias adotadas por algumas instituições de ensino como tentativa de promover a equidade de gênero nas escolas de formação médica.
Caracterização agronômica de genótipos de minitomate
Authors: Preczenhak Ana P , Resende Juliano TV , Chagas Rafael R , Silva Paulo R , Schwarz Kélin , Morales Rafael GF
Published: August 2014

A caracterização dos genótipos pertencentes aos bancos de germoplasma é de suma importância pela possibilidade de identificação de genes de interesse para o melhoramento genético vegetal. Foram avaliados 64 genótipos de minitomate do Banco de Germoplasma da Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, em Guarapuava-PR. O delineamento experimental consistiu de blocos casualisados com três repetições e quatro plantas por parcela. Dez genótipos se destacaram quanto à produtividade equivalente à da cultivar Sweet Grape. A maior parte dos genótipos possui frutos com formato oblongo, diâmetro médio de 25-30 mm, semelhante ao observado na cultivar Sweet Grape. Três genótipos se destacaram quanto ao teor de sólidos solúveis, com 7,37°Brix (IAC1498-63), 7,17°Brix (RVTC-22) e 7,13°Brix (6878-49). Os genótipos RVTC-06, RVTC-08, RVTC-11, RVTC-12, RVTC-16, RVTC-20, 2318-43, 2091-44, 2298-45, IAC392-59 e IAC1622-64, apresentaram valores de luminosidade adequados, ficando entre 38 e 40. Quanto à coloração vermelha (a*), os genótipos 1258-48, 6878-49, IAC392-59, 0224-53, RVTC-25 e RVTC-55 apresentaram maior intensidade. Três genótipos apresentaram frutos com maior vivacidade (croma) (2091-44, 0489-54 e IAC1622-64). Os genótipos RVTC-07, IAC392-59, IAC1622-64, RVTC-24 e RVTC-57 apresentaram os menores valores de Hue, apresentando assim tonalidades vermelho mais intensas. Com base nestes resultados, os acessos de minitomate apresentaram caraterísticas agronômicas e qualitativas promissoras, além de boa adaptação às condições edafoclimáticas da região. Uma vez que, com a variedade de nichos de mercado disponíveis para o segmento, não há um padrão de formato, tamanho ou coloração ideais, podem ser utilizadas várias características de interesse para ressaltar a produção, sabor e aparência, expandindo assim, cada vez mais o seu mercado.
Características produtivas e qualitativas de mini abóbora em dois sistemas de cultivo
Authors: Echer Márcia M , Dalastra Graciela M , Hachmann Tiago L , Mayara S Fiametti Vandeir F Guimarães , Oliveira Paulo SR
Published: August 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência das plantas de cobertura sobre dois sistemas de produção (plantio convencional e plantio direto) nas características produtivas, físicas e químicas da abóbora 'Mini-Jack'. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, em Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR. O delineamento experimental adotado foi de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constaram de cinco espécies de plantas de coberturas de solo (Lolium multiflorum, Vicia sativa, Avena strigosa, Raphanus sativus e uma mistura das espécies) e dois sistemas de manejo de solo (plantio direto na palha e preparo convencional). Após a condução da cultura, os frutos foram avaliados quanto aos diâmetros transversal e longitudinal, espessura da polpa, número de frutos por planta, número de frutos total, massa média de um fruto e massa média por planta. Foram determinados pH, acidez titulável e teor de sólidos solúveis dos frutos, além da produtividade. O azevém foi a espécie que produziu maior quantidade de massa seca. A ervilhaca aumenta a produtividade, enquanto que o nabo proporciona aumento da espessura e do teor de sólidos solúveis da abóbora 'Mini-Jack'. O sistema de plantio direto utilizado não afetou a maioria das características agronômicas da abóbora 'Mini-Jack'. Sendo assim, este sistema pode ser adotado para essa cultura.
Resistência de porta-enxertos de cucurbitáceas a nematóides e compatibilidade da enxertia em melão
Authors: Ito Letícia A , Gaion Lucas A , Galatti Francine S , Braz Leila T , Santos Jaime M
Published: August 2014

Devido ao severo ataque de nematoides na cultura do meloeiro rendilhado sob ambiente protegido, este trabalho teve por objetivo selecionar porta-enxertos resistentes a Meloidogyne incognitae M. javanica. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, de outubro de 2010 a abril de 2011, em Jaboticabal-SP. Foram avaliados 33 porta-enxertos; melões: CNPH 01-930 (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus), CNPH 01-962, CNPH 01-963 (Cucumis melo var. conomon), cvs. Gaúcho Redondo, Gaúcho Comprido, Redondo Amarelo, Gulfcoast, Chilton, Bônus n° 2, Fantasy; melancias: cv. Charleston Gray, Progênie da Coréia (Citrullus lanatus); abóboras: cvs. Mra. Ma, Ornamental, Howden, Mammoth, Kururu, Goianinha (Cucurbita moschata); cabaça: Abóbora de Porco, cvs. Maranhão, Brasileirinha (Lagenaria siceraria); moranga: cv. Pataca Gigante (Cucurbita maxima); pepinos: cvs. Caipira, Branco Meio-Comprido, Curumim (Cucumis sativus); buchas: Metro, Semente Branca, Semente Preta (Luffa cylindrica); abóbora d'água (Benincasa hispida); abóbora porta-enxerto: Híbrido cv. Keij; quiabo de Metro (Trichosanthes cucumerins) e Cruá (Sicana odorifera). Para avaliar a resistência de plantas, as mudas foram transplantadas para vasos e inoculados com 3.000 ovos e juvenis de M. incognita via sistema radicular. Aos 50 dias após a inoculação, foi realizada avaliação da resistência das plantas, com base no fator de reprodução do nematoide. Foram realizados os mesmos procedimentos para as duas espécies de nematoides. Nos porta-enxertos resistentes aos nematoides foram realizadas enxertias, com os melões rendilhados 'Bônus n° 2' e 'Fantasy'. CNPH 01-962, CNPH 01-963 e melão 'Gaúcho Redondo' foram resistentes a M. incognita. Melão 'Redondo Amarelo', melancia 'Charleston Gray', Progênie da Coréia, e Trichosanthes cucumerins, foram resistentes a M. javanica. Benincasa hispida foi resistente a ambas as espécies. As compatibilidades de enxertia entre os porta-enxertos resistentes e os melões rendilhados 'Bônus no 2' e 'Fantasy' foram superiores a 98%.
Conservação pós-colheita de alface crespa, de cultivo orgânico e convencional, sob atmosfera modificada
Authors: Reis Héber F , M Melo Caio , Melo Evandro P , Silva Rafael A , Scalon Silvana PQ
Published: August 2014

Hortaliças folhosas são altamente suscetíveis à perda de água e degradação da clorofila, com reflexos na redução de tamanho, massa, teor de sólidos solúveis e vitamina C, o que pode ser intensificado pelo manejo inadequado da temperatura e da umidade do ar nos locais de armazenamento e comercialização, com redução de vida de prateleira e aumento do custo final do produto para o consumidor. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade pós-colheita de alface tipo crespa, cv. Isabela, de cultivo orgânico e convencional, acondicionadas em diferentes embalagens e armazenadas sob refrigeração por diferentes períodos. O ensaio foi conduzido na UFGD, em Dourados-MS. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, com esquema fatorial 2x3x4 sendo: orgânico ou convencional, em três tipos de embalagens de polietileno (totalmente aberta, parcialmente fechada e totalmente fechada) e quatro períodos de avaliação (0; 5; 10 e 15 dias) e armazenamento em câmara a 5ºC, com umidade relativa de 90%±SD, na ausência de luz. Os parâmetros avaliados foram qualidade aparente, massa fresca, teores de clorofila, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT) e ácido ascórbico (AA). As alfaces produzidas em cultivo orgânico conservaram por mais tempo a qualidade aparente, em relação às produzidas convencionalmente, com valores de SS e AT maiores, no final do armazenamento, embora com redução no teor de AA, mas sem diferenças para perda de clorofila e nas variações do pH. A embalagem totalmente fechada demonstrou ser mais eficaz em reduzir a perda de massa fresca e conservar a qualidade aparente por mais tempo.
Nutritional deficiency in crisphead lettuce grown in hydroponics
Authors: Petrazzini Lauro L , Souza Guilherme A , Rodas Cléber L , Emrich Eduardo B , Carvalho Janice G , Souza Rovilson J
Published: August 2014

The identification of nutrient deficiency symptoms in lettuce helps both producers and technical staff to keep the plant nutritional balance in their producing areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate production and describe and record the visual symptoms caused by the isolated or combined shortage of K, Ca, B and Zn in crisphead lettuce grown in hydroponics. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks with four replications and eight treatments, representing the single (K, Ca, B, Zn) and combined (Ca and B, K and Zn, B and Zn) omission of nutrients, with a control treatment containing a complete nutrient solution. We used the crisphead lettuce cultivar Rider Plus. Under Ca shortage, plant growth was reduced and chlorosis appeared in the borders of young leaves. K shortage was the most detrimental to production of shoot fresh and dry matter and root dry matter. Where B was absent, plant growth was limited, the apical dominance was lost and leaves became wrinkled. Plants without Zn showed mild chlorosis in the blade of young leaves, elongation and bending of petioles and reduction in root density. The combined omission of Ca and B slowed down plant growth and induced necrosis at the borders of young leaves, while the combined omission of K and Zn initially induced K deficiency symptoms with reduced growth. When B and Zn were simultaneously subtracted, plants first showed B deficiency symptoms: reduction in plant size as compared to the control treatment and death of the apical bud.
Avaliação da eficiência de horticultores agroecológicos utilizando análise envoltória de dados
Authors: Oliveira Elton , Andrade Fernando VS , Mello João CCBS , Machado Thelma B , Pereira Carlos R
Published: August 2014

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as eficiências produtivas, de acordo com modelos de Análise Envoltória de Dados [(Data Envelopment Analysis) DEA], sob critérios agroecológicos, buscando a maior estabilidade e menor variabilidade sazonal, maior variedade/diversidade de itens produzidos e quantidade de itens disponibilizados para venda. O monitoramento e a avaliação das eficiências de lotes de agricultores pode auxiliar na gestão da agricultura familiar agroecológica. A metodologia DEA foi aplicada para medir a eficiência produtiva de dezessete lotes de agricultores familiares agroecológicos, localizados em uma faixa de dutos da Petrobras no Município de Nova Iguaçu-RJ, na baixada fluminense. Foram levantados dados primários listados em itens, quantidades e valor médio, referentes à produção disponibilizada para venda em feiras semanais distribuídas ao longo dos meses de janeiro a dezembro de 2009. Foi registrada uma relação conjunta de critérios agroecológicos, com foco econômico, social e ambiental. Pôde-se observar que sete lotes tiveram eficiência média composta acima do valor médio de 67,6%, variando de 71,3 a 86,6%.
Dose econômica de nitrogênio na produtividade e armazenamento de cultivares de cebola
Authors: Resende Geraldo M , Costa Nivaldo D
Published: August 2014

Os elementos mais absorvidos em termos de porcentagem na matéria seca da cebola são o potássio e nitrogênio. Com o objetivo de avaliar a produtividade e armazenamento pós-colheita de cultivares de cebola, em função de doses de nitrogênio foi realizado um experimento no período de setembro 2009 a fevereiro de 2010. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso no esquema fatorial 5x2, compreendendo cinco doses de nitrogênio (0; 60; 120, 180 e 240 kg ha-1) e duas cultivares (Alfa Tropical e Alfa São Francisco), com três repetições. Maiores produtividades comerciais foram obtidas nas doses de 161,4 kg ha-1 de N (Alfa Tropical) e 215,9 kg ha-1 de N (Alfa São Francisco) associadas às doses mais econômicas de 159,6 e 213,8 kg ha-1 de N, respectivamente. Com o aumento das doses de N, houve redução da produção de bulbos não comerciais ou refugos, sendo a menor produção de refugos estimada na dose de 185,4 kg ha-1 de N. Bulbos comerciais de maior massa fresca e diâmetro foram obtidos com o incremento das doses de nitrogênio; no entanto, aos 60 dias após cura, detectaram-se efeitos quadráticos com pontos de máxima perda de massa na dose de 149,0 kg ha-1 de N (38,4%).
Caracterização física e mecânica de um compósito de polipropileno reciclado e farinha de madeira sem aditivos
Authors: Battistelle Rosane , Viola Natalia Martin , Bezerra Barbara Stolte , Valarelli Ivaldo De Domenico
Published: August 2014

Compósitos de matriz polimérica reciclada reforçados com farinha de madeira podem ser uma alternativa viável para a substituição da madeira e de polímeros virgens em materiais empregados em pisos, batentes de portas, janelas e revestimentos externos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar alguns parâmetros físicos e mecânicos de compósito com farinha de madeira de Pinus taeda e elliotti e polipropileno reciclado, sem o emprego de compatibilizantes ou aditivos. Os compósitos foram separados em quatro traços, sendo eles: 100% polipropileno, 90% polipropileno com 10% de farinha de madeira, 80% de polipropileno com 20% de farinha de madeira e 70% de polipropileno com 30% de farinha de madeira. Para caracterização do compósito foram utilizadas as normas ASTM D-638-10, ASTM D256-00, ASTM D570-98, ASTM D1238-10 e ASTM G-155-05 e também a análise de superfície por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os ensaios de estabilidade dimensional apresentaram resultados satisfatórios. Mesmo o compósito com maior porcentagem de farinha de madeira (30%) apresentou um melhor índice de fluidez de 10,0MFI, sendo considerado compatível com os índices para PP (polipropileno) virgem da norma ASTM D-1238-10. A inclusão de farinha de madeira (FM) proporcionou a obtenção de compósitos com boas características mecânicas que podem ser aplicados na fabricação de diferentes materiais, empregados especificamente em ambientes externos.
A Survey and Historical Comparison of the Megachilidae (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of Itasca State Park, Minnesota
Authors: Gardner J D , Spivak M
Published: August 2014

The University of Minnesota Insect Collection holds a rich collection of bees from Itasca State Park, MN, from 1937 and 1938. This collection formed the historical baseline data for comparison with a new survey conducted from 2011 to 2013, to measure changes in bee species over the last 75 yr. Bees were collected with timed net surveys and trap nests at eight different sites within the park. Megachilidae were the focal family for the current study, due to their importance as commercial pollinators and their unique nesting habits. Species richness and diversity of Megachilidae in the new survey were both significantly lower than that of the historical collection but were not significantly different when species accumulation curves were extrapolated to estimate the true species richness. Eleven species in the historical collection were not rediscovered, while three species not previously collected in Itasca State Park were found in 2011–2013.
Patterned electrodeposition of CdTe nanorod and nanotube arrays for solar cells
Authors: Liyanage Wipula Priya Rasika , Mishra Sukhada , Wilson Jacob Scott , Kinzel Ed , Nath Manashi
Published: August 2014

CdTe nanorod and nanotube arrays have been grown on indium tin oxide-coated glass slides through confined electrodeposition on lithographically patterned nanoelectrodes. While pattern definition by e-beam lithography yielded thinner nanorods and nanotubes, pattern definition by nanosphere photolithography using polystyrene spheres as lenses was successful in creating these nanowire arrays over a large area exceeding several square cm in a single step. The successful creation of clean arrays of nanotubes with uniform diameters underlined the versatility and uniqueness of the protocol. The photoconversion efficiencies of the nanorod/nanotube arrays were determined through photoelectrochemical response under ultraviolet light excitation. The observed photocurrent density of the fabricated nanorod device was more than two times higher than that of thin films fabricated under similar conditions, in spite of having a much lesser surface coverage for the nanorod device (~12% compared to the thin-film device). In addition to the potential of improved solar energy conversion efficiency by the nanorod and nanotube arrays, reduced material consumption due to lower coverage and simplicity of the fabrication technique make this approach ideal for the production of high-efficiency photovoltaic devices at commercial scale. This article contains supporting information that will be made available online once the issue is published.
Battling Tobacco Use at Home: An Analysis of Smoke-Free Home Rules Among US Veterans From 2001 to 2011
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Martinez-Donate Ana P. , Cook Jessica , Piper Megan E. , Berg Kristin , Jones Nathan R.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We examined national trends in smoke-free home rules among US veterans and nonveterans.

Methods. We used data from the 2001–2002 and 2010–2011 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey to estimate and compare the existence of smoke-free home rules among veterans and nonveterans for each survey period.

Results. The prevalence of a complete smoke-free home rule among veterans increased from 64.0% to 79.7% between 2001 and 2011 (P < .01) but was consistently lower than were rates estimated for nonveterans (67.6% and 84.4%, respectively). Disparities between the 2 groups increased significantly over time (P < .05).

Conclusions. Despite the general increase in the adoption of smoke-free home rules, veterans lag behind the rest of the US population. Interventions promoting the adoption of complete smoke-free home rules are necessary to protect veterans and their families and to reduce disparities.
Suicidal Ideation and Mental Distress Among Adults With Military Service History: Results From 5 US States, 2010
Authors: Blosnich John R. , Gordon Adam J. , Bossarte Robert M.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We examined the association of military service history with past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress in a probability-based sample of adults.

Methods. We gathered 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 5 states that asked about past-year suicidal ideation. Military service was defined as current or former active-duty service or National Guard or Reserves service. We stratified analyses into 18 to 39 years, 40 to 64 years, and 65 years and older age groups and used multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusted for demographic confounders, to discern the association of military service history with past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress.

Results. Among the 26 736 respondents, 13.1% indicated military service history. After adjusting for several confounders, we found military history status among those aged 40 to 64 years was associated with both past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress. We found no significant associations among the younger or older age groups.

Conclusions. Differences in suicidal ideation between military and nonmilitary individuals may occur in midlife. Future research should examine the possibility of cohort effects, service era effects, or both.
Access to Care for Transgender Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration: 2006–2013
Authors: Kauth Michael R. , Shipherd Jillian C. , Lindsay Jan , Blosnich John R. , Brown George R. , Jones Kenneth T.
Published: August 2014

A 2011 Veterans Health Administration directive mandated medically necessary care for transgender veterans. Internal education efforts informed staff of the directive and promoted greater access to care. For fiscal years 2006 through 2013, we identified 2662 unique individuals with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnoses related to transgender status in Veterans Health Administration medical records, with 40% of new cases in the 2 years following the directive. A bottom-up push for services by veterans and top-down education likely worked synergistically to speed implementation of the new policy and increase access to care.
Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Gender on HCV Screening and Prevalence Among US Veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs Care
Authors: Backus Lisa I. , Belperio Pamela S. , Loomis Timothy P. , Mole Larry A.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We assessed HCV screening and prevalence among veterans and estimated the potential impact of complete birth cohort screening, accounting for the disparate HCV disease burden by race/ethnicity and gender.

Methods. We used the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse to identify birth dates, gender, race/ethnicity, and laboratory tests for veterans with at least 1 VA outpatient visit in 2012. We calculated HCV screening rates, prevalence, and HCV infection incident diagnosis.

Results. Among 5 499 743 veterans, 54.7% had HCV screening through the VA. In more than 2.9 million veterans screened, HCV prevalence was 6.1% overall and highest among Blacks (11.8%), particularly Black men born in 1945 to 1965 (17.7%). HCV infection incident diagnosis in 2012 was 5.9% for men and 2.3% for women. An estimated additional 48 928 male veterans, including 12 291 Black men, and 1484 female veterans would potentially be identified as HCV infected with full birth cohort screening.

Conclusions. HCV prevalence was markedly elevated among veterans born in 1945 to 1965, with substantial variation by race/ethnicity and gender. Full adoption of birth cohort screening may reveal substantial numbers of veterans with previously unknown HCV infection.
Chemical constituents of essential oils of Tephrosia purpurea and Ipomoea carnea and their repellent activity against Odoiporus longicollis
Authors: Sahayaraj Kitherian , Kombiah Poolpandi , Dikshit Anand , Rathi Martin
Published: August 2014

Chemical constituents of essential oils (EOs) obtained from stem and root of
Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) Pers. and Ipomoea carnea Jacq. were investigated
by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Total lipid and oil content
was high in the stem than the root of T. purpurea and I. carnea. Essential
oils extracted from the stem and root of T. purpurea and I. carnea showed 9
and 8 compounds respectively. Hexadecanoic acid was found to be the principal
constituent of stem (69.61%) and root (46.97%) of T. purpurea while 70.61and
88.89% for stem and root, respectively in the case of I. carnea. The findings
of the present study suggest that T. purpurea and I. carnea EOs can be used
as a source of hexadecanoic acid which could be used for industrial purposes.
The essential oils of T. purpurea and I. carnea showed strong repellent
activity for males (-0.73 and -0.70 for T. purpurea and I. carnea stem EO
respectively) than females (-0.63 and -0.59 for T. purpurea and I. carnea
stem EO respectively) against banana pseudostem weevil Odoiporus longicollis.
The results indicated that the active compounds of essential oils from stems
of T. purpurea and I. carnea can be explored as natural repellents for
control of Odoiporus longicollis.
Community structure analysis of endoparasitic helminths of Anabas testudineus from unpolluted and polluted sites of a freshwater body of Dhaka
Authors: Ghani Md Osman , Bhuiyan Aminul Islam , Bushra Jannatul
Published: August 2014

Community structure of metazoan endoparasites of Anabas testudineus collected from an unpolluted and a polluted water body was determined. Out of 100 A. testudineus observed, 78% was parasitized by at least one species of endohelminth parasite. Eight metazoan endoparasites were recorded. Nematode showed higher prevalence than trematode. One species was accounted as satellite species and others as secondary. Larger hosts were more abundantly infected than the smaller ones as positive correlation was observed between the standard length of the hosts and the abundance/ prevalence of all parasites. Maximum parasite species followed a typical overdispersed type of distribution pattern. Parasite species richness was lower in fish from polluted (4) than unpolluted water (6). Per cent similarity of infestation between the sample hosts was high (55.73%). Three common parasite species from both sample hosts showed insignificant difference in intensity of infestation in relation to host habitat. Host sex had influenced infestation at infra?community but not at component community level. Interspecies association between parasites was strong in fish from unpolluted in comparision from polluted water. Hosts habitat quality also played an influential role in building parasite community, diversity and other associated community indices. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i1.19823 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(1): 27-38, 2014
Effects of sodium chloride on oviposition and development of blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, (Wiedmann) (Diptera : Calliphoridae)
Authors: Begum Murshida , Hasan Mahmudul , Saifullah ASM , Howlader MA
Published: August 2014

Effects of five different concentrations of sodium chloride (5 to 25%) treated fish flesh was tested on oviposition, growth and developmental parameters of blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann). The salt worked as an oviposition deterrent in the female flies. The highest amount of eggs (0.247 ± 0.0464 g) was oviposited on lowest salt concentration (5%) and the minimum amount (0.0003 ± 0.0004 g) of eggs was laid on the highest salt concentration (25%). The eggs laid on 20 and 25% salt treated fishes were not hatched. The larval periods were significantly affected by 10 and 15% salt treated fish while the pupal periods were prolonged at 15% of salt treated fish (p < 0.05). Average larval and pupal durations in control were 4.543 ± 0.18 and 4.833 ± 0.753 days, respectively, whereas at 15% salt average larval and pupal durations were 5.937 ± 0.133 and 5.5 ± 0.548 days, respectively. The average weight of the larvae and pupae were also reduced with the high concentrations of salt. Pupation rate also significantly reduced at higher concentrations of salt. These results suggest that application of 15% salt in raw fish can effectively protect sun?drying fish from blowfly infestation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i1.19825 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(1): 47-51, 2014
Molecular characterization of four morphological mutants of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Akter Nasrin , Habib Ahashan , Beauty Salina Parvin , Rahim Tahsina , Islam Mohammad Nurul
Published: August 2014

Four morphological mutants (albino, ropy, conidial band and buff) of Neurospora crassa were characterized based on morphological features and molecular markers. The mycelial color of mutants buff, ropy and conidial band were more or less orange like wild parents. Albino mutant showed colorless mycelium. The germination time of conidia of wild and other mutants ranged from 5 to 7 days while in albino it was 12 days. Esterase and acid phosphatase isozymes analysis of the N. crassa mutants clearly indicated that mutation altered the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway creating the albino mutant due to the effect UV light. Most of the mutants viz; albino, conidial band and buff showed characteristic RAPD banding profile. However, no band was found in wild EmA, Ema and mutant ropy. Highest number of RAPD bands were found in albino. The mutant albino showed very different morphological and molecular features from the rest specimens. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i1.19831 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(1): 85-91, 2014
Evaluation of fungicides on fungi associated with fruit rots and leaf spots of brinjal
Authors: Aktar MT , Hossain KS , Bashar MA
Published: August 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i1.19833 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(1): 97-99, 2014
A comparative study of induction characteristics of thiopentone, midazolam and propofol in elderly patients
Authors: Karim Md Enayet , Hye Md Abdul , Ahsan Md Nazmul , Chowdhury Md Moinul Haque , Amin Md Nurul , Kamal Md Mustafa
Published: August 2014

Background Intravenous anaesthetic agents are used commonly to induce anaesthesia, as induction is usually smoother and more rapid than that associated with most of the inhalation agents. Thiopentone is the most widely used intravenous induction agent in current anaesthetic practice. Propofol (2,6 diisopropyl phenol) is a new rapidly acting intravenous anaesthetic. The rapid redistribution and metabolism of propofol, result in a short elimination half life. Midazolam is an imidazobenzodiazepine with relatively rapid onset of action and high metabolic clearance compared to other benzodiazepine. Objectives This prospective study was carried out to compare the induction characteristics of thiopentone, midazolam and propofol in elderly patients. Methods Ninety adult patients, aged between 60-80 years with ASA grade I &II who were scheduled for general surgery in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, CMH Dhaka and CMH Saidpur were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups of thirty each according to a randomization table.The overall performance of the drugs were assessed by recording the following parameters: 1) Pain on injection. 2) Induction time ( The time from start of injection to the loss of eye lash reflex). 3) Coughing 4. Involuntary motor activity. 5. Apnoea (present/absent). 6. Haemodynamic changes (Heart rate and blood pressure at 2 min before injection, after induction and 1min, 3min and 5min after intubation). 7. Recovery time ( From the end of reversal until the patient responded to vocal command(eye opening, tongue protrution). Results The incidence of pain on injection was greater in propofol group(38%), which was statistically significant(p<0.01). The induction time was significantly longer(p<0.001) in the midazolam group. Incidence of excitatory effects was more common in propofol group(p<0.05). Incidence of apnoeic episodes were significantly greater in thiopentone and propofol group than midazolam group(p<0.05). Propofol caused significant decrease in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure at 3 & 5 minutes after intubation(p<0.001).Neither Thiopentone, midazolam nor propofol caused significant change in heart rate. Recovery time in midazolam group was significantly longer(p<0.001). Conclusion Thiopentone is the drug of choice for induction in elderly patients because of rapid induction, recovery and the least effect on arterial pressure. Propofol has no clear advantage over thiopentone and has the additional problem of a significant decrease in blood pressure. Midazolam, although safe, is clearly not the ideal drug for induction in elderly patients because of slow onset of action and delayed recovery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v26i1.19808 Journal of Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists 2013; 26(1): 5-11
Prevalence of microorganism and emergence of bacterial resistance in ICU of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University of Bangladesh
Authors: Mondal Montosh Kumar , Roy Beauty Rani , Yeasmeen Sabina , Haque Faizul , Huda AK Qumrul , Banik Debabrata
Published: August 2014

Background Antibiotic resistant bacterial nosocomial infections are a leading problem in intensive care units (ICU). Objective To study the pattern of microorganism and bacterial resistant to antibiotic in ICU of Bangabandhu sheikh Mujib Medical University of Bangladesh. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in ICU of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh from January 2010 to December 2012. Total number of samples were 448. The samples of tracheal aspirate, blood and urine for culture and sensitivity was collected from the patient admitted in ICU. Analysis of tracheal aspirate, blood and urine culture was done from hospital record. All bacteria was identified by standard microbiological methods, and their antibiotic sensitivity was performed using disk diffusion method. Results Total number of samples 448. Samples of tracheal aspirate was 159, positive culture 121(76%), most frequent identified organism was acenetobacter 45.45%, followed by pseudomonas 32.23%, proteus 11%, klebsiella 10% and E.coli 3%, samples of blood culture was 148, positive culture 22(14.86%), most frequent identified organism was pseudomonas 63.63%, followed by acenetobacter 22.72%, salmonella 4.54% and E.coli 4.54% and samples of urine culture was 141, positive culture 36 (25.53% ) most frequent identified organism was enterococcus 22.22%, followed by acenatobacter 19.44%, candida16.66%, klebsiella 13.88% and E.coli 13.88%. Drug resistant organism of tracheal aspirate was 12(20.33%) in 2010, 2(20%) in 2011 and 13(25%) in 2012. only collistin sensitive organism identified was 28(23.14%). Conclusion From this study we concluded that most common site of infection was respiratory tract and most prevailing organism was acinetobacter & pseudomonas and antibiotic resistant infection is increasing and at present around one fourth organisms were resistant to all antibiotics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v26i1.19811 Journal of Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists 2013; 26(1): 20-26
Safe Circumcision Anaesthesia  A Review
Authors: Loban Akhter Hossain , Islam Md Shahidul
Published: August 2014

Circumcision of Neonate, Infant, Children as well as adult is done for many purposes of them religious, disease process and to prevent some diseases. Pain is the main problem of circumcision. Infant and Children will not allow local analgesia. General anaesthesia needed for them. Neonate and adult may allow local anaesthesia. So, local anaesthesia, general anaesthesia, combination of local and general anaesthesia can be given. It is a minor procedure but anaesthesia for circumcision is not easy and should not be taken lightly. Complications related to circumcision anaesthesia can be minimized by proper selection of patient and type of anaesthesia. In our country circumcision done for religious purpose so a large number of circumcisions done by professional hazzam (non doctor). Doctors including general practitioners and surgeons are also doing this procedure. Complications related to anaesthesia are mainly laryngospasm and hypoxia and ultimately cardiac and cerebral complications. Some of them are highlighted in the media and newspapers but unknown cases are not less. If we can prevent and manage the complications like laryngospasm then this procedure can be done safely. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v26i1.19817 Journal of Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists 2013; 26(1): 52-53
Calculating the Social Rhythm Metric (SRM) and Examining Its Use in Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) in a Healthy Population Study
Authors: Van Tienoven Theun , Minnen Joeri , Daniels Sarah , Weenas Djiwo , Raaijmakers Anke , Glorieux Ignace
Published: August 2014

In psychiatry, the social zeitgeber theory argues that social life provides important social cues that entrain circadian rhythms. Disturbance of these social cues might lead do dis-entrainment of circadian rhythms and evoke somatic symptoms that increase the risk of mood disorders. In preventing and treating patients with bipolar disorders, the Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) relies on the Social Rhythm Metric (SRM) to (re)establish patients’ social cues and an re-entrain circadian rhythms. Since the SRM quantifies social rhythms that are derived from a patient’s interaction with a social environment, this contribution (a) calculates the SRM of the social environment of a representative healthy population study (n = 1249), (b) evaluates the robustness of the SRM as a quantifier of social rhythms by matching the scores of the pilot study, revealing the near absence of variance across population characteristics and investigation months—circadian rhythms need to be entrained for every month and for everyone—and (c) examines its use in IPSRT by relating high SRM-scores to lower psychological distress (p = 0.004) and low SRM-scores to higher social and emotional dysfunction (p = 0.018).
Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded RNAs: Key Molecules in Viral Pathogenesis
Authors: Iwakiri Dai
Published: August 2014

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known as an oncogenic herpesvirus that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various malignancies. EBV-encoded RNAs (EBERs) are non-coding RNAs expressed abundantly in latently EBV-infected cells. Herein, I summarize the current understanding of the functions of EBERs, including the interactions with cellular factors through which EBERs contribute to EBV-mediated pathogenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated that EBERs are responsible for malignant phenotypes in lymphoid cells, and can induce several cytokines that can promote the growth of various EBV-infected cancer cells. EBERs were also found to bind retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and thus activate its downstream signaling. Furthermore, EBERs induce interleukin-10, an autocrine growth factor for Burkitt’s lymphoma cells, by activating RIG-I/interferon regulatory factor 3 pathway, suggesting that EBER-mediated innate immune signaling modulation contributes to EBV-mediated oncogenesis. Recently, EBV-infected cells were reported to secret EBERs, which were then recognized by toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), leading to the induction of type I interferon and inflammatory cytokines, and subsequent immune activation. Furthermore, EBER1 was detected in the sera of patients with active EBV-infectious diseases, suggesting that EBER1-meidated TLR3 signaling activation could account for the pathogenesis of active EBV-infectious diseases.
Using Personal Sensors to Assess the Exposome and Acute Health Effects
Authors: Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Donaire-Gonzalez David , Foraster Maria , Martinez David , Cisneros Andres
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The exposome encompasses the totality of human environmental exposures. Recent developments in sensor technology have made it possible to better measure personal exposure to environmental pollutants and other factors. We aimed to discuss and demonstrate the recent developments in personal sensors to measure multiple exposures and possible acute health responses, and discuss the main challenges ahead. Methods: We searched for a range of sensors to measure air pollution, noise, temperature, UV, physical activity, location, blood pressure, heart rate and lung function and to obtain information on green space and emotional status/mood and put it on a person. Results and Conclusions: We discussed the recent developments and main challenges for personal sensors to measure multiple exposures. We found and put together a personal sensor set that measures a comprehensive set of personal exposures continuously over 24 h to assess part of the current exposome and acute health responses. We obtained data for a whole range of exposures and some acute health responses, but many challenges remain to apply the methodology for extended time periods and larger populations including improving the ease of wear, e.g., through miniaturization and extending battery life, and the reduction of costs. However, the technology is moving fast and opportunities will come closer for further wide spread use to assess, at least part of the exposome.
Can Economic Deprivation Protect Health? Paradoxical Multilevel Effects of Poverty on Hispanic Children’s Wheezing
Authors: Collins Timothy , Kim Young-an , Grineski Sara , Clark-Reyna Stephanie
Published: August 2014

Prior research suggests that economic deprivation has a generally negative influence on residents’ health. We employ hierarchical logistic regression modeling to test if economic deprivation presents respiratory health risks or benefits to Hispanic children living in the City of El Paso (Texas, USA) at neighborhood- and individual-levels, and whether individual-level health effects of economic deprivation vary based on neighborhood-level economic deprivation. Data come from the US Census Bureau and a population-based survey of El Paso schoolchildren. The dependent variable is children’s current wheezing, an established respiratory morbidity measure, which is appropriate for use with economically-deprived children with an increased likelihood of not receiving a doctor’s asthma diagnosis. Results reveal that economic deprivation (measured based on poverty status) at both neighborhood- and individual-levels is associated with reduced odds of wheezing for Hispanic children. A sensitivity analysis revealed similar significant effects of individual- and neighborhood-level poverty on the odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma. Neighborhood-level poverty did not significantly modify the observed association between individual-level poverty and Hispanic children’s wheezing; however, greater neighborhood poverty tends to be more protective for poor (as opposed to non-poor) Hispanic children. These findings support a novel, multilevel understanding of seemingly paradoxical effects of economic deprivation on Hispanic health.
Role of Metabolic Genes in Blood Arsenic Concentrations of Jamaican Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rahbar Mohammad , Samms-Vaughan Maureen , Ma Jianzhong , Bressler Jan , Loveland Katherine , Ardjomand-Hessabi Manouchehr , Dickerson Aisha , Grove Megan , Shakespeare-Pellington Sydonnie , Beecher Compton , McLaughlin Wayne , Boerwinkle Eric
Published: August 2014

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid with known adverse effects on human health. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes, including GSTT1, GSTP1, and GSTM1, play a major role in detoxification and metabolism of xenobiotics. We investigated the association between GST genotypes and whole blood arsenic concentrations (BASC) in Jamaican children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We used data from 100 ASD cases and their 1:1 age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls (age 2–8 years) from Jamaica. Using log-transformed BASC as the dependent variable in a General Linear Model, we observed a significant interaction between GSTP1 and ASD case status while controlling for several confounding variables. However, for GSTT1 and GSTM1 we did not observe any significant associations with BASC. Our findings indicate that TD children who had the Ile/Ile or Ile/Val genotype for GSTP1 had a significantly higher geometric mean BASC than those with genotype Val/Val (3.67 µg/L vs. 2.69 µg/L, p < 0.01). Although, among the ASD cases, this difference was not statistically significant, the direction of the observed difference was consistent with that of the TD control children. These findings suggest a possible role of GSTP1 in the detoxification of arsenic.
The Historical Distribution of Main Malaria Foci in Spain as Related to Water Bodies
Authors: Sousa Arturo , García-Barrón Leoncio , Vetter Mark , Morales Julia
Published: August 2014

The possible connectivity between the spatial distribution of water bodies suitable for vectors of malaria and endemic malaria foci in Southern Europe is still not well known. Spain was one of the last countries in Western Europe to be declared free of malaria by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1964. This study combines, by means of a spatial-temporal analysis, the historical data of patients and deceased with the distribution of water bodies where the disease-transmitting mosquitos proliferate. Therefore, data from historical archives with a Geographic Information System (GIS), using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method, was analyzed with the aim of identifying regional differences in the distribution of malaria in Spain. The reasons, why the risk of transmission is concentrated in specific regions, are related to worse socioeconomic conditions (Extremadura), the presence of another vector (Anopheles labranchiae) besides A. atroparvus (Levante) or large areas of water bodies in conditions to reproduce theses vectors (La Mancha and Western Andalusia). In the particular case of Western Andalusia, in 1913, the relatively high percentage of 4.73% of the surface, equal to 202362 ha, corresponds to wetlands and other unhealthy water bodies. These wetlands have been reduced as a result of desiccation policies and climate change such as the Little Ice Age and Global Climate Change. The comprehension of the main factors of these wetland changes in the past can help us interpret accurately the future risk of malaria re-emergence in temperate latitudes, since it reveals the crucial role of unhealthy water bodies on the distribution, endemicity and eradication of malaria in southern Europe.
Effects of Nano-MnO2 on Dopaminergic Neurons and the Spatial Learning Capability of Rats
Authors: Li Tao , Shi Tingting , Li Xiaobo , Zeng Shuilin , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to observe the effect of intracerebrally injected nano-MnO2 on neurobehavior and the functions of dopaminergic neurons and astrocytes. Nano-MnO2, 6-OHDA, and saline (control) were injected in the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area of Sprague-Dawley rat brains. The neurobehavior of rats was evaluated by Morris water maze test. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expressions in rat brain were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the escape latencies of nano-MnO2 treated rat increased significantly compared with control. The number of TH-positive cells decreased, GFAP- and iNOS-positive cells increased significantly in the lesion side of the rat brains compared with the contralateral area in nano-MnO2 group. The same tendencies were observed in nano-MnO2-injected rat brains compared with control. However, in the the positive control, 6-OHDA group, escape latencies increased, TH-positive cell number decreased significantly compared with nano-MnO2 group. The alteration of spatial learning abilities of rats induced by nano-MnO2 may be associated with dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction and astrocyte activation.