bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Women with Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions: A case-control study
Authors: Singh Vipul K , Anand M , Rawtani D , Singh Uday P , Patel DK , Mehrotra PK , Mathur N , Siddiqui MKJ
Published: January 2011

Objective: As part of our program to investigate the possible role of environmental pollutants in the incidence of breast cancer in India, we conducted for the first time a hospital based case-control study where blood polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels were determined in women suffering from benign and malignant breast lesions, and compared with those of disease free controls drawn from similar socioeconomic environment residing in and around New Delhi, India. Material & Methods: Anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, naphthalene, pyrene, benzo (a) pyrene, benzo (k) fluoranthene and dibenzo (a,h) anthracene were determined by HPLC-FD. Results: Level of total PAHs in control, benign and malignant groups (30 numbers in each) were 142.05 ± 50.84, 185.99 ± 61.97 and 200.74 ± 55.05 μg / L respectively. Mean levels of naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo (k) fluoranthene were higher in both malignant and benign groups than in control but the difference was not statistically significant. Of the total PAHs, 3–ringed compounds were found much higher (89%) in controls than in benign (52%) and malignant groups (54%). However, the percentage sum of 2, 4 and 5-ringed PAHs were much higher in malignant (46%) and benign (48%) groups when compared with those of controls (11%). Conclusion: Results of the present study indicate that higher levels of PAHs (especially non-carcinogenic), though statistically non-significant, were present in cases with benign and malignant breast lesions than in those of controls. Key Words: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Breast cancer; Benign lesions; HPLC-FD  DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2924Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 80-86
Management of the Medically Compromised Cases in Orthodontic Practice
Authors: Singaraju Gowri Sankar , Vannala Venkataramana , K Raja Sigamani , Rao Kolasani Srinivasa , Adil Irfan
Published: January 2011

Orthodontic therapy is no longer restricted only for healthy patients. With the better management of serious medical problems and increased quality of life expectations, medically compromised individuals are now regular visitors to the orthodontic clinics in every part of the world. As such, there is no absolute contraindication of orthodontic treatment in most of these conditions. A slight modification of the normal orthodontic treatment protocol is obligatory in such patients according to their medical condition. This article reviews and suggests the orthodontic treatment protocol for some common medical conditions. Key Words: Medically Compromised; Orthodontic patients; Treatment protocol DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2937Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 68-74
Age Dependendent Efficacy of Ace Inhibitors Among Chinese Cardiovascular Patients During Hospitalization Phase
Authors: Hussain Tabish , Shu Li Yu , Adji A Seid , Sosorburam Tumenjavkhlan
Published: January 2011

Objective: Cardiac failure is a global burden among cardiovascular diseases, and major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among elderly age group. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme(ACE) inhibitors, remained the choice of treatment as they inhibit the renin angiotensin aldosterone system along with reduction in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, both of them are key factors in progression and complications of heart failure. The aim of this study was to rule out the effect of aging and efficacy of ACE inhibitor, Captopril, among Chinese cardiovascular patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) during the hospitalization phase of therapy. Material & Methods: Randomized control trial at hospital of Tongji Medical College Wuhan, China over a period of more than 1 year from April 2009 till July 2010 recruiting patients in two stages. A total of 260 patients with mean age 65±8 years were recruited. All suffered from first time myocardial infarction and arrived in Cardiac emergency within 72 hours of the event. The participants were then randomly divided in study and control groups which were then further classified in sub-groups depending upon their age. Study group received ACE inhibitor Captopril in addition to standardized therapy while control group just received the conventional therapy for the event. Statistical analyses were done to formulate the corre-lation between multi-variables. Results: Participants were divided in Study group (N=150) (A and C, Young and Old) and the control group (N=110) (B and D, Young and Old). Survival rate was better among elderly on captopril in comparison to younger ones during the hospitalization. The Systolic blood pressure among study group was significantly lower than control group (132.9±16.3mmHg/84.7 ±9.1mmHg vs. 147.1±17.4mmHg/85.1 ±10.9mmHg, P<0.05).Patient’s survival was statistically significant with respect to age (P<0.001). Conclusion: Treatment with Captopril is definitely associated with improved short as well as long term cardiac prognosis and markedly. Captopril therapy is associated with improved long term prognosis and reduced cardiac mortality during the hospitalization phase of the therapy and recovery period. But the most significant finding is that the increased survival after taking Captopril was higher in elderly patients than in younger patients. ACE inhibitors like Captopril in proper dosage play a real vital beneficial role among elderly patients as compared to the younger ones, but still there is need to recruit a large cohort in different ethnic groups with different genetic makeup. Key Words: Myocardial infarction (MI); Ace-inhibitor; Aging DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2947Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 59-63
A Review of Malaria Diagnostic Tools: Microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test
Authors: Anchinmane Vyankatesh T , Shedge Rakesh T
Published: January 2011

Objective: Microscopic detection of parasites has been the reference standard for malaria diagnosis for decades. However, difficulty in maintaining required technical skills and infrastructure has spurred the development of non-microscopic malaria rapid diagnostic devices based on the detection of malaria parasite antigen. We evaluated the QDx MALARIA PAN/Pf rapid immunochromatograpic card test by comparing it with the conventional standard blood smear method for the detection of malaria. Material & Methods: A total of 325 specimens of blood from cases of fever (falciparum malaria 88, vivax malaria 168, mixed infection of falciparum and vivax malaria 44, controls 25) were investigated by QDx Malaria Rapid test and blood smear method. Results: The QDx Malaria Rapid test showed 96.6% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 96.9 % accuracy. However, these parameters were lower when the parasitaemia was less than 500 parasites /μL. Conclusion: QDx Malaria Rapid test was found to have enormous advantages over smear examination due to its high degree of sensitivity, specificity, speed and ease of performance. Key Words: Malarial parasite; QDx MALARIA PAN / Pf rapid immunochromatograpic card test; blood smearDOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2965Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 75-79
Assessment of Ergonomical and Occupational Health Related Problems Among VDT Workers of West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Banibrata , Ghosh Tirthankar
Published: January 2011

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders are a common problem among computer users. The main aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual disorders among the VDT workers. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in the different office premises in Kolkata. After selections of the locations, 100 VDT workers are selected randomly comprising 50 male and 50 female. A detailed study based on a modified Nordic questionnaire was performed among these VDT workers for study period to measure the outcome of epidemiological studies on musculoskeletal disorders. Results: The main finding of this study was that the Lower back problem is the main problem among VDT workers. The both male and female VDT workers also suffered pain in neck, shoulder, fore arm, wrist, elbow and the different parts of the upper extremities. This study revealed that the female VDT workers suffer more discomfort feeling than male VDT workers. In this study it was clearly indicated that the discomfort feeling was relatively high among the aged VDT workers. Prolonged period of work in an awkward posture mainly lead to discomfort feeling among the VDT workers. Another finding of this study was that both male and female VDT workers suffered from visual stress due to prolonged period of work and without using of antiglare screen in a monitor. Conclusion: The VDT workers suffered pain mainly in the upper extremities and lower back of the body. They also suffered from visual stress. Females have a higher discomfort feeling than male VDT workers. Key Words: VDT workers; Discomfort feeling; Visual stress; Gender difference DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2992Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 26-31
Placental Lead and its Interaction with Some Essential Metals among Women from Lucknow, India
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Singh Vipul K , Anand M , Kumar P , Siddiqui MKJ
Published: January 2011

Objective: The placenta connects and separates two genetically distinct individuals: the mother and the fetus. There is no placental-fetal barrier blocking lead transport, placing the fetus at high risk from lead exposure. The placenta has been investigated as a possible indicator of environmental exposures. Recent studies have been focused on the interaction between toxic and essential metals in placenta as there is little information on the levels of lead and essential metals in human placental tissue in Indian scenario. Material & Methods: The present study was designed to determine the status of lead and some essential metals in placental tissue of women residing in and around, Lucknow, India. Sixty pregnant women attending the local maternity home in the city were recruited to determine the concentrations of lead (toxic metal) and zinc, copper, iron & calcium (essential metals) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The mean±SD levels of placental lead was 0.35 ± 0.30μg/g which is lower than those reported in Australia (0.56μg/g) & Poland (0.50μg/g), and slightly higher than Spain (0.11μg/g). The mean ± SD (range) of placental zinc, copper, iron & calcium was found to be 7.67± 2.99 μg/g (0.47-13.75), 1.03 ± 0.55 μg/g (0.49-3.41), 76.42 ± 20.13 μg/g (17.67-135.25), 90.46 ± 112.47 μg/g (1.77-420.5) respectively. On the basis of parity, placental lead level was significantly higher (p<0.05), while copper and zinc were significantly lower (p<0.05, p<0.01 respectively) in multipa-rous cases as compared to nulliparous. Placental lead levels had significant negative correlation with zinc levels (r= -0.35, p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggested that increased lead level affect the essential metal level and its level increased with parity whereas, there was a depletion of maternal stores of essential elements (Zn, Cu, Fe and Ca) with increasing parity. Key Words: Placenta; Lead; Essential metals; parity; Atomic Absorption Spectrometer DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.3199Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 32-36
Prevalence and Determinants of Cigarette Smoking among the College Students of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Aryal Umesh Raj , Deuba Keshab , Subedi Arjun , Shrestha Rachana , Bhatta Laxmi
Published: January 2011

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of smoking among the college students and to identify the factors associated with smoking. Material & Methods: This is a cross sectional study carried out on 304 college students in Kathmandu valley using purposive sampling during the months of December 2009 to January 2010. The self administrated questionnaire was adopted from Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2007 (GYTS) and data were collected after the verbal consent taken. The statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, univariate and binary logistic regression to measure prevalence of smoking and to identify the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: We found 7 in 10 students were currently smokers. Among currently smokers, 78% were established smokers. The mean age of smoking onset was 14.15 years (SD=2.62). The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 5.03(SD=3.72) and average daily expenditure was Rs. 15.18 (SD=7.87). About 90% students tried to quit smoking and 17% non smokers were susceptibility smokers. The following factors: sex (adjusted odds ratio(aor)=3.88,95% CI= 2.12;7.11), living with or without family members (aor=1.79,95% CI=1.01;3.17), father occupation (aor=1.85,95% CI=1.04;3.30), and friend's smoking habits (aor=4.60,95% CI =1.92;11.0) were associated with cigarette smoking. Conclusion: There is the need of effective intervention programs to control cigarette smoking among college students. Key Words: Cigarette smoking; College students; Prevalence of smoking; Risk factors DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.3279Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 53-58
CT and MRI features of Primary Orbital Lymphoma: review of 14 cases
Authors: Jin Chen Wang , Rana Netra , Wang Yuan , Ma ShaoHui , Li Min , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2011

Objective: To assess the computed tomography (CT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of primary orbital lymphoma and to establish a differential diagnosis. Material & Methods: Fourteen patients (9 male and 5 female) suffering from primary orbital lymphoma underwent CT scanning with and without contrast. Pre- and post-contrast MRI scans were performed in 10 patients. Their ages ranged from 1.5 to 65 years (average age: 36 years). The course of diseases varied from 2 months to 16 years. Results: The diagnosis was confirmed pathologically in all cases. Lesions were bilateral in 4 cases and unilateral in 10 cases. Periorbital preseptal tissues were involved mainly in the upper lateral quadrant of the orbit. Focal masses were observed in 5 patients. Lesions that infiltrated the lacrimal gland, adjacent extraocular muscles and intraorbital tissues, along with the extraocular muscles, were found in other patients. The tumors that had advanced into intraorbital tissues and had involved extraocular muscles, displayed either a 'casting sign' or a 'ring sign'. Isodense soft-tissue masses with clear demarcation were found on plain CT film and lesions displayed low to intermediate signal intensity on T1- weighted MRI and relatively low or high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI. The lesions demonstrated homogeneously marked enhancement on CT and MRI with contrast medium. Conclusion: CT imaging and MRI - particularly MRI - can demonstrate the location, configuration, inner structure and characteristic manifestations of the orbital lymphomas. This may assist the pre-operative diagnosis of these lesions. Key Words: Orbital tumor; Lymphoma; Pseudotumor; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.3401Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 87-90
‘Great Chords’: Politics and Romance in Tolstoy's War and Peace
Authors: Romney Paul
Published: January 2011

A national epic and Bildungsroman, Tolstoy's realist masterpiece also incorporates a quest romance, which flirts with fantasy by allusions to volshebnoye tsarstvo (‘fairyland’). This romance projects a social ideal that reflects Tolstoy's thoroughgoing alienation from modernity. The article uses Northrop Frye's ideas to disclose the hidden romance and reveals its political significance by comparing Tolstoy's story to Walter Scott's Waverley and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Politics and romance are strange bedfellows, but each lends itself to spatial representation. The article shows how Tolstoy uses spatial imagery to infuse his quest romance with political meaning and discusses the neglect by English-speaking critics of romance and politics alike, which it relates to a disagreement between Percy Lubbock and E.M. Forster over the relative importance of time and space as dimensions of Tolstoy's narrative.
In vitro Propagation and Callus Formation of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Penn.
Authors: Showkat Patni , Zaidi Yaseer , Asghar Suhail , Jamaluddin Shamsuddin
Published: January 2011

An important medicinal herb, namely Bacopa monnieri (L.) Penn. showed best results on MS with 1 mg/l IAA and 1 mg/l IBA for culture initiation, multiple shoot proliferation, bud breakage, shoot length, shoot numbers and cluster formation. For rooting the best result was obtained on MS solidified with 7 g/l of agar along with sugar 20 gm/l for root, shoot ratio and number of roots. The best hardening was achieved in a mixture of soil : soilrite (1 : 1) where the survival rate was 94%. Further, for callus formation the best result was obtained in the leaf explants on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2, 4-D. HPLC and HPTLC profile of regenerated shoots revealed a phytochemicals profile similar to that of the market samples and mother plants. The presence of bacoside was detected through HPTLC and HPLC.    Key words:  Bacopa monnieri, Micropropagation, Bacoside   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2.6890   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(2): 119-125, 2010 (December)
Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration in Ephedra foliata (Boiss.); a non Coniferous Gymnosperm
Authors: Dhiman Manjul , Sharma Vandana , Moitra Sushma
Published: January 2011

Embryos from mature seeds of Ephedra foliata were excised and used as explant after longitudinal splitting. Half embryos were cultured in vitro to assess their morphogenic potential. When 2 - 10 µM  2,4-D with 2 - 10 µM Kn was used in MS with 10% coconut milk callus, roots and somatic embryos were induced. Lower concentration of 2 and 5 µM 2,4-D with 2 to 15 µM Kn gave best responses in terms of percentage of cultures showing somatic embryos. greater degree of callusing was obtained in a combination of 8 - 10 µM 2,4-D with Kn, but frequency of somatic embryos was low. Substituting BAP for Kn in the medium containing 2,4-D showed almost the same response as that in 2,4-D and Kn. The percentage of cultures showing root formation was low as compared to Kn combinations. Somatic embryos developed, but with a lesser frequency. When different concentrations of NAA were added with Kn, only rooting and callusing occurred. On this medium, there was a total absence of somatic embryos. When somatic embryos were transferred to a hormone free medium, they grew within 10 - 15 days. The fully grown somatic embryos then germinated and developed into plantlets. Chromosomal count confirmed retention of ploidy level.  Plantlets from somatic embryos were transferred to pots containing sterilized mixture of coarse sand and garden soil in equal proportions. They survived well and formed new nodes and internodes after nearly one month.   Key words:  Ephedra, Somatic embryogenesis, Micropropagation, Ephedrine   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2.6893   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(2): 133-143, 2010 (December)
Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation for Local Cultivars of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Using Marker Genes
Authors: Borna Rita Sarah , Hoque M. I. , Sarker R. H.
Published: January 2011

Genetic transformation using nodal and internodal segments from three economically important potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties namely, Diamant, Cardinal and Granola was conducted using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harbouring binary plasmid pBI12 containing the GUS and nptII genes. Node and internodal segments were used for direct regeneration as well as regeneration with the intervention of callus. best responses were  obtained for direct regeneration of shoots when the explants were cultured on MS supplemented with 4.0 mg/l BAP +1.0 mg/l IAA, 1.5 mg/l BAP  + 0.5 mg/l IAA and 5.0 mg/l BAP +1.0 mg/l IAA in Diamant, Cardinal  and  Granola, respectively. In Diamant spontaneous in vitro microtuberization was obtained from these proliferated shoots. Further culturing of these in vitro grown green microtubers regenerated a large number of shoots on MS containing 4.0 mg/l BAP +1.0 mg/l IAA. By combining the best treatments, this protocol yielded an average transformation rate of 87% of treared explants. Stable expression of GUS gene was visualized in the various parts of transformed shoots through histochemical assay. Genomic DNA was isolated from transformed shoots and stable integration of the GUS and nptII genes was confirmed by PCR analysis.   Key words:  Potato, in vitro regeneration, transformation   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2.6894   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(2): 145-155, 2010 (December)
Tuberous Roots an Ideal System for High Frequency In vitro Regeneration in Plumbago rosea L.
Authors: Jose Binoy , Satheeshkumar K.
Published: January 2011

Tuberous root explants of Plumbago rosea L. cultured in MS containing 3.5 mg/l BAP showed high frequency of shoot bud regeneration (62.33 ± 0.66; 0.26 ± 0.07 cm) within eight weeks. Subculture of shoot clumps (22.17 ± 0.90 shoots; 0.26 ± 0.07 cm) from the initial clump exhibited extensive rate of shoot multiplication (123.4 ± 1.029 shoots, 0.22 ± 0.01 cm) per each clump and produced a total of 369 shoots in 3.5 mg/l BAP in six weeks. Within two weeks of culture in basal liquid medium, shoot elongation (6.16 ± 0.14 cm) occurred and after three weeks  in MS solid medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l IAA, rooting (14.7 ± 1.2) initiated on the shoots. Ninety six per cent of the rooted plants were established under the shade nethouse with regular watering.   Key words: Plumbago rosea, tuberous root, multiple shoots, High frequency   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2.6915   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(2): 203-209, 2010 (December)
READS - A Resource for Plant Non-coding Regulatory Sequence Analysis
Authors: Shahid Saima , Elias Sabrina M. , Biswas Sudip , Seraj Zeba I.
Published: January 2011

Identification and analysis of regulatory sequences that control gene expression can be greatly facilitated by database-assisted bioinformatic approaches. READS (Regulatory Element Analysis DatabaSe) has been created as a web-accessible freely available database of plant non-coding regulatory sequences. It currently contains more than 300 known and putative promoters of constitutive as well as stress inducible genes belonging to diverse plants. The database has been manually curated with promoters collected mainly from scientific publications, thereafter cross-referenced with other resources (NCBI database, PubMed, PubMed Central). A user-friendly interface has been provided to allow easy access and analysis of data using different query options. A blast utility has also been provided, allowing users to search against all entries in the database. For each promoter, certain features such as expression data, GC content, core elements etc., were provided to assist in characterization of the regulatory sequences. To our knowledge, READS is the first plant promoter database that allows retrieval of sequences based on expression pattern. Thus the database can be utilized as a useful resource for identification of important putative regulatory cis-elements in promoters by analysis of upstream regions of hundreds of co-regulated or co-expressed genes. Such knowledge can also be of use for identifying minimal or stress inducible promoters for effective transgene expression. We aim to provide the most up-to-date collection of promoters of well-characterized stress inducible and constitutively expressed genes from many plant species. Hence, this resource will be updated regularly to incorporate new sequences. READs is available at http://www.pbtlabdu.net/READS/.   Key words: Promoter database, stress inducible, constitutive, gene expression, cis-element   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2.6916   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(2): 211-223, 2010 (December)
Comparison of Particulate Mercury Measured with Manual and Automated Methods
Authors: Talbot Robert , Mao Huiting , Feddersen Dara , Smith Melissa , Kim Su Youn , Sive Barkley , Haase Karl , Ambrose Jesse , Zhou Yong , Russo Rachel
Published: January 2011

A study was conducted to compare measuring particulate mercury (HgP) with the manual filter method and the automated Tekran system. Simultaneous measurements were conducted with the Tekran and Teflon filter methodologies in the marine and coastal continental atmospheres. Overall, the filter HgP values were on the average 21% higher than the Tekran HgP, and >85% of the data were outside of ±25% region surrounding the 1:1 line. In some cases the filter values were as much as 3-fold greater, with
Wavelet-Based Multi-Scale Entropy Analysis of Complex Rainfall Time Series
Authors: Chou Chien-Ming
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a novel framework to determine the number of resolution levels in the application of a wavelet transformation to a rainfall time series. The rainfall time series are decomposed using the à trous wavelet transform. Then, multi-scale entropy (MSE) analysis that helps to elucidate some hidden characteristics of the original rainfall time series is applied to the decomposed rainfall time series. The analysis shows that the Mann-Kendall (MK) rank correlation test of MSE curves of residuals at various resolution levels could determine the number of resolution levels in the wavelet decomposition. The complexity of rainfall time series at four stations on a multi-scale is compared. The results reveal that the suggested number of resolution levels can be obtained using MSE analysis and MK test. The complexity of rainfall time series at various locations can also be analyzed to provide a reference for water resource planning and application.
Short-Term Load Forecasting for Electric Power Systems Using the PSO-SVR and FCM Clustering Techniques
Authors: Duan Pan , Xie Kaigui , Guo Tingting , Huang Xiaogang
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a new combined method for the short-term load forecasting of electric power systems based on the Fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and support vector regression (SVR) techniques. The training samples used in this method are of the same data type as the learning samples in the forecasting process and selected by a fuzzy clustering technique according to the degree of similarity of the input samples considering the periodic characteristics of the load. PSO is applied to optimize the model parameters. The complicated nonlinear relationships between the factors influencing the load and the load forecasting can be regressed using the SVR. The practical load data from a city in Chongqing was used to illustrate the proposed method, and the results indicate that the proposed method can obtain higher accuracy compared with the traditional method, and is effective for forecasting the short-term load of power systems.
Intensive Forestry as Progress or Decay? An Analysis of the Debate about Forest Fertilization in Sweden, 1960–2010
Authors: Lindkvist Anna , Kardell Örjan , Nordlund Christer
Published: January 2011

In the mid-1960s, fertilization (with nitrogen) had a breakthrough as a promising forest management method in Swedish company owned forests. The activity grew and peaked during the 1970s but then lost ground and stabilized at a low level in the 1990s and early 2000s. Over the last five years, however, interest in fertilizing Swedish forests has increased again. In this article both the forestry industry’s, and the environmental movement’s, attitudes toward forest fertilization over time are investigated. Furthermore, conflicting persistent ideas about nature and future, i.e., “figures of thought”, within interest groups, representing forestry and the environmental movement respectively, are identified and analyzed in relation to the debate on fertilization. The analysis reveals mainly three figures of thought that have influenced this debate during the period, “the idea of progress”, “the idea of decay” and “the idea of the great chain of being”. The study thus sheds light on how the relationship between forestry and the environmental movement has evolved from the 1960s until today and uncovers thought patterns that have stood, and continue to stand, in opposition to one another.
Susceptibility of Mycobacterium immunogenum and Pseudomonas fluorescens to Formaldehyde and Non-Formaldehyde Biocides in Semi-Synthetic Metalworking Fluids
Authors: Selvaraju Suresh B. , Khan Izhar U. H. , Yadav Jagjit S.
Published: January 2011

Mycobacterium immunogenum, a newly identified member of the Mycobacterium chelonae_M. abscessus complex is considered a potential etiological agent for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in machine workers exposed to contaminated metalworking fluid (MWF). This study investigated the biocidal efficacy of the frequently applied commercial formaldehyde-releasing (HCHO) biocides Grotan and Bioban CS 1135 and non-HCHO type biocides Kathon 886 MW (isothiazolone) and Preventol CMK 40 (phenolic) toward this emerging mycobacterial species (M. immunogenum) in HP-linked MWFs, alone and in presence of a representative of the Gram-negative bacterial contaminants, Pseudomonas fluorescens, using two semi-synthetic MWF matrices (designated Fluid A and Fluid B). Relative biocide susceptibility analysis indicated M immunogenum to be comparatively more resistant (2–1600 fold) than P. fluorescens to the tested biocides under the varied test conditions. In terms of minimum inhibitory concentration, Kathon was the most effective biocide against M. immunogenum. Fluid factors had a major effect on the biocide susceptibility. Fluid A formulation provided greater protective advantage to the test organisms than Fluid B. Fluid dialysis (Fluid A) led to an increased biocidal efficacy of Grotan, Kathon and Preventol against M. immunogenum further implying the role of native fluid components. Used fluid matrix, in general, increased the resistance of the two test organisms against the biocides, with certain exceptions. M. immunogenum resistance increased in presence of the co-contaminant P. fluorescens. Collectively, the results show a multifactorial nature of the biocide susceptibility of MWF-colonizing mycobacteria and highlight the importance of more rigorous efficacy testing and validation of biocides prior to and during their application in metalworking fluid operations.
Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellite Loci in the Asian Rice Gall Midge (Orseolia oryzae) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Bentur Jagadish S. , Sinha Deepak Kumar , Padmavathy Ch. , Revathy Charagonda , Muthulakshmi Mayandi , Nagaraju Javaregowda
Published: January 2011

Microsatellite loci were isolated from the genomic DNA of the Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) using a hybridization capture approach. A total of 90 non-redundant primer pairs, representing unique loci, were designed. These simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers represented di (72%), tri (15.3%), and complex repeats (12.7%). Three biotypes of gall midge (20 individuals for each biotype) were screened using these SSRs. The results revealed that 15 loci were hyper variable and showed polymorphism among different biotypes of this pest. The number of alleles ranged from two to 11 and expected heterozygosity was above 0.5. Inheritance studies with three markers (observed to be polymorphic between sexes) revealed sex linked inheritance of two SSRs (Oosat55 and Oosat59) and autosomal inheritance of one marker (Oosat43). These markers will prove to be a useful tool to devise strategies for integrated pest management and in the study of biotype evolution in this important rice pest.
Risk Assessment to Underpin Food Regulatory Decisions: An Example of Public Health Nutritional Epidemiology
Authors: Baines Janis , Cunningham Judy , Leemhuis Christel , Hambridge Tracy , Mackerras Dorothy
Published: January 2011

The approach used by food regulation agencies to examine the literature and forecast the impact of possible food regulations has many similar features to the approach used in nutritional epidemiological research. We outline the Risk Analysis Framework described by FAO/WHO, in which there is formal progression from identification of the nutrient or food chemical of interest, through to describing its effect on health and then assessing whether there is a risk to the population based on dietary exposure estimates. We then discuss some important considerations for the dietary modeling component of the Framework, including several methodological issues that also exist in research nutritional epidemiology. Finally, we give several case studies that illustrate how the different methodological components are used together to inform decisions about how to manage the regulatory problem.
Frequency of HEV contamination in sewerage waters in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Tahir , Waheed Yasir , Tahir Sadia , Safi Sher Zaman , Fatima Kaneez , Afzal Muhammad Sohail , Farooqi Zia-ur-Rehman , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Enteric viruses, including Hepatitis E virus (HEV), are able to persist under environmental conditions and may cause public health problems by contaminating natural and drinking water resources. Routine procedures for monitoring viruses in water samples have not been established for the water microbiology screening panel. Methodology: Eighty-six raw sewerage samples were collected from the different regions of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the twin cities of Pakistan. Samples were concentrated for HEV, using a polyethylene glycol-based method followed by viral RNA extraction using a commercial kit-based method. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with HEV specific primers was used for the detection of HEV. Results: The present investigation focused on 86 raw sewerage water samples taken from different locations of drainage outlets of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. After careful experimentation, 35 samples were found to be RT-PCR positive.  Nineteen (44.7%) out of 47 samples from Rawalpindi city were HEV positive while 16 (41.02%) out of 39 samples from Islamabad were HEV positive. All positive samples were found in the highly congested areas. Conclusions: The high detection rate of HEV in this study shows that HEV circulates at a relatively high frequency in the sewerage waters in Pakistan. This study is the first report on detection of HEV from sewerage waste water from Pakistan and suggests that HEV might be a potent indicator of viral pollution in environmental specimens.
Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in expanded spectrum beta lactamase producing enterobacteriaceae in Morocco
Authors: Bouchakour Mohammed , Zerouali Khalid , Gros Claude Jean David Perrier , Amarouch Hamid , El Mdaghri Naima , Courvalin Patrice , Timinouni Mohammed
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Although independently acquired, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance appears to be linked with extended-spectrum or AmpC-type beta-lactamases. Since no data are available in African countries, the prevalence of qnr genes at the University Hospital Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco, was investigated. Methodology: Between October 2006 and March 2007, the following 39 randomly selected non-duplicate Enterobacteriaceae producing an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), representing 20% of ESBL strains with respect to species and ward origin, were collected: Escherichia coli (n = 16); Klebsiella spp (n = 14); Enterobacter cloacae (n = 8); Proteus mirabilis (n = 1). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI guidelines. ESBL detection was performed by the double disc diffusion test. A multiplex PCR was conducted to detect qnrA, qnrB and qnrS genes that were confirmed by sequencing of the PCR product. Results: The estimated overall prevalence of qnr reached 36% (n = 14; qnrA, 10.25%; qnrB, 23.07%; qnrS, 2.56%). Genes were identified in E. coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter with a respective prevalence of 18.7%, 50% and 62.5%.  The qnr genes were detected in nine wards and qnrA1, qnrB1-B2-B4 and qnrS1 variants were identified. Three genes were identified among nalidixic acid susceptible strains (n = 6); three of those were also susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Among nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin resistant strains, all strains had qnrB. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of qnr genes among ESBL strains in the Ibn Rochd CHU, Casablanca. Moreover, qnr were present in quinolone-susceptible strains which could lead to in vivo selection of ciprofloxacin-resistant strains.
Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in Morocco
Authors: Ohmani Farida , Khedid Khadija , Britel Saad , Qasmaoui Aicha , Charof Reda , Filali-Maltouf Abdelkarim , El Aouad Rajae
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Salmonella enterica is recognised worldwide as one of the major agents of human gastrointestinal infections. The aim of the present work is to ascertain the antimicrobial susceptibilities of 150 Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis isolates from humans in Morocco during the period from 2000 to 2008. Methodology: Antimicrobial resistance determination was performed by disk diffusion method using seven antibiotics. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin was determined for nalidixic acid-resistant (NAR) isolates using E-test strips. Results: Sixty-one (42%) isolates were resistant to at least one class of antimicrobial agent. The largest numbers of resistant isolates were observed for nalidixic acid with 53 isolates (36%) followed by ampicillin with 7 isolates (5%), tetracycline with 6 isolates (4%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole with 2 isolates (1%).The resistant isolates were grouped in seven different resistance patterns of which two isolates were resistant to three antibiotics. Among the 53 (36%) NAR isolates, 37 (76%) had a reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Resistance rates of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis from Morocco are generally low but the resistance to nalidixic acid is worryingly common. Continual surveillance of antibiotic resistance is of primary importance.
Leptospirosis in a case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Shekatkar Smita Benjamin , Harish Belgode Narasimha , Parija Subhash Chandra
Published: January 2011

Leptospiral meningitis, which is an important feature of anicteric leptospirosis, is generally underdiagnosed. Serological tests are not very useful in diagnosis of leptospiral meningitis. Early detection by molecular tests such as PCR and prompt institution of therapy would be life-saving.
Cartago: usos de suelo en la ciudad fenicia y púnica
Authors: Fumadó Ortega Iván
Published: January 2011

La representación de las sociedades fenicio-púnicas se ha construido sobre la base de, entre otros criterios, el urbanismo de sus ciudades de las que Cartago se tomó como arquetipo. Desde presupuestos orientalistas y clasicistas su trazado y organización ha sido interpretado como menos racional frente al de las ciudades grecorromanas. Sin embargo un análisis de las secuencias estratigráficas registradas en Cartago, a partir de la identificación de los usos del suelo y de su ubicación topográfica y cronológica, demuestra que en Cartago existió desde la época arcaica una precisa y consciente distribución geográfica de los usos del suelo, una gestión de los residuos urbanos y un control del crecimiento de la ciudad durante los siglos posteriores.
Altos de Reveque: un asentamiento fortificado fenicio-púnico en el litoral de Andalucía oriental
Authors: López Castro José Luis , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco , Alemán Ochotorena Belén
Published: January 2011

Se presentan los primeros datos sobre un nuevo asentamiento fortificado próximo al litoral occidental de la provincia de Almería, en el sureste de la Península Ibérica. Se analiza el sistema de muralla de casamatas, así como los materiales arqueológicos superficiales que permiten datar su funcionamiento entre la segunda mitad del siglo VI a. C. y finales del siglo V o principios del IV a. C. Se propone una funcionalidad relacionada con el control estratégico de recursos mineros y agrícolas por parte de la antigua ciudad fenicia de Abdera.
CIL II 4977 (Mondragón, Guipúzcoa). Una inscripción romana enterrada por la Inquisición y conservada en Segobriga
Authors: Manuel Abascal Juan
Published: January 2011

La inscripción CIL II 4977, de procedencia desconocida para Hübner, viene en realidad de una ermita cercana a Mondragón, de donde fue retirada y enterrada por orden de la Inquisición en 1787. Allí la exhumó José Vargas Ponce entre 1800 y 1803 y la trasladó a la Real Academia de la Historia (Madrid), desde donde pasó en 1907 al Museo Arqueológico Nacional y en 1974 al Museo de Segobriga. Los manuscritos de Vargas Ponce de la Real Academia de la Historia permiten asegurar ahora su procedencia.
Provincia y Restituo en el Bronce de El Bierzo
Authors: López Barja de Quiroga Pedro
Published: January 2011

Tres son las ideas principales: que prouincia Transduriana es una denominación perfectamente válida para una provincia romana; que se trataba de una provincia como cualquier otra, no de una subprovincia ni de una misión militar, pues en derecho romano la jurisdicción delegada no puede delegarse a su vez y, por último, que al restituir, Augusto levantó una condena anterior impuesta a los Aliobrigiaecini.
Vestido y estatus. Representaciones de luto en la estatuaria hispanorromana
Authors: Loza Azuaga María Luisa
Published: January 2011

El trabajo comienza con el estudio de una escultura romana, que decoró el arco de los Gigantes de Antequera (Málaga) y que presenta un tipo escultórico poco constatado. Las piezas identificadas remiten a una serie de esculturas de carácter honorífico y funerario, datadas desde época augustea hasta momentos flavios.
La prenda con la que se visten estas figuras se identifican con un tipo de vestido, el ricinium, característico del período de luto. Esta asociación permite adscribir estas representaciones a ambientes funerarios privados, figurando a la viuda. Asimismo, el tipo se asocia, en algunas ocasiones, con representaciones honoríficas de personajes públicos en el período de luto. En estos casos, el contexto y el programa iconográfico en el que aparecen algunas de estas esculturas han permitido asociarlas con el acontecimiento de las honras fúnebres decretadas en conmemoración de Germánico, proponiéndose su identificación con su viuda, Agripina Maior, en los monumentos erigidos tras la muerte de su esposo, en el obligatorio tempus lugendi, durante el año de luto.
Efecto del cobalto en el comportamiento de la corrosión de aleaciones amorfas Fe-Co-Cr-B-Si en ácidos minerales diluidos
Authors: Solomon I. , Solomon N.
Published: January 2011

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de la investigación sobre la resistencia a la corrosión de un nuevo sistema de aleaciones amorfas, p. ej., Fe-Co-Cr-B-Si. El comportamiento de la corrosión de aleaciones amorfas así como el de cualquier otra aleación cristalina puede ser determinado, en ambas, por factores internos (la estructura y composición de la aleación) y por factores externos (tipo medio agresivo, concentración y coeficiente pH). La falta de cristalinidad y de defectos específicos al estado de cristalinidad -limitaciones de grano, dislocaciones y segregaciones- aseguran una alta resistencia a la corrosión a las aleaciones amorfas, en lugar de ser termodinámicamente metaestables La investigación se desarrolló a través del método gravimétrico en muestras de aleación amorfa Fe75-xCoxCr1B7Si17 obtenidos por la técnica de centrifugado. Esta investigación muestra la influencia de la composición química de la aleación, por ejemplo, el porcentaje de cobalto y el medio de trabajo 0,5N HCl, 1N HCl y 1N H2SO4 en la resistencia a la corrosión. Los mejores resultados fueron obtenidos con Fe65Co10Cr1B7Si17.
Modelado físico de la incidencia de un chorro de aire sobre una superficie de agua
Authors: Solórzano-López J. , Ramírez-Argáez M. A. , Zenit R.
Published: January 2011

El uso de chorros de gas (oxígeno) es fundamental en diversos procesos de aceración, como el Horno Básico de Oxígeno (BOF, por sus siglas en inglés) o en el Horno Eléctrico de Arco (EAF). Estos chorros mejoran la transferencia de calor, masa y cantidad de movimiento en el metal y el mezclado de especies y son muy importantes en la formación de escoria espumosa. En este trabajo, se realizaron mediciones experimentales de las dimensiones de la cavidad formada en la superficie líquida por la incidencia de un chorro, así como también se obtuvieron vectores de velocidad en la zona aledaña a dicha cavidad. Éstas, se midieron usando una cámara de alta velocidad, mientras que los mapas vectoriales se obtuvieron por la técnica PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry). Las velocidades y las dimensiones de las cavidades se determinaron como función de las principales variables de proceso: flujo de gas, distancia entre tobera y superficie libre, diámetro de tobera y ángulo de lanza. Las dimensiones de la cavidad se procesaron estadísticamente, como función de las variables de proceso y como función de los números adimensionales que lo gobiernan. En este caso, el número de Froude junto con el deWeber controlan la geometría de la depresión. El flujo en el seno del líquido es principalmente afectado por el flujo de aire, la altura y el ángulo de la lanza.
Ruido electroquímico de la erosión-corrosión en cobre: su relación con los parámetros hidrodinámicos
Authors: Castañeda I. , Romero M. , Malo J. M. , Uruchurtu J.
Published: January 2011

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de los efectos del deterioro a la integridad superficial, de muestras de cobre de pureza comercial, debido al fenómeno de erosión-corrosión en presencia de un fluido que contiene partículas de sílice de diversos tamaños, usando la técnica de ruido electroquímico. Esto, en función de los parámetros hidrodinámicos del sistema (movimiento del fluido). Utilizando un electrodo de cilindro rotatorio (CR) modificado con tres anillos, se posibilitó a manejarlo empleando dos velocidades de giro (880 y 1.750 rpm y números de Reynolds de 1.486 Re y 2.972 Re, respectivamente). Se encontró patrones característicos de ruido electroquímico en función del régimen de flujo laminar y de transición turbulenta; así como de intensidades de daño en la superficie del material, teniendo una relación con los patrones de ruido electroquímico observados. Se presenta un ataque más uniforme y un aumento del impacto para las partículas de mayor tamaño y una intensidad menor de erosión en la superficie expuesta, con una forma de ataque más localizado para las partículas de menor tamaño. El estudio del fenómeno de erosión-corrosión presenta patrones de identificación de ruido electroquímico de corriente y de potencial característicos, de acuerdo al régimen de flujo laminar o de transición turbulenta y a la adición de diferentes tamaños de partículas sólidas de alúmina y sílice.
Metalografía a color en aleaciones Al-Si comerciales. Optimización de las técnicas de caracterización microestructural mediante microscopía óptica de reflexión
Authors: Suárez-Peña B. , Asensio-Lozano J. , Vander-Voort G. F.
Published: January 2011

La demanda de aleaciones con calidades optimizadas conlleva la mejora continua de estas calidades, lo que viene suscitando la necesidad de mejora y optimización permanentes de las técnicas de caracterización metalográfica. Las técnicas de ataque tradicionales, utilizadas en la observación microscópica de las aleaciones de aluminio, no permiten un análisis detallado de la evolución microestructural de las fases presentes ni de parte de los mecanismos que rigen la solidificación. En el presente trabajo, se explora el potencial de la metalografía en color aplicada a las estructuras de solidificación de aleaciones Al-Si 12. Se ha utilizado un procedimiento de ataque en color, basado en un reactivo desarrollado porWeck para aleaciones de aluminio. El empleo de esta técnica ha permitido la evaluación cualitativa de la microestructura. La técnica ha permitido revelar características microestructurales que los métodos de ataque en blanco-negro no revelan.