bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern of Abo & Rh blood groups in Multan region
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Arif , Anjum Abdul Hameed , S M A Tarin , S R Fiq , M U Man , Khawar Shireen , Nazi Iowan
Published: June 2016

The discovery of various blood group systems has an immense importance in transfusion medicine and medico legal field. The association of certain blood groups with various diseases like peptic ulcer is well established. ABO and Rh blood groups are the main systems to cause blood transfusion reactions. An individual blood group today, is as important as national identity card. In cases of emergency blood transfusion, the blood group data of a population is very much important. The frequency of ABO and Rh blood groups vary throughout the world. It has been observed that group B diminishes in frequency from East to West. ABO and Rh blood group data is well established in Karachi and Lahore areas, but the data is not available from Multan region. In this study six thousands young healthy voluntary blood donors of either sex belonging to Multan region comprising of 5476 males and 524 females were included from "Blood Transfusion Center Nishtar Hospital Multan" and "Fatmid Blood Transfusion Center Multan". The commonest blood group observed in this study was "B" with frequency of 36.95%. The next common was group "0" with frequency of 33.8% followed by group "A" with frequency of 21.92% and group "AB" 7.33%. The frequency distribution of Rh blood group shows that 92.17% of the subjects are Rh-+ve & 7.83% are Rh--ve.
Patterns of etiologies and soft tissue defects in the upper limb and use of different reconstruction modalities
Authors: Cheema Saeed Ashraf
Published: June 2016

A total of 48 cases of soft tissue defects of upper limb were managed during one calendar year. This included 34 males and 14 females. Post burn complication was the most common etiology. Ten cases had machine injury while other 6 cases had household trauma. Another group of six cases had injuries during fireworks at various ceremonies. Whereas 17 cases were dealt by simple measures like healing by secondary intension, primary closure and skin grafting, 31 cases needed soft tissue coverage with various flaps. Only ten cases were dealt with the help of local flaps while rest of the 21 cases needed various regional and distant flaps.
Various factors for infertility in infertility clinic, Gynae Unit-I, Services Hospital, Lahore
Authors: Khatoon Khaula , Malik Rehana Mahmood
Published: June 2016

The prevalence of various infertility factors in 683 case of infertility coming from various parts of country were studied at infertility clinic gynae unit-I Services Hospital, Lahore from June 1999 to December, 2003. Factors like age, type, duration of infertility were assessed of 683 cases, only 90 cases (13.2%) had complete follow up while 222 patients (32.5%) had incomplete follow up and 371 (54.3%) cases had only one booking visit. The various investigations performed to evaluate infertility factors are discussed in detail. The results are grouped into male and female factors and unexplained infertility. The male factor included semen abnormalities and coital problems while the female causes are grouped into ovulatory disorders, tuboperitoneal factors. The study revealed that ovulatory dysfunction was the most common factor and accounted for 40% (274) cases, followed by tuboperitoneal factor 32.7% (223 cases) and male factor was present in 22.3% (141patients). The prevalence of all these factors in o ur study correlated with prevalence quoted in literature.
Effect of episiotomy on perineal lacerations in spontaneous vertex deliveries
Authors: Nisa Meherun
Published: June 2016

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of episiotomy on the frequency of perineal lacerations. Design: Cross-Sectional analytical study. Place & duration of study: Department of Gynae Obstetrics unit III. Lady willingdon Hospital Lahore. From April 1994 to March 1996. Patients & methods: 2918 women who delivered vaginally were included in the study. Only right mediolateral episiotomy incision was used in these cases. Local anaesthesia in the form of 2% Lignocain was used in all cases to infiltrate the area before episiotomy cut. The delivery was conducted in most cases by a resident. The rate of perineal lacerations with or without episiotomy in both primiparae and multiparae groups was noted. Results 2918 women of term singleton babies were entered into this study. Episiotomy was performed in 1419 (48.63%) of these women. There were 1095(37.53%) primiparae and 1823 (62.47%) multiparae in the study groups. The rate of episiotomy in primiparae and multiparae were 93.42% and 21.72% respectively. A total of 267 (9.2%) perineal tears were sustained by these women during vaginal delivery . Episiotomy was associated with 151 (10.6%) perineal tears compared to 116(7.7%) without episiotomy. The incidence of fourth degree perineal laceration was 0.4% without episiotomy but increased to 1% with the use of episiotomy. This difference is statistically significant. Conclusion: Episiotomy is not protective against severe perineal lacerations. A selective use of episiotomy is recommended for appropriate indications.
Adverse effect profile of patients receiving anti viral treatment for chronic Hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Tayyab Ghiasun Nabi , Haque Israrul , Salam Tanveerus , Abid Sabeen , Shahid Nauman
Published: June 2016

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is present in 3 - 10 % of Pakistani population and genotype 3 is the most prevalent subtype in our patients. In a suitable candidate interferon along with Ribavirin is the main stay of treatment for these patients. These drugs have short as well as long term safety problem. Morbidity and frequency of discontinuation of therapy correlate directly with the frequency of adverse events while on treatment. Objectives: This observational study has been conducted to find out the adverse effect profile of anti viral treatment for our Chronic HCV patients. Material and method: From 1st March 2005 to 30th March 2005, 100 consecutive patients suffering from chronic HCV infection receiving standard interferon alpha 2 b and ribavirin were included. All of them were inquired on a questionnaire about the adverse events and then analyzed. Results and discussion: In as many as 65 % of the patients receiving anti viral treatment complained of an adverse event. The events were in the form of Flu like symptoms, abdominal pain, sleep disturbance, lack of appetite, dry cough and breathlessness, Depression, persistent fever, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and skin rash. Conclusion: A high number of pts receiving anti viral treatment for ch. HCV infection suffer from adverse events.
Mirizzi syndrome management
Authors: Ashraf JU R
Published: June 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical presentation and management of Mirizzi syndrome. Study Design: Descriptive study. Patients and Methods: During 2 year at Ittefaq Hospital Lahore 10 patients came with Mirizzi syndrome by chance. All patients presented with upper abdominal pain, jaundice and palpable gallbladder. ERCP was inconclusive in 5 patients preoperatively. Rest of 5 patients undergo surgery and on table cholangiogram was performed. Results: All the patients undergo surgery after pre-operative work up. ERCP in 5 patients and peroperative cholangiogram in 5 patients was inconclusive. Nine patients had type-I Mirizzi syndrome and 1 patient had type-II Mirizzi syndrome. Simple cholecystectomy was` performed in 9 patients but in 1 patient (type-II) after cholecystectomy T-tube was placed in common bile duct. Postoperatively T-tbe was removed after T-tube cholangiogram. Conclusion: Mirizzi syndrome is a uncommon presentation of gallstone. Its diagnosis is confirmed on cholangiog raphy and can be treated surgically safely.
Statistical analysis of astrocytic glioma
Authors: Hashmi Ihsan Ullah , Bukhari Mulazim H , M Tayyab , Hussain Riaz , Zia Irfan , N A Chaudhry , G R Qureshi , S Riaz
Published: June 2016

Fifty patients of both sexes of Astrocytic Glioma from Sheikh Zayed Hospital and Lahore General Hospital Lahore were included in this study. Ten normal brain tissues (control) were taken from accident cases. Out of 50 study cases there were 16 (32%) were low grade (I-II) Astrocytic Glioma and 34 (68%) were high grade Astrocytic Glioma. The male to female percentage was found out to be 26 (52%) and 24 (48%) respectively. Among the males, 11 (22%) were in grade I-II while 15 (30 %) were in grade III-IV Astrocytic Glioma, while 5 (10 %) females were in grade I-II and 19 (38 %) were in grade No statistical sex difference was seen in the ratio of male and female who developed Astrocytic Glioma (P>0.05). The ages of the patients ranged from 10 to 76 years with maximum number of cases in the age group 30-49 years. In this age group, 11 (22%) patients had grade I-II while 20 (40%) were in grade type of Astrocytic Glioma. The statistical difference of age in different groups was found to be highly significant, (P<0.01). The most common presenting complaints were headache, vomiting, weakness of limbs, loss of orientation and giddiness. These were observed mainly in grade III-IV Astrocytic tumors. The complaints of difficulty in speech, papilloedema and fits were observed often with an almost equal ratio in all grades of Astrocytic Glioma. The loss of consciousness was observed only in Grade III-IV tumors. The most common site of Atstorcytic Glioma was Parietal lobe and Fronto-parietal lobe constituting 9 (18%) in grade I-II and 15 (30%) in grade HI-IV Astrocytic Gliomas, that is statistically significant, (P<0.05). The most common site of Astrocytic Glioma was Parietal lobe, 17 out of 50 (7 in grade I-II and 10 in grade III-IV), while the second most common site of this tumor was Temproparietal region, (4 in grade I-II and 6 in grade III-IV). There were 29 Astrocytic Gliomas in right lobe (10 in grade I-II, and 19 in grade III-IV), while 18 in left lobe (5 in grade I-II and 13 in grade III-IV). This was statistically highly significant, (P<0.01). High grade Astrocytic Glioma was also present in Thalamus, mid brain, and Interventricular septum.
Surgical outcome of multiple intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Ahmed Mubashir , Vohra Anjum Habib
Published: June 2016

Multiple intracranial aneurysms are relatively uncommon among patients of intracranial aneurysms. The aim of management has traditionally been the same i.e. clipping of all the aneurysms to eliminate the risk of rebleed. This study was conducted to determine the outcome of patients of multiple intracranial aneurysms at Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. The study period was from September 1999 to January 2002. Four patients were diagnosed having multiple intracranial aneurysms. Age range was 40 to 65 years and 2 (50%) patients were female. Patients were assessed according to Hunt & Hess grade. Clinical presentation was favoring the site of ruptured aneurysm in one patient and CT brain was suggestive of site in two patients. All patients had 2 aneurysms. In three (75%) cases, aneurysm were unilateral and in one (25%) case, bilateral. Half (50%) patients had clipping of aneurysms through single craniotomy and half (50%) had bilateral craniotomies. Outcome was graded according to Glasgow Outcome Scale. Three (7 5%) patients had good outcome and one (25%) patient died after clipping of aneurysms due to vasospasm, infarction and metabolic disturbance.
Firearm injuries - a study of 110 cases
Authors: Ch Tajammul Hussain , Tajammul Neelam , Bhatti Muhammad Amjad , Hanif Shahid
Published: June 2016

Study Design: It is a perspective study of 110 cases of firearm injuries presenting at accident and emergency department Jinnah Hospital Lahore. The medicolegal services or provided by the department of forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. Material and Method: Consecutive 110 cases of firearm injuries were recruited in the study presenting in the Accident and Emergency Department of Jinnah Hospital Lahore during period October 1998 to September 2000. Results: Out of the total of 110 cases, 100 cases were males (91%). And 10 were female (9%). The age ranged from 0 to above 60 years. The maximum numbers 42 (38%) were found between 21 to 30 years. Rifled weapon was used in 96 cases (87.3%) and non rifled weapon (shot gun) in 14 (12.7%) near distance fire was in 23 (21%) and for distance fire in (79%). Body parts involved were also analyzed i.e. head face neck, chest abdomen and limbs. Conclusion: The gravity of situation reemphasized and suggestions made to the relevant authorities for better, healthy and peaceful society.
Mathieu repair in distal penile hypospadias with or without stent
Authors: Dar Sajid Hameed , Talat Nabila , Sheikh Muhammad Afzal
Published: June 2016

Objective: To compare the outcome of two techniques for repair of distal penile hypospadias: Mathieu`s repair with and without stent. Study Design: Prospective observational descriptive study. Place and duration: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from September 2000 to September 2002. Material and methods: Sixty boys were randomly assigned the two groups of thirty boys each. Detailed scrutiny of procedure done and analyses of the clinical outcome made prospectively. Results: A total of sixty patients were treated in two separate groups. All the boys had Mathieu`s repair done for distal hypospadias. In group A stent/ indwelling catheter was used for 7-8 days while in group B no stent was used. Stratification was done using Chi square test. Median age was 4 years and most of them belonged to low socioeconomic class (61.6%). A high percentage (48.3% were born to mothers of age ranging from 30-40 years. Sixteen (26.66%) patients had a family history of hypospadias. Only twelve mothers (2 0%) gave a positive history of drug intake in first trimester. Sixteen (26.66%) patients had associated anomalies of undescended testis / inguinal hernia. Twenty four (40%) patients were brought because of the abnormal appearance of the child`s penis while their stream (21.66%) and dysuria (25%) were presenting complaints of two other major groups. Mathieu`s repair was done in all cases with group A. Thirty boys (50%) having a stent post operatively and the group B thirty boys (50%) were without stent. Total complications rate is 46.66% with group a showing eight cases (26.66%) and group B having twenty (66.66%) cases with compliec. Major complication in group B was urinary retention in eleven cases (36.66%) while no patient had retention in group A. overall twenty six (86.66%) in group A and twenty one (70%) in group B showed satisfactory results. Conclusion: Mathieu`s repair without stent has been advantage of shorter hospital stay but a fair proportion of patients (36.66%) having urinary retention calls for further studies on a larger scale.
Titrated Cyclocryopexy - A report on long term results
Authors: Saeed Nasir , Babar Tariq Farooq , Jan Sanaullah , Hussain Ibrar , Khan Mohammad Daud
Published: June 2016

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of a titrated cyclocryopexy in advanced glaucomatous eyes in term of intraocular pressure control and complications. Material and Methods: Retrospective Cohort analysis of a titrated cyclocryopexy in 30 eyes of 25 patients with uncontrolled glaucoma during July 1996 to July 2003 at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Inclusion criteria applied was; patients having uncontrolled IOP with maximum medical therapy, previous trabeculectomy and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. All patients were assessed for glaucoma. Numbers of cryoapplications were determined according to the IOP. Four to 12 applications in one sitting were used. Repeat cryoapplication were applied at least after six-weeks of previous therapy if IOP was not controlled. Results: A total of 30 eyes of 25 patients were studied. IOP control of less than 21 mm Hg was achieved in 83% of the eyes. Mean IOP was reduced from 29 ± 4.96 pre-op to 17 ± 7.36 at two years follow-up. Forty percent of the eyes ne eded single session, 40% received 2 sessions and other 20% needed sessions. All the patients lost at least one line of Snellen chart at 2 years follow-up, 70% retained useful vision, 20% retained light perception and 10% lost perception of light. Serious complications included phthisis, persistent vitreous hemorrhage with retinal detachment, and total retinal detachment and persistent vitreous hemorrhage in 1 eye each. Conclusion: Cyclocryopexy appears to be an effective procedure in cases of advanced glaucoma with an acceptable risk / benefit ratio. If done in a titrated manner the number of complications are reduced in severity.
Clinical outcome of management of acute myeloid leukemia with idarubicin plus cytarabine
Authors: Hafeez Muhammad , , Shaharyar , Shabbir Khalid , Alauddin Zafar , Farooq Muhammad , Farooq Muhammad
Published: June 2016

A prospective study was conducted at Department of Clinical Oncology, King Edward Medical College / Mayo Hospital, Lahore from July 2003 to June 2004 to evaluate the effect of Idarubicin plus Cytarabine in chemo naive Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patients. A total of 15 consecutive patients were enrolled with age group 15-58 years. Patients were classified according to French American British (FAB) classification. Induction therapy with Cytarabine as continuous infusion for 7 days and Idarubicin was given on day 1-3. For assessment of response, all patients were subjected to bone marrow examination fifteen days after completion of Induction chemotherapy. Consolidation Therapy with high dose Cytarabine was given on days 1, 3 and 5. Cytarabine was repeated after 28 days for 4 cycles in patients with complete remission after induction therapy. A remission induction rate of 66.7% was observed. Four patients died because of complications. One patient lost to follow up. Idarubicine and cytarabine is effective r egimen for achieving complete remission in AML Chemo-naive patients.
Prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology and its relation with age and parity
Authors: Zahid Bushra , Khawaja Nuzhat , Tayyeb Rakhshanda
Published: June 2016

This screening study was carried out in Gynae Unit II, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The aim of study was to find out prevalence of abnormal pap smears and its correlation to age & parity so that we can formulate a policy to screen at risk population with Utilization of minimum resources in our setup. Role of Pap smear in detection of cervical pre-malignant & malignant lesions can not be over emphasized. The Cervical smears of 310 women have been evaluated. The frequency of mild to severe cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was found to be 8% while smear positive for malignant cells was in 0.9% of cases. This study reveals 41-60 years of age and Para three and above a high risk group for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and cytology positive for malignant cells. In view of the expenditure involved and technical constraints in mass screening, an approach of selective screening of high risk population could be an effective strategy for control of carcinoma of cervix in developing countries like ours. 524-5+7+F Bushra Zahid-Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital/Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore Nuzhat Khawaja-Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital/Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore+np_khawaja@hotmail.com Rakhshanda Tayyeb-Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital/Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore
Frequency of benign breast diseases in female patients presenting with breast lumps - a study at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore
Authors: Ali Kamran , Abbas Muhammad Hassan , Aslam Sadia , Aslam Muhammad , Abid Khalid Javed , Khan Aamer Zaman
Published: June 2016

Objective: To determine the frequency of benign breast diseases in female patients in our setup. Design: Prospective descriptive study. Place and duration of study: The study was carried on female patients presenting at surgical out door of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore during one year i.e. January 2001 to January 2002. Patients and methods: Two hundred female patients presenting with breast lumps at surgical out door of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore during one year were studied. All the patients were examined clinically with special emphasis on breast, axilla and supra clavicular fossae. Basic laboratory investigations including blood complete examination, urine complete examination and chest X -ray were done for all the patients. Breast imaging and FNAC of lumps were also done. Final diagnosis was based upon histological examination of the tissues biopsied from the lump. After collecting data, written in proforma, window SPSS software was used to analyze the results. Results: This study shows a high f requency of fibroadenoma (45%) in Pakistani females. Fibrocystic disease is second in frequency and accounts for 36% patients.8% patients had intraductal papilloma and three percent suffered from duct ectasia.5% patients had other conditions related to breast including two patients presenting with pre histological diagnosis of fibrocystic disease who turned out to be malignant after histopathology. Most of the patients had age range of 20-29 years. Conclusion: Fibroadenoma is the commonest of all benign breast diseases in Pakistani women. Fibrocystic change is the second in this regard. Benign lesions of the breast can resemble its carcinoma on clinical examination.
Management of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with terazosin
Authors: Mubeen Muhammad , N Ahmad , Shahzad Muhammad , M Nawaz , M Akbar
Published: June 2016

Objective: This study was designed to assess the efficacy, safety and compliance of terazosin in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients and methods: Study was conducted in the department of urology, DHQ Hospital Vehari, in about 1-year i-e from July 2004 to June 2005. Sixty patients with an age range of 45-85 years were included in the study. Data was collected prospectively. Patients were assessed according to the international prostate symptom score (I-PSS) at the start of study, during follow up and at the end of study. Results: Out of sixty patients, fifty-two were able to complete the study. It was observed that most of the patients obtained a significant decrease in the prostate symptoms score and improvement in QoL score, with only a few side effects. Conclusion: Terazosin is a safe and effective treatment for BPH with good compliance.
Medical intervention in adolescent menorrhagia
Authors: Haq Bushra , Akram Humaira , Rana Tabinda
Published: June 2016

Objectives: To find out causative factors of adolescent menorrhagia and success of various treatments. Design: Descriptive cross sectional study Place & duration of study: Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore from May 2004 to April 2005. Subject and methods: Fifty unmarried patients at 12-19 years with menorrhagia selected by non-probability convenience sampling. Blood loss was determined by duration of bleeding extending beyond seven days, passage of clots and presence of anaemia. Results: The most common cause of menorrhagia was DUB (92%) followed by bleeding and endocrinal disorder. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and antifibrinolytic agent produced 75% subjective improvement in complaints. However, combined oral contraceptive produced 66% improvement. Conclusion: NSAIDS and antifibrinolytic drugs were found to be effective in reducing menstrual loss and should be used as first line of treatment.
Pleural biopsy in the diagnosis of lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion
Authors: Magsi Javed Asghar , Khan Saulat Ullah , Awan Shamshad Rasul
Published: June 2016

Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem in developed as well as developing countries. Tuberculosis and malignancy are common causes of exudative pleural effusion with lymphocytic predominance`. It is very difficult to diagnose the underlying cause by clinical, radiological or even pleural fluid analysis. These cases usually require pleural biopsy for definitive diagnosis2. Pleural biopsy is a safe ad reliable procedure ad is recomended to perform in all cases of exudative pleural effusion. Objective of this study was to list the frequency of patients with lymphocytic exudative pleural effusion diagnosed on pleural biopsy. This study was conducted at the Institute of Chest Medicine Mayo Hospital Lahore. A total of 50 patients, who fulfilled the criteria, were included in this study and underwent closed pleural biopsy. These were then investigated by histopathology. Histopathological examination of pleural biopsy was performed by department of pathology King Edwerd Medical College Lahore. A total of 5 0 patients underwent; closed pleural biopsy. Adequate pleural tissue was obtained in 30 patients (60% of cases) the most common diagnosis made was granulomatous inflammation most likely tuberculosis. Histopathological evaluation of pleural biopsy specimens can lead to diagnosis in 46% of patients with exudative lymphocytic pleural effusion.
Abdominal tuberculosis diagnosed on gallium scintigraphy in a child with pyrexia of unknown origin
Authors: Khan Awais Jamil , Khan Umar , Nawaz Khalid , Afzal Uzma , Sajid Saleem
Published: June 2016

We report a case of an eleven year old girl with pyrexia of unknown origin whose illness remained undiagnosed after extensive investigations. We were able to localize the disease to abdomen with a Gallium Whole Body Scan. In the background of a history of tuberculosis in a family member in an endemic area, empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment was given with clinical success that was also demonstrated on a repeat Gallium scan four months later.
Role of antibiotic prophylaxis in clean and clean contaminated elective surgery
Authors: Farooka Muhammad Waris , Khan Wasim Hayat , Parvez Hasan , Ayyaz Mahmood
Published: June 2016

Antibiotic prophylaxis is a recognized concept in surgery. We studied the need for prophylaxis in clean and clean contaminated surgery in the setting of third world tertiary care center. A randomized single blind study was conducted with three arms. 278 patients of ASA and 2 were included in this study. They were randomized to prophylaxis with Cefuroxime, triple regime and placebo. The placebo wing was terminated prematurely due to unacceptable infection rate and Cefuroxime was found to be equal or better than triple regime in our study.
Regional wastewater treatment–an economical solution? Data from 40 years of operation gives the answer
Authors: Balmér P.
Published: June 2016

Economic data from 40 years of operation of three regional wastewater treatment companies have been compiled and analysed. The transport systems consist mainly of gravity flow tunnels with lengths of 55–120 km. In spite of the heavy initial investments <20% of the cumulative total costs can be allocated to the transport systems. The treatment plants all remove 90% or more of the influent Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and phosphorus and 65–80% of the nitrogen. The wastewater treatment is responsible for about 90% of the cumulative operation costs while the transport system is responsible for 20–40% of the cumulative capital costs. Over time the cost of the transport systems has decreased considerably and is after 40 years of operation only 4–13% of the total costs. Although the main benefit of the regional solutions has been the transfer of wastewater from sensitive inland streams and lakes, the data presented give strong evidence that the regional solutions also has been advantageous from an economic point of view.
Occurrence, removal, and environmental impacts of emerging contaminants detected in water and wastewater in Southern Ontario—Part I: occurrence and removal
Authors: Tabe Shahram , Pileggi Vince , Nowierski Monica , Kleywegt Sonya , Yang Paul
Published: June 2016

A comprehensive study was conducted at two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and one water treatment plant (WTP) in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The occurrence of 220 emerging and legacy compounds, their removal efficiencies by the existing treatment processes, and their potential environmental impacts were studied. The results are reported in a two part paper. In this part (I), the occurrence and removal efficiencies are presented. Three of the 47 target pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) contributed 89–96% of the total concentration of PhACs/EDCs in the WWTP influents. They were acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. The existing treatment processes successfully removed between 95 and 98% of ‘all’ PhACs/EDCs, primarily due to the high removal rates of these three analgesics. Concentrations of PhACs/EDCs detected at the WTP intake were two to three orders of magnitude lower than those in the effluent of the upstream WWTP. These concentrations remained relatively unchanged in the finished drinking water, indicating the WTP's low removal efficiency for trace amounts of them. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were detected at concentrations as high as 150 ng/L (for PBDE-209) in the WWTPs’ influent, and removed at 86–96% efficiency. PDBE effluent concentrations were mostly below 1 ng/L at both WWTPs, with a maximum of 9 ng/L for PBDE-209. Octylphenol, nonylphenol, and nonylphenol ethoxylates concentrations were monitored in one WWTP's effluent, and ranged between undetectable and 286 ng/L (LoDs varied between 1.3 and 15.2 ng/L).
Overcoming barriers to codigestion
Authors: Parry D. L. , Fillmore L.
Published: June 2016

Codigestion of organic waste with municipal wastewater sludge is growing rapidly. It has many benefits, including diversion of organic waste from landfills, increased renewable energy from biogas production, and potential for revenue from tipping fees. However, there are still barriers to greater widespread application of codigestion. Economics, need for collaboration between utilities, impacts on wastewater application, unsupportive regulations and risks to core wastewater treatment business are obstacles that slow wider adoption of codigestion throughout the world. The research presented analyzes the economic impacts of codigestion, predicts the additional biogas production, and determines the allowable organic loading rate and fats oils and grease (FOG) addition for stable digestion operation. The economic impacts were analyzed on a life cycle cost basis and presented in terms of required tipping fees for different organic wastes, electric rates and residuals handling costs. Standard biochemical methane potential tests were conducted to estimate biogas production from various organic wastes. The specific energy loading rate (SELR) was used to express the allowable organic loading rate. Results from the economic analysis showed that codigestion using existing digesters at a municipal water reclamation facility is more economical than building new digesters. Codigestion was more economical at facilities with high electricity costs and low cost of residuals. Tipping fees for receiving organic waste would be required to offset the net cost of codigestion for wastes other than FOG. There was a net positive economic benefit of receiving FOG without a tipping fee. The upper limit of FOG for stable digestion was found to be 60 percent of the feed by chemical oxygen demand (COD). Stable digestion can be achieved with an SELR of less than 0.25 kgCOD/day/kgVS. The SELR accounts for the strength or energy content of the organic feed measured in COD. It was observed and accounted for by the SELR that anaerobic digesters loaded at higher solids concentrations (resulting in greater inventory of microorganisms in the digesters) can be fed at higher loading rates. Insights into the economics of codigestion and allowable organic loading rates for high strength organic wastes help to overcome some of the barriers to widespread application of codigestion.
Performance and operating experiences of the first Scandinavian full-scale Discfilter installation for tertiary phosphorus polishing with preceding coagulation and flocculation
Authors: Kängsepp P. , Väänänen J. , Örning K. , Sjölin M. , Olsson P. , Rönnberg J. , Wallebäck F. , Cimbritz M. , Pellicer-Nàcher C.
Published: June 2016

Microscreening (using Discfilters) is a widely used technology for suspended solids removal in tertiary effluent streams of wastewater treatment plants. Several pilot studies have shown the feasibility of using coagulation and flocculation in combination with microscreens for advanced phosphorus removal, but the number of full-scale references is still limited. In summer 2014, the first Scandinavian full-scale Discfilter installation with 2-stage chemical pre-treatment (coagulation and flocculation) was started up at the Arvidstorp wastewater treatment plant in Trollhättan (Sweden). The results obtained during the first year of operation proved that low suspended solids and total phosphorus effluent values could be achieved (<5 and <0.2 mg/l, respectively). These results were obtained even during heavy rainfall, when biologically and primary treated water were mixed at the influent of the Discfilter installation, before the coagulation and flocculation tanks. Further analysis of the results showed that Discfilter in combination with coagulant and polymer pre-treatment is a robust and reliable technology with low energy demand (34 Wh/m3) and a high recovery (1.9 ± 0.4% of influent flow discharged as reject).
Initiatives for utilizing renewable energy in water supply treatment
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi
Published: June 2016

Maintaining a safe and reliable public water supply uses massive amounts of energy, prompting calls for energy saving measures. The Yokohama Water Works Bureau has established the goal of building a water supply system that is environmentally friendly by implementing a variety of initiatives, starting with efforts in renewable energy. These efforts have featured installing solar power and micro hydropower generation facilities at our purification plants and distribution reservoirs. The Yokohama water treatment facilities include purification plants based on gravity systems (Nishiya and Kawai plants) and pumped systems (Kosuzume plant). As the purification plants employing gravity systems place a smaller load on the environment, we use them as effectively as we can. When it was time to refurbish the distribution pumps, we reviewed the pump control system and identified initiatives for reducing pumped system power consumption.
Starting with a product in mind – biosolids management design based on beneficial use goals
Authors: Boudeman Lisa , Hentz Lawrence , Gliptis Joshua
Published: June 2016

Biosolids generators across the United States are beginning to reevaluate their processing and management programs, to consider new technologies and products. As part of this, they are considering new regulatory requirements, more flexible outlets, and the concept of biosolids as a product. Their focus is no longer technology centered, but rather on product quality and the best use for it. As part of their Long-Term Biosolids Master Planning effort, Howard County Department of Public Works fulfilled their goal of selecting a solids processing technology that reduces volume and generates a Class A exceptional quality biosolids product that could be use locally in agricultural or non-agricultural markets. In this case, product quality characteristics were important in entering local markets. Key aspects of the selection process are discussed, including establishing County goals, identifying and surveying local beneficial use markets, selecting a solids management alternative, and ultimately selecting the dryer technology fulfilling the County's objective.
Source identification of inrush water based on groundwater hydrochemistry and statistical analysis
Authors: Sun Linhua , Chen Song , Gui Herong
Published: June 2016

Water source identification is important for water hazard controlling in coal mines. In this study, major ion concentrations of the groundwater collected from four representative aquifer systems in the Baishan coal mine, northern Anhui Province, China, have been analysed by a series of statistical methods. The results indicate that the major ion concentrations of the groundwater from different aquifer system are different with each other, and provided the possibility of water source identification based on hydrochemistry. Factor analysis indicates that these differences are controlled by different types of water rock interactions. The analysis based on US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Unmix model identified three sources (weathering of silicate minerals, dissolution of carbonate and evaporate minerals) responsible for the hydrochemical variations of the groundwater. Also, it shows that their contributions for the groundwater in different aquifer systems vary considerably. Based on these variations and on step by step analysis, the source aquifer system for the groundwater samples with unknown source has been determined and, similar to the result obtained by the cluster and discriminant analysis. Therefore, EPA Unmix model can be applied for water source identification in coal mine, as it can provide information about water rock interaction and water source identification simultaneously.
Rural water supply system debugging, servicing and refurbishing
Authors: Ghimire Rajeeb
Published: June 2016

Many community water supply systems in Nepal are suffering from non-functionality. For various reasons, the communities responsible are unable to manage their water assets. External support is needed to improve water asset management. The required external supports were analyzed based on the life cycle curve. Subsequently a new management concept of debugging, servicing and refurbishing of the rural water supply system has been proposed. Debugging decreases the duration of the burn in period, servicing increases the useful life period and refurbishment revitalizes the system at the end of its design life.
Memórias de um Rio Afogado: Tocantins 1914-2014
Authors: Oliveira Maria de Fátima , Rocha Leandro Mendes
Published: June 2016

Ao longo dos séculos, o Rio Tocantins tem desempenhado importante papel como caminho fluvial no processo de conquista e ocupação do interior do Brasil. Atualmente, sua importância se destaca também como potencial energético, com a construção de hidrelétricas e como meio de transporte, pela efetivação do projeto da Hidrovia Tocantins-Araguaia. Este artigo visa analisar os vestígios deixados em um diário de viagem de 1914 em contraste com as transformações que estão ocorrendo atualmente no Rio Tocantins. Por meio desta fonte é possível perceber o cotidiano das viagens, as dificuldades e perigos de uma navegação incipiente, a natureza do rio e suas margens e a cultura das populações ribeirinhas.Palavras-Chaves: Região; Rios; História Ambiental; Memória
Idealização e Construção de uma Nova Capital no Cerrado: Um olhar sobre os princípios ambientais
Authors: Pinto Angela Ciccone , Araújo Alexandre Martins de
Published: June 2016

Este artigo pretende discutir a forma na qual a natureza e, especificamente, a região que compreende o rio Meia Ponte, foram abordados nos documentos oficiais de planejamento da construção da cidade de Goiânia, no período do Estado Novo. Indicaremos, ainda, alguns dos desdobramentos das políticas e práticas realizadas no período no decorrer da história da cidade.Palavras-Chaves: Goiânia, Planejamento Urbano, Natureza.
A Questão do Transporte Ferroviário pelo Prisma d’A Informação Goyana: “Governar é construir estradas, ou governar é educar o povo?”
Authors: Santos Bruno Gonçalves dos , Oliveira Maria de Fátima
Published: June 2016

No início do século XX Goiás passava por um processo de integração econômica de forma morosa. O principal fator era a precária estrutura de vias de transportes. A revista A Informação Goyana surge nesse contexto, no Rio de Janeiro com o propósito de colocar Goiás em evidência, nortear um projeto econômico com a intenção de colocá-lo em ajuste com as prioridades da economia nacional. Os mentores da revista deram especial atenção a questão do transporte ferroviário que na época seria essencial para a modernização e o desenvolvimento econômico do Estado.Palavras-Chave: A Informação Goyana; Ferrovia; Modernização.
A Introdução e os Usos da Feijoa ou Goiabeira Serrana (Acca sellowiana): A perspectiva da história ambiental
Authors: Moretto Samira Peruchi , Nodari Eunice Sueli , Nodari Rubens Onofre
Published: June 2016

A feijoa (Acca sellowiana), também conhecida como goiabeira-serrana, é uma espécie frutífera nativa do planalto meridional brasileiro e do norte do Uruguai. No Brasil, a espécie se encontra principalmente nos biomas Pampa e Mata Atlântica, neste último parte da fitofisionomia da Floresta Ombrófila Mista. A espécie foi introduzida em outros países, fora da sua área natural de ocorrência. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o processo de introdução e do uso da feijoa fora e dentro da sua área de ocorrência natural. Faz parte da História Ambiental estudar as relações dos homens e mulheres com o meio ambiente; desta forma, o estudo da domesticação da feijoa se insere neste contexto. Mesmo o Brasil sendo a principal área de ocorrência natural da feijoa, ainda é importador das frutas produzidas na Colômbia – maior país exportador da espécie. No Brasil, a feijoa tem se destacado ainda recentemente em termos de pesquisa e uso. A fruta, já bastante conhecida e utilizada no exterior, vem ganhando espaço no cenário nacional, possibilitando a manutenção de uma espécie nativa e auxiliando na conservação da floresta a qual ela pertence.Palavras-Chave: Feijoa; Domesticação de Plantas; Usos dos Recursos Naturais.
Pesquisa-Ação no Enfrentamento das IST/HIV/AIDS na Atenção Primária à Saúde
Authors: Nichiata Lucia Yasuko Izumi , Val Luciane Ferreira , Abdalla Fernanda Tavares de Mello
Published: June 2016

As pesquisas qualitativas, tipo pesquisa-ação, podem contribuir ao promover a maior participação dos atores sociais envolvidos na resolução de problemas, no aprimoramento das práticas e oferecer subsídios à Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no enfrentamento do IST/HIV/AIDS. Trata-se de estudo de revisão da literatura, cujos objetivos foram identificar quais são os temas tratados nas pesquisas-ação na APS, quais bases teórico-conceituais estas se apoiam e dentre estas, identificar estudos em IST/HIV/AIDS e analisar de que forma pesquisadores e sujeitos colaboraram na busca de soluções dos problemas. Foi realizada busca na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (jan./2014). Foram identificados 30 artigos e entre esses 5 com o tema HIV/AIDS/educação sexual. Fizeram referência à base teórica conceitual 19 artigos, sendo a Pedagogia crítica e libertadora de Paulo Freire a mais utilizada.Palavras-Chave: Enfermagem; Pesquisa-Ação; Atenção Primária em Saúde; AIDS.
Intervenção Psicoeducativa em DST para Adolescentes Jovens
Authors: Ribeiro Karla Carolina Silveira , Silva Josevânia , Pichelli Ana Alayde Werba Saldanha
Published: June 2016

O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar uma estratégia de intervenção psicoeducativa para a prevenção das DSTs e gravidez não planejada para adolescentes jovens. A população do estudo foi constituída por participantes de 15 a 20 anos, matriculados em escolas públicas e privada de ensino médio da cidade de João Pessoa. Foi construída uma intervenção psicoeducativa, com base na Teoria da Vulnerabilidade e do Comportamento Planejado. A intervenção resultou em três encontros em dias consecutivos no qual foi discutida a iniciação sexual, as ideologias de gênero, negociação e benefícios do uso do preservativo. Para análise dos resultados foram gravados os 15 minutos finais de cada dia, no qual foi discutida a percepção dos participantes sobre a intervenção e analisados por categorização temática. Os dados demonstraram a adequação da intervenção para o público adolescente.Palavras-Chave: Intervenção; Adolescência; Teoria da vulnerabilidade; Teoria do comportamento Planejado.
Características de la Profesión Enfermera en el Contexto Español a Partir de la Experiencia de las Enfermeras Docentes
Authors: Pedrosa Olga Rodrigo , Fontanella Jordi Caïs , Royo Cristina Monforte
Published: June 2016

El objetivo general de esta investigación fué conocer, a partir del discurso de las enfermeras pioneras “Ayudantes Técnicos Sanitarios” en impartir la asignatura de “Enfermería Fundamental”, cuáles son las características de la profesión enfermera en el contexto español actual. El diseño fué cualitativo y como estrategia metodológica se utilizó la Inducción analítica. El muestreo fué teórico y se utilizó como técnica de recogida de datos la entrevista en profundidad. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó la estrategia analítica propia de la teoría fundamentada. Se establecieron estrategias específicas para asegurar los criterios de rigor...Palabras-Clave: Experiencia; Docentes; Enfermería; Enfermería Fundamental; Rol Profesional.
Preoperative Determinants of Patient-reported Pain and Physical Function Levels Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lungu E. , Vendittoli P-A. , Desmeules F.
Published: June 2016

Background:

A sound knowledge of the determinants of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes could help in patient selection, preparation and education. We aimed to assess the current status of the literature evaluating preoperative determinants of early and medium term patient-reported pain and disability following TKA.

Method:

A search in Medline, Pubmed, Embase and CINAHL until October 2014 was undertaken. Selection criteria included: 1- participants undergoing primary unilateral TKA with a follow-up from 6 months to 2 years, 2- validated disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures assessing pain and/or function used as outcome measure and 3- identification of preoperative determinants obtainedviamultivariate analyses. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Methodology checklist for prognostic studies.

Results:

Thirty-three prognostic explanatory studies were included. Mean total score of the methodological quality was 80.7±12.2 %. Sociodemographic and psychosocial determinants included greater socioeconomic deprivation (both studies), greater levels of depression and/or anxiety (7 out of 10 studies) and greater preoperative pain catastrophizing (all 3 studies). Significant clinical determinants included worse pre-operative knee related pain or disability (20 out of 22 studies), presence or greater levels of comorbidity (12 out of 23 studies), back pain (4 out of 5 studies) and lower general health (all 11 studies).

Conclusion:

Several significant determinants of short to medium-term pain and functional outcomes following TKA have been summarized by studies with moderate-to-high methodological quality. No conclusions can be reached regarding the strength of the associations between significant determinants and TKA results because of heterogeneity of study methodologies and results. Further high-quality research is required.
Assessment of Rice Panicle Blast Disease Using Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Sasahara Masashi , Kanda Eiji , Ishiguro Kiyoshi , Hase Shu , Torigoe Yoichi
Published: June 2016

Rice blast disease occurs in rice production areas all over the world and is the most important disease in Japan. Remote sensing techniques may provide a mean for detecting disease intensity for large area without being subjected to raters. This study evaluated the use of airborne hyperspectral imagery to measure the severity of panicle blast in field crops. Hyperspectral remote sensing imagery was acquired at the dough stage of rice grain development in northern Japan. The most consistent relationship, with high R2 and low P, was the simple band ratio R498 to 515/R700 to 717 (i.e., the reflectance at 498 to 515-nm divided by the reflectance at 700- to 717-nm). The band ratio of R498 to 515/R700 to 717 increased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing visual estimates of disease incidence, defined as the percentage of diseased spikelets (R2 = 0.83). Assessment of disease distribution and severity could provide useful information for making decisions regarding the necessity of fungicide application and estimate potential yield loss due to the disease.