bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Italian two-tiers model. Evidence and comparison with some other countries
Authors: Provasi Roberta , Riva Patrizia Lucia Maria
Published: December 2016

New dynamics and globalized economy has led to the need to modify the Corporate Governance systems. Many countries have not identified a unique model for the company management but they allow free choice between continuing to use the traditional models adopted by the country itself or implementing different models sometimes considered more suitable with the aims and operational management of the companies. The new Corporate Governance model introduced in the most global jurisdictions is the two-tiers model (or dual model) considered the most suitable to achieve a better separation between ownership and control and to ensure a better transparency. The introduction of the two-tier system of Corporate Governance is not without uncertainty; it has affected all countries except the Anglo-Saxon ones. The purpose of this research is to investigate the features of the dualistic governance model in some countries different for their culture and legislative system. In particular the research aims to point out the characteristics of the dual model introduced for the first time in the Italian Legal System by Law No. 6/2003 and to perform a comparative analysis with the most consolidated two-tiers model implemented in Germany (which is considered the benchmark), in some other European countries (France and the Nordic countries) and with the experiences of Asian countries and in particular of Japan. From the comparative analysis we try to understand whether differences in purposes and ways of implementation can be pointed out
Municipal entrepreneurship: An alternative strategy to promote, improve and sustain service delivery in local governments in South Africa
Authors: Mbecke Paulin
Published: December 2016

Three hypotheses justify service delivery crisis in South Africa. Post-apartheid laws and strategies don’t enable service delivery in local governments. Secondly, there is detachment between laws and strategies and leadership for their implementation. The government does not also promote entrepreneurship in local governments preventing innovation, creativity and competitiveness thus hindering service delivery. This paper supports municipal entrepreneurship as an ideal strategy to facilitate service delivery in local governments through three main considerations. Firstly, laws and strategies developed to facilitate service delivery should be implemented by competent municipal entrepreneurs. Innovation, creativity and competitiveness should be emphasised as the golden rule in managing local governments. Importantly, Citizen Charters should complement municipal entrepreneurship to facilitate standardised service delivery systems that meet people’s expectations
Towards a “hybrid” African corporate governance model: Evidence from post apartheid South Africa
Authors: Gyapong Ernest
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates how unique socio economic conditions have hybridized the Anglo-American corporate governance (CG) model in South Africa (SA). The paper evaluates two key questions. (1) Are the Anglo-American and the continental European CG models converging to a hybrid model?(2) How Does the infusion of the “ubuntu” philosophy and affirmative action rules into the Anglo-American CG model create a “hybrid” African CG model in South Africa? In making these assessments we explore the shareholder and the stakeholder models of CG and assess these models are converging. We next explore CG in SA and examine how the African “ubuntu” philosophy and the inclusion of the various affirmative action rules in South African CG have created a “hybrid” African CG model.
Overinvestment, growth opportunities and firm performance: evidence from Singapore stock market
Authors: Farooq Sanaullah , Ahmed Sheraz , Saleem Kashif
Published: December 2016

This paper aims to study the extent of overinvestment, underinvestment problem and measure its impact on corporate performance. Our sample consists of 7 years data (2005 to 2011) of 360 non-financial companies listed in the Singapore Stock Market. After panel data models appropriation tests (LM test, Hausman test, No Fixed effect test) we employed fixed effect regression methodology in our analysis. Our results show that 52% firms in our sample are engaged in proper investment projects, 29% firms are overinvesting, while 19% firms are underinvesting. Maximum overinvestment is taking place in Basic Material sector while maximum underinvestment happening in Healthcare sector. Further tests show that both overinvestment and underinvestment shows severe negative impact on firm performance. However, proper investment has positive impact on firm performance in Singapore Stock Market. The results highlight the extent of agency problem in Singapore Stock Market. Moreover, it depicts the importance of investment activities of Singaporean companies for the international investors and portfolio managers
An empirical examination of the impact of corporate governance disclosure on financial performance
Authors: Haldar Arunima , Nageswara Rao S.V.D.
Published: December 2016

The Indian corporate governance relationships have evolved over time as a result of both formal and informal stakeholder interactions, with changes to Clause 49 triggering a further evolutionary move in Indian corporate governance towards global benchmarks. This study seeks to gain insights into how the regulatory changes impacted corporate governance (CG) practices in India by measuring their effect on performance. We construct a "CG Compliance Index" using three important governance mechanisms for the year 2008. The analysis reveals that majority companies have complied by the regulations depicted by high CG compliance score and have a significant positive relationship between CG Compliance Index and the market measure of financial performance of companies
Promoter ownership and corporate leverage: Evidence from Indian firms
Authors: Gill Amarjit , Obradovich John D. , Mathur Neil
Published: December 2016

A higher level of debt may help in aligning the interests of managers and shareholders; however, managers may underestimate the resulting costs of bankruptcy. Moreover, notwithstanding the tax and other benefits of debt, literature shows that firms may have more debt in their capital structure than is appropriate. A higher level of leverage becomes detrimental by increasing the chances of financial distress and, consequently, the chances of bankruptcy. This study investigated relationships between changes in promoter ownership and changes in leverage by taking a sample of 322 Indian service and manufacturing firms from Top 500 Companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for a period of five years (from 2010-2014). The results indicate that changes in promoter ownership play a role in lowering the leverage of Indian firms and, consequently, reducing the chances of bankruptcy. The findings of this study also indicate that changes in promoter ownership have more effect on the leverage of Indian service firms as compared to manufacturing firms. This study contributes to the literature on the factors that affect the leverage of the firm. The findings may be useful for financial managers, investors, financial management consultants, and other stakeholders
Conceptual & economic modelling on whistleblowing decision-making phenomena
Authors: Dzomira Shewangu
Published: December 2016

The whistleblower is always in a dilemma situation whenever making a decision on whether to blow or not blow the whistle after observing unethical behavior or wrongdoing. This paper provides conceptual model and an economic model for whistleblowing decision making phenomena through mixed strategies of the game theory. The instinctual issue of whistleblowing game’s mixed equilibrium would be that the probabilities rest on the opponent’s payoffs and not on the player’s own payoffs. Even if blowing the whistle is not really definite, a satisfactorily high chance of disinterring the wrongdoing ought to discourage commission of unethical behavior.
Investigating alternative access to start-up capital for Tshwane built environment SMMEs
Authors: van Scheers Louise , Whitehead Ernest
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate alternative access to start-up capital for Built Environment SMMEs from established support and developmental institutions in South Africa. The aim and objectives of the study have been met. The study has shown that Built Environment SMMEs accessing start-up capital from alternative funding institutions and the perceived challenges associated with accessing the finance includes the following: 1) More than half of the sample population did not apply to commercial institution for start-up capital, which may indicate that the SMMEs did not meet the financial requirements of the commercial institution; 2) More than 80% of respondents did not apply to any alternative funding institution to access start-up capital; 3) Approximately 80% of respondents made use of savings and other sources of funding for start-up capital; 4) Most SMMEs are not aware of alternative funding institutions, and that alternative funding institutions are not easily accessible.
The death of SME’s by regulations: an investigation into the qualifications and skills required in the SME financial sector
Authors: Cant Michael Colin , Erdis Cindy , van Niekerk Claudette
Published: December 2016

The financial services sector were faced with numerous challenges of a macro and market nature, even before the financial and economic downturn in 2008, which aggravated the competition among SMEs even further (UEAPME, n.d.:1). The need for the correct skills for the business became more and more important placing a higher premium on the identifying and maintaining of proficient employees in SMEs (UEAPME, n.d.:1), These needed skills became also more and more important in the financial sector. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the qualifications held and skills required by SMEs in the financial services sector of South Africa in order to be able to address the various regulatory issues and requirements. A non-probability quota sampling approach was used, where 32 small business respondents in the financial services sector participated in the study. The study revealed that SMEs in the financial services sector lack the necessary qualifications and skills to successfully grow and develop their business
Does EVA beat earnings? A literature review of the evidence since Biddle et al. (1997)
Authors: Toft Jon Svennesen , Lueg Rainer
Published: December 2016

Biddle et al. (1997) demonstrated that sophisticated residual income-based figures are not as superior to traditional accounting-based performance measures in tracking shareholder value as consulting firms have claimed. During these 17 years, the intensive discussion of which type of measure tracks shareholder value creation the best continued, both from a theoretical and a practical perspective. This article compares the new findings from advanced research between 1997 and 2014 to assess the ongoing validity of Biddle et al.’s (1997) conclusions. We separate articles into two groups: the ones that find accounting-based performance measure to perform best, and the ones who speak in favor of residual income-based performance measures. In order to do this, we have scanned 618 articles that relate to the findings of Biddle et al. (1997) and analyze the 21 articles that actually contributed new evidence. We find that the conceptual discussion still favors management control systems based on the more sophisticated residual income-based measures. Yet empirically, the vast majority of new studies with advanced research designs still find that accounting numbers are by no means inferior in measuring shareholder value creation.
Going-concern opinions, executive tenure and gender
Authors: Zaher Angie Abdel
Published: December 2016

Regulators in the USA and elsewhere have shown renewed interest in auditors’ judgments related to going-concern modified (GC) audit reports. Such judgments involve evaluating management’s plans, and prior research suggests that executive turnover is associated with significant organizational changes. Further, some recent studies posit that gender is associated with accounting and audit judgments. We examine audit opinions for two different samples: 2,089 financially stressed firms and 642 manufacturing firms that filed for bankruptcy. In both samples, we find that GC opinions are more likely for firms with a new CFO; however, we find no significant association between GC opinions and executives’ gender. The CFO tenure related result may arise from auditors’ professional skepticism related to a new executive. Our gender-related results differ from those of Gold et al. (2009) and suggest the need for additional research related to the role of client gender in auditing settings.
"Say on pay" regulation and chief executive officer pay: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Faghani Mahdi , Monem Reza , Ng Chew
Published: December 2016

We investigate the consequences of Australia’s ‘say on pay’ regulation on the chief executive officer (CEO) compensation using recent data. We find that, for the ‘first-strike’ firms that avoided a ‘second strike’ (the treatment firms), a reduction in CEO total remuneration is positively associated with a lower level of shareholder dissent votes on the following remuneration report. We also find that, unlike control firms, the treatment firms increased the proportion of CEO’s performance-based pay in the year following the ‘first strike’ and such an increase is negatively related to a change in shareholders’ dissent level. Further, detailed descriptive analysis suggests that the ‘first-strike’ firms made relatively more frequent and larger pay reductions by reducing the level of pay in one or more components of the CEO pay
Testing the capital asset pricing model in the Italian market
Authors: De Chiara Carmine , Puopolo Giovanni
Published: December 2016

In this paper we provide an empirical investigation of the classic Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) on all firms listed in the Italian stock exchange at the monthly frequency. We intend to show that the CAPM, despite the heavy critical comments, still holds in the Italian market when returns are measured at the monthly frequency. Most importantly, our evidence indicates that the market portfolio fully explains the cross section of stock returns and there is no need to appeal for additional determinants. Our results have very important implications for long term investors who can forecast the expected excess stock returns by simply determining the B of the stock and the expected excess market return
The structural change of mutual fund herding in China stock market
Authors: Pan Wanbin , Shan Jun
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the structural change of mutual fund herding in china stock market，an important investment behavior of institutional investors. A self-normalization based Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is employed to test the change point of herding from 2002 to 2011, the results suggest that there really be structural change points in mutual fund herding. The mutual fund herding changed at December 2004, June 2007 and December 2008. The structural change of the mutual fund herding can be explained by the financial environment of China stock market.
How banks’ internal governance mechanisms influence risk reporting
Authors: Jizi Mohammad
Published: December 2016

Banks were the center of the recent financial crisis that results in a sharp decline in security prices and banks’ market capitalization. The content of information in general, and risk information in particular, provided to capital markets was vital to reduce the uncertainly levels left in the markets and encourage trading. Examining the impact of the internal corporate governance mechanisms on the content of risk management disclosures using a sample of US national banks in the wake of the financial crisis shows that banks having larger board size and higher proportion of independent directors are more inclined toward disclosing wider content of risk management information. The results also suggest that CEO duality impacts positively on risk management disclosures content to provide signals toward CEO objectivity and judgment in running business operations aligned with shareholders’ interest.
Business cycles and stock market performance in South Africa
Authors: Muchaonyerwa Forward , Ireen Ireen
Published: December 2016

The stock market is an important indicator of an economy’s financial health. It checks the mood of investors in a country. Stock market performance is a vital component of business cycle growth. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa for the period 2002-2009 using monthly data. This is done by constructing a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study specifies a business cycle model with the business cycle coincident indicator of South Africa being the independent variable explained by the All Share Price index (ALSI), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER), Money Supply (M1), Inflation (CPIX) and the Prime Overdraft Rate (POR). The ALSI represents stock market performance whilst the rest of the variables are to enhance model specification. The study found a positive association between stock market performance and business cycles and this match with most of the results from the empirical literature provided
Microwave ablation for treatment of hepatic neoplasia in five dogs
Authors: Yang Toni , Case J. Brad , Boston Sarah , Dark Michael J. , Toskich Beau
Published: December 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION 5 dogs between 9 and 11 years of age were evaluated for treatment of primary (n = 2) or metastatic (3) hepatic neoplasia.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Patients were evaluated on an elective (n = 3) or emergency (2) basis. Two dogs with primary hepatic neoplasia were evaluated because of lethargy and inappetence. One dog was referred after an enlarged anal sac was detected via palpation per rectum during a routine physical examination. Two dogs were evaluated on an emergency basis because of lethargy and weakness, and hemoabdomen in the absence of a history of trauma was detected. All 5 dogs underwent thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasonography, with CT performed in both dogs with primary hepatic neoplasia. All dogs had preoperative evidence of abdominal neoplasia, and none had evidence of thoracic metastasis.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME All dogs underwent ventral midline laparotomy and had diffuse hepatic neoplasia that precluded complete resection. Locoregional treatment with MWA was applied to hepatic lesions (0.5 to 2.5 cm diameter) without procedural complications. Histopathologic diagnoses were biliary adenocarcinoma (n = 1), hemangiosarcoma (2), hepatocellular carcinoma (1), and apocrine gland adenocarcinoma (1).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE MWA is being increasingly used as an adjunct in the surgical treatment of human patients with primary and metastatic liver disease. Results of the present small case series suggested that MWA is feasible and potentially effective as an adjunctive treatment for appropriately selected dogs with nonresectable hepatic tumors. Further investigation is indicated.
The effect of isoflavones on diameter change of hypo estrogenic rat abdominal aorta measured by 12- MHz ultrasound
Authors: Yueniwati Yuyun , Indah Inez Noviani , Nurseta Tatit
Published: December 2016

Background: The decrease of estrogen level causes atherosclerosis as well as the decline of vascular relaxation ability that, in turns, causes the narrowing of blood vessels lumen. Phytoestrogens give positive effect during the atherosclerosis process and vascular motor tone.Objectives: to find out the effect of isoflavones on the diameter change of hypo estrogenic rats abdominal aortic measured by 12-MHz ultrasound. Materials and Methods: Thirty female rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6 each) including 1 control group (sham), one ovariectomized (OVX) group, and three test groups. The test rats were OVX group received 0.5 mg/kg BW, 2.5 mg/kg BW and 5 mg/kg BW of isoflavones. Aortic diameter was analyzed in abdominal aorta using ultrasound with 12-MHz linear probes and on histologic specimens.Results: The decreasing of abdominal aortic diameter in all groups shows no significant difference (p>0.05). The measurement using ultrasound does not show any difference compared with that of histologic specimen (p=0.418), with the sensitivity value of 64.7%, specificity of 61.5% and accuracy of 63.3%.Discussion: There is no effect on the giving of isoflavones of several doses during 4-week-period on the diameter of hypo estrogenic rats abdominal aorta. The measurement of rats abdominal aortic diameter using 12-MHz ultrasound is compatible with the measurement on the histologic specimens.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.601-607
Large Vallecula Lipoma: An unusual clinical entity
Authors: Balasubramanian Anusha , Jaafar Rohaizam , Ramli Ramiza Ramza , Mat Lazim Norhafiza
Published: December 2016

Lipoma of the oropharynx is an extremely rare entity with less than ten cases reported in so far. We present the case of a 55-year-old gentleman who was referred to our team for an incidental finding of an oropharyngeal mass. Although he did not have stridor despite the mass occupying almost 80% of his oropharynx, he did complain of progressive voice change, feeling of something in the throat and dysphagia over a period of 2 years. The mass was successfully excised endoscopically without the need for a tracheostomy. Airway issues, management options of an oropharyngeal mass, as well as the applied embryology of these lesions are discussed. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.621-623
The prevalence of peripheral artery disease by using ankle brachial index in hypertensive patients
Authors: Singal Kiran Kumar , Singal Neerja , Gupta Parveen , - Jagdish , Rampal Sumit
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of global burden of disease. In a study, prevalence of hypertension in India was quoted 13.1% and only 16.7% of the person had achieved BP control of 140/90mm Hg. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder which is characterized by narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles. It is estimated that PAD affects 2 billion people worldwide. It is also estimated that of all the hypertensives at presentation, 2-5% have claudication. Similarly 50-92% of patients with PAD have hypertension. The Ankle-brachial Index (ABI) is the ratio of the systolic blood pressures between the dorsalis pedis and the posterior tibial artery to the higher of the systolic blood pressures in the two brachial arteries. The ABIs sensitivity is 90% and its specificity is 98%. Normal ABI range of 1.00 to 1.40.The patient is diagnosed with PAD when the ABI is ? 0.90, ABI Acts as an independent predictor of coronary and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Materials and methods: In this study 100 patients were registered who were suffering from hypertension, which include both indoor and outdoor patients, were studied. These patients were between the age group 45-75 years. In this study 82 were males and 18 were females. .Patients with history of Diabetes, Smoking, Hyperlipidemia, and with other risk factors excluding hypertension were excluded from the study. Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) was measured for the patients. A Doppler ultrasound blood flow detector and a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) was used to measure ABI. The patient is diagnosed with PAD when the ABI is ? 0.90Observation: Total number of patients 100. Prevalence rate of peripheral arterial disease in hypertensive patients with age group (45-75) was 7%. The highest prevalence rate was seen in patients in age group 65-75 years. Males had slightly higher prevalence of peripheral arterial disease than females. Prevalence of ECG abnormalities suggesting cardiovascular disease was higher in patients with peripheral arterial disease than patients without peripheral arterial disease. Abnormal ABI (<0.9) was found in significantly higher proportion of patients with clinical evidence of peripheral arterial disease (86%) than in patients without clinical evidence of peripheral arterial disease (1.1%).Conclusion: The present study shows that ABI is a valuable method for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease in patients of Hypertension and should be applied in routine practices which may improve cardiovascular risk predictionBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.556-564
A Rare Primary intramuscular hydatid cyst misdiagnosed as malignant spindle cell tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Shah Ankitbhai Atulbhai , Shah Naveed , Shah Hiral Ankitbhai , Panjwani Ghanish , Pandey BB
Published: December 2016

Primary hydatid disease of musculoskeletal system is rare. A 46 year old man presented with soft swelling in anterior aspect of thigh of two years duration which was gradually increasing in size. He was initially diagnosed as malignant spindle cell tumor of thigh, but ultrasonography and Commuted Tomography Scan revealed to be a cystic swelling suggestive of hydatid disease. Our patient had not been operated for hydatid disease previously and investigations did not reveal any hydatid cyst in liver, lung or spleen. So our patient was diagnosed having primary hydatid disease of musculoskeletal system. Serologic test (ELISA) was negative. Patient was given albendazole preoperatively. A careful management is required to prevent systemic dissemination and anaphylactic shock. The swelling was removed en bloc without causing damage to cyst wall and advised for adjunctive albendazole chemotherapy (15 mg/kg/day) for three months.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.628-630
Pre Diabetes: An Alarming and Frightening Situation about Life Time Syndrome (Diabetes)
Authors: Gul Somia , Jawed Nathasha , Jaweed Lailoona
Published: December 2016

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the common problems in Pakistan; it is a disease that is extensively spreading within all age groups. It is a misconception that it suddenly affects a persons metabolism and the next morning the patient becomes diabetic. Actually diabetes gives an intense era of time for recovery which is usually never identified. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to identify the time lap known as prediabetes which can also be taken as the prevention stage. Materials and methods: In this study 201 population sample data was collected on the basis of their age, gender, family history , life style and many other contribution factors and analyzed through SPSS. Results: It is concluded that majority of the population belonging to a different age groups are on the route that leads to diabetes and having principle symptoms of diabetes that is polyuria (increased urination), polyphagia (increased appetite), polydypsia (increased thirst), 55% of the individuals experience frequent urination, 58% of the population have been observed with increased appetite and 60% of the people have complains of increased thirst. Conclusion: It is a frightening situation as indicated by the WHO that by 2030 Pakistan will be the 4th most diabetic populated country, so the study played an important role in investigating population lying in prevention stage. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.565-571
Commencement of systemic corticosteroids in emergency Department versus in ward in management of acute adult asthma requiring hospitalization: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yim Suen Pao
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Systemic corticosteroids are commonly used in management of acute asthma, sometimes started before admission in emergency department, sometimes in ward after admission. This study is to determine whether commencing systemic corticosteroids in emergency department compared to in ward for managing acute adult asthma requiring hospitalization can improve the outcome: shorter length of hospital stay.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in an emergency department in Hong Kong. Adults aged 18 to 65 years-old who presented to the emergency department with acute asthma and subsequently hospitalized with use of systemic corticosteroids were recruited and divided into two groups: a group with commencement of systemic corticosteroids in emergency department (Group A, n=139) and the other group with commencement of systemic corticosteroids in ward (Group B, n=209). The outcome measurement was length of hospital stay.Results: A total of 348 subjects were recruited in final analyses. We used Mann-Whitney U test to test the difference in ranking of length of hospital stay (days) between these two groups. The mean rank of length of hospital stay in Group A was 159, and that in Group B was 185 (p=0.014). The difference was statistically significant with commencement of systemic corticosteroids in emergency department resulting in higher ranking-shorter length of hospital stay.Conclusion: It may be possible to result in earlier discharge in acute adult asthma requiring hospitalization when systemic corticosteroids is started before admission in emergency department, instead of in ward after admission.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.608-614
Prevalence of Autoantibodies in Healthy Adults in Pakistani Population
Authors: Ashraf Sara , Afzal Nadeem , Kashif Muhammad , Shahzad Faheem , Sajjad Wasif , Latif Waqas , Abbas Afia
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Autoimmune phenomenon is attributed to a number of diseases which were once considered idiopathic. In humans, production of auto antibodies (a-Abs) against self-antigens is quite frequent but earlier their presence was associated with autoimmune diseases, however a-Abs have been documented in non-autoimmune disorders i.e. complicated pregnancy, cancer, stroke etc. In Pakistan, limited data is available on frequency of a-Abs, therefore this study was designed to determine serum level of antinuclear antibody (ANA), Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti dsDNA antibodies in apparently healthy population.Materials and methods: After written informed consent, blood sample of 256 subjects was obtained by random sampling. Participants of established autoimmune diseases were excluded. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine ANA, RF and anti-dsDNA antibody. Categorical variables were compared by using c2 test. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Rheumatoid factor was the most frequent a-Ab (18%), followed by anti dsDNA (7.4%), while ANA was the lowest (0.4%) antibody detected. Only RF had a statistically significant association with gender (p=0.047). No association of these antibodies with age was detected.Conclusion: Rheumatoid factor auto antibody was more prevalent as compared to ANA and dsDNA antibody in healthy adults.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.579-582
Tick-borne relapsing fever in Sabzevar (Khorasan Razavy Province), North-Eastern Iran
Authors: Shayeghi Mansoreh , Piazak Norair , Gollampuor Ali , Nasirian Hassan , Abolhassani Madan
Published: December 2016

Background: Soft ticks play an important role in transmission of bacteria, rikettsia and viral diseases to human. In Iran soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros spread the tick-borne diseases.Objective: Present study was performed to investigate the latest situation of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) among people and tick infectivity to Borrelia in Sabzevar, an endemic tick-borne relapsing fever region in Iran.Methodology: Ticks were collected in the sampled areas of Sabzevar County by clustered random sampling. The suspected cases of TBRF were passively detected in the study villages. Each of Ornitodoros tholozani was separately crushed and resultant homogenate was inoculated intraperitoneally into a white mouse.Results: A total of 3892 soft ticks were collected and identified. The Argas and Ornitodoros genus were observed 69.6 % and 30.4 %, respectively. Argas persicus, Ornitodoros lahorensis, O. tholozani and A. reflexus species were found 68.0 %, 25.6 %, 4.8% and 1.6 %, respectively. A. persicus (68.0 %) and A. reflexus were found as the highest and the lowest frequent species. Totally 5.2 % of O. tholozani ticks infected with Borrelia persica. Among individuals who suspected to the TBRF, 5 cases infected with B. persica.Conclusions: The vector infectivity rates were 5.2 % which can be an important factor and ability to make proper decide decision for better TBRF management and revision of control measures. Also this study raises our country TBRF epidemiological aspects and improves them.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.551-555
Yaba Addiction in Bangladesh-A Crisis Corroding our Future
Authors: Jamal Mostofa , Ameno Kyoshi , Tanaka Naoko , Ito Asuka , Takakura Ayaka , Kinoshita Hiroshi
Published: December 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.503-504
Angiographic profile of NSTEMI patients with or without metabolic syndrome
Authors: Haque Md Aminul , Ahmed Nazir , Malik Fazila Tun Nesa , Huq Tawfiq Shahriar , Kalimuddin Md , Rahman Md Hasanur
Published: December 2016

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) constitutes the clustering of clinical and biochemical risk factors, which are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Non ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) accounts for the important part of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with considerable morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of MS with angiographic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with NSTEMI.Methods: This study included 192 prospectively enrolled NSTEMI patients. The patients underwent coronary angiography (CAG). CAG were evaluated via Sullivans method.Results: Statistically significant difference in vessel score observed, such that higher triple vessel disease (TVD) in MS patients (42.7% vs. 15.6%, p<0.001) and single vessel disease (SVD) in patients without MS (45.8% vs. 21.9%, p<0.001). Patients with MS had higher mean total stenosis score (9.26±4.29 vs. 6.06±3.07, p<0.001) and mean extension score (53.70±18.11 vs. 39.11±17.59, p<0.001). Correlation analysis found direct correlation between angiographic scores and MS scores, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG and waist circumference. Individual components of MS were independent predictors of high total stenosis score and extension score on multivariate linear regression analysis.Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome, as well as, individual components of MS was independently associated with angiographically severe CAD.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.511-516
Presence of choledocholithiasis in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for mild biliary pancreatitis
Authors: Pradhan Sumita , Shah JN
Published: December 2016

Background: Standard recommendations for patients recovering from an episode of biliary pancreatitis include cholecystectomy with intra operative cholangiogram or ERCP during the same hospital admission as it is believed that the instigating factor is the passage of stones through the common bile duct. As ERCP is not widely available and expensive, cholecystectomy with IOC is routinely performed to rule out choledocholithiasis. However detection of common bile duct stones is challenging. Whether these patients undergoing cholecystectomy require direct common bile duct evaluation is controversial.Objectives: To see the presence of common bile duct stones in patients with resolving acute mild biliary pancreatitis.Materials and Methods: Patients admitted in the surgical ward in Patan and Bir hospital with the diagnosis of mild acute biliary pancreatitis that underwent cholecystectomy with intra operative cholangiography from August 2010 to July 2011 were studied. The outcome of cholangiogram was analyzed together with findings of Common bile duct exploration.Result and Conclusion: A total of 52 patients with acute mild biliary pancreatitis were operated during this period. The Common bile duct stone was found in 1.9%. Out of four patients with abnormal cholangiogram, only one patient (25%) had stone on exploration, rest of the three cases (75%) had negative exploration. The presence of common bile duct stone in case of mild acute biliary pancreatitis undergoing cholecystectomy is very low (1.96%), and thus policy of selective IOC should be applied for cases with mild biliary pancreatitis.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.517-521
Impact of promoter CD14 C>T 159 gene single nucleotide polymorphism and outcome of sepsis
Authors: Bashir Sumaira Binti , Dar Abdul Qayoom , Rasool Roohi , Shamim Rafia , Pandit Arshad
Published: December 2016

Introduction: A genetic polymorphism has been identified inside the CD14 Promoter sequence. It consists of a C to T transition at base pair -159 from the major transcription site. Subjects carrying the T allele have been shown to have significantly higher soluble CD14 levels than do carriers of the C allele. Consequently, genetic variations in CD14 particularly polymorphism located on the promoter region are thought to have functional effects and increased susceptibility to sepsis.Methods: Our study was a case control study in which a total of 85 samples were included out of which 50 were sepsis free controls and 35 cases of sepsis. Both the cases and controls were selected from Surgical Intensive Care Unit of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar. Age more than 80 years, cardiac failure, liver insufficiency and cancer patients were excluded from the study. 5ml of blood from peripheral vein was obtained from each subject in EDTA containing vials and DNA extraction was done by salting out method.Results: The TT genotype frequency was significantly higher in sepsis than in control (P=0.025) and appeared to be genetic risk factor for increased susceptibility to sepsis. The frequency of mutant T allele observed in cases was 36(51.4%) and 35(35%) in controls. This observation showed a highly statistically significant of rare allele T between cases and controls (P=0.033). Patients with increased Total Leucocytes Count (TLC) were more significantly associated with combined (CT+TT) against CC against those patients with normal TLC (P<0.01). The cases had a higher frequency of the rare allele (CT+TT = 80%) than the controls (64%) and this difference showed statistically insignificant association with CT + TT combination against CC (P=0.11).Conclusion: The present study suggested that CD14-159C>T may be a risk factor for the development of sepsis in Kashmiri Population.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.538-545
Interest of manual vacuum aspiration in the management of incomplete abortion at the district hospital of ndjamena south, chad
Authors: Gabkika Bray Madoue , Carine Fankep Djomo , Adoum Tchari , Madoue Tchoubou Brai
Published: December 2016

Background: abortion is one of the main causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in Chad. Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the interest of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in the management of incomplete abortion.Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive survey for five months from March 5th 2014 to August 05th 2014 conducted at the district hospital of N Djamena South. All women admitted for incomplete abortion were included. Before including the patient in our investigation her consent should be gotten after some explanations on the necessity of the survey have been given. Data analysis has been done by EPI INFO 3.5.1.Results: we enumerated 154 incomplete abortions among 2327 pregnancies registered at the prenatal consultation service and emergency unit. That gave the prevalence of 06.6%. The majorities of our patients had spontaneous abortion (96.1%). The time allowed for management was ?12 hours (90.3%). No complication was observedConclusion: MVA is an effective and sure method to evacuate uterus when incomplete abortion is diagnosed.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.572-574
Apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite irrigation during root canal treatment using monoject or hypodermic irrigation needle
Authors: Ariffin Ahmad Fahmi , Harudin Mohd Hafizal , Kanagasingam S , Rahman MM , Noorina WA Wan
Published: December 2016

Objective: Sodium hypochlorite has been routinely delivered into the pulp canal via irrigation needle. The study aimed at to determine the advantage and disadvantage of apical extrusion of sodium hypochloride using monoject or hypodermic irrigation needle in root canal treatment.Materials and Methods: Eighty single rooted teeth with closed apices were used in this in vitro study to determine apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite using the gel diffusion technique. Extracted human anterior teeth were used as study samples. Monoject (size 27G) and hypodermic (27G× ½, 0.40×13mm, Terumo Needle) irrigation needle were used. The highest concentration of 5.25% hypochlorite solution was used for irrigation. To standardize the time diffusion of the dye, the gel was photographed at exactly 20 minutes after the initial irrigation with sodium hypochlorite.Results: A total of 36 out of 40 (90%) teeth in the hypodermic needle group showed positive apical extrusion compared to 14 of 40 teeth (35%) in the monoject group regardless of apical size. The discoloration of agar was clearly obtained after the sample tooth had been irrigated with sodium hypochlorite indicating the sign of apical extrusion. It is therefore; recommend that monoject irrigation needle should be used by students regardless of costs during root canal treatment in the polyclinic or dental clinic due to its safety in order to prevent sodium hypochlorite accident.Conclusion: Monoject needle showed significantly less sodium hypochlorite extrusion compared to hypodermic needleBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.575-578
Comparison of Mind Control Techniques: An Assessment of Reaction Times
Authors: Malhotra Varun , Goel Neera , Dhar Usha , Garg Rinku , Tripathi Yogish
Published: December 2016

Background: Every activity requires a certain amount of concentration and no effective action may be performed without deep concentration. Businessman or artists or students in school must know the art of focusing all powers of attention on a single point in order to succeed in their respective vocation.Methods: We wanted to find the best technique to increase the concentration scientifically. We thus, endeavored to study and compare the reaction times in maneuvers of anuloma viloma pranayama, kapalbhatti pranayama, gayatri chanting and exercise. Reaction time test was taken online before anuloma viloma pranayama, kapalbhatti pranayama, gayatri chanting and exercise and compared after.Results: Reaction times decreased significantly and was least during gayatri mantra. Concentration as seen by a decrease in visual reaction time denotes first a withdrawal of attention from objects of distraction and then focusing all attention upon one thing at a time. Just 30 minutes of physical activity each day offers substantial benefits to your health.Conclusions: Pranayama or devotional music chanting also decreases fatigue keeps the mind alert, and active.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.596-600
Analysis of the Root Causes of an Undesirable Incident in a Hospital in Mashhad, 2013
Authors: Zohourian Parvin , Amini Azam Sadat , Davooodi Rozita , Shojaeian Maryam
Published: December 2016

Medical errors are equivalent to costly failures. In other words, it is the behavior and/or decision which do not comply with healthcare standards. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the root causes of an undesirable incident which lead to the death of a 24-year-old intern who had been in contact with a patient with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). She was referred to the infectious section with symptoms of a cold and fever which was accompanied by hemorrhage and respiratory distress. Unfortunately, she passed away four days later in one of the hospitals in Mashhad in 2013. The current research is a descriptive study which was conducted through the qualitative method in 5 steps. The steps were as follows: defining the incident, data collection, outlining the identification of the issues, data analysis and identification of the root causes and working out solutions and implementation concerning the same incident in May 2013. In the process, such tools as diagramming cause and effect and storming thoughts were applied. A number of reasons were identified to have given rise to the incident. The lack of quarantine areas in the emergency section of the hospital, the negligence of the senior resident of the infectious diseases ward as to consider the need to isolate the patients, the negligence of the responsible intern as to take into account the similar cases which had been recorded in the morning report of the hospital on the same day, inadequate surgical consultations given by the senior resident according to the hospital policy and last but not least, inefficient education in universal precautions of the disease for the staff and students. The analysis of such fatal errors in the field of patient safety is of paramount importance. Thus, these techniques should be used in healthcare centers in order to evaluate critical situations systematically.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.637-644
Retropharyngeal and longus capitis intramuscular abscesses in a four year old presenting as torticollis
Authors: Gan Boon Chye , Sazly Jamal , Md Taha Haslinda
Published: December 2016

Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is defined as a potentially serious deep neck space infection, commonly seen in children and usually associated with prior upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), history of trauma or foreign body ingestion. We report a rare case of RPA and longus capitis intramuscular abscesses in a 4 year old, who presented with chief complaint of torticollis but with normal oropharyngeal findings. RPA, longus capitis inflammation may be common but abscess in the longus capitis muscle is rare. The aim of this case report is to highlight that subclinical RPA in pediatric age group may present with only acquired torticollis and without sore throat nor high fever. Diagnosis and evaluation of extension was made with contrast enhanced computer tomography (CECT) of the neck. In stable patient with non-extensive abscess and low risk of developing complications, medical management is always the preferred choice.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.645-647
Apoptotic Molecules In Chronic Leukemia
Authors: Alenzi Faris Q , Ballow Amani A , Alanazi Meaad Q , Alanazi Fahad G , Bagader Omar , Alanazi Abdulrahman Q
Published: December 2016

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the spread of malignant cells that exhibit resistance to caspase-mediated cell death (apoptosis) and this mechanism is proposed to play an important role in myeloid cell growth. However, the extent to which caspase-mediated cell death plays a crucial role in the regulation of myelopoiesis remains controversial.Objectives & Proceedure: The objectives of this study were to examine whether or not caspase-mediated cell death-related proteins take part in the development of CML and to also to detect the relationship between Fas, p53 and caspase-mediated cell death protease activating factor (Apaf-1) in 5 patients with CML using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We demonstratedthatp53 and Apaf-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was moderately elevated (up to 5 fold, p<0.05) in 4 out of 5 CML patients. One patient with a p53 point mutation, exhibited a far greater elevation of p53 mRNA expression throughout their blast crisis, but in contrast, displayed a significant reduction in levels of Apaf-1 mRNA and Fas mRNA.Conclusion: Our results show in-vivo linkages between Fas, p53 and Apaf-1 transcription parameters suggesting that the key genes involved in the caspase-mediated cell death might contribute to CML disease development.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(4) 2016 p.651-654