Impacts of mining on local fauna of wildlife in District Mardan & District Mohmand Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan / Impactos da mineração na fauna local da vida selvagem nos Distritos de Mardan e de Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract Mining is vital for human sustenance and a crucial sector in the state economy. However, its impacts on the environment and biodiversity cannot be underestimated. Which are potent to the attract government's attention. Environment and wildlife are subject to the harmful impacts of mining and its related activities. In this study, districts, namely Mardan and Mohmand have been targeted with respect to mining impacts. The assessment was carried out on wildlife adversely affected by the mining sector. The fauna has been keenly observed to bring the calculated risks and threat perception of the regional wildlife. Total 9 species of mammals, 21 species of birds, were recorded in District Mardan. While in District Mohmand 2 species of mammals, 9 species of birds, and 4 species of reptiles were studied. The Study explored that mining primarily responsible for land degradation. Which lead to food and agriculture losses. Several other factors like blasting, pollution, hunting, deforestation, habitat loss was also observed. Deforestation surfaced one of the major causes for extinction of fauna in the said region. preemptive measures are needed to seize the man-made catastrophe.

Resumo A mineração é vital para o sustento humano e um setor crucial na economia do Estado. No entanto, seus impactos sobre o meio ambiente e a biodiversidade não podem ser subestimados, visto serem potentes para atrair a atenção do governo. O meio ambiente e a vida selvagem estão sujeitos aos impactos prejudiciais da mineração e de suas atividades relacionadas. Neste estudo, os distritos, nomeadamente Mardan e Mohmand, foram selecionados ​​no que diz respeito aos impactos da mineração. A avaliação foi realizada em animais selvagens afetados negativamente pelo setor de mineração. A fauna tem sido observada atentamente para trazer os riscos calculados e a percepção de ameaça à vida selvagem regional. Um total de nove espécies de mamíferos, 21 espécies de pássaros, foi registrado no Distrito Mardan. Enquanto no Distrito Mohmand, duas espécies de mamíferos, nove espécies de pássaros e quatro espécies de répteis foram estudadas. O estudo explorou essa mineração que é principalmente responsável pela degradação do solo, acarretando perdas de alimentos e na agricultura. Vários outros fatores como explosões, poluição, caça, desmatamento, perda de habitat também foram observados. O desmatamento veio à tona como uma das principais causas de extinção da fauna da região, e tem-se que medidas preventivas são necessárias para dimensionar a catástrofe provocada pelo homem.

Impacts of mining on local fauna of wildlife in District Mardan & District Mohmand Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract Mining is vital for human sustenance and a crucial sector in the state economy. However, its impacts on the environment and biodiversity cannot be underestimated. Which are potent to the attract governments attention. Environment and wildlife are subject to the harmful impacts of mining and its related activities. In this study, districts, namely Mardan and Mohmand have been targeted with respect to mining impacts. The assessment was carried out on wildlife adversely affected by the mining sector. The fauna has been keenly observed to bring the calculated risks and threat perception of the regional wildlife. Total 9 species of mammals, 21 species of birds, were recorded in District Mardan. While in District Mohmand 2 species of mammals, 9 species of birds, and 4 species of reptiles were studied. The Study explored that mining primarily responsible for land degradation. Which lead to food and agriculture losses. Several other factors like blasting, pollution, hunting, deforestation, habitat loss was also observed. Deforestation surfaced one of the major causes for extinction of fauna in the said region. preemptive measures are needed to seize the man-made catastrophe.

Resumo A mineração é vital para o sustento humano e um setor crucial na economia do Estado. No entanto, seus impactos sobre o meio ambiente e a biodiversidade não podem ser subestimados, visto serem potentes para atrair a atenção do governo. O meio ambiente e a vida selvagem estão sujeitos aos impactos prejudiciais da mineração e de suas atividades relacionadas. Neste estudo, os distritos, nomeadamente Mardan e Mohmand, foram selecionados no que diz respeito aos impactos da mineração. A avaliação foi realizada em animais selvagens afetados negativamente pelo setor de mineração. A fauna tem sido observada atentamente para trazer os riscos calculados e a percepção de ameaça à vida selvagem regional. Um total de nove espécies de mamíferos, 21 espécies de pássaros, foi registrado no Distrito Mardan. Enquanto no Distrito Mohmand, duas espécies de mamíferos, nove espécies de pássaros e quatro espécies de répteis foram estudadas. O estudo explorou essa mineração que é principalmente responsável pela degradação do solo, acarretando perdas de alimentos e na agricultura. Vários outros fatores como explosões, poluição, caça, desmatamento, perda de habitat também foram observados. O desmatamento veio à tona como uma das principais causas de extinção da fauna da região, e tem-se que medidas preventivas são necessárias para dimensionar a catástrofe provocada pelo homem.

Impacts of mining on local fauna of wildlife in District Mardan & District Mohmand Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

Mining is vital for human sustenance and a crucial sector in the state economy. However, its impacts on the environment and biodiversity cannot be underestimated. Which are potent to the attract government's attention. Environment and wildlife are subject to the harmful impacts of mining and its related activities. In this study, districts, namely Mardan and Mohmand have been targeted with respect to mining impacts. The assessment was carried out on wildlife adversely affected by the mining sector. The fauna has been keenly observed to bring the calculated risks and threat perception of the regional wildlife. Total 9 species of mammals, 21 species of birds, were recorded in District Mardan. While in District Mohmand 2 species of mammals, 9 species of birds, and 4 species of reptiles were studied. The Study explored that mining primarily responsible for land degradation. Which lead to food and agriculture losses. Several other factors like blasting, pollution, hunting, deforestation, habitat loss was also observed. Deforestation surfaced one of the major causes for extinction of fauna in the said region. preemptive measures are needed to seize the man-made catastrophe.

Zoonotic tuberculosis in occupationally exposed groups in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a public health threat in low-income countries. Data on human tuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium bovis are poorly documented in developing countries. AIMS: To determine the occurrence of active pulmonary TB due to M. bovis in abattoir workers, butchers, livestock farmers and veterinarians and to document their knowledge and practices regarding bTB. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of abattoir workers, butchers, livestock farmers, veterinary doctors and veterinary assistants, which obtained data on socio-demographic conditions, knowledge and practices regarding TB. Sputum samples were collected from respondents with a chronic cough. The chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 141 abattoir workers, 317 butchers, 50 livestock farmers, five veterinary doctors and three veterinary assistants took part. Four out of 16 abattoir workers and 1 out of 50 livestock farmers were positive for M. bovis by PCR analysis. Duration of work as an abattoir worker was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with prevalence of zoonotic TB. The knowledge of abattoir workers, butchers, livestock farmers and veterinary assistants regarding transmission of bTB from animals to humans and the symptoms of TB in humans was very poor. Most of these workers did not use protective equipment and appropriate safe working techniques and were considered at high risk of acquiring zoonotic TB. CONCLUSIONS: Zoonotic TB is a significant public health issue among professionally exposed groups in Peshawar, Pakistan and suggests a need for further detailed investigations of the disease in this and similar areas.

Colorectal cancer--a prospective evaluation of symptom duration and GP referral patterns in an inner city teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: A high percentage of colorectal cancer patients (CRC) present as an emergency. Our aim was to evaluate delays in referral based on patient and general practitioner (GP) factors to see if there was any difference between elective and emergency patients. METHOD: Symptom questionnaires were prospectively collected from 101 consecutive patients presenting to a single colorectal unit (58 male, 43 female; median age 72 years) and entered into a database. Questionnaires assessed time from symptom onset until first GP visit, time for GP to refer, and type of admission. Symptoms and Dukes stage were noted. RESULTS: Fifty-eight (57%) patients presented electively and 43 (43%) as an emergency. Eighty-eight patients (87%) saw their GP of which 34 (39%) later presented as emergency; 13 (13%) did not see their GP. The median time before patients first sought medical advice was 30 days (0-1095 days). Median delay until treatment was 90 days (range 0-1460 days). Emergency patients waited a median of 11.5 days before visiting the GP, and elective a median of 49.5 days (P = 0.04) (Mann-Whitney U). Nine of 13 patients who did not see their GP presented as an emergency (median wait 44 days). The median time taken for a GP to refer to a hospital specialist was 28 days in elective patients and 14 days in the emergency group. (P = ns) Thirty (38%) patients took longer than six weeks to be referred (33% as an emergency). Thirty-six patients had Dukes A or B and took a median of 30 days to first presentation. Sixty-five had Dukes C or D and took a median of 32 days to first presentation. (P = ns) CONCLUSION: Emergency patients have symptoms for less time before seeking medical advice compared to elective patients. The duration of these symptoms is unrelated to the histological stage at diagnosis. Although the majority of GPs referred CRC patients within six weeks, there was no association between time taken to refer and mode of presentation. The factors that relate to disease stage occur before symptoms are acted on.

Cross-sectional survey of beta-blockers use in primary and secondary care for patients with arterial disease.

Beta-blockers reduce mortality in ischaemic heart disease and, when given perioperatively, in vascular surgery. We investigated the use of and attitudes towards beta-blockers by British vascular surgeons and primary care physicians (GPs). We performed a cross-sectional postal survey by questionnaire sent to 367 GPs and 397 members of the Vascular Surgical Society. Specific questions related to beta-blockers use and indications. Two hundred and thirty-four GPs, 95 full-time vascular surgeons (VS) and 137 general surgeons (GS) with a vascular interest responded. Thirty-eight percent of VS and 16% of GS often or always used perioperative beta-blockade (p<0.001). Common indications were ischaemic heart disease (39.2%), hypertension (30.6%), arrhythmia (16.3%) and myocardial protection (6.9%). Sixty-eight percent of VS and 42% of GS would prescribe beta-blockers to patients with occlusive arterial disease (p < 0.001). Common indications were ischaemic heart disease (39.6%), hypertension (29.2%) and arrhythmia (13.3%). Of those who would not prescribe beta-blockers in occlusive arterial disease, 65% felt that beta-blockers were contraindicated in this condition. GPs widely regarded occlusive arterial disease as a contraindication to beta-blockade. Beta-blockers are underused by GPs and GS especially, perhaps because of a perceived risk of side effects in patients with occlusive arterial disease. Further evidence is needed on the effect of beta-blockade on quality of life of patients with arterial disease.

Peritonitis following percutaneous gastrostomy in children: management guidelines.

BACKGROUND: To establish the incidence, timing and outcome of peritonitis following percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) insertion in children. METHODS: Patients developing peritonitis after PEG insertion during a 5-year period (1990-95) were identified. Variables analysed included clinical presentation, management, operative findings and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty paediatric patients received 130 PEG in the 5-year period. Eight children developed peritonitis: 4 within 24 h of PEG insertion and 4 following routine PEG tube change (3-18 months later). All four patients developing early peritonitis underwent laparotomy in whom three had sustained major damage to adjacent viscera. The fourth patient had a negative laparotomy, but died from continued overwhelming sepsis. All four patients who developed peritonitis after a routine tube change underwent a tube contrast study. In two children a gastrocolic fistula was identified and surgically repaired. Contrast studies in two patients detected an intraperitoneal leak. This problem resolved with conservative management in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Peritonitis immediately following PEG insertion is rarely due to the air leakage during insertion (benign pneumoperitoneum) and warrants early laparotomy to identify and correct the likely associated visceral trauma. Following PEG tube change peritonitis may result from stomal separation or tube malposition and an urgent study is indicated to identify the cause.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in paediatric practice: complications and outcome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish the morbidity and mortality of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in a tertiary referral paediatric practice and to identify risk factors for developing complications after a PEG. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy attempted over a 5-year period (1990 to 1995) were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred thirty percutaneous gastrostomies were placed in 120 paediatric patients. Indications for insertion were inability to swallow (n = 74, of which, 52 were neurologically impaired), inadequate calorie intake (n = 30), special feeding requirements (n = 12), continuous enteral feeding in short gut (n = 2), and malabsorption (n = 2). All the children had complex medical problems, and 80% of the patients were rated as "high risk" for general anaesthesia (> or = ASA grade 3). Major complications developed in 21 children (17.5%) and minor complications in 27 (22.5%). Of the 17 children in whom gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) became symptomatic, 10 required a Nissen fundoplication. Nine of these 10 children were neurologically impaired (19% of the neurologically impaired children). One postrenal transplant patient on immunosuppression died 54 days after the procedure of intraabdominal sepsis. Thirty-one patients required secondary surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: PEG is associated with significant morbidity. Neurologically impaired children are at risk of acquiring symptomatic GOR, but the risk does not warrant routine fundoplication. Major complications are common and need urgent surgical consultation with many requiring secondary surgical procedures. PEG in paediatric patients should be considered a major surgical undertaking.