bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudio piloto comparativo de dos soluciones de sellado en catéteres de hemodiálisis:heparina sódica al 5% frente a fibrilin®
Authors: Fernández Rivera Constantino , Lamela Rivas Lucía , Ornosa Agra Mª del Carmen
Published: November 2013

El sellado de catéteres en hemodiálisis suele ser motivo de controversia entre los distintos profesio-nales dedicados a la hemodiálisis.El objetivo del presente estudio es comparar dos soluciones de sellado de catéter para hemodiálisis: heparina al 5% y fi brilin (heparina 20ui/ml + metil y propilparaben).Estudiamos 8 pacientes (mujeres) de 69±12 años portadoras de catéter tunelizado de 17±7 meses de duración del catéter, estables y que habían dado su consentimiento para el estudio. Inicialmente se selló con fibrilin durante un mes (12 sesiones) y posteriormente con heparina al 5% el mismo periodo de tiempo. Se registró velocidad de bomba, flujo efectivo, presión venosa, KT, necesidad de utilizar fibrinolíticos, infecciones, nº de manipulaciones, hipotensiones, recirculación, KT/V, TP, TPTA. Se compararon los estudios mediante t student .Después de dos meses de estudio se observó mayor flujo efectivo 318±23 ml/m en catéteres sellados con heparina frente a 307±17 ml/m con fibrilin (p= 0,008), menor presión venosa 147±12 mm Hg en heparina frente a 168±17 en fibrilin (p=0,006), mayor KT en heparina 43±3 litros frente a 41±4 litros en fibrilin. A pesar de estas mejores condiciones, clínicamente no supusieron diferencias en la eficacia dialítica KT/V heparina 1,56±0,2 frente a 1,59 ±0,2 en fibrilin. Si se observó un mayor nº de manipulaciones del catéter en heparina 12±0,2 frente a 9,4±1,3 en fi brilin (p=0,001). No existieron diferencias en aparición de infecciones, recirculación, necesidad de fibrinoliticos o alteraciones de coagulación.Concluimos que el sellado de catéteres de Hemodiálisis con Fibrilin es una alternativa eficaz a la heparina al 5%. No se acompaña de un mayor grado de disfunción del catéter y si de un menor nº de manipulaciones, lo que podría condicionar un menor nº de infecciones asociado a catéteres.
La conversión a líquidos de diálisis peritoneal con bicarbonato puede afectar la volemia de los pacientes
Authors: Cirera Segura Francisco , Martín Espejo Jesús Lucas , Reina Neyra Esperanza Macarena
Published: November 2013

El objetivo fue evaluar la repercusión del cambio de tampón utilizado en los líquidos de diálisis peritoneal, especialmente sobre los parámetros relacionados con la volemia y sobre la calidad de la diálisis. Material y métodosSe realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 6 meses de duración. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 18 pacientes. Se recogieron todas las variables de la historia clínica digital del último trimestre del año 2011 cuando los pacientes utilizaban líquidos con lactato, y a los tres meses de utilizar las soluciones con bicar-bonato. El análisis se realizó con el paquete estadístico IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0.Resultados. La muestra la formaron 18 pacientes, el 61,1% eran hombres. La edad media fue 72,5 + 1,43 años. El 55,6% estaban en diálisis peritoneal continua ambulatoria y 44,4% en automática. Comparamos la función renal residual, y las variables implicadas en los cambios de volemia. Aunque disminuyeron la diuresis, la ultrafi ltración y la función renal residual, siendo sólo signifi cativo el último caso (p=0.031) y aumentó el peso, pudo conseguirse con el aumento del número de intercambios en el 27,8% de los casos o de aumentar la concentración de glucosa también en el 27,8%. Se comprobó que el cambio de líquidos no afectó a la dosis de diálisis peritoneal ni renal. Tampoco afectó al trasporte peritoneal. Conclusión: Tras el cambio de las soluciones a bicarbonato, nuestros pacientes han mostrado una menor ultrafiltración, diuresis y aumento de peso, que junto con el aumento en cinco casos de las concentraciones de glucosa y en otros cinco el número de intercambios, nos llevan a valorar más detenidamente los parámetros relacionados con la volemia en los pacientes que utilizan estas nuevas soluciones.
Funciones de enfermería en la unidad quirúrgica de nefrología
Authors: Díaz Oquendo Yanela
Published: November 2013

Los cuidados que se desarrollan en la unidad quirúrgica de Nefrología requieren de un personal de enfermería con capacidad para responder a las diferentes funciones de acuerdo al nivel profesional alcanzado y a las necesidades que requieren los pacientes con afecciones renales. ObjetivosDefi nir las funciones de enfermería en la unidad quirúrgica por niveles de formación. Material y métodosSe realizó una investigación de desarrollo tecnológico en el Instituto de Nefrología y Hospital Hermanos Armejeiras en el período 2010-2012. Se utilizó la metodología DEFUN (delimitación de funciones) y como técnicas cualitativas se usaron la revisión documental y la consulta a expertos. El universo se conformó de 24 profesionales entre enfermeros técnicos, licenciados y médicos de la especialidad; 11 profesionales conformaron el comité de expertos con los cuales se realizó un taller para la identificación y propuesta preliminar de las funciones. Se aplicó el método Delphi para la validación y propuesta de las funciones a 13 profesionales que formaron parte del panel de expertos.
ResultadosLa propuesta de las funciones se realizó sobre la base de las ya descritas para el licenciado y técnico en enfermería contenidas en la Resolución Ministerial 396/07, obteniéndose de 19 funciones propuestas para el licenciado en enfermería se aceptaron 17 y para el técnico en enfermería de 15 propuestas fueron aceptadas 14 funciones. ConclusionesQuedan defi nas las funciones de enfermería por niveles de formación lo cual amplia el perfi l de desempeño en correspondencia con el desarrollo alcan-zado por la especialidad en el país.
Management of Enamel White Spot Lesions
Authors: Joshi Surabhi , Joshi Chintan
Published: November 2013

Dental caries is a highly prevalent multifactorial disease and is a major public health problem. A goal of modern dentistry is to manage enamel white spot lesions noninvasively and effectively an attempt to prevent disease progression and improve esthetics, strength and function. The progression of caries has been tried to be curbed at initial stage only but for that only use of fluoride application was suggested but with recent developments in dental materials other remineralization options as well as noninvasive masking procedure can be performed to attain best result. This article reviews all the materials and techniques mentioned in the literature to manage the world's most common disease in its initial stage only.

How to cite this article

Joshi S, Joshi C. Management of Enamel White Spot Lesions. J Contemp Dent 2013;3(3):133-137.
Comparison of Guided Bone Regeneration using a Bovine Collagen Membrane vs a Calcium Sulfate Barrier
Authors: Rossmann Jeffrey A , Al-Hashimi Ibtisam , Solomon Eric S , Ghaly Mira , Kerns David G , Hallmon William W , Nagy William W
Published: November 2013

Resorbable membranes have eliminated the need for re-entry for removal and reduce the incidence of adverse soft tissue reactions that accompany membrane exposure. However, the lack of rigidity often makes these more prone to collapse. Calcium sulfate has shown promise as a regenerative material alternative in a socket preservation application. The purpose of this study was to compare calcium sulfate and bovine collagen as a barrier in guided bone regeneration.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen sites were treated in this randomized, blinded clinical study. Patients were divided into 2 groups, 9 sites each. Group 1, had bovine collagen membrane (OssixTM) and group 2 had calcium sulfate barrier (CalcigenOralTM) to cover the graft. All sites were augmented with autogenously bone and demineralized freeze-dried bone composite graft at 1:1 ratio. Implants were placed in the grafted area 4 to 6 months post grafting. Vertical and horizontal ridge measurements were made before and after grafting by two blinded examiners.

Results

The collagen membrane group had a mean bone gain of 1.06 ± 1.01 mm in width and 0.19 ± 1.11 mm in height. In comparison, the calcium sulfate group had a mean bone loss of –0.14 ± 0.74 mm in width and –0.19 ± 0.74 mm in height. Student t-test revealed a significant difference in width dimension between the two groups, p = 0.01.

Conclusion

Overall results of this study suggest that calcium sulfate might have limited use as barrier for ridge augmentation.

How to cite this article

Ghaly M, Kerns DG, Hallmon WW, Solomon ES, Nagy WW, Al-Hashimi I, Rossmann JA. Comparison of Guided Bone Regeneration using a Bovine Collagen Membranevsa Calcium Sulfate Barrier. J Contemp Dent 2013;3(3):138-143.
A theoretical model on the formation mechanism and kinetics of highly toxic air pollutants from halogenated formaldehydes reacted with halogen atoms
Authors: Ji Y. M. , Wang H. H. , Gao Y. P. , Li G. Y. , An T. C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The atmospheric reactions of halogenated formaldehydes with halogen atoms were investigated by high-accuracy molecular orbital calculation. Our studies showed that compared to X-addition pathway, the H-abstraction pathway was demonstrated to be more preferred to form halogenated formyl radicals and hydrogen halides (HX). In specific areas with abundant halogen atoms, such as the marine boundary layer (MBL), halogenated formyl radical was reacted easily with halogen atoms and finally transformed into HX and CO2 in the presence of water; otherwise, this radical was degraded to CO2, halogen gas, and halogenated oxide in the presence of O2 and halogen atoms. By using the canonical variational transition state theory, the kinetics calculations were performed within a wide atmospheric temperature range of 200–368 K, and theoretical values agreed well with the available experimental data. Under atmospheric conditions, rate constants decreased as altitude increased, and especially the rate constants of halogen atoms reacted with FCHO quickly reduced. The kinetic results showed that although the reactions of halogenated formaldehydes with F atoms occurred more easily than did those with Cl and Br atoms, the two latter reactions were still important atmospheric degradation process, especially in the MBL. The modified Arrhenius equations of rate constants within the atmospheric temperature range were fitted, which helped to understand the established atmospheric model and estimated the contribution of title reactions to atmospheric chemistry pollution.
Surface sensible and latent heat fluxes over the Tibetan Plateau from ground measurements, reanalysis, and satellite data
Authors: Shi Q. , Liang S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Estimations from meteorological stations indicate that the surface sensible heat flux over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has been decreasing continuously since 1980s, and modeling studies suggest that such changes are likely linked to the weakening of the East Asian Monsoon through exciting Rossby wave trains. However, the spatial and temporal variations in the surface sensible and latent heat fluxes over the entire TP remain unknown. This study aims to characterize the monthly surface sensible and latent heat fluxes at 0.5° over the TP from 1984 to 2007 by synthesizing multiple data sources including ground measurements, reanalysis products, and remote sensing products. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) from cross-validation are 11.1 W m−2 and 17.8 W m−2 for the monthly fused sensible and latent heat fluxes, respectively. The fused sensible and latent heat flux anomalies are consistent with those estimated from meteorological stations, and the uncertainties of the fused data are also discussed. The annual sensible heat flux over the TP is shown to be decreasing by −1.1 W m−2 deacade−1 with dominant decreasing in summer (−3.9 W m−2 deacade−1), while the latent heat flux shows a decrease (increase) in spring (autumn) but at a magnitude less than that of the sensible heat flux. Such decreased tendency of the fused sensible and latent heat flux over the TP is consistent to the weakened East Asian Monsoon as well as the solar dimming. The associations among sensible and latent heat fluxes and the related surface anomalies such as mean temperature, temperature range, snow cover, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in addition to atmospheric anomalies such as cloud cover and water vapor show seasonal dependence, suggest that the land–biosphere–atmosphere interactions over the TP could display nonuniform feedbacks to the climate changes. It would be interesting to disentangle the drivers and responses of the surface sensible and latent heat flux anomalies over the TP in future research from evidences of modeling results.
Impacts of increasing the aerosol complexity in the Met Office global NWP model
Authors: Mulcahy J. P. , Walters D. N. , Bellouin N. , Milton S. F.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Inclusion of the direct and indirect radiative effects of aerosols in high resolution global numerical weather prediction (NWP) models is being increasingly recognised as important for the improved accuracy of short-range weather forecasts. In this study the impacts of increasing the aerosol complexity in the global NWP configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) are investigated. A hierarchy of aerosol representations are evaluated including three dimensional monthly mean speciated aerosol climatologies, fully prognostic aerosols modelled using the CLASSIC aerosol scheme and finally, initialised aerosols using assimilated aerosol fields from the GEMS project. The prognostic aerosol schemes are better able to predict the temporal and spatial variation of atmospheric aerosol optical depth, which is particularly important in cases of large sporadic aerosol events such as large dust storms or forest fires. Including the direct effect of aerosols improves model biases in outgoing longwave radiation over West Africa due to a better representation of dust. However, uncertainties in dust optical properties propogate to its direct effect and the subsequent model response. Inclusion of the indirect aerosol effects improves surface radiation biases at the North Slope of Alaska ARM site due to lower cloud amounts in high latitude clean air regions. This leads to improved temperature and height forecasts in this region. Impacts on the global mean model precipitation and large-scale circulation fields were found to be generally small in the short range forecasts. However, the indirect aerosol effect leads to a strengthening of the low level monsoon flow over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal and an increase in precipitation over Southeast Asia. Regional impacts on the African Easterly Jet (AEJ) are also presented with the large dust loading in the aerosol climatology enhancing of the heat low over West Africa and weakening the AEJ. This study highlights the importance of including a~more realistic treatment of aerosol-cloud interactions in global NWP models and the potential for improved global environmental prediction systems through the incorporation of more complex aerosol schemes.
The isotopic composition of water vapour and precipitation in Ivittuut, Southern Greenland
Authors: Bonne J.-L. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Cattani O. , Delmotte M. , Risi C. , Sodemann H. , Steen-Larsen H. C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Since September 2011, a Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy analyzer has been remotely operated in Ivittuut, southern Greenland, providing the first continuous record of surface water vapour isotopic composition (δ18O, δD) in South Greenland and the first record including the winter season in Greenland. This record depicts small summer diurnal variations. Measurements of precipitation isotopic composition suggest equilibrium between surface vapour and precipitation. The vapour data show large synoptic and seasonal variations corresponding to shifts in moisture sources estimated using a quantitative moisture source diagnostic. The arrival of low pressure systems towards south Greenland leads to δ18O enrichment (+5‰) and deuterium excess depletion (−15‰), coupled with moisture sources shifts. Monthly δ18O is minimum in November–December and maximum in June–July, with a seasonal amplitude of ~10‰. The strong correlation between δ18O and the logarithm of local surface humidity is consistent with Rayleigh distillation processes. The relationship with local surface air temperature is associated with a slope of ~0.4‰ °C−1. During the summer 2012 heat waves, the observations display a divergence between δ18O and local climate variables, probably due to the isotopic depletion associated with long distance transport from subtropical moisture sources. Monthly deuterium excess is minimum in May–June and maximum in November, with a seasonal amplitude of 20‰. It is anti-correlated with δ18O, and correlated with local surface relative humidity (at the station) as well as surface relative humidity in a North Atlantic sector, south of Greenland and Iceland. While synoptic and seasonal variations are well represented by the Atmospheric General Circulation Model LMDZiso for Ivittuut δ18O, the model does not capture the magnitude of these variations for deuterium excess.
Simulating the integrated Δ14CO2 signature from anthropogenic emissions over Western Europe
Authors: Bozhinova D. , van der Molen M. K. , Krol M. C. , van der Laan S. , Meijer H. A. J. , Peters W.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Radiocarbon dioxide (14CO2, reported in Δ14CO2) can be used to determine the fossil fuel CO2 addition to the atmosphere, since fossil fuel CO2 no longer contains any 14C. After release of CO2 at the source, atmospheric transport causes dilution of strong local signals into the background and detectable gradients of Δ14CO2 only remain in areas with high fossil fuel emissions. This fossil fuel signal can moreover be partially masked by the enriching effect that anthropogenic emissions of 14CO2 from the nuclear industry have on the atmospheric Δ14CO2 signature. In this paper, we investigate the regional gradients in 14CO2 over the European continent and quantify the effect of the emissions from nuclear industry. We simulate the emissions of fossil fuel CO2 and nuclear 14CO2 for Western Europe for a period covering 6 months in 2008 and their transport using the Weather Research and Forecast model (WRF-Chem). We evaluate the expected CO2 gradients and the resulting Δ14CO2 in simulated integrated air samples over this period, as well as in simulated plant samples. We find that the average gradients of fossil fuel CO2 in the lower 1200 m of the atmosphere are close to 15 ppm at a 12 km × 12 km horizontal resolution. The nuclear influence on Δ14CO2 signatures varies considerably over the domain and for large areas in France and UK it can range from 20% to more than 500% of the influence of fossil fuel emissions. Our simulations suggest that the resulting gradients in Δ14CO2 are well captured in plant samples, but due to their time-varying uptake of CO2 their signature can be different with over 3‰ from the atmospheric samples in some regions. We conclude that the framework presented will be well-suited for the interpretation of actual air and plant 14CO2 samples.
Vertical activity distribution of dissimilatory nitrate reduction in coastal marine sediments
Authors: Behrendt A. , de Beer D. , Stief P.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The relative importance of two dissimilatory nitrate reduction pathways, denitrification (DEN) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), was investigated in intact sediment cores from five different coastal marine field sites (Dorum, Aarhus Bight, Mississippi Delta, Limfjord and Janssand). The vertical distribution of DEN activity was examined using the acetylene inhibition technique combined with N2O microsensor measurements, whereas NH4+ production via DNRA was measured with a recently developed gel probe-stable isotope technique. At all field sites, dissimilatory nitrate reduction was clearly dominated by DEN (59–131% of the total NO3− reduced) rather than by DNRA, irrespective of the sedimentary inventories of electron donors such as organic carbon, sulfide, and iron. Highest ammonium production via DNRA, accounting for up to 8.9% of the total NO3− reduced, was found at a site with very high concentrations of total sulfide and NH4+ within and below the layer in which NO3− reduction occurred. Sediment from two field sites, one with low and one with high DNRA activity in the core incubations, was also used for slurry incubations. Now, in both sediments high DNRA activity was detected accounting for 37–77% of the total NO3− reduced. These contradictory results might be explained by enhanced NO3− availability for DNRA bacteria in the sediment slurries compared to the core-incubated sediments in which diffusion of NO3− from the water column may only reach DEN bacteria, but not DNRA bacteria. The true partitioning of dissimilatory nitrate reduction between DNRA and DEN may thus lie in between the values found in whole core (underestimation of DNRA) and slurry incubations (overestimation of DNRA).
Comparative analysis of hydrologic signatures in two agricultural watersheds in east-central Illinois: legacies of the past to inform the future
Authors: Yaeger M. A. , Sivapalan M. , McIsaac G. F. , Cai X.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Historically, the central Midwestern US has undergone drastic anthropogenic land use change, having been transformed, in part through government policy, from a natural grassland system to an artificially drained agricultural system devoted to row cropping corn and soybeans. Current federal policies are again influencing land use in this region with increased corn acreage and new biomass crops proposed as part of an energy initiative emphasizing biofuels. To better address these present and future challenges it is helpful to understand whether and how the legacies of past changes have shaped the current response of the system. To this end, a comparative analysis of the hydrologic signatures in both spatial and time series data from two central Illinois watersheds was undertaken. The past history of these catchments is reflected in their current hydrologic responses, which are highly heterogeneous due to differences in geologic history, artificial drainage patterns, and reservoir operation, and manifest temporally, from annual to daily timescales, and spatially, both within and between the watersheds. These differences are also apparent from analysis of the summer low flows, where the more tile-drained watershed shows greater variability overall than does the more naturally drained one. In addition, precipitation in this region is also spatially heterogeneous even at small scales, and this, interacting with and filtering through the historical modifications to the system, increases the complexity of the problem of predicting the catchment response to future changes.
A scaling approach, predicting the continuous form of soil moisture characteristics curve, from soil particle size distribution and bulk density data
Authors: Meskini-Vishkaee F. , Mohammadi M. H. , Vanclooster M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. A substantial number of models, predicting the Soil Moisture Characteristic Curve (SMC) from Particle Size Distribution (PSD) data, underestimate the dry range of the SMC especially in soils with high clay and organic matter contents. In this study, we applied a continuous form of the PSD model to predict the SMC and subsequently, we developed a physically based scaling approach to reduce the model's bias at the dry range of the SMC. The soil particles packing parameter, obtained from the porosity was considered as a characteristic length. The model was tested by using eighty-two soil samples, selected from the UNSODA database. The result showed that the scaling approach properly estimate the SMC for all soil samples. In comparison to the formerly used physically based SMC model, the proposed approach improved the model estimations by an average of 30% for all soil samples. However, the advantage of this new approach was larger for the fine and medium textured soils than that for the coarse textured soil. In view that in this approach there is no further need for empirical parameters, we conclude that this approach could become applicable for estimating SMC at the larger field scale.
The Demand for Winter Sports: Empirical Evidence for the Largest French Ski-Lift Operator
Authors: Falk Martin
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the determinants of long-run winter tourism demand for French ski resorts. The data are based on skier visits to the largest ski-lift operator in the world (Compagnie des Alpes) for the winter seasons 1993/1994 to 2011/2012. Using dynamic panel data models for six ski resorts, the study finds relatively low income and price elasticities in absolute terms, with long-run elasticities of 0.64 and −0.40, respectively. Furthermore, the study finds that snow depth measured at the weather station Col de Porte — located at the medium elevation of 1,325 metres above sea level — is a significant predictor of skier days in the high-elevation ski areas. However, the magnitude of the effect of poor snow years is very small: on average, low-snow winter seasons (such as 1989/1990 or 2006/2007) will lead to a reduction in skier visits of about 2.5%. The results are not sensitive with respect to the measurement and timing of snow depth.
Factores del Nuevo Plan de Estudios de Derecho 2003, que inciden en la disminución de la matricula y la permanencia en la Facultad de Derecho de la UNAH
Authors: Argentina López Alba
Published: November 2013

El objetivo de realizar el presente trabajo es conocer cuáles son los factores que han incidido en la disminución de la matrícula y permanencia que se ha producido en la Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras. Para realizar este trabajo de investigación se tomó una muestra de estudiantes de la Carrera de Derecho que estudian con el Plan de Estudios 2003. Después de realizada la investigación se llegó a la conclusión que el Plan de Estudios de la Carrera de Derecho de la Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas del 2003, si es uno de los factores que inciden en la disminución de la matrícula y la permanencia en la misma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/lrd.v30i0.1235 Revista de Derecho, Vol. 30, No. 1, año 2009; 109-128
Constitución de la República de Honduras
Authors: Editora La
Published: November 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/lrd.v30i0.1237 Revista de Derecho, Vol. 30, No. 1, año 2009; 132-220
An econometric viability model for ongrowing sole (Solea senegalensis) in tanks using pumped well sea water
Authors: García García J. , García García B.
Published: November 2013

Sole (Solea senegalensis) is of great interest to marine aquaculture in the Mediterranean because of its relatively fast growth and good commercial prospects (high price). However, the wide mean annual variation in the temperature of Mediterranean sea water (14-26 deg C) is a limiting factor for the ongrowing of this species; the optimum for this process is 19-20 deg C. One of the possible mid-term solutions for ensuring a constant year-round temperature is to ongrow these fish in tanks containing pumped well water. The present work describes a mathematical model for estimating the values of economic variables associated with sole production (which to date have not been defined at the commercial level) for an onshore ongrowing plant using pumped well water at 19-20 deg C. The economic variables studied include optimum load, the sale price of the final product, the cost of juveniles and feed (these last two are influenced by mortality which is still highly variable in this species), and finally the cost of electricity and oxygen (of great importance in onshore plants). The model allows different possible situations to be analysed on the basis of still undefined variables for ongrowing (juvenile cost, feeding, survival, etc.), and establishes under which conditions sole ongrowing would be profitable.
Soil physical properties and root activity in a soybean second crop/maize rotation under direct sowing and conventional tillage
Authors: Barrios M.B. , Bozzo A.A. , Debelis S.P. , Pereyra A.M. , Buján A.
Published: November 2013

Soil degradation is the result of interactions involving the soil itself, human activity, climate, relief, and vegetation. These can lead to changes in or even the loss of certain characteristics of the soil, reducing its present and future productive capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the behaviour of a number of soil physical variables and total organic carbon content, as well as the root activity and yield of crops grown in rotation (soybean in 1998/1999 and maize in 1999/2000) under direct sowing (DS) and conventional tillage (CT) conditions. Root activity was assessed using an isotopic methodology involving the uptake of 32P. The root activity of the soybean crop, which grew under normal rainfall conditions, was greater under CT conditions. That of the maize crop, which grew when rainfall was well below normal, was greater under DS conditions. Bulk density was higher and total porosity lower in the upper 0.10 m of the soil in the DS plots. Conventional tillage led to lower penetration resistance values in the upper layers of the soil profile. No differences in soil total organic carbon were found between the two tillage systems. The soil water content of the upper soil layers was higher under DS. The yield of the soybean crop under CT was 57% higher than under DS. The yield of maize was affected by water deficiency; higher yields were obtained with DS than with CT.
Optimization of N application for a maize crop grown in a shallow, irrigated soil
Authors: Díez López J.A. , Tarquis A. , Cartagena M.C. , Vallejo A.
Published: November 2013

A method of evaluating net nitrogen (N) mineralization in shallow petrocalcic soils, based on N balances in non-fertilized plots, is proposed. During 1999, 2000 and 2001, estimated N mineralized in an irrigated maize crop (6.5 months) in Central Spain was: 73.3, 56.2 and 60.5 kg ha-1, respectively. The relationship between EUF-Norg (organic nitrogen extracted from soil by electroultrafiltration) and mean mineralized N, in this experiment during the three seasons, was 1 mg EUF-Norg 100 g-1 soil equivalent to 30 kg N ha-1. The calibration was applied to EUF-Norg values from soil samples analysed before sowing. These values, together with the mineral N, were used to estimate available N and consequently the optimal N rate. To evaluate the effect of N fertilizer rate on NO3  leaching and in N fertilizer-use efficiency (NFUE) three different rates of N were tested in 2000 and 2001: optimal N rate (NO), conventional N rate (NC) and a control no N (C). The NO rates for the maize crop were 150 and 130 kg N ha-1 in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Nitrogen losses of nitrate due to leaching were lower with NO than with the NC rate of 300 kg N ha-1. The NFUE values were higher for NO at 78.8% and 83.5% in 2000 and 2001, respectively than for NC at 48.7% and 49.3% in 2000 and 2001, respectively). However, in spite of the different levels of applied N, there was no difference in grain yield among treatments.
Exploring land use scenarios by long-term simulation of soil organic matter in central Argentina
Authors: Tittonell P.A. , De Grazia J. , De Hek S. , Bricchi E.
Published: November 2013

Frequently, agriculture intensification by means of high-input technologies and agroecosystem simplification led to unsustainable farming systems. Increasing spatial-temporal diversity in agroecosystems has been shown as a promising alternative for restoring degraded land. A methodological approach is discussed here, based on preliminary results of experiences in a region of strong biophysical gradients. The CENTURY model is validated under local conditions and used as monitoring tool. The impact of an increased agrodiversity on soils with contrasting inherent properties is exemplified by running three land use scenarios for two case-study sites for the next 50 years and evaluating trends in soil organic matter (SOM) contents. Field survey and simulation results suggested that: (1) reference values for SOM levels for monitoring soil health should be defined considering main agroecological factors; (2) simulation models may help identifying adequate ranges of variation for them; (3) and model outputs may complement experimentation and represent a didactic tool to be used for decision-making and knowledge-transfer processes.
Analysis of the adoption of soil conservation practices in olive groves: the case of mountainous areas in Southern Spain
Authors: Calatrava Leyva J. , Franco Martínez J.A. , González Roa M.C.
Published: November 2013

This paper presents some results from a survey carried out in 2004 among 223 olive tree farmers from mountainous areas in the Spanish Southern provinces of Granada and Jaén regarding the adoption of soil conservation and management practices. Olive tree groves in mountainous areas are subject to a high risk of soil erosion and incur a higher cost of soil conservation. This results in greater difficulty to comply with the requirements of the new single payment scheme (cross-compliance) and to benefit from agri-environmental schemes. The main objectives of this study are to analyze the current adoption level of soil conservation practices in this area and to address which socioeconomic and institutional factors determine such adoption. Three probit models are estimated. Dependent variables are three different soil conservation practices, namely tillage following contour lines, maintenance of terraces with stonewalls, and non-tillage with weedicides. Results show a significant increase in the adoption of several soil conservation measures in the last 15 years, especially of non-tillage practices. Some factors positively related with the adoption of soil conservation practices are farm profitability, the presence of young farmers, and continuity of the farming activity by relatives and the use of family labour.
Technical efficiency analysis and decomposition of productivity growth of Spanish olive farms
Authors: Lambarraa F. , Serra T. , Gil J.M.
Published: November 2013

Spain occupies the first position in worldwide rankings of olive oil production and trade. This analysis assesses the relative technical efficiency with which this sector is operating. The concept of technical efficiency is critical to measuring the performance of a firm, determining the degree of innovative technology adoption and the overall production efficiency. Specifically, the main objective of this study is to assess the relative technical efficiency and to decompose the productivity growth of Spanish olive farms. Technical efficiency effects are assumed to be a function of firm-specific characteristics. Maximum-likelihood methods are applied to the estimation of the model. A primal approach is used to decompose total factor productivity (TFP) growth into its various components. Results indicate that farm location, age of manager, as well as the composition of the workforce affect efficiency levels. Technical efficiency changes and scale effects are found to be the main sources affecting TFP growth.
Indoor composting of vine by-products to produce substrates for mushroom cultivation
Authors: Pardo A. , Perona M.A. , Pardo J.
Published: November 2013

This paper describes a new technique for producing high quality, low cost organic substrates for use in the cultivation of the most widely consumed edible mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. With production, economic and environmental concerns in mind, the aim of this work was to provide fresh impetus to the edible fungus industry by introducing alternative materials to those traditionally used in substrate production: in this case waste products from grape growing and wine making (vine shoots, grape stalks and grape pomace). These were composted under controlled conditions. While no more biologically efficient than traditional compost, the agronomic assessment of the alternative indoor substrates (performed using different proportions of grape stalks and vine shoots as base materials and using two varieties of Agaricus bisporus) showed them to be economically viable (their use reduces costs) and environmentally advantageous (their use reduces the emission of volatile compounds).
Short communication. First report of black queen-cell virus detection in honey bees (Apis mellifera) in Spain
Authors: Higes M. , Esperón F. , Sánchez-Vizcaíno J.M.
Published: November 2013

The black queen-cell virus (BQCV) is a RNA virus recently classified within the Family Dicistroviridae, genus Cripavirus. Although BQCV is found worldwide, it has never been previously reported in Spain in spite of the fact that this country is the main producer of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the European Union. This study presents a clinical and laboratory description of a BQCV outbreak in honey bees within an apiary made up of 80 colonies in the province of Toledo (Spain). Mortality was associated with signs of diarrhoea, enlarged abdomen, oedema in the midgut, and distended rectum filled with a transparent liquid. The parasite Nosema apis has been reported in BQCV outbreaks. The acute clinical picture, with symptoms of diarrhoea and massive deaths of adult bees, could be related to the association between N. apis and the BQCV since, under normal circumstances, cases of nosemosis caused by N. apis reported in Spain over the last 10 years were always anecdotal and in chronic form, with no associated clinical symptoms whatsoever detected in the beehives. On the other hand, in cases of nosemosis linked to N. ceranae, the clinical symptoms are entirely different, with no evidence at all of diarrhoea and massive deaths around the beehive but only a progressive decrease in the population. The sample of adult bees was analysed by the polymerase chain reaction method for BQCV and a fragment of 700 bp sequenced (Acc. No. DQ132875). It was also noted that this sample had a high spore count of N. apis epidemiologically related to BQCV. The possible role of BQCV in the mortality and associated signs is discussed in this work.
Maize for bread under organic agriculture
Authors: Revilla P. , Landa A. , Rodríguez V.M. , Romay M.C. , Ordás A. , Malvar R.A.
Published: November 2013

Maize (Zea mays L.) bread is increasingly appreciated by consumers from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. However, the ancient maize varieties specifically selected for those uses have been replaced by hybrids with higher yield and lower flour quality. Besides, maize available comes from intensive agriculture, involving herbicides, insecticides and other potentially dangerous products. Organic production of traditional maize varieties for human consumption could be valuable for raising the returns of small local farmers in the northwest of Spain and the north of Portugal, and for matching the demands of consumers. Autochthonous varieties have been evaluated under organic farming and the quality of those with higher yield for bakery. Four autochthonous varieties were identified with the best performance under organic conditions and adequate quality for making bread and other traditional maize foods. Those varieties are "Tuy" (yellow kernel and medium growing cycle), "Sarreaus" (yellow kernel and early cycle), "Meiro" (black kernel and late cycle), and "Rebordanes" (white kernel and medium-early cycle). Traditional white, yellow and black maize varieties have been identified, and a selection program for increasing yield and quality is being performed for each.
Effect of temperature and moisture on the dormancy and activation pattern of Oxalis latifolia bulbs
Authors: Royo-Esnal A. , López-Fernández M.L.
Published: November 2013

The effect of temperature and moisture on the activation of two forms of Oxalis latifolia Kunth bulbs common and Cornwall was studied. Gaining knowledge about the conditions needed for their activation may contribute to the control of this weed. Bulbs were kept in a refrigerator at +4 deg C for 13, 20, 27, 41, 48 and 55 days. At each sampling date, three sets of 30 bulbs of both forms were transferred from 4 deg C to 21 deg C; 15 were kept under dry conditions and 15 under wet conditions. For both forms, and under both wet and dry conditions, activation occurred over a prolonged period of time. Dry bulbs were activated earlier than the wet bulbs, and the common form was activated earlier than the Cornwall form. Two different patterns of activation behavior were observed: dry bulbs of the common form usually followed a logarithmic activation pattern, while those subjected to the wet treatment were activated in a linear fashion. Bulbs of the Cornwall form were activated exponentially in the majority of cases. The mean time required for activation after cold storage was constant in the common form, while in the Cornwall form, activation was faster the longer the period of cold storage the bulbs had been previously subject to.
Efficacy of intravesical chondroitin sulphate in treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS): Individual patient data (IPD) meta-analytical approach
Authors: Thakkinstian Ammarin , Nickel J. Curtis
Published: November 2013

Background: Raw data from 3 similar clinical trials were analyzed in this individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to define any possible efficacy of intravesical 2% chondroitin sulphate in IC/BPS.Methods: We pooled IPD from an open label and 2 small randomized placebo controlled trials assessing chondroitin sulphatein IC/BPS (similar inclusion/exclusion criteria, treatment, outcome assessment). Our primary objective was to compare rates of global response assessment (GRA) responsiveness between chondroitin sulphate and vehicle control. Secondary objectives compared the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom/Problem Index (ICSI/PI) total score and improvement rates, and average daily urine frequency. The treatment response was calculated for individual trials and pooled data using IPD meta-analysis for pooling proportions.Results: In total, 213 patients were included in the pooling analysis. At the end of the treatment period, the overall GRA response rates were 43.2 (95% CI: 35.0, 51.5) and 27.4 (95% CI: 17.6, 37.2) for the chondroitin sulphate and vehicle control groups, respectively. Pooled RR was 1.55 (p = 0.014, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.22). The chance of being an ICSI responder was similarly 54% higher in the chondroitin sulphate group. The small decrease in total ICSI score and urine frequency between the two groups was less impressive (-0.8 and -0.5 points respectively) and not statistically significant.Conclusions: Benefits from intravesical chondroitin sulphate treatment in IC/BPS patients can be confirmed by increasing the power of the available data using an IPD meta-analytical approach. However, disconnect between response rates and severity scores underline the importance of choosing the right patient for this organ-specific treatment.
A simple method to estimate renal volume from computed tomography
Authors: Breau Rodney H. , Clark Edward , Bruner Bryan , Cervini Patrick , Atwell Thomas , Knoll Greg , Leibovich Bradley C.
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Renal parenchymal volume can be used clinically to estimate differential renal function. Unfortunately, conventional methods to determine renal volume from computed tomography (CT) are time-consuming or difficult due to software limitations. We evaluated the accuracy of simple renal measurements to estimate renal volume as compared with estimates made using specialized CT volumetric software.Methods: We reviewed 28 patients with contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. Using a standardized technique, one urologist and one urology resident independently measured renal length, lateral diameter and anterior-posterior diameter. Using the ellipsoid method, the products of the linear measurements were compared to 3D volume measurements made by a radiologist using specialized volumetric software.Results: Linear kidney measurements were highly consistent between the urologist and the urology resident (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.97 for length, 0.96 for lateral diameter, and 0.90 for anterior-posterior diameter). Average renal volume was 170 (SD: 36) cm3 using the ellipsoid method compared with 186 (SD37) cm3 using volumetric software, for a mean absolute bias of -15.2 (SD 15.0) cm3 and a relative volume bias of -8.2% (p < 0.001). Thirty-one of 56 (55.3%) estimated volumes were within 10% of the 3D measured volume and 54 of 56 (96.4%) were within 30%.Conclusion: Renal volume can be easily approximated from contrast-enhanced CT scans using the ellipsoid method. These findings may obviate the need for 3D volumetric software analysis in certain cases. Prospective validation is warranted.
Extramedullary hematopoiesis in the adrenal: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Banerji John S. , Ramani Kumar Manoj , Devasia A.
Published: November 2013

Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is common in the spleen, liver and lymph nodes, or in para osseus sites. EMH in the adrenal is rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported. We report the case of a 40-year-old male who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for an incidentally detected adrenal mass. The histology showed extramedullary hematopoesis. In patients with a known history of haemolytic anaemia, an enlarged adrenal gland in an asymptomatic individual could represent extramedullary haematopoesis. A confirmatory biopsy would be all that is necessary to avoid adrenalectomy.
Massive rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy controlled by endoclipping in a patient using ASA
Authors: Özveren Bora , Türkeri Levent
Published: November 2013

A case of severe rectal bleeding following transurethral ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy is reported. Rectal bleeding is considered a minor, transient complication of this standard diagnostic procedure that can usually be controlled successfully by conservative measures. In this case where the patient had been taking acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), massive bleeding required hospitalization and blood transfusions. Conservative treatment attempts were not succesful, and profuse rectal bleeding was eventually treated by colonoscopy and endoclipping of the bleeding vessel. Although generally regarded as a less significant complication, rectal bleeding may rarely be encountered as a life-threatening situation. Furthermore, conservative therapeutic approach to this minor complication may be ineffective in patients taking ASA. Early endoscopic intervention may be necessary to prevent blood transfusion and prolonged hospitalization in severe rectal bleeding after TRUS biopsy.
Simultaneous bilateral subcutaneous pyelovesical bypass as a salvage procedure in refractory retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: Haddad Nicholas , Andonian Sero , Anidjar Maurice
Published: November 2013

Ureteral obstruction causing renal failure is the most common complication associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF). Initial management includes steroid therapy together with ureteral stenting. When these fail, ureterolysis is the recommended surgical procedure. However, this could be challenging and recurrence is common. The aim of the present case series was to assess the feasibility of inserting simultaneous bilateral subcutaneous pyelovesical bypass grafts (SPBGs) in patients presenting with RPF who had failed initial endourologic/surgical management.