bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breeding of the Rook (Corvus frugilegus) in the Czech Silesia – the past and the present / Hnízdění havrana polního (Corvus frugilegus) v Českém Slezsku – historie a současnost
Authors: Praus Libor
Published: November 2015

A historical survey was compiled of Rook (Corvus frugilegus) rookeries in the Moravian- Silesian region based on literature and private data covering period 1945-2015. Altogether, eighteen rookeries have been documented. During the second half of the 20 century the numbers of the Rook population in the Czech Silesia increased slowly from zero to ca. 500 breeding pairs, but the number of rookeries has decreased at the latest after 1990. Since 2000, probably only two local Rook's breeding sites exist in the town of Opava and Ostrava and only Rook's population inhabits Opava seem to be stable. It cannot be excluded that the extinction of the Silesian rookeries in the 1990s is a temporary phenomenon, whose consequence will be a further increase in the mean rookery size in town of Opava.
Contribution to the bryoflora of the Wiśnickie Foothills (Western Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Stebel Adam
Published: November 2015

The paper presents distributional data for 24 liverwort and 94 moss species collected at the Wiśnickie Foothills, including 26 protected and 5 threatened bryophytes
New and interesting records of Bibionomorpha (Diptera) from the Czech and Slovak Republics / Nové a zajímavé nálezy druhů z infrařádu Bibionomorpha (Diptera) pro území České a Slovenské republiky.
Authors: Mantič Michal , Sikora Tomáš , Roháček Jindřich , Ševčík Jan
Published: November 2015

New records of Anisopodidae, Bibionidae, Cecidomyiidae, Keroplatidae and Mycetophilidae (Diptera) are presented from Muránska planina National Park (Slovakia) and the Czech Republic. The material was obtained mainly in the years 2009-2015 by means of Malaise traps and individual collecting. Three species are new to the Czech Republic, 1 to Bohemia, 3 to Moravia & Silesia and 10 to Slovakia. Several additional rare species are also recorded although they do not represent additions to the local faunas.
New records of Anthomyiidae (Diptera) from the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Komzáková Olga , Michelsen Verner
Published: November 2015

Althogether 17 species of the family Anthomyiidae (Diptera) are recorded from the Czech Republic (or Moravia and Bohemia) (16 species) and Slovakia (1 species) for the first time. The most interesting findings are Delia dovreensis Ringdahl 1954 and northamerican species Pegomyia bifurcata Griffiths 1983.
Zooplankton community composition of high mountain lakes in the Tatra Mts., the Alps in North Tyrol, and Scotland: relationship to pH, depth, organic carbon, and chlorophyll-a concentration
Authors: Skála Ivan
Published: November 2015

The European EMERGE (European Mountain lake Ecosystems: Regionalisation, diaGnostic & socio-economic Evaluation) project was a survey of high mountain lakes (above treeline) across Europe using unified methods of sampling and analysis. The sampling was carried out in summer or autumn 2000, and comprised biological samples, and samples for chemical analysis. Data from three lake districts are used in this paper: the Tatra Mts. in Slovakia and Poland (45 lakes), the Alps in Tyrol in Austria (22 lakes), and Scotland (30 lakes). As it is shown by multiple regression analysis, DTOC (dissolved or total organic carbon) is the key variable for most groups of zooplankton. With increasing DTOC and mostly with chlorophyll-a decreasing, pH increasing and depth decreasing, macrofitrators with coarse filter meshes are replaced by microfiltrators with fine filter meshes. Higher DTOC may increase bacterioplankton production and advantage species able to consume bacteria (microfiltrators). Other zooplankton species also differ in their preference for DTOC, chlorophyll-a, pH and depth, but DTOC being positively correlated with chlorophyll-a and pH positively correlated with depth. It may be caused by their different preference for food quality in terms of C:P ratio.
Evolution of convex entire graphs by curvature flows
Authors: Alessandroni Roberta , Sinestrari Carlo
Published: November 2015

We consider the evolution of an entire convex graph in euclidean space with speed given by a symmetric function of the principal curvatures. Under suitable assumptions on the speed and on the initial data, we prove that the solution exists for all times and it remains a graph. In addition, after appropriate rescaling, it converges to a homothetically expanding solution of the flow. In this way, we extend to a class of nonlinear speeds the well known results of Ecker and Huisken for the mean curvature flow.
Marketing and Product Design: A Rocky Love Affair
Authors: Landwehr Jan R. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: November 2015

The success stories of design-oriented companies like Apple, Audi or Nike have put design on the agenda in many marketing departments. Consumers cannot elude the effect of aesthetics and therefore design is a major factor for business success. Typically consumers choose the product with the best design, all other aspects being equal. Only when the interplay of product characteristics, brand and design is carefully coordinated can successful products be created. This requires an integrated approach to design, one which is applied right at the beginning of the value chain. Product development, marketing and design need to work in close cooperation, communicate well and frequently, and collect feedback from the market. Superior aesthetics are always important but should be a top priority in cases where efficiency-oriented Asian competitors are able to offer functionally similar products at much lower prices.
Choosing Beauty and Feeling Good: How Attractive Product Design Increases Self-Affirmation
Authors: Townsend Claudia
Published: November 2015

Consumers construct and maintain self-concepts through the use of branded consumer products. Yet product choice not only reflects an actual or desired image of the self but can also directly influence a person’s sense of self and even boost self-esteem. The aesthetics of a product is an attribute that has the power to transform how consumers perceive themselves. The mere act of choosing a beautiful product over a less good-looking one affirms people’s sense of self - who they are and what their values are. It goes beyond personal image building and self-presentation; its impact is also turned inwards. Choice of high design works as a unique form of affirmation. It works unconsciously, and high design may even be a particularly powerful form of affirmation precisely because its relationship to the self and one’s values is not obvious. And design is more powerful than other features in this respect. Comfort and ease of use, taste and brand do not have the same self-affirming quality as design. It is not simply that “treating” oneself or going for the pleasurable option has an affirming effect; it is specific to the choice of aesthetics.
Synthesis of colletotrichumine A
Authors: Varnava Kyriakos G. , Sperry Jonathan
Published: November 2015

A short synthesis of colletotrichumine A, an oxindole-pyrazine alkaloid isolated from the pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum capsici, is described.
Middle meningeal arteries with and without transdural anastomosis in Moyamoya disease can be distinguished using intraoperative Doppler sonography
Authors: Sato Kimitoshi , Kumabe Toshihiro
Published: November 2015

Transdural anastomosis (TA) from the middle meningeal arteries (MMAs) to the brain is important in maintaining cerebral blood flow in patients with Moyamoya disease. A 16-year-old adolescent girl presented with a transient ischemic attack. Preoperative cerebral angiography revealed TA from the MMA. During surgery, the MMA was exposed on the dural surface directly under the burr hole. Measurement of flow velocity in the MMA with an ultrasonic blood flowmeter revealed increased diastolic flow velocity. As the MMA was assumed to contribute to TA, a new burr hole was made to preserve the MMA, and a bone flap was prepared. Direct and indirect bypass surgeries were performed. Electrocoagulation was not applied to the MMA associated with TA, but the artery was compressed with gelfoam containing fibrin glue to achieve hemostasis. Postoperatively, no evidence of cerebral infarction was detected. Determining which of several MMAs exposed in the surgical field is associated with TA can be difficult. However, measurement of flow velocity with an ultrasonic blood flowmeter to confirm increased flow velocity in the diastolic phase is useful for confirming the presence or absence of TA from the extracranial arteries including the MMA.
Organic farming and cover crops as an alternative to mineral fertilizers to improve soil physical properties
Authors: Sánchez de Cima Diego , Luik Anne , Reintam Endla
Published: November 2015

For testing how cover crops and different fertilization managements affect the soil physical properties in a plough based tillage system, a five-year crop rotation experiment (field pea, white potato, common barley undersown with red clover, red clover, and winter wheat) was set. The rotation was managed under four different farming systems: two conventional: with and without mineral fertilizers and two organic, both with winter cover crops (later ploughed and used as green manure) and one where cattle manure was added yearly. The measurements conducted were penetration resistance, soil water content, porosity, water permeability, and organic carbon. Yearly variations were linked to the number of tillage operations, and a cumulative effect of soil organic carbon in the soil as a result of the different fertilization amendments, organic or mineral. All the systems showed similar tendencies along the three years of study and differences were only found between the control and the other systems. Mineral fertilizers enhanced the overall physical soil conditions due to the higher yield in the system. In the organic systems, cover crops and cattle manure did not have a significant effect on soil physical properties in comparison with the conventional ones, which were kept bare during the winter period. The extra organic matter boosted the positive effect of crop rotation, but the higher number of tillage operations in both organic systems counteracted this effect to a greater or lesser extent.
Fertility treatment and dichorionic discordant twins – are they related?
Authors: Biron-Shental Tal , Many Ariel , Wiser Amir , Shechter-Maor Gil , Sukenik-Halevy Rivka , Berkovitz Arie
Published: November 2015

Objective:

This prospective cohort study evaluated the relationship between fertility treatments and the prevalence and outcomes of dichorionic discordant twins. This issue has gained importance due to twin gestations resulting from fertility treatments.

Study design:

Mothers of dichorionic twin pregnancies achieved in a single fertility clinic by assisted reproduction techniques, who had completed the first trimester of the pregnancy, were prospectively enrolled. Pregnancies with major fetal anomalies were excluded. Data regarding concordant and discordant twins based on the fertility treatments given to achieve the pregnancies were analyzed to determine the prevalence of discordance and pregnancy outcomes.

Results:

A total of 571 dichorionic twin pregnancies were available for evaluation. Fertility treatments modalities, sperm quality and implantation of cultured and thawed embryos did not influence the rate and severity of discordant twins. Increased hospitalization rates were found among discordant (n=108) compared to concordant (n=463) twins (47.2% vs. 31.3%, P<0.0001) and higher rates of betamethasone treatment (65.7% vs. 28.9%, P<0.0001). Secondary analysis of discordant pregnancies with a growth restricted twin, revealed the same results. We found no association between various fertility treatments and twin discordance.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that fertility treatments do not play a major role in the pervasiveness and outcome of discordant twin pregnancies.
Institution Building in Myanmar
Authors: Holliday Ian , Aung Maw Htun , Joelene Cindy
Published: November 2015

Myanmar has long been rigidly centralized. In 2011, however, 14 regional and state assemblies were established. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, this article evaluates the performance of 10 assemblies toward the end of their initial five-year mandate. It finds little evidence of a territorial dispersal of power.
County-Level Determinants of the Spatial Distribution of Taiwanese Direct Investment in Mainland China
Authors: Lu Kelan (Lilly)
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates whether and why the Taiwanese investors in mainland China are pursuing a different location selection strategy from other foreign direct investors. I find that, compared to the general foreign direct investors, Taiwanese direct investors seem to be more dependent on the autonomy of local governments, especially as investment in a locality increases.
Reproducibility blues
Authors: Pulverer Bernd
Published: November 2015

Research findings advance science only if they are significant, reliable and reproducible. Scientists and journals must publish robust data in a way that renders it optimally reproducible. Reproducibility has to be incentivized and supported by the research infrastructure but without dampening innovation.
17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency due to a R96Q mutation causing hypertension and poor breast development
Authors: Deeb Asma , Al Suwaidi Hana , Attia Salima , Al Ameri Ahlam
Published: November 2015

Combined17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency is a rare cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hypogonadism. Hypertension and hypokalemia are essential presenting features. We report an Arab family with four affected XX siblings. The eldest presented with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal malignant mixed germ cell tumour. She was hypertensive and hypogonadal. One sibling presented with headache due to hypertension while the other two siblings were diagnosed with hypertension on a routine school check. A homozygous R96Q missense mutation in P450c17 was detected in the index case who had primary amenorrhea and lack of secondary sexual characters at 17 years. The middle two siblings were identical twins and had no secondary sexual characters at the age of 14. All siblings had hypokalemia, very low level of adrenal androgens, high ACTH and high levels of aldosterone substrates. Treatment was commenced with steroid replacement and puberty induction with estradiol. The index case had surgical tumor resection and chemotherapy. All siblings required antihypertensive treatment and the oldest remained on two antihypertensive medications 12 years after diagnosis. Her breast development remained poor despite adequate hormonal replacement. Combined 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency is a rare condition but might be underdiagnosed. It should be considered in young patients presenting with hypertension, particularly if there is a family history of consanguinity and with more than one affected sibling. Antihypertensive medication might continue to be required despite adequate steroid replacement. Breast development may remain poor in mutations causing complete form of the disease.

Learning points

Endocrine hypertension due to rarer forms of CAH should be considered in children and adolescents, particularly if more than one sibling is affected and in the presence of consanguinity.

17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency is a rare form of CAH but might be underdiagnosed.

Blood pressure measurement should be carried out in all females presenting with hypogonadism.

Anti-hypertensive medications might be required despite adequate steroid replacement.

Initial presenting features might vary within affected members of the same family.

Adverse breast development might be seen in the complete enzyme deficiency forms of the disease.
Eldecalcitol prevents endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal osteoporosis model rats
Authors: Serizawa Kenichi , Yogo Kenji , Tashiro Yoshihito , Takeda Satoshi , Kawasaki Ryohei , Aizawa Ken , Endo Koichi
Published: November 2015

Postmenopausal women have high incidence of cardiovascular events as estrogen deficiency can cause endothelial dysfunction. Vitamin D is reported to be beneficial on endothelial function, but it remains controversial whether vitamin D is effective for endothelial dysfunction under the treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endothelial protective effect of eldecalcitol (ELD) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. ELD (20 ng/kg) was orally administrated five times a week for 4 weeks from 1 day after surgery. After that, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) as an indicator of endothelial function was measured by high-resolution ultrasound in the femoral artery of living rats. ELD ameliorated the reduction of FMD in OVX rats. ELD inhibited the increase in NOX4, nitrotyrosine, and p65 and the decrease in dimer/monomer ratio of nitric oxide synthase in OVX rat femoral arteries. ELD also prevented the decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in femoral arteries and cultured endothelial cells. Although PPARγ is known to inhibit osteoblastogenesis, ELD understandably increased bone mineral density of OVX rats without increase in PPARγ in bone marrow. These results suggest that ELD prevented the deterioration of endothelial function under condition of preventing bone loss in OVX rats. This endothelial protective effect of ELD might be exerted through improvement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling, which is mediated by an antioxidative effect through normalization of vascular PPARγ/NF-κB signaling.
Clinical Challenges on Adhesive Dentistry on its 60th Anniversary
Authors: Sartori Neimar
Published: November 2015

Adhesive dentistry allowed restoring lost tooth structures using Minimally Invasive direct or indirect bonded restorations. Adhesive systems and bonding techniques have been constantly evolving since the introduction of Sevriton Cavity Seal, in 1940 by Oskar Hagger. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of adhesive dentistry in 2015 the future of the Minimally Invasive Adhesive Dentistry is more promising than ever. A better understanding of long-term resin-dentin bonds interaction is guiding the development of materials and techniques that overcome the limitation of current bonding agents and restorative procedures. A brief statement would be stated.

 
Evaluation of Marginal Seal and Microleakage of a Sealant Modified with Silver Nanoparticles in Primary Molars: In Vitro Study
Authors: Morales-Quiroga Elisa , Martínez-Zumarán Alan , Hernández-Sierra Juan Francisco , Pozos-Guillén Amaury
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the marginal seal effectiveness and microleakage of a pit and fissure sealant containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). An experimental in vitro study was carried out using 40 extracted temporary molars without caries or incipient caries. These molars were divided into two groups: Group A (20 molars), to which a silver nanoparticle-containing sealant was applied, and Group B (20 molars), to which a conventional sealant was applied. The marginal seal and microleakage were evaluated. No significant differences in the marginal seal or microleakage were noted between the silver nanoparticle-containing sealant and the conventional sealant.The addition of AgNPs does not alter the adhesion or resistance of the sealant. 
Microbial Leakage of Enterococcus Faecalis of Temporary Restorative Materials in Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Meneses Guzmán José Pablo , Loaiza Azofeifa Evelyn
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any significant difference in average days of Enterococcus faecalis microleakage through the coronal seal of four temporary restorative materials used in endodontics , Cavit® (3M), Duotemp® (Coltène), Clip® (VOCO) y Cimpat L.C® (Septodont). Ninety caries free extracted human premolars were randomly divided into 4 groups after the coronal access preparation; Group 1. Cavit® , Group 2 Duotemp® , Group 3. Clip , Group 4 Cimpat and controls were not restored with any material. Each group were mounted in 24 sterile well plates. Each well contained 2 ml of broth with bromocresol purple indicator 1% glucose. All Samples, except negative controls, were inoculated with E. faecalis in saline 0.85% 10 ^ 6 U / ml. The groups were observed daily for 30 days to detect changes in the indicator color from purple to yellow. ®. Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used with a 95% of confidence. The average days Filtration of materials was 12.50 for Clip®, 12.83 for Cavit®, 13.44 for DuoTemp® and 14.44 for Cimpat LC®. The temporary restorative materials studied shows microbial leakage after 15 days. 
Web Omnidirectional Image Viewer for Field Event Extraction
Authors: Hasegawa Shunichi , Kobayashi Kazuki , Saito Yasunori
Published: November 2015

A Web-based image viewer for observing an omnidirectional image of fields is proposed. Conventional monitoring systems are monitoring a narrow area of fields, and their image viewers are not optimized for comparing accumulated images. We implemented two functions of the viewer to compare images and conducted an experiment to evaluate their performance. The experimental results showed that Time-travel mode, which partially shows another image in a circular region on an omnidirectional image, had a high degree of usability for extracting field events from accumulated images. The proposed system can help farmers capture comprehensive, panoramic views of their farm for field management.
The International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress 2015
Authors: Zinman Bernard ,   Programme Committee Chair of the World Diabetes Congress 2015
Published: November 2015

Bernard Zinman, Programme Committee Chair of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2015, talks about the scientific programme highlights, the experience of attending the Congress and his involvement in diabetes care and research. Bernard Zinman is Director of the Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes and holds the Sam and Judy Pencer Family Chair in Diabetes Research at Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto, Canada. He is Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Senior Scientist at the Samuel Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
The OPT2MISE Study – A Review of the Major Findings and Clinical Implications
Authors: Reznik Yves , Joubert Michael ,   Endocrinology and Diabetes Department, CHU Côte de Nacre, Caen Cedex, France,   Endocrinology and Diabetes Department, CHU Côte de Nacre, Caen Cedex, France
Published: November 2015

Many patients with type 2 diabetes struggle to achieve adequate glucose control despite escalation of therapy including complex insulin regimens with multiple daily injections (MDIs). Previous randomised controlled trials failed to show a significant improvement in glycaemic control with pump therapy over multiple injections. The OPT2MISE study enrolled 495 adult patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes despite an intensified insulin regimen using rapid and slow-acting insulin analogues. After a 2-month run-in period, patients were randomised to switch to pump therapy or to maintain their MDI regimen. After 6 months, patients with pump therapy achieved a better glycaemic control than those who used multiple injections (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] difference of -0.7 %), and twice as many patients reached the target range of 8 % or less in the pump-therapy group compared with the injection group. Patients using pump therapy had a 20 % reduction of their total daily insulin dose. A moderate weight gain was observed with both treatments, and no severe hypoglycaemia nor ketoacidosis occurred in the pump therapy group. Pump therapy may now be considered as a valuable option in type 2 diabetes patients who fail to respond to an intensified insulin regimen.
Management of Turner Syndrome
Authors: Gawlik Aneta ,   Assistant Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland
Published: November 2015

Turner syndrome is one of the most common genetic disorders, affecting one in 2,000–2,500 live-born girls. In order to provide appropriate healthcare, a multi-disciplinary team of closely cooperating endocrinologists, gynaecologists, geneticists, cardiologists, otolaryngologists, fertility specialists, psychologists, nurse educators and social workers is needed.
Progress of Islet Transplantation over the Last 15 Years
Authors: Almehthel Mohammed , Paty Breay W , Thompson David M ,   Clinical Assistant Professor,   Clinical Associate Professor, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada,   Clinical Associate Professor, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Published: November 2015

Diabetes mellitus prevalence is increasing worldwide. Type 1 diabetes (T1DM), which is caused mainly by autoimmune destruction of beta cells, accounts for approximately 5–10 % of all diabetes. Intensive glycemic control has been shown to reduce complications of T1DM. However, this has been difficult to achieve and is usually associated with frequent hypoglycemia. Islet transplantation (IT) has emerged as an acceptable method for the treatment of patients with T1DM who suffer for frequent severe hypoglycemia and/or glycemic lability. Although initial success was limited, improvement in IT has been observed over the last 15 years. The 5-year insulin independence rate approaches 30–50 % in some experienced centers. Even without achieving insulin independence, IT has significant benefits including prevention of hypoglycemia, stabilization of glycemic control, reduction in some complications of diabetes, and improvement in quality of life. Here, we provide a brief review on IT including its history, selection of IT candidates, description, and complications of the procedure and outcomes.
The Thr92AlaD2 Polymorphism May Play a Novel Role in Hypothyroidism
Authors: McAninch Elizabeth A , Bianco Antonio C ,   Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, US,   Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, US
Published: November 2015

The type 2 deiodinase (D2) has an important role in hypothyroidism, where its ability to activate thyroid hormone provides justification for levothyroxine “monotherapy.” A prevalent polymorphism in D2, Thr92AlaD2, has been associated with improved well-being on “combination therapy” with T4+T3; the underlying mechanism is unclear as T4-to-T3 conversion appears normal. Novel studies indicate this might be a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease. If the relationship between Thr92AlaD2-expression and treatment preference is confirmed, personalized medicine may play a role in hypothyroidism.
Exciting Developments in the Medical Management of Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Samson Susan L ,   Associate Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US,   Medical Director, The Pituitary Center, Baylor St Luke’s Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US,   Fellowship Program Director, Department of Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US
Published: November 2015

Until recently, there have been few options for the treatment of patients with Cushing’s disease who have failed surgery or have recurred. With the approval of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) of mifepristone and pasireotide, endocrinologists now have additional therapies they can consider for their Cushing’s disease patients. Each of these medications has its own positive characteristics and adverse effects so that patient-specific characteristics must be taken into account when deciding on a suitable medical therapy.
Selenium and Inflammation— Potential Use and Future Perspectives
Authors: Duntas Leonidas H , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja ,   Professor of Endocrinology, Evgenidion Hospital, Thyroid Unit, University of Athens, Greece,   Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum, Krakow, Poland
Published: November 2015

The essential trace element selenium (Se) is constitutively incorporated as selenocysteine, in proteins, among others in antioxidative selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidase(s) and thioredoxin reductase. Since chronic inflammation is thought to deplete Se stores in the body, Se supplementation should be considered in prolonged inflammatory states, Se being the trace element the most affected in chronic or low-grade inflammation. Se administration might also be beneficial in bacterial and viral diseases as well as metabolic and autoimmune diseases. In order to maintain a Se steady state, or “selenostasis,” Se supplementation, via either diet or compounds, is required to preserve the activity of selenoproteins in antioxidative and redox processes. Importantly, Se could play a pivotal role in the maintenance of homeostasis in infected tissues by inhibiting the proinflammatory toll-like receptor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway and counteracting proinflammatory cytokine action. Finally, while Se status shows considerable promise as a valid marker of inflammatory and autoimmune disease, new functional Se nanoparticles and highly bioavailable selenomethionine compounds will in all probability provide a more efficacious and reliable intervention tool in both preventive and therapeutic disease management.
Determination of strontium content in whole blood and urine by ICP-MS
Authors: Ulanova T.S. , Gileva O.V. , Stenno E.V. , Veikhman G.A. , Nedochitova A.V.
Published: November 2015

Parameters of strontium determination in the whole blood and urine of children living near ore deposits containing up to 20% strontium sulfate have been determined. The average strontium content in the whole blood of two children groups of 109.52±11.07 mg/L and 131.62±12.95 mg/L, significantly exceeded the level in the comparison group 44.2±4.24 mg/L. The average strontium contents of two groups of children in urine were 1252.3±332.2 mg/L and 1341.5±241.8 mg/L, these values were 4.2 and 4.5 times higher than in the comparison group 296.4±61.5 mg/L. The conditions for blood and urine sample preparation were optimized to reduce measure errors and to determine strontium at the reference concentration level. The accuracy of the results has been confirmed by analysis of the standard samples SeronormTM Whole Blood L1, L2, L3 and SeronormTM Urine.
Determination of glutamic acid in biological material by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Narezhnaya E. , Krukier I. , Avrutskaya V. , Degtyareva A. , Igumnova E.A.
Published: November 2015

The conditions for the identification and determination of Glutamic acid by capillary zone electrophoresis without their preliminary derivatization have been optimized. The effect of concentration of buffer electrolyte and pH on determination of Glutamic acid has been investigated. It is shown that the 5 Mm borate buffer concentration and a pH 9.15 are optimal. Quantitative determination of glutamic acid has been carried out using a linear dependence between the concentration of the analyte and the area of the peak. The accuracy and reproducibility of the determination are confirmed by the method “introduced - found”. Glutamic acid has been determined in the placenta homogenate. The duration of analysis doesn’t exceed 30 minutes. The results showed a decrease in the level of glutamic acid in cases of pregnancy complicated by placental insufficiency compared with the physiological, and this fact allows to consider the level of glutamic acid as a possible marker of complicated pregnancy.
An antitumor osteotropic agent based on tumor necrosis factor
Authors: Lebedev L.R. , Danilenko E.D. , Telegina Yu.V. , Zaitsev B.N.
Published: November 2015

A novel drug for treatment of bone metastases based on human recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) has been designed. The drug is a molecular structure containing yeast double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) covered by the conjugate of polyanion dextran with TNF-alpha and bisphosphonate, alendronic acid. The structure is characterized by the combination of substances possessing antitumor activity (TNF-alpha, dsRNA) and a vector molecule (bisphosphonate) providing tropism to hydroxyapatite, the main mineral component of the bone tissue matrix. The conjugation conditions were optimized and the conjugates of TNF-alpha and alendronic acid with dextran were synthesized. Molecular structures were obtained by self-assembly, and the resulting complexes were separated by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-6B. The electrophoretic analysis method revealed decreased mobility of dsRNA in the complex with the conjugate as compared to the mobility of the original dsRNA. This confirms formation of the designed structures. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of particles with sizes of 30-40 nm in the drug. Evaluation by the sorption/desorption method showed a higher affinity of TNF-alpha conjugates to hydroxyapatite as compared to the original TNF-alpha molecules (from 1.0 to 1.8 mol/L vs. 0.3 mol/L of potassium phosphate buffer for desorption, respectively).
Effect of reboxetine on activity of carboxypeptidase E in the nerve tissue of rats
Authors: Kruchinina A.D. , Gengin M.T.
Published: November 2015

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, but its etiology is not completely understood. It is assumed that peptidergic system components are involved in the formation of this pathology. Neuropeptides play an important role in the regulation of mental and emotional states. Сarboxypeptidase E is a key enzyme of peptide processing; it regulates neuropeptide levels in the various structures of the nervous system. We have studied effects of a single dose of reboxetine on the activity of carboxypeptidase E in various brain regions and the adrenal glands of rats. The reboxetine injection decreased carboxypeptidase E activity in the pituitary gland (12 h after injection), in the pituitary gland, the quadrigeminal bodies, the medulla oblongata, the hypothalamus, the hippocampus and the amygdala (24 h after injection), in the pituitary gland and striatum (72 h after injection). The enzyme activity in adrenal glands remained basically unchanged. Apparently, the decrease of carboxypeptidase E activity may influence the level of regulatory peptides involved in the pathogenesis of depression.
Gerenciamento zootécnico na bovinocultura leiteira em regime de economia familiar
Authors: Bett Vanderlei , Silva Frederico Fonseca da
Published: November 2015

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar o gerenciamento da bovinocultura leiteira nas propriedades de economia familiar e traçar estratégias gerenciais para a produção. Neste trabalho foram estudadas três propriedades na região noroeste do Estado do Paraná, classiﬁcadas em alta, média e baixa tecniﬁcação. Foram colhidos dados de manejo geral, nutricional e índices reprodutivos. Na de alta tecniﬁcação o rebanho recebia ração total misturada, com silagem de milho e ração concentrada produzida na fazenda. Após a ordenha eram liberadas para os piquetes formados com grama estrela (Cynodon nlenfuensis). O intervalo entre partos médio do rebanho era de 14,65 meses. Recomendou-se a seleção de animais mais prolíferos. Na propriedade de média tecniﬁcação, a ração foi formulada por um representante comercial, era misturada no chão com auxílio de uma enxada e continha falhas na formulação, pois não fechava em 100%. A exigência de energia líquida para lactação não era suprida, além de outros déﬁcits, reﬂetindo nos índices reprodutivos dos animais. Recomendou-se o fornecimento de dieta cujas exigências eram atendidas. Na propriedade com baixa tecniﬁ cação, a ordenha era realiza manualmente uma vez ao dia. A dieta fornecida possuía déﬁcit de El lac, NDT, PB, frações da proteína e de extrato etéreo. Nesta propriedade recomendou-se a mudança da dieta, plantio de novas forrageiras e a efetiva manutenção das anotações zootécnicas. Concluímos neste estudo que o déﬁcit energético leva ao retardamento da volta ao ciclo no pós-parto das vacas e, conseqüentemente, piora dos índices reprodutivos do rebanho.
Alterações nas características químicas de um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo irrigado com efluente de piscicultura, em ambiente protegido
Authors: Oliveira Hudson Do Vale de , Neto Francisco Bezerra , Azevedo Celicina Maria da Silveira Borges , Lima Cybelle Barbosa e , Gurgel Gabriela Cemirames de Sousa
Published: November 2015

Com o objetivo de verificar as alterações ocorridas nas características químicas do solo irrigado com efluente de piscicultura um experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação. O delineamento estatístico foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial (2x3x2), sendo os tratamentos gerados da combinação de dois tipos de águas de irrigação (poço tubular, efluente de piscicultura), três fontes de fósforo (fosfato natural, fosfato solúvel e controle) e dois substratos (com matéria orgânica e sem matéria orgânica na proporção de 3:1), totalizando 12 tratamentos. O solo utilizado foi um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos, que foram irrigados de acordo com os tratamentos durante 60 dias. Observou-se que as duas fontes de água alteraram as características físico-químicas do solo, porém o efluente de piscicultura proporcionou um maior aumento nos teores dos sais do solo. Aumento nos valores de pH e condutividade elétrica foram observados. Nos tratamentos em que se aplicou a matéria orgânica observou-se um aumento nos cátions trocáveis quando aplicado o efluente de piscicultura.
Levantamento de plantas daninhas em área rotacionada com as culturas da soja, milho e arroz irrigado no cerrado de Roraima
Authors: Cruz Diego Lima de Souza , Rodrigues Guilherme Silva , Dias Flávio De Oliveira , Alves José Maria Arcanjo , Albuquerque José De Anchieta Alves de
Published: November 2015

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho identiﬁcar e quantiﬁcar os níveis de densidade populacional das espécies de plantas daninhas em lavouras de cultivo rotacionado de soja, milho e arroz irrigado no cerrado de Roraima. Por meio da metodologia do quadrado inventário, foi realizada a identiﬁcação e contagem das espécies das plantas daninhas, totalizando 30 amostragens de 1m² cada, dentro de uma área de 120 ha. Apesar de também terem sido observadas em outros levantamentos no Brasil, algumas espécies apresentaram-se em níveis de densidade populacional insigniﬁcante neste levantamento, mesmo assim, não deixam de ser relevantes, uma vez que os prejuízos causados pelas plantas daninhas são inﬂuenciados tanto pela densidade quanto pela capacidade de sobrevivência de cada espécie. O conhecimento da diversidade e quantidade de plantas daninhas na lavoura é o primeiro passo para a efetuação do controle eﬁcaz. Desta forma, evitam-se os gastos desnecessários com produtos inapropriados e diminuem-se os riscos de poluição ambiental advinda do uso incorreto e abusivo dos herbicidas. Foram identiﬁcadas 23 espécies de plantas daninhas distribuídas em 23 gêneros e 15 famílias botânicas. As espécies com maiores populações foram: Lindernia crustacea (288.667 plantas ha-1), Cyperus iria (171.000 plantas ha-1), Arenaria lanuginosa (153.667 plantas ha-1), Euphorbia heterophylla (144.000 plantas ha-1) e Physalis angulata (125.000 plantas ha-1). As famílias com maior ocorrência foram as Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae e Poaceae. Dentre as espécies, 82,60% pertencem à classe botânica das dicotiledôneas.
Seleção de rizobactérias visando o controle biológico da murcha-de-esclerócio em tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum L.).
Authors: Barbosa Rosianne Nara Thomé
Published: November 2015

A murcha-de-esclerócio causada por Sclerotium rolfsii é uma das mais importantes doenças do tomateiro em regiões tropicais. Seu controle é difícil, havendo perspectivas do uso de microrganismos antagônicos, já que medidas convencionais não apresentam eficiência satisfatória. O uso de rizobactérias é uma das alternativas viáveis no controle de doenças e na redução ou substituição do uso de defensivos químicos no controle de doenças de plantas, principalmente causadas por patógenos de solo. O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de selecionar rizobactérias que promovam o controle da murcha-de-esclerócio sem afetar o crescimento das plantas de tomateiro e verificar se o mecanismo de antibiose e a inibição da difusão do ácido oxálico têm relação com a capacidade de controle. Ajustes metodológicos para indução da murcha-de-esclerócio, sem a incitação de ferimentos em plantas de tomateiro, foram realizados previamente utilizando-se 2, 4, 8 e 16 g de arroz colonizado.L-1 incorporados ao solo e 2, 4, 6 e 8 escleródios ou discos de micélio, depositados na superfície do solo. A seleção de rizobactérias foi realizada em casa de vegetação através de seis ciclos de seleção massal, e os melhores isolados foram reavaliados em três experimentos, utilizando-se como variáveis a severidade da doença, altura e matéria seca das plantas. Todos os isolados também foram avaliados por testes de antibiose e inibição da difusão do ácido oxálico in vitro. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que: a incorporação de 8 g de arroz colonizado.L-1 de solo é a concentração e o tipo de inóculo ideal para a inoculação do patógeno, sem incitação de ferimentos; o isolado 38291 foi o único a restringir o desenvolvimento do patógeno in vitro por meio de antibiose e de controlar a murcha-de-esclerócio in vivo. Os isolados 31233, 32238, 33282 e 41296 promoveram controle da murcha-de-esclerócio em casa de vegetação, sem atividade detectável in vitro.
Similaridade da composição hidroquímica das águas freáticas do perímetro irrigado do Baixo Acaraú, Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Andrade Eunice Maia de , Aquino Deodato Nascimento , Crisostomo Lindbergue Araujo , Rodrigues Joseilson Oliveira , Chaves Luiz Carlos Guerreiro
Published: November 2015

Devido ao constante risco de contaminação das águas freáticas pela lixiviação de sais e substâncias tóxicas como resíduos de fertilizantes e pesticidas, torna-se necessário o conhecimento da dinâmica na qualidade das águas, e assim elaborar um planejamento de uso sustentável desse recurso. Tendo-se por base esta premissa elaborou-se uma investigação das águas freáticas do Perímetro Irrigado do Baixo Acaraú (DIBAU) com o objetivo de classiﬁcar a qualidade das águas quanto à sua composição hidroquímica bem como identiﬁcar os elementos determinantes da qualidade das mesmas. As coletas de água foram realizadas mensalmente por um período de 27 meses (dez/2003 a nov/2005; nov/2006 e março e abr/2007) em 10 poços rasos distribuídos aleatoriamente sobre o DIBAU. Neste estudo foram considerados os cátions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ e K+) e os ânions (Cl-, HCO3- e SO4-2). A composição hidroquímica foi deﬁnida pelo do Diagrama de Piper, e a similaridade da qualidade das águas foi efetuada pela análise multivariada (análise de agrupamento). As águas dos poços investigados se agruparam sem apresentar continuidade geográﬁca, sendo o sódio e o cloreto os elementos determinantes dos quatro grupos formados. A similaridade das águas dos poços que formaram o Grupo 4, permitem uma redução no número de poços amostrados, o que minimiza os custos de monitoramento. Embora tenha ocorrido a formação de quatro grupos, pelo Diagrama de Piper, todas as águas foram classiﬁcadas como cloretadas sódicas. A análise de agrupamento identiﬁcou os elementos determinantes de cada grupo, enquanto o Diagrama de Piper classiﬁcou as águas sem identiﬁcar a maior ou menor contribuição de um determinado elemento.
BRS Jaçanã e BRS Tropical: cultivares de arroz irrigado para os sistemas de produção de arroz em várzea de Roraima.
Authors: Cordeiro Antonio Carlos Centeno , Medeiro Roberto Dantas de
Published: November 2015

O programa de melhoramento genético da Embrapa Roraima busca lançar cultivares de arroz que possuam características agronômicas superiores em relação as cultivares comerciais em uso. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar características agronômicas e desempenho produtivo de duas novas cultivares BRS Jaçanã e BRS Tropical, bem como de cultivares de arroz irrigado já recomendadas para cultivo em várzeas de Roraima. Para tal, Ensaios de Valor de Cultivo e Uso (VCU´s) foram conduzidos no período de 2003/04 a 2006/07, em sete ambientes, resultantes da combinação anos x experimentos, no delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Foram coletados dados de produtividade de grãos em kg ha-1, rendimento de grãos inteiros, teor de amilose, temperatura de gelatinização, incidência de centro branco, além dos testes de cocção. Análises de variância individuais e conjuntas foram realizadas para a característica produtividade de grãos e para a comparação das estimativas das médias das cultivares avaliadas foi utilizado o teste de Scott-Knott com significância de 5%. As cultivares BRS Jaçanã e BRS Tropical apresentaram boas produtividades médias, 7.156 e 7.860 kg ha-1, respectivamente, maior tolerância à brusone, grãos de classe longo-fino e de excelentes qualidades industrial e culinária, confirmando serem boas opções para adoção e utilização pelos produtores de arroz irrigado em várzeas de Roraima.
Avaliação de linhagens de arroz irrigado com tipo de grão para a culinária japonesa para o Estado de Roraima.
Authors: Cordeiro Antonio Carlos Centeno , Rangel Paulo Hideo Nakano , Medeiros Roberto Dantas de
Published: November 2015

Em Roraima, o cultivo do arroz representa uma das poucas cadeias produtivas efetivamente estabilizadas, com produção suficiente para abastecer o mercado interno e permitir exportação para outros estados. No entanto, as agroindústrias locais comercializam, basicamente, o arroz branco de classe longo-fino. A diversificação de tipos de grãos, como os demandados para a culinária japonesa cria uma oportunidade de verticalização da produção e propicia aumento de renda já que o preço desse produto chega a ser, em média, duas a três vezes superiores ao tipo local. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o desempenho produtivo e de qualidade de linhagens de arroz irrigado com tipo de grãos para a culinária japonesa, nas condições de cultivo de Roraima. Foram avaliadas, no período de dezembro de 2003 a março de 2004, dez linhagens de arroz irrigado em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Além das características agronômicas foi avaliada a qualidade dos grãos. A linhagem de arroz irrigado CNAi 9903 mostrou-se como a mais adequada em relação à característica de teor de amilose baixo, semelhante à testemunha no teste de cocção, mostrando-se assim, com potencial para uso na culinária japonesa, além boa produtividade e adaptação às condições de cultivo em várzea Roraima.
Proposta de ampliação do programa de coleta seletiva para o município de São Jorge do Ivaí no Estado do Paraná
Authors: Albertin Ricardo Massulo , Moraes Eliene , Silva Frederiso Fonseca da , Corveloni Elida De P. Moraes , De Angelis Neto Generoso , De Angelis Neto Bruno Domingos
Published: November 2015

Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados relativos à proposta para a ampliação do programa de coleta seletiva no município de São Jorge do Ivaí, estado do Paraná, Brasil. A metodologia contempla aplicação de questionário, visita ao barracão de triagem, caracterização gravimétrica de resíduos e confecção de mapa de zoneamento da coleta seletiva. A coleta seletiva atual foi implementada pela prefeitura municipal por meio de um projeto piloto na região central do município. Estima-se a coleta de 1,12 t mensal de resíduos com a participação de 30% da população do município. No entanto, as estimativas aqui realizadas indicam a geração diária de 6,0 t de resíduos sólidos urbanos com 20% (1,18 t diário) passíveis de reaproveitamento e reciclagem. Desse modo, se justifica a ampliação da coleta seletiva no município e as necessidades básicas para a realização dessa implantação são aqui descritas.