bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação do nível de dor femoropatelar, atividade física e qualidade de vida entre adolescentes do sexo feminino e masculino
Authors: Waiteman Marina Cabral , Coura Maira Bergamaschi , Gobbi Cynthia , Briani Ronaldo Valdir , De Oliveira Silva Danilo , De Azevedo Fábio Mícolis
Published: March 2017

Aims: To compare the level of pain, physical activity, and quality of life of female and male adolescents with patellofemoral pain.Methods: A total of 46 female adolescents and 46 male adolescents aged 12 to 18 years were recruited from public and private schools in the town of Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil. To be included in the study, adolescents needed to report knee pain of insidious onset, exacerbated in some activities, and lasting for at least 6 weeks. In addition, adolescents should report worse pain over the previous week of at least 30 mm on the Visual Analog Scale and could not show signs, symptoms or any occurrence of any other knee dysfunction. The participants were requested to mark their self-reported knee pain in the last month on a Visual Analog Scale. The level of physical activity was evaluated by the Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity and the quality of life subscale of the Knee Outcome in Osteoarthritis Survey questionnaire was used to investigate the participants’ quality of life. The independent t-test was used to find differences between the groups regarding the level of physical activity, quality of life, and knee pain.Results: According to the Visual Analog Scale, male adolescents presented a level of knee pain of 5.1±1.4 in the previous month and female adolescents, of 4.4±1.6 (p = 0.029). The physical activity score was 8.8±1.3 for male adolescents and 7.5±1.6 for female ones (p<0.001). The quality of life subscale scores were 77.9±19.0 for adolescent girls and 70.8±13.5 for male adolescents (p=0.042).Conclusions: Among adolescents with patellofemoral pain, males had a higher level of knee pain, higher level of physical activity, and lower quality of life compared to female adolescents.
Congenital toxoplasmosis: perception of knowledge and primary prevention measures among healthcare professionals and pregnant women treated in public healthcare facilities
Authors: De Moura Fernanda Loureiro , Millar Patricia Riddell , Fonseca Ana Beatriz Monteiro , Amendoeira Maria Regina Reis
Published: March 2017

Aims: To evaluate knowledge about toxoplasmosis among pregnant women and healthcare professionals and to evaluate the knowledge acquired by pregnant women after health education actions.  Methods: Five hundred pregnant women and 141 healthcare professionals from health units in Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, answered a questionnaire, received information about toxoplasmosis and had access to an interactive educational model and to folders between 2013 and 2016. After 3 months, 145 pregnant women answered the questionnaire once again.  Results: Of 500 pregnant women, 226 (45.2%) reported having heard about toxoplasmosis. Among these, 23.5% had obtained information from friends and 19.0% from their doctors. About their exposure to risk factors, 6.8% had had contact with cat feces; 14.0% had had contact with soil without gloves; 23.4% had ingested undercooked meat; and 24.0% had drunk unfiltered water from the public supply system. The questionnaires of 145 pregnant women before and after the educational activities were compared and showed that contact with soil without gloves dropped significantly from 11.0% to 4.8% (p = 0.022) while consumption of unfiltered water fell from 26.9% to 20.0% (p < 0.001). Washing foods (62.1%), washing hands (62.1%) and consumption of well-cooked meat (61.4%) were the most widely cited preventive measures. Many mistakes were reported among healthcare professionals, and one nursing technician and 13 community healthcare agents (9.9%) had not heard about toxoplasmosis.  Conclusions: Lack of knowledge about toxoplasmosis by most of the interviewed pregnant women, in addition to the misconceptions observed among healthcare professionals, leads to the conclusion that little importance has been given so far to primary prevention of toxoplasmosis during the prenatal period. Also, health professionals’ inadequate knowledge could be detrimental to secondary prevention, which consists of early detection and treatment of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. In this study, educational intervention contributed to improving knowledge about the transmission and prevention of toxoplasmosis by pregnant women and, to a lesser extent, to reducing exposure to some risk factors.
IDENTIFIKASI INDIKATOR KINERJA PENGELOLAAN PERIKANAN BUDIDAYA YANG BERSIFAT LESTARI
Authors: Koeshendrajana Sonny , Suryawati Siti Hajar , Saptanto Subhechanis , Nasution Zahri
Published: March 2017

Tujuan Riset ini adalah mengembangkan suatu indikator atau tolak ukur yang dapat digunakan untuk mengevaluasi pembaguan perikanan budidaya yang bersifat lestari.
Ameliorative Effects of Cussonia arborea Methanol Root Bark Extract on Histomorphology of Pancreas of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: ABA Patrick E. , ASUZU Isaac U.
Published: March 2017

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine and a metabolic disease resulting from the destruction of pancreatic beta cells; thus assessment of the pancreas in diabetic rats is important in monitoring therapy. The hereby study assessed pancreatic status of diabetic rats treated with methanol root bark extract of Cussonia arborea. A total of seventy two (72) male albino wistar rats weighting between 100-105 g were assigned into six (6) groups of twelve (12) rats per group. Groups 1-5 were diabetic infected by single intraperitoneal injection with alloxan monohydrate, at the dose of 160 mg/kg and treated with 62.5, 125, 250 mg/kg bw of the extract, 2 mg/kg bw glibenclamide and 10 ml/kg distilled water (DW) respectively, while the non diabetic rats, represented by Group 6, received 10 ml/kg DW and served as normal control rats. The treatment was applied daily through the oral route for 84 days. At the end of the experiment, the pancreas organs were acquired under light ether anaesthesia for histomorphometric assessment. The results indicated that the cells of the islet of langerhans of the diabetic untreated rats (Group 5) were severely depleted when compared to that of the normal rats (Group 6). The islet cells of the diabetic rats treated with 125 mg/kg Cussonia arborea extract (Group 2) was comparable to that of the diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (Group 4) and the normal control rats. It was concluded that the methanol extract of C. arborea, especially at the dose of 125 mg/kg, ameliorated pancreatic lesions induced by diabetes occasioned by alloxan.
Effects of Different Water Supply and Corm Planting Density on Crocin, Picrocrocin and Safranal, Nitrogen Uptake and Water Use Efficiency of Saffron Grown in Semi-Arid Region
Authors: KOOCHEKI Alireza , SEYYEDI Seyyed Mohammad
Published: March 2017

Saffron’s color, taste and odor result from the chemicals crocin, picrocrocin and safranal, respectively. Hence, in addition to quantitative yield, secondary metabolites content are known as crucial factors for a successful saffron production. Moreover, enhancing resources efficiency, especially water and nitrogen, is becoming increasingly important for agricultural improvement in arid and semi-arid regions. Thus, the effects of irrigation levels and corm planting on crocin, picrocrocin and safranal content, water use efficiency (WUE) as well as nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of saffron were investigated as a two-year field experiment based on a randomized complete block design arranged in split-plot with three replicates. The irrigation levels (100, 75 and 50% of saffron water requirement) and corm planting pattern (50, 100, 200 and 300 corms m-2) were allocated to main and sub-plots, respectively. Based on the results, crocin and picrocrocin content increased with decreasing irrigation levels. The highest WUES (WUE based on dry stigma yield) was obtained when 50% of saffron water requirement was supplied. However, the lowest WUEC (WUE based on daughter corms yield) and NUEC (NUE based on daughter corms yield) were obtained when 50% of saffron water requirement was applied. Irrespective of irrigation levels, WUES, WUEC and NUEC increased with increasing the planting density. The results demonstrated that although relatively severe water stress increases WUES and secondary metabolites in saffron stigmas, it could decrease WUEC and NUEC through affecting daughter corm growth.
Genetic Differentiation in Moroccan Opuntia ficus-indica Cultivars Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers
Authors: EL FINTI Aissam , TALIBI Driss , SIDKI Mouhamed , MOUSADIK Abdelhamid E.
Published: March 2017

Estimation of genetic parameters at SSR loci can be applied for assessing the differences between cultivars or populations, either for variety distinction or the management of genetic resources. In this study, 13 Opuntia ficus-indica cultivars were analyzed using 10 SSR markers selected for studying the genetic diversity among these chosen cultivars. Over the 10 SSR markers, a total of 45 reproducible bands were scored with an average of 4.5 alleles/locus, while the observed heterozygosity (Ho) values of amplified loci ranged from 0.15 (SSR1) to 0.92 (SSR2 and SSR 11). Genetic distance analysis of the 13 cultivars showed a large genetic differentiation (GST = 0.47) and high number of different groups. Most of the accessions were not found to be clustered according to their eco-geographical origin. In addition, each cultivar was characterized by its own multiallelic combination between loci. The results revealed the usefulness of SSR in understanding of genetic diversity in Moroccans Barbary fig cultivars, thus being helpful to set up rational decisions concerning the establishment of a national reference collection.
Testicular Morphology and Sperm Motility in Cultured African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) at Different Stages of Development
Authors: OKOYE Chidozie Nwabuisi , IGWEBUIKE Udensi Maduabuchi , UDOUMOH Anietie Francis , OKEREKE Chinadindu Tochukwu
Published: March 2017

Testicular morphology and sperm motility were evaluated in cultured Clarias gariepinus (n = 25) purposively assigned to five groups according to their age. The results showed that the testes were paired, elongated, dorso-ventrally flattened structures, situated in the caudal aspects of the body cavity. The mean length of both right and left testes increased linearly with age, being significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 6 months than at 4 and 5 months of age, and also significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 8 months than at 6 months of age, while the mean weight and organo-somatic index of the catfish testes increased linearly until 6 months of age, after which no significant (p > 0.05) increase in the testicular weight and organo-somatic index was observed. Unidirectional progressive movement of spermatozoa was detected in the milt of C. gariepinus at 6, 7 and 8 months of age, but sperm cells were non-motile at 4 and 5 months of age. Histological sections showed seminiferous lobules, whose germinal epithelia were characterized by many cysts enclosing clones of sperm cells. Each cyst enclosed a clone of sperm cells at an identical stage of spermatogenesis. Spermatids and spermatozoa were present in the lumen of the seminiferous lobule. The obtained results indicate that the morphology of the testes of C. gariepinus is similar to the testes of members of the order Siluriformes, but sexual maturity and production of motile spermatozoa may be achieved at 6 months of age in the African catfish.
Comparative Extraction of Chlorophylls in Selected Forest and Savanna Mosses Using Dimethylsulphoxide and Acetone
Authors: AROYEHUN Fisayo S. , MAKINDE Amos M. , ISA Musibau O.
Published: March 2017

The present study compared the extraction of chlorophylls from selected forest mosses (Hyophila involuta and Thuidium gratum) and derived savanna moss (Archidium ohioense) using dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and 80% acetone. The mosses were collected from natural populations found in the Central Campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The chlorophyll extractions process followed standard methods and the absorbance of the extracts were read on spectrophotometer at wavelengths of 645 nm and 663 nm respectively. The data obtained were later subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. The results showed that DMSO was a better chlorophyll extractant for mosses than 80% acetone. Although there were significant differences in the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll a/b ratio and total chlorophyll accumulation within all three species using DMSO and 80% acetone as extractant (P < 0.05), there was no significant difference in the chlorophyll b accumulation of all the three species (P > 0.05).
The Effects of Various LED Light Wavelengths to the Physiological and Morphological Parameters of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) Bertoni
Authors: UCAR Esra , CAGLAYAN Nuri , TURGUT Kenan
Published: March 2017

In this study, it was investigated the growth of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) under various wavelengths of LED lamp (Light Emitting Diodes), which can emit daylight (cool white; 400–700 nm), red (620–630 nm) and blue (465–485 nm) wavelengths of the light in the electromagnetic spectrum. In all applications, quantity of PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) was adjusted as 150 µmol.m-2 s-1. Study had maintained in plant breeding cabin 16 hours light and 8 hours dark environment. Results demonstrated that while the highest plant height was determined in the “30% blue light+ 70% red light” application, the highest stem length was found in the “50% blue light + 50% red light” application. In addition, the number of the stems reached the highest value in the “70% blue light + 30% red light” application. Consequently, a correlation was observed between negative “a” value and the amount of chlorophyll. Because of the hereby obtained results, comparing to other applications, the “50% blue light + 50% red light” was found as the best light application to obtain optimum yield values of stevia.
Introduction Pages
Authors: SESTRAS Radu E.
Published: March 2017

Introduction Pages and Table of Contents
Adaptive Mechanisms in Zilla spinosa and Leptadenia pyrotechnica Plants to Sever Aridity in the Egyptian Deserts
Authors: SALAMA Fawzy Mahmoud , GADALLAH Mohamed Abu El-Ela , SAYED Suzan Abd El-Monem , ABD EL-GALIL Ayat Abd El Monem
Published: March 2017

In the present study two species were selected based on their highest presence values to study the response to the severe drought conditions in desert: these were Zilla spinosa and Leptadenia pyrotechnica. The results showed that soil water content and organic matter of Wadi El-Assiuty were very low over the study period. The estimated pH values in the soil solution at the different studied stands tended to be slight alkaline. Total soluble salts were generally higher during summer versus winter. The water content in the studied plants increased significantly during summer. The selected species increased their content of chlorophyll a and b in summer. The stability index of chlorophyll a and b was significantly higher in summer than that estimated in winter. Calcium and magnesium were accumulated in considerable amounts. Ca+2 was the main accumulated cation whereas its concentration were higher than magnesium. Z. spinosa accumulated more sulphates in summer than in winter. Phosphates appeared in low amounts in all the investigated plants. In L. pyrotechnica tissue, Na+ concentration correlated negatively with those found in soil during summer. In winter Na+ and SO4 correlated positively and K+ correlated negatively in Z. spinosa. The studied species showed slightly increase in soluble sugars accumulation. Soluble protein content in Z. spinosa and L. pyrotechnica decreased significantly during winter season. Amino acids content was low and varied between the two investigated species. It seemed that the Z. spinosa is better adapted than L. pyrotechnica to drought conditions, prevailing in the area under study. This judgement can be concluded by the average metabolic potentiality in the species, whereas soluble metabolites (soluble sugars and soluble proteins) were relatively much higher than in the case of L. pyrotechnica.
Traditional Remedies for Ailments Prevalent Amongst the Thengal-Kacharis of Lakhimpur District, Assam, India
Authors: SAIKIA Ankur Jyoti , PARKASH Vipin
Published: March 2017

Assam, the ‘Gateway of North-East India’, is renowned for its phyto-diversity, myriad ethnic make-up and age-old tradition of indigenous healthcare. This paper documents the indigenous ethno-medicinal knowledge of the Thengal-Kachari tribesmen, who belong to the greater Bodo-Kachari ethnic group, residing in Lakhimpur district of Upper Assam. The information was collected through questionnaires in consultation with the tribal Bej’s (local healers). Plant and animal species were identified with the help of relevant standard literature and presented along with their part(s) used, method(s) of preparation and modes of administration in target diseases. About 30 species of plants, belonging to 22 plant families, and 4 species of animals belonging to 4 animal families, were collected and enumerated for their traditional usage in treatment of 13 diseases. With respect to usage, there were more plant parts (86.49%) utilized than animal parts (13.51%), of which aboveground phyto-biomass was used in bulk (64.71%) quantity, herbs being utilized in major proportion (14). The correlation of ethnomedicinal usage with Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical database evidently points out the medicinal implication of data claimed by this tribe. The present study, thus, underlines the potential for further documentation of such ethno-medicines from local healers from the rest pockets of the region for further phyto-chemical analysis, forestry practices and biodiversity conservation studies pertaining to medicinal plant utilization by this hitherto less studied ethnic group.
Glycaemic, Lipidaemic and Antioxidant Profiles of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Treated with Glibenclamide and Aqueous Extract of Gongronema latifolium (Benth)
Authors: ABA Patrick Emeka
Published: March 2017

The current study investigated the ameliorative effects of combined therapy of glibenclamide and G. latifolium (GL) on several biochemical parameters of alloxaized Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats assigned into 5 groups of 6 rats each were used for the study. Groups 2-5 were intraperitoneally injected with 160 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate and upon establishment of diabetes (Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) ≥ 126 mg/dl) were treated with 10 ml/kg distilled water (DW), 2 mg/kg glibenclamide, 200 mg/kg GL and 2 mg/kg glibenclamide and 200 mg/kg GL respectively. Rats in group 1 were not made diabetic and served as normal control. All the treatments were realized through daily oral route using gastric tube, for 21 days. Results indicated that the treatment of diabetic rats with a combination of glibenclamide and GL significantly reduced the elevated glucose levels, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein and malondialdehyde levels, along with increases in the high density lipoprotein, glutathione values and catalase activities, when compared to diabetic untreated group. It was concluded that the combined therapy of glibenclamide and GL showed superior antihyperglycemic, hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effects compared to either of them used alone.
Distribution of Porcine Haemal Nodes and Morphological Variations in the Haemal Nodes of Cattle and West African Dwarf Goats
Authors: UDOUMOH Anietie Francis , EZEASOR Daniel N. , IGWEBUIKE Udensi Maduabuchi
Published: March 2017

Apparently healthy, non-lactating, non-gravid adult large white pigs (15), adult cattle (10) and adult West African Dwarf (WAD) goats of either genders were used to investigate the morphology of haemal nodes using gross anatomical and histological techniques. The results demonstrated that the haemal nodes of pigs occurred in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic regions along the course of blood vessels. The ranges of the longest diameters of the dark brown organs were 6.1 – 30.3 cm in pigs, 4.1 – 18.7 cm in cattle and 2.7 – 8.2 cm in WAD goats. Bovine haemal nodes showed cortical and medullary parenchymal areas, with the cortex demonstrating primary and secondary lymphoid follicles in a circumferential fashion. The medulla showed blood filled medullary sinusoids and medullary cords. In WAD goat, the reticular cells and smooth muscle cells of the capsule were oriented in different directions and the subcapsular, cortical and medullary sinusoids exhibited erythrocytes in pockets. In conclusion, the present study has provided information on the distribution of haemal nodes in pigs as well as other unique morphological features of cattle and WAD goat haemal nodes that could aid their identification and suggest their roles in the body.
Comparative Analysis of the Genomic DNA Isolation Methods on Inula sp. (Asteraceae)
Authors: SEVİNDİK Emre , COŞKUN Fatih , MURATHAN Zehra Tuğba , PAKSOY Mehmet Yavuz , UZUN Veysel
Published: March 2017

Simple, fast, low-cost and high throughput protocols are required for DNA isolation of plant species. In this study, phenol chloroform isoamyl alcohol and commercial (Sigma) DNA isolation kit methods were applied on some Inula species that belong to Asteraceae family. Genomic DNA amounts, A260, A280, A260/A230 and purity degrees (A260/A280) that were obtained through both methods were measured through electrophoresis and spectrophotometer. Additionally, PCR amplification was realized by primer pairs specific to nrDNA ITS, cpDNA ndhF (972F-1603R) and trnL-F regions. Results showed that maximum genomic DNA in nanograms obtained by phenol chloroform isoamyl alcohol method. The study also revealed that I. macrocephala had the maximum DNA and I. heterolepis had the minimum DNA amount. A260/A280 purity degrees showed that the highest and lowest purity in gDNAs obtained through phenol-choloform isoamyl alcohol method were in I.aucheriana and I. salicina, respectively. The highest and lowest purity degrees of gDNAs obtained through commercial kit was observed in I. fragilis and I. macrocephala samples, respectively. PCR amplification results showed that while band profiles of each three regions (ITS, trnL-F and ndhF) did not yield positive results in PCR amplifications using phenol-choloform isoamyl alcohol method; PCR band profiles obtained through commercial kit yielded positive results. As a result, it is fair to say that the relation of genomic DNA with PCR was found to be more efficient although the maximum amount of genomic DNA was obtained through phenol chloroform isoamyl alcohol method.
Sequence Analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) Region of the Nuclear Ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and Chloroplast trnL-F Region (cpDNA) of Some Lactuca L. (Asteraceae) Species in Turkey
Authors: SEVİNDİK Emre , UZUN Veysel , COŞKUN Fatih
Published: March 2017

In the current study, sequence analysis of some Turkish Lactuca L. species using nrITS DNA and trnL-F cpDNA sequences were performed to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among the taxa under study. Hieracium umbellatum was used as an outgroup. Different plant materials of Lactuca were collected from different parts of Turkey during excursions of summer 2013. Plant materials were either kept in silica gel or kept fresh for immediate DNA isolation. Both phenol chloroform-isoamyl alcohol method and commercial kits were used to extract genomic DNA for PCR reactions. ITS4 and ITS5A primers were utilized for ITS region, while trnLe and trnLf primers were used to amplify the trnL-F region. Obtained DNA sequences were edited both manually and by using BioEdit 7.0.4.1. Sequencing data were aligned via ClustalW program and analyzed using PAUP 4.01b10 software. nrITS sequences varied from 639 nucleotides to 735 nucleotides. Average nucleotide composition for nrITS was 22.1% (T), 27.9% (C), 23.2% (A) and 26.8% (G). It was also found that divergence values differed between 0.0000 and 0.10290. The trnL-F sequences varied from 296 nucleotides to 385 nucleotides. Average nucleotide composition of trnL-F sequences was 34.1% (T), 18.4% (C), 31.6% (A) and 16.0% (G). It was also found that divergence values differed between 0.0000 and 0.09674. Neighbour Joining (NJ) trees were constructed in order to identify the relationships among Lactuca species. Phylogenetic trees based on ITS region were found to be more useful than phylogenetic trees based on trnL-F region. After analysis of the results obtained, the data suggest that Lactuca contains 2 clades, with clade 1 having 2 subclades. These results support the prior phylogenetic studies on Lactuca and hence provide an up to date review of Turkish Lactuca species.
Floral Biology of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.)
Authors: FAYEUN Lawrence Stephen , ODIYI Alexander Chukwunweike , ADEBISI Ayodele Moruf , HAMMED Lateef Akinkunle , OJO David Kolawole
Published: March 2017

Knowledge of floral biology is essential to crop improvement. Ten genotypes of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) were observed for floral morphology, phenology and insect visitation for two consecutive years. Functional dioecy of fluted pumpkin was confirmed, whereas none of the studied genotypes was monoecious. Floral structures differed significantly among the genotypes. Both male and female flowers were symmetrical, pentasepalous, fimbriate and non-bright pentapetalous, but male flowers were more numerous. Male inflorescences emerged from 11 to 14 weeks after planting and the female flower buds appeared about 4 weeks later. The flowering period of the male flowers was longer than that of female flowers and both gender flowering periods coincided for a specific interval. It took between 11 to 14 days from bud initiation to anthesis and flowering ceased when there were occurrences of successful fruits set. In both gender flowers petals started unfurling at around 6.00 pm and full bloom was achieved by dawn, while petal shrivelled at sun set (between 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm). The anthers dehisced at anthesis of the male flowers; the pollen grains were whitish and sticky. Only the male flowers have nectar and pollen and this may explain infrequent female flowers visitation. Hover flies (Cheilosia species) were the major floral visitors observed.
The Growth Response of Several Potato Genotypes (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Induced Water Stress Using Sorbitol and Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: CIOLOCA Mihaela A. , TICAN Andreea M. , IANOŞI Maria , BĂDĂRĂU Carmen L.
Published: March 2017

The current paper aimed to study the in vitro response of potato genotypes to water stress induced by adding sorbitol and polyethylene glycol in the culture medium. The biological material analysed in the experiment was represented by a Romanian line ‘LP 11-1525/1’ and two isogenic lines ‘LI 101’ and ‘LI 102’. For cultures initiation, the line ‘LP 11-1525/1’ was started from meristems and for the other two genotypes true potato seeds were used. The studied potato genotypes behaved differently depending on the analysed parameters and on the treatment applied for drought tolerance. It was noted that the line ‘LP 11-1525/1’ achieved good results for most of the growth parameters studied, and also the lines derived from true potato seeds behaved well, in some cases even exceeding the line derived from meristems. Of the lines derived from true potato seeds, the best performance was noted for line ‘LI 101-6’ in all the analysed parameters, both on sorbitol and PEG medium. In addition, lines ‘LI 101-7’ and ‘LI 102-4’ achieved good results on both variants of medium used to mediate water stress. Therefore, establishing drought tolerance individuals within populations derived from true potato seeds using sorbitol and polyethylene glycol might be applied.
Redo Antireflux Surgery after Failed Fundoplication
Authors: PUIA Ion C. , PUIA Aida , GHEORGHIU Sebastian , CRISTEA Paul G.
Published: March 2017

Redo antireflux surgery is an advanced surgical procedure which encompasses the following usual steps: takedown of the previous fundoplication, repair of the hiatal defect followed by the actual antireﬂux procedure. The aim of our extensive review of current relevant literature is to discuss the indications, techniques, complications and limitations of this surgery. In reoperations, a great percentage of surgeons favor the short floppy Nissen, although partial plications or gastrojejunostomies are also practiced. A shortened esophagus is usually one of several causes for reflux reoccurrence, and requires either an extended periesophageal dissection or a Collis gastroplasty. The surface of the hiatal defect, rather than its diameter, is the most important indication for repair. Many repair variants have been introduced and tested, showing that antireflux surgery is still awaiting ideal prosthetic material, whereas details regarding tailoring, placement and suturing of current meshes are subjects of debate. The most frequent complication is gastric perforation; others include pulmonary or cardiac failure, infections, and acute pancreatitis. Mortality approaches 1% with a procedure success rate of 80%. Thus, due to its complexity and challenges, redo antireflux surgery should be performed by an experienced team in a tertiary center to increase its success rate.
Laparoscopic Enucleation of Benign Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: PUIA Aida , PUIA Ion C. , CRISTEA Paul G.
Published: March 2017

Benign pancreatic tumor enucleations have been performed since 1996. Endocrine tumors (ET) are rare yet they represent about 2/3 of the laparoscopic enucleations, a topic still in debate. Preoperative imaging routinely comprises a CT scan but endoscopic ultrasound is mandatory for localizing the tumor and guided biopsy-aspiration. Trocars have to be positioned to avoid “fencing” with the instruments. A Kocher maneuver may be necessary for accessing deep or posterior tumors. Bipolar electrocautery and harmonic scalpel ensure better hemostasis than the monopolar cautery hook. The raw surface can be covered with hemostatics or fibrin glue. The mean operating time is 2 hours. Forced conversions, due mainly to hemorrhage or insufficient exposure, are rare (9%). Pancreatic fistula, the main postoperative complication, affects up to one third of the patients and does not depend on the choice of dissection instruments, management of the remaining cavity or somatostatin use. A risk factor is the location of the tumor at less than 2mm from the main pancreatic duct. Necrotic pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocyst and duodenal fistula contribute to a surgical morbidity of 60%. Although safe and technically feasible enucleation still has to be considered a low mortality but high morbidity procedure.
Renal Tubular Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase NEDD4-2 Is Required for Renal Adaptation during Long-Term Potassium Depletion
Authors: Al-Qusairi Lama , Basquin Denis , Roy Ankita , Rajaram Renuga Devi , Maillard Marc P. , Subramanya Arohan R. , Staub Olivier
Published: March 2017

Adaptation of the organism to potassium (K+) deficiency requires precise coordination among organs involved in K+ homeostasis, including muscle, liver, and kidney. How the latter performs functional and molecular changes to ensure K+ retention is not well understood. Here, we investigated the role of ubiquitin-protein ligase NEDD4-2, which negatively regulates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC), and with no-lysine-kinase 1 (WNK1). After dietary K+ restriction for 2 weeks, compared with control littermates, inducible renal tubular NEDD4-2 knockout (Nedd4LPax8/LC1
) mice exhibited severe hypokalemia and urinary K+ wasting. Notably, expression of the ROMK K+ channel did not change in the distal convoluted tubule and decreased slightly in the cortical/medullary collecting duct, whereas BK channel abundance increased in principal cells of the connecting tubule/collecting ducts. However, K+ restriction also enhanced ENaC expression in Nedd4LPax8/LC1
mice, and treatment with the ENaC inhibitor, benzamil, reversed excessive K+ wasting. Moreover, K+ restriction increased WNK1 and WNK4 expression and enhanced SPAK-mediated NCC phosphorylation in Nedd4LPax8/LC1
mice, with no change in total NCC. We propose a mechanism in which NEDD4-2 deficiency exacerbates hypokalemia during dietary K+ restriction primarily through direct upregulation of ENaC, whereas increased BK channel expression has a less significant role. These changes outweigh the compensatory antikaliuretic effects of diminished ROMK expression, increased NCC phosphorylation, and enhanced WNK pathway activity in the distal convoluted tubule. Thus, NEDD4-2 has a crucial role in K+ conservation through direct and indirect effects on ENaC, distal nephron K+ channels, and WNK signaling.
The need for eye protection during general anaesthesia and the efficacy of various eye protection methods
Authors: George Twinkle Ann , Abraham Biju , George Nikhil
Published: March 2017

Background: Patients undergoing prolonged non-ocular surgery with general anaesthesia may develop ocular complications. Previous studies suggested that prophylactic ocular care should include prevention of mechanical exposure of cornea and replacement of deficient tears.Methods: To assess the basal tear volume with various eye protection methods during general anaesthesia so as to find the need of eye protection and also to compare and assess the efficacy of lid taping with hypo allergenic adhesive surgical paper tape, paraffin based lubricant eye ointment, 2% hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose tear substitute ointment and combinations of these ointments with lid taping as eye protection methods during general anaesthesia, the study was conducted in a tertiary care centre during the period of 1 year among 200 patients (400 eyes) undergoing general anaesthesia. After obtaining written informed consent they were subdivided into four groups of fifty patients each by randomization. A multiple cross over design with four groups each divided into two sub groups for eye protection methods was done. Corneal staining by fluorescein and basal tear volume assessment by Schirmer’s test were done pre-and postoperatively. Significance is assessed at 5 % level of significance. Student t test (two tailed, dependent) has been used to find the significance of study parameters (schirmer’s test score) on continuous scale within each group.Results: The percentage of difference of schirmer’s test score pre-and post-operatively were almost the same in all methods.Conclusions: Eye protection is mandatory in all cases under general anaesthesia. There was almost equal effectiveness for all eye protection methods analysed.
A radiological study of ossification at the lower end of humerus for age estimation among boys in Central Karnataka, India
Authors: Choudhary Umesh , Kumar Saroj , Singh Anand , Bharti Priyanka
Published: March 2017

Background: The earlier studies which were conducted across the world on long bones to know the age reveal that there is no uniform sequence for the epiphyseal union of long bones in different countries or different places in the same country. To ascertain this in Central Karnataka, India present study was done.Methods: A radiological study of lower end of Humerus was conducted on total 100 boys of age group 11–20 years from different schools and colleges of Chitradurga district of central Karnataka, India. The radiographs were studied in detail and the findings were recorded.Results: Fusion of epiphyseal centre of lateral epicondyle with that of Capitulum was seen between 12–15 years. Fusion of epiphyseal centre of Capitulum with that of Trochlea was seen between 12–15 years. Fusion of conjoint epiphysis with the shaft was seen between 12–16 years. Fusion of epiphyseal centre of medial epicondyle with shaft was seen between 14-17 years.Conclusions: In general, fusion of epiphysis occurs around 12-17 years.
Evaluation of postoperative pain relief with intra-peritoneal bupivacaine instillation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy- a randomized control study
Authors: Agrawal Saurabh , Pai Srinivas
Published: March 2017

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the surgical procedure of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis due to the improved postoperative course, but patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the first 24 hours postoperatively complaints of pain. This study was designed to study the efficacy of intraperitoneal bupivacaine in reducing the initial postoperative pain and also to evaluate the postoperative shoulder tip pain, nausea and vomiting.Methods: Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into two groups the, study group received intraperitoneal bupivacaine 100mg at the end of the procedure and the control group received intraperitoneal saline. Post operatively patients were assessed for pulse rate, blood pressure, VAS, VRS, shoulder pain and nausea and vomiting at 0, 2, 6 and 24 hours.Results: Among the 50 patients studied, our study proved that there is no statistical significant reduction in pain with intraperitoneal bupivacaine. The VAS at 0, 2, 6 and 24 hours calculated with non-significant p-value of 0.85,0.29, 0.72 and 0.64 respectively and the VRS had p-value of 0.16, 0.08, 0.59 and 0.46 respectively and the doses of rescue analgesia consumed had p value of 0 .67, 0.61 and 0.70 which were not significant statistically.Conclusions: Instillation of 100mg bupivacaine did not significantly reduce the need for tramadol compared with saline.
Profile of sexually transmitted infections among males in a South Indian suburban tertiary care teaching hospital: a one year retrospective study
Authors: Ramakrishnan Ramachandran , Narasimhan Murali , Donald Fernandes Soosai
Published: March 2017

Background: The profile of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is variable due to changes in socio-economic, cultural, geographic & environmental factors in different parts of the country. However, baseline information about the epidemiology of STIs remains essential for designing, implementing and monitoring of successful targeted interventions. The study was conducted with the aim to study the frequency of various STIs among male patients attending the STI outpatient department (OPD) of our hospital during a period of one year.

Methods: This is a retrospective study, wherein data collected from January 2016 to December 2016 regarding male attendees to STI clinic in our hospital was used to assess the occurrence of various STIs among male patients during that period.

Results: Among the study group (266), most common STI was scabies (33.83%) followed by balanoposthitis (33.08%) and anogenital warts (10.9%). It was also noted that 71% of scabies occurrence was during Jan to April and then December, compared to other months. Early syphilis (Primary/secondary) was detected in 3 subjects. Syphilis occurrence was lower than data from some previous Indian studies.

Conclusions: There is considerable variation in the incidence of STIs among various regions of our country. There is also a change in occurrence of various STIs over last 2 decades. The reasons could include over-the-counter antibiotic use and more frequent use of antibiotics for other diseases than in the past.
A method for digital renal scintigram analysis based on brightness and geometric features
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Gaidel A. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute of the RAS–Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Khramov A. ,   Samara National Research University, Kapishnikov A. ,   Samara State Medical University, Kolsanov A. ,   Samara State Medical University, Pyshkina Yu. ,   Samara State Medical University
Published: March 2017

We proposed a method of automated scintigram image processing enabling an objective evaluation of the renal parenchyma condition to be made based on scintigram brightness and geometric characteristics with threshold processing. We studied the method using a set of real radionuclide images of a renal transplant. The results of clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of the developed method. We obtained objective numerical values associated with thresholding the image from 40% to 80%, based on which one can form an independent assessment of the presence or absence of focal lesions in the renal parenchyma.
Abnormal behaviour detection method for video surveillance applications
Authors:   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Shatalin R. , Fidelman V. ,   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Ovchinnikov P. ,   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we propose novel method for abnormal behavior detection in the video surveillance. The method constructs a normal behavior model using training samples, which makes possible application in a wide range of conditions and scenes. The method was tested in controlled and real conditions. The result shows that the method can be used to detect abnormal behavior in simple and crowded scenes.
Human localization in video frames using a growing neural gas algorithm and fuzzy inference
Authors:   Komsomolsk-on-Amur State Technical University, Amosov O. , Ivanov Y. ,   Komsomolsk-on-Amur State Technical University, Zhiganov S. ,   Komsomolsk-on-Amur State Technical University
Published: March 2017

A problem of human body localization in video frames using growing neural gas and feature description based on the Histograms of Oriented Gradients is solved. The original neuro-fuzzy model of growing neural gas for reinforcement learning (GNG-FIS) is used as a basis of the algorithm. A modification of the GNG-FIS algorithm using a two-pass training with fuzzy remarking of classes and building of a heat map is also proposed. As follows from the experiments, the index of the correct localizations of the developed classifier from 90.5% to 93.2%, depending on the conditions of the scene, that allows the use of the algorithm in real systems of situational video analytics.
Thin metalens with high numerical aperture
Authors:   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS, – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Kotlyar V. ,   Samara National Research University, Nalimov A. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS, – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Stafeev S. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS, – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, O'Faolain L. ,   SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy of the University of St. Andrews, Kotlyar M. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: March 2017

We designed, numerically simulated, fabricated and characterized a thin metalens in an amorphous silicon film. The lens has a diameter of 30 µm, a 633-nm focal length equal to the incident wavelength, a 220-nm period of the subwavelength features, and a 110-nm relief depth. The lens simultaneously controls the phase and polarization of the incident laser light, transforming linear polarization into the radial one and generating a sharp focus. The metalens was fabricated using electron lithography and reactive ion etching. The focal spot obtained from an incident linearly polarized Gaussian beam of wavelength λ measured 0.49λ and 0.55λ on the x- and y-axes. This is a record-breaking focal spot ever obtained using metalenses. Experimental results agree well with the numerically simulated focal spot size of 0.46λ and 0.52λ.
Hydrogen sulfide generation from L-cysteine in the human glioblastoma-astrocytoma U-87 MG and neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cell lines
Authors: Wróbel Maria , Bronowicka-Adamska Patrycja , Bentke Anna
Published: March 2017

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is endogenously synthesized from L-cysteine in reactions catalyzed by cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS, EC 4.2.1.22) and gamma-cystathionase (CSE, EC 4.4.1.1). The role of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST, EC 2.8.1.2) in H2S generation is also considered; it could be important for tissues with low CTH activity, e.g. cells of the nervous system. The expression and the activity of CBS, CTH, and MPST have been detected in the human glioblastoma-astrocytoma (U-87 MG) and neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cell lines. In both the cell lines, the expression and activity of MPST were the highest among the investigated enzymes, suggesting its possible role in the generation of H2S. The RP-HPLC method was used to determine cystathionine and alpha-ketobutyrate, products of the CBS and CTH-catalyzed reactions. A difference in cystathionine levels between cell homogenates with totally CTH-inhibiting concentrations of DL-propargylglycine and without the inhibitor was employed to evaluate the activity of CBS. A higher expression and the activities of the CBS, CTH, MPST in the neuroblastoma cells were associated with more an intensive generation of H2S in the presence of 2mM cysteine. A threefold higher level of sulfane sulfur, a potential source of hydrogen sulfide, was detected in the astrocytoma cells in comparison to the neuroblastoma cells.
Topical Application of Josamycin Inhibits Development of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice
Authors: Matsui Katsuhiko , Tachioka Kanta , Onodera Kei , Ikeda Reiko
Published: March 2017

Background: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have superficial skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus and an increased number of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells in their peripheral blood. Our previous study showed that josamycin, a macrolide antibiotic, had excellent bactericidal activity against S. aureus strains isolated from AD patients and simultaneously inhibited Th1 and Th2 cell development mediated by Langerhans cells. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of josamycin on AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Methods: Josamycin (0.1%) was topically administered to NC/Nga mice with AD-like skin lesions induced by 2, 4, 6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB). The therapeutic effects of josamycin were assessed by measurement of the skin severity scores, histological changes in the lesioned skin, serum levels of total IgE, and expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 in lymph nodes and skin lesions. Results: Topical treatment with josamycin significantly suppressed the increase in the skin severity score in NC/Nga mice. This suppressive effect was equal to that of betamethasone, and was associated with a decrease in the density of cellular infiltration into the dermis, the mast cell count in the dermis and the serum IgE level. Furthermore, topical application of josamycin reduced the expression of IFN-γ and IL-4 in auricular lymph node cells and the skin lesions. Conclusion: The present results show that topical application of josamycin inhibits the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. This suggests that topical application of josamycin to AD lesions colonized by S. aureus would be beneficial for control of AD by acting on superficially located S. aureus and by inhibiting the development of Th1 and Th2 cells.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.