bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical relationships among areas of endemism in the tropical South America using Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA)
Authors: Sigrist Mário Sérgio , Carvalho Claudio José Barros de
Published: March 2010

Areas of endemism are the smallest units of biogeographical analysis. One of its definitions is that these areas harbor organisms with restricted distributions caused by non random historical factors. The aim of this study was to examine historical relationships among areas of endemism in the Neotropics using Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA). We applied BPA to 12 unrelated taxa distributed within two sets of endemic areas in order to: (1) compare the proposed endemic area classifications; (2) examine whether Amazonia and Atlantic Forest are true biogeographic units and, (3) examine whether the inclusion of open area formations influence area relationships of the surrounding forests. General area cladograms revealed a basal split between Amazonian and Atlantic forests, suggesting that these areas have been isolated for a long period of time. All Atlantic forest endemic areas formed a monophyletic cluster, showing a sequence of vicariant events from north to south. The hypothesis that Amazonia is a composite area, made up of different historical units, is herein corroborated. When Cerrado and Caatinga (grasslands and savannas) are included, internal area relationships within Amazonia change, indicating that area classification schemes comprising forests and open formations should be preferred given the complementary history of these areas.
Trichomyia quimbaya, una nueva especie de Trichomyiinae (Diptera: Psychodidae) de la Cordillera Central de Colombia
Authors: Bejarano Eduar Elías , Pérez-Doria Alveiro , Sierra Diana
Published: March 2010

Trichomyia quimbaya sp. nov. es descrita e ilustrada con base en un ejemplar macho recolectado con una trampa de luz CDC, en la zona cafetera de la Cordillera Central de Colombia. Ésta se diferencia fácilmente de otras especies de Trichomyia por las prolongaciones digitiformes prominentes del gonocoxito, que terminan en espinas largas con el ápice orientado hacia adentro.
Gomphonema Ehrenberg e Gomphosphenia Lange-Bertalot (Bacillariophyceae) do Rio Maurício, Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Tremarin Priscila Izabel , Bertolli Lucielle Merlym , Faria Denise Matias de , Costin Júlio César , Ludwig Thelma Alvim Veiga
Published: March 2010

Pouco se conhece sobre a biogeografia e variabilidade morfológica das espécies de Gomphonema e Gomphosphenia no Brasil. Gomphonema é um gênero bem representado em riqueza e abundância na flora algal perifítica, principalmente pela secreção de mucilagem pelo campo de poros, o que facilita a adesão das células aos substratos. As amostras analisadas foram removidas das porções vegetativas de Potamogeton polygonus Chamess. & Schltdl. e Egeria densa Planch., macrófitas coletadas no Rio Maurício, localizado no município de Fazenda Rio Grande, Paraná. A análise qualitativa do material resultou na determinação de 20 táxons. Onze espécies de Gomphonema e o gênero Gomphosphenia constituíram citações pioneiras para o Paraná. Os resultados de observações da ultra-estrutura de algumas espécies foi adicionado. A variabilidade do contorno valvar e os detalhes ultra-estruturais justificam futuras revisões taxonômicas de algumas espécies correlatas, como: G. gracile e Gomphonema sp.5, G. contraturris e G. salae, G. capitatum e G. laticollum.
Flora vascular não-arbórea de uma floresta de grota na Serra da Mantiqueira, Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Menini Neto Luiz , Matozinhos Carolina Nazareth , Abreu Narjara Lopes de , Valente Arthur Sérgio Mouço , Antunes Kelly , Souza Filipe Soares de , Viana Pedro Lage , Salimena Fátima Regina Gonçalves
Published: March 2010

A região da Serra Negra constitui um importante remanescente de floresta atlântica situado no sul da Zona da Mata mineira, na Serra da Mantiqueira, composta por um mosaico de campos rupestres (nos afloramentos de quartzito) a arbustais nebulares, florestas estacionais semideciduifólias a perenifólias e florestas nebulares, de ambientes inferomontanos a superomontanos ripícolas a interfluviais. A área de estudo é um fragmento de floresta de grota (floresta perenifólia ripícola), de aproximadamente 0,9 ha, situada no Cânion do Ribeirão do Funil, na Vila do Funil, município de Rio Preto, localizada no sul da Serra Negra. O presente trabalho foi realizado entre os anos de 2004 e 2009 e teve como objetivos o conhecimento da flora vascular não-arbórea, a discussão dos hábitos e habitats das plantas e a descrição da fisionomia do fragmento. Foram registrados 157 táxons de plantas vasculares (sendo 41 pteridófitas e 116 angiospermas), pertencentes a 48 famílias (10 de pteridófitas e 38 de angiospermas). As famílias de maior riqueza específica foram Orchidaceae, dentre as angiospermas, com 27 espécies e Pteridaceae, dentre as pteridófitas, apresentando 11 espécies. O hábito mais representativo foi o herbáceo (124 spp.), destacando-se as espécies epífitas (42 spp.), que perfazem cerca de 25% de todas as espécies registradas na área. Doze espécies estão incluídas na lista de espécies ameaçadas de extinção no estado de Minas Gerais (duas pteridófitas e 10 angiospermas). O elevado número de espécies encontradas em uma área consideravelmente pequena ressalta a importância deste fragmento para a diversidade da Serra Negra e aponta para a necessidade de implantação de um plano de ação para sua conservação.
Demersal ichthyofauna of the inner continental shelf off Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Moraes Leonardo Evangelista , Romero Renato de Mei , Rocha Gecely Rodrigues Alves , Moura Rodrigo Leão de
Published: March 2010

We present an inventory of demersal fishes from the inner continental shelf off Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. Three sites were sampled monthly, between March 2003 and February 2005, with standardized bottom trawls (30 minutes, 16 m depth, 22/16 mm mesh). A total of 7.857 specimens were captured, belonging to three species of Chondrichthyes and 95 species of Actinopterygii (77 genera and 40 families). The occurrence of Ampharius phrygiatus represents a southern range extension for this species, which was previously known only from the narrow coastal stretch between Guyana and Maranhão State (Brazil). The record of Synodus poeyi represents the first record of this species in Brazil and in the South Atlantic, as it was previously recorded only in the Caribbean. The general structure of the demersal fish assemblage is described and commented upon.
Mastofauna de médio e grande porte na RPPN da UNISC, RS, Brasil
Authors: Abreu Júnior Edson Fiedler de , Köhler Andreas
Published: March 2010

Buscou-se com este trabalho inventariar a mastofauna da RPPN da UNISC, contribuindo com dados a respeito da ocorrência e distribuição de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte na Região da Serra Geral do Rio Grande do Sul. As amostragens de campo realizaram-se nos meses de novembro de 2008 a abril de 2009, porém, foram acrescentados registros tomados anteriormente. Utilizou-se os métodos de busca visual e de armadilhas fotográficas. Foram obtidos registros de 16 espécies de mamíferos silvestres, pertencentes a 12 famílias e seis ordens: dois Didelphimorphia, um Xenarthra, dois Primates, seis Carnivora, um Artiodactyla e quatro Rodentia. Duas espécies não foram registradas nas amostragens padronizadas, conseqüentemente não submetidas às análises de constância de ocorrência e ocupação espacial. O índice de constância de ocorrência revelou que seis espécies foram consideradas ocasionais, sete acessórias e apenas uma constante, Cerdocyon thous. A análise da ocupação espacial das espécies demonstrou que nove espécies (64%) são especialistas, quanto ao habitat ocupado, e cinco (36%) generalistas. A análise das categorias de dieta evidenciou que sete espécies são onívoras (43,75%), quatro frugívoras (25%), três carnívoras (18,75%) e duas herbívoras (12,5%). Do total das 16 espécies silvestres, sete aparecem em algum nível de ameaça de extinção no Rio Grande do Sul, uma encontra-se ameaçada nacionalmente e duas estão definidas como "quase ameaçada" em âmbito mundial. O enquadramento de 44% das espécies em alguma categoria de ameaça de extinção enaltece a importância da RPPN para a preservação da mastofauna regional.
Inventory of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Insecta) of the Campos do Jordão State Park, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Spies Marcia Regina , Froehlich Claudio Gilberto
Published: March 2010

Due to the incipient state of knowledge of the caddisflies of Brazil, faunistic inventories are extremely important. An inventory of the Trichoptera fauna of Campos do Jordão State Park (CJSP), São Paulo State, based on adults and larvae, is presented here, as well as comments on its taxonomic composition and the implications this poses for the value of conserving the Araucaria Forest. The samples were taken between August 2005 and February 2007. Larvae were collected with a Surber sampler in several kinds of mesohabitats, in 1st to 4th order streams throughout CJSP. Adults were sampled with light and Malaise traps, and also entomological nets. In all, 40 genera of Trichoptera belonging to 15 families were recorded. The CJSP fauna include 60% of the genera and 93% of the families reported from Brazil. Despite the high richness recorded, the cumulative curve for genera was still rising, indicating the possibility of a further increase with additional sampling effort. The high caddisflies richness, as well as the records of rare South American genera, may be related to peculiarities of the Serra da Mantiqueira, which seems to have maintained the habitat and climatic characteristics necessary to allow the survival of a Gondwanan relict of Araucaria moist forest, a hypothesis reinforced by the finding of relictual genera with a Gondwanan distribution, such as Neoatriplectides and Tolhuaca.
Anuran captured in pitfall traps in three agrossystem in Northwestern São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Silva Fernando Rodrigues da , Santos Rodrigo Souza , Nunes Maria Andréia , Rossa-Feres Denise de Cerqueira
Published: March 2010

Although it is generally assumed that agriculture negatively influences amphibian populations, few studies on the effects of agricultural cultivations on neotropical anuran have been conducted. As a contribution to the knowledge about anuran in agriculture, the present study sought to identify the anuran species present in three different agrossystems. We used data from anurans captured in pitfall traps initially proposed for a survey of harvestmen fauna in three agrossystems (corn, soybean, and rubber tree). Four anuran species found in the pitfall traps belong to two Families: Leptodactylidae: Leptodactulus fuscus and L. mystacinus; and Leiuperidae: Eupemphix nattereri and Physalaemus cuvieri. In corn plantation, four species and 30 individuals were captured; in rubber trees, four species and 11 individuals; and in soybeans plantation, tree species and eight individuals. Our results show that anurans are present in agrossystems, mainly the generalist anuran species.
Primeiro registro do uso de Bromeliaceae por Elachistocleis ovalis (Schneider, 1799) (Anura: Microhylidae)
Authors: Andrade Edson Victor Euclides de , Albertim Keitz Moura , Moura Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de
Published: March 2010

Registra-se o uso de bromélias de solo por três indivíduos de Elachistocleis ovalis em um remanescente de Mata Atlântica do Nordeste Brasileiro. Os animais ocuparam as axilas das folhas de base, os mesmos indivíduos foram encontrados nas mesmas axilas mais de uma vez, no período diurno e no noturno. A espécie Elachistocleis ovalis é típica de solo, e não há registro anterior de uso de bromélias por esta espécie. Aparentemente a axila da bromélia serve como abrigo não apenas durante o dia, mas também à noite, nos momentos em que a espécie não estiver em atividade.
Distribution extension and sympatric occurrence of Gracilinanus agilis and G. microtarsus (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), with cytogenetic notes
Authors: Geise Lena , Astúa Diego
Published: March 2010

Gracilinanus microtarsus, from the Atlantic Forest and G. agilis, widespread in central Brazil in the Cerrado and in the northeastern Caatinga are two small Neotropical arboreal opossum species not frequently recorded in simpatry. Here we report eight G. agilis specimens from three localities and 17 G. microtarsus, from 10 localities, all in Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia states. Species proper identification followed diagnostic characters as appearance of dorsum pelage, ocular-mark, ears and tail lengths and size proportion of the posteromedial vacuities in cranium. Chromosomes in metaphases of five specimens were obtained for both species. Our records extend the previous known geographical distribution of G. microtarsus to Chapada Diamantina, in Bahia State and report the occurrence of both species in simpatry. G. microtarsus, in coastal area, was captured in dense ombrophilous and in semideciduous forests, in deciduous seasonal forest and Cerradão in Chapada Diamantina. G. agilis was recorded in gallery forests of Cerrado and very green and dense bush formation of Caatinga. Autosomal complement showed the same diploid and autosomal number already described for both species (2n = 14, NA = 24). Measurements are according to those given in literature and pelage characteristics were useful for the correct species identification. Here we report both G. agilis, described to be endemic to the Cerrado/Caatinga, in opposite to G. microtarsus, considered to be endemic to Atlantic Forest occurring in simpatry in two localities of the Cerrado. Such results indicates that long term trapping effort are necessary to a better definition of species taxonomy, distribution patterns along time and comprehensive understanding how anthropic environmental changes can be interfering in their evolutionary history.
Nuevos registros de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae), con el hallazgode Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), en los alrededoresde la Ciudad de Sincelejo, Colombia
Authors: Vivero Rafael José , Bejarano Eduar Elías , Pérez-Doria Alveiro , Flórez Fernando , Estrada Luis Gregorio , Torres Carolina , Muskus Carlos
Published: March 2010

Se registra por primera vez, para la Costa Caribe de Colombia, la presencia de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), L. shannoni (Dyar, 1929), L. micropyga (Mangabeira, 1942) y L. atroclavata (Knab, 1913), en los alrededores de un núcleo urbano. Los flebotomíneos se recolectaron mediante búsqueda activa con trampas de succión y aspiradores bucales en árboles, en las proximidades de la ciudad de Sincelejo, capital del departamento de Sucre. Se enfatiza en las posibles implicaciones que se pueden derivar del hallazgo de L. longipalpis, debido a la capacidad vectorial de este flebotomíneo, vector natural de Leishmania infantum Nicolle, 1908, en América.
New records of Bentharca asperula (Dall, 1881) (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Arcidae) from Brazil
Authors: Passos Flávio Dias , Birman Adolpho
Published: March 2010

Specimens of Bentharca asperula (Dall, 1881) were obtained from deep waters of the coasts of the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo States, and their shells described, illustrated and compared with descriptions and illustrations obtained from the literature. This species has a small strongly inequilateral shell, trapezoidal in outline and expanded ventro-posteriorly; their umbos are placed at about 1/3 of the anterior length of their straight hinge line. The external sculpture consists of irregular spaced concentric ridges, intercepted by fine radiating striae; the periostracum is hairy, forming a cover as a thatch. Hinge teeth are small, disposed in two series interrupted by the ligament. With this finding of living specimens from the Bacia de Campos, the distribution of B. asperula can now be extended in the Brazilian coast, confirming its wide spread in the Atlantic Ocean.
Reprodução da ave piru-piru (Haematopus palliatus, Temminck 1820, Haematopodidae) no litoral sul do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Barbieri Edison , Delchiaro Roberta Tonolli Chiavone
Published: March 2010

Esta nota registra a ocorrência e nidificação do Haematopus palliatus na costa sul do Estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram obtidos de observações diretas dos ninhos no período de agosto de 2005 a dezembro de 2008. Um total de 22 ninhos, cada um com dois ovos, foram monitorados, incluindo 20 na Ilha Comprida e dois na Ilha do Cardoso. Destes, 13 chegaram a produzir filhotes. Este é um registro inédito sobre a reprodução de Haematopus palliatus na costa sul de São Paulo.
Técnica para quantificação e qualificação de material coletado em filtros de proteção cerebral
Authors: Novaes Gabriel Santos , Razuk Filho Álvaro , Pozzan Geanete , Reis Andrea , Fioranelli Alexandre , Castelli Jr. Valter , Karakhanian Walter Khegan , Caffaro Roberto Augusto
Published: March 2010

Contexto: A qualidade e a quantidade de partículas coletadas em filtros de proteção cerebral (FPC) durante angioplastia transluminal percutânea com stent (ATPS) podem esclarecer a importância desses dispositivos no tratamento de estenoses carotídeas. Objetivos: Analisar o conteúdo retido por FPC em pacientes submetidos a ATPS de artéria carótida interna com nova técnica de análise qualiquantitativa. Métodos: O material coletado em 10 FPC durante ATPS da bifurcação da carótida em pacientes com alto risco cirúrgico foi submetido a análise microscópica qualiquantitativa. Fotografias digitais das lâminas com material corado com hematoxilina e eosina foram analisadas com o programa Axio Vision LE Release 4.1, que calculou a área das partículas em micrômetros/metro quadrado (µm²). Resultados: O exame histopatológico evidenciou material em 100% dos filtros consistindo predominantemente de restos hemáticos, cristais de colesterol e cálcio. A área média de fragmentos coletados foi expressiva (1.570.310 µm²), e houve ampla variância desses valores. Conclusões: Os FPC coletam quantidade importante de fragmentos de placas de ateroma, e a grande variância nas quantidades de material coletado pode estar associada com a gravidade da lesão, motivo pelo qual se tornam relevantes estudos que utilizem técnica padronizada para a quantificação desses fragmentos e para a compreensão de seu real significado clínico.
Necrose cutânea induzida por antagonistas da vitamina K
Authors: Silvestre Jose Manoel da Silva , Thomazinho Fernando , Sardinha Wander Eduardo , Perozin Igor Schincariol , Morais Filho Domingos de
Published: March 2010

Os anticoagulantes orais que atuam através do antagonismo à vitamina K são utilizados na prática clínica há muito tempo, porém ainda há dificuldades no seu manejo e na condução das complicações. Entre as complicações, as mais conhecidas são os transtornos hemorrágicos, mas outras também devem ser reconhecidas, tais como a necrose induzida por varfarina. Esta é uma grave, porém rara complicação, cuja fisiopatologia é ainda obscura e cujas causas são indefinidas. Dentre as possíveis causas, as mais prováveis são a deficiência de proteína C e de proteína S, reações de hipersensibilidade e deficiência de fator VII. Há maior incidência desta complicação entre mulheres de meia-idade, acometendo preferencialmente mamas e glúteos. As medidas mais importantes para o tratamento são: suspensão imediata da droga, uso de heparina não fracionada ou de baixo peso molecular em doses terapêuticas, emprego da vitamina K e, eventualmente, infusão de plasma fresco congelado ou de proteína C ativada recombinante.
A physiologically explicit morphospace for tracheid-based water transport in modern and extinct seed plants
Authors: Wilson Jonathan P. , Knoll Andrew H.
Published: April 2010

We present a morphometric analysis of water transport cells within a physiologically explicit three-dimensional space. Previous work has shown that cell length, diameter, and pit resistance govern the hydraulic resistance of individual conducting cells; thus, we use these three parameters as axes for our morphospace. We compare living and extinct plants within this space to investigate how patterns of plant conductivity have changed over evolutionary time. Extinct coniferophytes fall within the range of living conifers, despite differences in tracheid-level anatomy. Living cycads,Ginkgo biloba, the Miocene fossilGinkgo beckii, and extinct cycadeoids overlap with both conifers and vesselless angiosperms. Three Paleozoic seed plants, however, occur in a portion of the morphospace that no living seed plant occupies.Lyginopteris, Callistophyton, and, especially,Medullosaevolved tracheids with high conductivities similar to those of some vessel-bearing angiosperms. Such fossils indicate that extinct seed plants evolved a structural and functional diversity of xylem architectures broader, in some ways, than the range observable in living seed plants.
Global occurrence trajectories of microfossils: environmental volatility and the rise and fall of individual species
Authors: Liow Lee Hsiang , Skaug Hans Julius , Ergon Torbjørn , Schweder Tore
Published: April 2010

Species arise and establish themselves over the geologic time scale. This process is manifested as a change in the relative frequency of occurrences of a given species in the global pool of species. Our main goal here is to model this rise and the eventual decline of microfossil species using a mixed-effects model where groups each have a characteristic occurrence trajectory (main effects) and each species belonging to those groups is allowed to deviate from the given group trajectory (random effects). Our model can be described as a “hat” with logistic forms in the periods of increase and decline. Using the estimated timings of rises and falls, we find that the lengths of the periods of rise are about as long as the lengths of the periods when species are above 50% of their estimated maximal occurrences. These latter periods are here termed periods of dominance, which are in turn about the same length as the species' periods of fall. The peak rates of the rises of microfossils are in general faster than their peak rates of falls. These quantified observations may have broad macroevolutionary and macroecological implications. Further, we hypothesize that species that have experienced and survived high levels of environmental volatility (specifically, periods of greater than average variation in temperature and productivity) during their formative periods should have longer periods of dominance. This is because subsequent environmental variations should not drive them to decline with ease. We find that higher estimated environmental volatility early in the life of a species positively correlates with lengths of periods of dominance, given that a species survives the initial stress of the environmental fluctuations. However, we find no evidence that the steepness of the rise of a species is affected by environmental volatility in the early phases of its life.
Heterochrony: the interplay between development and ecology exemplified by a Paleozoic amphibian clade
Authors: Schoch Rainer R.
Published: April 2010

Recent studies have provided detailed insight into life cycles of early amphibians. These ontogenies were diverse and their evolution involved numerous kinds of change, which can now be addressed by comparison of ontogenetic trajectories. The plesiomorphic trajectory included (1) an early period in which a larval, aquatic predator was established, (2) an intermediate period in which the axial skeleton was strengthened, and (3) a final period during which the jaw joint, braincase, and limbs were ossified, producing an adult capable of terrestrial locomotion if completed. Heterochrony, among other factors, enabled the fine-tuning of the ontogenetic formation of ecologically important features (feeding, respiration, locomotion). Most common was a simple truncation of the trajectory that produced aquatic taxa of various kinds, while changes in the ontogenetic sequence often had a deeper impact on morphology. The most fundamental changes were accompanied by multiple heterochronies, resulting in the condensation or unpacking (stretch-out) of developmental events: metamorphosis evolved by an ever closer packing, whereas a novel larval feeding mechanism was established by a pull-apart of numerous critical events.
Facies preference predicts extinction risk in Ordovician graptolites
Authors: Cooper Roger A. , Sadler Peter M.
Published: April 2010

The most abundant and diverse graptolite assemblages are found in offshore, deep-water black shales—the classical “graptolite fades” (deep-water or isograptid biofacies). The mean duration of Ordovician graptolite species confined to the deep-water facies (here referred to as “group 1” species) is 2.19 Myr, significantly shorter than the mean duration of species in the deep-water facies that are also known in sediments of the shallow-water shelf or platform (“group 2” species) −4.42 Myr, indicating a significantly higher extinction probability (p= <0.001). These figures are based on the precise age ranges of species derived from the time-calibrated composite sequence of 1446 Ordovician to early Devonian graptolites, built by the constrained optimization procedure (CONOP) from 256 measured sections worldwide, and exclude the effects of the Hirnantian mass extinction. The difference between groups cuts across families, morphological types, and pandemic/endemic distributions. An environmental influence is strongly suggested, and although both groups were planktonic, they were unlikely to have shared the same habitat in the water column. The new duration measurements therefore are interpreted as favoring a depth-stratification of graptolite habitats in the water column.
In Vivo Angiogenic Activity of Enamel Matrix Derivative
Authors: Kauvar Amy S. , Thoma Daniel S. , Carnes David L. , Cochran David L.
Published: April 2010

Background: Porcine enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has a clinical use in facilitating periodontal healing by enhancing the regeneration of alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. The mechanism of clinical use has not been elucidated, but in vitro studies suggest that EMD may enhance healing, in part, by stimulating angiogenesis. This study analyzes the effect of EMD on the production of blood vessels in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the developing chicken egg.

Methods: Various amounts of EMD ranging from 15 to 125 ng/5 μl were pipetted onto a 3‐mm diameter × 2‐mm thick bioabsorbable hemostatic gelatin and placed onto the surface of the CAM. Recombinant human amelogenin and a purified 5‐kDa protein fraction derived from EMD were also tested at various amounts ranging from 15 to 62 ng/5 μl. A mixture of fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor served as the positive control. The negative control was 0.9% saline. A histologic examination of the interface of the gelatin and CAM was performed, evaluating for new blood‐vessel formation on an ordinal scale of 0 to 3. Non‐parametric statistical analyses were applied to compare test groups with the negative controls.

Results: CAM treated with EMD displayed moderate vascularity as indicated by a maximal score of 3.0 ± 0.05 (mean ± SEM). This compared favorably to the degree of vascularity stimulated by the mixture of fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, which had a score of 3.0 ± 0.05. Interestingly, the stimulation of angiogenesis by EMD was significant only at the lowest amounts tested. At the higher amounts, vascularity was reduced and not significantly different from the negative control. Vascularity was also increased by recombinant human amelogenin as indicated by a maximal score of 2.9 ± 0.14. By contrast, there was only mild vascularity in sections treated with the negative control as indicated by a score of 1.7 ± 0.4. The vascularity of the 5‐kDa EMD‐protein fraction was not different from the negative‐control group (2.5 ± 0.5 versus 1.7 ± 0.4, respectively).

Conclusions: EMD stimulates angiogenesis in the CAM model. As a heterogeneous mixture of extracellular matrix components, EMD may have multiple biologic functions, but it is likely that at least part of the explanation for its observed positive clinical effects may be the stimulation of angiogenesis. The fact that vascularity was also increased by recombinant human amelogenin raises the possibility that this 28.9‐kDa protein may be the source of the angiogenic activity because it is the predominant protein of the EMD mixture. These results, taken together with results from previously reported in vitro studies, suggest that EMD may increase angiogenesis directly and/or indirectly at the wound‐healing site.
The Impact of Oral Contraceptives on Women's Periodontal Health and the Subgingival Occurrence of Aggressive Periodontopathogens and Candida Species
Authors: Brusca María Isabel , Rosa Alcira , Albaina Olatz , Moragues María D. , Verdugo Fernando , Pontón José
Published: April 2010

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of oral contraceptive (OC) use on the subgingival occurrence of specific periodontopathogens and the host's periodontal status.

Methods: Ninety‐two females aged 19 to 40 years were included in the study. They were divided into two groups, OC users and non‐users, and subgrouped according to the most severe periodontal condition and duration of OC usage. A pooled subgingival sample from each subject was cultured to investigate the presence of Candida species, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), and Prevotella intermedia.

Results: OC users, particularly smokers, show a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of severe periodontitis. OC users had deeper probing depths (≥5 mm) than non‐users. Moreover, OC users had higher gingival index scores and clinical attachment loss, ≥2 and ≥5 mm, respectively, than non‐users (P <0.01). Patients taking OCs had significantly higher numbers of cultures positive for Candida. Seven Candida species were isolated. Subgingival Candida was associated with P. gingivalis and P. intermedia in 82.9% and 85.4%, respectively, in patients taking OCs. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis and was associated with subgingival P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and Candida.

Conclusions: OC use may increase the risk of severe periodontitis and seems to cause a selection of certain Candida species in periodontal pockets. OC users showed a higher prevalence of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and A. actinomycetemcomitans compared to non‐users. C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata were the species with the ability to survive in the conditions created by the sex hormones after 3 years.
Immediate Loading of Dental Implants Placed in Periodontally Infected and Non‐Infected Sites: A 4‐Year Follow‐Up Clinical Study
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Capparè Paolo , Gherlone Enrico
Published: April 2010

Background: The aim of the present study is to compare the outcomes of immediate loading of implants in replacing teeth with and without chronic periodontal lesions at 4 years of follow‐up.

Methods: Thirty‐seven patients were included in this study. A total of 275 implants were placed and immediately loaded in extraction sockets, 197 in periodontally infected sites (infected sites group [IG]), and 78 implants in non‐infected sites (non‐infected sites group [NG]). Marginal bone levels and clinical parameters (plaque accumulation and bleeding index) were evaluated at baseline and 12, 24, and 48 months after implant placement. Comparisons between IG and NG values over time were performed by the Student two‐tailed t test.

Results: At 48 months of follow‐up, the IG presented a survival rate of 98.9% because two implants were lost 1 month after placement; the NG reported a survival rate of 100%. The marginal bone level was 0.79 ± 0.38 mm for the IG and 0.78 ± 0.38 mm for the NG, plaque accumulation was 0.72 ± 0.41 for the IG and 0.71 ± 0.38 for the NG, and the bleeding index was 0.78 ± 0.23 for the IG and 0.75 ± 0.39 for the NG. No statistically significant differences were reported between the IG and NG over time and between time points.

Conclusion: At 48 months of follow‐up, dental implants that were placed and immediately loaded in periodontally infected sockets showed no significant differences compared to implants placed in uninfected sites.
Effects of Scaling and Root Planing and Subantimicrobial Dose Doxycycline on Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8, ‐13 and Serum Levels of HsCRP in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Tüter Gülay , Serdar Muhittin , Kurtiş Bülent , Walker Stephen G. , Atak Ayşegül , Toyman Utku , Pınar Selin , Aykan Tuba
Published: April 2010

Background: This study evaluates the efficacy of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and ‐13 and on serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: A total of 41 patients with CP and 17 healthy individuals were included in this randomized controlled trial. CP patients were randomly distributed into two groups. Study groups were established as Group I with SRP+placebo, Group II with SRP+SDD, and Group III as control. All CP patients received two regimens of SRP and Group II patients also received SDD for 6 weeks. At baseline and 6 weeks, GCF and blood were collected and clinical indices were recorded. The HsCRP level was assayed in the plasma on a nephelometer. The GCF levels of MMPs were assayed by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Statistically significant differences in plaque index, gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), GCF volumes, GCF MMP levels, and serum levels of HsCRP between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment were noted in both groups. Between groups there was a statistically significant decrease in PD, GI, and GCF levels of MMP‐8 favoring the group receiving SDD adjunctive to SRP (P <0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, greater improvement was detected for PD, GI, and GCF levels of MMP‐8 when using SRP+SDD compared to SRP+placebo.
The Effect of Periodontal Treatment on Serum Leptin, Interleukin‐6, and C‐Reactive Protein
Authors: Shimada Yasuko , Komatsu Yasutaka , Ikezawa‐Suzuki Ikuyo , Tai Hideaki , Sugita Noriko , Yoshie Hiromasa
Published: April 2010

Background: Previous studies suggest that periodontitis is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Leptin, a pleiotrophic hormone produced by adipose tissue, has been reported to be related to periodontitis. This study investigates the effects of periodontal treatment on the serum levels of leptin and other cytokines in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Serum samples were taken from 33 CP patients (22 non‐smokers, 11 smokers) and 18 healthy subjects. The serum leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment.

Results: Significant differences between healthy and CP patients were found in serum leptin, IL‐6, and CRP levels (P = 0.0018, P = 0.0064, and P = 0.0095, respectively). The serum leptin level was associated with mean probing depth, mean clinical attachment level, mean alveolar bone loss, and body mass index. There were significant associations between serum leptin levels and IL‐6 and CRP levels. After non‐surgical periodontal treatment, serum leptin, IL‐6, and CRP levels were significantly decreased (mean ± SD before and after, P value, respectively: leptin, 8.02 ± 5.5, 7.10 ± 4.4, P = 0.015; IL‐6, 1.73 ± 1.02, 1.36 ± 0.73, P = 0.048; and CRP, 802.0 ± 1065, 491.2 ± 479.3, P = 0.047).

Conclusions: Periodontal treatment is effective in reducing serum leptin, IL‐6, and CRP levels. The results suggest that leptin, IL‐6, and CRP could be mediating factors that connect metabolic syndrome and periodontitis.
Validation of a fully autonomous phosphate analyser based on a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip
Authors: Slater C. , Cleary J. , Lau K.-T. , Snakenborg D. , Corcoran B. , Kutter J. P. , Diamond D.
Published: April 2010

This work describes the design of a phosphate analyser that utilises a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip. The analyser contains all the required chemical storage, pumping and electronic components to carry out a complete phosphate assay. The system is self-calibrating and self-cleaning, thus capable of long-term operation. This was proven by a bench top calibration of the analyser using standard solutions and also by comparing the analyser's performance to a commercially available phosphate monitor installed at a waste water treatment plant. The output of the microfluidic lab-on-a-chip analyser was shown to have sensitivity and linear range equivalent to the commercially available monitor and also the ability to operate over an extended period of time.
Harvested rainwater quality: the importance of appropriate design
Authors: Ward S. , Memon F. A. , Butler D.
Published: April 2010

This paper summarises the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water from a rainwater harvesting (RWH) system in a UK-based office building. 7 microbiological and 34 physicochemical parameters were analysed during an 8 month period. Physicochemically, harvested rainwater quality posed little health risk; most parameters showed concentrations below widely used guideline levels for drinking water. However, RWH system components (e.g. fittings and down pipes) appear to be affected soft water corrosion, resulting in high concentrations of some metals (copper, zinc and aluminium). This suggests the material selection of such fittings should be considered keeping in view the hardness of rainwater of an area. Microbiologically, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella and Legionella were not present in the samples analysed. However, faecal coliform counts were high at the beginning of the study, but did decrease over time in weak correlation with increasing pH. Enterococcus faecalis displayed counts consistently above UK rainwater harvesting standards. Inappropriate roof and rainwater good design, as well as material selection appear to be responsible for the reduced microbial quality, as they promoted contributions from avian sources and inhibited cleaning activities. Building and RWH system designs require greater consideration of local factors, which are critical for optimising harvested rainwater quality, to prevent both the development of contaminated sediments and health impacts.
Fouling potentials of polysaccharides in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) assessed by lectin affinity chromatography
Authors: Miyoshi T. , Tanaka I. , Tsuyuhara T. , Watanabe E. , Aizawa T. , Kimura K. , Watanabe Y.
Published: April 2010

In this study, the fouling potentials of polysaccharides contained in mixed liquor suspension in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) treating municipal wastewater were investigated using lectin affinity chromatography. This investigation was carried out with different membranes to assess the effects of membrane materials on fouling potentials of polysaccharides. In lectin affinity chromatography, some polysaccharides with high affinity to the lectin in the column can be retained in the column. The fouling potentials of the retained polysaccharides were evaluated by dead-end filtration test. Degree of reduction in fouling potential differed considerably when different lectins were used in affinity chromatography indicating that fouling potentials of polysaccharide differed depending on types of polysaccharide. Trends in the reduction of fouling potential were different depending on membrane materials. Characteristics of the organic matter associated with polysaccharides removed by lectins were investigated by means of excitation-emission matrices (EEM). The results of EEM analysis indicate that the characteristics of the organic matter eluted from different lectins were different as long as elution reagents for the lectin were different. Characteristics of the organic matter eluted from the lectins which have the same elution reagent were similar in terms of shapes of EEM fluorescence spectra. However, the trends in reduction of fouling potentials could not be explained by the characteristics of organic matter assessed by EEM analysis. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that characteristics of membrane and structures or properties of sugar chain would play an important role in determining fouling potentials.
Removal of endocrine disrupting compounds from wastewater treatment plant effluents by means of advanced oxidation
Authors: Bertanza G. , Pedrazzani R. , Zambarda V. , Grande M. Dal , Icarelli F. , Baldassarre L.
Published: April 2010

Municipal sewage and WWTP effluents are considered to be a major source of pollution, regarding the occurrence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the environment. Although removal potential of many EDCs by conventional WWTPs is recognised, literature data are not easily comparable. Besides, in order to reach very low concentrations, a further treatment might be sometimes required. Positive results can be achieved by tertiary chemical oxidation; nevertheless, technical-economic suitability is still to be fully demonstrated. In this work, two estrogen-like susbstances were considered: nonylphenol (NP) (and its parent compounds) and bisphenol A (BPA). The experimental work was conducted at Verona (Northern Italy) WWTP (370,000 p.e.): after a 15 days sampling campaign, which was carried out in order to calculate mass balance of target compounds, chemical oxidation tests were performed on effluent by means of UV/H2O2 process and ozonation. Technical-economic feasibility of these solutions is discussed.
Nanofiltration in the manufacture of liquid dyes production
Authors: Mikulášek P. , Cuhorka J.
Published: April 2010

In the manufacture of liquid dyes, almost complete desalting, which helps to improve the stability of the product, enhances the solubility of the dye. Diafiltration is used to allow a high level of desalting to be achieved. The process of desalination of aqueous dye-salt solutions by polymeric nanofiltration membranes using commercially available modules was studied. The influence of dye and salt concentration on the salt rejection and pressure applied on the flux as well as comparison of individual NF membranes for desalting purposes is presented. The great interest is also devoted to the mathematical modelling of nanofiltration and description of discontinuous diafiltration by periodically adding solvent at constant pressure difference.
Quantification of kinetic parameters for heterotrophic bacteria via respirometry in a hybrid reactor
Authors: Trapani Daniele Di , Mannina Giorgio , Torregrossa Michele , Viviani Gaspare
Published: April 2010

Over the last decade new technologies are emerging even more for wastewater treatment. Among the new technologies, a recent possible solution regards Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBRs) that represent an effective alternative to conventional processes. More specifically such systems consist in the introduction of plastic elements inside the aerobic reactor as carrier material for the growth of attached biomass. Recently, one of the mostly used alternatives is to couple the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) process with the conventional activated sludge process, and the resulting process is usually called HMBBR (Hybrid MBBR). In the MBBR process the biofilm grows attached on small plastic elements that are kept in constant motion throughout the entire volume of the reactor. Indeed, in such a system, a competition between the two biomasses, suspended and attached, can arise for the availability of the substrates, leading, as a consequence, to a modification in the biokinetic parameters of the two biomasses, compared to that of a pure suspended or attached biomass process. This paper presents the first results of a study aimed at estimating the kinetic heterotrophic constants in a HMBBR pilot plant using respirometric techniques. The pilot plant was built at the Acqua dei Corsari (Palermo) wastewater treatment plant and consisted of two parallel lines realized in a pre-anoxic scheme, in one of which the carrier material was added to the aerobic reactor with a filling ratio of 30%.
The role and control of sludge age in biological nutrient removal activated sludge systems
Authors: Ekama G. A.
Published: April 2010

The sludge age is the most fundamental and important parameter in the design, operation and control of biological nutrient removal (BNR) activated sludge (AS) systems. Generally, the better the effluent and waste sludge quality required from the system, the longer the sludge age, the larger the biological reactor and the more wastewater characteristics need to be known. Controlling the reactor concentration does not control sludge age, only the mass of sludge in the system. When nitrification is a requirement, sludge age control becomes a requirement and the secondary settling tanks can no longer serve the dual purpose of clarifier and waste activated sludge thickeners. The easiest and most practical way to control sludge age is with hydraulic control by wasting a defined proportion of the reactor volume daily. In AS plants with reactor concentration control, nitrification fails first. With hydraulic control of sludge age, nitrification will not fail, rather the plant fails by shedding solids over the secondary settling tank effluent weirs.
An Improved Test to Study the Changes in Membrane Permeability During Rehydration of Freeze-Dried LC11
Authors: Soro (née Yao) A.A. , Djè K.M. , Thonart P.
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to assess changes in membrane permeability during rehydration of freeze-dried
Weissella paramesenteroides LC11. Viability was assessed using the electrical conductivity measurement (ms cm-1 g-1 dry
weight) and the plate count method (cfu g-1 dry weight). The symptoms of injury included an increase in the electrolyte
leakage during the first 4 h of rehydration in Milli Q water and a decrease in the survival rate (about 64%), suggesting an
increase in membrane permeability during dehydration. During rehydration of the freeze-dried strain, an increase in the
temperature, NaCl or monosodium glutamate concentration and a decrease in H+ concentration resulted in an increase in
the electrolyte leakage and a decrease in the survival rate (from about 5% to 97%, with respect to the treatment made).
However, a decrease in the electrolyte leakage was observed with increasing glycerol, sucrose or maltodextrin and resulted
in the maintenance of cell viability. Change in membrane permeability might lead to electrolyte leakage during rehydration
and, ultimately, cell death. The electrolyte leakage assay associated with the plate count method, a quick and inexpensive
method, could be used to evaluate dried bacteria resistance to dehydration.
Additives for Conducting Polymer Membrane from Coal
Authors: Singh Atma Ram , Choudhury Debapriya , Ghosh Gora , Srivastava Sunil K.
Published: April 2010

For the first time, an additive for conducting polymer membrane has been prepared from an Indian coal. Samla coal from Raniganj coalfield having 80% carbon on dmmf basis was first demineralised chemically and then degraded by oxidizing it with oxidizing agent followed by solubilization of oxy coal thus produced in polar organic solvent. The soluble part of the coal was dried and the solid residual part along with a neutral base material polyvinyl alcohol was used for making additive for conducting polymer membrane in the form of a coloured thin film. The quality of the film/membrane made has been extremely good and the conductance is in the range of 10-3 to 10-4 units (Scm-1). Due to non explanation of enhancement in carboxylic acid functional groups, on oxidation, from 1.2% to 18.3% by the Mazumdar's proposed model coal structure, an anomaly with respect to 9-10 position of phenanthrene is observed and reported here and a correction to this has been proposed which explains the experimental results.