bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymbiotic germination, seedling development and plantlet propagation of Encyclia aff. oncidioides - an endangered orchid
Authors: Łojkowska Ewa , Królicka Aleksandra , Sidwa-Gorycka Matylda , Rybczyński Jan J. , Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Znaniecka Joanna
Published: April 2013

In order to estimate the best germination conditions of Encyclia aff. oncidioides seeds, five different media (Fast, Knudson C modified by Vajrabhaya, Murashige and Skoog, PB2 and modified Vacin and Went) with different concentrations of plant growth regulators such as benzyladenine (BA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) were tested. No beneficial effect was observed when BA and NAA were applied to the germination medium and GA3 inhibited germination. The effect of light, activated charcoal, coconut water and casein hydrolysate on seed germination was also studied. The growth rate of seedlings on three different media supplemented with activated charcoal and plant growth regulators was checked. The applied plant growth regulators had no beneficial effect on the further growth of seedlings. Fast and PB2 media with 0.2% activated charcoal proved to be the best for E. aff. oncidioides seed germination, seedling development and plantlet propagation.
Genetic evaluation of seeds of highly endangered Pinus uliginosa Neumann from Węgliniec reserve for ex-situ conservation program
Authors: Lewandowski Andrzej , Burczyk Jarosław , Wachowiak Witold , Boratyński Adam , Prus-Głowacki Wiesław
Published: April 2013

Peat-bog pine Pinus uliginosa Neumann has become extinct or rare in many parts of Europe. We have investigated the levels of genetic variation and inbreeding in seeds collected from a highly endangered reserve of this species in Poland, using allozymes as genetic markers. Generally, a high level of genetic variation was observed. The mean expected heterozygosity was 0.376, while average (Na) and effective (Ne) numbers of alleles per locus were 2.45 and 1.67, respectively. Nevertheless, we have detected relatively low levels of outcrossing, and potential biparental inbreeding. The population-wide multilocus outcrossing rate was estimated to be 0.706 (±0.091), while the minimum variance mean of single-locus estimates was distinctly lower (ts=0.611). The estimates of outcrossing calculated for individual trees ranged widely from 0.051 to 1.017, indicating the complexity of outcrossing patterns. The investigated population of P. uliginasa from Węgliniec is small and surrounded by extensive forest stands of P. sylvestris. Our three-year records of phenological observations demonstrated that flowering periods for P. uliginosa and P. sylvestris overlap, allowing for cross-pollination. The possibility of P. uliginosa pollination by P. sylvestris creates a potential danger of genetic erosion of the P. uliginosa gene pool. Nonetheless, based on a species specific cpDNA marker we have found that among 533 seedlings of P. uliginosa there were only six seedlings carrying cpDNA marker specific for P. sylvestris, indicating that such hybridization seems to be rare.
A note about new and rarely recorded taxa of the genus Cladonia from the Arctic island Spitsbergen (Svalbard)
Authors: Osyczka Piotr
Published: April 2013

The paper is based on field studies dealing with the lichen genus Cladonia Hill ex P. Browne (Cladoniaceae) carried out by the author in the region of Spitsbergen in 2002 as well as taxonomical work and revision of herbarium material, collected during several earlier Polish polar expeditions to this part of the Arctic. As the result not reported so far from the island species Cladonia stygia (Fr.) Ruoss, C. trassii Ahti, C. verticillata (Hoffm.) Schaer. have been determined. Besides, the presence of very rarely recorded taxa C. crispata var. cetrariiformis (Delise) Vain., C. merochlorophaea Asahina and Cladonia symphycarpia (Flörke) Fr. is confirmed and their new localities are given. Furthermore, the presence of C. coccifera s.str. is also substantiated.
The effect of water conditions on the phenology and age structure of Luronium natans (L.) Raf. populations
Authors: Bazydło Ewa , Szmeja Józef
Published: April 2013

The study presents the results of the analysis of development stages of Luronium natans (L.) Raf. depending on water conditions (pH, light, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, organic carbon) in 21 populations in north-western Poland. The fractions of seedlings, juvenile, mature and generative stems, as well as the course of phenological phenomena were determined. Seedlings are sparse and can be found from May to July. Most of them occur in waters ranging from slightly acid to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0) with TP concentrations of 10-20 µg dm-3, TN concentrations < 1.0 mg dm-3 and DOC concentrations of 3.5-5.0 mg dm-3, on a mineral (5-10% OC) and fairly well lit (31-40% PAR) substrate. The generative phase lasts from May to October. The flowering period is between August and mid-September. Only 35.2±9.4% of flowering stems produce fruits. The plant flowers abundantly in waters with total nitrogen concentrations > 1.2 mg dm-3, that is above the level of TN concentrations most favourable to seedlings and both juvenile and mature individuals. TP and DOC concentrations, and light intensity (PAR) do not influence the size of the generative stems fraction in populations. However, sediment structure is of importance in this respect: about 62.9% of stems flower and fruit on a mineral substrate (< 1% OC), whereas only 17.4% do so on an organic one. The results of this study may be useful in the conservation of this endangered European endemic species.
Chrysophycean stomatocysts from Morskie Oko and Żabie Oko lakes in the Tatra National Park, Poland
Authors: Cabała Jolanta
Published: April 2013

Sixteen chrysophycean stomatocysts are reported from the lakes Morskie Oko and Żabie Oko in the Tatra National Park, Poland. Of these, six morphotypes are new to Poland, and two morphotypes plus one forma are new to science. These stomatocysts are illustrated with SEM micrographs and described according to International Statospore Working Group (ISWG) guidelines. The comparison of stomatocyst community between Morskie Oko and Żabie Oko lakes is given.
The effect of triacontanol on shoot multiplication and production of antioxidant compounds in shoot cultures of Salvia officinalis L.
Authors: Grzegorczyk Izabela , Bilichowski Ireneusz , Mikiciuk-Olasik Elżbieta , Wysokińska Halina
Published: April 2013

This report describes the effect of triacontanol on shoot multiplication and production of antioxidant compounds (carnosic acid, carnosol and rosmarinic acid) in S. officinalis cultures grown on MS basal medium (agar solidified medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l-1 IAA, 0.45 mg l-1 BAP). It was found that shoot proliferation significantly increased when triacontanol at concentrations of 5, 10 or 20 µg l-1 was added to the medium. HPLC analysis of acetone and methanolic extracts of sage shoots showed that the production of diterpenoids, carnosic acid/carnosol ratio, as well as, contents of rosmarinic acid were also affected by the treatment with triacontanol. The highest stimulation effect of triacontanol was observed on the production of carnosol, where the treatment with 20 µg l l-1 increased the content of this diterpenoid 4.5-fold compared to that in the control (sage shoots growing on MS basal medium, only).
Plants accumulating heavy metals in the Sudety Mts
Authors: Brej Teresa , Fabiszewski Jerzy
Published: April 2013

The Sudeten flora consists of some plants we can recognize as heavy metal accumulators. Between others there are: Thlaspi caerulescens, Arabidopsis halleri, Armeria maritima ssp. halleri s.l. and probably the endemic fern Asplenium onopteris var. silesiaca. The authors present the concentrations of some important heavy metals measured in aboveground plant dry weight. The highest concentration of zinc was 8220 ppm (Thlaspi), nickel - 3100 ppm (Thlaspi), lead - 83 ppm (Armeria), copper - 611 ppm (Arabidopsis) and cadmium - 28 ppm (Thlaspi). The concentrations depend rather on species or population specification than on ore deposit quality. There are no typical hyperaccumulator among plants we have examined, but some signs of hyperaccumulation of nickel, zinc and lead could be observed. There are no typical endemic taxa, only Asplenium onopteris var. silesiaca and Armeria maritima ssp. halleri may be recognized as neoendemic taxa, but still of unclear systematic position. During the study we tried to find out why some Sudeten vascular plants do not develop heavy metals hyperaccumulation and why they are rather latent hyperaccumulators. Finally, we suggest to protect some metallicolous areas in spite they are rather territories with low plant biodiversity.
Signals flowing from mature tissues to shoot apical meristem affect phyllotaxis in coniferous shoot.
Authors: Zagórska-Marek Beata , Banasiak Alicja
Published: April 2013

Axial homodromy in growing shoots of perennial plants with spiral phyllotaxis is the case when the chirality of phyllotactic pattern does not change in consecutive growth increments of the same axis. In conifers such as Picea or Abies this rule is strictly observed, except for the rare cases of discontinuous phyllotactic transitions. In Torreya, however, the chirality changes, at random, every year. The pattern of primordia packing, executed by vegetative shoot apical meristem (SAM), depends in Torreya on their identity. The primordia of bud scales are initiated in the decussate and those of needles in bijugate spiral pattern. The decussate, achiral i.e. neutral pattern always precedes the formation of new spiral pattern and thus facilitates random selection of its chiral configuration. Periodic change in organ identity cannot itself be responsible for the special behavior of Torreya, because in other conifers it also exists. There is, however, one important difference: in Torreya, when the initiation of bud scales begins at SAM, the distance between differentiated protoxylem and the initiation site gradually increases, while in other conifers it remains constant and small. In Torreya, at this phase of development, the rate of xylem differentiation and the rate of organogenesis become uncoupled. Closer anatomical examination shows that the decussate pattern in a bud scale zone develops slowly suggesting gradual decrease of the putative signal flowing acropetally from differentiated protoxylem, responsible for positioning of primordia. We hypothesize that in the absence of this signal SAM starts acting autonomously, distributing primordia according to their identity only. A constant presence of the signal in other conifers assures the continuation of the same phyllotactic pattern throughout the period of bud scale formation, despite the change in organ identity.
Salix ×velchevii and S. ×ardana (Salicaceae) - two new willow hybrids from the Bulgarian Rhodope Mts.
Authors: Zieliński Jerzy , Petrova Ana , Pancheva Zhivka
Published: April 2013

Two previously unknown willow hybrids, Salix × velchevii (S. amplexicaulis Bory × S. xanthicola K.I. Chr.) and S. × ardana (S. alba L. × S. xanthicola K.I. Chr.), are described from the Bulgarian Rhodope Mts. This is the first report on hybridization in the endemic Balkan species S. xanthicola.
Free and bound phenolic acids in inflorescences and rhizomes with roots of Hieracium pilosella L. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Krzaczek Tadeusz , Gawrońska-Grzywacz Monika
Published: April 2013

The analysis of the fractions of free and bound, liberated by hydrolysis, phenolic acids in the inflorescences and rhizomes with roots of Hieracium pilosella L. was conducted by 2D-TLC and RP-HPLC methods. In the inflorescences fourteen phenolic acids were found: chlorogenic, gallic, protocatechuic, homoprotocatechuic, caffeic, gentisic, p-hydroxyphenylacetic, p-hydroxybenzoic, m-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, syringic, vanillic, ferulic and salicylic. In the rhizomes with roots nine phenolic acids were identified: chlorogenic, gallic, homoprotocatechuic, caffeic, gentisic, p- hydroxyphenylacetic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic and vanillic. By means of the RP-HPLC method the contents of major acids were estimated which ranged from 0.01 mg% up to 139.50 mg%. Caffeic acid is the remarkably dominating constituent of both plant materials. Phenolic compounds may contribute to invasiveness and medicinal properties of this species.
Biosynthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl pinitols in developing and maturing seeds of winter vetch (Vicia vlllosa Roth.)
Authors: Lahuta Lesław B.
Published: April 2013

Changes in the accumulation of two types of α-D-galactosides: raffinose family oligosaccharides and galactosyl pinitols were compared with changes in the activities of galactosyltransferases during winter vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) seed development and maturation. Occurrence of galactinol and raffinose in young seeds and changes in activities of galactinol synthase and raffinose synthase during seed development indicated that formation of raffinose oligosaccharides (RFOs) preceded synthesis of galactopinitols. Although transfer of galactose residues into raffinose oligosaccharides increased as seeds were maturing, at late stages of seed maturation the accumulation of galactopinitols was preferred to that of RFOs. In the present study, activities of enzymes transferring galactose moieties from galactinol to D-pinitol forming galactopinitol A, and further transfer of galactose moieties from galactinol to mono- and di-galactopinitol A were detected throughout seed development and maturation. This is a new observation, indicating biological potential of winter vetch seeds to synthesize mono-, di- and tri-galactosides of D-pinitol in a pathway similar to RFOs. The pattern of changes in activities of stachyose synthase and enzymes synthesizing galactopinitols (named galactopinitol A synthase and ciceritol synthase) suggests that formation of stachyose, mono- and di-galactopinitol A (ciceritol) is catalyzed by one enzyme. High correlation between activities of verbascose synthase and enzyme catalyzing synthesis of tri-galactopinitol A from galactinol and ciceritol (named tri-galactopinitol A synthase) also suggests that biosynthesis of both types of tri-galactosides was catalyzed by one enzyme, but distinct from stachyose synthase. Changes in concentrations of galactosyl acceptors (sucrose and D-pinitol) can be a factor which regulates splitting of galactose moieties between both types of galactosides in winter vetch seeds.
Low genetic diversity in the endangered population of Viola uliginosa in its locus classicus at Rząska near Cracow (Southern Poland) as revealed by AFLP markers
Authors: Cieślak Elżbieta , Paul Wojciech , Ronikier Michał
Published: April 2013

An extremely endangered population of Viola uliginosa Besser at the classical locality of this taxon has been studied. The AFLP analysis was based on 18 specimens of V. uliginosa (about 10% of preserved individuals); additionally, two individuals of V. riviniana were included in the data set as the out group. A high genetical uniformity of the whole population (similarity indexes close to 1) was detected. It was not correlated significantly with the spatial distribution of the plants. The study serves as a basis for practical conservation measures and at the same time as a starting point for a more extensive research on the genetical variability of the species throughout its range.
Phyllotactic pattern formation in early stages of cactus ontogeny
Authors: Gola Edyta M.
Published: April 2013

Representatives of the family Cactaceae are characterized by a wide range of phyllotaxis. To assess the origin of this diversity, early stages of phyllotactic pattern formation were examined in seedlings. The analysis of the sequence of areole initiation revealed intertribal differences. In seedlings from the Trichocereeae (Gymnocalycium, Rebutia) and Notocacteae (Parodia) tribes, two opposite cotyledonal areoles developed as the first elements of a pattern. Usually, next pair of areoles was initiated perpendicularly to cotyledonal areoles, starting the decussate pattern. This pattern was subsequently transformed into bijugate or into simple spiral phyllotaxis. In seedlings from the Cacteae tribe (Mammillaria and Thelocactus), cotyledonal areoles were never observed and the first areoles always appeared in the space between cotyledons. It was either areole pair (mainly in Mammillaria), starting a decussate pattern, or a single areole (mainly in Thelocactus) quickly followed by areoles spirally arranged, usually in accordance with the main Fibonacci phyllotaxis. Differences in the initial stages of pattern formation do not fully explain the phyllotaxis diversity in mature cacti. Only two, the most common phyllotactic patterns occurred in the early development of studied seedlings, i.e. the main Fibonacci and the decussate pattern. Discrepancy in the range of phyllotactic spectra in seedlings and in mature plants suggests that phyllotaxis diversity emerges during further plant growth. Initial phyllotactic transformations, occurring already in the very early stages, indicate great plasticity of cactus growth and seem to support the hypothesis of the ontogenetic increase of phyllotaxis diversity due to transformations.
The effect of cytokinins on flax seed germination at low temperature
Authors: Niedźwiedź-Siegień Irena , Bukłaha Sylwia
Published: April 2013

Germination of flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum L., cv. Szafir) at 5oC was enhanced by continuous white light, gibberellin A3 (GA3), kinetin and benzylaminopurine. GA3 and kinetin at physiological concentrations (10-8-10-6 M) improved significantly germination in darkness. Stimulatory effect of benzylaminopurine was visible only in the light. Almost no effect of zeatin and isopentenyladenine (2iP) on germination was observed. Possible causes of this differences were suggested.
Comparative chromosome and molecular studies of some species of genus Arum from eastern Slavonia and Baranya region in Croatia
Authors: Sabo Mirjana , Bedalov Marija , Lendel Anita , Bačić Tomislav , Kristin Ljiljana , Marček Tihana
Published: April 2013

Karyological and molecular studies were done in this paper on three species of genus Arum; Arum italicum Mill. and Arum maculatum L., with two varieties, and Arum alpinum Schott and Kotschy, also with two varieties. The main goal of this paper was to establish whether they were regularly determined exclusively on the principle of morphological parameters. Karyological studies showed that the number of chromosomes for Arum italicum Mill. amounted to 2n=84, for Arum maculatum L. 2n=56 and for Arum alpinum Schott and Kotschy 2n=28. This confirmed that these species are not only clean and separated, but also support the regularity of the morphological determination. Molecular studies, e.g. RAPD method showed that two genetically separated species groups correspond to the three mentioned species. Arum italicum Mill. is the least homogenous species closely related and the variability between populations is high. Arum maculatum L. is more homogenous within the species, two varieties could be differentiated whereas they are closely genetically related and the variability between the populations is too high. Arum alpinum is strongly homogenous and within these species two varieties could also be differentiated. That means that they are closely related and the variability between the populations is very high. These observations mostly coincided with previous morphological investigations.
The distribution of Carex buxbaumii Wahlenb. in Poland
Authors: Sotek Zofia
Published: April 2013

The distribution of Carex buxbaumii Wahlenb. in Poland is described, based on herbarium materials. The list of localities with brief description of its taxonomic characteristics, habitat and general distribution have also been included.
The occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota in Israeli soils
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz , Czerniawska Beata
Published: April 2013

In December 1997 and June-July 2000, 49 and 113 rhizosphere soil and root mixtures were collected, respectively, to determine the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) of the phylum Glomeromycota in different sites of Israel. Except for five samples taken from under cultivated plants, all the others came from under Ammophila arenaria and Oenothera drummondii colonizing sand dunes adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. After a continuous cultivation of the mixtures in pot trap cultures with Plantago lanceolata as the plant host up to 2006 and their examination at least twice a year, spores of AMF were found in 41 and 103 cultures with the 1997 and 2000 soil and root mixtures, respectively. The spores represented 30 species and 8 undescribed morphotypes in 7 genera of the Glomeromycota. The AMF most frequently found in Israeli soils were Glomus aurantium and G. constrictum, followed by G. coronatum, G. gibbosum, an undescribed Glomus 178, and Scutellospora dipurpurescens. Up to 2001, 21 species of AMF were known to occur in Israel, and this paper increases this number to 33, of which 11 are new fungi for this country. Moreover, four species, G. aurantium, G. drummondii, G. walkeri and G. xanthium, were recently described as new for science based on spores isolated from Israeli soils. Additionally, the general distribution in the world of the formally described species found in Israel was presented.
Grupo de Medicina de Família e Comunidade de Santos: relato de experiência
Authors: Castro Paula Marcela Vilela , Serra Mayco José Reinaldi , Penati Talita Quadrado
Published: April 2013

Objetiva-se a discussão de diversos aspectos relacionados à Medicina de Família e Comunidade e das experiências vividas dentro da Associação Acadêmica Grupo de Medicina de Família e Comunidade de Santos (GMFC), do Centro Universitário Lusíada (UNILUS), vinculado à Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Santos, São Paulo, Brasil. O GMFC busca a reflexão dos acadêmicos sobre o que é a Medicina de Família e Comunidade (MFC) enquanto especialidade, a fim de desmistificar ideias errôneas sobre a área em questão. Por meio de reuniões teóricas, congressos, jornadas e pesquisas científicas, o grupo busca consolidar uma visão concreta e íntegra de conceitos teóricos e aplicá-los na comunidade da Baixada Santista. A experiência do GMFC aprimora o conhecimento teórico-prático em MFC, favorecendo a qualificação dos acadêmicos para atuarem na prestação de serviços de saúde com aplicabilidade na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Além disso, consolida-se o aprendizado acerca dos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e da relevância de uma Medicina centrada na pessoa, com ênfase em uma visão holística da prática médica.Conclusão: A efetiva disseminação do conhecimento em MFC em nossa Universidade e o reconhecimento de que a MFC é importante para a formação generalista são grandes obstáculos constantemente enfrentados pelo grupo. Portanto, é de grande relevância a existência de um grupo acadêmico como o Grupo de Medicina de Família e Comunidade de Santos, pois além de integrar pessoas que se preocupam com uma abordagem diferenciada da Medicina, dissemina cada vez mais, dentro da universidade, o real significado da Medicina de Família e Comunidade.
Estudo da demanda de saúde mental em Centro de Saúde da Família em Caucaia, Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Tavares André Luís Bezerra , De Souza Adriano Rodrigues , Pontes Ricardo José Soares
Published: April 2013

Objetivo: Identificar a taxa de atendimentos a usuários com queixas de saúde mental em Centro de Saúde da Família, em Caucaia, CE, Brasil, de maio de 2011 a dezembro de 2011. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa. Para coleta de dados foram aplicados SRQ-20 e formulário estruturado (idade, sexo, classificação, diagnóstico, uso de medicação e acompanhamento em outros serviços de saúde). Os dados foram analisados através de números absolutos e percentuais. Resultados: Verificou-se taxa de atendimentos médicos relacionados à saúde mental de 19,48% (579) entre os realizados (2.972). Desses, 19,5% (113) apresentavam transtorno mental leve a moderado, 34,7% (201), transtorno mental grave, e 43% (249), sofrimento psíquico. Conclusões: Constatou-se alta prevalência de transtornos mentais e sofrimento psíquico no serviço de saúde pesquisado. Torna-se necessária a implementação de ações de saúde mental na Estratégia Saúde da Família, com articulações intersetoriais e que contribuam para facilitar o acesso de usuários ao serviço de saúde, possibilitando reabilitação psicossocial.
Matriciamento em saúde mental na Atenção Primária: uma revisão crítica (2000-2010)
Authors: Athié Karen , Fortes Sandra , Delgado Pedro Gabriel Godinho
Published: April 2013

Objetivo: Analisar artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2010 que versam sobre a articulação entre saúde mental e Atenção Primária no Brasil, na perspectiva da prática do matriciamento. Método: Revisão em banco de dados virtual, no período referido. Os descritores foram: “saúde mental”, “atenção primária”, “atenção básica”, “apoio matricial” e “matriciamento” e as categorias de análise foram construídas a partir da leitura dos artigos. Resultados: Foram selecionados 86 artigos, divididos em 3 categorias: a articulação analisada a partir da saúde mental, a partir da Atenção Primária e experiências de matriciamento. A análise evidenciou a existência de diferentes formas de descrever o trabalho em colaboração. Conclusões: A experiência brasileira está em consonância com as recomendações mundiais rumo à diminuição da lacuna terapêutica entre a oferta e as necessidades de cuidado. A construção da Rede de Saúde Mental integrada à Estratégia Saúde da Família é um novo desafio para a reforma psiquiátrica brasileira.
Health Impacts of PM10 Using AirQ2.2.3 Model in Makkah
Authors: T.M. Habeebullah
Published: April 2013

The core aim of this paper is to investigate the health impacts of atmospheric particles with aerodynamic diameter of 10 micron or less (PM10) in Makkah. PM10 data were collected by automatic continuous monitoring station in Misfalah, Makkah City. The annual average PM10 concentration during the study period was 195 µg/m3, which is greater than twice the PME standards and 4 times the EC standard. Daily average concentrations also exceeded PME and EC standards. Minimum 24 hour average concentration was 66 µg/m3, which is significantly greater than the EC daily average limit (50 µg/m3). This suggests potential negative impact on human health, especially for more vulnerable groups of population, such as old age, children and people with other health problems (e.g., asthma and other respiratory diseases). Furthermore, health assessment is carried out using AirQ2.2.3 model to estimate the number of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases. The model is based on a risk assessment approach that combines data on concentration-response functions with data on population exposure to calculate the extent of health effects expected to result from exposure to PM10. The cumulative number of estimated average hospital admission due to respiratory illnesses during the study period was 112665, cumulative number of cases per 100,000 was 2504, and the concentration-response coefficient was 2.342 (95% CI 1.899 – 2.785) per 10 ?g/m3 increase of PM10 concentration. The results are discussed in the light of investigations made in several other countries around the world.
Metabolic and Behavioral Effects of Serotonergic Antidepressants in Rats Exposed to Swim Endurance Stress
Authors: Mehnaz Gitay  , Samina Bano
Published: April 2013

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a collection of risk factors for coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. Prevalence of the MS in patients with depression is high and use of antidepressants also exert variable effects on constituent elements of the MS. Metabolic and behavioral effects of chronic serotonergic antidepressants treatment in rats subjected to swim endurance test (SET) were investigated. The Albino Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups vehicle (n=12) and drug (n=12). Each group was further divided into unstressed and stressed. Tianeptine (20 mg/kg), and sertraline (30 mg/kg), was administered orally for 28 days. Results showed that tianeptine and sertraline treatment correspondingly increase rat swimming time in SET. Swim stress raised circulating glucose, non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFFA), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and corticosterone levels with no effects on triglycerides (TGs). Drug alone administration showed that serum glucose levels were decreased by sertraline but not by tianeptine. Lipid levels were raised by both the drugs without effecting TGs. When drug treated stressed group was compared with the stressed controls, showed that tianeptine increases total cholesterol and LDL whereas TGs were decreased with no change on glucose levels. However sertraline treatment decreased the circulating glucose levels while the lipid profile remained unchanged. Corticosterone levels were increased by both the drugs. In conclusion, both the drugs may contribute potentially to the development of MS.It is suggested that antidepressant therapy should include routine surveillance for clinical and/or biochemical evidence suggestive of the metabolic syndrome.
12th Arctic Ungulate Conference (AUC), 8-13 August 2007, Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia.
Authors: Blix Arnoldus S. , Haugerud (Editors) Rolf Egil
Published: April 2013

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Long‐term follow‐up of European APL 2000 trial, evaluating the role of cytarabine combined with ATRA and Daunorubicin in the treatment of nonelderly APL patients
Authors: Adès Lionel , Chevret Sylvie , Raffoux Emmanuel , Guerci‐Bresler Agnes , Pigneux Arnaud , Vey Nobert , Lamy Thierry , Huguet Francoise , Vekhoff Anne , Lambert Jean‐Francois , Lioure Bruno , de Botton Stephane , Deconinck Erick , Ferrant Augustin , Thomas Xavier , Quesnel Bruno , Cassinat Bruno , Chomienne Christine , Dombret Hervé , Degos Laurent , Fenaux Pierre ,   European APL group
Published: April 2013

All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combined to anthracycline‐based chemotherapy is the reference treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Whereas, in high‐risk patients, cytarabine (AraC) is often considered useful in combination with anthracycline to prevent relapse, its usefulness in standard‐risk APL is uncertain. In APL 2000 trial, patients with standard‐risk APL [i.e., with baseline white blood cell (WBC) count <10,000/mm3] were randomized between treatment with ATRA with Daunorubicin (DNR) and AraC (AraC group) and ATRA with DNR but without AraC (no AraC group). All patients subsequently received combined maintenance treatment. The trial had been prematurely terminated due to significantly more relapses in the no AraC group (J Clin Oncol, (24) 2006, 5703–10), but follow‐up was still relatively short. With long‐term follow‐up (median 103 months), the 7‐year cumulative incidence of relapses was 28.6% in the no AraC group, compared to 12.9% in the AraC group (P = 0.0065). In standard‐risk APL, at least when the anthracycline used is DNR, avoiding AraC may lead to an increased risk of relapse suggesting that the need for AraC is regimen‐dependent. Am. J. Hematol. 88:556–559, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A longitudinal evaluation of the relationship between first morning urinary and salivary cortisol
Authors: Sarkar Phoebe L. , Zeng Leilei , Chen Yingying , Salvante Katrina G. , Nepomnaschy Pablo A.
Published: April 2013

Cortisol is one of the most frequently used stress biomarkers in humans. Urine and saliva are the matrices of choice to longitudinally monitor cortisol levels. Salivary and urinary cortisol are often discussed as though they provide similar information. However, the relationship between “free” cortisol levels in urine (nonconjugated) and saliva (non‐protein‐bound) has yet to be properly evaluated using naturalistic designs.

Objectives

To investigate the longitudinal relationship between salivary cortisol (SC) and first morning urinary cortisol (FMUC), and to compare the advantages and disadvantages of these matrices in assessing longitudinal changes in cortisol secretion using naturalistic designs.

Methods

Cortisol levels from 31 healthy, Kakchiquel Mayan women in Guatemala were compared in one first morning urine (FMU) and four saliva specimens collected daily across three alternate days. Linear mixed‐effect regression models including fixed and random effects were used to analyze the repeated‐measures data.

Results

FMUC levels (16.04–242.18 ng/ml) were higher than SC levels (0.21–5.16 ng/ml). A small but statistically significant relationship was found between FMUC and SC (each 1 ng/ml increase in FMUC predicted a 0.1% increase in SC; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Nonconjugated FMUC levels are related to non‐protein‐bound SC levels collected throughout the day. FMU presents several advantages over saliva for the longitudinal assessment of cortisol in naturalistic studies. Cortisol levels are about 53‐fold higher in FMU than in saliva, which makes between‐ and within‐individual variation easier to detect, and FMUC levels are less likely to be affected by confounders than diurnal SC levels. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:351–358, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Father absence and age at first birth in a western sample
Authors: Boothroyd Lynda G. , Craig Peter S. , Crossman Richard J. , Perrett David I.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Although a large literature has shown links between “father absence” during early childhood, and earlier puberty and sexual behavior in girls in Western populations, there are only a few studies which have looked at timing of reproduction, and only one of these fully incorporated childless respondents to investigate whether father absence is associated with increased hazard of becoming a parent at one time point (early) more than another. Here we sought to clarify exactly when, if at all, father absence increased the likelihood of first birth in a Western sample.

Methods

An online sample of 954 women reported on their childhood living circumstances, their age of menarche, first coitus, first pregnancy, and first birth.

Results

Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier plots showed an increased risk of becoming a parent for father absent women in their 20s, but no overall greater likelihood of parenthood.

Conclusion

These data support the suggestion that father absence is associated with an acceleration of reproductive behavior in Western samples, rather than a simple increase in likelihood of reproduction. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:366–369, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adiposity, muscle, and physical activity: Predictors of perturbations in heart rate variability
Authors: Andrew Michael E. , Shengqiao LI , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Dorn Joan P. , Mnatsakanova Anna , Charles Luenda E. , Fekedulegn Desta , Miller Diane B. , Violanti John M. , Burchfiel Cecil M. , Sharp Dan S.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

This study examines cross‐sectional associations of indices of adiposity, lean body mass, and physical activity, with heart rate variability (HRV), a marker for parasympathetic cardiac vagal control.

Methods

The study population consists of 360 officers from the Buffalo New York Police Department. Indices of adiposity include body mass index, waist circumference, and a fat‐mass index taken from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurements. Lean body mass indices were derived from DEXA measurements of trunk mass and extremity lean mass. Physical activity was measured using a 7‐day self‐report questionnaire. HRV was obtained from 5‐min electrocardiogram measurements by means of parametric spectral analysis resulting in estimates for high‐frequency (HF) and low‐frequency (LF) HRV.

Results

Both HF and LF HRV were significantly associated with markers for adiposity, two components of lean mass and physical activity with all associations being in the expected direction except that for trunk lean mass. This unexpected result is explained by the possibility that trunk mass is a marker for visceral adiposity rather than lean mass. Body mass index did not explain any additional variance in HRV above and beyond waist circumference and the DEXA indices.

Conclusions

Higher levels of physical activity, lower levels of markers for central adiposity and higher lean mass in the extremities predict higher levels of HRV in this population of police officers. This association between modifiable risk factors and markers for autonomic function suggest possible interventions that may improve health and performance. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:370–377, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Orphan PTMs: Rare, yet functionally important modifications of cysteine
Authors: Shannon D. Alexander , Weerapana Eranthie
Published: April 2013

The enhanced nucleophilicity and redox sensitivity of the thiol group renders cysteine residues susceptible to numerous electrophilic and oxidative post‐translational modifications to form disulfides, sulfenic acids, nitrosothiols, and lipid‐modified species. Outside of these well‐characterized modifications of cysteine, there are reports of cysteine modification through phosphorylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. Although these post‐translational modifications are highly abundant on other amino acids, they play a less pervasive role in cysteine biology. Despite the rarity of these modifications of cysteine, they have been shown to play critical roles in catalysis and regulation. Here we describe these rare post‐translational modifications of cysteine in detail, by describing their discovery and functional characterization on diverse proteins. Furthermore, we highlight potential proteomic tools that may aid in globally identifying these modifications to fully elucidate their abundance in biological systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 156–164, 2014.
The Isotropic Semicircle Law and Deformation of Wigner Matrices
Authors: Knowles Antti , Yin Jun
Published: April 2013

We analyze the spectrum of additive finite‐rank deformations of N × N Wigner matrices H. The spectrum of the deformed matrix undergoes a transition, associated with the creation or annihilation of an outlier, when an eigenvalue di of the deformation crosses a critical value ± 1. This transition happens on the scale . We allow the eigenvalues di of the deformation to depend on N under the condition . We make no assumptions on the eigenvectors of the deformation. In the limit N → ∞, we identify the law of the outliers and prove that the nonoutliers close to the spectral edge have a universal distribution coinciding with that of the extremal eigenvalues of a Gaussian matrix ensemble.

A key ingredient in our proof is the isotropic local semicircle law, which establishes optimal high‐probability bounds on where m(z) is the Stieltjes transform of Wigner's semicircle law and v, w are arbitrary deterministic vectors.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A flexible and robust approach for segmenting cell nuclei from 2D microscopy images using supervised learning and template matching
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wang Wei , Ozolek John A. , Rohde Gustavo K.
Published: April 2013

We describe a new supervised learning‐based template matching approach for segmenting cell nuclei from microscopy images. The method uses examples selected by a user for building a statistical model that captures the texture and shape variations of the nuclear structures from a given dataset to be segmented. Segmentation of subsequent, unlabeled, images is then performed by finding the model instance that best matches (in the normalized cross correlation sense) local neighborhood in the input image. We demonstrate the application of our method to segmenting nuclei from a variety of imaging modalities, and quantitatively compare our results to several other methods. Quantitative results using both simulated and real image data show that, while certain methods may work well for certain imaging modalities, our software is able to obtain high accuracy across several imaging modalities studied. Results also demonstrate that, relative to several existing methods, the template‐based method we propose presents increased robustness in the sense of better handling variations in illumination, variations in texture from different imaging modalities, providing more smooth and accurate segmentation borders, as well as handling better cluttered nuclei. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Ecotoxicological responses of three ornamental herb species to cadmium
Authors: Liu Zhouli , He Xingyuan , Chen Wei , Zhao Mingzhu
Published: April 2013

Cadmium is one of the most toxic elements. The ideal vegetal cover should be ensured by the selection of appropriate plant species for successful phytoremediation. In the present study, the ecotoxicological effects of Cd on the following 3 ornamental herbs were investigated: Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Based on the inhibition rate of seed germination, root and shoot elongation, early seedling growth, median inhibition concentration (IC50) values, and index of tolerance (IT) values, ecotoxicological indicators were determined. The results showed that 10 μM to 50 μM Cd had little effect on seed germination or root and shoot elongation of the 3 ornamental herbs (p > 0.01). With an increase in Cd concentrations, alfalfa (M. sativa) was the most sensitive to Cd toxicity in terms of seed germination and root elongation. Based on the IC50 of root elongation, Italian ryegrass (L. multiflorum) was the least sensitive to Cd. Based on the IC50 of seed germination and shoot elongation, white clover had the least sensitivity to Cd. Among the 3 ornamental herbs, based on the IC50 of seed germination and root and shoot elongation, alfalfa (M. sativa) was all the most sensitive plant. According to the index of tolerance, Italian ryegrass (L. multiflorum) was the most tolerant plant. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1746–1751. © 2013 SETAC
Mechanistic effect modeling for ecological risk assessment: Where to go from here?
Authors: Grimm Volker , Martin Benjamin T
Published: April 2013

Mechanistic effect models (MEMs) consider the mechanisms of how chemicals affect individuals and ecological systems such as populations and communities. There is an increasing awareness that MEMs have high potential to make risk assessment of chemicals more ecologically relevant than current standard practice. Here we discuss what kinds of MEMs are needed to improve scientific and regulatory aspects of risk assessment. To make valid predictions for a wide range of environmental conditions, MEMs need to include a sufficient amount of emergence, for example, population dynamics emerging from what individual organisms do. We present 1 example where the life cycle of individuals is described using Dynamic Energy Budget theory. The resulting individual-based population model is thus parameterized at the individual level but correctly predicts multiple patterns at the population level. This is the case for both control and treated populations. We conclude that the state-of-the-art in mechanistic effect modeling has reached a level where MEMs are robust and predictive enough to be used in regulatory risk assessment. Mechanistic effect models will thus be used to advance the scientific basis of current standard practice and will, if their development follows Good Modeling Practice, be included in a standardized way in future regulatory risk assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:e58–e63. © 2013 SETAC
Epigenetic regulation of hypoxia‐responsive gene expression: Focusing on chromatin and DNA modifications
Authors: Tsai Ya‐Ping , Wu Kou‐Juey
Published: April 2013

Mammalian cells constantly encounter hypoxia, which is a stress condition occurring during development and physiological processes. To adapt to this inevitable condition, cells develop various mechanisms to cope with this stress and survive. In addition to the activation/stabilization of transcriptional regulators (hypoxia‐inducible factors), other epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation are used. These mechanisms are mediated by various players including transcriptional coregulators, chromatin‐modifying complexes, histone modification enzymes and changes in DNA methylation status. Recent progress in all the fields mentioned above has greatly improved the knowledge of how gene regulation contributes to the hypoxic response. This review should shed light on the molecular epigenetic mechanisms of hypoxia‐induced gene regulation and help understand the processes adapted by cells to cope with hypoxia.
Sponsorship at O2—“The Belief that Repaid”
Authors: Cahill Jonnie , Meenaghan Tony
Published: April 2013

Over recent decades sponsorship has evolved significantly, in terms of an expanding range of sponsorship opportunities as well as an increased range of activation options. Where less significant development can be observed is in the area of sponsorship evaluation. This paper outlines a specific company case study focusing on a relatively new, but now well‐established brand, which made a significant strategic choice in utilizing sponsorship for brand building, market penetration, and the acquisition and retention of consumers in an increasingly commodified service category in contrast to the strategic mix chosen by its main competitors. The paper provides a detailed focus on the management and evaluation of their sponsorship activity in one particular market. Following a brief introduction to the O2 brand and its international development, it will examine the brand's position in the Irish marketplace and the strategically chosen role for sponsorship in its armory of marketing options. It details the key strategic pillars, which underpin the approach to sponsorship as a set of beliefs that hold sponsorship policy and activation together. The challenge, in a mature market dominated by competition for market share, was to drive short‐term sales while building long‐term brand equity. The industry was experiencing a paradigm shift from “mobile operators” to “social networks” and the paper explains how the choice and activation of sponsorships sought to develop participative interaction with customers to promote emotionally driven loyalty. To make the brand the basis for differentiation the company chose a marketing mix weighted toward sponsorship and placed “participation” at the core of activation. The strategic choices involved regarding the balance of resources between paid‐for media and sponsorship and in the latter case, between assets and activation, are explored. Two case studies relating to sport and entertainment sponsorship are detailed with particular reference to innovative and creative activation through social networks. The paper will outline the use of quantitative tracking measures as well as more involved measures in evaluating sponsorship performance. More specifically it will focus on the measurement of sponsorship performance and in particular on the various points at which measurement is brought to bear and the range of metrics—including softer measures such as sentiment analysis and social media conversations—utilized in this evaluation process. It will thus arrive at a comprehensive approach to measuring sponsorship effectiveness and demonstrate how results are translatable to monetary values.
Poly(para‐phenylene vinylene) and Polynorbornadiene Containing Rod‐Coil Block Copoylmers via Combination of Acyclic Diene Metathesis and Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Porz Michael , Mäker Dominic , Brödner Kerstin , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: April 2013

Poly(para‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and its derivatives are important semiconducting polymers for organic electronics. Herein, an alkene metathesis approach to obtain PPVs is reported. Tri(iso propyl)silyl‐substituted norbornadienes are employed as solubilizing agents. As PPV precursors divinylbenzene is used for acyclic diene metathesis and paracyclophane diene for a ring‐opening metathesis polymerization‐type approach. The resulting polymers are analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV‐vis, fluorescence, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. All of the polymers show good solubility in common solvents.

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