bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended evaluation of urinary multi-biomarker analyses of mycotoxins in Swedish adults and children
Authors: Mitropoulou A. , Gambacorta L. , Lemming E. Warensjö , Solfrizzo M. , Olsen M.
Published: July 2018

Biomarker-based methods are being more and more used to assess dietary exposure of mycotoxins in a population. The aim of the present study was to perform an extended analysis of urinary multiple mycotoxin levels and associations with background characteristics and food groups. Exposure assessment calculations were performed on three urine mycotoxins as described below and the probable daily intake (PDI) was compared with the established tolerable daily intake (TDI) to uncover potential exposure risks. The study population consisted of 250 adults and 50 school children in grade five from two surveys conducted by the Swedish National Food Agency. Six mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2), ochratoxin A (OTA), and nivalenol (NIV) and four metabolites (deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZOL) were measured by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry based method (LC-MS/MS). OTA and DON were the most commonly occurring mycotoxins in urine of both adults and children, 51 and 63%, respectively in adults and 96 and 94%, respectively in children. A positive correlation was found between urinary NIV and total cereal consumption among adults. ZEA, α-ZOL, β-ZOL and FB2 were significantly higher in females than males (P<0.01 for all). Adjusted OTA levels were inversely correlated with income in men. In children, the percentage DOM-1 positive samples were much higher compared to adults, 76 and 8% respectively, indicating a higher capacity to detoxify DON. The small sample size among children made it difficult to study associations between urine mycotoxins levels and food group intake. All PDI estimates [DON (with and without DOM-1), ZEA (with and without α-ZOL and β-ZOL) and FB1] were below the TDI values except for DON exposure in adults, as reported previously, 1.3% of the volunteers were above the TDI.
The influence of CuO nanoparticles and boron wastes on the properties of cement mortar
Authors: Yildirim M. , Derun E. M.
Published: July 2018

In this study, compressive and flexural strength, thermal properties, and pore structure of mortars modified with two types of boron waste and different amounts of CuO nanoparticles were investigated. The binders were prepared with 3% of borogypsum or borax waste and nano-CuO at concentration up to 4%. The setting time, compressive and flexural strength at 3, 7, and 28 days, DTA/TG, XRD, BET, and water absorption tests were carried out, and optimal nano-CuO percentages were determined. It was observed that nano-CuO addition in the range 2%–2.5% can improve mechanical properties, reduce the amount of unreacted portlandite, increase water absorption resistance, and decrease the setting time for borogypsum-containing mortars. The optimum nano-CuO replacement ratio changes between 0.5%–1% for borax waste-containing mortars. The results showed that nano-CuO was able to promote hydration reactions, act as a nanofiller, and provide a kernel for nucleation reactions.
Optimal tread design for agricultural lug tires determined through failure analysis
Authors: Song Hyun Seok , Sim Kyung Seok , Park Tae Won
Published: July 2018

Agricultural lug tires, commonly used in tractors, must provide safe and stable support for the body of the vehicle and bear any additional load while effectively traversing rough, poor-quality ground surfaces. Many agricultural lug tires fail unexpectedly. In this study, we optimised and validated a tread design for agricultural lug tires intended to increase their durability using failure analysis. Specifically, we identified tire failure modes using indoor driving tests and failure mode effects analysis. Next, we developed a threedimensional tire model using the Ogden material model and finite element method. Using sensitivity analysis and response surface methodology, we optimised the tread design. Finally, we evaluated the durability of the new design using a tire prototype and drum test equipment. Results indicated that the optimised tread design decreased the tire tread stress by 16% and increased its time until cracking by 38% compared to conventional agricultural lug tires.
The ability of tree stems to intercept debris flows in forested fan areas: A laboratory modelling study
Authors: Bettella Francesco , Michelini Tamara , D'Agostino Vincenzo , Bischetti Gian Battista
Published: July 2018

Debris flows are one of the most common geomorphic processes in steep mountainous areas. The control of their propagation on alluvial fans is fundamental; valley bottoms are usually characterised by high damage potential because they contain concentrations of inhabitants and infrastructure. It is well known that forests have a protective function in that they reduce the triggering of debris flows, as well as hinder their motion and promote deposition, but a quantitative assessment of these effects is still lacking. Using laboratory experiments that simulate debris-flow depositional processes, this research investigated the ability of forests to reduce debris-flow runout and depositional area. The experiments considered two different forest types, high forests and coppice forests, and four volumetric concentrations of sediment (0.50, 0.55, 0.60, and 0.65). The results confirmed that the sediment concentration of the flow is a key factor in determining the geometry of the deposits. On the other hand, forests can reduce debris-flow runout distance and, in general terms, affect the characteristics of their deposits. The results showed that vegetation appear to reduce debris-flow motion especially when the debris-flow kinematic load at the fan apex is low. About the sediment concentration of the mixture, high forest did not exhibit a clear behaviour while coppice forest appears to promote significant deposition at all of the tested concentrations, and this effect increases with the solid concentration (reductions in runout between approximately 20% and 30% at CV=0.50 and CV=0.65, respectively, were observed). Due to their higher tree density, in fact, coppice forests seem to have a better protective effect than the rigid trunks of high forest trees. For this last type of forest, a relationship between the H/L ratio, which represents energy dissipation, have been found and compared with the scenario without forest.
Ground improvement using waste shell for farm roads and embankments
Authors: Rachmawati Siti Hanggita , Hossain Zakaria , Shiau Jim
Published: July 2018

The bearing capacity of subgrade soil plays an important role in the performance of agricultural earth structures such as farm roads or earth embankments. It also has a strong link to the budgeting efficiency of those agricultural earth structural projects. One way to improve the subgrade of soil is by using stabilised material in the subgrade layer. Shell husk waste is one of the construction materials that can be used as a substitute for the subgrade layer. The utilisation of shell husk waste has several purposes such as protecting natural aggregate and preventing problems that arise from the untreated abandoned shell husk waste. In this research, shell husk waste was used as farm road subgrade material. To understand the bearing capacity of soil specimens, a series of California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were carried out by using several types of subgrade layers containing different percentages of shell husk in the soil-shell husk mixture. Three types of subgrade layers were used: subgrade upper layer, subgrade bottom layer, and subgrade double layer, containing 0 (control), 10, 20, and 30% shell husk in soil-shell husk mixture. The experimental results showed that the addition of shell husk in soil leads to improvement in the CBR values of the ground as compared to control specimens. It was further revealed that by increasing the percentage of shell husk in the soil-shell husk mixture, the CBR value was improved significantly. The highest CBR value was achieved by using subgrade upper layer with a 30% shell husk in soil-shell husk mixture. The results obtained are encouraging with regard to the utilisation of the waste shell husks for improving the bearing capacity of agricultural earth structures such as farm roads and earth embankments.
Assessment of aerial and underground vibration transmission in mechanically trunk shaken olive trees
Authors: Sola-Guirado Ruben R. , Bernardi Bruno , Castro-García Sergio , Blanco-Roldán Gregorio L. , Benalia Souraya , Fazari Antonio , Brescia Alessio , Zimbalatti Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

The present study analyses the transmission of vibrations generated from a multidirectional trunk shaker to olive tree structure considering both the aerial zone (trunk and branches) and the underground zone (the coarse root). The vibration characterization was conducted by measuring acceleration on several points of the tree during harvesting operations. The influence of two different heights of shaker head clamping was analysed. In addition, a dynamic probing was performed in order to evaluate soil compaction. The results showed that the vibration performed by the trunk shaker head, corresponding to an acceleration resultant of approximately 77 ms–2 with a dominant vibration frequency of 18 Hz, increased up to 106% in branches and decreased up to 90% in trunks. At root level, where the analysis was carried out at 1/3 and 2/3 of the coarse root length, the acceleration values diminished significantly to 17 ms–2 and 12 ms–2, respectively. Soil dynamic resistance was lower (36 kg cm–2) near the trees than between the trees (53 kg cm–2). The vibration transmission to the aerial and the underground parts diversely influences the dynamic behaviour of the olive tree, considering an operational frequency of a commercial trunk shaker. The assessment of vibration transmission to the aerial part could contribute to improve fruit detachment and reduce branch breaking and leaf detachment. While vibration transmission to the underground part rises new challenges considering soil compaction in olive groves.
Influence of canopy development in the vineyard on spray deposition from a tunnel sprayer
Authors: Pergher Gianfranco , Zucchiatti Nicola
Published: July 2018

Spray deposition from a tunnel, air-assisted sprayer was analysed during the whole season, following canopy development in a vertical-shoot-positioned vineyard. Four field tests were performed using hollow-cone, turbulence nozzles between the BBCH 15 (5 leaves unfolded) and BBCH 77 (berries beginning to touch) growth stages, plus an additional test with flat-fan, air-injection nozzles at BBCH 77. The main canopy parameters were assessed, including the canopy height range (0.6 m to 1.4 m), the leaf area index (LAI; 0.15 to 1.60) and the leaf layer index (LLI; 0.69 to 2.74). Total deposition on target (leaves and bunches) increased from 14.8% to 53.9% of volume applied, and was significantly related to the LLI (R² = 0.943); the relevance of such relationship in connection with the leaf wall area model for volume rate adjustment is discussed in the paper. Losses to the ground (1.9% to 8.1% of volume applied), spray recovery rate (31.0% to 67.2%) and losses owing to evaporation of the recycled liquid (0.1% to 3.5%) were also analysed. At BBCH 77, air-injection nozzles did not improve overall deposition in comparison to hollow-cone nozzles, but increased spray recovery (from 31.0% to 36.1%) and reduced (to 0.1%) evaporation of the recycled liquid, so that they may represent an option to avoid an excessive concentration in the tank towards the end of application.
Energy consumption and technical-economic analysis of an automatic feeding system for dairy farms: Results from a field test
Authors: Tangorra Francesco M. , Calcante Aldo
Published: July 2018

The need to reduce labour demand and the increasing size of herds have led - in the last years - to develop specific automated solutions for feeding animals in dairy farms. Currently there are more than 1250 automatic feeding systems (AFS) used worldwide, but there is a lack of information about both their energy requirements and management costs. The primary aim of the present study was to measure the electric energy consumption of an AFS installed in a dairy farm of Northern Italy under practical conditions. The secondary aim was to calculate, using the classic ASABE approach, the costs for preparing and distributing a total mixed ration (TMR) with the same AFS in comparison with the conventional feeding system (CFS) (tractor + TMR wagon) previously adopted by the farm. The average energy consumption of AFS over the experimental period (two months) was 40.2±2.3 kWh per day, 2.11±0.07 kWh per ton of TMR distributed and 29.6 kWh ∙ cow–1 per year. Energy consumptions and labour were reduced respectively of 97% and 79% passing from a CFS (tractor + TMR wagon) to an AFS, contributing to reduce the daily cost for feeding TMR up to 33%. These results highlighting that AFS can represent an interesting option to improve competitiveness of dairy farms.
Testing odorant-receptor interaction theories in humans through discrimination of isotopomers
Authors: Andrione Mara , Paoli Marco , Antolini Renzo , Haase Albrecht
Published: July 2018

Odour reception takes place on the olfactory receptor neuron membrane, where molecular receptors interact with volatile odorant molecules. This interaction is classically thought to rely on chemical and structural features of the odorant, e.g. size, shape, functional groups. However, this model does not allow formulating a correct prediction for the smell of an odorant, suggesting that other molecular properties may play a role in the odour transduction process. An alternative model of olfaction maintains that odorant receptors can probe not only the structural and chemical features, but also the molecular vibration spectrum of the odorants. This constitutes the so-called vibration model of olfaction. According to this model, two isotopomers of the same molecule, i.e. two forms of the same molecule, one unaltered and one in which one or more hydrogen atoms are substituted with deuterium – which are therefore structurally and chemically identical, but with different molecular vibration spectra – would interact differently with an olfactory receptor, producing different olfactory perceptions in the brain. Here, we report on a duo-trio discrimination experiment conducted on human subjects, testing isotopomer pairs that have recently been shown to be differentially encoded in the honeybee brain.
Protease of Stenotrophomonas sp. from Indonesian fermented food: gene cloning and analysis
Authors: Kurnia Frans , Tjandrawinata Raymond R. , Yulandi Adi , Suhartono Maggy T.
Published: July 2018

Screening of proteolytic and fibrinolytic bacteria from Indonesian soy bean based fermented food Oncom revealed several potential isolates. Based on 16s rDNA gene analysis, one particular isolate with the highest proteolytic and fibrinolytic activity was identified as Stenotrophomonas sp. The protease gene was amplified to generate a 1749 bp Polymerase Chain Reaction product and BLAST analysis, revealed 90% homology with gene encoding protease enzyme from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The putative amino acid sequence indicated a serine protease enzyme with typical amino acid aspartate, histidine and serine in the catalytic triad. The gene was translated into a pre-pro-protein consisted of cleavage site on its N terminal and Pre-Peptidase Cterminal domain. Cloning of the protease gene in pET22b with Escherichia coli BL21 DE3 as the host showed that the gene was expressed as insoluble protein fraction. This is the first report for analysis of protease gene from food origin Stenotrophomonas sp.
Antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of bee glue ethanol and aqueous extracts
Authors: Shariatifar Nabi , Janghorban Akram , Rahimnia Rezvan , Mozaffari Nejad Amir Sasan
Published: July 2018

Food-borne pathogens is a group of micro-organisms that cause food-borne illness, thus the research for finding effective drugs against this infection is necessary. The purpose of this study determines antibacterial, antioxidant activity antifungal of bee glue ethanol and aqueous extracts. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of extracts were evaluated against food-born (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Vibrio cholerae and Candida albicans) purchased from Boali hospital on by the well diffusion method. Broth serial dilution method was doing to find the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the agar dilution method to find the Minimal Bacterial Concentration (MBC) of extracts. The antioxidant activity of the extracts assaying by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Ethanol extract of bee glue was found the most effective against S. aureus strains (inhibition zone=27±0.87 mm) than E. coli strains (inhibition zone=5.5±0.37mm). Aqueous extract of propolis was found the most effective against S. aureus strains (inhibition zone=14.5±0.75 mm) than E. coli strains (inhibition zone=3.5±0.5mm) and C. albicans (inhibition zone=10±0.5 mm). The MIC and MBC values of the extracts ethanol and aqueous most effective against B. cereus strains were 0.3125, 0.625, 0.3125 and 1.25 mg/mL than E. coli strains 0.625, 1. 25, 2.5 and 50 mg/mL. and also for C. albicans was 0.625, 1.25, 1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL. IC50 ethanol and aqueous extracts of propolis were 8±0.25 and 45±1.75, respectively. This study was to assess the Antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities activities of bee glue extracts in in vitro.
Biological activity and chemical identification of ornithine lipid produced by Burkholderia gladioli pv. agaricicola ICMP 11096 using LC-MS and NMR analyses
Authors: Elshafie Hazem Salaheldin , Viggiani Licia , Mostafa Mohamed Said , El-Hashash Maher A. , Camele Ippolito , Bufo Sabino Aurelio
Published: July 2018

Lipoamino acids (LAs) have been isolated from bacterial species and are included among the most important microbial secondary metabolites. Some synthetic LAs are being increasingly used in pharmaceutical applications such as ornithine lipid (OL) which is present in relatively large amounts in some G-ve bacteria. Many Burkholderia spp. produce in vitro secondary metabolites with lipodepsipeptide nature and have showed relevant biological activities and potential practical applications. The purposes of this research were i) to study the antibacterial activity of cell-free culture filtrate of B. gladioli pv. agaricicola strain ICMP 11096; ii) HPLC fractionation and antibacterial evaluation of isolated compounds; iii) Finally, the identification by LC-MS and NMR analysis of the principle bioactive compound produced by the bacterium. Results showed that the cell-free culture filtrate has a promising antibacterial activity against the two studied target microorganisms. In addition, HPLC fractionation demonstrated the presence of five single bioactive compounds produced by the bacterium and their antibacterial activity stated that peak no. 2 is the most bioactive one against B. megaterium and E. coli. Successively, the principal bioactive compound was identified by LC-MS and ¹H NMR as OL with mass spectrum (m/z) 719. This research is considered the first report of isolation and chemical identification of OL compound isolated from B. gladioli pv. agaricicola ICMP 11096.
Role of ways of insect visitors foraging for pollination in yield contributing traits of mustard
Authors: Hossain Md. Iqbal , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Hossain Mohammed Sakhawat , Chakraborty Rajesh , Amin Ruhul
Published: July 2018

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 during the period from November 2016 to February 2017. The experiment has consisted of three different ways of insect visitors foraging for pollination of mustard flowers viz., T1= Open field (Control), i.e., the mustard field was fully open for free movement by the insect pollinators, T2= Netting with honey bee, i.e., the mustard plots was caged with muslin net and the bee hive was placed inside the cage and T3= Netting without honey bee, i.e., the mustard plots was caged with muslin net but the bee hive was not placed inside the cage. BARI Sharisha-8 [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernajew] was used as planting material. Randomized Complete Block Design was selected to lay out the present experiment with 7 replicates. Study showed that, honey bee was the most abundant hymenopterans in the mustard field as a pollinator. The yield and yield contributing traits were significantly influenced by different ways of insect visitors foraging for pollination. The maximum (3.50 g) 1000-seed weight was recorded from treatment T2 followed by T3 and the lowest 1000- seed weight (2.68 g) was recorded from T3. The highest seed yield (2.45 t ha-1) was exhibited from treatment T2 followed by T1 whereas the lowest seed yield (1.67 t ha-1) was recorded from T3. Finally, it can be concluded that, providing honey bee colonies to the flowering mustard field can substantially contribute to the yield.
Effect of cadmium on anion exchange capability through Band 3 protein in human erythrocytes
Authors: Morabito Rossana , Remigante Alessia , Arcuri Benedetta , Marino Angela , Giammanco Marco , La Spada Giuseppina , Marino Angela
Published: July 2018

The efficiency of Band 3 protein, mediating HCO3-/Cl- exchange across erythrocytes membrane, is reduced by oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to verify whether Band 3 protein efficiency is compromised by treatment with Cadmium (Cd2+), an extremely toxic heavy metal known to interfere with antioxidant enzymes, energy metabolism, gene expression and cell membranes. To this end, the rate constant for SO4= uptake through Band 3 protein (accounting for velocity of anion exchange) was measured along with membrane –SH groups, Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and Band 3 protein expression levels in Cd2+ -treated human erythrocytes (300 µM, 1 mM). Our results show that Cd2+ reduced the rate constant for SO4= uptake, with a significant increase in MDA levels at both concentrations and with a reduction in –SH groups observed after 1 mM Cd2+ treatment, whereas Band 3 protein expression levels were unchanged in both conditions. In conclusion: i) Cd2+ reduces Band 3 protein efficiency via different mechanisms depending on metal concentration and with unchanged expression levels; ii) the assessment of Band 3 protein anion exchange capability is a good tool to assay the impact of heavy metals on cell homeostasis and, possibly, useful for diagnosis and monitoring of devalopment of Cd2+ toxicity-related pathologies.
Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum associated to progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Biological, laboratory, electrophysiological and clinical aspects
Authors: Berio Agostino , Garlaschi Giacomo , Mariottini Gian Luigi , Calcagno Enrico , Piazzi Attilia
Published: July 2018

The authors discuss about the relationships between oculoauriculo- vertebral spectrum (OAVS), a malformative condition affecting eyes, ears and vertebral structures mainly derived from neural crests, and autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia (adPEO) – an electron transport chain disorder characterized by palpebral ptosis and muscular symptoms – on the basis of laboratory data and clinical signs in a case belonging to a family in which symptoms of both diseases occur. Hemifacial microsomia and ears abnormalities were the main neural crest cells (NCC) derived signs for OAVS diagnosis. Palpebral ptosis and the associated hyperlactacidemia with high Lactate to Pyruvate ratio were main signs for the suspicion of adPEO, but the diagnosis was proposed by clinical, biochemical, electrophysiological and genetic methods because the biopsy not always is diagnostic, as in our case. The association of two groups of symptoms (malformed, NCCrelated, and myopatic-electron transport related) in the same subject as observed in our case and partially in the family, may be ascribed to nuclear abnormalities and mitochondrial electron transport disorder, respectively, as well as to a possible common etiopathogenetic mechanism. In some cases of OAVS, the malformations may be consequent to oxidative phosphorilation disease (OXPHOS) derangement, as previously demonstrated; the extensive determination of lactacidemia may be important to address the research on OAVS patients in the mitochondrial/OXPHOS genetic domain, with advantage in the knowledge of OAVS pathogenesis.
Aphids and ladybird beetle’s abundance and diversity in alfalfa fields of Yasouj, southwestern of Iran
Authors: Mirfakhraie S. , Saeidi K.
Published: July 2018

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the oldest and the most important forage legume. It has been cultivated for forage longer than any other crop. Diversity indices provide information about community composition. Diversity indices are measured by species richness and species evenness therefore, it could give us more ecological information rather than a simple species list in the fields. During 2015-2016, aphids and ladybird beetle’s abundance and diversity were monitored in alfalfa fields of Yasouj. Samplings were conducted with 150 plants in the alfalfa fields from mid-May to mid-November. Species richness was measured using Shannon and Simpson indices. In this study, six aphids and five coccinellid species were collected and identified. Among the collected aphid species, Aphis fabae (Scopoli, 1763) and Therioaphis maculata (Buckton, 1899) were most abundant in the fields. For coccinellids, Coccinella septempunctata L. was the most abundant species. Highest aphid species diversity was observed on 17 May 2016.
Entomology contribution in animal immunity: Determination of the crude thoraxial glandular protein extract of Stomoxys calcitrans as an antibody production enhancer in young horses
Authors: Rumokoy L. , Adiani S. , Assa G.J.V. , Toar W.L. , Aban J.L.
Published: July 2018

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the level of antigens protein contained in the crude thoraxial glandular protein (TGP) extract of Stomoxys calcitrans which function as immunity enhancer in young horses. The detection of protein content of the thoraxial glandular samples was performed by using a spectrophotometer Nano Drop-1000. This result showed that the lowest level of antigen protein was 0.54 mg/mL, the highest was 72 mg/mL, and the average was 0.675 mg/mL. Six foals were used and divided into two groups. The first group was treated with a solution of 100 μg of TGP by subcutaneous injection, the other group acted as control. The TGP extract was injected on the first day of the experiment. Three ml of blood were sampled from the jugular vein on the 14th day after TGP injection. The blood sampled was centrifuged and its serum placed in micro-tubes to observe the IgG level. The injection of TGP had a significant effect on the IgG level of the experiment animals (P<0.05). This experiment emphasized an important relation between entomology and animal husbandry; health improvement in the young animals was observed after the injection of the insect antigen, so it can be concluded that crude thoraxial glandular proteins of S. calcitrans can be used to improve the immunoglobulin-G circulation in foals.
Population abundance of pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Homoptera: Aphididae), predators in Southwest of Iran
Authors: Yaghobi S. , Rajabpour A. , Zandi Sohani N.
Published: July 2018

Pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae Passarini (Hom., Aphididae) is an important pest of pomegranate in Iran. Predators play critical role in natural control of the pest. In this study, seasonal population dynamics of the aphid predators were investigated during two years (2016/2017) in Ilam province, southwest of Iran. Samplings were bi-weekly performed in an experimental pomegranate orchard. Four insect predators, Coccinella septempunctata L., Oenopia congelobata L. (Col., Coccinellidae), Xanthogramma pedisseguum Haris (Dip., Syrphidae) and Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neu., Chryspidae) were identified as predators of A. punicae in Ilam. The natural enemies occurred during March to May in both years. The highest and the lowest densities were belong to X. pedisseguum and O. congelobata, respectively. Results of the study can be used for developing integrated pest management program of A. punicae in pomegranate orchards.
Application of QUAL2Kw to the Oglio River (Northern Italy) to assess diffuse N pollution via river-groundwater interaction
Authors: Taherisoudejani Hajar , Racchetti Erica , Celico Fulvio , Bartoli Marco
Published: July 2018

Water quality modeling is increasingly recognized as a useful tool for obtaining valuable information for optimal water quality management. In this study, the free software QUAL2Kw was used to evaluate the impacts of agricultural nitrogen (N) excess on river nitrate (NO3-N) concentrations. We explored the possibility to use QUAL2Kw in order to back calculate the exchange of water and N from the groundwater to the Oglio River, northern Italy, which drains a heavily irrigated and fertilized agricultural land. Along the river course water monitoring activities carried out in the dry, summer period revealed steep increases of NO3-N in different sectors, by up to 2 orders of magnitude, not explained by any significant point inputs. Such increases suggest the occurrence of large water exchange with nitrate-polluted groundwater and diffuse inputs. In turn, groundwater pollution is due to high N excess in the watershed (~200 kg N ha-1 yr-1), flood-based irrigation techniques and soil permeability. The QUAL2Kw model was calibrated using the average of 2 years' data collected in winter 2010 and 2011 and validated using the data of winter 2012. To minimize the error between simulation results and measured data, the constants of inorganic suspended solid (ISS), ammonium (NH4-N), nitrate and organic N were calibrated. The calibration and validation results showed a good correspondence between the calculated and measured values for most of water-quality variables. QUAL2Kw was then run separately with three years' summer data (2009, 2010 and 2011), and large gaps were found between the measured and predicted values of discharge, electrical conductivity, NO3-N and total N. Such gaps are discussed in terms of river-groundwater interactions, limited to the summer period and following irrigation by flooding, rise of the groundwater table and vertical transport of N. The gaps allowed to back calculate the volumes of water and the amount of N exchanged. The total load of NO3-N entering into the river from groundwater was estimated in 25.17, 25.63 and 29.89 ton per day for NO3-N in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Similar results were obtained in another study based on mass balance of N isotopes. The combination of experimental and QUAL2Kw modelled data proved to be a simple, low cost but effective tool in the estimation of NO3-N exchange between the surface and groundwater.
Results of 10 years sampling of Chironomidae from German lowland running waters differing in degradation
Authors: Orendt Claus
Published: July 2018

Based on data from monitoring in north-east Germany (Land Brandenburg) over a decade, chironomid taxa and their abundances were analysed for their preferences for certain running water types and degradation levels. A detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) revealed that the distribution of the taxa was determined by both, degradation level and water body type. A series of taxa was positively or negatively correlated to degradation, however, frequently only in certain water body types. In other types, they played no major role or were evenly distributed along the degradation gradient. Higher correlations were found for taxa favouring ‘good’ and 'poor' or 'bad' conditions than for preferers of ‘moderate’ status. The results allow to validate indices and weigths of indicators derived from high frequencies of the taxa in certain one or more quality class(es). The preferred ocurrencies elaborated have to be discussed or tested for plausiblity before using or evaluating powerful indicator taxa for classifications or revisions in assessment practice. A reduction of the taxonomical precision to genus level lowered the statistical significance and requires careful examination of the species preferences of the genus.
Aquatic silk proteins in Chironomus: A review
Authors: Thorat Leena J. , Nath Bimalendu B.
Published: July 2018

Silk proteins secreted by salivary glands in the dipteran insect, Chironomus play a significant role as proteinaceous adhesives for construction of underwater housing nests by larvae. To date, only three Chironomus species, C. tentans Fabricius, C. pallidivittatus Malloch and C. riparius Meigen have been explored for characterization of their aquatic silk protein. Genes coding for silk proteins are located on specific chromosomal ‘puffs’ called Balbiani rings as well as non-Balbiani ring regions.  Expression of these genes is closely regulated by developmental and hormonal alterations and environmental factors. Furthermore, pilot studies have postulated that silk proteins probably occur in diverse size classes grouped into large (~1000 kDa), intermediate (100-200 kDa) and small (≤100 kDa). Barring few preliminary reports that date back to the 1990s, the physical and bioproperties of silk from chironomid midges remain largely unknown, leading to paucity of updated information. This review was therefore aimed to compile existing literature database and to highlight the wide possibilities for commercialization of midge larval silk as a novel biopolymer.
Firuz Akhrorov (1937-2012) and his contributions to the study of Chironomidae in Tajikistan
Authors: Przhiboro Andrey , Saidov Abdusattor , Petrova Ninel
Published: July 2018

The paper is dedicated to the memory of Firuz Akhrorov (1937-2012), noted Tajik hydrobiologist and chironomid researcher. The contributions of F. Akhrorov to chironomid research are reviewed briefly. A list of Akhrorov's published works on Chironomidae (35 titles) is provided, as is a list of taxa he described in Chironomidae (18 species names).
Effect of salt tolerant Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth under soil salinity: A comparative study
Authors: Vimal Shobhit Raj , Gupta Jaya , Singh Jay Shankar
Published: July 2018

This study was conducted to examine the comparative effect on wheat plant health inoculated with the two different rhizobacterial strains Bacillus sp. (JG3) and Pseudomonas sp. (JG7) under soil salinity. Total seven potential salt tolerant strains were isolated from the saline soils of BBAU-Lucknow. The bacterial strains have been investigated for nitrogen fixatation, phosphate solubilization, ammonia, indole acetic acid and hydrogen cyanide production activities. Based on morphological and biochemical activities the strains JG3 was designated as Bacillus sp. and the strain JG7 was designated as Pseudomonas sp. Both the strains witness positive for the different plant growth promoting traits. In comparison of strain JG7, strain JG3 inoculated wheat seeds enhance plant height by 32.32%, root length by 37.84%, fresh weight by 28.2% and dry weight by 15.51% in FYM amended soils. We observe in this study that seeds treated with Bacillus sp. found significantly effective in plant growth promotion compared to Pseudomonas sp. in saline soil. Based on the comparative experimental study reported herein, it is pointedly observed that the use of salt tolerant PGPRs are effective for facilitating plant health in salt stress environments
Inactivation of food borne pathogens by lipid fractions of culinary condiments and their nutraceutical properties
Authors: Naeem Ayeza , Abbas Tanveer , Ali Tahira Mohsin , Hasnain Abid
Published: July 2018

Lipid fraction from four different culinary condiments namely black seed (Nigella sativa), fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) and coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) were investigated for total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, total flavonoid content, total flavonol content and antibacterial attributes. Antimicrobial properties were determined against food-borne bacteria through agar well diffusion, drop agar diffusion, macrobroth dilution with simultaneous determination of their minimum inhibitory concentrations and changes in cellular morphology was analyzed through Scanning electron microscopy. Generally, ethanolic lipid fractions were more effective bioactively as compared to methanolic LFs. Parallel results were obtained for antibacterial activities with the highest antibacterial activities exhibited by ethanolic LFs. The results positively support the use of these lipid fractions in generating new systems to inhibit bacterial growth, extend the shelf life and enhance the safety of the packaged food product. The examined oils can also be used for therapeutic purposes.
Allgrove syndrome and motor neuron disease
Authors: De Freitas Marcos R.G. , Orsini Marco , Prufer de Queiroz Campos Araújo Alexandra , Abraão Jr. Luiz João , Barbosa Gilberto Miranda , França Marcondes C. , Correia Luan , Bastos Victor Hugo , Trajano Eduardo , Da Sant’Anna Jr. Mauricio
Published: July 2018

Allgrove or triple A syndrome (AS or AAA) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome with variable phenotype due to mutations in AAAS gene which encodes a protein called ALADIN. Generally, it’s characterized by of adrenal insufficiency in consequence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistance, besides of achalasia, and alacrimia. Neurologic features are varied and have been the subject of several case reports and reviews. A few cases of Allgrove syndrome with motor neuron disease have been already described. A 25-year-old white man, at the age of four, presented slowly progressive distal amyotrophy and weakness, autonomic dysfunction, dysphagia and lack of tears. He suffered later of orthostatic hypotension and erectile dysfunction. He presented distal amytrophy in four limbs, tongue myofasiculations, alacrimia, hoarseness and dysphagia due to achalasia. The ENMG showed generalized denervation with normal conduction velocities. Genetic testing revealed 2 known pathogenic variants in the AAAS gene (c.938T>C and c.1144_1147delTCTG). Our case presented a distal spinal amyotrophy with slow evolution and symptoms and signs of AS with a mutation in AAAS gen. Some cases of motor neuron disease, as ours, may be due to AAS. Early diagnosis is extremely important for symptomatic treatment.
Prevalence of neurological complications associated with Zika virus in a brazilian metropolis
Authors: Da Silva Brito Kattiucy Gabrielle , Barbosa dos Santos Edarlan , Dos Santos Maia Lucas Liliane , Orsini Marco , Fiorelli Rossano , Teixeira Silmar , Ayres Carla , Correia Luan , Bastos Victor Hugo , Trajano Eduardo , Cardoso Carlos Eduardo , De Freitas Marcos R.G. , Da Silva Catharino Antônio Marcos
Published: July 2018

The aim of this paper is to study the prevalence of Zika Virus (ZIKV) and the index of its neurological complications. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional epidemiological study. Data were collected through the compulsory notification of suspected ZIKV and its neurological alterations cases. 113 suspected ZIKV cases were reported, most of them in the summer, with a higher prevalence of females and in the fourth decade of life. Among the neurological changes, 15 Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases were reported, with one registered death. As neurological manifestations, most of them started 30 days after a ZIKV infection. No case has been confirmed laboratory. It is necessary to combat the vector, mainly in the summer, to reduce ZIKV infection and its neurological complications, besides instruction to the health professionals about these complications and serological tests requests for an accurate diagnosis.
Quantitative assessment of gait parameters in people with Parkinson's disease in laboratory and clinical setting: Are the measures interchangeable?
Authors: Pau Massimiliano , Corona Federica , Pili Roberta , Casula Carlo , Guicciardi Marco , Cossu Giovanni , Murgia Mauro
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to investigate possible differences in spatio-temporal gait parameters of people with Parkinson’s Disease (pwPD) when they are tested either in laboratory using 3D Gait Analysis or in a clinical setting using wearable accelerometers. The main spatio-temporal gait parameters (speed, cadence, stride length, stance, swing and double support duration) of 31 pwPD were acquired: i) using a wearable accelerometer in a clinical setting while wearing shoes (ISS); ii) same as condition 1, but barefoot (ISB); iii) using an optoelectronic system (OES) undressed and barefoot. While no significant differences were found for cadence, stance, swing and double support duration, the experimental setting affected speed and stride length that decreased (by 17% and 12% respectively, P<0.005) when passing from the clinical (ISS) to the laboratory (OES) setting. These results suggest that gait assessment should be always performed in the same conditions to avoid errors, which may lead to inaccurate patient’s evaluations.
Rapunzel Syndrome: How to Orient the Diagnosis
Authors: Finale Enrico , Franceschini Piergiorgio , Danesino Cesare , Barbaglia Michelangelo , Guala Andrea
Published: July 2018

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare form of tricobezoar with a tail extending from the stomach into the small bowel; surgical removal is generally required. About 60 cases have been reported and described in the literature since 1968. We present the case of an 8-year-old girl who, during the course of a genetic consultation, was initially assigned with a clinical suspicion of ectodermal dysplasia. Surgical intervention, which resulted in the extraction of a tricobezoar of enormous size and extension, led us to the diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome. The possibility of a tricobezoar should be considered in all cases of adolescent patients who present signs of intestinal occlusion or sub-occlusion, suffer from psychiatric disorders, and have a history of trichotillomania. Endoscopic methodology, medical imaging and clinical diagnostics are fundamental for a differential diagnosis. Psychiatric follow-up is advised to prevent recurrence.
Granulocyte–Colony Stimulating Factor plus Plerixafor in Patients with β-thalassemia Major Results in the Effective Mobilization of Primitive CD34+ Cells with Specific Gene Expression Profile
Authors: Baiamonte Elena , Barone Rita , Contino Flavia , Di Stefano Rosalia , Marfia Anna , Filosa Aldo , D'Angelo Emanuela , Feo Salvatore , Acuto Santina , Maggio Aurelio
Published: July 2018

Successful gene therapy for β-thalassemia requires optimal numbers of autologous gene-transduced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with high repopulating capacity. Previous studies suggested superior mobilization in these patients by the combination of granulocyte–colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) plus plerixafor over single agents. We mobilized four adult patients using G-CSF+plerixafor to assess the intra-individual variation of the circulating CD34+ cells number and subtypes preand post-plerixafor administration. The procedure was well-tolerated and the target cell dose of ≥8 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg was achieved in three of them with one apheresis procedure. The addition of plerixafor unanimously increased the number of circulating CD34+ cells, and the frequency of the most primitive CD34+ subtypes: CD34+/38− and CD34+/133+/38− as well as the in vitro clonogenic potency. Microarray analyses of CD34+ cells purified from the leukapheresis of one patient mobilized twice, with G-CSF and with G-CSF+plerixafor, highlighted in G-CSF+plerixafor-mobilized CD34+ cells, higher levels of expression genes involved in HSPC motility, homing, and cell cycles. In conclusion, G-CSF+plerixafor in β-thalassemia patients mobilizes optimal numbers of HSPCs with characteristics that suggest high capacity of engraftment after transplantation.
Global Initiatives for Improving Quality Healthcare by the Thalassaemia International Federation
Authors: Polynikis Andreas , Lavranos Giangos , Al Assaf AF
Published: July 2018

In today’s health care arena, a number of issues are being raised that have received more attention either from the health care consumers or the media [...]
Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Advances for Thalassaemia Patients
Authors: Papatheodoridis George
Published: July 2018

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major problem for thalassaemia patients, as blood transfusions before 1990 were associated with a high risk of HCV infection [...]
The role of mouse models in translational cancer research: present and future directions
Authors: Porru Manuela , Leonetti Carlo
Published: July 2018

A major issue in the research for new anticancer therapeutics is represented by the low number of new compounds approved for clinical use in comparison to the good success rate reported in preclinical studies. This high attrition rate could be attributed to many factors including the unsatisfactory predictive value of experiments performed in animals. To this purpose, general opinions suggest that classical models as murine tumors and xenografts do not mimic the complexity of human cancer diseases and that the use and integration of different relevant mouse models could improve the efficiency of the drug development process. In this review, we overview the present state of research in the field of mouse models for cancer and describe the advantages and limitations of the different models. Finally, strategies for improving the predictive value of animal experiments will be also discussed.
Species specificity of an adrenal androgen-mediated kill-switch triggered by p53 inactivation
Authors: Nyce Jonathan W.
Published: July 2018

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an oncoprotein that is regulated by the p53 tumor suppressor. Mutant p53 loses the ability to inhibit G6PD, and loss of G6PD control clearly plays a role in oncogenesis. The steroid hormone precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous uncompetitive inhibitor of G6PD. In humans, and a few other species, the sulfated circulatory form of DHEA (DHEAS) is present at extremely high concentrations – much higher than can be accounted for by DHEA’s function as a precursor to steroid hormones. Uncompetitive inhibition is extremely rare in natural systems because it is irreversible in the presence of high concentrations of substrate and inhibitor. What has gone unappreciated is that such uncompetitive inhibition can quickly lead to cell death when the target is an obligatory housekeeping gene such as G6PD. Cells with inactivated p53 not only lose control over G6PD, but also over hexokinase (HK), the enzyme that converts glucose into glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), the substrate of G6PD. Furthermore, loss of p53 function de-represses NFκB activity, resulting in the upregulation of steroid sulfatase (SS) which converts circulating DHEAS into active DHEA. We propose that inactivation of p53 rapidly elevates G6P and DHEA concentrations in affected cells, driving uncompetitive inhibition of G6PD to lethal irreversibility. In animals with circulating DHEAS, this kill-switch mechanism may prevent most cases of p53 inactivation from becoming tumorigenic. Tumors would thus represent instances in which this mechanism had not been triggered, but which might still be triggered by application of DHEA sufficient to uncompetitively inhibit tumor G6PD. To test this hypothesis, we performed a pilot study in which dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma were treated with high dose (HD) DHEA supplemented with isoprene precursors to maintain geranylation of Rac GTPase. Tumor regression and longevity observed in these dogs supported the concept that some tumors retain extraordinary sensitivity to uncompetitive inhibition by DHEA.