bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of equine bone marrow aspirate volume on isolation, proliferation, and differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kisiday John D. , Goodrich Laurie R. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Frisbie David D.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To compare the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) yield and chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation from 5- and 50-mL bone marrow aspirates from horses.

Animals—Six 2- to 5-year-old mixed-breed horses.

Procedures—2 sequential 5-mL aspirates were drawn from 1 ilium or sternebra. A single 50-mL aspirate was drawn from the contralateral ilium, and 2 sequential 50-mL aspirates were drawn from a second sternebra. The MSC yield was determined through the culture expansion process. Chondrogenesis and osteogenesis were evaluated by means of conventional laboratory methods.

Results—The second of the 2 sequential 50-mL sternal aspirates yielded few to no MSCs. Independent of location, the highest density of MSCs was in the first of the 2 sequential 5-mL fractions, although with subsequent culture expansion, the overall yield was not significantly different between the first 5-mL and first 50-mL fractions. Independent of location, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis were not significantly different among fractions. Independent of fraction, the overall cell yield and chondrogenesis from the ilium were significantly higher than that from the sternum.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—This study failed to detect an additional benefit of 50-mL aspirates over 5-mL aspirates for culture-expanding MSCs for equine clinical applications. Chondrogenesis was highest for MSCs from ilial aspirates, although it is not known whether chondrogenesis is indicative of activation of other proposed pathways by which MSCs heal tissues.
Metabolism of arachidonic acid, its concentration in animal products and influence on inflammatory processes in the human body: a review / Metabolizm kwasu arachidonowego, jego stężenie w produktach zwierzęcych i wpływ na procesy zapalne w organizmie człowieka – artykuł przeglądowy
Authors: Bederska-Łojewska Dorota , Orczewska-Dudek Sylwia , Pieszka Marek
Published: April 2013

In this review paper we focused on the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA), an n-6 fatty acid. It can be metabolized to many compounds having a broad effect in the body. Their homeostasis and human health depend on the ratio of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acids. These compounds, taken together with the products of animal origin and vegetables should be better balanced in the human diet. This can be achieved by reducing arachidonic acid and its precursors through a diet that modifies the content of AA in animal products such as eggs, milk and meat
The role of creatine in the organism of pigs and its effect on the quality of pork: a review / Rola kreatyny w organizmie świń i jej wpływ na jakość mięsa wieprzowego: artykuł przeglądowy
Authors: Janicki Bogdan , Buzała Mateusz
Published: April 2013

In pigs, creatine is synthesized mainly in the liver, kidneys and pancreas from amino acids such as glycine, arginine and methionine. It is located mainly in skeletal muscle (approximately 95-98%) in the form of phosphocreatine. It is a source of energy for muscles, thus delaying the postmortem metabolism of glycogen and lactate formation and a decrease in pH during conversion of muscle to meat. Use of supplemental creatine monohydrate in pig feed may contribute to the improvement of pork quality parameters such as pH, colour, water holding capacity and drip loss. These parameters are also improved in pigs carrying the RN- and RYR1T gene. Creatine contained in meat can also be a precursor of heterocyclic aromatic amines mutagenic to humans, formed during thermal processing of meat.
Alternative methods for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses with a special focus on nematode predatory fungi: a review / Alternatywne metody kontroli pasożytów przewodu pokarmowego u koni ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem drapieżnych grzybów nicieniobójczych: artykuł przeglądowy
Authors: Jagła Ewelina , Jodkowska Ewa , Popiołek Marcin
Published: April 2013

The paper describes a review of alternative methods of horse parasite control. Horses serve as hosts for a wide array of parasites, among which strongylid nematodes (Strongylidae) constitute considerable pathogens. Due to the short and monoxenous life cycle of these parasites and also the resistance to benzimidazole and other drugs, the control strategies are often ineffective. Thus, the treatment of strongylids constitutes a priority aiming at the improvement of animal welfare, with special attention paid to the stable and pasture organization. The treatment carried out in the stable should consider the frequent exchange of horse bedding at regular time intervals, periodic disinfection of stalls and maximum limitation of contact of feed and water with the stable substratum. An application of feed supplements, i.e. plants or plant extracts, which act as natural dewormers, also constitutes an important factor in the control of parasitic infections. Among the treatments applied to the pasture, the regular removal of waste, quarter pasturing, as well as an alternate pasturing with other animal species, are of special importance. The use of deworming properties of fungi, which constitute a natural component of green growth in pasture, seems to be the next method of nematode control, already confirmed by several studies.
Application of 7 STR markers for parentage testing and genetic distance study of Equidae / Zastosowanie siedmiu markerów STR do weryfikacji pochodzenia i badania dystansu genetycznego u koniowatych
Authors: Semik Ewelina , Ząbek Tomasz
Published: April 2013

The genotyping efficiency and polymorphism of 7 microsatellite markers (AHT084, COR006, COR017, COR018, COR040, COR055, COR088) was evaluated in order to apply them to parentage testing among a number of warm-blooded, cold-blooded and primitive horse breeds and to illustrate genetic differences between the breeds investigated. The amplification and sequence structure of these STR markers was also verified in other Equidae like zebra, kulan, donkey and Przewalski horse. Microsatellite allelic differentiation was similar to the allele numbers reported, with an extremely wide allelic range observed at AHT084 locus. However, due to genotyping difficulties AHT084 is not a suitable marker for parentage testing. The use of the other 6 STR markers among most of the horse breeds studied allows excluding wrongly assigned parentage with a probability of 0.99. Fragment analysis and sequencing of STR alleles confirmed the presence of investigated tandem repeats in other Equidae species. Clustering of investigated horse breeds on the tree of Fst distance was consistent with their breeding history, clearly separating breeds into 3 horse types mentioned above.
Polymorphisms of the osteopontin gene and level of its expression in the reproductive tract of sows / Polimorfizm w genie osteopontyny i poziom jej ekspresji w układzie rozrodczym loch
Authors: Korwin-Kossakowska Agnieszka , Goluch Dorota , Kapelański Wojciech , Bocian Maria , Sender Grażyna
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to find osteopontin gene (OPN) polymorphisms as potential mutations affecting the expression level of genes in the ovaries, uterus and oviduct of sows. The material consisted of 71 F1 sows (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace). In the first stage several polymorphisms in the promoter region, intron 6, exon 6 and 7 of the OPN gene were found. The parameters estimated were the frequency of alleles and genotypes, observed heterozygosity and gene diversity, PIC, and chi2 factors. Chi2 values allow for assessment of genetic equilibrium in the population. Thus, the loci OPNp3-4 and OPNe6-1 were in genetic disequilibrium while locus OPNe6-Knoll showed genetic equilibrium. Also real-time PCR analysis to determine the expression dynamics of the OPN gene in examined tissues was performed in relation to “housekeeping” genes. A comparison was made for relative expression in different tissues and different mutations. The highest expression pattern was observed in the oviduct. Based on the novel polymorphisms a significant correlation between the OPN genotype and OPN expression (mRNA) level in the ovary, oviduct, uterine body and uterine horn was observed. In the second stage, the levels of expression of the OPN gene in individual tissues, traits of reproductive performance and reproductive tract traits of sows were also compared. The expression levels in the uterine body and oviduct were related to the age of mating, cervical length, litter weight at birth, number of active nipples, age at slaughter and body weight at mating.
Evaluation of inbreeding and relationship coefficients in Hovawart dogs and analysis of trends in coat colour changes / Ocena stopnia zinbredowania i spokrewnienia psów rasy hovawart oraz analiza tendencji zmian umaszczenia
Authors: Różańska-Zawieja Jolanta , Nienartowicz-Zdrojewska Anna , Mucha Marta , Sobek Zbigniew , Stanisławski Daniel , Gierdziewicz Maciej , Kania-Gierdziewicz Joanna
Published: April 2013

Analyses were conducted on pedigrees of 845 animals registered at the Hovawart Club in Poland (113 dogs and their ancestors). The degree of inbreeding was calculated for the whole population (0.0026) and separately for male dogs (0.0021) and bitches (0.0031), and the coefficient of mean relationship was calculated for the entire population (0.0064), among male dogs (0.0064), among females (0.0073) and between males and females (0.0061). The inbreeding and relationship coefficients obtained are lower than those estimated for Polish populations of other dog breeds. The calculated effective number of founders (268) and ancestors (233) may indicate rather low genetic diversity. Preferences of breeders concerning coat colour were discussed. Black and tan coat dogs dominated at first, followed by blond ones, and over the last five of the analysed years black coat dogs emerged.
Effect of outdoor access and increased amounts of local feed materials in the diets of hens covered by the gene-pool protection programme for farm animals in Poland on quality of eggs during peak egg production / Wpływ dostępu do wybiegu i zwiększonego udziału krajowych komponentów paszowych w żywieniu rodów kur objętych programem ochrony na jakość jaj w szczycie nieśności
Authors: Krawczyk Józefa , Sokołowicz Zofia , Świątkiewicz Sylwester , Sosin-Bzducha Ewa
Published: April 2013

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that eggs from native breed laying hens fed a diet containing increased amounts of local feed materials are not inferior in quality to eggs from laying hens receiving a standard diet but raised without outdoor access. The study involved Greenleg Partridge (Z-11) and Rhode Island Red hens (R-11). Within each breed, the control group (C) consisted of 60 hens kept on litter without outdoor access, stocked at 5 birds/m2 and fed a diet containing 65.3% of local feed materials. The experimental group (E) contained 60 layers maintained on litter with access to an outdoor area (11 m2 per bird) and fed a diet containing 77.1% of local feed materials. Eggs from hens of both breeds, which received diets containing increased proportions of local feed materials had lower weight but higher yolk percentage. The quality of eggshells from hens fed the diet with increased amounts of local materials was similar to that of eggshells from confined hens. Egg yolk lipids from experimental groups were characterized by a more beneficial n-6/n-3 acid ratio and elevated vitamin A levels. These eggs had better sensory scores for colour, flavour and aroma, which suggests that it is appropriate to raise native breeds of chickens with outdoor access and local feed materials can be used in extensive husbandry systems.
A comparison of selected biochemical characteristics of meat from nutrias (Myocastor coypus Mol.) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Porównanie wskaźników biochemicznych mięsa nutrii (Myocastor coypus Mol.) i królików (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Migdał Łukasz , Barabasz Bogusław , Niedbała Piotr , Łapiński Stanisław , Pustkowiak Henryk , Živković Branislav , Migdał Władysław
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to compare major biochemical properties of nutria meat with relevant composition and texture data of rabbit carcasses. The meat from nutria m. semimembranosus (MS; thigh muscle) contained 29.54% dry matter (DM), 20.05% total protein (TP), 7.83% total fat (TF) and 1.23% total ash (TA). The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) was lower in nutria than in rabbit meat (0.55-0.58 and 0.93-0.94, respectively). The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was 15.3 (MS) and 11.22 (m. longissimus dorsi, MLD; loin) in nutria meat and 7.55 and 8.08 respectively in rabbit meat, which appeared more beneficial for the consumer. Among the most important texture parameters, hardness ranged from 66 for MS to 73 N for MLD, and overall chewiness was 23 N. The collagen content was between 0.68 and 0.72%. The results show that in comparison with rabbit meat, nutria meat has valuable properties and is recommended for the human diet.
Protein Disulfide Isomerase Superfamily in Disease and the Regulation of Apoptosis
Authors: Grek C. , Townsend D.M.
Published: April 2013

Cellular homeostasis requires the balance of a multitude of signaling cascades that are contingent upon the essential proteins being properly synthesized, folded and delivered to appropriate subcellular locations. In eukaryotic cells the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a specialized organelle that is the central site of synthesis and folding of secretory, membrane and a number of organelletargeted proteins. The integrity of protein folding is enabled by the presence of ATP, Ca++, molecular chaperones, as well as an oxidizing redox environment. The imbalance between the load and capacity of protein folding results in a cellular condition known as ER stress. Failure of these pathways to restore ER homeostasis results in the activation of apoptotic pathways. Protein disulfide isomerases (PDI) compose a superfamily of oxidoreductases that have diverse sequences and are localized in the ER, nucleus, cytosol, mitochondria and cell membrane. The PDI superfamily has multiple functions including, acting as molecular chaperones, protein-binding partners, and hormone reservoirs. Recently , PDI family members have been implicated in the regulation of apoptotic signaling events. The complexities underlying the molecular mechanisms that define the switch from pro-survival to pro-death response are evidenced by recent studies that reveal the roles of specific chaperone proteins as integration points in signaling pathways that determine cell fate. The following review discusses the dual role of PDI in cell death and survival during ER stress.
Muscular activation patterns in swimmers with asymptomatic shoulder joint instability
Authors: Santos Márcio J. , Soldado Gláucia C.D. , Marconi Nádia F. , Gil Almeida L.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the (electromyographic) EMG patterns of the shoulder muscles in asymptomatic swimmers with AGI – atraumatic glenohumeral instability. AGI, one of the most common shoulder disorders in athletes who perform overhead activities, occurs especially among swimmers. AGI usually provokes shoulder pain and secondary impingement syndrome, which might alter glenohumeral and scapular kinematics and change the activity of the shoulder muscles. Alternatively, pain or functional activities might affect EMG patterns in individuals with AGI.

Methods

Eight swimmers with AGI and eight healthy swimmers took part in this cross-sectional study. Bilateral and simultaneous shoulder elevations in the scapular plane toward three different target distances were investigated, and the shoulder kinematics and EMG activities of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic muscles were also collected.
Results. No differences in the EMG patterns were found between swimmers with and without AGI in terms of the rate of EMG rise and magnitude.

Results

No differences in the EMG patterns were found between swimmers with and without AGI in terms of the rate of EMG rise and magnitude.

Conclusions

Shoulder instability does not necessarily affect the modulation of the shoulder muscles in swimmers with AGI. Others factors such as laxity in the capsular structures and ligaments may be one of the primary reasons for pain and instability in these athletes.
Evaluation of aerobic capacity and energy expenditure
in folk dancers
Authors: Maciejczyk Marcin , Feć Agnieszka
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the aerobic capacity and energy expenditure of folk dancers.

Methods

The aerobic capacity (VO2max) of four male and four female folk dancers was measured by an incremental treadmill test and energy expenditure was assessed by the linear relationship between heart rate and oxygen uptake as based on indirect calorimetry.

Results

The dancers presented good aerobic capacity (VO2max), with men achieving values of 51.8 ± 7.39 ml ∙ kg–1 and women 43.43 ± 3.81 ml ∙ kg–1. Steady-state heart rate during folk dancing was 167.8 ± 16.68 b ∙ min–1 (85.0% ± 8.68% HRmax) for men and 178.3 ± 5.62 b ∙ min–1 (91.0% ± 3.83% HRmax) for women, with energy expenditure at 14.54 ± 2.09 kcal • min–1 and 10.08 ± 2.03 kcal • min–1, respectively.

Conclusions

The exercise intensity performed during folk dancing is close to the threshold of decompensated metabolic acidosis. Folk dancing can be quantified as a difficult (for men) and very difficult (for women) form of physical activity; dancers should be physically well-prepared for the high exercise intensity present in folk dancing.
Effects of body movement on the reliability of a portable gas analysis system
Authors: Keefer Daniel J.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of body movement on the ability of a portable telemetric gas analysis device, the Cosmed K4b2, to produce a reliable measure of walking oxygen consumption (VO2).

Methods

Thirteen adults were asked to report to a laboratory for three test sessions. During Session 1, participants were familiarized with the data collection procedures and completed a 15-min treadmill accommodation. In Sessions 2 and 3, each participant completed four 5-min treadmill walking trials at 1.8 m • sec–1 under different experimental conditions while VO2 was collected using the portable system. The four conditions were used to manipulate the portable metabolic system to mimic different types of movement.

Results

Data analysis revealed no significant differences (p = 0.070) amongst VO2 values across all four experimental conditions during Sessions 2 and 3. Between-day coefficients of variation for the mean VO2 values of the four conditions ranged from 2.7% to 3.8%, with the highest level of variation occurring whilst the unit was strapped to the participant’s chest.

Conclusions

Viewed collectively, the Cosmed K4b2 may produce reliable measures of VO2 in adult participants during treadmill walking who exhibit little vertical oscillation. However, future research is necessary to determine if the K4b2 is a valid instrument for collecting VO2 data if excessive body movement in the vertical direction can affect the data collection instrumentation.
The Occurrence of Soft Rot (Janthinobacterium Agaricidamnosum) In Mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus) Crops
Authors: Pudełko Krzysztof
Published: April 2013

This study evaluated the development of soft rot disease (Janthinobacterium agaricidamnosum) in Agaricus bisporus crops. Symptoms of the disease appeared at the end of the first break of the mushroom’s harvest and mostly occurred in the later stages of cultivation (in the second break and between the 1st and 2nd crop). Distribution of lesions in growing rooms indicated that employees served as a vector of disease infection, which was spread when harvesting the mushrooms. An evaluation of the post-harvest mushrooms showed that fruiting bodies, especially those stored in closed containers, showed disease symptoms when infected at harvest.
Reprogramming immune responses via microRNA modulation
Authors: Cubillos-Ruiz Juan R. , Rutkowski Melanie R , Tchou Julia , Conejo-Garcia Jose R.
Published: April 2013

It is becoming increasingly clear that there are unique sets of miRNAs that have distinct governing roles in several aspects of both innate and adaptive immune responses. In addition, new tools allow selective modulation of the expression of individual miRNAs, both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of how miRNAs drive the activity of immune cells, and how their modulation in vivo opens new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in multiple diseases, from immunodeficiency to cancer. Recent contributions from our laboratory and other groups to novel formulations for miRNA mimetics are further discussed
Invertebrate systems for hypothesis-driven microbiome research
Authors: Newton Irene L.G. , Sheehan Kathy B. , Lee Fredrick J. , Horton Melissa A. , Hicks Randy D.
Published: April 2013

A number of novel, invertebrate systems have emerged as excellent models for the study of microbiomes. Due to their small size, evolutionary diversity, ease of culture, and – in many cases – relatively simple gut communities, invertebrates of many different orders can be tools to drive hypothesis-driven microbiome research. In this review we highlight several host systems amenable to microbiota analyses and specific questions that can be easily addressed in those systems. These questions address functional equivalence across similar habitats, host-specificity and coevolution of host-microbe interactions, and acquisition and transmission dynamics of host-associated communities. We propose that host systems be chosen based on the question of interest, and that insect systems are excellent tools for the vast behavioral, ecological, and genetic diversity that allows them to address a variety of these questions.
Parallel Adaptive Finite Element Algorithms for
Solving the Coupled Electro-diffusion Equations
Authors: Xie Yan , Cheng Jie , Lu Benzhuo , Zhang Linbo
Published: April 2013

rithms
for solving the 3D electro-diffusion equations such as
the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations and the size-modified
Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations in simulations of biomolecular
systems in ionic liquid. A set of transformation methods
based on the generalized Slotboom variables is used to solve
the coupled equations. Calculations of the diffusion-reaction
rate coefficients, electrostatic potential and ion concentrations
for various systems verify the method’s validity and stability.
The iterations between the Poisson equation and the Nernst-
Planck equations in the primitive method and in the transformation
method are compared to illustrate how the new method
accelerates the convergence of the solution. To speed up the
convergence, we introduce the DIIS (direct inversion of the
iterative subspace) method including Simple Mixing and Anderson
Mixing as under-relaxation techniques, the effectiveness
of which on acceleration is shown by numerical tests.
It is worth noting that the primitive method fails to solve the
size-modified Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations for real protein
systems but the transformation method succeeds in the
simulations of the ACh-AChE reaction system and the DNA
fragment. To improve the accuracy of the solution, we introduce
high order elements and mesh adaptation based on an
a posteriori error estimator. Numerical results indicate that
our mesh adaptation process leads to quasi-optimal convergence.
We implement our algorithms using the parallel adaptive
finite element package PHG [53] and high parallel efficiency
is obtained.
Tourism Activities of Deaf Poles
Authors: Zajadacz Alina , Śniadek Joanna
Published: April 2013

The chief aim of the research was to identify tourism activities of Deaf Poles. The study was conducted in 2007, and it included 191 Deaf adult Poles. The research data was collected mainly on the basis of questionnaire surveys conducted with the assistance of a sign language interpreter, individual interviews, and participant observation during tourist trips. The results were used as a basis for developing a conceptual framework for creating databanks for analyzing the data. The following statistical methods were employed: statistical significance level (p) and Tourist Information Systems (TIS), adapted to the needs of sign language users. The conceptual framework is based on the idea of active participation of Deaf individuals in creating Tourist Information Systems, cooperation networks (clusters), and the potential of Information Communications Technologies (ICTs).
Poor outcome of comprehensive therapy in a case of laryngeal synovial sarcoma
Authors: Bao Yang-Yang , Wang Quin-Ying , Zhou Shui-Hong , Zhao Kui , Ruan Ling-Xiang , Yao Hong-Tian
Published: April 2013

Background. Synovial sarcoma is common in the extremities. Our search revealed only 17 cases of synovial sarcoma of the larynx in the English-language literature.

Case report. We report an additional case of a 37-year-old man with primary laryngeal synovial sarcoma who underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) following the treatment. Although the patient received comprehensive therapy including surgery, radiotherapy, repeated chemotherapies, and targeted therapies, he had an unfavourable outcome and died of distant metastases.

Conclusions. In synovial sarcoma of the larynx, PET/CT can detect recurrence and metastasis. PET/CT can also predict the treatment effect in patients with synovial sarcoma.
Theoretical Investigation of Supply Chain Service Level in Hungary and Poland
Authors: Borkowski Stanisław , Stasiak-Betlejewska Renata , Torok Adam
Published: April 2013

The article presents research and analysis in the enterprises of logistics chains. The paper demonstrates the main findings of the investigation. Theoretical investigation has been done in order to measure the relations between enterprises, suppliers and customers. Whatever the nature of the logistics chain is, the problem for the company remains how to deal with suppliers. This paper focuses on the assessment of supply chains and forecasting influence possibilities. The guidelines describe supplier selection. The methodology presented allows the assessment of suppliers.
Secondary school students’ interest in various forms of physical activity
Authors: Ściślak Marcin , Rokita Andrzej , Popowczak Marek
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Students’ interest in various forms of physical activity (individual and team sports) is known to differ depending on sex, place of residence, age, the time of year, and many other factors. The aim of the present study was to further analyze this issue on a group of secondary school students and to search for relationships between interest in different sports and sex, age and the school they attend.

Methods

A standardized diagnostic questionnaire was administered to 475 first-, second-, and thirdyear students attending two randomly chosen secondary schools in Wrocław, Poland. Results. Significant differences in the interests of the analyzed group were found in regards to sex, age, and school. Girls were more interested in dancing, swimming, downhill skiing and hiking. Boys preferred team sports, swimming, downhill skiing, and martial arts.

Results

Significant differences in the interests of the analyzed group were found in regards to sex, age, and school. Girls were more interested in dancing, swimming, downhill skiing and hiking. Boys preferred team sports, swimming, downhill skiing, and martial arts.

Conclusions

It seems advisable to identify and implement which physical activities secondary school students find most interesting in existing physical education curriculum so as to help develop positive attitude towards physical culture in later life.
Distribution of practice effects on older and younger adults’ motor-skill learning ability
Authors: Leite Cláudio M.F. , Ugrinowitsch Herbert , Carvalho Maria Flávia S.P. , Benda Rodolfo N.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the effects of the distribution of practice (distributed vs. massed) on the learning of a coincident timing task by young and older adults.

Methods

Sixteen young adults and sixteen older adults were subdivided into distributed and massed practice groups. The participants completed a coincident timing task that consisted in touching five sensors in sequence under a time constraint in two learning phases: acquisition and transfer.

Results

There were no performance differences between the groups in the acquisition phase. However, older adults in the massed practice group featured the poorest performance in the transfer test. No differences were found among the other groups.

Conclusions

Older adults are more receptive to distribution practice as massed practice was found to lead to poorer learning. Comparisons of learning effectiveness between young and older adults are dependent on the adopted intra-session intervals. In addition, the conflicting results on distribution of practice may be related to subject–task interactions.
Use of the concept of ‘product’ to analyze the relationships between tourism and physical culture
Authors: Szczechowicz Bartosz
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this article is to present opportunities for research which show the common ground between tourism and physical culture using approaches and methods worked out and applied in economics. Attention has been concentrated on the category of ‘product’, treated here as a theoretical concept by means of which it is possible to present a structure of tourism trip. This will include the part that refers to those values and human activities related to physical culture. An attempt to identify the social perception of the attributes that describe a tourism trip was made by an empirical study using conjoint analysis on students in higher education in Kraków. The results show that those who participate in tourism enriched by physical activity, prefer trips saturated with attributes such as the required level of courage, the testing of psychological and physical abilities, rivalry with others or nature, an element of adventure, a high level of physical activity, access to sports and leisure facilities, and contact with nature. But at the same time they prefer a low level of risk to health or life. It was noted, however, that related to the latter female and male preferences vary.
Classification Methods for Inland Excess Water Modeling
Authors: Leeuwen Boudewijn van , Henits László , Mészáros Minucsér , Tobak Zalán , Szatmári József , Pavić Dragoslav , Savić Stevan , Dolinaj Dragan
Published: April 2013

Inland excess water floodings are a common problem in the Carpathian Basin. Nearly every year large areas are covered by water due to lack of natural runoff of superfluous water. To study the development of this phenomenon it is necessary to determine where these inundations are occurring. This research evaluates different methods to classify inland excess water occurrences on a study area covering south-east Hungary and northern Serbia. The region is susceptible to this type of flooding due to its geographical circumstances. Three separate methods are used to determine their applicability to the problem. The methods use the same input data set but differ in approach and complexity. The input data set consists of a mosaic of RapidEye medium resolution satellite images. The results of the classifications show that all three methods can be applied to the problem and provide high quality satellite based inland excess water maps over a large area.
Evaluation of Groundwater Quality Using Water Quality Indices in Parts of Lagos-Nigeria
Authors: Akoteyon Isaiah S.
Published: April 2013

Water samples collected from forty-five hand dug wells and thirteen boreholes using random sampling technique were measured for pH, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. Calcium, chloride, bicarbonate and carbonates were analyzed using titrimetry method. Magnesium, potassium and sodium by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and sulfate was analyzed using a spectrophotometer. The study aims to evaluate groundwater quality using water quality indices in parts of Lagos-Nigeria. The sample locations and spatial variations in the concentration of bicarbonates, Revelle and Water quality indices were mapped using surfer 6.0 software. The result shows that pH indicate extremely acidic to strongly alkaline condition, EC shows medium and high enrichment of salts from location 28 and 21 respectively. Spatially, about 31% and 29.3% of bicarbonate are under poor and moderate zones respectively. The computed Revelle index shows that 41.4% and 1.7% are slightly and strongly influenced by groundwater salinization respectively. Unlike the water quality index, about 12.1% and 1.7% indicate poor and water unfit for drinking respectively. The paper concludes that groundwater salinization is on the increase since over half of the samples are influenced by salinity. Unlike the water quality, it was concluded that the water is of good quality since about 86.2% is suitable for drinking purposes. Based on these findings, it was recommended that waste water treatment and disposal methods should be avoided and appropriate treatment methods to make it more potable and fit for human consumption should be employed in critical locations of the study area.
Estimation of Tourism Climate in the Lake Balaton Region, Hungary
Authors: Németh Ákos
Published: April 2013

Lake Balaton is one of the most important and best-known tourist destinations in Hungary. Although in the last few years, several efforts were implemented to increase the length of the tourist season, the highest visitor turnover occurs in the summer months. We mostly regard the Lake Balaton as a bathing place, despite of the fact that the region offers more and more tourism products. The beach tourism and other lakeside activities are highly dependent on weather and climate. In order to know that a region's climate what extent is suitable to the given tourism activities, the tourism climate potential must be determined. This study aims to illustrate observed changes of the tourism climate potential of Lake Balaton Region during the last half century, by using Tourism Climatic Index (TCI) and Climate-Tourism-Information-Scheme (CTIS). The analysis is based on the long-term measured datasets of Siófok synoptic station. Based on the TCI, the tourism climate potential of the examined region is barely changed over the past 50 years; significant changes can be detected only in February and June. By using the CTIS, smaller changes can also be detected. Such changes are: moderate improvement of the thermal comfort in spring and autumn, slight increase in sunny hours in the tourism season, as well as the sultriness becomes more frequent in the summer months. The results may represent useful background information to the policy decision-makers.
First Records of Scolebythidae And Chrysididae (Hymenoptera, Chrysidoidea) In Rovno Amber
Authors: Perkovsky E. E. , Rasnitsyn A. P.
Published: April 2013

,

Recorded from the Late Eocene Rovno amber (Ukraine) are above 300 families of Arthropoda. One hundred, seventy-four new species, 35 new genera and one new tribe have been described there in 45 families, including 42 species, 9 genera and one tribe of Hymenoptera. The first record of Scolebythidae is documented herein along with more detail information about Chrysididae which was only mentioned there before. Chrysidids are diverse and not very rare in the Rovno amber: four known inclusions represent at least three species in two genera. This makes a contrast with the Baltic amber: of 34 specimens known to Brues (1933), 30 represent only two species. Genera Pristapenesia BruesPalaeobethylus Brues and Palaeobethyloides Brues and species Palaeobethylus politus Brues and Pristapenesia primaeva Brues, previously known in Baltic amber only, are recorded in Rovno amber as well.
The Biological Characteristic of Representatives of the Genus Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa, Adeleorina) in the Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) Separate Populations of Zaporozhzhya Region
Authors: Korzh A. P. , Zadorozhnyaya V. Y.
Published: April 2013

In blood of frogs in two of seven studied biotopes the presence of the genus Hepatozoon representatives was revealed. Morphometric parametres allowed defining a specific accessory of the revealed haemoparasite Hepatozoon in a blood channel of village Malozaharino frogs which were closest to the species H. magna (Grassi et Feletti, 1891) Labbe, 1899
A New Species of Mites of the Genus Bdella (Acari, Bdellidae) from Ukraine
Authors: Maslov S. I. , Khaustov A.A.
Published: April 2013

Bdella kuznetsovi Maslov et Khaustov, sp. n. is described from storm detritus of Black Sea and Sivash Gulf of the Sea of Azov, Ukraine
A New Species of the Genus Tephritis (Diptera, Tephritidae) from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran
Authors: Korneyev S. V. , Mohamadzade Namin S.
Published: April 2013

Tephritis tridentata S. Korneyev and Mohamadzade Namin, sp. n. reared from the flower heads of Jurinea baissunensis Iljin in South-Eastern Kazakhstan, Western Turkmenistan and Southern Iran is described. It is similar to T. bardanae Schrank, T. dilacerata Loew, T. formosa Loew, T. kovalevi V. Korneyev et Kameneva, T. valida Loew and T. zernyi Hering in the widely brown wing pattern with two dark spots at apices of veins R4+5 and M (instead of apical fork) and three spots (two large hyaline and one small yellowish ) in cell r1, differing from all known species by having three brown bar-like crossbands in the posterior half of the wing (diffusely spotted in compared species)
A New Species of Vollenhovia (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) From India with Key to Known Indian Species
Authors: Bharti H. , Kumar R.
Published: April 2013

Vollenhovia gastropunctata Bharti et Kumar, sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) is described and illustrated based on the worker caste from India. A key to the Indian species of Vollenhovia Mayr, 1865 is provided
Manual Physical Therapy and Exercise Versus Supervised Home Exercise in the Management of Patients With Inversion Ankle Sprain: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cleland Joshua A. , Mintken Paul , McDevitt Amy , Bieniek Melanie , Carpenter Kristin , Kulp Katherine , Whitman Julie M.
Published: April 2013

Study Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of manual therapy and exercise (MTEX) to a home exercise program (HEP) in the management of individuals with an inversion ankle sprain.

Background

An in-clinic exercise program has been found to yield similar outcomes as an HEP for individuals with an inversion ankle sprain. However, no studies have compared an MTEX approach to an HEP.

Methods

Patients with an inversion ankle sprain completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living subscale, the FAAM sports subscale, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and the numeric pain rating scale. Patients were randomly assigned to either an MTEX or an HEP treatment group. Outcomes were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months. The primary aim (effects of treatment on pain and disability) was examined with a mixed-model analysis of variance. The hypothesis of interest was the 2-way interaction (group by time).

Results

Seventy-four patients (mean ± SD age, 35.1 ± 11.0 years; 48.6% female) were randomized into the MTEX group (n = 37) or the HEP group (n = 37). The overall group-by-time interaction for the mixed-model analysis of variance was statistically significant for the FAAM activities of daily living subscale (P<.001), FAAM sports subscale (P<.001), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (P<.001), and pain (P⩽.001). Improvements in all functional outcome measures and pain were significantly greater at both the 4-week and 6-month follow-up periods in favor of the MTEX group.

Conclusion

The results suggest that an MTEX approach is superior to an HEP in the treatment of inversion ankle sprains. Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00797368).

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(7):443–455. Epub 29 April 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4792
Immunogenicity of BAU-Bivalent Salmonella and Fowl Cholera Vaccines in Shuvra Chickens
Authors: Modak Manasi , Amin Md Mansurul , Saha Sukumar , Hassan Jayedul
Published: April 2013

The study was performed to investigate the immunogenicity of Salmonella and Fowl cholera vaccine prepared at BAU using Shuvra strain of chickens administered with BAU Salmonella bivalent and BAU Fowl cholera vaccines prepared by Livestock and Poultry Vaccine Research and Production Centre, (LPVRPC). A total of 60 apparently healthy BLRI strains Shuvra were used in this study. The birds were divided into three groups, consisting of 20 birds in each group. Shuvra- A group birds were vaccinated with BAU Salmonella bivalent vaccine, Shuvra-B group birds with BAU Fowl cholera vaccines and Shuvra-C group birds were used as unvaccinated control. The birds, except the ones in group C, were vaccinated intramuscularly (0.5ml) at 8 weeks of age followed by a booster dose at 12 weeks of age. Sera samples were collected on day 56, 85, 105 days and after challenge at 140 days age of birds. Secondary (booster) vaccination (P< 0.05) exhibited a significant level of antibody response. The antibody titre of these birds slowly descended till four weeks of challenge test. It was observed that a dependable level of immunogenicity of BAU Salmonella Bivalent and BAU Fowl cholera vaccine was observed when administered under this schedule followed in Shuvra strain of chickens. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14089 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 50-53
Prevalence and Antibiogram Profiles of Salmonella Isolated from Pigeons in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Hosain Md Sahadat , Islam Md Ariful , Khatun Mst Minara , Dey Rubel Kanti
Published: April 2013

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in apparently healthy pigeons at the live bird markets, farms and villages in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Cloacal swabs (n = 36), foot pads (n = 36) and feces (n = 40) of pigeons were collected aseptically and inoculated onto various culture media for isolation of Salmonella. Identification of Salmonella from culture positive samples was performed by cultural characteristics, Grams staining and biochemical tests. The prevalence of Salmonella in cloacal swabs, foot pads and feces was 22.22%, 58.33% and 27.50%, respectively. The overall prevalence of Salmonella in pigeons was 35.71%. Pigeons at live bird markets, farms and villages showed a 40.48%, 20% and 30% prevalence of Salmonella, respectively. Antibiotic sensitivity tests of the Salmonella was performed by the disc diffusion method against 10 randomly used antibiotics. The highest rate of resistance was found with amoxicillin (90%) followed by ampicillin (80%), erythromycin (80%) and tetracycline (60%). The highest rate of sensitivity was recorded to ciprofloxacin (80%) followed by sulphamethoxazole (70%), chloramphenicol (60%), kanamycin (60%), gentamicin (60%) and nalidixic acid (60%). Data from this study suggest that pigeons carry multi-drug resistant Salmonella which can be transferred to humans through direct contact or the food chain and could cause a potential public health hazard. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14090 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 54-57
Isolation and Characterization of Salmonella Serovars from Buffaloes in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Nahid , Khan Md Shahidur Rahman , Amin Md Mansurul , Siddique Mahbubul Pratik , Hassan Jayedul , Parvin Kohinoor
Published: April 2013

An investigation was carried out focusing the isolation and characterization of Salmonella serovars from buffaloes of some selected areas of Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. The objectives was to isolate and identify Salmonella serovars from diarrheic and apparently healthy buffaloes and to characterize the isolates by cultural and biochemical characteristics, serological tests and antibiotic sensitivity analysis. A total of 38 samples comprising rectal swabs and faeces were collected from 38 buffaloes originating from 3 selected areas of Mymensingh. Out of these 38 samples, 8 (20.63%) were found to be positive for Salmonella spp. All isolates fermented dextrose, maltose and mannitol with production of acid and gas but did not ferment sucrose and lactose. On the other hand, these isolates showed Indole and Voges- Proskaure test negative, Methyl-Red test positive. All these isolates subjected to rapid plate agglutination test with polyvalent O ( poly ?O) and polyvalent H ( poly ?H) antisera where positive agglutination were observed. All isolates were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin, moderately sensitive to co-trimoxazole, gentamycin, tetracycline and less sensitive to erythromycin and resistant to furazolidone. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14092 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 62-64
Qualitative and Bacteriological Assessment of Commercially Available Bottled Water in the City of Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmin Shabnam , Kabir SM Lutful , Rahman M Mufizur
Published: April 2013

Bottled water has become one of the most popular drinks in Bangladesh. Now a days it is easily available in the market. The objectives of this study were to assess the overall quality (qualitative and bacteriological) of bottled water samples in the city of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. For achieving the objectives, standard questionnaire, methods of heterotrophic plate count (HPC) and total coliform count (TCC) were applied. Qualitative assessment of bottled water indicated that a good number of people preferred bottled water to tap water. The criterion in order to qualify for a good bottled water was the taste (43.3%). The bottled water quality was satisfactory in 40% of the responders in this study on the basis of peoples satisfactions, perceptions and expenditures on bottled water quality. On the other hand, the percentage of dumping of bottled water after consumption refuse was 33.3%. Monthly expenditure on bottled water was less than 300 taka in 80% of the responders. The geometric mean of HPC of different brands of bottled water ranged from 2.9x103 cfu/100 ml to 6.2x103 cfu/100 ml. In addition, the geometric mean of TCC of different brands of bottled water ranged from 9 cfu /100 ml to 43 cfu /100 ml. The results indicate that most of the bottled water studied were out of their safety guidelines. Recommendations for better treatment systems for bottled drinking water to address the issue appears to be essential. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14096 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 81-85
A Checklist for Successful Quantitative Live Cell Imaging in Systems Biology
Authors: Sung Myong-Hee
Published: April 2013

Mathematical modeling of signaling and gene regulatory networks has provided unique insights about systems behaviors for many cell biological problems of medical importance. Quantitative single cell monitoring has a crucial role in advancing systems modeling of molecular networks. However, due to the multidisciplinary techniques that are necessary for adaptation of such systems biology approaches, dissemination to a wide research community has been relatively slow. In this essay, I focus on some technical aspects that are often under-appreciated, yet critical in harnessing live cell imaging methods to achieve single-cell-level understanding and quantitative modeling of molecular networks. The importance of these technical considerations will be elaborated with examples of successes and shortcomings. Future efforts will benefit by avoiding some pitfalls and by utilizing the lessons collectively learned from recent applications of imaging in systems biology.