bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigação epidemiológica do primeiro caso de hantavirose no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Epidemiological investigation of the first case of hantaviruses in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Vargas Alexander , Da Nóbrega Martha Elizabeth Brasil , Fonseca Lidsy Ximenes , Oliveira Stefan Vilges de , Pereira Simone Valeria Costa , De Caldas Eduardo Pacheco , Saad Eduardo
Published: June 2016

Introdução: A hantavirose é uma zoonose aguda, transmitida pela inalação de aerossóis formados a partir de excretas de roedores silvestres. A Síndrome Cardiopulmonar por Hantavírus (SCPH) é a forma clínica identificada no Brasil e apresenta elevada letalidade.  Objetivo: Descrever a investigação epidemiológica de hantavirose no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), município de Rio Claro. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo no período de fevereiro a maio de 2015. As informações obtidas foram provenientes do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica municipal e dos prontuários da assistência médica hospitalar. Resultados: Foi confirmado um óbito por hantavirose, indivíduo do sexo masculino, 34 anos, trabalhador rural que apresentou febre, cefaleia e mialgia, progredindo com sintomas respiratórios, digestivos, hipotensão além de gradual hemoconcentração e plaquetopenia, vindo a óbito seis dias após o início dos sintomas. Na investigação de 9.898 prontuários, foram identificados 46 indivíduos como casos suspeitos; destes, 31 foram submetidos à entrevista e à coleta de amostras clínicas. A análise sorológica  detectou quatro indivíduos IgG reagentes, com exposições similares ao do óbito relatado. Conclusão. É registrado o primeiro caso de hantavirose no Estado do RJ, município de Rio Claro, bem como a detecção de indivíduos soro-reagentes, com clínica compatível e expostos a fatores de risco para a doença. Estes achados corroboram para a afirmativa da circulação prévia de hantavirose nessa região.
Η συμβολή των Σχολείων Δεύτερης Ευκαιρίας στο συμβολικό κεφάλαιο των εκπαιδευομένων
Authors: Ασημάκη ΄Αννυ , Κυριαζοπούλου Εύα , Βεργίδης Δημήτρης
Published: June 2016

Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι να διερευνηθούν οι προσδοκίες των εκπαιδευόμενων στο Σχολείο Δεύτερης Ευκαιρίας (Σ.Δ.Ε.), υπό την οπτική της ανταπόκρισης στους διακηρυγμένους στόχους του εκπαιδευτικού θεσμού, σε σχέση με τα κοινωνικο-οικονομικά οφέλη κατά την περίοδο της οικονομικής κρίσης στην Ελλάδα, μετά την απόκτηση του «τίτλου» σπουδών τους. Η εργασία αξιοποιεί τις έννοιες του πεδίου, του θεσμοποιημένου κεφαλαίου και του συμβολικού κεφαλαίου από το θεωρητικό σχήμα του Pierre Bourdieu. Η συλλογή των δεδομένων έγινε με τη χρήση 14 ημι-δομημένων συνεντεύξεων και η επεξεργασία τους με ποιοτική ανάλυση περιεχομένου. Τα ερευνητικά μας ευρήματα κατέδειξαν ότι οι εκπαιδευόμενοι από τη μια πλευρά κατανοούν την αναγκαιότητα της πρόσκτησης του θεσμοποιημένου κεφαλαίου το οποίο θα τους εξασφαλίσει το δικαίωμα εισόδου στο πεδίο εργασίας και τη βελτίωση της οικονομικής τους κατάστασης, από την άλλη πλευρά ωστόσο, φάνηκε ότι αντιμετωπίζουν τον τίτλο σπουδών ως ένα ανίσχυρο διακύβευμα για την πραγματοποίηση των προσδοκιών τους. Έτσι, επενδύουν στη μετατρεψιμότητα του θεσμοποιημένου κεφαλαίου τους σε συμβολικό κεφάλαιο, ευελπιστώντας ότι μπορεί εν δυνάμει, να τους αποφέρει κέρδη.

 

 
Συστήματα διαχείρισης μάθησης & σχολική εξ αποστάσεως ξενόγλωσση εκπαίδευση
Authors: Μούστου Όλγα
Published: June 2016

Οι ιδιαίτερες οικονομικές, γεωγραφικές και κοινωνικές συνθήκες της Ελλάδας έχουν διαμορφώσει μια εκπαιδευτική πραγματικότητα που αντιμετωπίζει πολλαπλές προκλήσεις και προβλήματα, που δυσχεραίνουν το εκπαιδευτικό έργο. Όμως, η ραγδαία ανάπτυξη του διαδικτύου και η εξέλιξη της τεχνολογίας προσφέρουν νέους τρόπους διδασκαλίας που δύνανται να λύσουν ή, τουλάχιστον, να περιορίσουν δραστικά πολλά προβλήματα. Στόχος της παρούσας μελέτης είναι η διερεύνηση των αντιλήψεων, των στάσεων και των συναισθημάτων των εκπαιδευτικών ξένων γλωσσών για εξ αποστάσεως διδασκαλία με χρήση Συστημάτων Διαχείρισης Μάθησης (ΣΔΜ) (Learning Management System, LMS). Επικεντρωθήκαμε στο κατά πόσο η χρήση LMS υποστηρίζει και βοηθά τους εκπαιδευτικούς, ώστε να προωθηθεί η σχολική εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση (εξΑΕ). Πληθυσμός - στόχος της έρευνάς μας είναι ξενόγλωσσοι εκπαιδευτικοί που διδάσκουν σε δημόσια σχολεία ανά την Ελλάδα. Τα ευρήματα της μελέτης μας έδειξαν ότι οι ξενόγλωσσοι εκπαιδευτικοί έχουν τη διάθεση να χρησιμοποιήσουν LMS, ανεξαρτήτως ηλικίας, επαγγελματικής εμπειρίας ή εξοικείωσής τους με τις νέες τεχνολογίες. Σε γενικές γραμμές θεωρούν πως μια τέτοια διδασκαλία θα έλυνε πολλά προβλήματα στην ξενόγλωσση δημόσια εκπαίδευση. Ωστόσο, έδειξαν έντονη δυσαρέσκεια και απογοήτευση για το ελληνικό εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα, τονίζοντας πως είναι σχεδόν ανέφικτο να πραγματοποιηθούν τέτοιες προσπάθειες. Σημαντικά είναι και τα ευρήματα σχετικά με τα προβλήματα που εκτιμούν ότι θα αντιμετωπίζουν στη χρήση LMS. Παρά όμως το ότι νιώθουν απογοητευμένοι από την ανεπάρκεια του εκπαιδευτικού συστήματος, οι ίδιοι συνεχίζουν να ενημερώνονται και θεωρούν πως η εφαρμογή σχολικής ξενόγλωσσης εξΑΕ θα προωθήσει σε μεγάλο βαθμό τη διδασκαλία των ξένων γλωσσών και θα βελτιώσει το εκπαιδευτικό τους έργο.
Improvement of the esca index for the evaluation of ecological quality of coralligenous habitat under the european framework directives
Authors: PIAZZI L. , GENNARO P. , CECCHI E. , SERENA F.
Published: June 2016

The ESCA (Ecological Status of Coralligenous Assemblages) index was recently developed to evaluate the ecological quality of coralligenous habitat. The study aims to improve the first index proposal through testing response to different sources of anthropogenic pressures and optimizing the sampling effort. ESCA was calculated on 14 sites and tested against a gradient of human pressures. Moreover, the main scales of spatial variability of assemblages were evaluated and values of index obtained with different sampling designs were compared. Results showed that studied sites resulted in high, good or moderate ecological status, according to an increasing gradient of the anthropization level. Values of ESCA index obtained with different methods have been compared and photographic method provides EQR values lower than destructive method. Spatial variability of assemblages was higher at large and small scales than at intermediate ones. Two locations for each study site and 20 replicated samples for each location may be consider the best sampling combination providing reliable values of ESCA index for the evaluation of ecological quality of coralligenous assemblages.
Decline and local extinction of Fucales in French Riviera: the harbinger of future extinctions?
Authors: THIBAUT T. , BLANFUNE A. , BOUDOURESQUE C.-F. , VERLAQUE M.
Published: June 2016

The French Riviera is one of the Mediterranean areas that has been longest and most thoroughly impacted by human activities. Fucales are long-lived, large-sized brown algae that constitute a good model for studying human impact on species diversity. We gathered all historical data (literature and herbarium vouchers), since the early 19th century, to reconstruct their distribution. The current distribution was established from a 7-year (2007-2013) survey of the 212-km shoreline (1/2 500 map), by means of boating, snorkelling and scuba diving. Overall, 18 taxa of Cystoseira and Sargassum have been reported. Upon comparison with historical data, 5 taxa were no longer observed (C. elegans, C. foeniculacea f. latiramosa, C. squarrosa, C. spinosa var. spinosa and S. hornschuchii) while C. jabukae, previously unrecorded, was observed. In addition to these  taxa, probably extinct at a local scale, some taxa had suffered a dramatic decline (C. barbata f. barbata, C. crinita, C. spinosa var. compressa and S. acinarium) or become nearly extinct (C. foeniculacea f. tenuiramosa). Three of them, which played in the past significant functional roles in coastal communities, can be considered as functionally extinct. Possible causes of decline and local extinction are discussed. A similar situation has already been reported, although at a much more local scale, in a variety of Mediterranean localities. The question therefore arises about the status of Fucales species in the Mediterranean: are some species on the brink of extinction? Is their extinction at the scale of the French Riviera the harbinger of their extinction Mediterranean–wide?
Potentially harmful microalgae and algal blooms in a eutrophic estuary in Turkey
Authors: TAS S. , YILMAZ I.N.
Published: June 2016

Distribution of potentially harmful microalgae and algal blooms were investigated at monthly and weekly time scales between October 2009 and September 2010 in the Golden Horn, a eutrophic estuary in the Sea of Marmara (Turkey). Several physical and chemical parameters were analysed together with phytoplankton composition and abundance. A total number of 23 potentially harmful and/or bloom-forming microalgae (14 dinoflagellates, 4 diatoms and 5 phytoflagellates) were identified throughout this study period, of which nine taxa have been confirmed to be toxic elsewhere in the world. Most harmful species and algal blooms were observed in late spring and summer particularly in the middle and upper estuaries, and nine taxa formed dense and successive algal blooms causing water discoloration. Nutrient concentrations increased significantly from the lower to the upper estuary. Additionally, high organic matter loads in the upper estuary could also have benefited by mixotrophic species. The increasing number of potentially harmful and bloom-forming species and algal blooms indicated that the GHE is a potential risk area for future HABs.
Prevention of fish photobacteriosis. Comparison of the efficacy of intraperitoneally administered commercial and experimental vaccines
Authors: BAKOPOULOS V. , NIKOLAOU I. , KALOVYRNA N. , AMIRALI E. , KOKKORIS G. , SPINOS E.
Published: June 2016

Two commercial multivalent vaccines against vibriosis, caused by Vibrio anguillarum serotype(s) and photobacteriosis, caused by Photobacterium damsela subsp. piscicida, one with oil adjuvant (AJ) and the other,being an aqueous solution (AV), and an experimental monovalent (Ph. damselae subsp. piscicida) vaccine inactivated with formalin or heat, namely EVF and EVH, were tested in laboratory trials on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in respect to their efficacy against experimentally induced photobacteriosis. The first trial aiming at high bacterial pressure was carried out 34 days post-vaccination and resulted in 90% mortalities in the control. The relative per cent survival (RPS) of vaccinated fish was calculated at 24, 3.7, 0 and 0 for the AJ, AV, EVF and EVH formulations, respectively. The second trial aiming at medium bacterial pressure was carried out 49 days post-vaccination and resulted in 45% mortalities in the control. The relative per cent survival (RPS) of vaccinated fish was calculated at 100, 92.7, 77.8 and 66.7 for the AJ, EVF, EVH and AV, formulations, respectively. Apparently, under both these high and medium bacterial pressure conditions, the commercial vaccine AJ performed better than the commercial vaccine AV, while under medium pressure there was no statistical difference between the performance of EVF and AJ. The measurement of specific antibody titers in sera collected from all fish groups 49 days post-vaccination, showed high levels in the fish vaccinated with the AJ vaccine, almost three times lower levels for the AV and EVF vaccines and even lower levels for the EVH vaccine. Results are discussed in respect to the choices mariculture companies have in selecting a commercial vaccine against photobacteriosis and possible alternatives, which, if commercially developed, may reduce vaccine cost.
Updated review of marine alien species and other ‘newcomers’ recorded from the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: EVANS J. , BARBARA J. , SCHEMBRI P. J.
Published: June 2016

An updated review of marine alien species and other ‘newcomers’ recorded from the Maltese Islands is presented on account of new records and amendments to a previous review in 2007. Species were classified according to their establishment status (‘Questionable’, ‘Casual’, ‘Established’, ‘Invasive’) and origin (‘Alien’, ‘Range expansion’, ‘Cryptogenic’). A total of 31 species were added to the inventory, while 6 species have been removed, bringing the total number of species to 73. Of these, 66 are considered to be aliens (or putative aliens but with uncertain origin) with the remaining 7 resulting from range expansion. Six records are considered to be questionable and hence unverified. For verified records, the dominant taxonomic groups are Mollusca (represented by 21 species) and Actinopterygii (15 species), followed by Crustacea (8 species) and Rhodophyta (7 species). Eight of these species (aliens: Caulerpa cylindracea, Lophocladia lallemandi, Womersleyella setacea, Brachidontes pharaonis, Percnon gibbesi, Fistularia commersonii, Siganus luridus; range extender: Sphoeroides pachygaster) are considered to be invasive. The introduction pathway for 30 species is unknown. Amongst the alien species, ‘Shipping’ is the most common introduction pathway, followed by ‘Secondary dispersal’ from elsewhere in the Mediterranean Sea. An increasing trend in the number of alien marine species reported from the Maltese Islands is evident, with a peak of 22 species recorded during the last decade (2001–2010). A discussion on the rationale for including range-expanding species in national inventories of recent arrivals, and in the analysis of trends in records from the Maltese Islands, is included. In particular, the general warming trend of Mediterranean surface waters appears to be facilitating the westward spread of thermophilic alien species from the Eastern to the Central Mediterranean, and the eastward range expansion of tropical and subtropical Eastern Atlantic species.
Census of biodiversity in marine caves of the eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: GEROVASILEIOU V. , CHINTIROGLOU C. , VAFIDIS D. , KOUTSOUBAS D. , SINI M. , DAILIANIS T. , ISSARIS Y. , AKRITOPOULOU E. , DIMARCHOPOULOU D. , VOUTSIADOU E.
Published: June 2016

Scientific information on the biodiversity of marine caves in the eastern Mediterranean is limited, especially when considering the extensively studied caves of the north-western and central Mediterranean. Aiming to enhance current knowledge regarding cave communities, this study represents a first assessment of the marine cave biota of the eastern Mediterranean, as this has been defined by the European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Information retrieved from an extensive overview of relevant scientific documents was combined with original data recorded from 23 marine caves of the north-eastern Mediterranean. Our results report a total of 520 taxa recorded in eastern Mediterranean marine caves to date, the majority of which are sponges, polychaetes, rhodophytes, bivalves, fishes, and gastropods. These include several protected, endemic, and alien species. However, not all taxonomic groups have been equally studied among different areas and future studies are expected to raise the number of endemic and alien species. The overall observed trend is that the reported species number is generally related to sampling effort and scientific expertise. The most well-studied marine cave communities of the eastern Mediterranean are those of the Aegean Sea (especially its northern sector), which presented the highest number of species, followed by those of the Levantine. Furthermore, our research in Aegean caves revealed numerous new records for the marine cave fauna of the eastern basin, while several species are reported for the first time in the marine cave habitat. The critical need for further scientific research, monitoring, and conservation of this unique ecosystem was highlighted by (i) the presence of certain species endemic to the eastern Mediterranean coupled with a high proportion of alien species, especially in the Levantine, and (ii) the marine cave habitat availability in isolated insular areas of the eastern Mediterranean.
Macro- and megafauna recorded in the submarine Bari Canyon (southern Adriatic, Mediterranean Sea) using different tools
Authors: D'ONGHIA G. , CAPEZZUTO F. , CARDONE F. , CARLUCCI R. , CARLUCCIO A. , CHIMIENTI G. , CORRIERO G. , LONGO C. , MAIORANO P. , MASTROTOTARO F. , PANETTA P. , ROSSO A. , SANFILIPPO R. , SION L. , TURSI A.
Published: June 2016

Macro- and megafauna were recorded in the submarine Bari Canyon (southern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea) during an oceanographic cruise carried out in May-June 2012 and an experimental fishing survey conducted in November 2013. During the former, a total of 20 benthic samples were taken using a Van Veen grab at depths between 268 and 770 m and 4 deployments of a baited lander, for about 43 hours of video records, were carried out at depths between 443 and 788 m. During the latter, 8 longline fishing operations were conducted from 338 down to 612 m. Eighty-five living benthic and benthopelagic species were recorded: 29 Porifera, 1 Cnidaria, 2 Mollusca, 11 Annelida, 1 Arthropoda, 19 Bryozoa, 3 Echinodermata and 19 Chordata. A total of 51 species are new records for the Bari Canyon, 29 new records for the Adriatic Sea. Among the Porifera Cerbaris curvispiculifer is a new addition for the Italian Sponge Fauna. The first certain record of living specimens for the bryozoan Crisia tenella longinodata is reported. A total of 6 Mediterranean endemic species have been identified: 4 Porifera and 2 Annelida. The bathymetric range of some species has been extended. New information acquired for deep sea species confirms their importance in the structure of cold-water coral communities. This study has updated the knowledge on the biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea, as well as of the Bari Canyon in particular, one of the sites designated as “jewels of the Mediterranean” for which urgent conservation measures are needed.
First occurrence of Actaeodes tomentosus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834) (Brachyura: Xanthidae: Actaeinae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: CORSINI-FOKA M. , KONDYLATOS G.
Published: June 2016

The presence of the crab Actaeodes tomentosus, native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Red Sea, is documented for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, on the basis of two specimens collected from Rhodes Island (Aegean Sea), a marine area particularly vulnerable to warm-water alien invasions. Along with the recent report of Xanthias lamarckii in similar conditions and region, the finding of another non-indigenous xanthid opens many questions regarding their occurrence in the area. Apart from the Lessepsian migration, other possible vectors of introduction are therefore examined.
How schlieren affects beam transmissometers and LISST-Deep: an example from the stratified Danube River delta, NW Black Sea
Authors: KARAGEORGIS A. , GEORGOPOULOS D. , GARDNER W. , MIKKELSEN O. , VELAORAS D.
Published: June 2016

The term ‘schlieren’ describes angular deflection of a light ray when it passes through a fluid region characterized by refractive index inhomogeneities. These inhomogeneities in the marine environment are generally caused by density variations, i.e. salinity and temperature anomalies. The influence of schlieren on transmissometers and the in situ particle sizer LISST-Deep of Sequoia Scientific are examined in the Danube delta during October 2007. A seasonal pycnocline driven mainly by an intense temperature gradient was identified as a major hydrological feature. It was associated with high buoyancy frequency values and minor changes of the refractive index of seawater. Measurements of two 25-cm path-length transmissometers (660 nm and 470 nm) showed distinguishable peaks at the pycnocline. LISST also uses a 5-cm transmissometer (670 nm), which proved to be very sensitive in both cases. This is mainly due to its very small acceptance angle, which enables enhanced light scattering outside the lens, thus increasing beam attenuation. Subsequently, LISST falsely predicts abundance of large particles within the pycnoclines. A buoyancy frequency N of 0.01 s-1 is the new proposed threshold for schlieren occurrence.
Meiobenthos and nematode assemblages from different deep-sea habitats of the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: SANDULLI R. , MILJUTIN D. , ANGELETTI L. , TAVIANI M.
Published: June 2016

Much attention is currently devoted at upgrading our knowledge on biodiversity and functioning of deep water ecosystems. Information is constantly enriched by researchers, even from basins as the long-studied Mediterranean Sea. In such a perspective, we studied meiobenthic and nematode communities inhabiting muddy sediments from three different habitats at bathyal depths in the Strait of Sicily: a cold-water coral site (CS) in the Maltese Coral Province, a muddy bottom in the same area (MS), and a hydrocarbon imprinted pockmark site (PS) in the Gela Basin. The average meiofauna density at CS (1343 ind/10 cm2) and MS (1804 ind/10 cm2) is much higher than that reported in literature for similar habitats; it is also markedly more elevated than that recorded at PS (224 ind/10 cm2). Although nematodes of the three sites show different abundances, they share similar assemblage structure. Nematodes (avg. 86%) and copepods (avg. 9.3%) were the most abundant meiofaunal taxa at all sites followed by annelids, kinorhynchs and turbellarians. Nematodes were composed by 21 families and 46 genera, with Terschellingia, as most abundant genus (12.4%), followed by Microlaimus (11%), Daptonema (11%), Thalassomonhystera (10.8%), Acantholaimus (9.5%) and Sabatieria (8.7%). The genera Thalassomonhystera, Terschellingia, Microlaimus, Daptonema, Chromadorita, Sabatieria, and Anticoma display a dominance in at least one station. The taxonomic structure of meiofaunal communities of the studied sites is rather similar but differences in relative abundance are evident.
Spreading factors of a globally invading coastal copepod
Authors: SABIA L. , ZAGAMI G. , MAZZOCCHI M. G. , ZAMBIANCHI E. , UTTIERI M.
Published: June 2016

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the areas most affected by alien invasions, which are continuously increasing also due to intense human activities and environmental changes that favor the introduction of species previously unable to colonize the basin. This is the case of the copepods of the genus Pseudodiaptomus, first described in the Indian Ocean and considered one of the most resistant to unfavorable conditions but never recorded in the Mediterranean until 2011 though present in adjacent seas. Pseudodiaptomus marinus, in particular, is common in shallow marine-brackish waters and is one of the species often found in ballast waters and in aquaculture plants. Native of Japan, it has started spreading since 1950s and its populations have established in several harbours, eutrophic inlets and lagoons along the coasts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In the last few years, P. marinus has been increasingly reported in European Seas (Mediterranean Sea and North Sea). In this paper, we review the invasion history of this species with a special emphasis on its records in the Mediterranean Sea, and its occurrence and establishment in Sicilian waters. We also compare the biological traits and population dynamics of P. marinus with those of other representative of the genus and discuss about the possible mechanisms of introduction in new environments. Aim of our work is to understand the reasons of successful invasion of P. marinus and the environmental and biological factors that may lead to its further biogeographic expansion.
DNA barcoding of twelve shrimp species (Crustacea: Decapoda) from Turkish seas reveals cryptic diversity
Authors: BILGIN R. , UTKAN M. A. , KALKAN E. , KARHAN S. U. , BEKBÖLET M.
Published: June 2016

DNA barcoding is a useful tool for the identification and potential discovery of new species. In this study, DNA barcoding was employed by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) to characterize the genetic diversity of 12 shrimp species inhabiting Turkish coastal waters and, when possible, to compare with the genetic data available from different parts of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. This study also comprises the first DNA barcoding study performed in the Turkish Seas using COI. A total of 40 shrimp specimens were collected and analyzed from 9 sites. Generally, the barcoding gap criterion was successful at identifying species; hence COI appeared to be a good marker of choice for DNA barcoding in this group. Out of the 12 species investigated, five were barcoded for the first time. In six species two intraspecific clades were retrieved after the analyses. The results suggest the presence of cryptic diversity in a genetically understudied marine area, Turkish coastal waters, and further investigation in these species using population genetics, taxonomic approaches and nuclear markers is likely to result in designation of new species.
Age, Growth and Reproduction of Coryphaena hippurus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Maltese Waters, Central Mediterranean
Authors: GATT M. , DIMECH M. , SCHEMBRI P. J.
Published: June 2016

Age, growth and reproduction of the dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758 collected from the Central Mediterranean in the period 2004-2010 by the traditional Maltese fish aggregating devices (FAD) and surface longline fisheries were studied. The a and b parameters of the length-weight relationship for fish 11-142 cm fork length (FL) (n = 4042) were determined as a = 0.018 and 0.022 with b = 2.85 and 2.79, for males and females respectively. The counting of annual increments from dorsal spines of >65 cm FL dolphinfish at X25 magnification (n = 47) permitting an age reading resolution in years  , and the counting of daily increments from sagittal otoliths of <65 cm FL dolphinfish at X400 magnification (n = 583) permitting an age reading resolution in days, were estimated; the von Bertalanffy growth model applied to these fish gave the following parameters: L∞ = 107.8 cm FL and 120.2 cm FL, and K = 1.9 yr-1 and 1.56 yr-1, for males and females respectively. The maximum age observed was 2 years. Size at 50% maturity for fish 10-131 cm FL (n = 1376) was 58.9 cm FL and 62.5 cm FL for males and females, respectively. The sex ratio for the fish sampled from the FAD fishery (10.5-131 cm FL) was 1:1.54 (M:F) and for dolphinfish sampled from the surface longline fishery (91-130 cm FL) was 1:0.76 (M:F).  Back-calculated hatch dates from age-0 dolphinfish (n = 518) suggested that spawning occurs from June to September with the highest levels in June. This study is the first to use dorsal spines to determine the age of adult dolphinfish.
DISTRIBUTION OF SPAWNING AND NURSERY GROUNDS FOR DEEP–WATER RED SHRIMPS IN THE CENTRAL WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Authors: PALMAS F. , ADDIS P. , CABIDDU S. , CUCCU D. , FOLLESA M. C. , MURA M. , OLITA A. , PESCI P. , SABATINI A.
Published: June 2016

The presence of spawning and nursery grounds of Aristeids in the central western Mediterranean Sea were investigated using fishery-independent data (trawl surveys, 1994–2012). Spatial distributions were generated for mature animals and recruits, for both spring/summer and autumn data, using an inverse distance weighted deterministic interpolation. The persistence index was used to identify stable spawning and nursery grounds in the Sardinian slope region for Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Aristeus antennatus. Areas of aggregation for recruits and mature females appear connected with important physical habitat features. The analysis also suggests a seasonal bathymetric distribution for nursery areas. The recruits of A. foliacea are located in the upper part of the continental slope (377-450 m) in spring-summer and reach greater depths (468-628 m) in autumn. For A. antennatus, for which nursery areas only emerge in autumn, there is presumably an opposite ontogenic migration, from deep sea to upper slope, during the summer (575-681 m). Results indicate also a partial overlap between the nursery and spawning grounds of both species. In this particular areas, local environmental conditions such as upwelling events or the presence of canyons and seamounts seem to play an important role in their distribution. This study generated also relevant information on the spatial and temporal distribution of seasonal or persistent aggregations of spawners and recruits, providing scientific elements to suggest the feasibility of protecting these important resources.
First sighting of Zebrasoma flavescens (Teleostei: Acanthuridae) and Balistoides conspicillum (Teleostei: Balistidae) in the Mediterranean Sea: Two likely aquarium releases
Authors: WEITZMANN B. , MERCADER L. , AZZURRO E.
Published: June 2016

Here we provide the first documented occurrence of the yellow tang Zebrasoma flavescens and of the clown triggerfish Balistoides conspicillum in the Mediterranean Sea. These tropical fishes were photographed in October 2008 off Sitges (Costa Daurada, Spain: 41°13'27.09" N; 1°47'22.35" E) and in July 2012 in front of Palamós (Costa Brava, Spain: 41°50'56.19" N; 3°8'26.29" E), respectively. Their possible release from private aquaria is discussed.
Plant adaptation to drought stress
Authors: Basu Supratim , Ramegowda Venkategowda , Kumar Anuj , Pereira Andy
Published: June 2016

Plants in their natural habitats adapt to drought stress in the environment through a variety of mechanisms, ranging from transient responses to low soil moisture to major survival mechanisms of escape by early flowering in absence of seasonal rainfall. However, crop plants selected by humans to yield products such as grain, vegetable, or fruit in favorable environments with high inputs of water and fertilizer are expected to yield an economic product in response to inputs. Crop plants selected for their economic yield need to survive drought stress through mechanisms that maintain crop yield. Studies on model plants for their survival under stress do not, therefore, always translate to yield of crop plants under stress, and different aspects of drought stress response need to be emphasized. The crop plant model rice (Oryza sativa) is used here as an example to highlight mechanisms and genes for adaptation of crop plants to drought stress.
Recent advances in imaging subcellular processes
Authors: Myers Kenneth A. , Janetopoulos Christopher
Published: June 2016

Cell biology came about with the ability to first visualize cells. As microscopy techniques advanced, the early microscopists became the first cell biologists to observe the inner workings and subcellular structures that control life. This ability to see organelles within a cell provided scientists with the first understanding of how cells function. The visualization of the dynamic architecture of subcellular structures now often drives questions as researchers seek to understand the intricacies of the cell. With the advent of fluorescent labeling techniques, better and new optical techniques, and more sensitive and faster cameras, a whole array of questions can now be asked. There has been an explosion of new light microscopic techniques, and the race is on to build better and more powerful imaging systems so that we can further our understanding of the spatial and temporal mechanisms controlling molecular cell biology.
Circularidade cultural e re-significações: o caso DNIT
Authors: Teixeira Rodilon , Cavedon Neusa Rolita
Published: June 2016

O artigo enfoca as significações presentes em uma autarquia pública, onde dois órgãos, um extinto e outro criado para substituí-lo, possuem servidores remanescentes e novos atuando conjuntamente. Tal situação acabou por gerar uma circularidade cultural cujos comportamentos estão associados a diferentes significações atribuídas ao órgão abolido por decreto e aos seus antigos servidores. O método do estudo de caso e a análise de conteúdo permitiram o desvendamento de concepções predominantemente negativas por parte dos servidores antigos sobre si mesmos e dos servidores do novo órgão sobre aqueles remanescentes. A coexistência dessas significações pode gerar tensões e ao mesmo tempo a configuração de mudanças culturais positivas e/ou negativas.
DYNAMICS OF INFLAMMATORY-CELLULAR PROFILE OF THE INDUCED SPUTUM IN PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA AND COLD AIRWAY HYPERRESPONSIVENESS UNDER BASIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY THERAPY
Authors: Приходько  , Prikhodko Anna , Пирогов  , Pirogov Aleksey , Перельман  , Perelman Yuliy , Зиновьев  , Zinovev Sergey
Published: June 2016

The character of changes of inflammatory-cellular pattern of bronchial secretion in patients with asthma in association with cold airway hyperresponsiveness (CAHR) under the influence of standard therapy has been studied little. The aim of the present work is to study dynamics of cellular profile, neutrophilic component of bronchial inflammation under the combination therapy of asthmatics with CAHR. 12 asthma patients with CAHR were studied upon the number of cells of the induced sputum (IS), peroxidase, cytolytic and destructive activity of eosinophils and neutrophils in the sputum, lung function and asthma control with the help of questionnaire Asthma Control Test (АСТ) before and after the therapy with the combination of budesonide/formoterol. Before the therapy the patients had a low level of asthma control (14.4±1.2 points of ACT), FEV1 was 87.4±3.3% from predicted values; in IS neutrophils prevailed (26.4±1.7%) over eosinophils (18.5±2.6%); the level of myeloperoxidase (mean cytochemical coefficient) was 65.9±5.4 pixels. After 48 weeks of the observation only in 58% of patients the criteria of good control of asthma and the improvement of lung function were achieved. In IS there was a decrease of eosinophils (11.4±3.2%; p=0.045); the intensiveness of eosinophils and neutrophils cytolysis dropped; intracellular concentration of myeloperoxidase grew (98.2±14.1 pixels; p=0.0637); destructive changes in granulocytes were registered but the number of neutrophils remained high (34.0±8.2%, р=0.34), which was considered as the factor of stable initiation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Thus, the use of anti-inflammatory treatment regime lasting 48 weeks with combination of budesonide/formoterol oriented to achieve clinical criteria of asthma control in patients with CAHR does not allow to achieve correction of the level of neutrophilic inflammatory component. Quantitative index of neutrophils in IS in these patients has prognostic value for the possible loss of achieved asthma control.
CANCER OF THE LARYNX IN THE AMUR REGION OF FAR EASTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT
Authors: Геращенко  , Gerashchenko Larisa , Гордиенко  , Gordienko Viktor , Колтыгина  , Koltygina Olga
Published: June 2016

The article analyzes the main indicators of morbidity and mortality from cancer of the larynx in the period from 1998 to 2014 on the territory of the Amur region of Far Eastern Federal District. In the studied period of time, the incidence of malignant tumors of the larynx substantially decreased with the growth/loss in men of “rough indicators” by -11.89%, of standardized ones by -7.75%. In women, they were +98.31 and +77.77%, respectively. Mortality in contrast to the incidence throughout the years had a negative growth (loss) in absolute terms, “rude” and standardized indicators. The age and sex features of morbidity with larynx cancer were revealed; they show that the maximum number of cancer cases is in the age group of 50 years old and older. The multistage character of the process based on its prevalence was determined. The early stages (I-II) of laryngeal cancer were registered in 13.7% of patients. The quality of cancer services activity was studied by reliability index of accounting for this category of patients, which is usually lower than in other regions of the country (-0.45). The analysis of dynamics of mortality in the first year after diagnosis shows its reduction in cancer of the larynx by 11.0% over the period of 1998-2014. The number of patients who were registered five or more years ago decreased significantly. The estimation of primary care, which is not yet fully in line with current medicine, in the provision of specialized aid to cancer patients in the region was done.
VITAMIN D PROVISION FOR CHILDREN AND ADULT POPULATION OF THE AMUR REGION
Authors: Романцова  , Romantsova Elena , Борисенко  , Borisenko Elena , Бабцева  , Babtseva Albina
Published: June 2016

The aim of the research is to study the availability of vitamin D among children of different age and pregnant women living in the Amur region. 339 residents of Blagoveshchensk (279 children of different age and 60 adults) were examined. Among them there were 129 toddlers, 90 children of preschool age of 3-6 years old, 60 adolescents of 15-17 years old and 60 adults (pregnant women) of 18-40 years old. In the blood serum the content of the metabolite of vitamin D [25(OH)D] was studied by high performance liquid chromatography. The assessment of risk factors for failure and deficiency of vitamin D was conducted by clinical and anamnestic data. The first results of the study have been presented. They indicate a high frequency of various vitamin D deficiency in the population of the Amur region. Among 339 residents of the Amur region 92 (27.1%) had an adequate availability of vitamin D, 144 (42.4%) had an insufficiency of 25(OH)D; at the same time vitamin D deficiency was identified in 90 (26.5%) with 1/3 of the child population and 1/4 of pregnant women. The level of 25(OH)D within normal limits found in 37.5% of children in the first year of life decreased till 3.6 % by 3 years old, with its deficit increasing from 29.1% to 50%, persisting at this level (45.5 percent) in 3-6 year-old children, declining till 23.3% in adolescents and till 23.3% in pregnant women. The average vitamin D in the studied age periods was the highest in the first year of life (36.14±4.3 ng/ml), and the lowest in 2-3 year-old children (19.31±14.68 ng/ml), with a gradual increase in 3-6 years old (21.77±0.96 ng/ml); in 15-17 years old (23.89±0.66 ng/ml) and in pregnant women it has reached a level of 27.75±0.18 ng/ml, remaining below normal values. Respiratory infections, digestion, bone and joint systems pathologies are the most important risk factors contributing to the low status of 25 (OH) D; their prevention, alongside with the correction of vitamin D deficiency can improve the health of the population of the Amur region.
FEATURES OF DIAGNOSIS OF MALIGNANT PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
Authors: Ландышев  , Landyshev Yuriy , Григоренко  , Grigorenko Aleksey , Гоборов  , Goborov Nikolay , Войцеховский  , Voytsekhovskiy Valeriy , Лазуткина  , Lazutkina Elena
Published: June 2016

The publication provides an overview of the literature devoted to modern methods of diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The analysis of medical records of 14 MPM patients who were treated in the Amur regional clinical hospital in 2009-2014 was done. One case is dealt with in detail. Difficulties in diagnosing MPM happen due to the following factors: the early symptoms of this tumor are not specific, and patients often seek help in the advanced stages; the difficulty of differentiation between benign diseases of the pleura and metastasis of other tumors in the pleura; not full availability of computed tomography (CT) and a VATS biopsy; insufficient awareness of primary care physicians about the features of MPM course. To improve the diagnosis of MPM it is recommended to perform CT of the chest as the primary method of diagnosis in individuals of 50 years old, especially in those exposed to asbestos in the past.
Overconfident Competing Newsvendors
Authors: Li Meng , Petruzzi Nicholas C. , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2016

Overconfidence is one of the most consistent, powerful, and widespread cognitive biases affecting decision making in situations characterized by random outcomes. In this paper, we study the effects and implications of overconfidence in a competitive newsvendor setting. In this context, overconfidence is defined as a cognitive bias in which decision makers behave as though the outcome of an uncertain event is less risky than it really is. This bias unequivocally leads to a lower expected profit for a newsvendor that does not compete on inventory availability. Nevertheless, it can be a positive force for competing newsvendors. Indeed, we find that when the product’s profit margin is high, overconfidence can lead to a first-best outcome. In a similar vein, we also show that the more biased of two competing newsvendors is not necessarily destined to a smaller expected profit than its less biased competitor.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
Spectral and Biological Studies on Microwave Assisted Synthesized Zn(II) Complex of Schiff Base Derived from Sulphonamides.
Authors: Bhattacharya T. A , Budhani Priya
Published: June 2016

A big challenge, academic world and industry is facing the relationship of modern societies to the environment that requires reinventing the manufacture and use of materials. Synthetic methodologies now a day should be designed to use and generate substances that possess little or no toxicity to human health and the environment The miceowave assisted synthesis and characterization of Zn (II) complexes of Schiff bases derived from three diuretic drugs acetazolamide, furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are reported here. The ligand and complexes have been suitably synthesized and isolated in crystalline form. Molar conductance values suggest the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes.On the basis of elemental analyses, electrical conductivity data and molecular weight data the adducts are assigned to the general composition [M(L)2].All the adducts are diamagnetic in nature. The IR studies indicate that ligand is coordinated to metal through azomethine nitrogen atom. The diuretic activity of the ligand FSM-SA and complex FSM-SA-Zn was assessed in vivo following the protocol of Institutional Animal Ethical Committee norms. While studying the results of the experiment it was concluded the diuretic activity of the FSM-SA and FSM-SA-Zn was found to be more than the parent drug. Partical size studies further suggest that the size of metal complexes is smaller than the drug molecule.
Management of sports injuries of the foot and ankle
Authors: Ballal M. S. , Pearce C. J. , Calder J. D. F.
Published: June 2016

Sporting injuries around the ankle vary from simple sprains that will resolve spontaneously within a few days to severe injuries which may never fully recover and may threaten the career of a professional athlete. Some of these injuries can be easily overlooked altogether or misdiagnosed with potentially devastating effects on future performance. In this review article, we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries involving the ankle including updates on their management and outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:874–83.
Hip resurfacing for osteonecrosis
Authors: Amstutz H. C. , Le Duff M. J.
Published: June 2016

Aims

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is an alternative to conventional total hip arthroplasty for patients with osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head. Our aim was to report the long-term outcome of HRA, which is not currently known.

Patients and Methods

Long-term survivorship, clinical scores and radiographic results for 82 patients (99 hips) treated with HRA for ON over a period of 18 years were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age of the 67 men and 15 women at the time of surgery was 40.8 years (14 to 64). Patients were resurfaced regardless of the size of the osteonecrotic lesion.

Results

The mean clinical follow-up was 10.8 years (2 to 18). The mean University of California, Los Angeles hip scores at the last follow-up were 9.3, 9.4, 9.2 and 6.8 for pain, walking, function and activity, respectively. A total of six hips underwent revision surgery, four for loosening of the femoral component and two for loosening of the acetabular component. Using any revision as an end point, the 15-year Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 90.3%. There were no wear-related failures. There were no femoral failures among the hips reconstructed with a cemented metaphyseal stem. A total of five hips showed narrowing of the femoral neck; all stabilised and remain asymptomatic, 21 showed signs of femoral neck impingement.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a series of HRA performed for ON with 15-year survivorship. Our data confirm that patients with advanced stages of ON of the femoral head are excellent candidates for HRA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:901–9.
Functional orientation of the acetabular component in ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty and its relevance to squeaking
Authors: Pierrepont J. W. , Feyen H. , Miles B. P. , Young D. A. , Baré J. V. , Shimmin A. J.
Published: June 2016

Aims

Long-term clinical outcomes for ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings are encouraging. However, there is a risk of squeaking. Guidelines for the orientation of the acetabular component are defined from static imaging, but the position of the pelvis and thus the acetabular component during activities associated with edge-loading are likely to be very different from those measured when the patient is supine. We assessed the functional orientation of the acetabular component.

Patients and Methods

A total of 18 patients with reproducible squeaking in their CoC hips during deep flexion were investigated with a control group of 36 non-squeaking CoC hips. The two groups were matched for the type of implant, the orientation of the acetabular component when supine, the size of the femoral head, ligament laxity, maximum hip flexion and body mass index.

Results

The mean functional anteversion of the acetabular component at the point when patients initiated rising from a seated position was significantly less in the squeaking group than in the control group, 8.1° (-10.5° to 36.0°) and 21.1° (-1.9° to 38.4°) respectively (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The functional orientation of the acetabular component during activities associated with posterior edge-loading are different from those measured when supine due to patient-specific pelvic kinematics. Individuals with a large anterior pelvic tilt during deep flexion might be more susceptible to posterior edge-loading and squeaking as a consequence of a significant decrease in the functional anteversion of the acetabular component. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:910–16.
Effects of depression and inflammatory factors on chronic conditions of the wrist
Authors: Tatebe M. , Iwatsuki K. , Hirata H. , Oguchi T. , Tanaka K. , Urata S.
Published: June 2016

Aims

Chronic conditions of the wrist may be difficult to manage because pain and psychiatric conditions are correlated with abnormal function of the hand. Additionally, intra-articular inflammatory cytokines may cause pain. We aimed to validate the measurement of inflammatory cytokines in these conditions and identify features associated with symptoms.

Patients and Methods

The study included 38 patients (18 men, 20 women, mean age 43 years) with a chronic condition of the wrist who underwent arthroscopy. Before surgery, the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hand20 questionnaire and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were used. Cytokine and chemokine levels in the synovial fluid of the wrist were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and correlations between the levels with pain were analysed. Gene expression profiles of the synovial membranes were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Older patients had high pre-operative Hand20 scores. One-year post-operative Hand20 and VAS scores and pre-operative VAS scores correlated with SDS scores. Post-operative VAS scores negatively correlated with the expression of nerve growth factor and SDS scores positively correlated with the expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and negatively correlated with the expression of tumour necrosis factor-converting enzyme.

Conclusion

There was a positive correlation between depression and chronic conditions of the wrist. Levels of some cytokines correlate with pain and depression. Additionally, cytokines may be important in the assessment and treatment of chronic conditions of the wrist and depression. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:961–8.