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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of strains of Azospirillum brasilense, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Rhizobium tropici on the shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW) yield, N uptake and nutritive value of 'Mavuno' grass inoculated with plant growth-promoting bacteria. We evaluated the effects of inoculation with the Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 strains of Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens or co-inoculation with Rhizobium tropici and Ab-V6, with and without nitrogen (N) application, as well as re-inoculations. The growth promoting bacteria + N promoted increases in SDW and RDW yield, tillers dry weight, relative chlorophyll index and N uptake. There were no effects of re-inoculation by Azospirillum brasilense, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Rhizobium tropici on nutrition, nutritive value and SDW and RDW yield, demonstrating that this technique still needs further studies with 'Mavuno' grass in the form and the correct period to be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Imaging studies are crucial adjuncts when studying acute and chronic diseases, so pregnant and lactating women are as likely to be evaluated with one of the available imaging modalities. Due to the specific condition of the mother and child in this time period it is crucial to make an appropriate selection of imaging studies. Methods: We review the existing literature and analyse the latest evidence and guidelines regarding neuroimaging safety during pregnancy and lactation, proposing an algorithm of action based on risk/benefits assessment. Results: Choosing the most appropriate neuroimaging modality implicates assessing the pretest pertinence of the study—the possibility of a serious treatable neurologic disease, pondering what is the most useful imaging modality for the diagnosis and evaluating the associated risks. Among physicians (and patients), however, the risk component is perhaps the least well understood, with misperceptions regarding safety and potential hazards. Computed tomography (CT) risks are principally related to ionizing radiation and intravenous (IV) administration of iodinated contrast. However, as very low risks for the mother and foetus have been reported and CT remains the most available tool for initial rapid diagnosis of acute neurological conditions, it should not be withheld in urgent situations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), unlike CT, does not use ionizing radiation or iodinated contrast mediums, having the best anatomical detail possible. However, there are some usage safety concerns regarding the magnetic field strength and gadolinium-based contrast use. Conclusion: There are lacking longitudinal and prospective studies to sustain evidence based choices of imaging studies during pregnancy and lactation. Ultimately the decision should be based on the risk/benefit, taking into account the patient's safety, care and outcomes. However, using a specific algorithm can guide decisions in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical approach for the intramolecular energy transfer process involving the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) state in lanthanide compounds is developed. Considering a two-electron interaction, both the direct Coulomb and exchange interactions are taken into account, leading to expressions from which selection rules may be derived and transfer rates may be calculated. These selection rules show that the direct Coulomb and exchange mechanisms are complementary, in the same way as obtained in previous works for the case of ligand-lanthanide ion energy transfer processes. An important result from numerical estimates is that the channel ligand–LMCT state is by far the dominant case, leading to transfer rates higher than for the channel lanthanide ion–LMCT state by several orders of magnitude. The analysis of the emission quantum yield as a function of the relative energy position of the LMCT state in a typical Eu3+ compound allows the identification of two quenching regions, the most pronounced one occurring close to the lower ligand triplet level. © 2005 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect different ocular structures, such as cornea, conjunctiva, episclera, sclera, uveal tract, retina, optic nerve and vessels. Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations in SLE include different degrees of involvement of retina, choroid and optic nerve. Retinal changes are one of the most common ocular involvements and are frequently used as clinical criteria for activity, even if isolated. Studies show that up to 29% of patients with active SLE manifest retinal disease. The exact prevalence of choroidal disease is unknown, but is thought to be less common than retinopathy, due to under-diagnosis. Optic nerve disease, represented by optic neuritis and anterior/posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, affects approximately 1% of SLE patients. These ocular manifestations have been associated with neurologic flares, antiphospholipid antibodies, nephropathy, and increased mortality. The aim of this paper is to review the different aspects of neuro-ophthalmologic involvement in SLE. Since these manifestations are frequent and potentially severe, a multi-professional team approach is needed to investigate properly and provide early aggressive treatment in order to avoid visual sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper follows the development of an inspection and diagnosis system for the external cladding of pitched roofs (ECPR) and shows the results of that study with respect to the design stage. It mainly focuses on how errors associated with the design stage influence the durability of ECPR and, consequently, the service life of buildings. Design errors are a constant feature in ECPRs and a statistical-based approach founded in a significant sample was felt to be the best way to fill the remaining gaps in the knowledge of this specific area, because there are no similar studies on pitched roofs in the literature. Therefore, the pathological situation, the diagnosis methods and the repair options of pitched roofs are characterized for the first time in terms of the influence of the design of pitched roofs through quantitative indicators and for eight different types of claddings. Only an improvement of the quality of design plans of ECPRs can lead to a significant decrease of their anomalies and to a maximization of their service life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents an expert-knowledge inspection and diagnosis system for pitched roofs with ceramic tiles and reports a statistical characterisation of the pathology of 62 roofs. It also identifies the diagnosis methods that may be used to characterise the anomalies and confirm their most probable causes, as well as the best repair techniques. A detailed correlation between anomalies and causes is also established. For the first time in the literature the pathologies of ceramic tile pitched roofs are characterised using quantitative indicators based on a statistically significant sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Brazil conducted mass immunization of women of childbearing age in 2001 and 2002. Surveillance was initiated for vaccination of women during pregnancy to monitor the effects of rubella vaccination on fetal outcomes. Methods. Women vaccinated while pregnant or prior to conception were reported to the surveillance system. Susceptibility to rubella infection was determined by anti-rubella immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG immunoassays. Susceptible women were observed through delivery. Live-born infants were tested for anti-rubella IgM antibody; IgM-seropositive newborns were tested for viral shedding and observed for 12 months for signs of congenital rubella syndrome. Incidence of congenital rubella infection was calculated using data from 7 states. Results. A total of 22 708 cases of rubella vaccination during pregnancy or prior to conception were reported nationwide, 20 536 (90%) of which were from 7 of 27 states in Brazil. Of these, 2332 women were susceptible to rubella infection at vaccination. Sixty-seven (4.1%) of 1647 newborns had rubella IgM antibody (incidence rate, 4.1 congenital infections per 100 susceptible women vaccinated during pregnancy [95% confidence interval, 3.2-5.1]). None of the infants infected with rubella vaccine virus was born with congenital rubella syndrome. Conclusions. As rubella elimination goals are adopted worldwide, evidence of rubella vaccine safety aids in planning and implementation of mass adult immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europium- and terbium-doped zinc aluminate oxide nanocrystals with a spinel structure were successfully prepared by a combustion method, using urea as fuel. The samples thus obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and luminescence spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the formation of ZnAl2O4 spinel phase and a minor amount of ZnO. Our SEM results revealed agglomerates in the shape of irregular plates composed of nanoparticles with dispersed points of second phase in the surface. Powders containing Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions displayed red and green photoluminescence, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization (EASI) is a fast, simple, qualitative and quantitative ambient desorption/ionization technique that can be used to measure complex natural matrices such as meats, seeds, embryos and intact biological tissues. In EASI, very small positively and negatively charged droplets of solvent are generated. This dense stream of sonic bipolar charged droplets is then used to sample analytes from various surfaces. Concomitant ionization occurs to form cations or anions, which are transferred to the gas phase and analyzed by MS. In this special feature article, in an effort to further develop applications for ambient MS, Prof. Marcos Eberlin and co‐workers explore the desorption/ionization efficiencies of several lipid species by EASI. Marcos Eberlin is Professor of Chemistry at the University of Campinas (Campinas, Brazil). His research interests are mainly focused on the development of new techniques and applications for MS in a variety of areas such as fuels, food, pharmaceutical, (bio)medical, environmental, veterinary, analytical, material and forensic sciences and in the study of chemical reactions and their mechanisms both in solution and gas phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Brazil conducted mass immunization of women of childbearing age in 2001 and 2002. Surveillance was initiated for vaccination of women during pregnancy to monitor the effects of rubella vaccination on fetal outcomes. Methods. Women vaccinated while pregnant or prior to conception were reported to the surveillance system. Susceptibility to rubella infection was determined by anti-rubella immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG immunoassays. Susceptible women were observed through delivery. Live-born infants were tested for anti-rubella IgM antibody; IgM-seropositive newborns were tested for viral shedding and observed for 12 months for signs of congenital rubella syndrome. Incidence of congenital rubella infection was calculated using data from 7 states. Results. A total of 22 708 cases of rubella vaccination during pregnancy or prior to conception were reported nationwide, 20 536 (90%) of which were from 7 of 27 states in Brazil. Of these, 2332 women were susceptible to rubella infection at vaccination. Sixty-seven (4.1%) of 1647 newborns had rubella IgM antibody (incidence rate, 4.1 congenital infections per 100 susceptible women vaccinated during pregnancy [95% confidence interval, 3.2-5.1]). None of the infants infected with rubella vaccine virus was born with congenital rubella syndrome. Conclusions. As rubella elimination goals are adopted worldwide, evidence of rubella vaccine safety aids in planning and implementation of mass adult immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]