Effects of the salinity-temperature interaction on seed germination and early seedling development: a comparative study of crop and weed species.

BACKGROUND: Weeds represent a great constraint for agricultural production due to their remarkable adaptability and their ability to compete with crops. Climate change exacerbates the abiotic stresses that plants encounter. Therefore, studying plant responses to adverse conditions is extremely important. Here, the response to saline stress at different temperatures of three weed species (Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli and Portulaca oleracea) and three crops (maize, soybean and rice) was investigated. RESULTS: The germination percentage of soybean notably decreased as salinity and low temperatures increased. In contrast, maize and rice consistently maintained a high germination percentage, particularly when subjected to low salinity levels. Regarding weed species, the germination percentage of C. album was not significantly affected by salinity, but it decreased in E. crus-galli and P. oleracea with increasing salinity. The mean germination time for all species increased with salinity, especially at lower temperatures. This effect was most pronounced for soybean and E. crus-galli. C. album exhibited significant reduction in stem growth with high salinity and high temperatures, while in E. crus-galli stem growth was less reduced under similar conditions. CONCLUSION: This study showed that successful germination under saline stress did not ensure successful early development and emphasizes the species-specific nature of the temperature-salinity interaction, perhaps influenced by intraspecific variability. Increasing salinity levels negatively impacted germination and seedling growth in most species, yet higher temperatures partially alleviated these effects.

Report of the MEDINE2 Bachelor of Medicine (Bologna First Cycle) tuning project.

BACKGROUND: European Higher Education institutions are expected to adopt a three-cycle system of Bachelor, Master and Doctor degrees as part of the Bologna Process. Tuning methodology was previously used by the MEDINE Thematic Network to gain consensus on core learning outcomes (LO) for primary medical degrees (Master of Medicine) across Europe. AIMS: The current study, undertaken by the MEDINE2 Thematic Network, sought to explore stakeholder opinions on core LO for Bachelor of Medicine degrees. METHOD: Key stakeholders were invited to indicate, on a Likert scale, to what extent they thought students should have achieved each of the Master of Medicine LO upon successful completion of the first three years of university education in medicine (Bachelor of Medicine). RESULTS: There were 560 responses to the online survey, representing medical students, academics, graduates, employers, patients, and virtually all EU countries. There was broad consensus between respondents that all LO previously defined for primary medical degrees should be achieved to some extent by the end of the first three years. CONCLUSIONS: The findings promote integration of undergraduate medical curricula, and also offer a common framework and terminology for discussing what a European Bachelor of Medicine graduate can and cannot do, promoting mobility, graduate employability and patient safety.

Method to evaluate the microbial degradation activity in silage, cow rumen with in vitro test, and in manure and slurry.

Microorganisms are present everywhere and can influence a variety of processes. In agriculture and husbandry, the level of microbial activity can be crucial information, yet the methods for determining microbial activity are usually very long, complex, and costly. In this work, a novel and easy-to-use method, already in use for determining soil microbial activity, named Fertimetro was tested as a fast and cheap solution for measuring microbial activity in silages, in vitro rumen fluids, and manure and slurry. The method was adjusted for the specific conditions of the new testing environments. The results indicate that this method is adequate for measuring cellulolytic microbial activity in vitro rumen fluids, with a coefficient of repeatability (RT%) 92.2 at 24 h and 87.5 at 48 h, and also for cellulolytic microbial activity measures in manure RT% 39.0. While, due to the specific conditions in silages and slurry, this method is less adequate for measuring cellulolytic microbial activity in these environments. This work demonstrates that Fertimetro method can be used in different environments as an easy and cheaper alternative for measuring microbial activity, especially if the interest is only in quantifying the microbial activity and not in knowing the microbial species.1.Fertimetro is an easy-to-use and not costly method to evaluate microbial activity in different environments.2.This method is very adequate for measuring cellulolytic microbial activity in vitro rumen fluids and manure.

Design of Pt-Sn-Zn Nanomaterials for Successful Methanol Electrooxidation Reaction.

This work highlights the potential for the synthesis of new PtSnZn catalysts with enhanced efficiency and durability for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in low-temperature fuel cells. In this research, PtZn and PtSnZn nanoparticles deposited on high surface area Vulcan XC-72R Carbon support were created by a microwave-assisted polyol method. The electrochemical performances of synthesized catalysts were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and by the electrooxidation of adsorbed CO and the chronoamperometric method. The physicochemical properties of obtained catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained findings showed the successful synthesis of platinum-based catalysts. It was established that PtSnZn/C and PtZn/C catalysts have high electrocatalytic performance in methanol oxidation reactions. Catalysts stability tests were obtained by chronoamperometry. Stability tests also confirmed decreased poisoning and indicated improved stability and better tolerance to CO-like intermediate species. According to activity and stability measurements, the PtSnZn/C catalyst possesses the best electrochemical properties for the methanol oxidation reaction. The observed great electrocatalytic activity in the methanol oxidation reaction of synthesized catalysts can be attributed to the beneficial effects of microwave synthesis and the well-balanced addition of alloying metals in PtSnZn/C catalysts.

Medical training of seafarers: International Maritime Health Foundation (IMHF) Expert Panel Consensus Statement.

BACKGROUND: Medical emergencies and on-going medical conditions on board may seriously impair seafarers' health and safety, and also negatively impact on future work prospects for seafarers. When a seafarer gets ill or injured on a ship, medical treatment often relies on the competences on his colleagues on board. The aim of this project was to establish a consensus-based minimum standard for medical education for seafarers, in order to ensure competency for adequate management of ill-health on board. MATERIALS AND METHODS: International Maritime Health Foundation (IMHF) conducted a workshop on medical training of seafarers. A research-based approach to gain consensus on core learning outcomes/competences developed by the Tuning Project, has been used. This method was used by Tuning (Medicine) to gain consensus on core learning outcomes for primary medical degrees (Master of Medicine) across Europe. RESULTS: The result of the project is a set of learning outcomes/competences in medical training for merchant seafarers. CONCLUSIONS: The project resulted in a set of learning outcomes/competences on medical training of the seafarers that will be submitted to the relevant bodies of International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the process of the development of model courses 1.13, 1.14 and 1.15.

Germination Response of Datura stramonium L. to Different pH and Salinity Levels under Different Temperature Conditions.

Weeds can be one of the most severe threats to crop production, especially when they are widespread and highly adaptable. Part of the adaptive strategy of plants is the ability to germinate in different conditions. Germination is the first developmental phase of plant life and is fundamental for its establishment. In this work, the germination of two populations of Datura stramonium L. at two different sites in Croatia (one cropped, the other non-agricultural) was tested under a wide range of salinity stress, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS/m, and pH stress, values 1-9, at two temperature ranges of 15-25 °C and 18-30 °C. The results show that this species can tolerate high salinity, with a high number of seeds germinating, even under the highest level of saline stress and especially at higher temperatures: 21.7% of seeds germinated at 15-25 °C and 51.2% at 18-30 °C. D. stramonium also appears to be quite acid tolerant, with a significant reduction in germination only at pH 2, and no germination only at pH 1. Germination was always higher at higher temperatures, independently of abiotic stress. Although there were some differences between the two populations in the final germination percentages, they were similar in their responses to the abiotic stresses.

Weed Seed Decay in No-Till Field and Planted Riparian Buffer Zone.

Field management practices can alter the physical and chemical properties of the soil, also causing changes to the seed bank. Alterations can also occur to the soil microbial community, which in turn can increase or diminish the process of weed seed decay. In this research, the issue of seed degradation was studied in an undisturbed and a no-till soil, trying not only to uncover where seeds are more degraded, but also to investigate the microbial activities that could be involved in this process. Six different weed species, commonly found in northern Italy, were used: Abutilon theopharsti, Alopecurus myosuroides, Amaranthus retroflexus, Digitaria sanguinalis, Portulaca oleracea and Sorghum halepense. Seed decay was tested in two different sites, a no-till field and the adjacent buffer zone. Soil microbial activity was also measured using the Fertimetro, an approach based on the degradation of cotton and silk threads buried in the soil for one week. Degradation of the buried seeds was higher in the no-till field soil than in the buffer strip for all the studied species as was the microbial cellulolytic activity. Even though the buffer strip soil is an undisturbed habitat and resulted as having higher organic matter, the no-till soil conditions appeared more unfavourable to seed viability. Our findings suggest that no-till management can improve weed seed suppression in the soil. Moreover, cellulolytic microorganisms play an important role in seedbank longevity, so cellulolytic activity surveys could be used as an early monitoring bioindicator for weed seed suppression in soil.

Civil aviation rules on crew flight time, flight duty, and rest: comparison of 10 ICAO member states.

INTRODUCTION: Members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) use various criteria to control flight crew scheduling and rest periods with the intention of reducing fatigue and thus improving airline safety. Comparison of these rules across nations may allow future harmonization of the criteria. METHODS: The regulations of 10 ICAO member states were compiled to determine the factors used by each to control scheduling. RESULTS: We identified 12 factors that are used by member states in their regulations; specific nations use 4-7 of these factors. The most frequently used criteria and the number of states using them include Duty Time (N = 8), Crew Augmentation (N = 8), Night Flight (N = 7), Number of Flight Segments (pairs of takeoffs and landings--T/L) (N = 6), Flight Range (N = 6), Flight Time (N = 5), and Number of Crew (N = 5). All 10 states have established limits on Flight Time and/or Duty Time, and 6 have requirements related to Previous Rest and/or Night Sleep. Seven member states undertake regulation of Night Flying, but they vary in defining "night" and the maximum permissible duration of night duty. All states limit flying hours on a monthly and yearly basis, but the specified limits vary. DISCUSSION: Although the 10 states in this study have common aims and premises for regulating crew duty, their regulations diverge with respect to details, using different tools in an effort to prevent the occurrence of excessive fatigue in aircrew members.

A Medical Support in Offshore Racing - Workshop on Medical Support for Offshore Yacht Races, Telemedical Advice Service (TMAS), 1-2 December 2018, London, United Kingdom.

The safety and health of sailors offshore is of major concern. World Sailing (WS) and International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) are taking seriously the potential dangers to the safety and health at sea. By the nature of their sport, the sailors racing in offshore racing environment can be exposed to injuries and other health problems that can endanger their lives. Being aware of the potential dangers caused by the distance from onshore health facilities and lack of professional help on board, IMHA and WS decided to support the activities that are leading to the enhancement of safety and health protection on board. With common initiative, joint Workgroup on Medical Support in Offshore Racing has been formed and the series of workshop organised. The WS/IMHA Workgroup on Medical Support for Offshore Yacht Races previously reached consensus on the common competences and learning outcomes for medical training for offshore racing. In addition, the Workgroup has also set standards for required medical kit inventory for yachts par- ticipating in the various categories of offshore yacht races. Documents were both approved by WS Medical Commission and the IMHA Board. Fourth workshop on Medical Support for Offshore Yacht Races was held in London, United Kingdom, 1-2 December 2018 and workgroup reached consensus on the standards for availability of Telemedical Advice Services (TMAS) for the various categories of offshore yacht races held under the authority of WS. This position paper sets out how the TMAS should be integrated with the practical usage of medicines and medical equipment on board offshore racing yachts. In addition, this position paper also sets out how the level of medical training integrates with appropriate use of the TMAS. Overall, the three WS/IMHA position papers on the triad of medical inventories, medical training and TMAS, are aimed at providing the best possible medical care on offshore racing yachts, by fully integrating each part of the triad of medical support.

A Medical Support in Offshore Racing - Workshop on Medical Kit Inventory in Offshore Yacht Racing, 12-13 May 2017, Lorient, France.

No abstract.

Might telesonography be a new useful diagnostic tool aboard merchant ships? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Developments of new, ultra-light diagnostic ultrasound systems (UTS) and modern satellite telecommunication networks are opening new potential applications for diagnostic sonography. One such area is maritime medicine. It is our belief that ship officers can be trained to use diagnostic ultrasound systems with the aim to generate ultrasound images of sufficient quality to be interpreted by medical professionals qualified to read sonograms. METHODS: To test our thesis we included lectures and hands on scanning practice to the current maritime medicine curriculum at the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the University of Rijeka. Following the didactic and practical training all participating students examined several patients, some with pathology some without. Images obtained by students were then submitted for interpretation to a qualified physician (specialist of general surgery trained in UTS) who was unaware of the patient's pathology. RESULTS: In total, 37 students performed 37 examinations and made 45 ultrasound images, on 3 patients. In this paper, results on this pilot study are presented. CONCLUSION: It is possible to teach ship officers to produce diagnostically usable ultrasound pictures aboard ships at sea. But before reaching final conclusion about applicability of telesonography on board merchant ships, further studies are necessary, that would include studies of economic feasibility, and on validity of introducing such a diagnostic tool to the maritime medical practice.

Impact of treatment interruptions due to toxicity on outcome of patients with early stage (I/II) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with hyperfractionated radiation therapy alone.

We investigated the effect of treatment interruptions due to high-grade (> or =3) toxicity on outcome of patients with early stage (I/II) non-small-cell lung cancer treated with hyperfractionated radiation therapy (Hfx RT). Of 116 patients treated with total tumour doses of 69.6 Gy, 1.2 Gy b.i.d. fractionation, 44 patients refused surgery while 72 patients were medically inoperable due to existing co-morbid states. Patients who were medically inoperable had worse KPS (P=0.0059) and more pronounced weight loss (P=0.0005). Among them, 12 patients experienced high-grade toxicity and 11 of them with either acute (n=6) or "consequential" late (n=5) high-grade toxicity requested interruption in the Hfx RT course (range, 12-25 days; median, 17 days). Superior survival (OS) was observed in patients who refused surgery when compared to those who were medically inoperable (P=0.0041), as well as superior local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (P=0.011), but not different distant metastasis-free survival (P=0.14). Cause-specific survival (CSS) also favoured patients who refused surgery (P=0.004). Multivariate analysis showed independent influence of the reason for not undergoing surgery on OS (P=0.035), but not on LRFS (P=0.084) or CSS (P=0.068). Patients who refused surgery did not experience high-grade toxicity (0/44), whereas 11 of 72 patients with medical inoperability and co-morbid states experienced high-grade toxicity and had treatment interruptions to manage toxicity (P=0.0064). Patients without treatment interruptions had significantly better OS (P=0.00000), LRFS (P=0.00000) and CSS (P=0.00000) than those with treatment interruptions. When corrected for treatment interruptions, the reason for not undergoing surgery independently influenced OS (P=0.040), but not LRFS (P=0.092) or CSS (P=0.068). In contrast to this, treatment interruption was independent prognosticator of all three endpoints used (P=0.00031, P=0.0075 and P=0.00033, respectively). When 11 patients with treatment interruptions were excluded, the reason for not undergoing surgery still affected OS (P=0.037) and CSS (P=0.039) but not LRFS (P=0.11). Multivariate analyses using OS, CSS and LRFS showed that the reason for not undergoing surgery affected OS (P=0.0436), but neither CSS (P=0.083) nor LRFS (P=0.080).

No thoracic radiation myelitis after spinal cord dose > or = 50.4 Gy using 1.2. Gy b.i.d. fractionation in patients with Stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with hyperfractionated radiation therapy with and without concurrent chemotherapy.

We investigated a risk of developing radiation myelitis during four prospective studies using hyperfractionated radiation therapy (HFX RT) with and without concurrent chemotherapy (CHT) during which a portion of thoracic spinal cord received a dose > or = 50.4 Gy given via 1.2 Gy b.i.d. fractionation. Of 536 patients with Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which were treated on three prospective randomised Phase III studies and one Phase II study, 336 patients received irradiation dose > or = 50.4 Gy to a portion of their spinal cord and survived >1 year after the beginning of therapy. None of these 336 patients developed thoracic radiation myelitis. Therefore, the influence of potentially contributing factors on the occurrence of radiation myelitis, such as cord length, interfraction interval, or administration of concurrent CHT was not possible to investigate. These results give new insight about the influence of total dose/dose per fraction/interfraction interval with or without concurrent CHT on the thoracic spinal cord toxicity.

Pretreatment clinical prognostic factors in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: We investigated the influence of potential pre-treatment clinical prognostic factors in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS AND PATIENTS: A total of 285 patients were enrolled in two consecutive prospective randomised studies which compared (study 1) carboplatin and prolonged oral etoposide (group 1; n=58) with the same etoposide alone (group 2; n=59), and (study 2) carboplatin and prolonged oral etoposide (group 1; n=84) with the same carboplatin and high-dose intravenous etoposide (group 2; n=84). RESULTS: The median survival time for all 285 patients was 7 months, while 1- and 2-year survival rates were 29% and 8%, respectively. Age did not impact on outcome ( P=0.21), while female patients did significantly better than male patients ( P<0.0001). Patients with KPS 80-100 did significantly better than those with KPS 50-70 ( P<0.0001), as did patients with less pronounced weight loss ( P<0.0001) and those with only one metastatic site when compared to those having at least two metastatic sites ( P<0.0001). When evaluated regarding the metastatic site, only subcutaneous metastatic site did not influence survival. This was confirmed within univariate analyses, but when multivariate analyses were done gender, KPS, weight loss, number of metastatic sites, presence of liver metastases and presence of brain metastases independently influenced survival, while age and other metastatic locations did not. CONCLUSION: In this analysis, gender, KPS, weight loss, number of metastatic sites, presence of liver metastases and presence of brain metastases independently influenced survival in patients with stage IV NSCLC treated with CHT.

Self-reported injuries among seafarers. Questionnaire validity and results from an international study.

International surveys of occupational injuries among seafarers have so far been missing. It was the aim to test the method of self-report of injuries and length of time at risk during the latest duty period and second to study the injury incidence rate among seafarers by use of the method. A pilot study was conducted (n = 1068) in Finland, Denmark, the Philippines, Croatia and Spain using self-completed questionnaires with questions about the person, the ship, the duration of latest duty period and injuries. The duration of the self-reporting duty period was in the Danish part compared with information from the crew register of the Maritime Authority. For seafarers from merchant ships in the Danish sub-study there was acceptable correspondence between the information from the seafarers and the Maritime Authority, but not when referring to ferries and non-specified types of ship. Unadjusted and adjusted injury incidence rates-ratios (IRRs) based on number of injuries per number of work hours were calculated. Adjusted IRRs for ordinary seamen/officers: IRR = 2.43 (95% CI: 1.25-4.72); for age < 35/35+ years: IRR = 1.97 (1.02-3.81); length of tour: 117 days or longer compared with < 117 days: IRR = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.22-0.95); 57-70 working hours per week compared with < 57 h: IRR = 1.26 (0.48-3.29), 71+h compared with < 57 h: IRR = 2.12 (0.84-5.36). Non-significant IRRs >1.00 were found for ships under 10,000 GT compared with larger ships and for own flagged ships compared with ships under flag of convenience. In conclusion, more than 70 h of work per week was related to a higher rate of injuries for seafarers on merchant ships, but the result was not statistically significant. Self-report of the duration of the latest tour of duty is useful for seafarers from merchant ships with short-term employments, but not for ferries and other, non-specified types of ship with other or permanent employment.

Efficacy of pefloxacin in the treatment of patients with acute infectious diarrhoea.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of 5- and 7-day pefloxacin therapy in patients with acute infectious diarrhoea. PATIENTS AND STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-two adult patients with acute infectious diarrhoea were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 20) received 5 days of treatment with pefloxacin, group 2 (n = 27) was assigned to a 7-day pefloxacin protocol, and group 3 (n = 35) was treated symptomatically. The daily dose of pefloxacin was 400mg orally. Clinical and bacteriological response was analysed on the third, fifth and seventh days of treatment as well as 1 and 4 weeks after the end of treatment. The study was an open-labelled, prospective clinical trial. RESULTS: In the 47 patients (100%) of both pefloxacin groups a clinical improvement was noted on the third day compared with the control group, where this occurred on day 7. Bacteriological eradication was verified on the fifth day in 18 patients (90%) from group 1 and in 25 patients (93%) from group 2; they all had negative stool cultures 1 and 4 weeks after therapy was completed. Only 22 patients (63%) in the control group had negative stool cultures on the seventh day of treatment, but 4 weeks later all of them were negative. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in clinical (p = 0.232) and bacteriological (p = 0.972) efficacy between the 5- and 7-day pefloxacin treatment protocols. However, both protocols differed significantly in clinical improvement (p < 0.001) and bacteriological eradication (p = 0.017) from the control group.

Piracy on the high seas-threats to travelers' health.

BACKGROUND: Piracy has been threatening international sea trade and creating risk for crews and passengers worldwide. The problem is largely confined to the Somalia coast, West Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. The targets are merchant ships, cruising yachts, and passenger ships with several thousand people on board. Such attacks can result in loss of lives, short- and long-term health problems, and can further be complicated by the consequences of hostage situations on shore. The purpose of this article is to present the problem of piracy, its relevance to the field of travel medicine, and help travel medicine practitioners to deal with its specifics before, during, and after attack. METHODS: Comprehensive literature research was done and published data from 2002 until 2012 from the International Chamber of Commerce specialized division-International Maritime Bureau (IMB)-on 3,806 attacks and 7,635 incidents involving human victims are analyzed. Available occupational health data in merchant marine and epidemiological data acquired on board cruise ships were used to estimate the health risks. RESULTS: From 2002 until 2012, 3,806 ships were attacked including 82 yachts and 13 passenger ships. A number of reported piracy attacks worldwide continued to threaten security and lives on sea. In 2012, 297 incidents of piracy and armed robbery were reported, a total of 585 crew members were taken hostage, 26 kidnapped, and 6 killed as a direct result of the incident.(1) CONCLUSION: The risk of being injured or killed by pirates on board cruise ships is actually very low. Piracy on the world's seas is in decline and remains a reasonably localized issue. While this improvement is a result of continued efforts of international naval forces, that protection is only partial and fails to suppress piracy completely. Piracy still presents significant threat to international travel, and future involvement of travel medicine practitioners in providing advice to travelers to piracy regions or victims of piracy is expected.

AIDS prophylaxis--achievements due to appropriate strategies.

Seafaring as an occupation possesses a special blend of conditions that is strongly influencing the spread of HIV and is making prevention programs difficult to succeed. Actual prevention programs in the shipping industry are not showing success. Social partners are in a unique position to promote prevention efforts, particularly in relation to changing attitudes and behaviours through the provision of information and education, and in addressing socio-economic factors. Together with major international organizations they have created an initiative named "Global Partnership on HIV and Mobile Workers in the Maritime Sector", designed to be a project that is realistic, achievable, and focused on prevention among seafarers whose sustainability will be created through linking organizations with a long-term commitment and integration in the lives of seafarers with intergovernmental organizations. This new global prevention programme aims to address this challenge by making a series of interventions along the route of their migration. The identified problems of HIV prevention in the shipping industry addressed in its design are presented together with its structure and aims.