Microbiological and Chemical Characterisation of Composts at Different Levels of Maturity, with Evaluation of Phytotoxicity and Enzymatic Activities

Composts from different vegetable residues as well as pig and horse manure at different levels of maturity were used in the present study. In order to characterise the different composts, microbial populations (namely, total aerobic bacteria, actinomycetes, filamentous eumycetes, aerobic cellulolytic fungi and bacteria), physicochemical and chemical parameters (moisture, organic matter, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, C:N ratio, pH, electrical conductivity), self-heating capacity and phytotoxicity (measured by means of the germination test with Lepidium sativion), as well as enzymatic activities [cellulase, lipase (C10), proteasel, were evaluated. The research was designed to focus on a possible correlation between the enzymatic activities and the maturity level of composts. The results showed evidence that the protease:cellulase activity ratio was significantly correlated to the compost phytotoxicity

Traumatic Extracranial Vascular Injury: Evidence-Based Neuroimaging

Blunt trauma injuries are typically a result of motor vehicle crashes but can occur with any direct blow to the head or neck, strangulation, sports-related incidents, and manipulation of the spine. The majority of penetrating neck wounds are a result of guns and knives, with motor vehicle crashes and industrial and household accidents making up the remainder. Vascular injuries of the neck in blunt and penetrating trauma are an important determiner of morbidity and mortality and can occur through a variety of mechanisms, from direct transection, to shearing of blood vessels from hyperextension of the cervical spine, to disruption by fractures