Produção forrageira de gramíneas cultivadas sob luminosidade reduzida

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de três níveis de sombreamento artificial (0,30 e 60%) sobre a produção de matéria seca, a concentração de nitrogênio e as características morfológicas de seis espécies de gramíneas forrageiras tropicais (Andropogon gayanus, cv. Planaltina, Brachiaria brizantha, cv. Marandu, B. decumbens, Melinis minutiflora, Panicum maximum, cv. Vencedor, e Setaria anceps, cv. Kazungula). Foi usado delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas e quatro repetições; nas parcelas foram distribuídos os níveis de sombreamento e nas subparcelas, as espécies forrageiras. Os resultados demonstram que o sombreamento influenciou a produção de matéria seca, a concentração de N e as características morfológicas das espécies avaliadas. A produção forrageira foi influenciada diferencialmente pelo sombreamento. A produção de matéria seca do P. maximum, cv. Vencedor foi 19,72% maior à sombra moderada que a pleno sol. A produção de S. anceps, cv. Kazungula, entretanto, não foi influenciada pelo sombreamento. As demais espécies tiveram decréscimo da produção de matéria seca com a redução da luminosidade. Em todas as espécies, houve aumento da concentração de N e redução do teor de matéria seca da forragem, que se tornou mais suculenta à sombra. As características morfológicas não apresentaram comportamento padrão, variando conforme a espécie avaliada.The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of three levels of artificial shade (0, 30 and 60%) on dry matter production, nitrogen content and morphological characteristics of six forage grasses (Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, B. decumbens, Melinis minutiflora, Panicum maximum cv. Vencedor and Setaria anceps cv. Kazungula). A randomized block design, with split plots and four replicates, was used; the shading levels were allotted to the plots and the species to the split plots. The results showed that shading affected the production of dry matter, the nitrogen content and the morphological characteristics of the evaluated species. The production of forage was differentially affected by the shade. The dry matter production of P. maximum cv. Vencedor was 19.72% higher, at moderate shade than in broad daylight. The forage production of S. anceps cv. Kazungula, however, was not affected by the shade. The dry matter production of other species decreased with the reduction of the light. In all species there was an increase of N content and reduction of the content of dry matter of the forage, which became juicier in the shade. The morphological characteristics did not show a standard behavior, which varied according to the studied specie

A miniature world in decline: European Red List of Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts

AimThis Red List is a summary of the conservation status of the European species of mosses, liverworts and hornworts, collectively known as bryophytes, evaluated according to IUCN’s Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Level. It provides the first comprehensive, region-wide assessment of bryophytes and it identifies those species that are threatened with extinction at a European level, so that appropriate policy measures and conservation actions, based on the best available evidence, can be taken to improve their status.ScopeAll bryophytes native to or naturalised in Europe (a total of 1,817 species), have been included in this Red List. In Europe, 1,796 species were assessed, with the remaining 21 species considered Not Applicable (NA). For the EU 28, 1,728 species were assessed, with a remaining 20 species considered NA and 69 species considered Not Evaluated (NE). The geographical scope is continentwide, extending from Iceland in the west to the Urals in the east, and from Franz Josef Land in the north to theCanary Islands in the south. The Caucasus region is not included. Red List assessments were made at two regional levels: for geographical Europe and for the 28 Member States of the European Union.ResultsOverall, 22.5% of European bryophyte species assessed in this study are considered threatened in Europe, with two species classified as Extinct and six assessed as Regionally Extinct (RE). A further 9.6% (173 species) are considered Near Threatened and 63.5% (1,140 species) are assessed as Least Concern. For 93 species (5.3%), there was insufficient information available to be able to evaluate their risk of extinction and thus they were classified as Data Deficient (DD). The main threats identified were natural system modifications (i.e., dam construction, increases in fire frequency/intensity, and water management/use), climate change (mainly increasing frequency of droughts and temperature extremes), agriculture (including pollution from agricultural effluents) and aquaculture.RecommendationsPolicy measures• Use the European Red List as the scientific basis to inform regional/national lists of rare and threatened species and to identify priorities for conservation action in addition to the requirements of the Habitats Directive, thereby highlighting the conservation status of bryophytes at the regional/local level.• Use the European Red List to support the integration of conservation policy with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other national and international policies. For example, CAP Strategic Plans should include biodiversity recovery commitments that could anticipate, among others, the creation of Important Bryophyte Areas. An increased involvement of national environmental agencies in the preparation of these strategic plans, and more broadly in ongoing discussions on the Future CAP Green Architecture, would likely also ensure the design of conservation measures better tailored to conserve bryophytes in agricultural landscapes.• Update the European Red List every decade to ensure that the data remains current and relevant.• Develop Key Biodiversity Areas for bryophytes in Europe with a view to ensuring adequate site-based protection for bryophytes.Research and monitoring• Use the European Red List as a basis for future targeted fieldwork on possibly extinct and understudied species.• Establish a monitoring programme for targeted species (for example, threatened species and/or arable bryophytes).• Use the European Red List to obtain funding for research into the biology and ecology of key targeted species.Action on the ground• Use the European Red List as evidence to support multi-scale conservation initiatives, including designation of protected areas, reform of agricultural practices and land management, habitat restoration and rewilding, and pollution reduction measures.• Use the European Red List as a tool to target species that would benefit the most from the widespread implementation of the solutions offered by the 1991 Nitrates Directive (Council Directive 91/676/EEC), including the application of correct amounts of nutrients for each crop, only in periods of crop growth under suitable climatic conditions and never during periods of heavy rainfall or on frozen ground, and the creation of buffer zones to protect waters from run-off from the application of fertilizers.Ex situ conservation• Undertake ex situ conservation of species of conservation concern in botanic gardens and spore and gene banks, with a view to reintroduction where appropriate.</p

Combined surgery for cataract and glaucoma: phacoemulsification and deep sclerectomy compared with phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of phacoemulsification-intraocular lens (IOL) implantation combined with nonperforating deep sclerectomy (P-DS) with that of phacoemulsification-IOL implantation combined with trabeculectomy (P-T). SETTING: Glaucoma Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. METHODS: This prospective study involved 60 eyes of 60 patients with cataract and various types of open-angle glaucoma. Thirty eyes had P-DS and 30, P-T. Follow-up was performed at regular intervals for up to 18 months. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 12.5 months +/- 6.5 (SD) and 12.6 +/- 4.9 months for the P-DS and P-T groups, respectively. Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was similar in both groups (24.8 +/- 5.9 mm Hg in the P-DS group and 24.6 +/- 7.2 mm Hg in the P-T group). There was no statistically significant difference in IOP decrease (14.2 +/- 4.0 mm Hg in the P-DS group and 15.2 +/- 2.8 mm Hg in the P-T group). Visual outcome was similar in both groups. The P-DS group experienced significantly less inflammation (40.0% versus 83.0%; P = .0012) and hyphema (6.7% versus 36.7%; P = .010) than the P-T group. CONCLUSION: Deep sclerectomy combined with cataract surgery resulted in an IOP reduction similar to that with phacotrabeculectomy with the same visual outcome, but the lower complication rate makes ambulatory care easier

Assessing the Functionality and Biocompatibility of a Wireless Contact Lens Sensor for 24 hour-intraocular Pressure Monitoring in Volunteers: Preliminary Results

Purpose: In vitro studies in porcine eyes have demonstrated a good correlation between induced intraocular pressure variations and corneal curvature changes, using a contact lens with an embedded microfabricated strain gauge. Continuous 24 hour-intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring to detect large diurnal fluctuation is currently an unmet clinical need. The aims of this study is to evaluate precision of signal transmission and biocompatibility of 24 hour contact lens sensor wear (SENSIMED Triggerfish®) in humans. Methods: After full eye examination in 10 healthy volunteers, a 8.7 mm radius contact lens sensor and an orbital bandage containing a loop antenna were applied and connected to a portable recorder. Best corrected visual acuity and position, lubrication status and mobility of the sensor were assessed after 5 and 30 minutes, 4, 7 and 24 hours. Subjective comfort was scored and activities documented in a logbook. After sensor removal full eye examination was repeated, and the registration signal studied. Results: The comfort score was high and did not fluctuate significantly, except at the 7 hour-visit. The mobility of the contact lens was minimal but its lubrication remained good. Best corrected visual acuity was significantly reduced during the sensor wear and immediately after its removal. Three patients developed mild corneal staining. In all but one participant we obtained a registration IOP curve with visible ocular pulse amplitude. Conclusions: This 24 hour-trial confirmed the functionality and biocompatibility of SENSIMED Triggerfish® wireless contact lens sensor for IOP-fluctuation monitoring in volunteers. Further studies with a range of different contact lens sensor radii are indicated

Comparison of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant and trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and postoperative complications of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI), a nonpenetrating filtration procedure. SETTING: Glaucoma Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 44 patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma had DSCI and a matched control group of 44 patients, trabeculectomy. A superficial scleral flap was raised and a deep sclerectomy performed in the scleral bed. Schlemm's canal was opened, and the cornea was dissected to Descemet's membrane. At that stage, aqueous filtered through the remaining trabeculo-Descemet's membrane. A collagen implant was sutured radially in the scleral bed; the scleral flap and conjunctiva were then closed. Examinations were performed before surgery and postoperatively at 1 and 7 days and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 14.4 months +/- 6.3 (SD) (range 3 to 24 months). The mean preoperative intraoperative pressure (IOP) was 26.7 +/- 7.3 mm Hg. The mean postoperative IOP was 6.1 +/- 4.5 mm Hg at 1 day and 11.0 +/- 4.4 mm Hg at 1 week; it remained stable for the next 24 months. The success rate, defined as an IOP lower than 21.0 mm Hg without medication, was 69% in the DSCI group and 57% in the trabeculectomy group at 24 months postoperatively (P = .047). The number of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the DSCI group than in the trabeculectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of DSCI may be comparable to that of trabeculectomy, with fewer complications

Examining the Agreement of Structural Loss Measured With Heidelberg Retinal Tomograhy and Functional Loss With Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP; Octopus), Pulsar Perimetry (PP), and Moorfields Motion Displacement Test (MDT) Perimetry

Purpose: To examine the relationship of functional measurements with structural measures. Methods: 146 eyes of 83 test subjects underwent Heidelberg Retinal Tomography (HRTIII) (disc area&lt;2.43, mphsd&lt;40), and perimetry testing with Octopus (SAP; Dynamic), Pulsar (PP; TOP) and Moorfields MDT (ESTA). Glaucoma was defined as progressive structural or functional loss (20 eyes). Perimetry test points were grouped into 6 sectors based on the estimated optic nerve head angle into which the associated nerve fiber bundle enters (Garway-Heath map). Perimetry summary measures (PSM) (MD SAP/ MD PP/ PTD MDT) were calculated from the average total deviation of each measured threshold from the normal for each sector. We calculated the 95% significance level of the sectorial PSM from the respective normative data. We calculated the percentage agreement with group1 (G1), healthy on HRT and within normal perimetric limits, and group 2 (G2), abnormal on HRT and outside normal perimetric limits. We also examined the relationship of PSM and rim area (RA) in those sectors classified as abnormal by MRA (Moorfields Regression Analysis) of HRT. Results: The mean age was 65 (range= [37, 89]). The global sensitivity versus specificity of each instrument in detecting glaucomatous eyes was: MDT 80% vs. 88%, SAP 80% vs. 80%, PP 70% vs. 89% and HRT 80% vs. 79%. Highest percentage agreement of HRT (respectively G1, G2, sector) with PSM were MDT (89%, 57%, nasal superior), SAP (83%, 74%, temporal superior), PP (74%, 63%, nasal superior). Globally percentage agreement (respectively G1, G2) was MDT (92%, 28%), SAP (87%, 40%) and PP (77%, 49%). Linear regression showed there was no significant trend globally associating RA and PSM. However, sectorally the supero-nasal sector had a statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) trend with each instrument, the associated r2 coefficients are (MDT 0.38 SAP 0.56 and PP 0.39). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in global sensitivity or specificity between instruments. Structure-function relationships varied significantly between instruments and were consistently strongest supero-nasally. Further studies are required to investigate these relationships in detail