Summary. -In this study, a major part of genome of the pestivirus isolate 297 from Slovakia, comprising the 7195 nt-long 5΄-UTR-NS3 region was sequenced and analyzed. Conserved cleavage sites between individual viral proteins of this region were determined and the number of amino acids of respective proteins was estimated as follows: 168 for N pro , 100 for C, 227 for E rns , 195 for E1, 373 for E2, 70 for p7, 453 for NS2, and 683 for NS3. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis of 5΄-UTR, N pro , and E2 the isolate 297 was characterized as a border disease virus of genotype 3. It was found to be distinct from other BDV-3 strains analyzed so far, consequently forming a distinct branch within the phylogenetic clade. All these data expand a relatively limited knowledge of genetic properties of individual BDV genotypes and strains circulating in the Central Europe.Keywords: border disease virus; sheep isolate; pestivirus * Corresponding author. E-mail: vilcek@uvm.sk; phone: +421-915-984654. Abbreviations: BDV = border disease virus; BVDV-1 = bovine viral diarrhea virus 1; BVDV-2 = bovine viral diarrhea virus 2; CSFV = classical swine fever virus; 5΄-, 3΄-UTR = 5΄-, 3΄-untranslated region

This study compared the use of a new type of peritoneocentesis trocar with conventional laparotomy for the placement of the distal catheter in the treatment of hydrocephalus with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A total of 376 patients with hydrocephalus were recruited to the study and were assigned randomly to undergo insertion of the distal catheter by conventional laparotomy (n = 195) or using the new peritoneal trocar (n = 181). The time taken for the surgical procedure and the complication rate over the following 1-year period were compared between the two groups. The mean length of the procedure to place the distal catheter was significantly shorter in the trocar group compared with the laparotomy group. Infection and obstruction rates were significantly higher in the laparotomy group than in the trocar group. In conclusion, the use of the new trocar was associated with lower rates of surgically induced trauma and complications compared with conventional laparotomy.

ABSTRACT. Protein content (PC) is a crucial factor that determines the end-use and nutritional quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Glutamine synthetase (GS), which is a major participant in nitrogen metabolism, can convert inorganic nitrogen into organic nitrogen. Although many studies have been conducted on PC and GS, a dynamic analysis of all of the filling stages has not been conducted. Therefore, 115 F 9-10 recombinant inbred wheat lines of 'R131/ R142' were used to analyze PC and GS activity during different developmental stages, using the conditional quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping method. Twenty-two and six conditional QTL were detected for PC and GS activily, respectively. More QTL in leaf PC were detected during the early filling stages than in the later filling stages. Grain PC QTL displayed different dynamic variations to leaf PC QTL during the entire grain-filling stages. All of the QTL were expressed differently over time, and nine conditional QTL were detected across two filling stages. QTL with similar functions may have tended to group in specific locales. This study provides dynamic 8707 Dynamic QTL analysis in wheat RIL ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 14 (3): 8706-8715 (2015) genetic information on protein accumulation during grain-filling stages.

In order to explore the variation in aboveground biomass among five topographically-defined habitats in old-growth forest, we measured aboveground biomass within a 20 ha permanent plot in Southern China. Aboveground biomass was estimated by using allometric regression equations. In the present study, there was no significant difference between the average aboveground biomass in 2005 (153.7 ± 58.7 mg ha-1) and in 2010 (152.3 ± 60.8 mg ha-1). Biomass also varied substantially among habitats, from 138.9 Mg ha-1 in the higher slope and lower valley habitat to 200.1 mg ha-1 in the mountain ridge habitat in 2005, and from 132.1 mg ha-1 in the lower slope to 198.8 mg ha-1 in the mountain ridge in 2010. Medium trees were the largest contributor (48%) to the total aboveground biomass within all habitats. Variability in species contributions to total habitat biomass were suggestive of species habitat preferences. This study provides a detailed overview of aboveground biomass patterns among old-growth forest habitats and highlights the importance of incorporating community characteristics and environmental variables (i.e. topography) into forest ecosystem carbon studies. The results will further our understanding of the contributions of oldgrowth forests to global carbon cycles and provide valuable information to improve conservation planning strategies.