冬播麦区Glu-1和Glu-3位点变异及1B/1R易位与小麦加工品质性状的关系

 贮藏蛋白组成是决定小麦加工品质的重要因素。本文调查了我国冬播麦区251份主栽品种和高代品系的高分子量麦谷蛋白亚基（HMW-GS）、低分子量麦谷蛋白亚基（LMW-GS）和1B/1R易位的分布状况，研究了它们与加工品质性状的关系。结果表明，品质较差的HMW-GS N、7+9、2+12和LMW-GS Glu-A3a与Glu-B3j（1B/1R易位）在冬播麦区分布较广，频率分别为39.4%、45.0%、59.8%、37.1%和44.6%。HMW-GS和LMW-GS等位变异对籽粒蛋白质含量影响较小，对SDS沉降值、和面时间与耐揉性的加性和互作效应达1%的显著水平。按位点对加工品质性状的贡献大小，Glu-D1>Glu-B3>Glu-B1>Glu-A3>Glu-A1；就单个亚基而言，Glu-A1位点，1>2*>N；Glu-B1位点，7+8>14+15>7+9；Glu-D1位点，5+10>4+12>2+12；Glu-A3位点，Glu-A3d>Glu-A3a>Glu-A3c>Glu-A3e，Glu-B3位点； Glu-B3d>Glu-B3b>Glu-B3f >Glu-B3j。1B/1R易位对SDS沉降值、和面时间和耐揉性等加工品质性状有显著负面效应。通过选择优质高低分子量麦谷蛋白亚基和淘汰1B/1R易位系，将有助于提高我国小麦的面筋质量。     

The examination of biophysical parameters of skin (transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and pH value) in different body regions of normal cats of both sexes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin pH in normal cats. Twenty shorthaired European cats of both sexes were examined in the study. Measurements were taken from five different sites: the lumbar region, the axillary fossa, the inguinal region, the ventral abdominal region and the left thoracic region. In each of the regions, TEWL, skin hydration and skin pH were measured. The highest TEWL value was observed in the axillary fossa (18.22g/h/m(2)) and the lowest in the lumbar region (10.53g/h/m(2)). The highest skin hydration was found in the inguinal region (18.29CU) and the lowest in the lumbar region (4.62CU). The highest skin pH was observed in the inguinal region (6.64) and the lowest in the lumbar region (6.39). Statistically significant differences in TEWL were observed between the lumbar region and the left side of the thorax region (P=0.016), the axillary fossa (P=0.0004), the ventral region (P=0.005), and the inguinal region (P=0.009). There were significant differences in skin hydration between the lumbar region and the left thorax (P=0.000003), the axillary fossa (P=0.002), the ventral abdomen (P=0.03), and the inguinal region (P=0.0003) as well as between the thorax and the ventral abdomen (P=0.005). TEWL was higher in females (15g/h/m(2)) than in males (4.57g/h/m(2)). Skin hydration was higher in females (13.89CU) than in males (12.28CU). Significant differences were not found between males and females for TEWL and skin hydration. Skin pH was higher in males (6.94) than in females (6.54), which was significant (P=0.004).     

Identification of serum stress biomarkers in pigs housed at different stocking densities

Eight Duroc×(Landrace×Large White) male pigs housed at a stocking rate of 0.50m(2)/pig were subjected to a higher stocking rate of 0.25m(2)/pig (higher density, HD) for two 4-day periods over 26 days. Using biochemical and proteomic techniques serum and plasma samples were examined to identify potential biomarkers for monitoring stress due to HD housing. HD housed pigs showed significant differences (P<0.001) in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol, as well as in concentrations of the pig-major acute phase protein (Pig-MAP) (P=0.002). No differences were observed in serum cortisol or other acute phase proteins such as haptoglobin, C-reactive protein or apolipoprotein A-I. HD-individuals also showed an imbalance in redox homeostasis, detected as an increase in the level of oxidized proteins measured as the total plasma carbonyl protein content (P<0.001) with a compensatory increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (P=0.012). Comparison of the serum proteome yielded a new potential stress biomarker, identified as actin by mass spectrometry. Cluster analysis of the results indicated that individuals segregated into two groups, with different response patterns, suggesting that the stress response depended on individual susceptibility.     

Local immunity of the respiratory mucosal system in chickens and turkeys

This review article presents fundamental mechanisms of the local mucosal immunity in selected regions of the respiratory tract in healthy birds and in some pathological conditions. The respiratory system, whose mucosa come into direct contact with microorganisms contaminating inhaled air, has some associated structures, such as Harderian gland (HG), conjunctive-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) and paranasal glands (PG), whose participation in local mechanisms of the mucosal immunity has been corroborated by numerous scientific studies. The nasal mucosa, with structured clusters of lymphoid tissue (NALT - nasal-associated lymphoid tissue) is the first to come into contact with microorganisms which contaminate inhaled air. Lymphoid nodules, made up of B cells with frequently developed germinal centres (GC), surrounded by a coat of CD4+ cells, are the major NALT structures in chickens, whereas CD8+ cells are situated in the epithelium and in the lamina propria of the nasal cavity mucosa. Studies into respiratory system infections (e.g. Mycoplasma gallisepticum) have shown the reactivity of the tracheal mucosa to infection, despite a lack of essential lymphoid tissue. Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) takes part in bronchial immune processes and its structure, topography and ability to perform defensive function in birds is largely age-dependent. Mature BALT is covered by a delicate layer of epithelial cells, called follicle-associated epithelium (FAE). Germinal centres (GC), surrounded by CD4+ cells are developed in most mature BALT nodules, while CD8+ lymphocytes are dispersed among lymphoid nodules and in the epithelium, and they are rarely present in GC. Macrophages make up the first line of defence mechanisms through which the host rapidly responds to microorganisms and their products in the respiratory mucosal system. Another very important element are polymorphonuclear cells, with heterophils being the most important of them. Phagocytic cells obtained from lung lavages in birds are referred to as FARM (free avian respiratory macrophages). Their number in chickens and turkeys is estimated to be 20 times lower than that in mice and rats, which indicates a deficit in the first-line of defence in the birds' respiratory system. There are numerous B cells and antibody secreting cells (ASC) present throughout the respiratory system in birds. Their role comes down to perform antigen-specific protection by producing antibodies (IgM, IgY or IgA class) as a result of contact with pathogenic factors.     

Real-time PCR detection of Mycoplasma felis in domestic cats suffering from chronic conjunctivitis (Poland)

Real-time PCR directed to intergenic spacer (IGS) noncoding region between 16S and 23S rRNA genes was used for species specific detection of Mycoplasma felis in conjunctival scrapings. Samples were collected from 57 cats suffering from chronic conjunctivitis in 2008-2010 (Wroc?aw, Poland). Samples from 36 cats (63.2%) were shown to be positive for Mycoplasma felis. Our research gives a first insight in the occurrence of Mycoplasma felis among domestic cats in Poland suggesting that this pathogen may constitute an underestimated cause of chronic conjunctivitis.     

Role of extracellular matrix and prolactin in functional differentiation of bovine BME-UV1 mammary epithelial cells

Interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial cells are necessary for proper organisation and function of the epithelium. In the present study we show that bovine mammary epithelial cell line BME-UV1 cultured on ECM components, commercially available as Matrigel, constitutes a good model for studying mechanisms controlling functional differentiation of the bovine mammary gland. In contact with Matrigel BME-UV1 cells induce apicobasal polarity, and within 16 days form three dimensional (3D) acinar structures with a centrally localized hollow lumen, which structurally resemble mammary alveoli present in the functionally active mammary gland. We have shown that the 3D culture system enables a high expression and proper localisation of integrin receptors and tight junction proteins in BME-UV1 cells to be induced. This effect was not obtained in cells grown in the classical 2D culture system on plastic. Moreover, ECM highly stimulated the synthesis of one of the major milk proteins, beta-casein, even in the absence of prolactin. Our results show that contact with ECM plays an important role in the lactogenic activity of bovine MECs, however, prolactin is necessary for the efficient secretion of milk proteins.     

The effect of different doses of methisoprinol on the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulation and the antibody titers in pigeons immunised against PPMV-1

As immunosuppression in pigeons is common and results in reduced post-vaccination immunity and lower health status of the birds, studies have been taken up aimed at evaluation of the effect of three doses of methisoprinol on the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulation in peripheral blood and in the spleen and the titre of anti-NDV antibodies in the serum of pigeons in four groups (A, B, C, D), with 20 birds each. Pigeons in each group were immunised against paramyxovirosis at week 6 and 9 of life. Water for injection (group A - control) or methisoprinol at 100 mg/kg of body weight (group B), 200 mg/kg of body weight (group C) and 600 mg/kg of body weight (group D) was administered intramuscularly for 3 days before each vaccination. The immunological analyses were carried out by flow cytometry and the ELISA test. The findings indicate that methisoprinol administered intramuscularly at 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight for 3 successive days before vaccination against paramyxovirosis mainly stimulates the mechanisms of non-specific humoral and cellular immunity, which is indicated by a higher percentage of the subpopulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood and in the spleen and a higher titre of anti-NDV antibodies.     

The effect of diets supplemented with fish broth and fish oil on the health of weaners

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fish-based feed materials, as a source of readily available protein contained in fish broth and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in fish oil, on the health of piglets and rearing results. The experiment was conducted on a commercial pig fattening farm. The study involved a total of 80 weaners with an approximate body weight of 15 kg. The experiment was carried out over a period of 40 days. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analyses. Blood samples were collected from experimental group animals to determine serum biochemical and immunological parameters. The body weight gains of weaners, mortality rates and average feed intake per animal were calculated for the entire experimental period. The addition of fish broth and fish oil significantly improved the n3:n6 fatty acid ratio in diets. The presence of EPA and DHA in the experimental diet could have had a positive health effect on piglets, comparable with that exerted by therapeutic doses of zinc often administered to pigs of this age group. During the experiment, feed conversion ratio (FCR) gain was considerably reduced in the experimental group, with similar daily gains in the control and experimental group.     

Cadmium contamination of sediments in the water reservoirs in Silesian Upland (southern Poland)

Purpose

Cadmium (Cd) is considered a toxic element and its concentrations are relevant to human health and the environment. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which the bottom sediments of water bodies (artificial lakes and ponds) in the Silesian Upland in southern Poland are contaminated with Cd; an attempt was also made to determine the factors that condition spatial differences in the concentration of this element between individual water bodies in the region.

Materials and methods

Measurements of the Cd content in bottom sediments were carried out in 35 water bodies in southern Poland in 2011 and 2012. Depending on the surface area and morphometric characteristics, from two to nine samples representative in terms of sediment thickness were collected in each water body. Cadmium concentrations were determined for 92 0.25 g aliquots using the TD-ICP method.

Results and discussion

Cadmium content in all samples (0.7–580.0 mg kg^?1) was higher than the natural range of concentrations for this element in the Earth’s crust (0.1–0.3 mg kg^?1) and the geochemical background for Poland (0.5 mg kg^?1) and, with a few exceptions, was also higher than the preindustrial concentration (1.0 mg kg^?1) and the regional geochemical background (2.5 mg kg^?1). Adopting natural Cd concentrations in the Earth’s crust (0.1–0.3 mg kg^?1) as the baseline for the geoaccumulation index (I_geo), the sediments examined can be classified as extremely and heavily contaminated (and moderately contaminated in a small number of cases). The assessment of sediment quality based on I_geo, with the regional geochemical background (2.5 mg kg^?1) adopted as the baseline, results in non-contaminated and moderately contaminated sediments being dominant with a far smaller number of heavily and extremely contaminated ones.

Conclusions

In the case of several water bodies, Cd concentrations were at record levels that have not been found anywhere else in the world. On the basis of the I_geo, sediments of varying quality were found—from virtually uncontaminated to extremely contaminated. The I_geo index as an indicator of the quality of bottom sediments is a measure that requires careful interpretation, especially when different concentration levels regarded as natural are used for determining its value.

     

Speciation of Cadmium in the Bottom Sediment of Rybnik Reservoir

Forms of cadmium occurrence in the bottom sediment of a heated water reservoir, polluted substantially with this metal was analysed in the paper. Apart from the analysis mentioned above, a total cadmium content in the bottom sediment and a content of cadmium dissolved in the water of the reservoir was also determined. Dependences between particular forms of cadmium occurrence and its total content in the bottom sediment were analysed. An influence of cadmium content in water on the level of particular cadmium forms in the bottom sediment and an influence of other parameters of the reservoir's water on the content of cadmium in the bottom sediment were also examined.