Expression of Steroid Hormone Receptors in the Genital Structures of a True Hermaphrodite Pug Dog

Hermaphroditism is a rare and a not well‐understood disordered sexual development (DSD) in dogs. The objective of the study was to analyse the sex steroid hormone receptor (STHR) expression patterns in the internal genital structures, because the responsiveness of the different tissue types to the steroid hormones may have a key role in pathological alterations based on DSDs. Furthermore, the adhesion molecule β‐catenin was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry because of its important role in development, tissue integrity and disease. Molecular sexing was performed via PCR targeting DBX/DBY genes to identify the pug dog as a true XX hermaphrodite. The portions of uterine tissue revealed comparable expression patterns for STHRs as investigated in normal female reproductive tissue. In the male parts, β‐catenin showed strong expression in the Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules; this was in contrast to normal testicular tissue. Likewise, the layers of smooth muscle actin‐positive cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules were reduced in the hermaphrodite. The results of this study deepen the knowledge of tissue characteristics in a hermaphrodite dog and highlight the importance of early diagnosis because the STH responsiveness in maldeveloped reproductive tissue might lead to serious problems for the dog.     

Metal content of Sphagnum mosses from two Northern Canadian bog ecosystems

Samples of Sphagnum moss were collected from Kinoje Lake, northern Ontario, and Porter Lake, Northwest Territories (N.W.T.), Canada. The samples were analyzed for the elements Cd, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg and Zn. On a dry-weight basis, Ca was highest in concentration followed by Mg, Fe and Mn. The other elements were an order of magnitude or more lower in concentration. In general, concentrations were similar to those reported in the literature from Scandinavia. The two Canadian sites were similar in elemental composition except that the Ontario site was higher in Cd and Pb, while the N.W.T. site was higher in Mg and Hg. These differences could be due to a combination of regional geochemical and human activity differences.     

Uptake and distribution of manganese applied to leaves of Vicia faba (cv. Herzfreya) and Zea mays (cv. Regent) plants

Uptake and transport of Mn applied to leaves was studied in maize (Zea mays cv. Regent) and horse bean (Vicia faba cv. Herzfreya), two important crops in Egypt. Under controlled conditions in a growth chamber, maize and horse bean plants were grown in solution culture without Mn. After 20 days, Mn was applied to one older leaf by submerging part of the leaf blade into 0.1 mM MnSO₄ or MnEDTA solution for 48 h. At harvest (24 h later), plants were divided into fractions and Mn concentrations and contents determined. Plants without Mn application served as control. Only 1% of the Mn supply was taken up. Most of it remained at the application zone. However, part of the Mn moved out of the leaf of application and was preferentially transported to the shoot apex. This was indicated by a up to 2 times higher Mn concentration of the youngest leaf. When Mn was applied as MnEDTA, Mn uptake was lower but translocation enhanced compared to MnSO₄. There were no consistent differences between the plant species although mobility of Mn seemed to be higher in maize. Although the amounts of Mn taken up and translocated were low, the results suggest that in these plant species, leaf-applied Mn may contribute to the Mn nutrition of new growth.     

Estimating and mapping the carbon saturation deficit of French agricultural topsoils

The concept of soil organic C (SOC) saturation suggests that the quantity of stable SOC is limited and determined by the amount of fine particles (clay + fine silt, Clay + fSilt). The difference between the theoretical SOC saturation value and the measured SOC one for the fine fraction corresponds to the soil’s saturation deficit and may represent the potential for SOC sequestration in a stable form. We calculate the saturation deficit of French arable soils based on the national soil test database and using the saturation equation. For the whole database (n = 1 454 633), the median saturation deficit was 8.1 gC/kg and this generally increased with the Clay + fSilt content to reach a maximum of 500 g/kg. National mapping of the SOC saturation deficit allowed investigation of spatial variation and controlling factors. Saturated soils were found in localities with specific land use (grassland, meadows) or farming systems (livestock production with high manure production). Smaller deficits occurred at higher altitudes, probably due to the combined effect of cooler temperature and the presence of meadows. Some very sandy soils appeared to be almost saturated, largely due to their very small fine fraction. Soils in the highly cultivated plains in the northern half of the country had a significant saturation deficit. Soils in the southern part of the country had the highest saturation deficit because of the combined effects of climatic factors (low production, high temperature) and land use (vineyards, orchards). Analysis of communal data revealed significant correlations at the national level with Clay + fSilt (r = 0.59), pH (r = 0.44) but also with the proportion of grassland in the cultivated area (r = ?0.47). Some areas had apparent oversaturation which may be due to uncertainty associated with the theoretical C saturation equation because of overestimation of the stable soil C fraction. Mapping the C saturation deficit at the national scale demonstrates the influence of climate, soil parameters and land use on the SOC stabilization potential and indicates that a significant proportion of agricultural soils have potential for further SOC storage.