Use of near infrared spectroscopy to determine biological and chemical characteristics of organic layers under spruce and beech stands

The chemical composition of organic layers of forest soils shows a high spatial variability and fast methods may be required for its study at a landscape level. The objective was to assess the applicability of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure several chemical and biological properties of organic layers in spruce, beech, and mixed spruce‐beech stands. Spectra in the VIS‐NIR region (400—2500 nm) were recorded for 406 samples representing Oi, Oe, and Oa layers of forest soils from Solling (Germany), 195 of them were used for calibration and 211 for validation. The calibration equations for each constituent were developed using the whole spectrum (0^th to 3^rd derivative). Humus samples were analyzed for contents of C and N and contents of P, S, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Al after pressure digestion in HNO₃. Additionally, basal respiration and microbial C (C_mic) were measured. NIRS predicted well the contents of C, N, P, S, Ca, Na, K, Fe, and Al and C/N and C/P ratios: the regression coefficients (a) of a linear regression (measured against predicted values) ranged from 0.9 to 1.1, and the correlation coefficients (r) were greater or equal 0.9. C_mic (a = 0.87, r = 0.83) was predicted satisfactorily, whereas the prediction of the basal respiration (a = 0.74, r = 0.87) was less satisfactory. Due to liming of some of the plots NIRS failed to predict contents of Mg (a = 1.27, r = 0.68). For all chemical and biological characteristics the best prediction performances were achieved using the whole sample population. Splitting the samples into smaller groups according to a dominant tree species or an organic layer did not improve the predictions.<?show $6#>     

Influence of water salinity on the survival of embryos and growth of the sichel larvae Pelecus cultratus (L.) under controlled conditions

The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of water salinity on the incubation of eggs and growth of the larvae of sichel Pelecus cultratus (L.) under controlled conditions. The following water salinity was considered: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 0 ppt for the control. The eggs incubation time depended on the water salinity, lasting from 56.3°D [9 ppt] to 107.7°D [0 ppt]. The higher water salinity, shorter the incubation time. The highest survivability of larvae was obtained in water of the salinity equal 3 ppt and in freshwater, where respectively 87% and 84% of the larvae survived. No hatched larvae were obtained in water of the salinity of 12 and 15 ppt, as all embryos died during the experiment. Larvae were reared up for 21 days. The final body weight, depending on the water salinity, reached from 43.5 mg [9 ppt] to 74.6 mg [3 ppt], at the respective body lengths of 19.3 mm and 23.2 mm. The highest body gains and lengths of larvae were observed in water of the salinity of 3 ppt. The lowest survivability of sichel larvae occurred in water of the salinity 9 ppt, where it was only 53.2%. The survivability of larvae in freshwater and water of the salinity of 3 ppt was quite similar: 96.2% and 95.6% respectively. Water salinity degree of 12 and 15 ppt appeared to be lethal for both embryos and larvae of the sichel.     

Effect of tillage and crop management on runoff,soil erosion and organic carbon loss

Proper management of soil organic matter is an important issue in the context of sustainable agriculture. The intensification of production and the loss of organic carbon associated with agriculture reduce the efficiency of production and the quality of the environment, especially in relation to areas exposed to erosion. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of specific tillage systems and plant cover on the organic carbon losses, as well as on runoff and soil losses, over a 6-year study period following the introduction of no-till. The first factor in the experiment was the tillage system: conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT). The second factor was plant cover: horse bean, spring wheat and winter oilseed rape. The results showed that runoff was 4.3 ± 0.6% higher under NT than under CT, while soil loss was 66.8 ± 2.7% lower under NT than under CT. Compared to CT, NT limited the total organic carbon losses by an average of 46.0 ± 2.9% and organic carbon bound with sediment losses by 53.2 ± 0.7%, whereas for dissolved organic carbon, there were no significant differences for the tillage systems. The anti-erosion effectiveness of NT was lower in the first year, but it increased in subsequent years after the introduction of this tillage system. Plant cover also had a significant impact on organic carbon losses and soil protection. The crops were ranked according to runoff, soil losses and organic carbon losses in the following order from lower to higher losses: winter oilseed rape > spring wheat > horse bean.     

Immunohistochemical study on the expressions of neuropeptides in the superficial and deep gland of the third eyelid of pigs

The superficial gland of the third eyelid (SGTE) and deep gland of the third eyelid (DGTE) are classified as accessory lacrimal glands. The aim of the present study was to immunohistochemically investigate the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DβH), substance P (SP), galanin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), somatostatin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the porcine SGTE and DGTE. We demonstrated the distribution patterns of VIP, DβH, SP, NPY and galanin in the nerve fibres in the SGTE and DGTE. None of somatostatin-, PACAP- and CGRP-immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibres were found in the SGTE and DGTE. The majority of VIP- and DβH-IR nerves fibres were found near to glandular acini, tubules, secretory ducts and blood vessels in the SGTE and DGTE. VIP-IR nerve fibres were found in external connective tissue in SGTE and DGTE and only in interlobular connective tissue in the SGTE. DβH-IR nerve fibres were found in interlobular and external connective tissue in the DGTE but not in the SGTE. Single galanin-, SP- and NPY-IR nerve fibres were observed in close proximity to acini and tubules in the SGTE and DGTE. Single galanin-, SP-, NPY-IR nerve fibres were found in close proximity to the secretory ducts in the DGTE, however only SP-IR nerve fibres were found near to the secretory ducts in SGTE. In conclusion, our research aims to highlight some aspects of SGTE and DGTE innervation in pigs and may also be a source of basic knowledge for further studies.     

Preliminary reference values for electrocardiography,echocardiography and myocardial morphometry in the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus)

The study aimed at defining reference values for electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic parameters as well as macroscopic dimensions of the heart and microscopic dimensions of cardiomyocytes in the European brown hare. The studies were conducted on 30 adult, clinically healthy hares of either sex caught in Poland. ECG and echocardiography were performed supravitally on anaesthetized hares. After euthanasia, gross and microscopic myocardial and cardiomyocyte dimensions were determined. Heart rate amounted to 140 ± 37.5 beats/min, the leading rhythm involved the sinus rhythm. P wave time was 26 ± 5 ms, PQ time was 80 ms, QRS time was 29 ± 3.5 ms, and ST was 97.5 ± 7 ms. Echocardiography determined a left ventricular wall end-diastolic diameter of 8.6 ± 2.0 mm and an intraventricular septum end-diastolic diameter of 5.75 ± 1.0 mm. The thickness of the interventricular septum corresponded to that of the free wall of the left ventricle, a finding consistent with physiological hypertrophy. Preliminary reference values were established for echocardiography. The findings were similar to those obtained at necropsy. The ECG and echocardiographic studies represent the first supravital examination of cardiac function in the hare. The obtained results illustrate adaptation of hare''s myocardium to its mode of life. The cardiac findings resemble the athlete''s heart syndrome described in humans. The findings may prove useful in further studies on the physiology of the cardio-vascular system in the hare.     

Third-generation biomedical materials

Whereas second-generation biomaterials were designed to be either resorbable or bioactive, the next generation of biomaterials is combining these two properties, with the aim of developing materials that, once implanted, will help the body heal itself.     

Trichoderma as a biostimulator and biocontrol agent against Fusarium in the production of cereal crops: Opportunities and possibilities

Despite technological advances in global agriculture in recent years, the problem of pathogenic fungi in the production of cereal crops continues to be an issue. Currently, the high variability of weather factors that are considered unusual for specific locations affect the growth and physiology of pathogens attacking cereal crops. One of the most common plant protection methods is the use of synthetic pesticides; however, there is growing controversy over this approach due to the build-up of pesticides in the environment and the presence of their residues in food. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the potential of using Trichoderma species as a biostimulator and for the biological protection of cereal crops against pathogenic fungi. Trichoderma fungi—through mycoparasitism, antibiosis and competition for space and nutrients—help to inhibit the growth of pathogens and have a positive impact on the growth of plants, including their root system, which is considered a desirable effect during drought episodes. It has also been demonstrated that Trichoderma fungi can convert Fusarium toxins into new metabolites that can be of lower toxicity. However, the highly limited number of in vivo studies investigating the use of these fungi for biocontrol in cereal crops remains an obstacle to the commercialization of Trichoderma fungi. It appears that the determination of their effectiveness in the biocontrol of cereal crops under variable weather and climate conditions presents a considerable challenge.     

Propagule pressure and land-use are more important than climate for invasive bryophytes regional distributions

Landscape Ecology - The spread of invasive bryophytes in Central Europe started in the 2nd half of the twentieth century. However, still it is not known which climatic and land-use factors shape...