The isoflavone daidzein directly affects porcine ovarian cell functions and modifies the effect of follicle‐stimulating hormone

The key biological active molecule of soya is the isoflavone daidzein, which possesses phytoestrogenic activity. The direct effect of soya and daidzein on ovarian cell functions is not known. This study examined the effect of daidzein on basic porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions and the response to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). We studied the effects of daidzein (0, 1, 10 and 100 μm ), FSH (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 IU/ml) and combinations of FSH (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 IU/ml) + daidzein (50 μm ) on proliferation, apoptosis and hormone release from cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells and ovarian follicles. The expression of a proliferation‐related peptide (PCNA) and an apoptosis‐related peptide (Bax) was analysed using immunocytochemistry. The release of progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) was detected using EIA. Leptin output was analysed using RIA. Daidzein administration increased granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis and T and leptin release but inhibited P4 output. Daidzein also increased T release and decreased P4 release from cultured ovarian follicles. Follicle‐stimulating hormone stimulated granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis and P4, T and leptin release. The addition of daidzein promoted FSH‐stimulated apoptosis (but not proliferation) but suppressed FSH‐stimulated P4, T and leptin release. Our observations of FSH action confirm previous data on the stimulatory effect of FSH on ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and steroidogenesis and demonstrate for the first time the involvement of FSH in the upregulation of ovarian leptin release. Our observations of daidzein effects demonstrated for the first time that this soya isoflavone affected basic ovarian cell functions (proliferation, apoptosis and hormones release) and modified the effects of FSH. Daidzein promoted FSH action on ovarian cell proliferation and apoptosis and suppressed, and even inverted, FSH action on hormone release. The direct action of daidzein on basic ovarian cell functions and the ability of these cells to respond to FSH indicate the potential influence of soya‐containing diets on female reproductive processes via direct action on the ovary.     

Response of fungal and plant communities to management-induced overstorey changes in montane forests of the Western Carpathians

The effect of forest management on biodiversity is a crucial issue for sustainable forestry and nature conservation. However, the ways in which management affects macrofungal and plant communities and diversity of mountain temperate forests still remain poorly understood. We performed a random sampling stratified by stand age and stand type on the sites of temperate montane fir–beech forests. Diversity of macrofungi and the vascular plant understorey in beech- and spruce-dominated managed stands was investigated and compared to primeval forests located in the Po?ana Biosphere Reserve, Western Carpathians. Both the vascular plant and the macrofungal communities were altered by management, and the response of the macrofungal species (especially wood-inhabiting fungi) was more pronounced in terms of species composition change. Species turnover evaluation seems to be an important tool of forest natural status assessment, because alpha diversity did not change as much as species composition. Certain species of Carpathian primeval forests were confirmed as good indicators for natural forest change; others were proposed. Species pool and mean number of species per plot were the highest in unmanaged fir–beech forests, and species diversity significantly decreased in spruce plantations. The number of species decreased significantly due to the change of canopy tree species composition only in the macrofungal communities. As an outcome for forest management, we recommend keeping mixed forests involving all natural tree species and providing at least a minimal amount of dead wood necessary for wood-inhabiting organisms and leaving some area of unmanaged natural forests within complexes of managed stands.     

Selenite Distribution in Multicomponent System Consisting of Filamentous Fungus,Humic Acids,Bentonite, and Ferric Oxyhydroxides

Selenite is an environmental toxicant whose mobility is affected in soil by various natural components, including humic acids, clay minerals, amorphous ferric oxyhydroxides [FeO_x(OH)_y], and microorganisms. However, interactions of selenite with these components are usually evaluated separately. Therefore, we addressed selenite behavior in multicomponent system in this study with emphasis on its immobilization and fungal accumulation. Our results highlighted significant acidification of culture medium by common soil fungus Aspergillus niger’s production of protons in selenite presence which affected selenium immobilization. While bentonite and humic acids did not enhanced immobilization efficiency significantly, composite of FeO_x(OH)_y/humic acids was extremely successful in selenium immobilization. This was most likely by enhanced redox transformation of selenite into elemental selenium as the contribution of each component was synergistic. Subsequently, selenium bioavailability in culture medium decreased and negatively affected bioaccumulation efficiency by fungus. Our results highlighted the significance of multicomponent systems in more realistic evaluation of selenium mobility and transfer to microorganisms.     

First report of invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) in Croatia

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), has been spreading over Europe since the first documented records from Liechtenstein in 2004 and Switzerland in 2007. It is considered to be a pest in many agricultural crops and a household nuisance. In 2017 the species was observed in Croatia for the first time, in the city of Rijeka on the north Adriatic coast. Halyomorpha halys has already been recorded in three nearby countries (Italy, Hungary and Serbia), and therefore the arrival of this species had been expected from neighbouring populations or from distant sources via trading goods. To identify the pathway of entry, the haplotypes of H. halys (Stål, 1855) individuals were analysed by comparing a part of the mitochondrial COI gene with other haplotypes present in the GenBank database. Individual specimens shared the most common haplotype with nearby Italian and Hungarian populations.     

Effects of 5 years of digestate application on biomass production and quality of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)

Anaerobic digestion of biomass produces biogas for combustion and also provides a residual digestate. Although sometimes regarded as a waste product, the nutrient‐rich chemical composition of digestate makes it a potential organic fertilizer for agriculture. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of digestate as a fertilizer on the biomass yield and chemical composition of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). In a 5‐year small‐plot field experiment digestate fertilization treatments supplying 90, 180, 270, 360 and 450 kg N ha^?1 were compared with untreated plots and plots fertilized with 180 kg N ha^?1 of mineral N fertilizer. Swards fertilized with digestate produced higher biomass yield compared with the control. The same rate of nitrogen fertilizer (180 kg N ha^?1) supplied as digestate and from mineral fertilizers gave similar results on biomass yield. Herbage in swards fertilized with digestate contained less nitrogen, but the C:N ratio was much more suitable for biogas production. Digestate fertilization resulted in higher concentrations of cellulose and hemicellulose in biomass and lower contents of the inhibitors of anaerobic digestion—sulphur, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus—compared with those of swards receiving mineral fertilizers.     

EuMIXFOR empirical forest mensuration and ring width data from pure and mixed stands of Scots pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris L.</Emphasis>) and European beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica L.</Emphasis>) through Europe

Key message

This data set provides unique empirical data from triplets of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) across Europe. Dendrometric variables are provided for 32 triplets, 96 plots, 7555 trees and 4695 core samples. These data contribute to our understanding of mixed stand dynamics. Dataset access at   http://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.8v04m . Associated metadata available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/apps/georchestra/?uuid=b3e098ca-e681-4910-9099-0e25d3b4cd52&hl=eng .

     

Change in Sox9 protein localization through gonad development in Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)

The Russian sturgeon is a highly prized species reared in aquaculture. The process of gonad development in this critically endangered species is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to describe the localization of Sox9 protein during gonad development of the Russian sturgeon from the day of hatching to the 1440 day post hatching (dph). The larvae at age 1, 10, 25 dph and prepared gonads of 300, 720, 1440 dph individuals were immunohistochemistry‐stained for Sox9 detection. Sox9‐positive regions were detected in larvae in primordial germ cells cytoplasm. Analysis of 300 dph sturgeon gonads revealed the presence of the Sox9 protein in cytoplasm of some oocytes in the chromatin nucleus stage. In testes at 720 dph, Sox9 was observed in the cytoplasm of type A and early B spermatogonias. In the ovaries, Sox9 was observed in the cytoplasm of diplotene oocytes and prefollicular cells. In testes of 1440 dph sturgeon, Sox9 was present in the nucleus of the spermatocytes and in types A and B spermatogonias cytoplasm. Analysis of ovaries at 1440 dph reveals multiple diplotene oocytes with a Sox9‐positive cytoplasm. Furthermore, in 720 and 1440 dph, sturgeon presence of intersexual gonads was detected. In intersex gonads, Sox9 was observed in the cytoplasm of diplotene oocytes and type A spermatogonias. This study may be the first attempt to determine Sox9 protein localization during ontogenesis of the Russian sturgeon. Localization of Sox9 protein may become a useful marker of the maturation level in testis of the Russian sturgeon.     

Effects of cage fish farming on phytoplankton community structure,biomass and primary production in an aquaculture area in the middle Adriatic Sea

In this study, we investigated the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the water column at two stations under different trophic conditions during a 1‐year period (from September 2005 to September 2006) in an aquaculture area. The investigation was performed monthly at a station inside the fish farm in Maslinova Bay (middle Adriatic Sea, Croatia) and at a control station located in the Hvar Channel in the vicinity of the farm. The results showed that the concentrations of dissolved nutrients were slightly enhanced at the farm station in comparison with the control station, although those differences were not statistically significant, nor were the differences in oxygen saturation recorded during the investigation period. As opposed to the chemical parameters, considerably higher deviations were recorded for biological parameters as demonstrated by a significant increase in phytoplankton biomass and primary production (measured in situ) at the farm station, particularly during the summer season. Phytoplankton community structure analysis showed that the phytoplankton composition at the farm was mostly determined by seasonal changes rather than by the influence of fish farming. In Maslinova Bay, no causal links were identified between increased biomass and the appearance of toxic species.     

The Effect of Intravalvular Liquid Loss on Changes in Escherichia coli Levels in Live,Refrigerated Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

We investigated the effect of intravalvular liquid loss on changes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) harvested in different seasons and refrigerated (5°C) for 72 hours. A positive effect of seawater temperature at the time of harvesting on intravalvular liquid loss was found. No changes in E. coli levels in mussels (flesh and intravalvular liquid), as the result of intravalvular liquid loss, were observed. Levels of E. coli in the flesh decreased, probably as a result of cells dying off, causing the maintenance of E. coli levels in flesh and intravalvular liquid to be stable throughout storage.     

Deficit irrigation maintains maize yield through improved soil water extraction and stable canopy radiation interception

Deficit irrigation (DI) is an effective way to save irrigation water while maintaining sustainable yield in irrigated crops. However, limited information is available related to canopy structure and solar radiation use under DI condition. In this study, our objective was to assess maize hybrids for leaf development, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception and water use under DI condition. Field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in four maize hybrids at well-watered (I₁₀₀, referring to 100% evapotranspiration [ET] requirement) and DI (I₇₅, referring to 75% ET requirement) water regimes. Compared to I₁₀₀, I₇₅ did not reduce maize biomass and grain yield. Although DI reduced the leaf appearance rates (1.5% in 2016 and 7.6% in 2017) and resulted in greater variations in leaf area index (LAI) among hybrids, the amount of PAR interception was not affected during the growing season. DI significantly reduced the seasonal ET in both years (19.8% in 2016 and 26.6% in 2017). All the hybrids extracted more soil water (29 mm in 2016 and 27 mm in 2017) at I₇₅ than at I₁₀₀. Maize plants at I₇₅ had greater water use efficiency (WUE) (1.68 kg m⁻³) than those at I₁₀₀ (1.41 kg m⁻³). However, DI did not affect radiation use efficiency (RUE). In conclusion, DI at I₇₅ maintained grain yield through improved soil water extraction and WUE but stable canopy radiation interception and RUE.