Optimal isotherm model and explanatory characteristics associated with metal ion adsorption on humic acids isolated from forest soils

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Understanding the mechanisms of interaction between humic acids (HAs) and metal ions in soil media is essential for integrated environmental and agricultural...     

Shift work as an oxidative stressor

Background  

Some medical disorders have higher prevalence in shift workers than others. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of night-shift-working on total plasma antioxidant capacity, with respect to the causative role of oxidative stress in induction of some of these disorders.     

Long-term effect of straw and farmyard manure on soil organic matter in field experiment in the Czech Republic

The effect of long-term (45 years) mineral and organic fertilization on soil organic matter (SOM) quantity (organic C and N content) and quality (hot-water-soluble C content, microbial biomass C content, hydrophobic organic components of SOM, soil enzyme activities) was determined in a field experiment established in Trutnov (North Bohemia, sandy loam, Eutric Cambisol). Six treatments were chosen for investigation: unfertilized control, mineral fertilization (NPK), straw N, farmyard manure (FYM) and straw and FYM completed with mineral NPK. Soil samples were taken from the arable layer (0–20 cm) in spring over the period of 2004–2010. The positive effect of FYM on the total organic C and N content, hot-water-soluble C content and hydrophobic organic components of SOM was more than 50% higher than that of straw and mineral N fertilization. Application of straw N increased microbial biomass C content in soil and generated invertase activity above the level of FYM. Hot-water-soluble C content, hydrophobic organic components of SOM and urease activity were positively correlated with total organic C and N content (R = 0.58–0.98; p < 0.05). Addition of mineral NPK to both the straw and FYM emphasized the effect of organic fertilization in most of monitored characteristics.     

Assessment of phenotypic variation of Malus orientalis in the North Caucasus region

Malus orientalis Uglitzk. is the predominant Malus species of the Caucasian forests distributed in the north of Anatolia, Armenia, Russia as well as in Iran. It is considered as one of the probable minor ancestors of domestic apples. Although M. orientalis has a lower diversity of fruit quality, other valuable traits such as later blooming, adaptation to a wider array of habitats, and capacity for longer storage of the apples should be taken into account for improving the genetic makeup of the domestic apple. A joint expedition of scientists of the Julius Kühn-Institute from Germany and the Nikolaj I. Vavilov Research Institute of Plant Industry from Russia was performed into the North Caucasus region during August/September 2011. Altogether 101 M. orientalis accessions were collected from eight sites at the North Caucasus. Twenty-six traits such as size, color, shape, flavor and firmness of fruit and tree habit were used for phenotypic evaluation of the accessions. A high phenotypic diversity within the collected material of M. orientalis was indicated. Accessions characterized by suitable fruit traits like bigger size, larger cover color, less bitterness and better firmness as well as more sweetness and better flavor were found. However, small-sized flavorless fruits were also detected. Tree habit varied widely from upright to weeping. Subsequently, a comprehensive phenotypic and genetic evaluation of M. orientalis increases the knowledge of diversity, may provide new resources of agronomically important traits for breeding purposes, and gives support to determine accessions for a core collection.     

Conflicting results of serological,PCR and microscopic methods clarify the various risk levels of canine babesiosis in Slovakia: A complex approach to Babesia canis diagnostics

We have performed a survey of Babesia canis prevalence within group of dogs living in Southern and Western Slovakia. Blood samples and sera from 217 dogs, including individuals suspected of having babesiosis, were examined by nested PCR-RFLP, light microscopy and indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The detection of B. canis DNA revealed the highest number of infected dogs in the region of Nové Zámky, with 23 B. canis-positive blood samples (35.4%, n = 65), followed by an area close to Komárno (both areas of Southern Slovakia), where 1 dog out of 52 collected (1.9%) had detectible B. canis DNA in the blood stream. The serological method revealed an opposing pattern, with only 3 dogs (4.8%, n = 63) sampled at Nové Zámky presenting IgG antibodies against B. canis, while in Komárno region such antibodies were detected in 15 dogs (28.8%, n = 52). This discrepancy may be because the majority of samples from Nové Zámky were dogs suspected of an acute phase of canine babesiosis, whereas dogs at Komárno were sampled during a vaccination campaign, and thus were without any clinical signs of the disease. The latter group contains evidently recovered carriers of IgG against B. canis. Hence, the combination of PCR-based and serological methods enabled us to discover both recently infected as well as recovered dogs, thus obtaining a more realistic view on the epidemiological situation. Remarkably, we did not find any positive samples in the vicinity of Stupava (district Malacky, Western Slovakia), either by PCR-RFLP, microscopy or IFAT (n = 100). Considering the numerous falsely diagnosed cases of canine babesiosis, we suggest that light microscopy as the simplest and most accessible diagnostic test. Southern Slovakia was confirmed as an area of high risk of canine babesiosis, whereas conclusions about B. canis spreading over Western Slovakia should be considered with wariness.     

A comparative study of the Barley yellow dwarf virus species PAV and PAS: distribution,accumulation and host resistance

This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of the Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) species BYDV‐PAS, which was recently separated from BYDV‐PAV, the most commonly studied BYDV species. Throughout 3 years of experimental monitoring of BYDV incidence, PAS was the most frequently occurring species infecting cereals and grasses in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, Rhopalosiphum maidis and Metopolophium dirhodum were recorded as BYDV‐PAS vectors, even though M. dirhodum does not usually transmit BYDV‐PAV. In field experiments with barley and wheat, where virus accumulation, symptoms and effect on the yield were tested, BYDV‐PAV was more severe than PAS. Infection with the BYDV‐PAV isolate resulted in greater expression of symptoms and also in a greater reduction in plant height and grain weight per spike than BYDV‐PAS. In a sensitive cultivar of barley (Graciosa), the amount of viral RNA of BYDV‐PAV was also significantly higher than that of BYDV‐PAS. In a tolerant line (Wbon‐123), however, no such differences were found. In conclusion, although BYDV‐PAS seems to be dominant in the Czech Republic, BYDV‐PAV has the potential to cause more significant crop losses in barley and wheat.     

The Effect of Sodium Caseinate Coating Incorporated with Zataria moltiflora Essential Oil on the Quality and Shelf Life of Rainbow Trout During Refrigerated Storage

ABSTRACT

In the present study, aqueous solutions of sodium caseinate (SC) 8% (w/w) were provided in the form of four treatments—including SC without any essential oil (EO) as well as SC with 0.25, 0.5, and 1% (v/w) concentrations of Zataria moltiflora EO. Fish samples were treated with aqueous solutions and stored at 4 ± 1°C for 20 days. The control and treated fish samples were analyzed for chemical (total volatile basic nitrogen, pH, thiobarbituric acid, peroxide value), microbiological (total viable count and psychrotrophic count), and sensory analyses every 4 days. Based on results, SC edible coating had no antimicrobial effect but acted like a barrier against the fish flesh contamination. Moreover, incorporating Zataria moltiflora EO with SC edible coating reduces peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances values as well as the chemical and microbiological spoilage of refrigerated ?sh samples. Furthermore, sensory evaluation results showed that the presence of thyme oil improved the sensory quality of the rainbow trout.     

Cytogenetic and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 mutation analyses in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients

Background: The secondary genetic changes other than the promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor (PML-RARA) fusion gene may contribute to the acute promyelocytic leukemogenesis. Chromosomal alterations and mutation of FLT3 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3) tyrosine kinase receptor are the frequent genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia. However, the prognostic significance of FLT3 mutations in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is not firmly established. Methods: In this study, the chromosomal abnormalities were analyzed by bone marrow cytogenetic in 45 APL patients and FLT3 internal tandem duplications (ITD) screening by fragment length analysis and FLT3 D835 mutation by melting curve analysis were screened in 23 APL samples. Results: Cytogenetic study showed 14.3% trisomy 8 and 17.1% chromosomal abnormalities other than t(15;17). About 13% of the patients had FLT3 ITD, and 26% had D835 point mutation. FLT3 ITD mutation was associated with higher white blood cell count at presentation and poor prognosis. Conclusion: The PML-RARA translocation alone may not be sufficient to induce leukemia. Therefore, we assume that FLT3 mutations and the other genetic and chromosomal alterations may cooperate with PML-RARA in the development of APL disease.Key Words: Chromosome aberrations, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3, Acute promyelocytic leukemia     

Restless Legs Syndrome in shift workers: A cross sectional study on male assembly workers

Background  

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological movement disorder characterized by symptoms that follow a circadian pattern. Night and rotating shift work schedules exert adverse effects on functions of the human body by disturbing circadian rhythms, and they are known to cause sleep disturbances and insomnia. In this paper, we investigate the possible association between shift work and RLS.     

Accumulation of phenolic compounds in apple in response to infection by the scab pathogen,Venturia inaequalis

The research dealt with phenolics in healthy versus scab infected apple leaves and fruits. The leaf samples were picked in the period from May to September and the fruit samples at technological maturity. Infection with the Venturia inaequalis fungus enhanced the metabolism of phenolics at the infected sites, especially in the boundary tissue. Tissue infected with Venturia inaequalis showed in comparison to the healthy tissue up to 7.6 times more hydroxycinnamic acids, up to 2.6 times more flavan-3-ols and up to 2.9 times higher values of flavanols. The content level of total phenolics in the infected tissue was 1.3–2.4 times higher than in the healthy leaves and fruit.