Serological survey for bovine immunodeficiency virus in dairy cattle from Poland

A seroprevalence study of bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) was undertaken on 1,541 serum samples from Holstein cattle from 23 herds, located in different geographical regions of Poland. The analysis was performed using ELISA, with recombinant Gag protein of BIV as antigen. The average BIV prevalence was 4.9% in individual cattle, while the percentage of herds harboring at least one seropositive animal, was 82.6%. To demonstrate the correlation of BIV and bovine leukemia virus infection, all sera were analysed for BLV antibodies and there was only a slight association between both infections. Overall, these results show that BIV infection is present in dairy cattle in Poland at a prevalence rate found in other European countries.     

A review of the renal system and diurnal variations of renal activity in livestock

Kidneys are the main organs regulating water-electrolyte homeostasis in the body. They are responsible for maintaining the total volume of water and its distribution in particular water spaces, for electrolyte composition of systemic fluids and also for maintaining acid-base balance. These functions are performed by the plasma filtration process in renal glomeruli and the processes of active absorption and secretion in renal tubules, all adjusted to an 'activity-rest' rhythm. These diurnal changes are influenced by a 24-hour cycle of activity of hormones engaged in the regulation of renal activity. Studies on spontaneous rhythms of renal activity have been carried out mainly on humans and laboratory animals, but few studies have been carried out on livestock animals. Moreover, those results cover only some aspects of renal physiology. This review gives an overview of current knowledge concerning renal function and diurnal variations of some renal activity parameters in livestock, providing greater understanding of general chronobiological processes in mammals. Detailed knowledge of these rhythms is useful for clinical, practical and pharmacological purposes, as well as studies on their physical performance.     

Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy of edible vegetable oils. Quantification of tocopherols

The study demonstrates the application of front face and right angle synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for the characterization of edible oils. The method enables monitoring of tocopherols, pheophytins, and other fluorescent components in edible oils. Principal component analysis of synchronous fluorescence spectra revealed sample clustering according to the type of oil. Partial least-squares regression was utilized to develop calibration models between fluorescence spectra and total tocopherol content determined by HPLC. The regression models showed a good ability to predict tocopherol content. The best fitting results were obtained for 1% v/v diluted oils and for bulk samples using the entire spectrum, yielding the regression coefficient, r, of 0.991, and root mean square error of cross-validation of approximately 8%. The results presented confirm the capabilities of the fluorescence techniques as a tool for the analysis of edible oils.     

Correction to: Fungal microbiota in seeds,seedlings and mature plants of raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.)

European Journal of Plant Pathology -     

Ion Equilibrium in the Soil Solution in Long-term Fertilization Experiment on Sandy Soil

In the conditions of long-term experiment carried out in the experimental field of Warsaw Agricultural University - SGGW at _ yczyn, ion concentration in the soil solution were examined as well as the relationships shaped between ions in the soil solution due to long-term diversified mineral and organic fertilization. Soil solution was obtained by the vacuum method and the concentration of particular ions in the soil solution was determined by the ICP method. Mineral and organic fertilization and liming significantly affected chemical composition of the soil solution and the relationships between particular ions in the soil solution. The lowest concentration of ions in the soil solution was observed in the control plots (not fertilized). Mineral and organic fertilization as well as liming caused the increase of ion concentration in the soil solution. In the plots with mineral fertilization alone K + and NH + 4 ions predominated in the cation structure in the soil solution. In the case of liming the share of Ca 2+ ions increased. Independently from the system of fertilization used, CI m and HCO m 3 ions predominated in the anion structure. The application of organic fertilization affected to the highest degree the concentration of aluminium ion in the soil solution significantly limiting the share of this ion in the cation structure.     

Activity of bacteria strains originaited from sewage sludge against some soil fungi

Abstract

The potential biological activity of three bacterial strains against the four phytopathogens was examined. The bacterial strains were originated from sewage sludge water extract and from the humic acid solution obtained from the sewage sludge. The fresh bacteria cultures and filtered culture broth were used. The noncoated sugar beet seeds were coated by soaking for 15 min in the liquid culture of bacteria, then they were sown in the sterilized soil inoculated by one of the following types of soil fungus: Aphanomyces cochlioides L3, Phoma betas PH8, Pythium irregulare PIR4, Rhizoctonia solani Z10-2. The test proved that Bacillus amytoliquefaciens O1 / O3 and Flaviomonas oryzihabitans K1 / K2 showed antifungal activity on the artificial medium, but they were not able to effectively suppress fungal pathogens in the soil. The bacteria did not injure sugar beet roots, so they can be regarded as microorganisms that are not harmful to plants. It may be concluded that these bacteria have the potential to support antifungal activity of the humis acid and the sewage sludge extracts.     

Fungal microbiota in seeds,seedlings and mature plants of raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.)

Presently, there is an intensive search for fungal endophytes to be used in agriculture for the protection and condition improvement of plants and in medicine. We screened for the presence of endophytes in raspberry, which occurs naturally in the Bia?owie?a Forest. The fungal isolates representative of each morphotype were analysed using the molecular markers ITS1 and ITS2. In total, we found 34 taxa of endophytic fungi. The majority were potential pathogens. As many as 27 taxa were found in the leaves of mature plants. No fungi could be isolated from the surface sterilized seeds obtained from these plants. Seedlings were grown from the seeds deposited in the soil seed bank in the Bia?owie?a Geobotanical Station of the University of Warsaw in Bia?owie?a. 8 taxa of endophytic fungi were found in seedlings. It could be due to a possibility of seed infection with these endophytes in soil conditions.

     

Analysis of microtubule and microfilament distribution in Pinus sylvestris roots following infection by Heterobasidion species

Cytoskeletal dynamics play a crucial role in pathogen recognition and cell defence during the initial interactions between an invader and plant host. The aim of the work reported here was to characterize how Heterobasidion annosum s.s., Heterobasidion parviporum, and Heterobasidion abietinum affect the microtubules and microfilaments of Pinus sylvestris root cells 12‐, 24‐, 48‐, and 96‐h post‐inoculation. Inoculation of P. sylvestris with H. parviporum or H. abietinum, which have a lower specificity for P. sylvestris than H. annosum s.s, resulted in greater reorganization of host microtubules during the early stages of interaction than inoculation with the more specific H. annosum s.s. In some infected cells, spots of actin aggregates were observed. Disruption of cytoskeletal components by the application of specific cytoskeletal inhibitors facilitated the entry of the H. parviporum and H. abietinum into roots. These results suggest that the P. sylvestris cytoskeleton plays a role in the host response in the initial stages of the host–pathogen interaction.     

The Effectiveness of Thermographic Analysis in Equine Orthopedics

One of the main advantages of equine thermography is the detection of subclinical inflammation. The present study was undertaken to determine a specific threshold value of temperature change indicative of subclinical inflammation of the lower parts of the horse's limb. The study involved monitoring 20 racehorses over a period of 10 months. Temperatures of the third metacarpal region were measured every 3 weeks, allowing the average temperature differences to be ascertained between the same areas of forelimbs from the dorsal and palmar aspects in each session. Additionally, ultrasonographic and radiographic standard examinations of lower part of forelimbs were conducted to diagnose any pathological conditions of lower forelimbs. To determine the threshold value of temperature difference the receiver operating characteristic curve method was used, based on thermographic examinations of the same measured area in 20 horses. The threshold value of temperature difference indicative of subclinical inflammation was found to be 1.25°C. In conclusion, thermography can be used as a quick and practical diagnostic tool of subclinical inflammation. These results provide additional support for the continued study of the equine thermography.     

Different flight behaviour of the endangered scarce large blue butterfly Phengaris teleius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) within and outside its habitat patches

Understanding individual movements in heterogeneous environments is central to predicting how landscape changes affect animal populations. An important but poorly understood phenomenon is behavioural response to habitat boundaries and the way animals cross inhospitable matrix surrounding habitat patches. Here, we analyze movement decisions, flight behaviour, and activity of the endangered scarce large blue Phengaris (Maculinea) teleius, focusing on the differences among the patterns observed in patch interior, at patch boundaries and within matrix. The probability of crossing an external patch boundary, regardless of the land use in the adjacent area, was considerably lower than crossing a ‘control line’ within patch interior. Movement distances, flight durations and net squared displacement were largest in matrix, while similarly smaller at patch boundaries and in patch interior. The distribution of angles between successive movements was clearly clustered around 0° (indicating flight in a straight line) in matrix and at patch boundaries, but not in patch interior. There were no differences in time spent on foraging, resting and ovipositing between patch interior and boundaries, but the first two activities rarely, and oviposition never, happened in matrix. Our results suggest that although P. teleius adults do not avoid using the resources located in the boundaries of habitat patches, they often return to the interior of the patches when crossing their boundaries. However, having entered the matrix the butterflies perform relatively long and straight flights. The estimated probability of emigration and net squared distance implies that the dispersal between local populations is common in this species in the studied area.