Changes in ide Leuciscus idus (L.) females’ reproductive parameters after stimulation with carp pituitary homogenate (CPH) and Ovopel: the effect of domestication?

Three groups (wild—WS, semi-pond—SPS, and pond-cultured—PS) of ide Leuciscus idus (L.) were examined. Each group consisted of 30 females and 10 males, aged 5–8 years. All groups were stimulated with two agents: carp pituitary homogenate (CPH) and a synthetic hormonal preparation Ovopel. The amount of ovulating females decreased in conjunction with females’ domestication level, mainly because of very low efficacy of CPH for pond-reared ide stimulation. The percentage of ovulating females stimulated with Ovopel (97.0 %) was significantly higher comparing to CPH (63.0 %). No significant differences were found in latency time between the groups but spawning synchronization increased in conjunction with ide domestication. The positive correlation between domestication level and latency time, i.e., the higher the domestication level, the higher the latency time, was stated. No significant differences were found in PGSI as well as in total volume of obtained eggs, but groups differed significantly in the number of dry eggs and in number of swollen egg. Significant negative correlation between domestication level and number of swollen eggs, i.e., the higher the domestication level, the lower the number of eggs, was detected. The survival rate at the eyed stage was the highest in WS group (60.4 %) and PS group (57.7 %), and was significantly higher than in SPS group (51.8 %). Eggs obtained after CPH stimulation had higher survival rate at the eyed-egg stage (60.3 %) than eggs obtained from the fish stimulated with Ovopel (53.0 %). The data suggest that some form of domestication appeared in ide cultivated for several generations in carp pond.     

Functional response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus robur</Emphasis> L. to taproot pruning: a 5-year case study

Key message

Quercus robur seedling mass was affected more by planting density than by taproot pruning. Root pruning enhanced stem biomass at the expense of roots in later growth stages. Alteration of biomass allocation due to nursery practices may result in greater susceptibility to injury and death of the seedlings under unfavorable environmental conditions.

Context

Plants adjust their growth and modulate the resource allocation in response to applied treatments and environmental conditions.

Aims

The aim was to examine how taproot pruning in seedlings grown at different densities affected long-term growth of Quercus robur.

Methods

Seedlings, sown as acorns at two planting densities, with or without pruned roots were harvested in the second, fourth, and fifth years of growth. The effect of root pruning on biomass allocation was determined by measuring leaf, stem, and root mass fractions; carbohydrate concentrations in the roots; and C/N ratios. Specific leaf area and root length were also determined to assess morphological adaptations to growth conditions.

Results

Total seedling mass was affected more by planting density than by taproot pruning. After 4 years of growth, root mass fractions were lower and stem mass fractions were greater in seedlings planted at a higher density. Five-year old root-pruned seedlings also had a lower root mass fraction and higher stem mass fractions than unpruned seedlings. Specific root length was not affected by root pruning or planting density.

Conclusion

Decrease of relative root biomass with simultaneous increase of stem biomass may be a long-term consequence of taproot pruning of Q. robur, and the effects may manifest years after the seedling stage.

     

Diminished vessel diameter as a possible factor in the decline of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)

? The aim of this work was to examine the anatomy and functioning of secondary xylem in stems in relation to the decline of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.).

? We tested the hypothesis that declining trees show changes in the structure of wood, which result in impaired water transport.

? Anatomical analyses were carried out on wood samples (comprising all annual rings formed during the 30 years life of the analysed trees) collected at breast height from the main stem of healthy, weakened and dead ash trees. The width of annual wood increments, the diameter and density of earlywood vessels were measured and the theoretical hydraulic conductivity index through the secondary xylem calculated by application of Hagen-Poisseuille’s formula.

? Anatomical characteristics changed both with the age of trees and in response to unfavorable factors. The largest vessels were observed in healthy trees, which implied that they had the highest hydraulic conductivity index, whereas trees considered to be in decline produce smaller vessels and hence had reduced conductivity.

     

Radiographic Evaluation of the Anconeal Process in Skeletally Immature Dogs

Objective: To determine if a secondary center of ossification (SCO) of the anconeal process is present in skeletally immature dogs that do not develop an ununited anconeal process (UAP). Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs 77–154 days of age with conditions other than developmental disease of the elbow (n=78 dogs; total elbows=100). Methods: Mediolateral radiographic projections of the elbow were reviewed for presence or absence of a SCO of the anconeal process. Results: A SCO was radiographically evident in 16% of elbows from breeds that have been reported to be affected by UAP. The appearance of the SCO was different to an UAP fragment. None of the elbows with SCO of the anconeal process developed UAP. A SCO was not present in any small breed dogs. Conclusions: A SCO of the anconeal process is uncommon in medium and large breed dogs and the presence of a SCO does not indicate that UAP will develop. Clinical Relevance: Because radiographic diagnosis of a SCO of the anconeal process and UAP lesions have distinct appearances, an earlier diagnosis of UAP is possible.     

Activity of selected glycosidases and availability of their substrates in bovine placenta during pregnancy and parturition with and without retained foetal membranes

The activity of glycosidases is crucial for the function and biological activity of proteins conjugated with sugar moieties, which play an important role in adhesion of cells during attachment and detachment of the foetal membranes. The aim of study was to describe the ability of bovine placental tissues to break down O-glycosidic bonds in different glycoproteins by the determination of activity of β-galactosidase, α-l-fucosidase, β-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase and sialidase in early–mid-pregnancy as well as at parturition with released and retained foetal membranes. Moreover, the availability of substrates for these glycosidases in placental homogenates was evaluated. Placental samples were collected from pregnant (2–4 months) cows in slaughterhouse (n = 8) as well as during Caesarean section and divided into released foetal membranes (n = 8) and retained foetal membranes (n = 8). Tissue homogenates were subjected to spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric determinations of enzyme activities as well as electrophoretic separations. Enzyme activities expressed changes within examined time with significant (p < .05) differences between pregnancy and physiological parturition in β-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase and α-l-fucosidase in foetal part of placenta while in maternal part only in the latter one. Decreasing tendency in enzyme activity was noticed in foetal part of retained samples in comparison with released ones with significant (p < .05) differences in α-l-fucosidase activity. The analysis of staining of sugar moieties attached to selected proteins depicted availability of sugar molecules in examined tissues, but their patterns differed between samples. In conclusion, sugar moieties in conjugated proteins express changes in the course of pregnancy which is reflected by the alterations in activities of placental glycosidases.     

Prognosis of the nutritional status of apple trees based on prebloom leaves and flowers

Abstract

The utilization of prebloom tissues to predict nutrition of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the possible use of mineral analyses of the prebloom spur leaves and flowers to forecast the nutrition of ‘Idared’ apple trees in the mid-summer (based on the leaves from current-season shoots). The prebloom leaf concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, boron and manganese were positively correlated with those in the summer leaves. The significant relationships between nitrogen, calcium, boron, and manganese in the flowers and those in the mid-summer leaves were also found. However, only the relationship between boron in the prebloom spur leaves and in the summer leaves was sufficiently strong. The calculated optimal range of boron in the prebloom spur leaves was 20–25?mg kg^?1.     

增施氮肥和地面管理对酸樱桃园土壤营养状况的影响

在一个连续进行了 ８年Ｎ肥定位试验的酸樱桃园,调查了每年施用 Ｎ６０ ｋｇ· ｈｍ~(－２)和行间生草制对土壤营养状况的影响。结果表明：在肥沃土壤里ＮＨ_４~＋是速效Ｎ的主要存在形式,而ＮＯ_３~－的含量很低。生草地土壤中含有较多的 ＮＨ_４~－,而清耕带土壤中含有较多的 ＮＯ_３~－。施肥增加土壤速效 Ｎ的含量。土壤 ＮＯ_３~－的季节性变化表明 ５至 ６月份土壤中 ＮＯ_３~－的含量高,而花前和 ７月份土壤中 ＮＯ_３~－含量低。 Ｐ、Ｋ在清耕带 １０ ｃｍ以下土壤的含量低于生草地土壤,但在 ０～ １０ｃｍ土层中Ｋ的含量高于生草地。Ｐ的含量不受影响。施Ｎ减少了土壤Ｐ、Ｋ的含量。土壤中Ｍｇ的含量分布均匀,不受施Ｎ和地面管理制度的影响。     

The preliminary studies on protein profile in retained and not retained foetal membranes in heavy draft mares

Protein profile of the placenta expresses its function and maintenance. Any alterations can be reflected in qualitative and quantitative changes in this profile. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of protein profile in the placenta of mares suffering from the retention of foetal membranes (FMR) by two separation methods and the comparison with physiologically released tissues. Placentas from 14 healthy, heavy draft mares were collected immediately after the expulsion of newborn. Tissues after homogenization and staining with fluorescent dyes were subjected to electrophoretic as well as chromatographic separation. Electrophoretic gels were statistically analysed for the presence and abundance of examined proteins, while some proteins were identified in chromatographic fractions. Out of 248 spots detected in endometrium, 38 differed significantly between FMR and control animals, while in allantochorion, respective values reached 241 and 27 spots (p < .05). Among identified proteins that expressed higher abundance in endometrium of FMR mares than control animals were prostaglandin reductase, dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family, and placental growth factor. These proteins are involved in regulation of parturition. Additionally, the following proteins responsible for physiological activity of a cell—guanine methyl transferase, aspartyl/asparaginyl beta‐hydroxylase and GTP‐binding protein, were identified. These proteins expressed higher abundance in allantochorion of FMR mares than in controls. This preliminary study confirmed the disturbances in protein pattern between foetal membranes in FMR and healthy mares. Further qualitative and quantitative experiments are necessary to deepen our knowledge on the mechanisms of the retention of foetal membranes in mares.     

Mapping Spatial Patterns with Morphological Image Processing

We use morphological image processing for classifying spatial patterns at the pixel level on binary land-cover maps. Land-cover pattern is classified as ‘perforated,’ ‘edge,’ ‘patch,’ and ‘core’ with higher spatial precision and thematic accuracy compared to a previous approach based on image convolution, while retaining the capability to label these features at the pixel level for any scale of observation. The implementation of morphological image processing is explained and then demonstrated, with comparisons to results from image convolution, for a forest map of the Val Grande National Park in North Italy.     

Timber investment returns for selected plantations and native forests in South America and the Southern United States

Timber investment returns were estimated for the principal exotic and selected native species in the Southern Cone of Latin America and in the Southern United States. Exotic eucalyptus plantations in South America were most profitable, with internal rates of returns (IRRs) ranging from 13% to 23%, followed by exotic loblolly pine, with IRRs from 9% to 17%. Average loblolly pine plantation returns in the US South were less profitable, with an IRR of about 9.5%, and natural forest management in the South had IRRs of 4% to 8%. Subtropical native species plantations of the best araucaria and nothofagus species had reasonable financial returns, with IRRs ranging from 5% to 13%. Subtropical or tropical native forests had fewer commercial timber species, and had much lower growth rates and returns. Their IRRs were less than 4%, or even negative for unmanaged stands. State subsidy payments for forest plantations or for timber stand improvements increased IRRs somewhat and reserving areas for environmental protection reduced their IRRs slightly. Including land costs in the cash flows decreased these internal rates of return substantially. Natural stand returns in Latin America were much less than those of plantations, but management of those stands offered better rates of return than only holding the land.