Effect of Alkaline Deposition on the Mites (Acari) associated with Young Scots Pine Forests in Poland

The effect of alkaline deposition produced by the ‘Kujawy’ cement and lime factory in Bielawy, Poland, on the mites in young Scots pine forests (plants class Vaccinio-Piceetea) was investigated. The concentration of calcium in tree bark and epiphytes, which provide a habitat for mites, as well as in soil was the lowest in the control plot, and increased in the direction of the factory. A high concentration of calcium correlated with an absence of lichens from tree bark, but a medium concentration was associated with a higher species number of lichens. The density of arboreal mites and the species number of Oribatida were the highest in the control plot and decreased when getting closer to the factory. In a highly contaminated plot, the density of soil mites was lower, while in a medium contaminated plot it was higher than in the control plot. In the contaminated plots, the species number of soil Oribatida and Gamasida was lower than in the control plot, except in a least contaminated plot where the number of gamasid species was higher than in the control plot. Some species were sensitive to calcium, others were sensitive to a high concentration but tolerated medium and small concentrations of this element, and yet others tolerated calcium. The arboreal mites reacted to alkaline deposition more distinctly than soil mites.     

Supplementing the feed of pikeperch [Sander lucioperca (L.)] juveniles with MacroGard and its influence on nonspecific cellular and humoral defense mechanisms

This study examined the influence of β‐1.3/1.6‐glucan (MacroGard) on the innate immune system in healthy pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) juveniles. MacroGard was fed in a pelleted ration of 1 or 2 g kg^?1 feed for 6 weeks. The control group of fish was fed feed with no supplement. Blood, pronephros and spleen samples for the study of nonspecific cellular and humoral defense mechanisms were collected from 10 fish from each group. No changes were observed in either the behaviour or the health of the fish throughout the rearing period. Fish mortality was not noted in any of the groups. Additionally, the supplementation of feed with MacroGard did not have a significant impact on the fish growth rate as expressed in both absolute and relative values (P>0.05). The condition of the fish from the experimental group did not differ from that of the control group specimens, and the feed conversion ratios were also very similar (P>0.05). The results showed that MacroGard administered in two doses significantly (P<0.05) activated the metabolic activity and potential killing activity of spleen phagocytes, compared with the control‐fed pikeperch. The highest phagocyte activity was observed with a dose of 2 g kg^?1. The proliferative response of pronephros lymphocytes indicated a similar pattern. MacroGard significantly increased proliferative response of lymphocytes stimulated by mitogens (P<0.05). MacroGard also significantly increased the lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulin levels in the serum. In this study neither significantly different ceruloplasmine activity or total protein level in serum were observed. The result showed that MacroGard at the optimal dose of 1 g kg^?1 feed and a twofold higher dose does not have a negative influence on the hepatocytes or increased nonspecific cell‐ and humoral‐mediated immunity in healthy pikeperch.     

Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen after intravenous and oral administration in fasted and fed Labrador Retriever dogs

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is used in dogs to manage fever and mild pain. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in both fed and fasted Labrador Retrievers after a single intravenous and oral administration (20 mg/kg). Six healthy dogs underwent three treatments in a randomized block study (a, n = 2; b, n = 2; c, n = 2). In phase one, group a received acetaminophen intravenously, group b and c orally after being fasted and fed, respectively. In phase two and three, groups were swapped, and the experiment was repeated. At the end of the trial, each dog received the same treatment. Acetaminophen plasma concentrations were detected using a validated HPLC‐UV method. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental model. Clearance, volume at steady state and half‐life of acetaminophen in Labrador Retrievers were 0.42 L/kg hr, 0.87 L/kg and 1.35 hr, respectively. No significant statistical differences were found between fasted and fed dogs regarding maximum plasma concentration, time at maximum concentration and bioavailability as measured by the AUC. Feeding does not significantly affect the acetaminophen oral pharmacokinetics.     

Assessment of the impact of climate change on the latency period of leaf rust on triticale in Poland

ABSTRACT

Disease development in plants is strongly dependent on weather conditions, with temperature playing a particularly significant role by influencing latency period duration. Using two models describing the relationship between latency period and temperature, we performed simulations aimed at predicting changes in the latency period of leaf rust (Puccina recondita f. sp. tritici) on triticale in response to expected climate change. The simulations were based on meteorological data recorded in the period 1986–2005 at locations representing 16 provinces in Poland and based on values obtained after transformation of the observed data to reflect temperature changes under four scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5) according to the giss_e2_r climate model. In all scenarios, the results for the two triticale cultivars studied, Witon (vulnerable to P. recondita) and Gniewko (less susceptible), showed a threat of faster development (shorter leaf rust latency period) on triticale triggered by climate change in south-east and south-central Poland than in other regions. The results also showed an increased probability of future regional diversification of leaf rust latency period duration on vulnerable triticale cultivars, opportunities for earlier start of leaf rust epidemics on triticale in Poland and an increase in ?nal disease severity in comparison with 1986–2005.     

Monitoring carbonyl-amine reaction between pyruvic acid and alpha-amino alcohols by FTIR spectroscopy--a possible route to Amadori products

The carbonyl-amine reaction between pyruvic acid and alpha-amino alcohols was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at a temperature range between 20 and 100 degrees C and under acidic and basic conditions. To avoid interference, the reactions were conducted in the absence of solvent using liquid reactants such as methyl pyruvate, pyruvic acid, ethanolamine, and 1-amino-2,3-propanediol. Analysis of the time- and temperature-dependent spectra indicated that under basic conditions and at room temperature, the initial imine formation and its subsequent isomerization through a 1,3-prototropic shift occur very rapidly and the reaction goes to completion within 12 min. Interestingly, the isomerization product of the initial imine is the so-called Schiff base intermediate formed when the corresponding amino acid and the reducing sugar react during a typical Maillard reaction. Furthermore, the detailed studies also indicated that during the first 30 s, the rate of formation of the initial imine was faster than the rate of its isomerization; however, after 60 s, its rate of isomerization becomes faster than the rate of its formation. The data also indicated that under acidic conditions, this isomerization was prevented from occurring and the reaction was terminated at the initial imine formation stage. In addition, temperature-dependent spectra indicated that the isomerization of the Schiff's base into eneaminol can be achieved at or above 60 degrees C and its subsequent rearrangement into Amadori product can be attained at temperatures above 80 degrees C even under basic conditions, thus providing a novel route to Maillard reaction products starting from a keto acid and an amino alcohol. This observation was also confirmed through identification of the common Amadori product in both keto acid/amino alcohol and sugar/amino acid mixtures, by the application of tandem mass spectrometry and chemical ionization techniques.     

New self-incompatibility alleles in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) revealed by stylar ribonuclease assay and S-PCR analysis

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) shows gametophytic self-incompatibility controlled by a single locus with several allelic variants. An allele for self-compatibility (S_C) and seven alleles for self-incompatibility (S₁–S₇) were described previously. Our experiments were carried out to ascertain whether the number of allelic variants of apricot S-locus was indeed so small. Twenty-seven apricot accessions were analysed for stylar ribonucleases by non-equilibrium pH gradient electrofocusing (NEpHGE) to determine their S-genotype. To validate the results of electrofocusing, the applicability of the S-gene-specific consensus PCR primers designed from sweet cherry sequences was tested. NEpHGE revealed 12 bands associated with distinct S-alleles in newly genotyped cultivars. Cherry consensus primers amplified 11 alleles out from 16 ones, which indicated that these primers could also recognize most of the S-RNase sequences in apricot, and provided an efficient tool to confirm or reject NEpHGE results. By combining the protein and DNA-based methods, complete or partial S-genotyping was achieved for 23 apricot accessions and nine putatively new alleles (provisionally labelled S₈–S₁₆) were found. Their identity needs to be confirmed by pollination tests or S-allele sequencing. This study provides evidence that similarly to other Prunus species, the S-locus of apricot is more variable than previously believed.     

The effect of feeding the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on cell-mediated immunity and protection against Yersinia ruckeri in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)

The present study examined the influence of leucine metabolite β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB), a natural product HMB, on nonspecific cell‐mediated defence mechanisms and protection against enteric redmouth disease (ERM) in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate was fed in a pelletted ration at 50 mg kg^?1 of the feed for 8 weeks. The phagocytic ability and potential killing activity of blood and pronephric phagocytes were examined in HMB‐ and control‐fed fish before and after 8 weeks of feeding HMB. Simultaneously, the proliferative response of blood and pronephric lymphocytes stimulated by mitogens concanavaline A and lipopolisaccharide were examined in experimental and control groups. Following 8 weeks of HMB feeding, a challenge test was performed by injecting the fish with live pathogenic bacteria Yersinia ruckeri. β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate applied in the diet for 8 weeks prompted a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in phagocytic ability and potential killing activity of the blood and pronephric phagocytes and the proliferative response of blood and pronephric lymphocytes. The changes in these mechanisms correlated with protection against Y. ruckeri, the ERM pathogen. The results showed that feeding HMB increased the nonspecific cell‐mediated defence mechanisms and protection against ERM by reducing cumulative mortality (30%) following the challenge with pathogenic bacteria. Future studies will include determination of optimal doses and protocols of oral application of HMB to maximize the immunomodulatory effects and protection against viral diseases in intensive pikeperch culture.     

Oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus robur</Emphasis> L.) regeneration as a response to natural dynamics of stands in European hemiboreal zone

The oak (Quercus robur L.) regeneration intensity was assessed in the core area of the Białowieża National Park (BNP) in Poland with respect to the selected ecological factors. The emphasis was placed on the response of oak regeneration to disturbances, including the large-scale dieback of spruce stands. Defining their effect could help predicting the role of oak in naturally developing lowland forest ecosystems in the European hemiboreal zone. The results of the study challenge the opinion that the ‘lime-oak-hornbeam forest’ is a ‘climax’ community, confirming a very poor regeneration represented by only two saplings taller than 0.5 m per hectare. By contrast, in spruce-dominated communities, from 49 to 848 taller saplings per hectare were found. The occurrence of saplings was associated with discontinuous canopy of late seral stage of stands, as well as with large gaps. Most of the best quality grown-up oak saplings developed in the immediate neighbourhood of spruce logs. The results of the research indicate that ‘lime-oak-hornbeam forest’ (Tilio-Carpinetum) should be rather perceived as a transient community, evolved from relict, culturally modified, oak woodlands. Because spruce had become a dominating species only after abandoning in mid-1800s the historical regime of anthropogenic disturbances (involving frequent forest fires), the observed phenomena related to the disintegration of spruce stands had probably no precedent over the last 500 years. To confirm whether the massive decline of spruce stands will finally result in the successful establishment of the new canopy oak generation, both in Białowieża and other forests of hemiboreal zone, further research is needed.     

The distribution of cave-dwelling bats and conservation status of underground habitats in Northwestern Turkey

The distribution and abundance of cave-dwelling bats were investigated in the Thrace region of northwest Turkey. Data were collected in two periods, January-March and April-May 2001, from 32 underground sites, 25 of which had not been surveyed previously. Approximately 76,000 bats representing 13 species were recorded. The most abundant species were Miniopterus schreibersii, Rhinolophus euryale, Myotis myotis/blythii, Myotis capaccinii, and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. The roosts were evaluated for their conservation importance. The most important sites in Turkish Thrace are Dupnisa and Koyunbaba. The Dupnisa Cave serves as a hibernaculum to approximately 28,000 bats representing five species. The Koyunbaba Cave is a nursery roost to approximately 23,000 bats of six species. Presently, none of the caves in the region has adequate protection and some bat populations are under serious threat.     

Use of Lichen and Moss in Assessment of Forest Contamination with Heavy Metals in Praded and Glacensis Euroregions (Poland and Czech Republic)

The concentrations of selected metals—Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb—were determined in the samples of Hypogymnia physodes lichen and Pleurozium schreberi moss collected in Polish and Czech Euroregions Praded and Glacensis. More specifically, the samples were collected in Bory Stobrawskie, Bory Niemodlińskie, and Kotlina K?odzka (Poland) and in Jeseniki (Czech Republic). The concentration of metals in the samples was measured using the atomic absorption spectrometry (flame AAS technique and electrothermal atomization AAS technique). The results were used to calculate the comparison factor (CF) that quantifies the difference in concentration of a given bioavailable analyte × accumulated in lichens and mosses: CF?=?2 (c _x,lichen ? c _x,moss) (c _x,lichen + c _x,moss)^?1. The values of CF greater than 0.62 indicate the most probable location of heavy metals deposited in the considered area. In this work, the method was used to show a significant contribution of urban emissions to the deposition of heavy metals in the area of Bory Stobrawskie and in the vicinity of K?odzko City.