Microbial enzyme activities,fungal biomass and quality of the litter and upper soil layer in a beech forest of south Italy

Forest soils contain a large amount of organic matter (OM) and therefore represent a considerable carbon reserve. The amount of OM sequestered in the soil is dependent on annual input of litter and its quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantity and quality of OM, the microbial capacity to degrade it and its recalcitrance to further degradation, by considering some extracellular enzyme activities in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest in south Italy (Mediterranean area). Our attention was focused on the decomposition continuum of the litter horizon and upper soil layer. Because fungi are the major decomposers of plant material, fungal biomass was also measured and its relationship with enzyme activities was tested. The results showed that: (i) the litter horizon and the upper soil layer differed in chemical characteristics and biological activities; (ii) within the litter horizon, the three layers detected for their different degree of degradation (L, recently fallen, not decomposed and not compressed material; F, partially decomposed and fragmented but macroscopically recognizable material; H, compressed and strongly fragmented) differed more in chemical characteristics than in biological activities; (iii) the enzyme activities and fungal biomass changed during the study period but a clear relationship with succession of seasons was evident only for cellulase, laccase, peroxidase and fungal biomass; and (iv) the upper soil layer included 42% OM and less than 50% of that was susceptible to further decomposition. This percentage was 30% in the OM of L.     

Sex-related macrostructural organization of the deer's brachial plexus

We describe the morphological organization of the deer brachial plexus in order to supply data to veterinary neuroclinics and anaesthesiology. The deer (Mazama gouazoubira) brachial plexus is composed of four roots: three cervical (C6, C7 and C8) and one thoracic (T1). Within each sex group, no variations are observed between the left and the right brachial plexus, though sex-related differences are seen especially in its origin. The origin of axillary and radial nerves was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 in males and C8-T1 (radial nerve) and C7, C8 and T1 (axillary nerve) in females; musculocutaneous nerve was: C6-C7 (males) and C8-T1 (females); median and ulnar nerves was: C8-T1 (males) and T1 (females); long thoracic nerve was: C7 (males) and T1 (females); lateral thoracic nerve was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 (males) and T1 (females); thoracodorsal nerve was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 (males) and C8-T1 (females); suprascapular nerve was: C6-C7 (males) and C6 (females) and subscapular nerve was: C6-C7 (males) and C7 (females). This study suggests that in male deer the origin of the brachial plexus is more cranial than in females and the origin of the brachial plexus is slightly more complex in males, i.e. there is an additional number of roots (from one to three). This sexual dimorphism may be related to specific biomechanical functions of the thoracic limb and electrophysiological studies may be needed to shed light on this morphological feature.     

Changes in Chemical Properties of an Oxisol Due to Gypsum Application

The increasing demand for fertilizers and the fact that the world reserves of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are depletable make appropriate soil management a critical factor in agriculture. Techniques for the fertilizer use and soil acidity corrective are becoming increasingly necessary to minimize the cost of yield and increase the nutrient efficiency. In view of the aforementioned, the present study aimed to assess the effects of gypsum application on the leaching of cations in the soil profile. A completely randomized design in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with five replicates, was used. The treatments corresponded to five gypsum rates (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 magnesium (Mg) ha^?1) applied on broadcast of soil and at four depth sampled (0–5, 6–10, 11–15, and 16–20 cm). Gypsum application increased the fertility in depth, with the leaching of cations. There was an increase in soil pH, exchangeable K⁺ and calcium (Ca²⁺), sulfur (S–SO₄^2?), P, boron (B), and manganese (Mn) concentration, cation exchange capacity (CEC), K⁺ and Ca²⁺ saturation, Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺/K⁺, and K⁺/(Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺) ratios, and electrical conductivity in soil depth. On the other hand, there was a decrease in exchangeable Mg²⁺ and potential acidity hydrogen and aluminum (H⁺ + Al³⁺), available silicon (Si), Mg²⁺ saturation, and Ca²⁺/K⁺ and Mg²⁺/K⁺ ratio. These results demonstrate that the gypsum application in an Oxisol with 690 g kg^?1 of clay improves the root system with a significant increase in the soil fertility in the profile.     

Intravenous vitamin K1 normalises prothrombin time in 1 hour in dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis

Four dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis were treated with intravenous vitamin K₁ in lieu of plasma transfusion due to client cost constraints. Two dogs experienced a suspected anaphylactoid reaction, necessitating cessation of the treatment in one dog. Prothrombin time was rechecked 1 h after treatment in the remaining three dogs and all results were within the normal reference range. All four dogs were discharged from hospital within 48 h of presentation. Intravenous vitamin K₁ rapidly reverses the coagulopathic state in dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis. It is a viable alternative therapy to plasma transfusion if circumstances preclude its use; however, patients must be monitored for anaphylactoid reactions.     

Postnatal Changes in Testicular Concentrations of Transforming Growth Factors‐Alpha and‐Beta 1, 2 and 3 and Serum Concentrations of Insulin Like Growth Factor I in Bulls

Based on work largely in laboratory animals, transforming growth factors (TGF) and insulin like growth factors (IGF) could be regulators of testicular development. The aim of this study was to see if TGF‐alpha and ‐beta 1, 2 and 3 are present in the bovine testis and to monitor concentrations of these factors in the testis and IGF‐I in serum during reproductive development. Separate groups of Hereford × Charolais calves (n = 6) were castrated every 4 weeks from 5 to 33 weeks of age and at 56 weeks of age. A week prior to castration, from 5 to 33 weeks of age, blood was collected every 15 min for 10 h. Serum IGF‐I concentrations increased from 8 to 12 weeks of age, decreased from 24 to 28 weeks and increased to 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐alpha concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 33 to 56 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐beta 1 concentrations decreased from 17 to 21 weeks of age, increased to 25 weeks and decreased from 25 to 33 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐beta 2 concentrations increased from 5 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks and decreased at 29 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐beta 3 concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 25 to 29 weeks of age (p < 0.05). We concluded that TGF‐alpha and TGF‐beta 1, 2 and 3 are present in the testis of the bull calf, and changes in concentrations with age suggest a functional role in the development of the testis.     

The Effect of Parity of the Dam on Sexual Maturation,Serum Concentrations of Metabolic Hormones and the Response to Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone in Bull Calves

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of parity of the dam on age at which a scrotal circumference (SC) ≥ 28 cm was attained and the LH response to Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) in bull calves. We also wanted to confirm, in a large group of bull calves, that the LH response to LHRH could be used to select early maturing bulls. Body weight and SC of the bull calves were measured every other week. At 15, 20 and 25 weeks of age, calves received 4.12 nm /kg body weight of LHRH ischio‐rectally and blood samples were taken every 15 min for 4 h. Calves from primiparous and multiparous dams were separated into two sub‐groups based on age at which an SC ≥ 28 cm was attained (early or late). An SC ≥ 28 cm was attained earlier in calves born to multiparous as compared with primiparous dams (p < 0.05). At 20 and 25 weeks of age, peak serum LH concentrations (LH‐peak) and area under the LH response curve (LH‐AUC) in response to LHRH were higher (p < 0.01) in calves born to multiparous as compared with primiparous dams. In calves born to multiparous dams the LH‐peak at 15 and 25 weeks of age and the LH‐AUC at 15 weeks of age were lower (p < 0.05) in calves that attained an SC ≥ 28 cm early as compared with late. The LHRH‐challenge test sensitivity and specificity ranged from 46% to 86%. We concluded that parity of the dam affected age at which SC ≥ 28 cm was attained and the LH response to LHRH in bull calves. Serum LH responses to LHRH at 15 and 25 weeks of age, in calves born to multiparous dams, show some promise for development into a test to select early maturing bull calves.     

Post‐natal Changes in Testicular Concentrations of Interleukin‐1 Alpha and Beta and Interleukin‐6 during Sexual Maturation in Bulls

Based on observations in laboratory animals interleukins could be regulators of testicular development. The objects of this study were to see if interleukins (IL‐1 and IL‐6) are present in the developing bull testis and to establish the temporal patterns of concentrations of IL‐1 and IL‐6 in the bovine testis during development. Separate groups of six bull calves were castrated every 4 weeks from 5 to 33 weeks of age, and at 56 weeks of age. Mean testicular IL‐1 alpha concentrations decreased (p < 0.01) from 5 to 9 weeks of age and 13 to 21 weeks of age. Mean testicular IL‐1 beta concentrations decreased (p < 0.01) from 13 to 17 weeks of age and from 29 to 33 weeks of age. Mean IL‐1 bioactivity increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks, decreased to 29 weeks and decreased from 33 to 56 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Mean testicular IL‐6 concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) from 9 to 13 weeks of age, increased (p < 0.05) to 21 weeks, decreased (p < 0.05) to 25 weeks, increased (p < 0.05) to 29 weeks and decreased (p < 0.01) to 56 weeks of age. In conclusion, testicular IL‐1 alpha, IL‐1 beta and IL‐6 were found in the bovine testis and concentrations were age dependent. Testicular IL‐1 alpha and IL‐1 beta concentrations were highest in the early post‐natal period; however, IL‐1 bioactivity and IL‐6 concentrations were greatest in the immediate pre‐pubertal period. These findings suggest a functional role for interleukins in testicular development in the bull.     

Effect of selenium and vitamin E addition to the extender on liquid stored capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) semen quality

Captive breeding has become an important tool in species conservations programmes, maintaining genetic diversity and restoring wild, endangered populations. In order to improve the reproductive efficiency of captive kept capercaillie, the purpose of the study was to determine the effect of selenium and vitamin E addition to semen extender on sperm characteristic during short‐term storage. Ejaculates collected individually from four capercaillie were divided into two parts, diluted threefold with basic EK extender and EK enriched with 1 mg/ml of organic selenium and 8 mg/ml of vitamin E (EK+Se+E) and stored 24 hr at temp. +4°C. Spermatozoa morphology, motility and motility parameter were evaluated in net, diluted and stored semen samples. Significant (p < .05) differences between individual males were stated in relation to the majority of traits evaluated in the freshly collected semen. Comparing to the fresh semen, a significant (p < .05) decrease in percentage of live sperm in total (by 3.8% points on average) has been observed in samples diluted by EK extender, while in semen diluted with EK+Se+E extender this decrease was lower (1.5%pts on average) and not significant. Also per cent of motile sperm in EK+Se+E extender was higher (p < .05) then in EK (71.6% vs. 58.9%), but taking into account the values of individual males, both extender and male effect on liquid semen storage become apparent. Obtained data allow concluding that selenium and vitamin E addition to EK extender had positive effect on morphology and motility of capercaillie semen stored 24 hr at 4°C and can be recommended for similar studies carried out on other Galliformes species.