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The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of physical exercise (marcha gait) on heart rate variability indices in Mangalarga Marchador horses. Twenty-five animals, fourteen females and eleven males, aged 6.4 ± 2.7 years and with a mean weight of 428.3 ± 24.7 kg, were used. Electrocardiograms were recorded at two different time points: rest and immediately after exercise (40 min of aerobic exercise, marcha gait). Time domain analyses of heart rate variability were made using vasovagal tonus index (VVTI) and standard deviation of normal intervals (SDNN). Variables were analysed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test and comparisons were made between T0 and T1 using the paired t-test (VVTI) or Mann-Whitney (SDNN), considering P < 0.05. The Pearson coefficient was calculated to evaluate the correlation between heart rate and VVTI and the Spearman coefficient was calculated for heart rate and SDNN. There was an increase in heart rate after exercise (P < 0.0001), from 45.7 ± 12.7 to 77.3 ± 13.5 beats/min, and a reduced VVTI (P < 0.0001), from 8.66 ± 1.45 to 4.65 ± 1.25 and a reduced SDNN (P < 0.0001), from 80.09 to 11.67 ms. No correlation was observed between heart rate and VVTI or SDNN. It was possible to conclude that the physical activity carried out by Mangalarga Marchador horses influenced the autonomic response and consequently heart rate variability indexes, suggesting the possible use of these indices for the evaluation of Mangalarga Marchador performance.

Shoulder joint disorders are a major cause of forelimb lameness in dogs, and osteochondrosis, degenerative joint disease, and bicipital tenosynovitis are common joint disorders that have been reported in dogs. Many studies have investigated pain management after arthroscopy in human medicine, but reports from veterinary medicine are rare. Ropivacaine is a new amide local anaesthetic drug and a single isomer drug that is used more widely than bupivacaine in human medicine because it has fewer side effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effect of intra-articular injection of ropivacaine after arthroscopic surgery in dog shoulder joints. To accomplish this, ten dogs were randomly divided into two groups of five who underwent the same anaesthesia protocol and shoulder arthroscopic examination. After shoulder arthroscopy, ropivacaine or 0.9% NaCl was injected into the shoulder joint cavity and the dogs were evaluated at one hour, two hours, four hours, six hours, 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery. The evaluated parameters were heart rate, respiratory rate, lameness score, visual analogue scale and the short form of the Glasgow composite measure pain scale. Ropivacaine showed a higher analgesic effect than 0.9% NaCl, indicating that it may be useful for pain management following arthroscopic surgery in dogs.

The use of bone marrow-derived immunostimulants is a promising direction in poultry production. The objective of this research was to study the effect of introducing a bone marrow cell protein formulation on the immunity of chickens vaccinated against salmonellosis. According to the principle of analogues, a control and two experimental groups of chickens were formed with 20 heads each (in total 60 individuals). To Group 1 birds, a protein preparation from bovine bone marrow cells was administered with feed by irrigation with 10% suspension in physiological saline at a rate of 0.2 ml per head once per day from the first day of life for three days. In Group 2, the drug was administered once, on day 1, at a rate of 0.2 ml per head. Control chickens were injected with saline in the same volumes. All chickens were vaccinated against salmonellosis. Blood for analysis of cellular, biochemical and humoral indicators was taken on days 7 and 14 of bird life. The use of the bone marrow cell-derived protein preparation resulted in higher values in the blood of chickens of Groups 1 and 2, respectively, by day 14 of age in comparison with controls as follows: erythrocytes (15.51% and 22.28%) and leukocytes (3.93% and 3.70%), T- and B- lymphocytes (67.5% and 69.16%; 23.24% and 23.75%), neutrophil phagocytic activity (10.14% and 25.36%) and phagocytic index (17.25% and 18.74%), bactericidal (13.32% and 20.25%) and lysozyme activity (23.88% and 24.41%), total protein (13.23% and 14.21%), immunoglobulins (19.59% and 20.76%), specific antibody titre (47.50% and 51.25%). Our study confirms the suitability of using bone marrow-derived protein preparations in poultry production. In practical terms, our study has particular importance for the development and implementation of preparations based on proteins of bone marrow cells.

Fusarium ear rot in maize (Zea mays L.) is a serious disease in all maize-growing areas worldwide. A total of 454 fungal strains were isolated from 69 commercial maize hybrids grown in Harbin, China, and comprised Fusarium subglutinans (34.8%), F. proliferatum (31.3%), F. verticillioides (20%), F. graminearum (9.7%), and F. equiseti (4.2%). Among them, a complex of multiple species, F. subglutinans, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides are the dominant fungi causing ear rot. Among 59 commercial maize hybrids, eleven hybrids (18.6%) were found to be highly resistant to Fusarium ear rot. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis using six pairs of primers resulted in 24 reproducible bands and cluster analysis separated the maize hybrids into eight groups. There was little genetic variation associated with disease resistance. No correlation was found between genetic diversity and disease resistance.

A comparative analysis of growth rate and health condition of 54 Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) provenances was conducted at the age of 24 years. The provenance test was established in 1990 with 3-year-old (3+0) seedlings planted in a 2 × 2 m plot design and two replications. The provenances which were studied originated from North America and were separated into coastal, continental and Western Cascade groups. In 2011 the growth rate was studied in terms of height, diameter at breast height and stem volume. The health condition was assessed by the evidence of symptoms and degree of defoliation caused by the fungi Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii (Rohde) Petrak and Rhabdocline pseudotsugae (Syd.). The provenances Newhalem, Darrington, Idanha and Bremerton were characterized by the most rapid growth, highest productivity and lower susceptibility to both fungal pathogens. These Douglas-fir provenances were recommended for future afforestation in Bulgaria. Ten continental provenances should be excluded from future afforestation because of their lowest growth rate and productivity and high susceptibility to P. gaeumannii and R. pseudotsugae.

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of diet supplementation with linseed on the carcass characteristics, meat quality and oxidative stability as well as the composition of the fatty acids in M. longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT) and the backfat of fattening gilts. A total of 40 animals were used, 20 in the experimental and 20 in the control group. The results indicate that gilts fed with the control feed mixture (C) showed a higher (P < 0.05) content of intramuscular fat and backfat as compared to the experimentaL group (L) of gilts. A higher drip loss (P < 0.001) was recorded in the L group as same as higher pH₄₅ and pH₂₄ values (P < 0.01). The fatty acid profile analysis in the MLLT showed that the content of the MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) was lower (P < 0.01) in the L group than in the C group of the animals and also showed a higher (P < 0.01) content of the PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in the L group. The content of the n-6 and n-3 PUFA was higher (P < 0.001) in the L group. The ratio of the n-6/n-3 PUFA was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the L group. The PUFA/SFA (saturated fatty acids) ratio was more favourable in the L group of gilts (P < 0.01). The results of the fatty acid profile analysis in the backfat proved the higher (P < 0.05) content of the UFA (unsaturated fatty acids) in the L group, while the content of the MUFA was lower (P < 0.001) in the L group. The total content of the SFA was lower (P < 0.05) in the L group. A higher content of the PUFA (P < 0.001) in the backfat was recorded in the L group than in the C group and the content of the n-3 PUFA was higher (P < 0.001) in the L group. The ratio of the n-6/n-3 PUFA was more favourable (P < 0.001) in the L group than in the C group. Also, the PUFA/SFA ratio was higher (P < 0.001) in the L group.

The periodical survey of forest nutrition was done in the in the Natural Forest Region (NFR) of Český les - the mountain range on a state border between the Czech Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany. The results of chemical analysis done in 2015 were compared with those provided in 2004. The trend of mineral nutrition deteriorating of forest trees has been going on, except for magnesium. The content of magnesium in spruce needles was found to be higher by 56.6 mg.kg^-1 in the current year's needles and by 24.8 mg.kg^-1 in the previous year´s ones. The contents of magnesium in soil determined in the extract of HNO₃ were significantly higher. The increase is 389 mg.kg^-1, 373 mg.kg^-1 and 312 mg.kg^-1 in the forest floor, respectively in organomineral and mineral horizons. However, it is not valid for the available values determined by the Mehlich method. The determination of nutrient values in the extract of HNO₃ seems to be suitable for the evaluation of changes occurred in soil and probably for the simulation of nutrition strategy of trees.

An experimental trial was conducted to determine the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana strain 202 (Bb-202) against multiple targeted sucking insect species that are serious pests of crops and ornamental plants. The insect species, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Jacobiasca formosana Paoli (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and Stephanitis nashi (Hemiptera: Tingidae) were exposed to conidia of B. bassiana at rates of 1.0 × 10², 3.5 × 10³, 5 × 10⁴, and 6.75 × 10⁵ conidia/mm² to determine the pathogenicity of B. bassiana. The fungal strain Bb-202 showed the highest pathogenicity to M. persicae and 100% corrected mortality observed in the treatments over 1.0 × 10² conidia/mm², followed by the J. formosana with the final corrected mortality of 86.6, 94.4, and 97.4% after 10 days of fungal inoculation with 3.5 × 10³, 5 × 10⁴, and 6.75 × 10⁵ conidia/mm², respectively. The strain Bb-202 also showed good pathogenicity to B. tabaci and corrected mortalities of 77.9 and 81.1% were recorded when exposed to 5 × 10⁴ and 6.75 × 10⁵ conidia/mm². Relatively weak pathogenicity was observed in S. nashi, in which the highest corrected mortality of 63.7% occurred at 6.75 × 10⁵ conidia/mm². Accordingly, the LC₅₀ and LT₅₀ values of concentrations 1 × 10⁵, 1 × 10⁶, 1 × 10⁷, and 1 × 10⁸ conidia/ml were calculated for M. persicae, J. formosana, B. tabaci, and S. nashi that were determined as 6.7 × 10⁴, 1.3 × 10⁶, 3.6 × 10⁶, and 1.2 × 10⁷ conidia/ml and LT₅₀ was observed as 5.2~8.24, 5.1~6.6, 7.2~9.0, and 7.9~9.6 in days, respectively.

The rose tortrix moth Archips rosana (Linnaeus) is a dominant species among leafroller moths inPoland's apple orchards. The study found high levels of parasitisation of the tortrix (15.5-40.1%), with the average level of parasitisation of 24.6%, by parasitoids of the families Ichneumonidae, Chalcididae and Tachinidae. The most effective were the Ichneumonidae, which decreased the tortrix abundance by 17.2%. The rose tortrix moth was parasitised by 7 Ichneumonidae species, namely: Trichomma enecator (Rossi), Phaeogenes semivulpinu (Gravenhorsts), Exochus mitratus (Gravenhorsts), Apechthis quadridentata (Thomson), Apechthis rufata (Gmelin in Linnaeus), Itoplectis maculator (Fabricius) and Pimpla turionellae (Linnaeus). The tortrix abundance was mainly reduced by I. maculator, which parasitised 5.1-32.2% of the pupae (15% on average).

The soil samples from 0-10 cm depth were collected from three areas (Center of Basrah - CB, Garmat Ali - GA, and Abu Al-Khasib - AK) located along the Shatt Al-Arab River (SR) delta in southern Iraq to estimate the distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAH total concentrations in the soils decreased significantly from CB (72.16 ng/g dry weight (DW)), GA (36.48 ng/g DW), to AK (17.30 ng/g DW) gradually indicating the impact of pollution emissions on the distribution of PAHs in soils. The low (2 and 3 ring) and high (4, 5, and 6 ring) molecular weight PAHs accounted for 14%, 16%, 37%, 21%, and 12% respectively in CB soil, 24%, 31%, 29%, 7%, and 10% in GA soil and 40%, 29%, 17%, 8%, and 8% in AK soil. The high molecular weight PAHs predominated in CB soils and the low molecular weight PAHs dominated in GA and AK soils suggesting a difference in emission sources between the studied areas. The PAH diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that PAHs in soils of the SR delta essentially originated from traffic and industrial emissions and biomass and grass/wood/coal combustion. The PAH atmospheric transport from CB area might impact the PAH distribution in the soils of AK area. The risk assessment of the soils has been performed. The total toxic equivalent concentrations (Bap_teq) of PAHs in the examined areas did not exceed the Dutch target values suggesting that no carcinogenic risk for the SR delta soils was found.

Lamb growth performance traits in relation to parental breeding values (BVs) for these traits were evaluated in a purebred Suffolk sheep population in the Czech Republic. The research lasted over 8 years and included 24 886 lambs. Four relevant parental BVs were observed: BV predicted for lamb live weight direct effect (BVLW-DE), BV predicted for lamb live weight maternal effect (BVLW-ME), BV predicted for lamb musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis depth (BV-MLLT), and BV predicted for lamb backfat thickness (BV-BT). The lamb live weight (LW; kg), musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis depth (MLLT; mm), and backfat thickness (BT; mm) were assessed at 100 days of age. A dataset was created using the most current parental BVs for each year (2007-2014) and subsequent growth traits of their lambs in the next season (2008-2015). Linear regressions showed an increased tendency when one point in dam BVs was associated with an increase in lamb LW (0.393 kg; P < 0.01 in BVLW-DE and 0.090 kg; P < 0.05 in BVLW-ME), MLLT (0.340 mm; P < 0.01 in BV-MLLT), or BT (0.243; P < 0.01 mm in BV-BT). Lower (but significant - P < 0.01) values on linear regression were detected for sire BVs, when 0.135 kg of LW, 0.217 mm of MLLT, and 0.214 mm of BT corresponded to 1-point increases of BVLW-DE, BV-MLLT, or BV-BT. This was confirmed by ANOVA evaluation, especially for LW and MLLT traits. Maximal differences (P < 0.05) in lamb LW were 1.84 kg or 0.88 kg regarding to dam or sire BVLW-DE groups. Similarly, the difference (P < 0.05) in lamb MLLT reached 0.82 mm in dam BV-MLLT, while 0.57 mm was detected in sire BV-MLLT groups. These results have practical implications for the objectives of selection schemes used in the Suffolk sheep population in the Czech Republic.

To examine the role of metabolites in wheat stamen and pistil development, metabolomic analyses of pistilloid stamens (PS), pistils (P), and stamens (S) from a novel wheat mutant homologous transformation sterility-1 (HTS-1) and controls from their sib-line CSTP were conducted using base gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Then, the metabolomic data were integrated with previously published transcriptomic data and analysed. In total, 141 annotated metabolites were determined from P, PS and S tissues by comparison with reference standards. A total of 90, 93 and 18 different metabolites were identified in S vs. PS, S vs. P and P vs. PS, respectively. Among the different metabolites, 80 may be associated with stamen and pistil growth. Using integration evaluations of both the previous transcriptome data and the 80 various metabolites, we found two perturbed pathways that significantly affect flower development in plants, namely, the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and cysteine and methionine metabolism. The ethylene synthesis pathway, one key branch of the cysteine and methionine metabolic pathways, could have a pivotal role in pistillody growth involving HTS-1. We found two key enzyme genes in the ethylene synthesis pathway (the SAM synthase gene and the ACC synthase gene) that have higher expression levels in stamens than in pistilloid stamens or pistils. We speculate, that the decrease in ethylene content during stamen development leads to pistillody traits in HTS-1. This study helps elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying stamen and pistil growth in wheat.

Abstract: Genetic parameters and accuracy of genomic prediction for production traits in a Duroc population were estimated. Data were on 24 828 purebred Duroc pigs born in 2000-2016. After quality control procedures, 30 263 single nucleotide polymorphism markers and 560 animals remained that were used to predict the genomic breeding values of individuals. Accuracies of predicted breeding values for average daily gain (ADG), backfat thickness (BF), loin muscle area (LMA), lean percentage (LP) and age at 90 kg (D90) between pedigree-based and single-step methods were compared. Analyses were carried out with a multivariate animal model to estimate genetic parameters for production traits while univariate analyses were performed to predict the genomic breeding values of individuals. Heritability estimates from pedigree analysis were moderate to high. Heritability estimates and standard error for ADG, BF, LMA, LP and D90 were 0.35 ± 0.01, 0.35 ± 0.11, 0.24 ± 0.04, 0.42 ± 0.11 and 0.37 ± 0.03, respectively. Genetic correlations of ADG with BF and LP were low and negative. Genetic correlations of LMA with ADG, BF, LP and D90 were -0.37, -0.27, 0.48 and 0.31, respectively. High correlations were observed between ADG and D90 (-0.98), and also between BF and LP (-0.93). Accuracies of genomic breeding values for ADG, BF, LMA, LP and D90 were 0.30, 0.33, 0.38, 0.40 and 0.28, respectively. Corresponding accuracies using pedigree-based method were 0.29, 0.32, 0.38, 0.39 and 0.27, respectively. The results showed that the single-step method did not show significant advantage compared to the pedigree-based method.

The species Melia composita has come to prominence only during the last decade and has been found suitable for several applications and end uses. However, being non-durable and difficult to treat some pre-treatment is required to improve preservative uptake. Hence the effect of microwave (MW) pre-treatment was studied on the samples of Melia composita wood in order to ameliorate its retention, depth of penetration and treatability class to ensure its sustainable use for a longer duration. The samples were exposed to MW radiation of different intensities and treated with 6% solutions of CCA, ZiBOC, CCB and Borax boric acid (BBA) preservatives by a dip diffusion method for 24 hours. Results showed a significant improvement in preservative uptake after dipping for 24 hours, in comparison with the controls. The highest retention was found in the samples treated with ZiBOC preservative after their MW exposure to 840 MJ.m-3. Wood anatomical analysis after MW modification was also performed in order to assess the changes taking place within the wood microstructure. The cross-sectional analyses of the controls and the treated specimens were briefed accordingly. Results of the anatomical study exhibited a significant improvement in the effective vessel diameters of the microwave irradiated specimens due to the clearance of the occlusions blocking the vessels with respect to the control samples, which aids in increasing wood permeability and results in higher retention and penetration.

The content of phytochemicals, total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant potential of extracts of Juniperus communis L. and Juniperus oxycedrus L. berries were determined. Ethanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform were used for the process of extraction. Phytochemical monitoring was based on already known methods, while in vitro antioxidant activities were done by DPPH assay. Phytochemical screening showed a wide spectrum of phytochemicals. Ethanolic extract of Juniperus communis L. possesses the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 28.55 ± 0.24 µ/ml), as well the higher contents of total phenolics, 189.82 ± 0.27 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g of dried weight extract (mg GAE/g extract DW), and total flavonoids, 42.85 ± 0.13 mg of rutin equivalents per g of dried weight extract (mg RE/g extract DW). The results indicated the potential application of the tested extracts as significant antioxidants.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of magnetic field (MF) strength on shoot regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene transfer in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Seeds of flax cv. Madaras were exposed to different MF strengths (0 - control, 75, 150, and 300 millitesla (mT)) for 24 h by using an electromagnetic generator system fabricated in laboratory conditions. After sterilization, seeds were germinated on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium in Magenta vessels. Hypocotyl explants excised from 7-days-old seedlings were used for regeneration. GV2260 strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens was used in transformation studies. Inoculated hypocotyls were cultured on MS medium containing 1 mg/l BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and 0.02 mg/l NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) for 2 days by co-cultivation. Then, they were transferred to MS medium containing the same growth regulators, 100 mg/l kanamycin and 500 mg/l Duocid for selection. The presence of the nptII gene was verified by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis in putative transgenic plants. The highest results with respect to shoot regeneration and transformation frequency were obtained from treatments of 75 mT MF strength.

The influence of heat treatment on the protein size, zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, secondary structure, interfacial rheology and creaming stability of peanut protein isolate (PPI) was studied. Heat treatment of PPI increased the protein size, surface hydrophobicity and interface diffusion rate, and decreased the protein zeta potential, particularly heat treatment at 80°C for 30 min (PPI-80), which increased the surface hydrophobicity from 117.33 ± 2.77 to 253.24 ± 2.47. Interfacial rheology results demonstrated that the heat treatment promoted the absorption of PPI at the oil-water interface, which might be due to the increase of surface hydrophobicity. In contrast, the heat treatment at 90°C resulted in slightly lower surface hydrophobicity and K_diff compared with PPI-80 due to the hydrolysis of partial protein aggregates during high temperature. Moreover, heat-treated PPI showed better emulsifying properties than unheated PPI. These results would be useful to expand the utilization of PPI products in the food processing industry.

Temporal changes in the concentrations of plant-available phosphorus (P) in soil (Olsen-P), total soil-P and P activation coefficient (the ratio of Olsen-P to residual-P (i.e. an approximation to total-P)) were measured in plots that received consistent inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plus organic fertilizers annually. Maize and winter wheat crops were grown in rotation for 24 years. Olsen-P and P activation coefficient declined significantly in the earlier years (< 12 years) for treatments that did not include any P fertilizer, and increased over the same period for the P-fertilized treatments. The rates of change in the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient values were positively related to P balance. In the later years, the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient plateau values were positively related to the P balance.

Canine hip dysplasia is a debilitating hereditary orthopaedic disease with a high prevalence in dogs. The aim of this study was to describe the influence of internal or external rotation of the femur on the projected radiographic position of the patella within the trochlear groove, and on the femoral head in relationship to the acetabulum in the standard ventrodorsal hip extended view, i.e., medial or lateral patella displacement, Norberg angle, femoral head subluxation index and femoral head subluxation category. Eleven adult dog cadavers of large and giant breeds were radiographed in standard ventrodorsal hip extended view and with internal and external femoral rotation. The medial and lateral patella displacement, Norberg angle, subluxation index and subluxation category variables were measured on radiographs, and analysed comparing the normal position with positions of different degrees of internal or external rotation of the femur. In the normal ventrodorsal hip extended view, the patella was centred within the distal femoral metaphysis (P > 0.05). A mean ± SD internal femoral rotation of 16.0 ± 5.9° resulted in a medial patella index displacement of 0.23 ± 0.09, and a mean external femoral rotation of 17.9 ± 6.7° resulted in a lateral patella index displacement of 0.24 ± 0.1. The mean Norberg angle was 105.3 ± 4.3°, 107.7 ± 5.5° and 104.2 ± 4.3° (P < 0.05); the subluxation index was 0.15 ± 0.06, 0.12 ± 0.05 and 0.18 ± 0.06 (P < 0.05); the subluxation category was 1.55 ± 0.6, 1.46 ± 0.7 (P > 0.05) and 1.96 ± 0.65 (P < 0.05) in normal, internal and external femoral rotation ventrodorsal hip extended views, respectively. In conclusion, as the Norberg angle, subluxation index and subluxation category are parameters used for classification in the main international hip dysplasia scoring systems, adequate femoral position with the patella centred in the distal metaphysis is of uppermost importance to ensure the technical quality of radiographs.

Sex differences in growth, blood indicators, carcass values and meat quality in nutrias were evaluated. In the fattening experiment, 136 nutrias of both sexes (1 : 1 ratio) were fattened until 8 months of age. At the end of the experiment, 18 males and 18 females with average weights were selected for the determination of biochemical indicators, carcass value and meat quality. The growth of males was significantly higher than in females; the differences were 12% at three months of age and increased to 24% at eight months of age. The effect of sex on the biochemical indicators of blood was observed in total protein (P ≤ 0.029), albumin (P ≤ 0.012), urea (P ≤ 0.019) and cholesterol (P ≤ 0.026), with higher values in males. In the case of haematology examination, the significantly higher values in males were in the number of erythrocytes (5.10 × 10¹²/l) and in the haematocrit value (55.8%). Dressing out percentage was higher in males (P ≤ 0.039), and other parameters of carcass value were not affected by sex. For the meat physical properties, only lightness (P ≤ 0.019) was higher in males. In the case of the chemical composition of meat, ether extract (P ≤ 0.033) and energetic value (P ≤ 0.024) were lower in females. The results of this study show high differences in the growth of male and female nutrias, whereas carcass composition, physical meat quality and meat chemical composition are less affected by nutria sex.

Interspecific crosses play an important role in gene introgression, plant improvement and speciation. However, poor fertility of F₁ generation was commonly found, which hampered backcrossing and ideal progeny generation. To explore useful materials for further breeding programs, sterile hybrids (DD1, FD1, ZD3) from different cross combinations of Lagerstroemia indica and L. speciosa and the fertile hybrid (ZD6) were selected. The results showed that pollen grains of sterile hybrids had no germination ability while ZD6 showed 25.90% pollen germination rate. The morphology of stigmas and their papilla cells showed no apparent difference. Normal pollen tubes could be detected in ovaries of ZD6 and ZD3 24 h after pollination. However, the enlarged ovaries of ZD3 began to abscise at 72 h after pollination, which suggested that the barriers occurred during post-fertilization phases. As a consequence, ZD6 can be used as either male or female parent for further Lagerstroemia breeding programs, while the sterile hybrids may be used as female parent through embryo rescue culture.

The amount and spatial distribution of plants afflicted with cabbage root maggot (Delia radicum; CRM) and clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) in winter oilseed rape crops were assessed in the Olomouc region (Northern Moravia, Czech Republic) over the course of 2012-2014. A total of 16 commercial rape fields were included in the assessments. Plants with tumours showed a significantly lower (P < 0.001) level of infestation induced by CRM (24% of plants infested) compared to plants without tumours (37% of plants infested). According to a generalised linear mixed model, plants with thicker hypocotyls are predisposed to significantly higher levels (P < 0.001) of root surface damage induced by CRM. The correlation analysis indicates rather weak or intermediate levels of correlation between the two variables (hypocotyls thickness × root surface damage induced by CRM). Both CRM and clubroot symptomatic plants showed a significant tendency for aggregation in rape crops, but not in all cases. Distributions of CRM and clubroot symptomatic plants were either significantly spatially dissociated or not associated in crops. Ovipositing D. radicum females showed some tendency to avoid zones with higher number of plants infected by P. brassicae. Distributions of CRM and hypocotyl thickness levels were significantly spatially associated in crops in several cases.

Fire blight is one of the most destructive diseases of pome fruits, especially pears. In current conditions when the demand for organic products is increasing, improvement of resistant rootstock and varieties is becoming important due to the lack of an effective disease management method against fire blight caused by Erwinia amy-lovora as well as the harmful effects of chemicals on environment, human and animal health. The findings of the researchers as to which variety performs well in terms of the transmission of fire blight resistance are quite important for new breeding programs. In the study, three varieties with high commercial value (Magness, Santa Maria and Williams) were identified as the maternal parents and 21 hybridization combinations were made with seven varieties (Akça, Ankara, Conference, Güz, Kaiser Alexandre, Kieffer and Taş) as pollinators. The Magness maternal parent was found superior when compared with the other maternal parents for the variety susceptibility level to fire blight. Apart from the differences in the susceptibility level of 21 different combinations of hybrids to fire blight, the commercially superior ten hybrids (I-15-24, II-13-1, II-13-19, II-13-34, II-13-73, II-27-21, II-27-55, II -32-44, III-22-638, III-27-590) have been determined via the weighted ranking method from the parameters of disease resistance and different fruit characteristics measuring the commercial preference of the fruits such as fruit quality, attractiveness, size, firmness and rustiness

Humic acid urea fertilizer (HA-N) is a new type of slow-release nitrogenous fertilizer that can enhance utilization rate of urea, and consequently increases crop yield. However, there were few researches about the effect of HA-N on the nitrogen absorption and utilization in sweet potato production. Hence, the effect of HA-N on nitrogen accumulation and distribution, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and yield of sweet potato was studied in the field using the ¹⁵N tracer technique. Results showed that HA-N significantly increased the number of storage roots per plant and the average fresh weight per storage root, as well as the yield increased by 29.6% compared with urea fertilizer. Furthermore, nitrogen accumulation of total plant was higher under the HA-N. In addition, HA-N significantly increased nitrogen production efficiency of fertilizer and nitrogen production efficiency. Results of a ¹⁵N tracer experiment revealed that the percentage of nitrogen absorbed by plant from fertilizer increased from 31.1% to 38.7% and NUE increased from 33.5% to 44.8% with application of HA-N when compared with single N treatment, respectively. HA-N significantly increased sweet potato storage root yield, nitrogen absorption and NUE, as well as it reduced the loss of nitrogen fertilizer.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) seed, produced in three locations, was used in the present study. Seed was stored in paper, glass, wood and PVC packing materials under room temperature conditions (18°C) for five years. The following parameters of seed quality were observed: viability, germination, dormancy and a 1000-seed weight. Standard laboratory methods were applied in the studies. The lowest viability after harvest was recorded in seeds stored in glass or pvc packing materials. All factors pointed to a great significance in the expression of viability, germination and seed weight maintenance. The highest value of germination (99%) was recorded in seeds produced in the location Karbulovo after two-year storage in the paper packing material. In the second year of storage, seed dormancy in paper packing material amounted to 0-0.1%. The seed weight changed during the storage period from 33.9 g to 24.4 g. The weight loss was the lowest in seeds stored in the paper packing material. The germination decline was slower in large than in small seeds. Obtained results indicate the importance of packing material for maintenance of seed qualitative traits. According to the gained results, seeds packed in paper packing material mostly retained their physiological and morphological traits.

Two dogs were admitted for the diagnosis and treatment of neoplasia (a hepatic and a mammary tumour, respectively), lethargy, quadriparesis and abnormal mentation with hypoglycaemia. The blood analyses showed severe hypoglycaemia (1.32 and 1.60 mmol/l, respectively). Although prompt treatment, including intravenous administration of dextrose, was initiated, the blood glucose concentrations were not restored to a normal range. After the diagnostic procedures, no aetiology other than the hepatic tumour identified by the abdominal radiography and ultrasonography, and a mammary tumour that might have caused the hypoglycaemia, were identified. Because there was a high suspicion of non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia as a paraneoplastic syndrome, the dogs underwent a hepatic lobectomy and total mastectomy with an ovariohysterectomy, respectively. Within 12 hours after surgery, the blood glucose concentrations of both cases had normalised, even without the administration of dextrose. The histopathological examinations identified a hepatocellular adenoma and a mammary carcinoma, respectively. The endocrine analysis of the serum at admission revealed low serum insulin concentrations (< 1.44 pmol/l) and high serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 2 in both dogs. Therefore, the diagnosis in both dogs was confirmed to be non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia. Both dogs remained alive without the recurrence of hypoglycaemia 24 months later. Previously, the administration of intravenous dextrose has been considered as the initial treatment in dogs with hypoglycaemia; however, this can temporarily ameliorate the clinical signs related to the non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia and help the anaesthesia for the surgical tumour resection as an emergency. Therefore, the definitive treatment of non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia might be rapid surgical intervention, which can be associated with good prognosis in dogs with severe non-islet cell tumour-induced hypoglycaemia.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of selenium (Se) on the selenoproteins synthesis and antioxidant parameters of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). The experiment was conducted as a single factor completely randomized design to explore the effect of different levels of Se supplementation (0, 10, 20, 50, and 100 nmol/l) on selenoproteins synthesis and antioxidant parameters of BMECs, and to screen the appropriate dose of Se supplementation ensuring a better antioxidant function. Se supplementation increased cell proliferation, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and seleoprotein P (SelP) content, and decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner. Se supplementation of 50-100 nmol/l had a better effect. Se supplementation also increased thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity in a dose-dependent manner, and Se supplementation of 20-50 nmol/l had a better promoting effect. The dose-dependent response between Se supplementation and mRNA and protein expression of GPx1 and TrxR1, as well as SelP mRNA expression was also observed in this experiment. The mRNA and protein expression of GPx1 was up-regulated with the addition of 50-100 nmol/l Se, and the mRNA expression of TrxR1 and SelP was up-regulated with the addition of 20-100 nmol/l Se. Results indicated that Se supplementation of 50 nmol/l had a better promoting effect on the selenoproteins synthesis and antioxidant parameters of BMECs.

Data on blood chemistry values can make fundamental contributions to our understanding of physiological changes. However, there is a lack of information regarding blood chemistry in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). Thus, the objects of this study were to determine reference ranges for 29 blood chemistry variables, and to evaluate differences between age groups and between seasons. Blood samples (n = 138) were collected from 44 (20 males, 24 females; age range, 1-15 years) clinically healthy, captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in the Republic of Korea. Young and adult bears showed significantly higher levels of creatinine and total cholesterol, and lower levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB during hibernation compared to during non-hibernation. Adults also showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride, but lower levels of inorganic phosphorus, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and creatine phosphokinase during hibernation than during non-hibernation. During hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase in young bears were significantly higher than in adults, whereas creatinine levels were lower than in adults. During non-hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase and creatine kinase MB in young bears were significantly higher, whereas creatinine, total protein, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase and haemoglobin levels were lower than in adults. The results of this study provide reference values that will aid in understanding the physiology of Asiatic black bears and in assessing the health of these animals in captive environments.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of ventral slot decompression and rehabilitation therapy in dogs with cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). Surgical decompression was performed in dogs with IVDH using the ventral slot procedure. After surgery, physiotherapeutic rehabilitation consisted of a combination of electrotherapy, infrared therapy and mechanical massage; treadmill exercise was started when the animal could stand up. A total of 58 dogs were selected from the hospital and included in two groups: rehabilitated group (RG, n = 34) and non-rehabilitated group (NRG, n = 24). Dogs of each group were subdivided into five groups based on a pre-operative clinical grading system. Grade 1 designated spinal pain only, grade 2 designated ambulatory paraparesis, grade 3 designated non-ambulatory paraparesis, grade 4 designated paraplegia with deep-pain perception intact and grade 5 designated paraplegia without deep-pain perception. Post-operative changes of both groups were evaluated and compared, including time until unassisted standing and walking after surgery and the success rate. Overall, 79.41% (27/34) of dogs had a successful neurologic outcome in the RG group, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the NRG group 62.50% (15/24). Interestingly, the success rate differed when the preoperative grading system was considered. The success rates of grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 100% (9/9), 100% (7/7), 75% (3/4), 53.85% (7/13) and 100% (1/1), respectively, in the rehabilitated groups, whereas in the non-rehabilitated groups success rates were 100% (5/5), 83.33% (5/6), 60.00% (3/5), 28.57% (2/7) and 0% (0/1), respectively. The differences in success rates between the two groups according to grading were 0, 16.67, 15, 25.57 and 100%, respectively. The proposed rehabilitation therapy after surgical decompression of cervical IVDH can improve the success rate when the preoperative pathological condition is severe.

One of the aerodynamic characteristics of lentil is its terminal velocity. In order to determinate the terminal velocity, was designed a vertical wind tunnel. It was fabricated based on existing methods and standards. For decreasing the non-uniformity of airflow in the vertical wind column, was used a honey comb test area with 5 mesh screens. So, a wind tunnel nozzle was designed and fabricated using Morel method with the aim of increasing airflow rate and decreasing losses due to mesh screens. The height and section area of tunnel were 1.425 m and 0.1 × 0.1 m2, respectively. The pressure loss values were calculated at different parts of tunnel and then, the required power of tunnel was determined. In this study, lentil grains of Kimia and Gachsaran varieties were separated at three groups based on their size (small, medium and large). Then, the terminal velocity was measured at 5 levels of moisture content (8, 12, 16, 20 and 24% (w.b.)) for each group. The results showed that Kimia and Gachsaran variety had the highest (7.204 m.s-1) and the lowest (6.987 m.s-1) terminal velocity, respectively. The mean value of terminal velocity increased linearly from 6.751 to 7.396 m.s-1 by increasing the moisture content from 8 to 24% (w.b.). Also, by increasing the grains dimension from small to large, the terminal velocity increased from 6.345 to 7.792 m.s-1.