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In 2007-2012 the first detailed study of P. halstedii distribution and severity was performed in the Czech Republic by monitoring altogether 128 localities. Incidence of the pathogen was recorded at seven localities in south-eastern (Central and South Moravia) and central parts (East and Central Bohemia) of the country; at only four localities the occurrence of sunflower downy mildew symptoms and pathogen sporulation were recorded repeatedly. In all cases the primary infection prevailed, and the severity of infections was rather low. The majority of records were for sunflower experimental fields (e.g. fields of Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture. Brno-Chrlice, Czech Republic), one record came from a commercial field and one record from a hobby field. Results of surveys indicate that reservoirs of primary inoculum likely exist in the soil contaminated by P. halstedii oospores in these habitats, but additional transfer by infected seed may be possible. Historical and geographical consequences of recorded infections are discussed, as well as virulence variation in the Czech pathogen populations which is currently in the process of investigation.

The effects were evaluated of different factors on the level of spontaneous (SPO) and induced (IND) lipolysis as defined by the content of free fatty acids (FFA) in milk. Milk samples were collected at monthly intervals throughout the year from both morning and evening milkings either individually in a milking parlour (SPO; n = 10) or from the bulk tank (IND; n = 10). The data were analysed using SAS 9.1. More intensive SPO was observed from March to May with higher FFA contents (+0.034 to +0.523 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05-0.01), and also from September to November (+0.077 to +0.292 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05). More intensive SPO was also detected in the evening milk than in that coming from morning milking (+0.062 to +0.556 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05-0.01). SPO measured immediately after milking was affected by the season and time of milking. The content of FFA characterising IND in bulk milk (0.33-1.10 mmol/100 g of fat) was higher (P < 0.05-0.001) than that due to SPO in individual samples (0.21-0.86 mmol/100 g of fat), especially in those from evening milking compared to morning milking (+0.10 to +0.47 vs. +0.12 to +0.22 mmol/100 g of fat; P < 0.05-0.001).

The utilisation of food consumption databases is widespread and involves for example, the risk assessment, understanding of consumers' food consumption trends, health education, and planning of prevention projects. Harmonisation of national consumption data for international comparison is an important and challenging work. First attempts started in the 70's and have been continuing up to now. The present study gives an overview of the collection methods, types and utilisation of food consumption data, as well of the most important phases of the international harmonisation work. As this study shows, it is crucial to harmonise the surveys parameters like the time of the data collection, method, number of participants, and number of the analysed days for an internationally comparable consumption database. From this point of view, the efforts of the EU menu project are promising.

Erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter were isolated from pig, cattle, and poultry carcasses slaughtered in Poland between 2008 and 2011. A total of 1335 strains were examined and among them 20 (1.5%) showed a high level of erythromycin resistance (≥ 32 mg/l) as determined by the microbroth dilution method. All these isolates were C. coli and mainly originated from poultry (15 strains). PCR amplification or DNA sequencing identified the mutation A2075G in the 23S rRNA gene in all strains tested. The vast majority of such C. coli were also resistant to quinolones, tetracyclines, and streptomycin whereas none of them revealed resistance to gentamycin. Furthermore, several isolates (14; 70.0%) displayed multi-resistance pattern against quinolones, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines. PCR analysis identified several putative virulence genes such as cadF, flaA, and iam (present in all erythromycin resistant isolates) as well as the cdtA and flhA markers (19 and 16 strains, respectively) among C. coli tested. On the other hand, only two out of 20 isolates were positive for the ciaB and docA genes. Furthermore, none of the analysed strains had the virB11 and wlaN markers. A molecular relationship determination of the erythromycin-resistant C. coli performed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed 17 different types. This reflects the high genetic diversity among the examined isolates. The results obtained suggest that erythromycin-resistant C. coli from food-producing animals may represent an underestimated potential health risk for consumers.

A large number of resistances to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei) and their combinations are known in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). A similarity of resistance spectra between cultivars carrying the resistance Bw, designated for the winter barley cultivar Borwina, and the near-isogenic spring barley line P15, which carries the resistance Ru2, derived from the landrace Rupee, was found. The objective of this study was to test the difference between resistances Bw and Ru2. Six cultivars were tested, four with Bw and two with Ru2. Testing with 40 isolates showed identical reaction spectra between both groups. Testing of the cultivar Kompolti 4 (Bw) and line P15 (Ru2) with 300 isolates confirmed this result. Thus, the resistances currently designated Bw and Ru2 can be regarded as identical, and are determined by the gene Ml(Ru2). Both Bw and Ru2 should be designated by the earlier code, Ru2.

Composting has been considerably recognized as a viable management method for solid organic wastes aimed at recycling of its end-product as a potting substrate for ornamental plants. Pelargonium and Salvia as salt-sensitive plants were grown in the mixture of compost (75, 50, 25% by volume) and additives (Hygromull, Cocofiber and SPS-standard soil type 73 with 70% peat and 30% clay). Since plants may suffer from a high salt content, thus in a further experiment compost was added as a partial substitute for peat. The results of the first pot experiment reveal that the large percentage of compost in the substrate had negative effects on plant growth and nutrient uptake (N, P, K and Na). Both yield formation and nutrient uptake significantly increased and almost gained levels of those in the control in the second pot experiment when plants were grown in peat-based substrates. Especially, the growth of Salvia was significantly improved. Consequently, the compost-based media (> 50% volume of compost) cannot be recommended for salt sensitive ornamental plants, while less than 25% of compost incorporated into peat creates peat-based substrates which reasonably enhanced growth of Pelargonium and Salvia.

Amaranth is a promising C4-crop. However, for a wider spread of the crop a better understanding of factors that are influencing yield formation is crucial for optimizing the plant phenotype and enhancing yield. The present study wanted to clarify the effects of assimilate sources and sinks on yield formation by artificially altering source or sink size. Field experiments were conducted in Eastern Austria during three years with three genotypes, applying source-sink manipulation treatments at mid flowering (control, 50% of inflorescence removed, 50% or 100% of leaves removed). At maturity we measured shoot, inflorescence and grain dry matter, thousand kernel mass and number of seeds per plant. An average grain yield level of about 3.5 t/ha dry matter on control plots indicated favorable growth conditions for amaranth in general. The removal of all leaves had a strong detrimental effect on all parameters, but severity of yield reduction due to defoliation differed between genotypes, ranging from -49% to -73%. Contrastingly, 50% flower reduction did not have any significant effects. Also with 50% defoliation no significant yield reduction was observed. We conclude that source strength of amaranth during flowering is more yield limiting than its sink capacity.

The foliar nutrient status was examined in a degraded Greek fir (Abies cephalonica Loud.) forest in Mount Parnitha near Athens, Greece. The examination lied in comparing the foliar concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, N, P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu with the critical values referring to conifers and the elemental percentages with regard to N of the forest with the corresponding percentages of a healthy Bulgarian fir (Abies borisii regis) stand, the closest relative of the Greek fir. It was found that the needles of the Greek fir had significantly lower concentrations from the N and P critical values. Significant differences were found for the Ca/N, Mg/N, P/N, Fe/N and Mn/N percentages. Significant correlations for the Greek fir were found between needle weight and foliar N as well as between needle weight and the percentages Ca/N and Fe/N. It is highly probable that N and P in the Greek fir are in short supply.

Seeds of weeds buried by tillage may germinate at depths from which seedlings cannot establish. In barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) we investigated how fatal germination was influenced by the depth and time of seed burial. The proportion of germinated seeds decreased with burial depth to 0-20% at ≥ 0.1 m depth which is fatal for seedling establishment. The percentage of fatal germination was greater for the seeds buried during the spring season than during autumn. Germination was influenced by seed pre-treatment, after ripening or stratification. Spring ploughing of non-dormant seeds below 0.1 m depth induces fatal germination, decreasing in this way seed bank of barnyardgrass.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a triple anti-Helicobacter therapy using omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (OAC) in dogs. A total of 15 healthy adult stray dogs with naturally acquired Helicobacter infection were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and rapid urease test. Subsequently, they received a 21-day triple regimen. One day after the discontinuation of treatment, a second molecular analysis of gastric biopsies revealed complete eradication of Helicobacter DNA with negative quantitative urease testing in all 15 dogs. Our results confirmed the high prevalence of gastric Helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs) in the stray dog population of Shiraz, Iran, and the effectiveness of our therapeutic regimen for the complete eradication of these microorganisms in stray dogs. In conclusion, for the complete elimination of non-pylori Helicobacter spp. from the gastric mucosa of dogs, a 21-day three-drug regimen with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is suggested.

One of the factors frequently affecting yields is topography. Topographic data can be obtained from various sources with different precision. This work evaluates suitability of airborne laser scanning data for use as another source of topographical characteristics creation in a smaller scale in regards to precision agriculture needs. Simple models of elevation, slope and flow accumulation were created and the correlation between yield and topography was determined over a seven-year period in relation to precipitations and temperature. The suitability of airborne laser scanning data was proved with certain limitations. Flow accumulation model derived from original airborne laser scanning data indicated the right trend of flow accumulation but not as clearly compared to other models. In drier years the correlation coefficients between flow accumulation and yield reached up to 60-70%.

The hypothesis that relocation of cows with a housing change temporarily decreases their milk production and affects cows' behaviour in the milking parlour has been proved. Forty-one Holstein cows on the 1^st and 2^nd lactation were relocated from the tie-stall barn into the free-stall barn. Cows were milked in a 2 × 5 herringbone parlour twice a day. Individual milk yields, order, and used parlour side were recorded electronically during 50 (milk) or 22 (order and side) milking sessions. Milk yield after cows' relocation (23.76 kg) significantly decreased if compared to that reached on the day preceding relocation (30.97 kg; P < 0.001). Milk production approached the level of the last day on days 3 and 4 (30.72 and 30.72 kg, respectively) after relocation. Milk yield exceeded that before relocation on day 13 (31.82 kg). There were significant differences between parities during the whole observation period except for the first day after relocation - cows on the 2^nd parity yielded more (P < 0.001). Multiparous cows entered the parlour earlier than primiparous, equally during morning and evening milkings (P < 0.01). Generally a left-side preference was found in the observed cows, while it was more prominent in primiparous than in multiparous cows during evening milkings (P < 0.05). Relationships between milking order and milk performance were on days 5-11 negative and significant (P < 0.01). We may conclude that although temporarily, relocation with housing and milking changes significantly affected the milk yield.

The maps of altitude, geology, vegetation cover and land use were prepared and classified as the main criteria to locate soil and water conservation programs. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the relative priorities of these criteria by pairwise comparison. All the thematic maps were then integrated using the overlay process in Geographical Information System (GIS) and the final map of soil erosion risk was produced. Results indicated that vegetation cover was given the highest weight (0.494). The geology was assigned the second highest weight (0.313), as the main cause of initiation of the erosion of erodible lands. Land-use change has a local influence on soil erosion, so it was assigned the third weight (0.151). Altitude is a low-impact variable for predicting the water and soil conservation areas.

Claw lesions and lameness in sows are an important welfare concern as well as a cause of considerable economic loss. These problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Given that group housing for gestating sows will become mandatory in the EU from 2013 onwards, the aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in sows housed in groups during gestation, and (2) to analyze whether the type of group housing system and sow-related factors were associated with lameness and claw lesions. Eight Belgian pig herds with group housing of gestating sows were selected. Four herds used pens with electronic sow feeders (dynamic groups), the other four herds kept their sows in free access stalls (static groups). All sows were visually examined for lameness at the end of gestation. Claw lesions were scored after parturition. Information about feed, housing conditions and culling (strategy) was collected, as well as information about parity and breed. Of all 421 assessed sows, on average 9.7% (min. 2.4%, max. 23.1%) were lame. Almost 99% of the sows had one or more claw lesion with overgrowth of heel horn (93%) and cracks in the wall (52%) as the most prevalent lesions. Neither for lameness nor claw lesions was significant differences found between the two types of group housing. Lameness decreased while the mean claw lesion score increased with ageing. These results suggest that lameness can be caused by reasons other than claw lesions, especially in older sows. Although no difference was found between the two types of group housing, a huge variation between herds was observed. Moreover, as the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in group housing is quite high and group housing will become mandatory in 2013, further investigation on risk factors of locomotor disorders in sows is necessary.

Little attention has been paid to the effect of long-term fertilizer application on concentrations of elements in grain of barley produced on the metal non-contaminated agricultural soil. In 2010, we analyzed yield and concentrations of elements in grain of spring barley in unfertilized control, mineral fertilizer application (N₄P₂K₂ - 70, 60 and100 kg N, P and K per ha) and combinations of farmyard manure or poultry litter with mineral fertilizer (FMN₄P₂K₂ and PLN₄P₂K₂) treatments in the Ruzyně Fertilizer Experiment established on Luvisol in 1955 in Prague (Czech Republic). The yield of grain ranged from 4.03 to 9.74 t/ha in the control and FMN₄P₂K₂ treatment. There was a positive effect of fertilizer application on concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorusand potassium, but no effect on concentrations of calcium and magnesium. With the exception of iron, concentrations of micro (copper and zinc) and risk elements (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel) were not significantly affected by the fertilizer treatments. Long-term use of organic and mineral fertilizers with appropriate application rates does not represent any risk for contamination of barley grain by risk elements on mineral rich and metal non-contaminated agricultural soils.

The effects of phosphorus (P) fertilizer on P loss potential, soil Olsen-P and neutral phosphatase activities in paddy soils fertilized with superphosphate or pig manure (PM) were evaluated in this paper. Data were collected from a field experiment in the Tai Lake Basin, China. Superphosphate rates were 0, 17.5, 26.7, and 35.0 kg P/ha, and PM rates were 0, 1.4, 2.1, and 2.8 t/ha for each crop, respectively. Soil Olsen-P in the plow layer increased to a greater extent with PM than with superphosphate. Pig manure increased neutral phosphatase activities in the plow layer compared with PM-free treatment. In contrast, superphosphate inhibited neutral phosphatase activities compared with superphosphate-free treatment. Spring application of P fertilizer markedly increased the total P of surface water in November (< 0.01 vs. 0.10 mg/L) compared with P-free treatment. The total P of shallow groundwater at a 75 cm depth was ~0.01 mg/L. Phosphorus fertilizer did not influence Olsen-P or neutral phosphatase activities under the plow layer. Downward movement of P did not occur. Appropriate rate of P application of 26.2 kg P/ha for each crop in this soil reduced the risk of P loss in the paddy wetland ecosystem.

The results of a fifteen-year period of investigations conducted on Norway spruce in the upper plateau of the Jizerské hory Mts. were summarised. The objectives were to evaluate the growth performance of an experimental plantation under harsh environmental conditions and assess the effects of amendments as well as the influence of the forest site variability on growth performance and survival of young spruces. The following treatments were distinguished: (1) lower control, (2) limestone and (3) amphibolite treatments on a less exposed slope of the ridge and (4) upper control on a summit of the mountain ridge. Principle characteristics such as mortality rate, height, annual height increment, stem base diameter, crown diameter and nutritional status were summarized and evaluated. Significant differences between treatments were recorded in heights. The trees fertilized with amphibolite were significantly taller than the control ones in thirteen out of the fifteen evaluated years and the applied limestone improved heights in ten years out of the fifteen evaluated years. A positive effect of amphibolite treatment on stem base diameter was proved in three of the four assessed years and was persisting till 2007 (last measurement of this characteristic), the positive effect of limestone was lasting up to 2006. The considerable role of the site variability was apparent from a comparison between the upper and lower control although they were in a very close position to each other, growth increment of the spruces on the ridge was significantly lower. Temporarily lower N concentration was recorded in the fertilized treatments in comparison with their respective control. The concentration of P was low and decreased to the limit of deficiency in all treatments, P seems to be the most limiting macroelement in the area.

This study attempts to use the analytical hierarchy process to choose the most appropriate earthwork machine for slope classes of 30-50% and 50-70%. Required data were collected by pairwise comparison as questionnaires filled by experts of forest engineering. Results showed that cross-sections and grade line (Technical criteria), soil excavation and displacement (Environmental criteria), production rate and multi-application (Operational criteria), production cost (Economic criteria) with the respective weights of 0.345, 0.345, 0.136, 0.058, 0.058 and 0.058 were the most important criteria for choosing the earthwork machines in the slope class of 30-50%. These coefficients for the slope class of 50-70% were 0.329, 0.329, 0.174, 0.056, 0.056 and 0.056, respectively. Overall priority of bulldozer in slope classes of 30-50% and 50-70% was 0.51 and 0.48, respectively. Therefore, in slope class of 30-50% bulldozer and in slope class of 50-70% hydraulic excavator must be selected for earthwork operation.

In this study, the aim was to investigate the anatomy of the aortic arch arteries in mole-rats (Spalax leucodon). Six adult mole-rats were used for this purpose. Coloured latex was injected into the left ventriculus of the hearts of all animals. The materials were carefully dissected and the arterial patterns of arteries originating from the aortic arch were examined. The brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid and the left subclavian arteries were detached from the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk separated into the right subclavian and common carotid arteries. The branches separating from the subclavian arteries were on the right, the common branch giving the profund cervical, the internal thoracic, and the costocervical trunk, and on the left the internal thoracic and the costocervical trunk were in the common root and the profund cervical artery was independent and on both sides after giving the common branch of the superficial servical and the external thoracic artery. This continued as the axillary artery which was then separated into the subscapular and the brachial arteries. Thus, the arteries originating from the aortic arch and the branches of these arteries were found to be different from other rodents and domestic mammals.

A two-month-old male 40 kg Korean native calf was referred to the Chonbuk Animal Medical Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University because of prolonged diarrhoea, depression, and anorexia lasting three weeks. On physical examination, abdominal distension presented in the right flank and a percussion sound was audible. A round-shaped lesion was observed in the area of the large intestine on computed tomography and ultrasonography, and a diagnosis of intestinal intussusception was made. A surgical operation was decided upon immediately to correct the intussusception. An infarct lesion was found during surgery, and the lesion was observed on the intussuscepted intestines including the cecum, ileum, and colon. The area of intussusception was excised, and an anastomosis was performed. Despite intensive and supportive care, the patient died one day after the surgery due to poor general condition. An ileocecocolic intussusception is an uncommon case compared within other intestinal intussusceptions. Most affected calves have a history of severe diarrhoea and the prognosis is guarded due to poor general condition. Good survival can be expected if patients are diagnosed quickly.

Combined application of organic and inorganic amendments was known to play a significant role in improvement of soil properties. A field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of gypsum, farmyard manure and commercial humic acid application on the amelioration of salt affected (saline sodic) soil. During this study, soil pH, electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, responses of root length and rice paddy yield were examined. Application of gypsum with or without farm manure and commercial humic acid decreased soil pH (8.26%), electrical conductivity (from 6.35 dS/m to 2.65 dS/m) and sodium adsorption ratio (from 26.56 to 11.60), and increased root length (from 9.17 cm to 22.6 cm) and paddy yield (from 695.7 kg/ha to 1644 kg/ha). A negative but significant correlation was observed between root length and electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio (r = -0.93; -0.94, respectively, P ≤ 0.05), whereas positive and significant correlation with paddy yield (r = 0.96; P ≤ 0.05).

Cattle slurry is frequently used fertilizer on grasslands, but little is known about its effect on plant species composition. The aim of this study was therefore to assess effect of different application rates of cattle slurry (S0 - 0, S1 - 60, S2 - 120, S3 - 180, S4 - 240 kg N/ha/year) on the plant species composition of three-cut grassland. The study was performed over 6 years on moderately moist upland Arrhenatherion grassland in the Czech Republic dominated by Alopecurus pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, and Poa spp. Species composition recorded in treatments with application of cattle slurry in rate up to 120 kg N/ha/year was similar to the unfertilized control. During first three years, species richness was similar in all treatments and then decreased the most in S4 followed by S3 treatment. Cover of short forbs increased in S0 and decreased with an increase in slurry application rate which supported tall grasses. Application of cattle slurry up to 120 kg N/ha/year can be considered as suitable compromise between maintenance of species rich grasslands and requirements of farmers for sufficient forage production.

The felling and skidding damage to residual trees was investigated in a selectively cutting operation in the Caspian forest of Iran. The logging operation was performed by chainsaw and cable skidder. Prelogging, after felling and skidding operations residual tree injuries (species, DBH and damage) were inventoried by systematic plot sampling. Two types of tree damage were observed: destroyed and injured. In this study felling operations mainly injured trees whereas skidding was the main cause of destruction. The percentage of destroyed and injured residual trees by felling operations was 1.4% and 3.4%, whereas the percentage of destroyed and injured residual trees by skid­ding operations was 5.2% and 11.1%. About 87% of destroyed trees were found in the DBH class smaller than 22.5 cm. Maple and Alder were the most damaged trees among the other trees species. Damage to the lower bole and wood damaged intensity were the most common type of injury. To reduce the stand damage, skid trails should be planned before felling and felling directions should be predetermined. In the selection cutting management, limiting logging damage to residual trees must therefore remain a major objective.

Bromus tectorum is a highly invasive annual grass. The fungal pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda can kill a large fraction of B. tectorum seeds. Outcomes in this pathosystem are often determined by the speed of seed germination. In this paper we extend previous efforts to describe the pathosystem by characterising secondary dormancy acquisition of B. tectorum. In the laboratory approximately 80% of seeds incubated at -1.0 MPa became dormant. In the field, seeds were placed in the seed bank in late autumn, retrieved monthly and dormancy status determined. The field study confirmed the laboratory results; ungerminated seeds became increasingly dormant. Our data suggest that secondary dormancy is much more likely to occur at xeric sites.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious cereal disease in the CzechRepublic. The most important pathogen associated with FBH is Fusarium graminearum, which can produce trichothecenes, mainly deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivates. A set of 103 F. graminearum isolates were isolated from naturally infected wheat ears collected from 20 localities (25 ears from one locality) within the Czech Republic, in the year 2004. The ears were evaluated for DON content by ELISA. Maximum detected value was 30.7 mg/kg. A group of PCR assays targeting the segments of the Tri7, Tri13 and Tri3 genes were used to determine the chemotypes of F. graminearum isolates. All the isolates belonged to DON producing chemotype. Further discrimination revealed that almost all (99.03%) isolates belonged to 15-ADON chemotype, and only one (0.97%) isolate belonged to 3-ADON chemotype. The genetic variability of the isolates was assessed from their AFLP fingerprints. The populations were highly heterogeneous both within and between locations, and no clear evidence for the association between AFLP profile and geographic origin was found out.

In this study SEM and light microscopy were used to investigate the structure of the foliate papillae in the porcupine. The foliate papillae consisted of about 10 or 11 clefts. The length of the foliate papillae averaged 2.79 mm and its width averaged 863 µm. Taste buds were located intraepithelial in the basal half of the papilla grooves (sulcus papillae). Every wall on each fold harboured from five to nine taste buds. There were two different cell types of taste buds: one stained light (epitheliocytus sensorius gustatorius), and the other dark (epitheliocytus sustentans). The length and width of the taste buds averaged 190.5 µm and 86 µm, respectively. The ratio of the length to the width of taste buds was 2.21. The average depth of the papilla groves was 1763 µm and its epithelial thickness was 235.5 µm. In scanning electron microscopy, the thickness of the epithelial cell borders was apparent at higher magnifications and there micro-ridges and micro-pits were apparent on the surfaces of these cells.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome is associated with changes in haemostatic profiles. The aims of this study were to compare selected haemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters between healthy dogs and dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, estimate the incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and determine the most sensitive test for detection of DIC in these patients. Blood was collected from 22 dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, and nine healthy control dogs. Platelet counts, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen concentrations and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products were measured in all control dogs and patients with gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome, before and after surgery. Significant differences between control dogs and patients were seen in activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products before surgery and all measured parameters after surgery. The incidence of DIC was 59%. The most sensitive tests for detection of DIC before surgery were those for activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products.

A litterbag experiment was conducted to investigate the changes of tannins and nutrients in branchlets at different decomposition stages of Casuarina equisetifolia in southern subtropical coastal zone, China, using the colorimetric assays. The time required for the loss of half of the initial dry weight (t₅₀) was 9.13 months. Total phenolics (TP), extractable condensed tannins (ECT), protein-bound condensed tannins (PBCT), total condensed tannins (TCT) and protein precipitation capacity (PPC) of branchlets litter decreased rapidly, while fibre-bound condensed tannins (FBCT) increased during decomposition. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentration of the branchlet litter both increased gradually during decay. Negative correlations between TP and nitrogen or phosphorus, as well as TCT and nitrogen or phosphorus were found. These chemical changes enhanced the current knowledge on the potential ecological role of nutrient transformation in tannins in C. equisetifolia plantations.

The aim of the study was to collect seeds of wild oat from the fields where, in spite of the applied herbicides, the weed is very poorly controlled, and to determine under greenhouse conditions if any resistant biotypes are present. In the years 2008-2011, 34 samples of wild oat were collected from fields where the weed was poorly controlled. The biotypes were analyzed in greenhouse experiments to determine if they are resistant to herbicides. Among five resistant biotypes three of them (R3, R4 and R5) were resistant only to iodosulfuron and mesosulfuron, and biotype R2 - only to propoxycarbazone-sodium. Biotype R1 exhibited multiple resistance to iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron and pinoxaden. The use of sulfometuron proves that the mechanism of resistance of two biotypes of wild oat (R1 and R4) to acetolactate synthase inhibitors is associated with target-site mutation. The curve of biotypes R3 and R5 controlled with iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron shows a relatively low resistance index and control of those biotypes with sulfometuron indicates a metabolic resistance.