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Exogenous carbon (C) not only regulates plant growth but also provides energy for microbes and improves the soil environment. We hypothesised that exogenous C could improve plant growth by affecting the soil environment. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted and peanut cvs. Huayu 22(H) and NN-1(B) were used under three different treatments (the control, single nitrogen (N), and N combined with glucose (CN)). The results showed that the abundance and diversity of N-fixing bacteria are obviously influenced by the C and N, and exogenous C can promote the restoration of microbial diversity. The relative abundances of Burkholderiales were increased under HCN and BCN to 9.8% and 9.5%, respectively, compared to the control (3.9%, 2.5%). The abundance of N fixation bacteria increased mainly due to the soil nutrient change. In comparison with the single N treatment, the addition of the C significantly decreased the soil NH4+-N and NO3--N contents by 31.0% and 13.3%, respectively. And the activities of soil urease and nitrogenase were significantly increased. Compared to the control, single N significantly limited the root development, while the addition of C played a promoting role in root growth. Plant N accumulation increased compared with the control, but there was no significant difference between N treatment and CN treatment. These results indicated that exogenous C promoted soil microorganism activity and strengthened plant growth by changing the soil environment.

Optimising dairy cattle reproduction with assisted reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination, requires standardised semen handling and analysis. This study evaluated the kinematic structure of the spermatozoan subpopulation in frozen-thawed Holstein and Jersey bull semen doses under different thawing protocols. We used frozen semen doses taken from four bulls of each breed. Nine semen doses were collected from each animal, for a total of 72 cryopreserved doses. Straw thawing was performed at three temperatures (35 °C, 37 °C, and 40 °C) and three times (30 s, 40 s, and 45 s). Sperm kinematic patterns were evaluated using a CASA-mot system (ISAS^®v1). Sperm kinematic variables for each breed, temperature, and thawing time identified four subpopulations. The analysis revealed an effect of breed and semen thawing protocols (P < 0.05) on sperm subpopulation distribution, sperm movement, and swimming patterns. Subpopulation analyses based on semen assessment are needed to further interpret the relevance and effect on fertility.

This study aimed to assess the toxicity of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel in the early life stages of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The toxicity was evaluated based on mortality, early ontogeny development, growth, oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes and histopathology. Praziquantel at all tested concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 6 mg/l) showed no significant adverse effects on the hatching of grass carp. Concentrations of 2, 4 and 6 mg/l praziquantel caused significantly (P < 0.01) higher mortality and slower growth compared with controls. Praziquantel at concentrations (4 and 6 mg/l) showed a significant (P < 0.01) delay of early ontogeny of grass carp. Concentration of 2 mg/l praziquantel caused significantly (P < 0.01) higher GST activity than controls. Among the groups, no histological changes were detected in tissues. For the early life of grass carp, praziquantel is safe at concentrations ≤1 mg/l.

In Saudi Arabia, root-knot nematodes (RKNs) were found to cause considerable damage to eggplant. These parasites cause significant death of seedlings during nursery production, with infected plants showing the symptoms of chlorosis and wilting, along with the characteristic root galls. Therefore, this work was carried out to find a resistant cultivar of eggplant against RKNs in Saudi Arabia by screening 11 locally available cultivars for two successive seasons. Following Koch's postulates for pathogenicity, RKNs were isolated from infected eggplant, and females were identified morphologically by perineal patterns as Meloidogyne javanica, which was distinguished by clear lateral fields on both sides. Identification was confirmed using two species-specific primers (SCAR), Fjav/Rjav and MjF/MjR, and visualized amplified fragments appeared at 670 bp and 517 bp, respectively. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to screen the cultivars, using five replicates for each cultivar and nematode inoculum (1 000 second-stage juveniles). In response to M. javanica, gall index (GI), egg mass index (EMI), and reproduction factors (RF) were calculated, and all the eggplant cultivars were categorized according to their resistance levels based on RF. Among the 11 eggplant cultivars, four were found resistant to M. javanica including Black Beauty (C5, Bursa Tohum), Melanzana Violetta Difirenze (C6, Zorzi), Melanzana Violetta Lung 2 (C7, Zorzi), and Long Purple (C9, Bursa Tohum) and Violetta Lung 3 (C8, Taj Agri) was found highly resistant. Moreover, two cultivars were found moderately resistant, two susceptible, and two susceptible to M. javanica infection. Therefore, this study provided valuable information to eggplant growers about the resistant cultivars in Saudi Arabia. However, the molecular mechanisms of this resistance need to be evaluated to find novel candidate genes for breeding and CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing programs.

The content of lipophilic vitamins A and E was determined in samples of sheep and goat milk of different breeds coming from 9 farms in central, eastern, and southern Bohemia. Samples were collected throughout the period of lactation (from April to September). Vitamins A and E were determined by HPLC using DAD and FLD detectors. Vitamin A was determined in all samples but only α-tocopherol (out of various forms of vitamin E) was detected in all samples. The total average content of vitamins A and E in raw milk of all sheep breeds during lactation was 0.93 ± 0.07 and 2.93 ± 0.87 mg/kg, levels of these vitamins in goat milk were 0.79 ± 0.08 and 1.29 ± 0.35 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed a significantly medium and strong correlation between the content of vitamin A and E and the content of fat (R² = 0.57 and 0.75, respectively). The year did not have any statistically significant influence on the content of monitored vitamins. The content of both vitamins is dependent on the phase of lactation. The levels of vitamins A and E were significantly lower in the early phase and significantly higher in the late phase of lactation. The amount of monitored vitamins slightly decreased during pasteurisation. A strong decrease in the content of both vitamins was observed during the first two weeks after milk storage in a freezing box at the temperature of -20°C (about 11-55%).

The educational value of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) volume rendering imaging was compared to conventional plain radiographic instruction in a veterinary radiology class. Veterinary radiology is an important subject in veterinary medicine and has been well-recognized as a primary diagnostic method. Many junior and senior students have difficulty interpreting two dimensional radiographs that depict three-dimensional organs. A total of 158 junior veterinary students with knowledge of anatomy, pathology, physiology, and other basic subjects were divided into two groups; Group 1 (n = 45) received conventional radiographic instruction using normal and representative abnormal canine thoracic and abdominal radiographs followed by repetition of the same one week later, while Group 2 (n = 113) received plain radiograph instruction as in Group 1 followed by volume-rendered 3D CT images from the same canine patient one week later. The evaluations were performed at the end of each instruction. In Group 1, the majority did not understand the radiographic signs and no significant improvement was observed. In Group 2, 13% and 20% of the students learned only from radiographs, and understood the thoracic and abdominal radiographic alterations, respectively. After studying the 3D CT images, more than 94% of the students deduced the reasons for the radiographic alterations on the radiographs (P < 0.001). These results strongly suggest that 3D CT imaging is an effective tool for teaching radiographic anatomy to veterinary medical students.

Fertility problems of mares on a well-managed breeding farm with thoroughbred stallions have been ascribed mostly to contamination of the reproductive apparatus of females with pathogens, particularly those of bacterial origin. This study presents a summary of the frequency of bacterial pathogens isolated from 437 cervical swabs which were collected from English thoroughbred mares intended for mating between 2008-2014, as well as of resistance tests of these pathogens to seven commonly used antibiotics as follows: penicillin, gentamicin, tetracycline, sulfisoxazole, cefotaxime, marbofloxacin and enrofloxacin. In addition, the study reports the changes in the levels of plasma oestradiol and progesterone determined two to three days before and two to three days after the first post-partum ovulation in mares with positive and dubious bacteriological findings and percentage of barren mares and mares that conceived at first, second and third post-partum ovulations. It was observed that 21.5% of mares were barren even after the third post-partum cycles. The oestradiol levels determined two to three days before the first post-partum ovulation were significantly lower in mares positive for pathogenic microflora in their reproductive apparatus compared to mares with the dubious findings (25.1 ± 5.8 pg/ml vs. 69.7 ± 18.3 pg/ml; P < 0.05), while the mean progesterone levels did not differ significantly but displayed a rather wide range in positive mares (from 0.08 to 1.38 ng/ml) compared to dubious mares with only small variations (0.12 ± 0.03 ng/ml). Moreover, of the total number of cervical swabs taken shortly before the first post-partum oestrus from all the mares intended for mating as many as 69.7% were contaminated with pathogenic microflora (positive findings). Saprophytic microorganisms only (the dubious findings) were isolated from 29.7% of swabs. From the 307 positive swabs, we could identify 40.4% positive for β-haemolytic streptococci and 20.4% positive for Escherichia coli, the pathogens implicated in causing reproductive disorders. Tests of antibiotic resistance of the investigated pathogens revealed that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria showed high susceptibility to antibiotics such as cefotaxime, marbofloxacin and enrofloxacin. On the other hand, both these bacterial groups showed high resistance to routinely used broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as penicillin and tetracycline. Because further research is required for a full understanding of the mechanism of pathogenesis of post-breeding endometritis, we can only hypothesise that uterine contamination with pathogenic microflora, particularly with β-haemolytic streptococci and coliform bacteria, diagnosed before the first post-partum ovulation, could negatively affect the hormonal regulation of oestrus and result in mare fertility problems.

A field experiment was conducted on rendzina soil in the years 2010-2012. The seeds of two linseed cultivars (Szafir and Oliwin) were sown at row spacing of 15 cm and 25 cm. Three agrotechnical levels in different nitrogen doses and with or without application of herbicides were used. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of row spacing on yield, seed protein and oil content of two linseed cultivars grown under different conditions of mineral fertilization and chemical weed control. Results showed that cv. Szafir was characterized by significantly higher seed yield (on average by 20.2%) and protein content (by 2.6%) while cv. Oliwin had higher content of oil (by 4.9%). Intensive technology of cultivation (80 kg N/ha, Linurex 50 WP, Fusilade Forte 150 EC, Glean 75 WP), compared to the economical technology (40 kg N/ha, without herbicides), significantly increased the seed yield of both linseed cultivars (on average by 80-102%). This was due to higher plant density, higher number of branches, and higher number of capsules per plant. The intensive technology of cultivation had a beneficial effect on the content of α-linolenic acid in linseed seed.

The study is focused on the microbial and chemical parameters of green compost in which composites based on acetylated wheat B-starch and maltodextrin (patented procedure) were biodegraded and also on the parameters of lettuce grown on this compost before and after the biodegradation. With a load of up to 1 g of composites per 1 l of compost, and with a storage period of 0, 7-14, 15-20 and 21-147 days, mixture of compost wiped off the surface both of well-preserved composites and of the immediate surroundings of their residues was evaluated. Microbial biomass, basal respiration (BR), metabolic quotient, dehydrogenase and arylsulfatase activity (ARS) and the parameters of the lettuce growth on this compost did not show any negative changes. On the contrary acetylated wheat B-starch and maltodextrin stimulated both ARS and BR. ARS showed the most rapid onset among all tests. The height of the aboveground parts of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) grown on green compost was significantly better, compared to commercial peat-based substrates.

Five wheat stubble management practices i.e. chopping the stubble by the chopper mounted on combine during harvest and transmitting the straw to trailer (SCDF), chopping the stubble by the chopper mounted on combine during harvest and spreading the straw to field surface (SCDS), chopping the stubble on field surface after harvest by chopper mounted on combine and transmitting the straw to trailer (SCAF), leaving the stubble on field surface (SLS) and removing the stubble left on field surface by baling (SSB) and the cutting height of combine header (10 and 20 cm) were evaluated in terms of fuel consumption and field capacity. The result of the studies showed that the cutting height of header was increased from 10 to 20 cm, the field capacity increased from 1.195 to 1.365 ha/h and the fuel consumption decreased from 54.472 to 38.859 l/ha. While the highest field capacity was determined in SLS (1.846 ha/h), SCAF and SSB treatments had the lowest field capacity (0.954 and 0.891 ha/h, respectively). Chopping the stubble by chopper mounted on combine and transmitting straw to trailer during harvest increased the fuel consumption of combine by 3.6 times.

Twenty Lithuanian Black-and-White calves (10 bulls, 10 heifers) were used to evaluate the effects of the supplemental probiotic product, Enterococcus faecium M74 (2.4 g/day/calve), added to fresh milk and skimmed milk in a 56 day-study. The probiotic was administered by dietary supplementation to first group of calves and their respective pens (probiotic group), whereas the second group (control group) received no probiotic supplementation. The results of this trial indicate positive effects of the probiotic product Enterococcus faecium M74. The actual percentage of calves with diarrhoea was reduced from 50 % to 20% among the calves fed the pre-and probiotic diet. Probiotic supplementation reduced the faecal count of clostridia and enterococci. The calves fed Enterococcus faecium M74 weighed more at 20, 40 and 62 days of age by 4.9%, by 9.7% (P < 0.05) and by 9.4% (P < 0.01), respectively, than the control calves. The calves fed Enterococcus faecium M74 had increased daily weight gains compared with the calves not fed a probiotic product. The average weight gain and the daily weight gain of the probiotic-supplemented calves were by 7.8 kg (P < 0.01) and by 0.14 kg higher (P < 0.01) compared with the control calves. The calves given the Enterococcus faecium M74 also had forage and total DM intakes that were numerically higher than those fed the control diet, without any additive. During the 56 days experimental period, the average feed conversion rate was improved by 12.9% in the probiotic-treated group.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Lactobacillus acidophilus (tri-strain probiotics, TSP) endospores in broilers. TSP can benefit the host animal by increasing nutrient absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and altering the intestinal ecosystem in poultry. A total of 500 day-old ROSS 308 mixed sex broiler chickens with an average initial body weight (IBW) of 45 g ± 0.6 g were used in this 35-day feeding study. Broiler chickens were randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments: (1) CON (antibiotic free diet), (2) ANT1 (CON + enramycin 5 ppm), (3) ANT2 (CON + avilamycin 5 ppm), (4) TSP1 (CON + 0.1% TSP), and (5) TSP2 (CON + 0.2% TSP) with five replicates per treatment and 20 chicks per pen. Broiler chickens fed on TSP diets exhibited linearly increasing body weight gain (BWG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those on the CON diet (P < 0.05; Day 21 to Day 35 and Day 1 to Day 35, respectively). Further, dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) digestibility were improved (P < 0.05) in the TSP treatment at the end of study. The inclusion of TSP reduced (linear, P = 0.02) meat lightness (L*) compared with CON and ANT treatments. Broiler chickens fed with TSP diets had relatively higher (linear, P < 0.05) bursa weight than those fed with ANT and CON diets. The supplementation of TSP increased (P < 0.05) the ileal and caecal Lactobacillus count compared with CON and ANT diets. The ileal and caecal Escherichia coli and caecal Clostridium perfringens counts were reduced (P < 0.05) in the TSP2 group compared with the CON group. Broiler chickens fed with TSP diets exhibited increased (P < 0.05) caecal Bifidobacteria counts compared with CON and ANT diets. Excreta ammonia (NH₃) gas emission was lower (P < 0.05) with the TSP treatment compared with the CON treatment. In conclusion, the supplementation of TSP improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, gut health and reduced noxious gas emission in broilers.

Over the course of Ross 308 hybrid broiler chick cock and hen rearing, whole chicken bodies including feathers were monitored for changes in the levels of nitrogenous substances, essential amino acids (EAA) and non-essential amino acids (NEAA). At five-day intervals (Days 1, 5, 9, 15, 20, 26, 30, 35 and 40 of rearing), randomly selected chickens were slaughtered after 24 h of fasting. Over the course of rearing, N-substance levels ranged from 629.1 to 429.0 g/kg dry matter in hen bodies and from 616.0 to 477.3 g/kg dry matter in cock bodies. N-substance levels were statistically significantly different in the two sexes on rearing Days 35 and 40 (P ≤ 0.01). The levels of all amino acids (AA) in dry body matter of chickens up to 15 days of age dropped significantly over time, while in the period from Day 20 to Day 40, some AA levels increased or reached the baseline. With most AA, the levels were lower in hens than in cocks over the course of the trial. At the end of the trial (Days 35 and 40), statistically significant differences between the sexes were found for most EAA (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05). NEAA, except for Ser and Ala, were also significantly higher in cocks on Days 35 and 40 (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05). Among the monitored EAA, the dry matter of the bodies of hens exhibited the highest levels of Leu, 8.70% on average, followed by Val 6.54%, Lys 5.26%, Ile 5.25%, Thr 4.84%, Phe 4.30%, Tyr 2.51% and Met 2.21%. Leu was also the most abundant in the cock bodies, 8.42% on average, followed by Val 6.30%, Lys 5.36%, Ile 5.06%, Thr 4.57%, Phe 4.45%, Tyr 2.88% and Met 2.17%. Knowledge of the levels of nitrogenous substances, EAA and NEAA in the whole bodies of broiler chickens including feathers will help to determine optimal rearing conditions.

The effects of lead on root, shoot and seedling length, leaf area, number of leaves, plant circumference, seedling dry weight, root/shoot and leaf area ratios of Thespesia populnea L. were determined in greenhouse under natural environmental conditions with and without phytotoxic metal ions at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 µmol/l. Lead treatments have a strong influence on the growth and development of T. populnea by reducing significantly (P < 0.05) all the above parameters. Lead treatment at 5-25 µmol/l produced significant (P < 0.05) effects on seedling and root length, plant circumference and seedling dry weight of T. populnea, while lead treatment at 10-25 µmol/l produced significant (P < 0.05) effects on shoot length, number of leaves and leaf area as compared to control. Tolerance in T. populnea seedling at 25 µmol/l of lead treatment was lowest as compared to all other treatments.

From a total number of 62 apple samples included in this study, 42 cultivars or selections were evaluated after storing in standard conditions, and the remaining 20 in ultra low oxygen (ULO) storing conditions. The top leader regarding total taste quality was cv. Meteor, which obtained the highest total scoring value, and also in the mean sequence it was the number one cultivar. In the following position with regard to the total fruit quality was cv. King Jonagold. In a decreasing sequence of total fruit quality, the cultivars were classified in the following order: Rosabel, Andera, Angold, Berta and Meteor stored in ULO. In the case of fruit taste alone, Gold Bohemia was the total leader. Followed by cvs Rubinola and Andera. Regarding the character of the taste, cv. King Jonagold was relatively the sweetest, closely followed by cvs Pinova and Goldstar. On the opposite spectrum, with relatively the most acidic taste, were cvs Jonagold, Topaz and Rubin, all of which were stored in ULO conditions. Regarding fruit appearance cv. Melrose was evaluated as the most attractive looking apple. It was followed in this characteristic by the novelty cv. HL 212. Next in sequence were cvs Šampion (ULO), Benet, Gala Must (ULO), Angold and Andera.

Tyres represent the only element which connects a vehicle with a roadway and they are one of the most important parts of the vehicle. Investigated samples from chosen agricultural tyres were placed into a degradation medium. Degradation media were chosen on the basis of their supposed application; the second criterion of the choice was operating liquids used in machines. A primary aim was defining a change of hardness of these samples; the second-rate aim was observing changes of a tyre weight. The aim of the research is an evaluation of the hardness change in surface layers of a tread depending on specific degradation environments to which the tyre is potentially exposed. The highest influence on the hardness was proved in the case of diesel oil and engine oil. Any essential influence of NPK fertilizer solution was not proved. The effect of water and a solution of NaCl on the hardness change was minimal.

Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 was isolated from the fry of the Cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi and in adult Raphael catfish, Platydoras costatus kept in aquarium conditions. Further, an outbreak of vibriosis occurred in the wild populations of common nase, Chondrostoma nasus; chub, Squalius cephalus; gudgeon, Gobio gobio; stone loach, Barbatula barbatula; barbel, Barbus barbus; European grayling, Thymallus thymallus; schneider, Alburnoides bipunctatus; and brown trout, Salmo trutta morpha trutta. Mortality was not observed in the Eurasian minnow, Phoxinus phoxinus. During 14 days the acute rather than the sub-acute-to-chronic process of the disease prevailed with severe gross lesions in common nase and chub (diffused and focal haemorrhages, erythema and hyperaemia located especially in the abdominal region, within the mouth and at the base of fins). Only in the infection of the common nase was the whole eye affected, causing rupture of the globe and destruction of ocular structures. Gross pathological lesions in experimentally infected fish manifested themselves as gasping, erratic swimming, congested capillaries on the wall of the air bladder and fluid and blood accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Injection of 2 × 10⁴ bacteria (common carp, rainbow trout) and injection of 2 × 10⁸ bacteria (common nase) via i.p. route resulted in mortalities within 120 hrs and 16 h, respectively. Factors underlying the rise of infection are discussed, including an extraordinary increase in water temperature (20 °C to 23 °C), fluctuating oxygen content and low water level which contributed to increasing the concentration of the faecal contamination of water: these factors could stimulate the virulence of the vibrios, which survive in aquatic flora and fauna and in the biofilm on the surface of sediments.

The bioaccumulation of lead in selected tissues of Prussian carp kept in pond condition during 12 and 24 months of exposure to different doses (8, 13, 24, and 49 mg/kg) of this metal in feed and its elimination from tissues during the following 12-month depuration period was studied. Additionally gonadosomatic index and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, as the effect of exposure to Pb, were examined. The concentration of lead in all the studied tissues, except for the gonads, correlated positively with the metal concentration in the diet, and the maximum level was usually achieved after 3 months of the exposure. The highest levels of lead, i.e. 2.1 ± 0.14 mg/kg, were found in the posterior intestine in the 15^th month of the exposure, followed by bones, scales and kidneys, in which the level of lead amounted to 1.8 ± 0.20, 1.22 ± 0.07, and 1.17 ± 0.17 mg/kg, respectively. The negative effect of chronic exposure to lead was manifested by a significantly higher spontaneous LH secretion in groups exposed to 24 and 49 mg/kg of lead and a higher LH secretion level 6 h after the stimulating secretion. After 12 months of exposure and 12 months of depuration, as well as after 24 months of exposure, the effects of lead on LH secretion were not observed. Environmental lead can be a potent endocrine disruptor, which may have an adverse impact on fish reproduction. Prussian carps become resistant to the negative effects of lead with age and their organisms cope by reaching a state of homeostasis.

In the second half of 20^th century silver fir regeneration has been observed throughout all of the Europe, including the Czech Republic. The Bohemian Forest - Šumava Mts. is one of the regions where the silver fir percentage in forest stands is supposed to be increased from the present 2% to nearly 12%. During the period 2006-2007, in the Czech part of the Bohemian Forest, samples of silver fir were taken mainly in the upper altitudinal limit of silver fir occurrence. In the present paper the results of performed analyses are compared with similar surveys conducted in the other European regions. Samples from the Bohemian Forest, in contrast to other results, differ in higher phosphorus content and lower contents of calcium and manganese. Nitrogen content is slightly higher. Our values for the other elements (magnesium, potassium, zinc, sulphur) are comparable to those reported in Poland and Slovakia. In Germany, aside from the above mentioned differences, higher magnesium content was also found within the locality sampled.

This paper reports the isolation of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from skin lesions in a Southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens). The microorganism was isolated from cutaneous lesions, identified by the commercial API 20 C AUX system, and confirmed by sequencing. Topical treatment with sertaconazol resulted in complete clinical recovery of the animal and repeat testing did not result in the recovery of the yeast from the healed lesion sites.

Melatonin exerts beneficial effects on early liver injury by modulating hepatic oxidative stress. In order to understand the protective effect of melatonin against burn-induced hepatic injury we investigated the expression of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a main product of lipid peroxidation and mediator of oxidative injury, the inducible heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, and the anti-oxidative stress regulator erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a burn rat model. Expression and localisation of HO-1, 4-HNE and Nrf2 in liver were investigated using light immunochemistry. Thermal skin injury caused a significant elevation in hepatic 4-HNE and degenerative liver changes. Concurrently, there was increased expression of HO-1, a rate-limiting enzyme for haem degradation and an oxidative stress marker in sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and hepatocytes without changes in Nrf2 expression in the liver. Melatonin (20 mg/kg b.w.) augmented the increase in HO-1 expression, upregulated Nrf2 expression and also led to decreased 4-HNE levels and reduced levels of histopathological changes in rat liver. In conclusion, our results suggest that melatonin ameliorates burn-induced liver injury through the inhibition of oxidative stress, upregulation of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 and activation of the antioxidant Nrf2 pathway. Stimulation of cellular protective mechanisms by activating the antioxidant stress response through Nrf2 is a new mechanism for protection against liver damage in burns.

A 2-year field experiment was conducted under light enrichment and shading conditions to examine the responses of seed yield and yield components distribution across main axis in soybean. The results showed that the maximum increase in seed yield per plant by light enrichment occurred at 27 plants/m², while the most significant reduction in seed yield per plant by shading occurred at 54 plants/m². Light enrichment beginning at early flowering stage decreased seed size on average by 7% while shading increased seed size on average by 9% over densities and cultivars, resulting in a fewer extent compensation in seed yield decrement. Responses to light enrichment and shading occurred proportionately across the main axis node positions despite the differences in the time (15-20 days) of development of yield components between the high and low node positions. Variation intensity of seed size of three soybeans was dissimilar as a result of changes in the environment during the reproductive period. The small-seed cultivar had the greatest stability in single seed size across the main axis, followed by moderate-seed cultivar, while large-seed cultivar was the least stable. Although maximum seed size may be determined by genetic potential in soybean plants, our results suggested that seed size can still be modified by environmental conditions, and the impact can be expressed through some internal control moderating the final size of most seeds in main stem and in all pods. It indicates that, through redistributing the available resources across main stem to components, soybean plants showed the mechanism, in an attempt to maintain or improve yield in a constantly changing environment.

Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) provenances from Central Europe (Hercynian-Sudetes area) were evaluated in a long-term experimental project (Germany-Czech Republic) 36 years after the outplanting. The growth characteristics, mortality and qualitative morphological characteristics of 64 spruce provenances were evaluated on the experimental plot Ledeč-Zaháj, in the Czech-Moravian Highland region of the Czech Republic, in typical conditions for Norway spruce cultivation. Results show 15-20% differences in height and radial growth between provenances and insignificant differences in qualitative characteristics e.g. stem shape, branch density and shape and also health state. Environmental variables that significantly influenced production characteristics include longitude, latitude and altitude of the original locations of the provenances, while average annual temperature and average annual precipitation were not significant. Given conditions of the experimental plot, optimal production occurred with those provenances originally from 49-51 N latitude and 13-20 E longitude.

The relationship of various clinical forms of uterine inflammation to bacterial contamination and the applicability of hydrogen peroxide for intrauterine treatment of clinical endometritis was the subject of this trial. Uterine contamination was compared among groups of cows according to clinical findings on days 10 ± 3 (mild or severe puerperal metritis and controls without symptoms of the disease: MM, n = 16 or SM, n = 8 and CM, n = 13) and 25 ± 3 (mild or severe clinical endometritis and controls without symptoms of the disease: ME, n = 28 or SE, n = 40 and CE, n = 10). The applicability of 3% hydrogen peroxide was evaluated on the basis of macroscopic examination of intact and closed uteri from slaughtered cows after infusion of 50, 80, and 100 ml of the solution, clinical as well as bacteriological examination of uteri in cows suffering from clinical endometritis (Group E1 - treatment for the first time, n = 18 and Group E2 - previous treatment for retained placenta or puerperal metritis, n = 12) before and seven days after intrauterine administration of 80 ml of the solution as well as subsequent reproductive performance of treated cows in comparison with untreated controls without symptoms of the disease (Group C, n = 20). A wider bacterial spectrum was found in the cows on day 10 ± 3 compared to day 25 ± 3. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was the main uterine contaminant in cows suffering from all clinical types of uterine inflammation while this bacterium was not shown to be present in any of the control cows (MM 7/16 and SM 6/8 vs. CM 0/13, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; ME 14/28 and SE 18/40 vs. CE 0/10, P < 0.05). No macroscopic changes in uteri were found after infusion of various volumes of 3% hydrogen peroxide, only gas infiltration to the surrounding tissue occurred in completely closed uteri after deposition of 100 ml of the solution. Clinical symptoms of endometritis disappeared in 83% (E1) and 67% (E2) of affected cows and bacterial contamination decreased markedly (but not significantly) in both groups up to day 7 after intrauterine treatment. Reproductive parameters in treated cows compared to controls were not different. The results show an important role of A. pyogenes in the etiopathogenesis of all clinical forms of uterine inflammations in postpartum cows and support the use of 3% hydrogen peroxide for intrauterine treatment of clinical endometritis even though sufficient antibacterial effects of the treatment are still to be confirmed.

Bifenazate, a new selective carbazate acaricide, seems to be a very good substitute for propargite to control spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on hops in the Czech Republic. To investigate the phenomenon of T. urticae resistance to this compound, 20 samples of field populations were taken in several Czech and Moravian hop-growing regions in 2006 and 2007 and subjected to laboratory tests in a Potter tower. Low values of C100 M (100% mortality) in comparison with the supposed registered concentration reveal that bifenazate may become a useful acaricide within the anti-resistant strategy against T. urticae not only in Czech but also in all European hop-growing regions.

Changes in root anatomical structures at successive cycles of selection (cycle 1 to cycle 18, alternating) were observed in the study of maize (Zea mays L. cv. Saracura-BRS 4154) capable to survive and produce in temporarily flooded soils; this cultivars was developed by the Maize and Sorghum National Research Center through stratified phenotypic recurrent selection for cultivation wetland soils. Field trial was carried out and flooding of the soil was initiated at the six-leaf stage; the soil was flooded with water (20-cm deep) three times per week. Root sample was collected, fixed, and selected for observation in photon microscope. A gradual increase in the number of aerenchyma, the proportion of vascular cylinder, smaller metaxylem, and phloem and epidermis width, and a decrease in exodermis and cortex were observed in successive selection cycles. Such phenotypic changes impart the flood tolerance ability to this maize cultivar.

The bone-conducted brainstem auditory evoked response test was performed in an eight-year-old dog with total bilateral ear canal ablation. It was found that 12 months after bilateral surgical ablation of the external acoustic meatus the dog still maintained its hearing function due to the mechanism of acoustic bone conduction.

The present study aimed to measure the distribution of water loss via evapotranspiration (ET) in a pistachio tree orchard under drip irrigation and non-irrigation conditions at the experimental orchard of the Pistachio Research Institute, Gaziantep, Turkey. The experimental design consisted of a 10 × 10 m² grid system constructed of PVC pipes spaced 2 m apart (horizontally and vertically) that was placed around each tree for the drip irrigation condition (water applied every 7 days) and the non-irrigated condition. Moisture content was measured using the neutron scattering method for both treatments. Water loss via ET was estimated based on the soil water balance method, which included measurement of soil moisture, precipitation, and irrigation. Total water loss via ET under drip irrigation conditions was 518 mm vs 220 mm under non-irrigated conditions. Water loss via ET for the total soil profile and individual layers under non-irrigated conditions was higher at the four outer corners of each 10 × 10 m² grid than under irrigated conditions. Moreover, water loss via ET was the highest at the grid system pipes closest to the two laterals under irrigation conditions. In addition, the total percentage of water loss via ET was the highest at the 60-80-cm and 20-40-cm soil layers under drip irrigation and non-irrigation conditions, respectively, and the total percentage of water loss via ET was the lowest at the 40-60-cm and 0-20-cm soil layers under drip irrigation and non-irrigation conditions, respectively. Lastly, it could be considered that root density increased as water loss via ET increased.

The effects of using different levels of turkey meat (0, 20, and 40%) on some quality properties of heat-treated sucuk were investigated. Lactic acid bacteria, Micrococcus/Staphylococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae counts were determined and pH and a_w analyses were carried out, taking samples from the batter, and also after the fermentation, heat treatment, and drying stages. The sensory and volatile compounds analyses were carried out on the final product. The use of turkey meat had a very significant effect on the pH and a_w values. The stage of production also had very significant effects on the pH and a_w values as well as on the lactic acid bacteria and Micrococcus/Staphylococcus counts. Heat treatment increased the pH value of the product. In all groups, terpenes constituted a major part of the volatile compounds. The use of turkey meat affected a few volatile compounds.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate hydrocephalic ventricular changes using three quantitative analysis methods. The height, area and volume of the ventricles and brain were measured in 20 Yorkshire terriers (10 normal and 10 hydrocephalic dogs) using low-field MR imaging (at 0.2 Tesla). All measurements were averaged and the relative ventricle size was defined as a percentage (percent size of the ventricle/size of the brain). The difference between normal and hydrocephalic dogs was statistically significant for the average of each ventricle as well as for the percentage value. Five hydrocephalic symptoms were identified: circling, head tilting, seizures, ataxia, and strabismus. With respect to height, area and volume of the brain/ventricle, the difference between normal and hydrocephalic dogs was not significant. The ventricle/brain with height (1D) was related to the area (2D) and volume (3D). The correlations with area and volume were as good as the ventricle/brain height ratio in the case of hydrocephalic dogs. Therefore, one-, two- and three-dimensional quantitative methods may be complementary. We expect that the stage of hydrocephalic symptoms can be classified if statistical significance for ventricular size among symptoms is determined with the analysis of a large number of hydrocephalic cases.