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The boron (B) availability and uptake were studied in relation to different phosphorus rates applied into soils in a three-year field experiment (2015-2017). The experiment was carried out at the experimental station at Humpolec (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Czech Republic). Three rates of phosphorus (20-40-80 kg P/ha) were applied as triple superphosphate. The crop rotation was spring barley-winter oilseed rape-winter wheat. No systematic fertilization with B was used and the response of natural boron soil content to the different phosphorus supply was studied. The crop yields, B content in plants, B-uptake, and content of B (extracted by Mehlich 3 and NH₄ acetate methods) were determined. Spring barley and winter wheat B uptake was about one order of magnitude lower in comparison with oilseed rape. Significant differences in B content in soils, in crop tissues and B-uptake, were found mainly under higher phosphorus doses (40 and 80 kg P/ha). NH₄ acetate method showed better correlations between P and B contents in soils than Mehlich 3 method from the second experimental year. The P-fertilization may affect negatively the B-uptake by plants, particularly if the highly nutrient demanding crop is grown.

Mechanical transplanted seedling must meet the requirements of standard seedling block with uniform distribution of seedlings and inter-twisting roots for rolling. This study was conducted to identify the effect of growing media on mat type seedling raised for mechanical transplanting at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur during the period of 2012-2014 covering two dry and cold seasons (Boro) and one wet season (Aman). Seedling were raised on plastic tray using sandy loam and clay loam soil mixed with decomposed cow-dung, mustard cake, rice straw organic fertilizer, rice bran, poultry litter and vermicompost at the rate of 0.0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Rolling quality of the seedling mat decreased and seedling height increased with the increased of mixing rate of organic fertilizer except rice bran and mustard cake. Averaged across three seasons, 10 to 30% cow-dung, rice straw organic fertilizer, vermicompost, 10% poultry litter and 20 to 30% rice bran with both types of soil was found suitable for seedling mat and seedling height. However, seedling varied among the organic fertilizers with both types of soil in the order of cow-dung > rice bran > vermicompost > poultry liter > rice straw organic fertilizer > mustard cake. Clay loam soil showed better performance on rolling quality over sandy loam soil.

There are several reports in the veterinary literature on tracheal assessment; however, there is a lack of studies on the trachea in voluntarily breathing dogs. The aim of this study was to describe the natural shape of the trachea in awake dogs and to assess tracheal dimensions and the width-to-height ratio. Thoracic computed tomographic images of awake small breed dogs without any signs of respiratory malfunction (n = 19) were evaluated. Each trachea was categorised into one of four different shapes: circular, horseshoe, crescent or focal dorsal invagination. The circular shape was prominent, particularly in the thoracic inlet and intrathoracic area, while the horseshoe shape was also normally present. In this group of normal dogs, there were no crescent-shaped tracheas, but focally invaginated tracheas were observed. The mean tracheal heights at five locations, namely the caudal endplate of the fourth cervical vertebra, cranial endplate of the seventh cervical vertebra, mid-body of the first thoracic vertebra, mid-body of the third thoracic vertebra, and 1 cm cranial to the carina were 9.12, 8.96, 9.34, 9.88 and 10.16 mm, respectively. The widths at these same sites were 12.26, 10.42, 10.07, 9.82 and 10.23 mm, respectively. The width-to-height ratios of each tracheal location were 1.38, 1.20, 1.10, 1.01 and 1.03, the last two of which are consistent with the circular shape of the intrathoracic trachea. Multi-detector computed tomography under non-general anaesthesia is a non-invasive and unparalleled imaging tool for describing tracheal appearance in healthy awake dogs.

Traumatic brain injury occurs frequently in dogs and cats due to motor vehicle accidents, falls and crush injuries. The primary lesion occurs at the time of injury and causes direct, irreversible damage to the brain parenchyma and vasculature. Secondary lesions occur in the minutes following the trauma due to a combination of physical and biochemical changes that lead to intracranial hypertension. Therefore, knowing the pathophysiology of the cranioencephalic trauma is essential for treatment directed at minimising secondary damage. The approach to the patient affected by traumatic brain injury is based on the ABCD of trauma, guided by the neurological examination with the aid of imaging exams and adequate therapeutic measures. The treatment of patients with cranioencephalic trauma is still in many ways controversial. For that reason, this literature review aims to address the main points regarding the pathophysiology of this disease and to describe the clinical and surgical therapeutic options currently available.

Monitoring of visitor arrivals is one of the tools which help to ensure good-quality and suitable management of the respective area. This paper is aimed at the monitoring of visitor arrivals when the visitors are counted automatically using a field counting device, namely a pyroelectric sensor. In 2015, visitor arrival monitoring using a pyro sensor was conducted on the selected forest roads in the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise of Masaryk Forest. Since this method should be employed in another project, it was necessary to find out whether the pyroelectric sensor is a reliable tool and whether it can be used for further research. The aim of this paper is to perform a regression analysis of the data collected at the selected site in order to determine whether the pyroelectric sensor provides relevant information. Two data sets acquired during the first week of the monitoring of visitor arrivals at the single site will be compared. The one set includes data obtained by automatic monitoring using the pyro sensor, the other set contains data gained by means of manual counting by students of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology. Two directions of visitor flows were monitored - in and out. The data were statistically processed using the ADSTAT software. Results of the regression analysis show that the results of the visitor arrival monitoring carried out using a pyro sensor differ just slightly from those gained by manual counting.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of four different drugs used for anaesthesia premedication on intraocular pressure and pupil size in dogs. A prospective, randomised, double-blind clinical study was carried out. The subjects were forty client-owned healthy dogs (20 males and 20 females), aged 8.0 ± 2.9 years, with body weights of 11.8 ± 8.5 kg (mean ± SD) and without ocular abnormalities that were scheduled for periodontal treatment. Animals were randomly allocated into four groups and received intravenously either medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg, acepromazine 0.02 mg/kg, fentanyl 0.01 mg/kg or butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg. Intraocular pressure, pupil size, heart rate, respiratory frequency and systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were measured prior to (baseline) and at five and 10 minutes after premedication (T5, T10). Data were analysed by Anderson-Darling, Bartlett's, ANOVA and Dunnett's tests (P < 0.05). Significant increases of intraocular pressure were observed at T5 and T10 in the fentanyl group. Significant decreases of pupil size at T5 and T10 were detected in the fentanyl, butorphanol and medetomidine groups. In the fentanyl group, heart rate dropped significantly at T10, while respiratory frequency was elevated at T5 and T10. In the medetomidine group, heart rate and respiratory frequency were decreased at T5 and T10. In the butorphanol group, systolic arterial pressure was decreased at T5 and diastolic arterial pressure was decreased at T5 and T10. In the acepromazine group, systolic arterial pressure was decreased at T10. Within ten minutes after intravenous administration in healthy dogs, fentanyl significantly increased intraocular pressure and fentanyl, butorphanol and medetomidine decreased pupil size.

The method of establishing directly sown annual flower beds has its benefits as well as problems. One of them is particularly surface weeding before sowing. The aim of the experiment was to find a solution to this problem, i.e. whether covering sowing substrates can suppress the germination and growth of weeds and improve growth parameters of annuals. The certified seed mixture of annuals and three variants of substrates that differed in ability to retain water were chosen for the experiment. Substrate A contained 70% vol. of sand and 30% vol. of peat; substrate B 50% vol. of sand, 20% vol. of siliceous marlite, 30% vol. of peat; and substrate C 30% vol. of sand, 40% vol. of siliceous marlite, 30% vol. of peat. In the control variant annuals were sown directly into the soil. The experiment was established in two different sites. Development of the mixture was monitored and evaluated all the season; the coverage with annuals and weed, the height of annuals and flowering time were evaluated. According to the results the use of sowing substrates ensured the successful development of mixtures of annuals, particularly in the initial stand development.

Drought stress is one of the major threats to food security in the climate change scenario. Reducing the deleterious impacts of drought stress on the productivity of cereal crops is crucial. Hence, limited information has been available about the effect of the combined use of plant growth regulators and mineral fertilisers on promoting drought tolerance in maize seedlings. In this study, a pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the potential of sole or combined application of silicon (Si) and putrescine (Put) to mitigate the detrimental effects of drought on maize. The experimental treatments were, i.e. control (CK), water spray, 4.0 mmol Si, 0.5 mmol Put, and 4.0 mmol Si + 0.5 mmol Put on maize crop grown at two different water-holding capacity levels (80% well-water condition and 40% drought stress). The experiment was arranged in a complete randomised design with factorial arrangements having three replications. Exposure of maize plants to drought stress at the reproductive phase (VT-tasseling) reduced the photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a + b, relative water contents, leaf area, yield and yield attributes. However, foliar application of Si and Put individually and Si + Put dramatically reduced these negative effects by improving photosynthetic pigments, relative water contents, and activities of enzymatic antioxidant defence. Drought stress-induced lipid peroxidation in the form of more production of malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide and electrolyte leakage significantly declined due to the combined application of Si and Put compared to the respective control. Drought stress boosted the activities of key enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase) irrespective of the treatment application. Moreover, it was noted that the accumulation of osmolytes (proline and soluble protein) contents was increased by the combined application of Si and Put. Under drought stress conditions, combined foliar application of Si and Put considerably improved 22.70% cob length, 12.77% number of grains per cob, and 18.30% 100-grain weight, which ultimately enhanced maize’s 10.29% grain yield. From the current study’s findings, it was concluded that a combined foliar spray of silicon and putrescine at the reproductive phase is an effective strategy to enhance the maize yield in drought-prone areas.

Nowadays, the interest in research to determine the healthy compounds in fig fruits has increased, as many of them have been found to be beneficial to human health. This study aimed to determine the sugars, organic acids, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and volatile compounds in the fruits of 19 fig (Ficus carica L.) genotypes sampled from the Kahramanmaras province in Türkiye in 2018 and 2019. In the fruit of the fig genotypes, the total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, the total antioxidant capacity was determined by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazil) method, the sugars, organic acids and volatile aroma compounds were determined chromatographically (HPLC/RID detector), (HPLC/UV detector) and headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (HS-GC/MS), respectively. The results showed that most of the biochemical contents and antioxidant capacities of the genotypes significantly differed from each other (P < 0.05). The total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of the fruits ranged from 50.29 to 580.59 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g fresh weight base (and 15.98 to 36.77% DPPH, respectively. Regarding the sugar content of the fig genotypes, the main sugar is fructose ranging from 3.35 to 7.37 g per 100 g. The highest fructose content of 7.37 g per 100 g was found in the genotype KMF12. A total of 58 volatile compounds were detected in the fruits of the 19 fig genotypes, including 18 aldehydes, 3 ketones, 6 esters, 2 terpenes, 17 alcohols, 1 acid and 11 other compounds. According to the obtained results, aldehydes, esters and ketones were found to be the major volatile compounds in the fig fruits. The genotypes with the highest values of the phytochemical and antioxidant properties among the genotypes were selected as candidates as a source of variation for breeders who want to develop new commercial varieties beneficial to human health.

This study focused on the hydrophysical characteristics of an abandoned limestone quarry in Czechia. Six sites were examined; two sites were undergoing natural succession (the Quarry Wall and Reed Canary Grass plots, which had undeveloped arboreal layers) and four sites were undergoing managed forest reclamation. Of the four forest reclamation sites, three were classified as prospering (the Prospering Lime, Prospering Maple and Prospering Lime + Oatgrass plots) and one was in decline (the Declining Larch + Lime plot). The arboreal layer included small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.). Our results showed that Lime + Oatgrass plot retained more water than other plots. Field soil moisture measurements indicated that throughout the 1096-day monitoring period, only the soils at the successional sites reached the wilting point (Quarry Wall plot: 159 days; Reed Canary Grass plot: 43 days). Soil heterogeneity in the reclaimed areas was due to variation in the soil profile depth, disturbance from mining activities, reclamation efforts, and the availability of quality soil material. Soil conditions and the dynamics at the quarry created less than ideal conditions for tree regeneration. This primarily relates to limiting and significantly heterogeneous successional plots.

This review article summarises the results of research on forest liming, fertilisation, nutrition flows and cycles in selected European and other countries. The presented studies mostly deal with assessing the effect of liming and fertilisation applied during planting or shortly after planting. The sporadic studies on fertilisation in older stands are also presented. The application of crushed limestone, dolomite or other alkaline rocks or their mixtures is usually used to improve the soil conditions on a large area through the adjustment of soil acidity and to supply any deficient elements, especially calcium and magnesium. These amendments are typically used on naturally nutrient-poor soils or as a curative technique to neutralise the soil chemistry affected by anthropogenic acidification. Artificial fertilisers are usually applied on small spots to individual trees on the surface of the soil shortly after planting or into a planting hole during planting. The purpose is to give some initial support to young trees to better overcome the post-planting shock and to accelerate the height growth. Less frequently, artificial fertilisers are used on large areas of forest stands for the purpose of increasing stem growth. The methods and the extent of forest fertilisation substantially vary in individual countries and different time periods.

The global demand for high-quality, nutritious food is increasing, and mushrooms have gained popularity as a healthy dietary option; mushroom consumption is increasing in Pakistan owing to their rich nutritional profile, phytochemicals presence and antioxidant capacity. This study was carried out to determine comprehensive nutritional analysis, antioxidant parameters, amino acids, and fatty acid composition of commonly grown mushroom varieties oysters (Pleurotus ostreatus) and white buttons (Agaricus bisporus) in Pakistan. The study results indicated mushrooms are perishable, high in protein and fibre content, along with a low caloric value. Also, they are rich in essential minerals like potassium, phosphorus, iron, and water-soluble vitamins. In addition, both mushrooms demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with oyster mushrooms having a higher potential. Additionally, profiling of fatty acids and amino acids showed mushrooms having low caloric value and powerful nutrition composition that makes them suitable for developing healthy dietary choices for better human health.

Due to an increasing risk of further damage to forests, forest managers are considering introducing an alternative direction for their future development – via the cultivation of mixed forests. At middle altitudes in the Czech Republic, an oak-beech-linden stand is the most natural type, and we tried to answer three main questions: (i) How the various thinning types affect dendrometric parameters and quality of the stand; (ii) How long thinning works on this stand until it loses its effect; (iii) How the stand develops spontaneously after abandonment. This experiment was conducted at the Training Forest Enterprise in the Czech Republic in Drahanská vrchovina (highlands in central Moravia). In 1988, four plots were established in a 49-year-old stand where, in three of the plots, different types of thinning (crown, low and heavy crown) were performed, leaving one (reference plot) to develop naturally. The height, the height of the crown base and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured, and the shape and quality of the trunk and crown were estimated on each tree. Measurements were carried out in 1989, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. In the first 10 years, the DBH and height of the crown base did not show any differences, and the linden at the heavy crown plot outgrew the linden trees at the other plots in height. After these 10 years, the thickest linden, the tallest beech and linden, and the greatest height of the crown base of beech and linden were all found at the heavy crown plot. The shape and quality of the trunks and crowns of beech, oak and linden were similar in all plots (including the reference plot) during the entire experiment. After thinning, the plots were left to grow spontaneously. The heavy crown thinning removed a greater number of thicker trees at the middle level, thus supporting the trees growing in the lower part of the middle level and in the below level (i.e. the beech and linden). These trees then grew more quickly compared to the others, but their quality decreased, as did that of the others. Therefore, a forest left to grow and develop spontaneously is practically unusable for commercial purposes.

Owing to its role in mitigating CO₂ in the atmosphere, the total organic carbon (TOC) stock of soil, a key component of the terrestrial carbon cycle, is of significant interest as regards climate change. To determine TOC stock, it is first necessary to determine the soil's bulk density (BD), determined through intact soil sampling; however, in forest soils, it can be difficult to determine BD in soils with high levels of stoniness and/or tree root coverage. Furthermore, the method is time-consuming and labour-intensive, making it impractical for studies over large areas. In such cases, BD can be determined using a pedotransfer function (PTF) expressing the relationship between forest soil TOC and BD. The aim of this study was to determine a forest soil PTF using actual data obtained from 777 soil pits dug as part of the Czech Republic's National Forest Inventory (NFI). Within the NFI, BD is assessed from undisturbed core samples, while TOC is assessed from mixed samples from the same soil genetic horizons. Both generalised linear (GLM) and generalised linear mixed-effects (GLMER) models were used, with the final GLMER model best expressing the relationship for individual natural forest areas within the NFI dataset. The GLMER-based PTF described in this study can be widely applied to accurately estimate soil BD via TOC concentration at temperate forest sites where stoniness and/or root cover previously made it technically impossible to take undisturbed samples using standard methods.

Sri Lanka, as a developing tropical country, faces serious environmental challenges. Forests, as important ecosystems of Sri Lanka, are under pressure from intensive human activities and climate change. Invasive species represent a great hazard to autochthonous plant species and ecosystems, which are, at the same time, hosts to extraordinarily high biodiversity, of which a high percentage is endemic. In this paper, we reviewed the most challenging environmental problems of Sri Lanka and suggested the improvement of a number of them through silvicultural measures and cooperation with international experts, namely Czech foresters. We also reviewed the main forest biomes and addressed the specific problems and management of different forest types.

Using probiotics represents a potential solution to post-weaning diarrheal diseases in piglets on commercial farms. The gastrointestinal tract of wild boars serves as a promising reservoir of novel lactic acid bacteria with suitable probiotic characteristics. In this study, we isolated eight bacterial strains from the intestinal content of wild boars identified as representatives of the species Bifidobacterium apri, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius. These isolates underwent in vitro analysis and characterisation to assess their biological safety and probiotic properties. Analysis of their full genome sequences revealed the absence of horizontally transferrable genes for antibiotic resistance. However, seven out of eight isolates harboured genes encoding various types of bacteriocins in their genomes, and bacteriocin production was further confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Most of the tested strains demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of selected pathogenic bacteria, produce exopolysaccharides, and stimulate the expression of interleukin-10 in porcine macrophages. These characteristics deem the isolates characterised in this study as potential candidates for use as probiotics for piglets during the post-weaning period.

Increasing the proportion of broadleaved trees in stands during regeneration raises questions about how these trees will be reflected in the economics of forest owners and whether these owners can influence certain economic aspects during stand management. In this respect, the paper focuses mainly on the revenue side of forestry and, crucially, analyses the selling prices of assortments of tree species groups as offered in public tenders of state forests under the outsourcing business model. The price level of spruce is used as a benchmark for comparisons in the analyses. It is clear that the cultivation of species-diverse forests entails an increase in the representation of a higher number of tree species and, presumably, increased stand stability. However, a concomitant consequence may be an increase in costs and a reduction in returns for forest owners. Here, the revenue from timber sales can be improved by appropriate adjustment of the species composition through educational interventions. All this is in the context of the economic viability of forestry, as declared in a number of strategic and forest policy documents, which essentially depends on the timber production function of forestry and the subsequent processing of timber.

This work presents the advantages and risks of selected soil quality criteria using data from the monitoring of agricultural soils in the Czech Republic. Soil samples were taken from 71 sites covering various soil types. Basic soil parameters and mid-infrared spectra were measured. Indicators describing the quality of soil organic matter (SOM), and soil were calculated. The results show that soil types differ significantly in the qualitative indicators of soil organic matter. More acidic soils with lower clay content contain lower proportions of aromatic and higher proportions of aliphatic organic compounds than neutral soils with higher clay particles content. These soils differ little in total carbon content and C/N ratio but considerably in C/clay ratio. Cambisols are the least degraded soils in the Czech Republic in terms of C/clay ratio, which is controversial in many respects. The results indicate that more aliphatic organic matter is important for the SOM content in the upper part of the agricultural soil, and more aromatic organic matter is mainly bound to the clay fraction. The results raise questions about the suitability of uniform C/clay target values proposed in European legislation as a criterion for assessing soil degradation due to carbon loss.

Soil pH can affect the adsorption of mesotrione and exacerbate crop injury under non-acidic conditions. Soil samples collected from the same location were irrigated with water solutions of pH 7.5, 6.5, 5.5, and 4.5 and treated with 72, 36, 24, 18, 9, 4.5, 2.3, and 1.1 g a.i. (active ingredient) of mesotrione/ha. Bean growth was monitored over 28 days. Soil pH solution did not influence the effect of mesotrione on plant fresh weight, while herbicide-induced visual injury and reduction in carotenoid content were significantly mitigated under acidic conditions. The lowest rate (1.1 g a.i./ha) applied in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5) caused visual injury of 45% 28 days after treatment, while visual injuries on plants grown in soils with pH 4.5 were only 20%. Further, bean plants grown at pH 4.5 showed only 3.3% lower carotenoid content compared to control plants since for those grown in a slightly alkaline environment (pH 7.5) reduction of this pigment was 35.5%. The mean effective dose (ED50 ± standard error) of mesotrione for inhibition of carotenoids were 5.25 ± 0.61 g a.i./ha at pH 7.5, 9.57 ± 0.74 g a.i./ha at pH 6.5, 13.07 ± 0.91 g a.i./ha at pH 5.5, and 14.98 ± 0.94 g a.i./ha at pH 4.5. Results indicate that the common bean is highly susceptible to the presence of mesotrione residue and that this sensitivity strongly depends on soil pH solution.

This study was conducted in order to determine the antioxidant activities of certain apple varieties. 'Galaxy Gala', 'Scarlet Spur', 'Fuji', 'Pink Lady' and 'Granny Smith' were characterized in this study. The antioxidant activities among the varieties were determined via three different procedures. Antiradical activity figures of the apple varieties were between 0.592 ('Galaxy Gala') and 0.802 ('Scarlet Spur'). Inhibition levels of chelating activity with Fe⁺² varied between 40.20-55.50%; 'Scarlet Spur' and 'Pink Lady' extracts had the highest inhibition with 55.50% and 'Granny Smith' extract had the lowest with the level. Among the extracts showing H₂O₂ clearance effect, Granny Smith (62.54%) and Scarlet Spur (44.67%) extracts had the highest inhibition levels. In this study conducted on apple varieties, total phenolic matter levels were determined in 'Scarlet Spur', 'Pink Lady', 'Fuji', 'Galaxy Gala' and 'Granny Smith'.

Sugar beet yield loss was predicted from early observations of weed density, relative weed cover, and weed biomass using non-linear regression models. Six field experiments were conducted in Germany and in the Russian Federation in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Average weed densities varied from 20 to 131 with typical weed species compositions for sugar beet fields at both locations. Sugar beet yielded higher in Germany and relative yield losses were lower than in Russia. Data of weed density, relative weed cover, weed biomass and relative yield loss fitted well to the non-linear regression models. Competitive weed species such as Chenopodium album and Amaranthus retroflexus caused more than 80% yield loss. Relative weed cover regression models provided more accurate predictions of sugar beet yield losses than weed biomass and weed density.

The effect of individual nanometals (Co, Fe, Cu, Ge) carboxylates (NMC) as components of the suspension for seeds inoculation with rhizobia on the nitrogen fixation rate and the parameters of CO2 and H2O gas exchange in soybean plants grown under different water conditions was investigated. The scheme of trials included the following variants: 1 - seeds + strain B1-20; 2 - seeds + (strain B1-20 + nano-cobalt carboxylate); 3 - seeds + (strain В1-20 + nano-ferrum carboxylate); 4 - seeds + (strain B1-20 + nano-cuprum carboxylate); 5 - seeds + (strain B1-20 + nano-germanium carboxylate). The results showed that during the flowering period, drought (30% field capacity) significantly reduced the rates of nitrogen fixation (Nfx), CO2 net assimilation (An), and transpiration (Tr) in soybean plants. Inoculation of seeds by rhizobia with NMC before sowing reduced the negative effect of drought on these physiological processes. Close correlations were found between the rates of Nfx and An and the stomatal conductance for CO2 and An rates. It was concluded that pre-sowing treatment of seeds by rhizobia with NMC mitigates the negative effect of drought on the main components of soybean-rhizobia symbiosis productivity formation - nitrogen fixation and CO2 assimilation, and also contributes to their recovery after the removal of the stressor. The most effective for this was the use of Ge and Fe nanoparticle carboxylates.

Chronic kidney disease alters the immune response in humans and dogs and it is thought to be one of the causes of immunosuppression in cats. Haematological, biochemical, and immunological examinations were performed on blood samples obtained from 20 cats with chronic kidney disease, and were compared with the results of 18 healthy cats. In cats with chronic kidney disease, statistically significantly lower numbers of total lymphocytes (P < 0.01), especially T lymphocytes (P < 0.001), were observed. When the results were compared with the lymphocyte transformation test in healthy cats, decreased responses to phytohaemaglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen were found in cats with chronic kidney disease. Our results document an alteration of counts and activity of lymphocytes in cats with chronic kidney disease. Thus, higher susceptibility to infection may be expected in these patients.

A long-term (18 years) effect of different fertilization and tillage management practices- fallowing treatment (no fertilizer, no cultivation); CK (no fertilizer, cultivation); N (nitrogen fertilizer); NP (nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer); NK (nitrogen and potassium fertilizer); PK (phosphorus and potassium fertilizer); NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer); M1NPK (chemical fertilizer plus manure); 1.5M1NPK (1.5 times M1NPK); NPKS (mineral fertilizer plus straw); Rot (3-year crop rotation of maize-maize-soybean with M1NPK), and M2NPK (2 times manure plus mineral fertilizer) - on the content of total nitrogen and organic forms of nitrogen and the nitrogen content in different particle-size fractions were studied in topsoil (0-20 cm) in Black Soil of NE China by using the methods of Bremner. The results showed that the combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers could significantly increase the contents and proportions of total nitrogen and organic nitrogen forms in soil. Comparing to CK treatment, the content of total nitrogen and hydrolyzable nitrogen increased in the fallow and organic materials treatments. Compared with M1NPK treatment, rotation was more beneficial to increasing organic nitrogen content, especially remarkably increasing amino acid nitrogen. The nitrogen response of sand, silt, and clay was most sensitive on manure; the effects of fallow and manure treatments on sand were notable, the nitrogen content in sand with NPKS increased by 40.86% compared with CK treatment. Our results imply that fallow/rotation managements, and manure/straw application can improve soil fertility.

Two cases of granulomatous colitis in two French bulldogs were found to be unresponsive to fluoroquinolones. The granulomatous colitis diagnosis was made on the basis of PAS-positive histiocytes in the lamina propria of the colonic mucosa in biopsy samples taken at colonoscopy. Remission of granulomatous colitis has been reported using fluoroquinolones leading to the idea that invasive Escherichia coli strains in the colonic mucosa are involved. Oral enrofloxacin (Baytril 150 mg, Bayer, Spain) at 10 mg/kg per day for eight weeks was prescribed to both dogs in this study. A first course of therapy resolved the problem in dog No. 1, which, however, was followed by relapse three months later without enrofloxacin response. No clinical remission was seen in dog No. 2 and 4.4 mg/kg marbofloxacin (Marbocyl P 20 mg, Vetoquinol, Spain) per day for 10 weeks was administered but without any response. From both dogs, biopsy samples from the colonic mucosa were taken during colonoscopy. Samples were homogenised for microbial culture in different agar media to identify invasive microbes. Escherichia coli were largely isolated and antibiotic sensitivity testing (MIC of E. coli to selected antimicrobials, CLSI 2013) was carried out. In both cases, E. coli was resistant to fluoroquinolones. In dog No. 1 E. coli was susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefazolin, amikacin and gentamicin whereas in dog No. 2 it was susceptible to doxycycline and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Clinical remission was achieved in dog No. 1 with amoxicillin-clavulanate (Synulox 250 mg, Pfizer, Spain) therapy for eight weeks. No response was found in dog No. 2 with any of the antimicrobials alone or combined with metronidazole.

This study aimed to evaluate the multiple-factor associative effects (AEs) of concentrate (C) to sunflower straw (SS) to alfalfa (A) ratios, concentrate to sunflower plate (SP) to alfalfa ratios, concentrate to sunflower seed shell (SSS) to alfalfa ratios at 40 : 60 : 0, 40 : 45 : 15, 40 : 30 : 30, 40 : 15 : 45, 40 : 0 : 60 and 30 : 70 : 0, 30 : 55 : 15, 30 : 40 : 30, 30 : 25 : 45, 30 : 10 : 60, 30 : 0 : 70, respectively, by using an in vitro gas production (GP) method. Thirty-three feed combinations and nine single feeds C, SS, A; C, SP, A; C, SSS, A were incubated respectively for 72 h in a GP tube. A total of 42 treatment combinations were tested, including 33 feed mix combinations [(5 + 6) × 3] and nine single raw materials, a total of 42 sample culture tubes. Each sample culture tube was repeated 20 times, totalling 840 (42 × 20) sample culture tubes. In this study, a total of 12 batches of in vitro culture tests were carried out. Seventy sample tubes and six blank tubes were cultured in each batch (eliminating systematic errors). A total of 912 sample culture tubes were used. The GP values of 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 h were recorded. The GP parameters a, b, c, a + b were calculated by a single exponential equation. The AE values were calculated based on 72 h GP and weighted estimation value of 33 feed combinations. In the incubation fluid pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) after 72 h incubation were determined and dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD) were measured in the residue. The single-factor associative effects index (SFAEI) and multiple-factor associative effects index were calculated. The results indicated that groups 40 : 45 : 15 (C:SS:A), 30 : 25 : 45 (C : SS : A), 40 : 60 : 0 (C : SP : A), 40 : 45 : 15 (C : SP : A), 30 : 40 : 30 (C : SP : A), 40 : 45 : 15 (C : SSS : A), 40 : 30 : 30 (C : SSS : A), 30 : 25 : 45 (C : SSS : A) and 30 : 10 : 60 (C : SSS : A) had higher a, b, GP_72h, NH₃-N, DMD, OMD, moreover, higher SFAEI (the AE of GP_72h, NH₃-N, total VFA, DMD and OMD) than other groups (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the optimal feed combinations occurred when concentrate/sunflower straw/alfalfa ratios were 40 : 45 : 15 and 30 : 25 : 45; concentrate/sunflower plate/alfalfa ratios were 40 : 60 : 0, 40 : 45 : 15 and 30 : 40 : 30; concentrate/sunflower seed shell/alfalfa ratios were 40 : 45 : 15, 40 : 30 : 30, 30 : 25 : 45 and 30 : 10 : 60.

Afforestation, settled before 60-90 years and adjacent solonetzic grasslands, representing the natural vegetation cover were compared in this study based on their basic soil characteristics (pH, CaCO3 content, soil organic carbon (SOC), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP)) up to 2 m depth. The assumption was that the plantings of arbour vegetation can change soil characteristics of sodic soils not only in superficial layers but even in larger depths. Grasslands and forest soils were compared by standardised depths. Afforested soils showed lower pH in the depth at 0-100 cm, and slightly higher SOC content in subsoil (20-100 cm). CaCO3 content was significantly different (higher) only at the depth of 50-100 cm in afforested soils. Remarkable differences in ESP values were measured. Afforestation had in almost every layer (0-20, 20-50, 50-100 and 150-200 cm) a significant lower ESP value than grassland soil samples from the same depths. As the value of the ESP is relevant from soil classification purposes as well, the leaching of sodium also can change the taxonomic status of the soils from soils with natric horizon, to soils with Sodic or Bathysodic qualifiers.

The eastern foot of Helan Mountains in Ningxia belongs to the semiarid area and has been identified as the best wine grape producing area in China. In order to solve the problems of a high sugar content, organic acid falling too fast and severe shortage of acidity in the berries during ripening, which lead to lack of wine harmony, this study took Vitis. vinifera L. cv. 'Cabernet Sauvignon' as the experimental material and expanded nine treatments from setting to harvest. Nine rows were selected and divided into three groups, treated with mild (-0.20 MPa ≥ Ψb ≥ -0.40 MPa), moderate (-0.40 MPa ≥ Ψb ≥ -0.60 MPa), severe (Ψb ≥ -0.60 MPa) water stress from setting to veraison separately. From veraison to harvest, within each group, the mild, moderate, severe water stress were set, forming light-light (CK), light-medium (T1), light-heavy (T2), medium-light (T3), medium-medium (T4), medium-heavy (T5), heavy-light (T6), heavy-medium (T7), heavy-heavy (T8) treatments. The results showed that when the medium treatment was used from setting to veraison and the medium or severe treatment was used during post-veraison to harvest, it would facilitate the transportation and accumulation of sugar and improve the fruit quality.

Fifty-five healthy conscious dogs were included in a prospective randomised double-blinded clinical study. The dogs allocated to one of four groups received intravenous bolus followed by infusion of fentanyl (FEN-group), or ketamine (KET-group), or lidocaine (LID-group), or saline (SAL-group). The intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil size (PS), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured prior to and at 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min after initiation of the drug administration. The data were analysed using an analysis of variance and the Steel-Dwass test. No significant difference in the IOP within or between the groups was detected. In the FEN-group, the PS decreased significantly at all the measured times. In the KET-group, the PS increased significantly at 2, 5 and 10 minutes. The PS was significantly smaller in the FEN-group compared to the KET-group at 2, 5, 10 and 20 min, compared to the SAL-group at 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes. In the FEN-group the HR significantly decreased compared to the baseline and was significantly lower compared to the KET-group and LID-group. Fentanyl, ketamine or lidocaine administered at the doses studied as a bolus followed by a 30-min infusion seem to cause no effect on the IOP in healthy conscious non-painful dogs without ocular abnormalities. Fentanyl decreased and ketamine transiently increased the PS.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) allows efficient biological confinement of transgenes if pollen-mediated gene flow has to be reduced or eliminated. For introduction of CMS maize in agricultural practice, sufficient yields comparable with conventional systems should be achieved. The plus-cultivar-system in maize offers a possibility for biological confinement together with high and stable yields whereas pollinator amount and distribution within the CMS crop is crucial. The aim of this EU-funded study was to identify the best proportion (10, 15, and 20%) and spatial arrangement (inserted rows, mixed seeds) of the pollinator within the CMS maize cultivar under field conditions in the Czech Republic, in Germany and in Spain. In Germany and in the Czech Republic, a pollinator proportion of 10% produced significantly lower yield than the treatments with a pollinator proportion of 15% and 20%. Differences in yield between row and mix arrangements were not detected. No differences between the tested arrangements occurred in Spain. With respect to practical conditions, a pollinator proportion of 15% can be recommended for achieving a satisfactory yield. CMS maize cultivar released no or merely a small amount of pollen and self-pollinated plants developed no or only a small number of kernels indicating that currently recommended isolation distances between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM fields can be substantially shortened if the CMS confinement tool is used.