Long-term observationsof selected heavy metals contained in otoliths of cod from the Southern Baltic

Cadmium, lead, copper, chromium and zinc contents were determined in otoliths of the cod Gadus morhua L. from the Southern Baltic. It was shown that the levels of these heavy metals fluctuated during the period of investigation (1969-1985). It was found that levels of Cd, Cu, Cr and Zn decreased with age and age-dependent morphometric parameters, while the amount of lead increased. Sex of cod did not affect the level of bioaccumulation of these five trace elements in the otoliths. With the exception of Cu no differences were found between heavy metal contents in otoliths of cod from the Gdańsk and Bornholm Deep

Composition and cheese suitability of milk from local Ukrainian cows and their crossbreedings with Montbeliarde breed

Received: July 19th, 2022 ; Accepted: September 8th, 2022 ; Published: September 12th, 2022 ; Correspondence: [email protected] aim of this work was to compare the qualitative composition of milk and its suitability for cheese processing at cows of local Ukrainian Red-Spotted breed (URS) and their crossbreeds with Montbeliarde (MO) breed. The research was conducted at commercial farm in the Vinnytsia region, Ukraine (48° 57′01″ n.l., 28° 47′09″ e.l). At farm, two groups of purebred and crossbred first lactation cows-analogues with a population of 20 heads in each were formed. The use of crossbreeding cows URS × Montbéliarde breed had a positive effect on the milk composition and cheese suitability. It was established that local purebred cows exceeded purebred counterparts in daily milk yield by 2.47 kg. When the content of fat, protein and lactose in milk was higher in crossbreed group by 0.19, 0.19 and 0.12%, respectively. In addition, crossbreed cows surpassed purebred counterparts for the energy value of 1 kg of milk and theoretically possible output of rennet cheese by 0.142 MJ and 0.61 kg. The duration of the coagulation phase of milk obtained from crossbred cows was shorter than that of purebred analogues by 1.54 minutes

Influence of high temperatures on the behavior, productivity and bioenergetic characteristics of goats

Abstract. The research was carried out in IE «Babyni kozy» of Kyiv region at a goat farm where a stable-pasture system of goats is used. In winter, goats are kept at free-stall housing on a deep litter and during the grazing period, on a forage area. Goats are milked on a milking parlor into the milk line. The article presents the results of researches of the influence of ambient temperature during the thermo neutral period and during the period of high temperatures on the productivity, daily behavior and bioenergetic characteristics of Saanen goats. A group of goats of the Saanen breed of the 3rd lactation was formed during the period of the milk yield increasing. The research was performed in thermo neutral period (average daily air temperature was up to + 22.3 °C) and during the period of temperature load at an average daily air temperature of + 27.6 °C. Each period lasted 12 days. It has been found that goats responded to the change in temperature by reducing of productivity by 10.70 % (0.35 kg). Hereby, the mass fraction of fat in goat's milk during this period increased by 0.09 %. During the period of high temperatures, goats spent a little less time eating food, watering and walking, but rested more in a supine position compared to the thermo neutral period. In general, in both temperature periods, the duration of the main acts of behavior in goats corresponded to physiological norms. The decrease in the duration of feed consumption during the temperature load caused a decrease in the number of feed reactions and the duration of chewing the cuddy in goats. The energy index, i.e. the amount of net energy consumption of feed, which transfers into milk energy during the temperature load decreased by 1.42 MJ %. Net energy consumption per 1 MJ of milk energy during the period of high temperatures has increased by 0.62 MJ

Seasonal effects on miRNA and transcriptomic profile of oocytes and follicular cells in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Season clearly influences oocyte competence in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis); however, changes in the oocyte molecular status in relation to season are poorly understood. This study characterizes the microRNA (miRNA) and transcriptomic profiles of oocytes (OOs) and corresponding follicular cells (FCs) from buffalo ovaries collected in the breeding (BS) and non-breeding (NBS) seasons. In the BS, cleavage and blastocyst rates are significantly higher compared to NBS. Thirteen miRNAs and two mRNAs showed differential expression (DE) in FCs between BS and NBS. DE-miRNAs target gene analysis uncovered pathways associated with transforming growth factor \u3b2 (TGF\u3b2) and circadian clock photoperiod. Oocytes cluster in function of season for their miRNA content, showing 13 DE-miRNAs between BS and NBS. Between the two seasons, 22 differentially expressed genes were also observed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of miRNA target genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OOs highlights pathways related to triglyceride and sterol biosynthesis and storage. Co-expression analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs revealed a positive correlation between miR-296-3p and genes related to metabolism and hormone regulation. In conclusion, season significantly affects female fertility in buffalo and impacts on oocyte transcriptomic of genes related to folliculogenesis and acquisition of oocyte competence

3D-printed contact-free devices designed and dispatched against the COVID-19 pandemic: The 3D COVID initiative

Direct contact with devices such as elevator buttons, beepers, telephones, computer mice and keyboards can contribute to spread viral diseases. Here, we report our experience in designing, producing and dispatching three 3D-printed objected intending to lower the risks of COVID-19 contamination by limiting direct contacts: (1) fixed hand-free door openers, (2) door hooks and (3) button pushers. These devices were produced in industrial quantities and made available for free for Greater Paris University Hospitals and various state institutions as part of the 3D COVID project. In this short technical note, we describe the sequential organisation of the design and production and highlight the advantages of additive manufacturing in dealing with specific aspects of sanitary crises

Use of Lichen and Moss in Assessment of Forest Contamination with Heavy Metals in Praded and Glacensis Euroregions (Poland and Czech Republic)

The concentrations of selected metals—Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb—were determined in the samples of Hypogymnia physodes lichen and Pleurozium schreberi moss collected in Polish and Czech Euroregions Praded and Glacensis. More specifically, the samples were collected in Bory Stobrawskie, Bory Niemodlińskie, and Kotlina Kłodzka (Poland) and in Jeseniki (Czech Republic). The concentration of metals in the samples was measured using the atomic absorption spectrometry (flame AAS technique and electrothermal atomization AAS technique). The results were used to calculate the comparison factor (CF) that quantifies the difference in concentration of a given bioavailable analyte × accumulated in lichens and mosses: CF = 2 (cx,lichen − cx,moss) (cx,lichen + cx,moss)−1. The values of CF greater than 0.62 indicate the most probable location of heavy metals deposited in the considered area. In this work, the method was used to show a significant contribution of urban emissions to the deposition of heavy metals in the area of Bory Stobrawskie and in the vicinity of Kłodzko City

Succinate Dehydrogenase-Deficient Renal Cancer Featuring Fructose-1,6-Biphosphatase Loss, Pyruvate Kinase M2 Overexpression, and SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex Aberrations: A Rare Case Report

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient renal cancer is a rare renal cancer subtype recently accepted by the World Health Organization as a unique subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here we report a case of 17-year old man. The detailed evaluation indicated occurrence of the SDHB-deficient RCC. The genetic testing revealed no germline mutation in SDH genes. Immunohistochemistry showed SDHB deficiency, overexpression of pyruvate kinase M2 and dramatic downregulation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase metabolic enzymes, and unaltered levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin. Strong upregulation of INI1 and BRG1 and overexpression of BAF180, subunits of SWI/SNF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex, were also found. The identified tumor pathologically did not resemble clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but some metabolic alterations are common for both cancer types. Thus, we postulate that the phenotypical differences between ccRCC and SDHB-deficient RCC may be related to distinct molecular and metabolic alterations

Quantitative Historical Change in Bumblebee (Bombus spp.) Assemblages of Red Clover Fields

Flower visiting insects provide a vitally important pollination service for many crops and wild plants. Recent decline of pollinating insects due to anthropogenic modification of habitats and climate, in particular from 1950's onwards, is a major and widespread concern. However, few studies document the extent of declines in species diversity, and no studies have previously quantified local abundance declines. We here make a quantitative assessment of recent historical changes in bumblebee assemblages by comparing contemporary and historical survey data. species observed in the 1930's, five species were not observed at present. The latter were all long-tongued, late-emerging species.Because bumblebees are important pollinators, historical changes in local bumblebee assemblages are expected to severely affect plant reproduction, in particular long-tubed species, which are pollinated by long-tongued bumblebees