Histological Study of the First Seven Days of Skin Wound Healing in Rats

The aim of this study was to elaborate a histological model of incisional skin wound healing in Sprague-Dawley rats. Under aseptic conditions two paravertebral full thickness skin incisions were performed on the back of 42 anesthetized male rats. Histological sections from tissue specimens were stained by hematoxylin and eosin, van Gieson, PAS + PSD, Mallory's phosphotungstic hematoxylin and azur and eosin and evaluated during the first seven days after surgery. Histological evaluation revealed that the regeneration of injured epidermis was completed five days after surgery. The inflammatory phase was recorded during the first three days of healing with the culmination of this phase between day one and day two. The beginning of the proliferative phase was dated to the first day and the peak during day five and day six. The initiation of the maturation and remodeling phase of the healing process was observed six days after wounding. At the layer of striated muscle, the centronucleated cells were described for the first time six days after surgery. The wound healing process of rat skin was histologically described during the first seven days. Results of this work can serve as an experimental model for further research using external pharmacological and physical factors (laser light, magnetic field) by which the wound healing can be favourably influenced

Usporedba kakvoće strojno otkoštenog mesa peradi upotrebom različitih postupaka separacije

Selected parameters of quality (hydroxyproline, calcium, bone particles content, and histological determination of bone particles) of mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM - „firmseparation“ and soft separation „Baadermeat“) were compared. Comparison of results with composition (except bone particles) of fresh poultry meat (breast and thigh muscles) was performed. Hydroxyproline content was significantly different and the mean value of hydroxyproline content was in mechanically deboned meat more than two-fold higher in comparison with Baader meat (333.17 mg.100g-1, 152.90 mg.100g-1 respectively). Similar results were achieved in calcium content (1.94g.kg-1, 1.05 g.kg-1 respectively). The mean content of bone particles was 0.27 % (MDPM) and 0.034 % (Baader). Finally, histological determination of bone particles in MDPM and Baader meat was carried out.U radu su uspoređeni odabrani parametri kakvoće (hidroksiprolin, kalcij, sadržaj čestica kostiju i histološko određivanje čestica kostiju) strojno otkošteog mesa peradi (engl. mechanically deboned poultry meat; MDPM -„čvrsta separacija“ i „meka separacija“ „Baader meso“). Rezultati su uspoređeni sa sastavom (izuzev koštanih čestica) svje žeg pilećeg mesa (mišići prsiju i bataka). Sadržaj hidroksi prolina pokazivao je značajne razlike, a srednja vrijednost sadržaja hidroksiprolina u strojno otkoštenom mesu bila je dvostruko veća u odnosu na „Baader meso“ (333,17 mg.100g-1, odnosno 152,90 mg.100g-1). Analiza sadržaja kalcija dala je slične rezultate (1,94g.kg-1, odnosno 1,05 g.kg-1). Srednji sadržaj čestica kostiju iznosio je 0,27 % (MDPM) i 0,034 % („Baader“). Provedeno je histološko određivanje čestica kostiju u MDPM i „Baader“ mesu

Amphibian population genetics in agricultural landscapes: does viniculture drive the population structuring of the European common frog (Rana temporaria)?

Amphibian populations have been declining globally over the past decades. The intensification of agriculture, habitat loss, fragmentation of populations and toxic substances in the environment are considered as driving factors for this decline. Today, about 50% of the area of Germany is used for agriculture and is inhabited by a diverse variety of 20 amphibian species. Of these, 19 are exhibiting declining populations. Due to the protection status of native amphibian species, it is important to evaluate the effect of land use and associated stressors (such as road mortality and pesticide toxicity) on the genetic population structure of amphibians in agricultural landscapes. We investigated the effects of viniculture on the genetic differentiation of European common frog (Rana temporaria) populations in Southern Palatinate (Germany). We analyzed microsatellite data of ten loci from ten breeding pond populations located within viniculture landscape and in the adjacent forest block and compared these results with a previously developed landscape permeability model. We tested for significant correlation of genetic population differentiation and landscape elements, including land use as well as roads and their associated traffic intensity, to explain the genetic structure in the study area. Genetic differentiation among forest populations was significantly lower (median pairwise FST = 0.0041 at 5.39 km to 0.0159 at 9.40 km distance) than between viniculture populations (median pairwise FST = 0.0215 at 2.34 km to 0.0987 at 2.39 km distance). Our analyses rejected isolation by distance based on roads and associated traffic intensity as the sole explanation of the genetic differentiation and suggest that the viniculture landscape has to be considered as a limiting barrier for R. temporaria migration, partially confirming the isolation of breeding ponds predicted by the landscape permeability model. Therefore, arable land may act as a sink habitat, inhibiting genetic exchange and causing genetic differentiation of pond populations in agricultural areas. In viniculture, pesticides could be a driving factor for the observed genetic impoverishment, since pesticides are more frequently applied than any other management measure and can be highly toxic for terrestrial life stages of amphibians

Effect of Hypodynamy on Structure and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Kidney in Japanese Quails

The objective of the study was to observe the effect of experimental hypodynamy simulating weightlessness in space on the structure, ultrastructure and alkaline phosphatase activity of kidney in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Two days after hatching, the quails were suspended in special shirts below the cage ceiling so their feet did not touch the floor. They could consume food and water ad libitum. Experimental animals were sacrificed after 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days of hypodynamy. Birds of the same age, hatched at the same time, and fed the same diet were used as a control. Samples of kidney were processed for light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) analysis. Short-term (14–28 days) hypodynamy caused no marked damage to the structure and ultrastructure of kidneys. However, after long-term (35–59 days) hypodynamy, morphological changes were observed in some cells of the proximal and distal tubules. The dying cells in proximal tubules, observed in semi-thin sections by LM, were dark and contained a nucleus of irregular shape. Observation by TEM showed that their nucleus was dark and shrivelled and the electron-dense cytoplasm contained long, dense, rod-shaped mitochondria with thin mitochondrial cristae. Microvilli were present on the apical surface of cells and formed a brush border. Sporadic dying cells were also observed in distal tubules. Large, light vacuoles were found in the cytoplasm of cells of collecting tubules, however, the structure of renal corpuscles and medullary loops remained undisturbed. Microscopical analysis by means of a direct TUNEL reaction on days 35 to 59 of hypodynamy showed a moderate occurrence of cellular apoptosis in the proximal and distal tubules of experimental Japanese quail. The activity of AP in the brush border of the proximal tubules on days 14–29 of hypodynamy was normal in experimental animals and showed no significant differences in comparison with the control. Between days 35 and 59 of hypodynamy a moderate decrease in the content of AP in experimental animals in comparison with the control (P < 0.01) was observed. Our results indicated that long-term hypodynamy caused apoptosis of some cells in the proximal and distal tubules and therefore had a negative effect on the kidney structure. The occurrence of apoptosis was only sporadic. We presume no negative effect on the kidney function and the Japanese quails are capable of further development under the conditions of prolonged simulated weightlessness

Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in Europe: An aquaculture species and a potential invader

The paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) was first introduced to Europe in 1974, mainly due to its potential for rearing in natural polyculture ponds and large temperate reservoirs. The information on the history of paddlefish aquaculture efforts in Europe is scarce, as well as data on current paddlefish aquaculture status and trends. In addition, there is a lack of data on its presence and potential establishment in the wild, while its invasive potential and associated risks and impacts are largely unknown. In order to evaluate its current status in Europe, we conducted a survey among scientists, aquaculture producers and other stakeholders, and reviewed literature and data on the Internet. Based on the results obtained, we discuss the potential and the challenges in European paddlefish aquaculture development, and analyze paddlefish invasive potential and risks associated with its naturalization. Paddlefish aquaculture is well established only regionally in Europe, but offers relatively high potential for further development in pond farms. Nevertheless, future development will require careful planning, especially regarding market development and improved marketing strategies. While paddlefish likely represents a low-risk invader, improved control and reporting on trade and intentional and unintentional releases will be required. Given the lack of knowledge on potential impacts following its introduction, due caution seems highly advisable.This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Jarić I, Bronzi P, Cvijanović G, Lenhardt M, Smederevac-Lalić M, Gessner J. Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in Europe: An aquaculture species and a potential invader. J Appl Ichthyol. 2018, which has been published in final form at [http://doi.org/10.1111/jai.13672]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving

Effect of Long-Term Hypodynamy on Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Small Intestine in Japanese Quail Chicks

The functional development of the small intestine was investigated in Japanese quail chicks subjected to simulated microgravity (hypodynamy) on the second day after hatching and reared under these conditions to 63 days of age. On days 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 56 and 63 the activity of brush-border-bound alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the duodenum and jejunum were determined in experimental animals as well as in control quail chicks housed in a floor box during these periods. As compared with control quails the experimental animals displayed a significantly increased enzyme activity until day 42 in the duodenum and day 35 in the jejunum (P < 0.001) whereas in older quails no significant enzymatic differences between these groups was found. However, a decrease in food consumption due to a partial physical constraint cannot be excluded. Moreover, the results suggested that the activity of AP in the control birds did not change substantially during all the periods examined. In contrast, in older hypodynamy quail the AP activity significantly decreased in the duodenum on days 56 and 63 and in the jejunum on days 42, 56 and 63, respectively. These results indicate that a) the enhanced intestinal function in early periods of life may reflect the higher sensitivity of small intestine to simulated weightlessness, b) the decrease of the AP activity in older animals to the level of controls might be considered as a part of intestinal mechanisms involved in adaptation of quail chicks to long-term hypodynamy, c) different activity of AP in the small intestine of Japanese quail may not have resulted only from hypodynamy but also due to decreased food intake

Usporedba kakvoće strojno otkoštenog mesa peradi upotrebom različitih postupaka separacije

Selected parameters of quality (hydroxyproline, calcium, bone particles content, and histological determination of bone particles) of mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM - „firmseparation“ and soft separation „Baadermeat“) were compared. Comparison of results with composition (except bone particles) of fresh poultry meat (breast and thigh muscles) was performed. Hydroxyproline content was significantly different and the mean value of hydroxyproline content was in mechanically deboned meat more than two-fold higher in comparison with Baader meat (333.17 mg.100g-1, 152.90 mg.100g-1 respectively). Similar results were achieved in calcium content (1.94g.kg-1, 1.05 g.kg-1 respectively). The mean content of bone particles was 0.27 % (MDPM) and 0.034 % (Baader). Finally, histological determination of bone particles in MDPM and Baader meat was carried out.U radu su uspoređeni odabrani parametri kakvoće (hidroksiprolin, kalcij, sadržaj čestica kostiju i histološko određivanje čestica kostiju) strojno otkošteog mesa peradi (engl. mechanically deboned poultry meat; MDPM -„čvrsta separacija“ i „meka separacija“ „Baader meso“). Rezultati su uspoređeni sa sastavom (izuzev koštanih čestica) svje žeg pilećeg mesa (mišići prsiju i bataka). Sadržaj hidroksi prolina pokazivao je značajne razlike, a srednja vrijednost sadržaja hidroksiprolina u strojno otkoštenom mesu bila je dvostruko veća u odnosu na „Baader meso“ (333,17 mg.100g-1, odnosno 152,90 mg.100g-1). Analiza sadržaja kalcija dala je slične rezultate (1,94g.kg-1, odnosno 1,05 g.kg-1). Srednji sadržaj čestica kostiju iznosio je 0,27 % (MDPM) i 0,034 % („Baader“). Provedeno je histološko određivanje čestica kostiju u MDPM i „Baader“ mesu