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Plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi generate large losses in crops and pose a threat to human and animal health. Since the European Green Deal put a strong emphasis on the need to reduce the use of chemical plant protection, interest in biological control has been growing. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from silages in the control of pathogenic fungi through in vitro, mini-plot, and field experiments. The tested LAB showed antifungal activity in vitro towards strains from the Fusarium, Alternaria, Rhizoctonia, Colletotrichum, and Sclerotinia genera; however, only five strains reached an activity ≥ 400 AU/mL towards all pathogenic fungi. The selected strains demonstrated high efficacy in reducing disease symptoms in plants in the mini-plot and field experiments. In the mini-plot experiment, stem smut of rye and wheat common bunt were reduced in the range 34.5–94.7% and 24.8–99.6%, respectively. In the field experiments, the efficacy of LAB in the control of rye and wheat disease differed and reached over 90% in some trials. The effectiveness of LAB in the control of seedling blight did not exceed 70%. A significant increase in yield (from 42.86 to 195.65%) was observed mainly in wheat cultivation. The increase in rye yield was observed only in chosen trials. No phytotoxicity was observed. The results indicate the potential possibilities of using LAB as a biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnesium–aluminium alloy AZ91 was inoculated with zirconium to refine the microstructure. Six different concentrations of zirconium content were tested, ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 wt %, and compared to the baseline AZ91 alloy without modification. Melted metal was poured into a preheated ceramic mould and the temperature was measured and recorded during the solidification. The derivative and thermal analysis (DTA) was performed to compare the crystallisation dynamics. Formed microstructure was analysed using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (XRD). The chemical composition was measured using an arc spectrometer. The time of solidification was shortened for the samples with a concentration of zirconium 0.3 wt % and the microstructure was refined. The level of grain refinement remained below 10% and the grain shape was changed to more spherical shapes. Both the primary magnesium and eutectic phases were modified. However, at a low concentration of zirconium (0.1 and 0.2 wt %), the primary grain size was increased. Therefore, the optimal zirconium concentration was 0.3 wt %. Larger concentrations (0.4 to 0.6 wt %) did not provide any additional benefit. Theoretical analysis showed that some Al3Zr intermetallic phases can form, which was confirmed on the derivate curve of the thermal analysis, and SEM-EDS and XRD analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the demographic and social conditions of the Swedish civil defence subsystem known as total defence (Totalförsvar). The authors explain the original meaning of the term and its role in the national defence system. They draw attention to the existing threats related mainly to the uneven distribution of the population and the aging of the population The issue of the progressive ethnic and cultural differentiation of the Swedish society has been treated separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Our results indicate previously unknown macromolecular interplays in the regulation of ColE1-like plasmid DNA replication, which should be important in further studies on combating bacterial antibiotic resistance through controlling the propagation and spreading of plasmids as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes. New insights on this system are brought by synchrotron radiation-based circular dichroism (SRCD), which gives access to an extended spectral range down to the vacuum UV (vUV) range. Only the synchrotron light source provides intensities of the beam below 190 nm, which allows a precise determination of the nucleic acid conformation. Hfq is a bacterial master regulator which promotes the pairing of nucleic acids. Due to the high molecular weight of the complexes formed between nucleic acids and the amyloid form of the protein, it is difficult to analyze solely by a gel shift assay the complexes formed, as they all migrate at the same position in the gel. In addition, precise kinetics measurements are not possible using a gel shift assay. Here, we used a synchrotron-based biophysical approach, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD), to probe the interaction of the Escherichia coli Hfq C-terminal amyloid region with nucleic acids involved in the control of ColE1-like plasmid replication. We observed that this C-terminal region of Hfq has an unexpected and significant effect on the annealing of nucleic acids involved in this process and, more importantly, on their alignment. Functional consequences of this newly discovered property of the Hfq amyloid region are discussed in terms of the biological significance of Hfq in the ColE1-type plasmid replication process and antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between proteins and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) are crucial for many fundamental biological processes, including DNA replication and genetic recombination. Thus, understanding detailed mechanisms of these interactions is necessary to uncover regulatory rules occurring in all living cells. The RNA-binding Hfq is a pleiotropic bacterial regulator that mediates many aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. The protein notably mediates mRNA stability and translation efficiency by using stress-related small regulatory RNA as cofactors. In addition, Hfq helps to compact double-stranded DNA. In this paper, we focused on the action of Hfq on ssDNA. A combination of experimental methodologies, including spectroscopy and molecular imaging, has been used to probe the interactions of Hfq and its amyloid C-terminal region with ssDNA. Our analysis revealed that Hfq binds to ssDNA. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that Hfq drastically changes the structure and helical parameters of ssDNA, mainly due to its C-terminal amyloid-like domain. The formation of the nucleoprotein complexes between Hfq and ssDNA unveils important implications for DNA replication and recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Security: Theory & Practice / Bezpieczeństwo.Teoria i Praktyka is the property of Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, AFM Publishing Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, surface Cr-Nb alloying was realized on γ-TiAl using double glow plasma hollow cathode discharge technique. An inter-diffusion layer was generated under the surface, composed of Cr2Nb intermetallic compounds. After Cr-Nb alloying, the surface nanohardness of γ-TiAl increased from 5.65 to 11.61 GPa. The surface H/E and H3/E2 increased from 3.37 to 5.98 and from 0.64 to 4.15, respectively. Cr-Nb alloying and its effect on fretting wear were investigated. The surface treatment resulted in improved plastic deformation and fretting wear resistance of γ-TiAl. The fretting wear test showed that an average friction coefficient of γ-TiAl against Si3N4 ball was significantly decreased after Cr-Nb alloying. The fluctuation of friction coefficient during running-in stage was significantly improved. The friction behavior of both γ-TiAl before and after Cr-Nb alloying could be divided into distinctive stages including formation of debris, flaking, formation of crack, and delamination. It was observed that the high hardness, resistance to plastic deformation, and fatigue resistance of γ-TiAl after Cr-Nb alloying could inhibit the formation of debris and delamination during friction test. The fretting wear scar area and the maximum wear scar depth were decreased, indicating that the wear resistance of γ-TiAl has been greatly improved after Cr-Nb alloying. The results indicated that plasma surface Cr-Nb alloying is an effective way for improving the fretting wear resistance of γ-TiAl in aviation area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Maritima is the property of University of Szczecin Press / Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecinskiego and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: an attempt to implement the methodology of network thinking in the process of creating procurement strategies for companies. Design/methodology/approach: The basic research methods used in this paper include an in-depth interview with procurement specialists from the selected large companies from the Wielkopolska region. The interview was conducted to identify basic factors influencing the procurement process. Then, elements of network thinking methodology were used to design a procurement strategy. This is a methodology of systemic origin and it allows to analyse the examined phenomena holistically. Findings: The applied research tool allowed us to discern the most important factors the entrepreneurs should take into account when designing their procurement strategies. Research limitations/implications: Due to the fact, that there is a network structure linking manufacturing, trade and service companies, this methodology should be increasingly used while designing corporate strategies. Practical implications: In currently deteriorating market conditions, procurement may increase in importance. Entrepreneurs must strive to maintain continuity of the production process, and this is – undoubtedly – related to meeting the company’s needs for materials. Social implications: The results of this research underline the importance of extensive cooperation with many suppliers, especially in times of economic crisis. Thanks to it, many companies in the industry will be able to survive and develop. Originality/value: An important value of this piece of research lies in the attempt to implement and popularize network methods in the process of creating strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Sydney system for assessing inflammatory lesions in the gastric mucosa is based on endoscopic and histological examinations. This study aimed to apply the Sydney system to diagnose gastritis in dogs. The study also compared the results of endoscopic and histological examinations conducted on gastric mucosal biopsy specimens. A total of 56 dogs with chronic vomiting were analyzed in the study. The physical appearance of the gastric mucosa was assessed through endoscopic examination, while the severity of the gastric inflammation, inflammation activity, glandular atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia were assessed by histopathological examination. Results: The endoscopic examination confirmed the presence of inflammatory lesions affecting the gastric corpus and pylorus in all the dogs, although the severity of these lesions differed between the individuals. Reflux gastritis was the most commonly observed gastric inflammation. In the histopathological examination of the gastric mucosal samples, inflammatory lesions were found in the gastric corpus of 53 dogs, while 55 dogs had lesions in the pylorus. This corresponds to a 96.4% agreement between the methods. Conclusions: The Sydney system is a useful tool for macroscopic and microscopic assessment of changes in the gastric mucosa as it enables the determination of inflammation type and severity, which helps the canine gastroenterologists to reliably compare the results of the tests performed in different facilities. Besides, the use of the Sydney system in diagnosing lesions facilitates the selection and effective monitoring of treatment. However, despite a high rate of agreement between the results of endoscopic and histopathological examinations, it is recommended to use both these methods for the assessment of the gastric mucosa in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure investigation of Nb-stabilized GX40CrNiSi25-12 austenitic steel turbine housing casting subjected to high-temperature degradation under cyclic thermal and strain loading was performed. Crucial, temperature-dependent microstructural degradation due to intermetallic sigma (σ) phase precipitation was observed. Despite the typical for as cast condition stable spheroidal, also needle-like and square-like σ phase precipitation was detected. The σ phase increased the hardness and decreased the toughness, as well as the elongation of the turbine housing casting. Embrittlement caused by σ phase precipitation determined cracking initiation and propagation processes. As a result, turbine housing failed during industrial testing due to intergranular multicracking mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Maritima is the property of University of Szczecin Press / Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecinskiego and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Eric The Red's Land cannot be found on contemporary maps. There are not many older cartographic publications in which such an area would be marked either. They were published in only one country, Norway, and for a limited time. This was the result of the territorial claims that Norway reported to parts of eastern Greenland. To locate the area in geographical space, the name of Eric The Red's Land was used (Norwegian: Eirik Raudes Land). Norwegian claims to East Greenland met the strong opposition of Denmark. In the interwar period, it seemed that the verdict of the Permanent International Court of Justice in The Hague, adopted in 1933 and recognizing Denmark's sovereignty over all of Greenland, had ended the dispute. However, during World War II, Norway raised the issue of the possession of eastern Greenland again. This happened at a time when both Nordic countries were occupied by Germany. The cooperation with Germany undertaken by "Arctic expansionists" ultimately intersected with Norwegian ambitions in the eastern part of Greenland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an alternative approach to evaluate the average Nusselt number for mixed boundary layer conditions in parallel flow over an isothermal flat plate. This approach can be used regardless of the critical Reynolds number where the flow transitions from laminar flow to turbulent flow. This approach is simple and uses graphical visualisation of the physical situation. This should assist comprehension and retention. It utilises the average quantity for the laminar boundary layer and the average value for turbulent boundary layer to obtain the average quantities for mixed boundary layers without the need to perform the usual integration. It can easily be incorporated into part of undergraduate chemical, mechanical and petroleum engineering curricula. A worked example is included to show the utility of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the current study, we investigated the effect of low magnitude, low frequency (LMLF) mechanical vibrations on the osteogenic differentiation potential of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASC), taken from elderly patients. Methods: During 21 days in osteogenic culture medium, cells were periodically exposed to three different frequencies (25, 35 and 45 Hz) of continuous sinusoidal oscillation, using a vibration generator. We measured cell proliferation, cell morphology, calcium and phosphorus deposition using Almar Blue assay, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a EDX detector, respectively. Osteogenic differentiation was measured by assessing protein and mRNA levels. Osteogenesis was confirmed by detection of specific markers with alkaline phosphatase and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for: bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), osteocalcin (OCL) and osteopontin (OPN). Results: We found that 25 Hz vibrations had the greatest impact on hASC morphology, ultrastructure, and proliferation. We observed the formation of osteocyte- and hydroxyapatite-like structures, an increased quantity of calcium and phosphorus deposits, and increased differentiation in the stimulated groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that LMLF vibrations could be used to enhance cell-based therapies for treatment of bone deficits, particularly in elderly patients, where the need is greatest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neuropsychiatry & Neuropsychology / Neuropsychiatria i Neuropsychologia is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

14-year old Polish half bred mare, with a three months history of weight loss and recurrent colic was referred to the clinic. A series of diagnostic tests were performed, including glucose absorption test, abdominal ultrasound examination, abdominocentesis, endoscopy with duodenum biopsy and a rectal biopsy. Complete examination revealed a moderate inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the lamina propria in large intestine and peritonitis. The horse was treated with dexamethasone, anthelmintics and a proper diet. The mare initially responded well to the medication course. Clinical signs of colic reappeared during treatment, and there was no response to analgesic and antispasmodic drugs. The owner elected euthanasia. Histopathology at necropsy confirmed progression of lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis in all parts of intestine. In the presented horse, there was an exacerbation of the disease after arrival at the Clinic, which may be associated with the development of the disease or its earlier asymptomatic advance. Due to the diagnostic difficulties associated with this condition, it may be undiagnosed in a large number of horses suffering from recurrent colic and weight loss. The exact cause and predisposition to develop IBD is not diagnosed in all horses. Further studies are needed to enable early diagnosis and the introduction of an effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study:The attempt to limit the negative effects of polyester implants on the articular cavity by using preparations containing growth factors.Materials and Methods:Polyester implants used for the reconstruction of a rabbit’s cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) were saturated with autogenic platelet-rich plasma (PRP), antlerogenic stem cells MIC-1 and their homogenate prior to the surgery. Six months after CCL reconstruction, morphological, and biochemical blood tests were carried out, including proteinogram and acute phase proteins. The knee joints were also examined macro- and microscopically.Results:The results, compared to the control group, showed a favorable effect of the PRP and homogenate of antlerogenic cells on limiting the inflammation caused by the presence of polyester implant in the knee joint. The addition of growth factors caused covering the implant faster with the recipient’s connective tissue, thus contributing to reducing the inflammatory reaction of the articular capsule to the presence of polyester. At the same time, no enhanced local or general reaction of the rabbit organism was observed to the presence of xenogenic antlerogenic stem cells MIC-1 homogenate which, like the PRP, may provide an easily available source of growth factors, increasingly often used in regenerative medicine.Conclusions:Applying antlerogenic stem cells, their homogenate or PRP increases the volume of connective tissue that surrounds and intertwines polyester CCL implant, separating it from synovial cavity environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present coordinate measuring system possibilities in the meaning of the geometric accuracy assessment of hot zone elements in aircraft engines. The aim of the paper is to prove that this method, which uses blue light and is most sufficient and cost-saving method, can to be used in the production line for serial manufacturing of elements, for which a high level of accuracy is required.Design/methodology/approach The analysis of the geometric accuracy of the blades was performed using non-contact optical coordinate scanner ATOS Triple Scan II Blue Light, manufactured by GOM Company, at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rzeszów University of Technology. Geometric analysis was conducted for blades manufactured from different waxes (A7Fr/60 and RealWax VisiJet CPX200), thus comparing injection technique and rapid prototyping (RP) method, and for casting made of Inconel 713C nickel-based superalloy.Findings The analysis of the criteria for the method of blades’ measuring selection showed that the chosen system successfully met all criteria for the verification of blades’ geometry at the selected stages of the process. ATOS II optical scanner with blue light technology allows measurement almost regardless of daylight or artificial (white) light. This allows the application of the measurement system in the production cycle, thus eliminating the need to create special conditions for measurements.Practical implications Requirements related to the accuracy of measured values, diversity and allowable measurement time are linked with the methods of production. Modern manufacturing methods based on computer-aided design systems/manufacturing/engineering systems require a non-contact optical measurement method based on the computer-aided-based coordinate measuring technique. In case of the non-contact optical scanning method based on the ATOS GOM measuring system, time and measurement costs depend on the methodology of measurement and the possibility of its automation. This is why the presented paper has a practical impact on possibilities for the automation of geometric accuracy measurements of obtained elements in the series production line.Social implications The use of ATOS Triple Scan II Blue Light by GOM Company allows the reduction of cost and time of production because of the possibility of the introduction of this system in an automated production line. Additionally, the measurement of hot section blades of aircraft engines by using the blue light method is much more accurate and has implication as it impacts safety of further used manufactured elements.Originality/value This paper presents the possibility of using the ATOS Triple Scan II Blue Light measuring system for geometric accuracy measurements in case of hot section blades of aircraft engines. This research is original because it describes three model geometric accuracy measurements, wax model obtained using the injection technique, wax model obtained using the I RP process and casting made of Inconel 713C nickel-based superalloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to collect the most important data on the characteristics of selected antioxidants in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). RAO is one of the most common respiratory diseases in horses. This disease can not be cured, but we can try to stop its progression. It is not exactly known, what is the real contribution of antioxidants in the pathology of recurrent airway obstruction. Many researchers investigated the possibility of using antioxidant supplementation in horses with RAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Equine recurrent airway obstruction ( RAO), also known as heaves, is one of the most common respiratory problems in older horses. When RAO-affected horses stay pastured or in a dust-free environment for a prolonged time, clinical signs as well as airway inflammation wane. A number of environmental, immunologic, infectious, and genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of RAO, and the immunologic basis of this disease is still poorly understood. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of allergen-specific IgE in the serum of horses suffering from RAO and healthy controls. Material and methods The study included a group of 14 adult Polish Konik horses, kept in a standardized environment, and divided into 2 groups: 7 horses which did not have any respiratory problems comprised the control group and 7 horses with a history of RAO constituted the study group. A clinical and laboratory evaluation, endoscopic examination, and bronchoalveolar lavage ( BAL) were performed in all horses. Sera of all horses were tested against allergens from 9 molds and 3 mites using the Heska Allercept assay. Results In the serologic tests, a statistically significant difference between both groups was found for specific IgE against mites, wherein Tyrophagus putrescentia correlated most clearly with RAO. There was no difference between groups for IgE specific against molds. Conclusion On the basis of our observations and results, we conclude that RAO is associated with increased serum concentrations of specific serum IgE against mites, in particular T putrescentia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the advantages of computer-aided design/rapid prototyping (CAD/RP) usage in designing and manufacturing of the core models used for precise casting with direct and single solidification of aircraft engine turbine blade cores. Design/methodology/approach – The process of modelling three-dimensional CAD geometry of research blade in relation to the model of the core was presented with different wax types used in the RP technique. Findings – The geometry of the blade model has been designed in a way which allows making a silicon mould on the basis of a base prototype in the process of rapid tooling (RP/RT). Filing by different wax types was investigated in mean of the impact on filling accuracy of the mould cavity. Originality/value – The resulting models were used to make ceramic moulds and carry further work on the development of casting technology in the process of directional solidification and single crystal solidification of core blades of aircraft engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium and piperidinium theophyllinate-based ILs were synthesized and characterized. Physicochemical properties, such as thermal stability, phase transition temperatures, viscosity, density, refractive index, as well as surface activity, feeding deterrence, antifungal activity and also biodegradability were determined. The synthesized theophyllinate-based ILs were surface active compounds. They exhibited insect-feeding deterrent activities. At the same time, the studied salts are also efficient fungicides and potential pesticidal ionic liquids. The obtained data suggest that certain structural modifications may increase their biodegradability in order to provide an environmentally friendly product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Geographical Review / Przegląd Geograficzny is the property of Polska Akademia Nauk, Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Business Informatics / Informatyka Ekonomiczna is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this work was to characterize the microstructure of the as-cast Haynes® 282® alloy. Observations and analyses were carried out using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), wave length dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS), auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and electron energy-loss spectrometry (EELS). The phases identified in the as-cast alloy include: γ (gamma matrix), γ' (matrix strengthening phase), (TiMoCr)C (primary carbide), TiN (primary nitride), σ (sigma-TCP phase), (TiMo)2SC (carbosulphide) and a lamellar constituent consisting of molybdenum and chromium rich secondary carbide phase together with γ phase. Within the dendrites the γ' appears mostly in the form of spherical, nanometric precipitates (74 nm), while coarser (113 nm) cubic γ' precipitates are present in the interdendritic areas. Volume fraction content of the γ' precipitates in the dendrites and interdendritic areas are 9.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Primary nitrides metallic nitrides (MN), are homogeneously dispersed in the as-cast microstructure, while primary carbides metallic carbides (MC), preferentially precipitate in interdendritic areas. Such preference is also observed in the case of globular σ phase. Lamellar constituents characterized as secondary carbides/γ phases were together with (TiMo)2SC phase always observed adjacent to σ phase precipitates. Crystallographic relations were established in-between the MC, σ, secondary carbides and γ/γ' matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-hour road transport on plasma total antioxidant status (PTAS) and general clinical appearance in horses. Findings: The study was conducted on a group of 60 horses of different breeds aged from 4 to 10 years. Venous blood was collected and a clinical examination was performed immediately before loading horses onto trailers for an 8 hour transport (I), immediately after unloading them from the trailer (II), and after a subsequent 24 hour stall rest (III). The ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) was used to determine PTAS. The transportation significantly increased respiratory and heart rates. The average PTAS increased during the three subsequent samplings: I: 170 ± 77 (μmol/l) II: 204 ± 70 (μmol/l) III: 221 ± 74 (μmol/l). Conclusion: Long-distance transport increased the PTAS horses, as well as respiratory and heart rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This clinical case concerns a male dog of Pointer breed, 10 years of age. The clinical examination revealed severe tenderness and a tension in the abdominal walls. The ultrasound examination detected fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The fluid collected from the peritoneal cavity displayed typical features of exudative fluid. In the cytological examination of the fluid, numerous stimulated endothelial cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were found. In the microbiological examination of the peritoneal fluid, Candida albicans was cultured. On the basis of the clinical signs, laboratory test results of the peritoneal fluid, and microbiological culture, the diagnosis of fungal peritonitis was made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of ulcers in the gastric squamous and glandular mucosa in Polish pleasure horses. Study design: Medical records from gastroscopic examinations of 108 pleasure horses of different breeds were reviewed. The study population consisted of two groups; group I (n = 48) with horses that expressed mild clinical signs of gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) including poor appetite, slight weight loss or poor body condition, and group II (n = 60) with horses that had no signs of gastrointestinal problems. The age range was 4-10 years, including 5 males, 34 castrated males (geldings) and 69 mares. The prevalence, distribution and severity of gastric ulcers were recorded. Lesions involving the squamous mucosa and the glandular mucosa of the antrum and pylorus were graded and compared between groups. Results: Significant difference was found in the presence and severity of gastric ulcers between the two groups of horses. The overall prevalence of gastric ulcers in the first group of horses (n = 48) was 59% while in the group of clinically healthy horses (n = 60) the prevalence of gastric lesion was 40% (P = 0.004). Almost 19% of horses from group I had between 6-10 lesions (EGUS score III) and nearly 19% had either >10 localized lesions or very large diffuse lesions (EGUS number score IV). The number of ulcerations in affected horses were significantly lower in group II compared to group I (P = 0.016) as 10% of horses had 6-10 lesions (EGUS number score III) and nearly 14% had either >10 localized lesions or very large diffuse lesions (EGUS number score IV). Gastroscopy revealed that nearly 32% of horses from the second group had an ulceration EGUS score ⩾ II. Discussion and conclusions: This study confirms that gastric ulcerations can be prevalent in apparently clinically normal pleasure horses and a complete gastroscopic examination including the examination of the pylorus is advisable to evaluate this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-tube multi-fin heat exchangers are extensively used in various industries. In the current work, detailed experimental investigations were carried out to establish the flow/heat transfer characteristics in three distinct heat exchanger geometries. A novel perforated plain fin design was developed, and its performance was evaluated against standard plain and louvred fins designs. Experimental setups were designed, and the tests were carefully carried out which enabled quantification of the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics. In the experiments the average velocity of air was varied in the range of 0.7 m/s to 4 m/s corresponding to Reynolds numbers of 600 to 2650. The water side flow rates in the tubes were kept at 0.12, 0.18, 0.24, 0.3, and 0.36 m3/h corresponding to Reynolds numbers between 6000 and 30,000. It was found that the louvred fins produced the highest heat transfer rate due to the availability of higher surface area, but it also produced the highest pressure drops. Conversely, while the new perforated design produced a slightly higher pressure drop than the plain fin design, it gave a higher value of heat transfer rate than the plain fin especially at the lower liquid flow rates. Specifically, the louvred fin gave consistently high pressure drops, up to 3 to 4 times more than the plain and perforated models at 4 m/s air flow, however, the heat transfer enhancement was only about 11% and 13% over the perforated and plain fin models, respectively. The mean heat transfer rate and pressure drops were used to calculate the Colburn and Fanning friction factors. Two novel semiempirical relationships were derived for the heat exchanger's Fanning and Colburn factors as functions of the non-dimensional fin surface area and the Reynolds number. It was demonstrated that the Colburn and Fanning factors were predicted by the new correlations to within ±15% of the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hfq protein is a bacterial RNA chaperone, involved in many molecular interactions, including control of actions of various small RNA regulatory molecules. We found that the presence of Hfq was required for survival of plasmid-containing Escherichia coli cells against high concentrations of chloramphenicol (plasmid p27cmr), tetracycline (pSC101, pBR322) and ampicillin (pBR322), as hfq+ strains were more resistant to these antibiotics than the hfq-null mutant. In striking contrast, production of Hfq resulted in low resistance to high concentrations of kanamycin when the antibiotic-resistance marker was chromosome-borne, with deletion of hfq resulting in increasing bacterial survival. These results were observed both in solid and liquid medium, suggesting that antibiotic resistance is an intrinsic feature of these strains rather than a consequence of adaptation. Despite its major role as RNA chaperone, which also affects mRNA stability, Hfq was not found to significantly affect kan and tet mRNAs turnover. Nevertheless, kan mRNA steady-state levels were higher in the hfq-null mutant compared to the hfq+ strain, suggesting that Hfq can act as a repressor of kan expression.This observation does correlate with the enhanced resistance to high levels of kanamycin observed in the hfq-null mutant. Furthermore, dependency on Hfq for resistance to high doses of tetracycline was found to depend on plasmid copy number, which was only observed when the resistance marker was expressed from a low copy plasmid (pSC101) but not from a medium copy plasmid (pBR322). This suggests that Hfq may influence survival against high doses of antibiotics through mechanisms that remain to be determined. Studies with pBR322Δrom may also suggest an interplay between Hfq and Rom in the regulation of ColE1-like plasmid replication. Results of experiments with a mutant devoid of the part of the hfq gene coding for the C-terminal region of Hfq suggested that this region, as well as the N-terminal region, may be involved in the regulation of expression of antibiotic resistance in E. coli independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of studies have found that modified mycotoxins, such as free mycotoxins, naturally occur in food, and severely impact food safety. The present study investigated concentrations of trichothecenes nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN), together with their modified forms, nivalenol-3-glucoside (NIV-3G), deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3G), and zearalenone-14-glucoside (ZEN-14G) and zearalenone-14-sulfate (ZEN-14S), respectively, at successive stages of malt loaf production (flour, dough kneading/fermentation, loaf baking). Toxins in bakery products originate in flour produced from wheat grain that is naturally contaminated with Fusarium culmorum. Mycotoxin concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, and did not significantly change during the successive stages of bread production. After the dough kneading/fermentation stage, concentrations of NIV-3G and DON-3G were slightly increased, whereas those of ZEN and ZEN-14S were slightly decreased. The largest average decrease (21%) was found in ZEN-14G. After the baking stage, the average concentrations of NIV-3G, DON-3G, ZEN-14S, and ZEN-14G in the loaf crumb and crust decreased by 23%, 28%, 27%, and 20%, respectively, compared with those in the dough. During this technical process, the concentration of ZEN-14G in loaf crumb significantly decreased by an average of 48%, and those of ZEN, ZEN-14S, and ZEN-14G in loaf crust decreased by an average of 29%, 42%, and 48%, respectively. Considering the possibility of modified mycotoxins degradation to free forms, as well as the ability to synthesize them from free forms during technological processes, it would be prudent to consider them together during analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging using gadoxetic acid, a hepatocyte-specific contrast agent, is one of the most useful MRI techniques used to diagnose liver tumours in humans. During the hepato-biliary phase, there is uptake of gadoxetic acid by normal hepatocytes, leading to hepatic parenchymal enhancement. This feature is used in human medicine to diagnose hepatic parenchymal metastatic disease, to differentiate primary liver tumours, to diagnose liver cirrhosis and focal nodular hyperplasia. This study presents the preliminary results of magnetic resonance imaging of focal lesions localised in the liver parenchyma in dogs following the administration of gadoxetic acid. Results: The lesion enhancement ratio (ERlesion) in the tumour metastasis was 0.05; the liver enhancement ratio (ERliver) – 0.49 and the post-contrast lesion-to-liver contrast ratio (CR) was 0.17. In dogs with hepatocellular hyperplasia, these values were 0.54; 0.51; and 1.18, respectively. In two dogs with a hepatic adenoma, the ERlesion was 0.26 and 0.17, respectively; the ERliver was 0.47 and 0.47, respectively and the CR was 0.33 and 0.31, respectively. In the dog with a neuroendocrine tumour, the ERlesion was 0.03; the ERliver amounted to 0.58 and the CR was 0.35. In the case of a hepatocellular carcinoma, these coefficients were 0.2, 0.6 and 0.3, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results, it may be assumed that the MR images of the proliferative hepatic parenchymal lesions in dogs using gadoxetic acid are similar to those obtained in humans. This suggests that the contrast enhancement patterns used in human medicine may be useful in differentiating hepatic parenchymal lesions in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe a core needle biopsy technique in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) and to assess the incidence of complications when applying this method. Biopsies were taken from the right hepatic lobe of 36 healthy guinea pigs under ultrasound guidance using a Tru-Cut needle. There were no immediate complications in 35 animals but ultrasound images showed a haemorrhage from the biopsy site in one guinea pig. The haemorrhage stopped after administering a sterile cooling dressing. One guinea pig died 13 days after the biopsy due to late complications. The procedure is in some animals associated with severe, potential life-threatening, complications. Assessment of the biopsy site by ultrasonography for 30 min after the procedure is recommended to allow timely handling of haemorrhage. The procedure is not recommended in animals with a suspected coagulopathy. Due to the risk of severe complications, this procedure should be restricted to guinea pigs where the result of the biopsy examination is expected to be valuable for the choice of treatment or prognosis. Owners should be made aware of the risks associated with the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technique of flattening the temperature profile and controlling the formation of both the dendritic microstructure and grain structure in the directional solidification of nickel-based superalloy casting, using the novel inner radiation baffles (IRBs) in the Bridgman process, is presented in this paper. These baffles matched to the shape of mold and were placed horizontally along its height at various distances from the casting base. The plate castings of CMSX-4 superalloy were fabricated without and with the use of IRBs, withdrawing the mold at the rate of 6 mm/min from the heating to the cooling area of the industrial Bridgman furnace. Thermal analysis of the directional solidification of castings was carried out using the ProCAST software for a process where the various designs of the radiation baffle were applied. The results of the solidification conditions, the shape of liquidus and solidus isotherms, and grain structure obtained for the IRBs were compared with those reached for the standard ring-shaped (AERB) or perfectly adjusted (PARB) radiation baffles. The use of IRB resulted in flattening of the temperature distribution and decrease of the curvature of liquidus and solidus isotherms, as well as an increase of temperature gradient and cooling rate, compared with the process where AERB was only used. Consequently, primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) reached similar values across the width of casting and equaled to approximately 370 μm, reducing its average value by 26%, compared with the standard process. The change in predicted axial temperature gradient in casting was not found when thermophysical properties of molybdenum IRBs were used. The increase in graphite IRBs number in mold from seven to 14 caused the reduction of inhomogeneity of axial temperature gradient along the casting height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]