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Silvicultural practices can alter forest genetic resources in unpredictable ways, thereby influencing the adaptive and evolutionary potential of forest populations. This is especially alarming in the case of species with more northern distribution centers, due to the lack of area that can be colonized further north. In this article, we studied the genetic diversity of the Scots pine seed tree stand in Poland, its natural regeneration, and two artificially established progeny plantations. The research aimed to determine whether the regeneration mode had affected the efficiency of the gene pool transmission from the maternal seed stand to its offspring. Using nuclear microsatellite markers we compared the parameters of genetic variation and allelic composition among the studied stands. The results showed that all stands represent a common genetic pool with slightly higher values of observed heterozygosity in the case of progeny plantations. Inbreeding was significant only in natural regeneration. All stands have gained and lost rare alleles compared to the maternal seed stand. Nevertheless, the analysis of population differentiation showed that the gene pool of the maternal stand had been transmitted more efficiently to the natural regeneration, though the difference was only minimal. Possible reasons for the differences in transmission efficiency between natural regeneration and artificially established progeny plantations mainly include variations in the number of mother trees and crossing patterns in different reproductive seasons. Furthermore, some individuals that grow in the studied progeny plantations may be natural regeneration of the neighboring stands. In light of the obtained results, we discuss the genetic considerations for establishing and using seeds from progeny plantations in Poland.

The present study is devoted to the modeling, design, and experimental study of a heat pipe heat exchanger utilized as a recuperator in small air conditioning systems (airflow ≈ 300–500 m3/h), comprised of individually finned heat pipes. A thermal heat pipe heat exchanger model was developed, based on available correlations. Based on the previous experimental works of authors, refrigerant R404A was recognized as the best working fluid with a 20% heat pipe filling ratio. An engineering analysis of parametric calculations performed with the aid of the computational model concluded 20 rows of finned heat pipes in the staggered arrangement as a guarantee of stable heat exchanger effectiveness ≈ 60%. The optimization of the overall cost function by the “brute-force” method has backed up the choice of the best heat exchanger parameters. The 0.05 m traversal (finned pipes in contact with each other) and 0.062 m longitudinal distance were optimized to maximize effectiveness (up to 66%) and minimize pressure drop (less than 150 Pa). The designed heat exchanger was constructed and tested on the experimental rig. The experimental data yielded a good level of agreement with the model—relative difference within 10%.

Understanding forest genetic diversity and national legislation on trade and utilization of forest reproductive material (FRM) are key aspects for management and adapting forests to climate change. Despite concerns about the negative effects of climate change on forests, awareness of the role of genetic diversity in climate change adaptation is limited. Adaptive forest management strategies such as afforestation and reforestation depend on the selection of appropriate FRM and their knowledge among the relevant stakeholders. To analyze the perceptions among the forest, conservation, and nursery managers of six Central European countries on awareness of genetic diversity and practical and legislative issues of afforestation and reforestation in climate change. A survey was conducted with structured questionnaires. Around 80% of the respondents believe in climate change. Local FRM is preferred for reforestation. Although 80% of the conservation and forest managers perceive the importance of forest genetic diversity, almost half of them feel unaware of it. The majority of respondents believe that national and European legislation on seed transfer is not adapted to climate change. Inadequacy in the awareness of genetic diversity and policies on FRM is likely to influence forest adaptation to climate change in Europe.

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) is predicted to decrease its abundance in the Eastern Baltic region as a result of climatic changes, and this process is already explicit at the southern limit of species lowland distribution. Still, there are uncertainties about the growth potential of Norway spruce within the region due to the plasticity of local populations. In this regard, an assessment of regional weather–growth responses, assuming a nonlinearity of the ecological relationship, can aid in the clarification of uncertainties regarding growth. Nonlinear regional weather–growth relationships for Norway spruce were assessed based on tree-ring widths from 22 stands spreading from Southern Finland to Northern Germany using dendrochronological methods and a generalized additive mixed model. Temporal and spatial stationarity of local linear weather–growth relationships was evaluated. Considering the drought sensitivity of Norway spruce, meteorological variables related to the summer moisture regime were the main predictors of radial increment, though conditions in winter and spring had complementary effects. Generally, the linear weather–growth relationships were spatially and temporary nonstationary, with some exceptions in Poland and Northern Germany. Explicit local specifics in the linear weather–growth relationships, which are common in the marginal parts of species’ distribution, were observed in Estonia, Latvia, and Poland. The estimated regional weather–growth relationships were mostly nonlinear, implying disproportional responses to climatic changes, particularly to intensifying drought conditions across the studied climatic gradient. Still, the responses to winter temperature suggested that warming might contribute to growth. The estimated linear and nonlinear growth responses indicate strict limitation by drought conditions, implying reductions of increment due to climatic changes southward from Latvia, suggesting the necessity for proactive management. Nevertheless, in the northern part of the analyzed region, the projected climatic changes appear favorable for growth of Norway spruce in the near future.

The results of numerical investigations of heat transfer and pressure drops in a channel with 30° helical micro-fins are presented. The main aim of the analysis is to examine the influence of the height of the micro-fins on the heat-flow characteristics of the channel. For the tested pipe with a diameter of 12 mm, the micro-fin height varies within the range of 0.05–0.40 mm (with 0.05 mm steps), which is equal to 0.4–3.3% of its diameter. The analysis was performed for a turbulent flow, within the range of Reynolds numbers 10,000–100,000. The working fluid is water with an average temperature of 298 K. For each tested geometry, the characteristics of the friction factor f(Re) and the Nusselt number Nu(Re) are shown in the graphs. The highest values of Nusselt numbers and friction factors were obtained for pipes with the micro-fins H = 0.30 mm and H = 0.35 mm. A large discrepancy is observed in the friction factors f(Re) calculated from the theoretical relationships (for the irregular relative roughness values shown in the Moody diagram) and those obtained from the simulations (for pipes with regular roughness formed by micro-fins). The PEC (Performance Evaluation Criteria) heat transfer efficiency analysis of the geometries under study is also presented, taking into account the criterion of the same pumping power. The highest PEC values, reaching 1.25, are obtained for micro-fins with a height of 0.30 mm and 0.35 mm and with Reynolds numbers above 40,000. In general, for all tested geometries and for large Reynolds numbers (above 20,000), the PEC coefficient reaches values greater than 1, while for lower Reynolds numbers (less than 20,000), its values are less than 1.

Degradation of urban spaces constitutes a common problem and obstacle in development of Polish cities. This phenomenon can be counteracted through revitalisation – a comprehensive process aimed at infrastructural and socio-economic revival of cities. This article presents formal and legal requirements of revitalisation activities in Poland. Included are subjects such as definition and goal of revitalisation, designating degraded area and revitalisation area, stakeholders of the process and the Communal Revitalisation Programme – a strategic document of Polish local governments. The article refers to strategic documents regarding revitalisation processes in five Polish cities: Warsaw, Łódź, Gdynia, Olsztyn and Białystok.

Zakończenie zimnej wojny i oddalenie się widma wybuchu konfliktu zbrojnego sprzyjało poszerzeniu analiz dotyczących bezpieczeństwa o inne niż państwo podmioty. Jedną z rodzących się w latach 90. XX w. alternatywnych koncepcji było human security (bezpieczeństwo jednostki ludzkiej) stawiające w centrum zainteresowania jednostkę ludzką. W ujęciu wąskim (zwanym szkołą kanadyjską), human security nawiązuje do zapewnienia człowiekowi podstawowych praw politycznych oraz wolności od strachu. W ujęciu szerokim (szkoła japońska), human security obejmuje również kwestie praw społecznych i ekonomicznych oraz możliwość przetrwania i rozwoju każdego człowieka. Założenia japońskiej szkoły human security zostały zawarte w haśle „wolności od niedostatku”. Szeroki zakres bezpieczeństwa jednostki ludzkiej pozostaje w ścisłym związku z koncepcją zrównoważonego rozwoju. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono podejście państw Grupy Wyszehradzkiej: Polski, Czech, Słowacji i Węgier do szerokiego zakresu human security. Analizie poddano główne dokumenty strategiczne dotyczące: praw społecznych i ekonomicznych obywateli, systemu bezpieczeństwa wewnętrznego oraz implementacji koncepcji zrównoważonego rozwoju. The demise of the Cold War and the fading risk of a global military conflict caused researchers to extend the notion of security to subjects other than the states. One of the alternative concepts that emerged in the 1990s was Human Security, which put individual human beings at the heart of analysis. In its narrow approach, called the “Canadian school”, human security seeks to provide all people with the basic political rights and ensure “Freedom from Fear”. The broad approach, advocated by the “Japanese school”, encompasses social and economic rights, as well as the need to offer people the ability to survive and develop. Thus, it has been labelled as the “Freedom from Want” concept. The broad approach to individual human security is closely linked to the concept of sustainable development. This paper looks at the approach taken by the Visegrad Group countries – Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary – to the broad concept of Human Security. It presents the analysis of the main strategic documents that deal with social and economic rights of people, the internal security system, and the implementation of the concept of sustainable development. Das Ende des Kalten Krieges und die nachlassenden Risiken eines globalen militärischen Konflikts veranlasste die Forschung, das Verständnis von Sicherheit über die Staaten hinaus um andere Akteure zu erweitern. Eines dieser alternativen Konzepte, das in den 1990er Jahren hervortrat, war Human Security, das die Individuen ins Zentrum der Analyse rückte. In einem engeren Ansatz (die kanadische Schule genannt), soll human security allen Menschen die grundlegenden politischen Rechte ermöglichen und „Freiheit von Angst“ bedeuten. Im weiteren Sinne (die japanische Schule) umfasst human security soziale und ökonomische Rechte sowie die Notwendigkeit, Menschen die Fähigkeit zu überleben und sich zu entwickeln zu ermöglichen. Dieses Konzept wurde als „Freiheit von Not“ erfasst. Der weite Ansatz der Sicherheit des Einzelnen steht im engen Zusammenhang mit dem Konzept der nachhaltigen Entwicklung. In diesem Artikel wurde der Ansatz der Länder der Visegrad-Gruppe: Polen, Tschechien, der Slowakei und Ungarn zum weiten Konzept von human security dargestellt. Es wurden die wichtigsten strategischen Dokumente analysiert, die sich mit sozialen und ökonomischen Rechten der Menschen, dem System der inneren Sicherheit und die Umsetzung des Konzepts der nachhaltigen Entwicklung befassen. Окончание холодной войны и снижение угрозы начала вооруженного широко- масштабного конфликта способствовали расширению анализа проблем безопас- ности на другие, кроме государства, субъекты. Одной из родившихся в 90-е гг. ХХ века альтернативных концепций была концепция human security (безопасность человека, безопасность личности), ставящая в центре внимания человека. В узком смысле (так называемая канадская школа) концепция human security базируется на предоставлении человеку основных политических прав и свободы от страха. В широком смысле (японская школа), human security также охватывает вопросы касающиеся социальных и экономических прав, возможностей выживания и раз- вития каждого человека. Сущность японской школы human security содержится в лозунге «свобода от недостатков». Широкий спектр концепции human security остается в тесной связи с концепцией устойчивого развития. В статье представлен подход государств Вышеградской группы: Польши, Чехии, Словакии и Венгрии к проблеме human security. Анализу подверглись основные стратегические до- кументы касающиеся социальных и экономических прав граждан, системы вну- тренней безопасности и реализации концепции устойчивого развития.

The intraspecific variation of climate&ndash, growth relationships observed on provenance trials results from among&ndash, provenance differences in phenotypic plasticity. Temporal variation in radial growth synchrony among provenances may be modified by adverse climatic/biotic conditions such as drought or insect defoliation. However, these factors can potentially diminish provenance&ndash, specific growth reactions and, consequently, prevent the identification of provenances with the highest adaptive potential. Thus, understanding the influence of major biotic conditions on provenance&ndash, specific climate&ndash, growth relationships seems to be important to anticipate climate change. To determine provenance&ndash, specific growth patterns in relation to climate conditions (drought), seed production (reproductive effort), and insect defoliation in a common garden of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), we applied dendroecological techniques to time&ndash, series of tree&ndash, ring widths and basal area increments. The long&ndash, term records of seed production and insect outbreaks from the local Scots pine stands were used to explain the potential effect of biotic factors on the temporal dynamics of radial growth synchrony. During a period of favorable growth conditions, Scots pine provenances showed a decline in inter&ndash, provenance synchronicity in growth patterns, while during years affected by severe soil water deficit and insect defoliation, they manifested high uniformity in growth dynamics. The long&ndash, term trend in growth synchrony among P. sylvestris provenances depend on both abiotic and biotic environmental factors. This gains significance following an introduction of the appropriate selection of tree provenances for climate&ndash, smart forestry.

Provenance experiments traditionally provide information on genetic variation within tree species in adaptation ability and other traits important for commercial forestry. In this study we investigated variation in growth among 20 populations of Nor­way spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) at four common-garden sites of the IUFRO 1972 provenance experimental series at the age close to half of rotation. Because stand density varied among sites, we analyzed stand density-adjusted basal area (BA) and quadratic mean diameter (Dq). The examined prove­nances varied significantly in both analyzed traits. We identi­fied provenances that performed consistently better or worse than average across all four sites. Among the well-growing and possibly adaptive seed sources were those from the uplands of the eastern and central Poland, Sudety Mts, and from the regi­on of Istebna in Beskid Mts. Performance of the other populati­ons from Beskid Mountains was average to poor, and all high-altitude populations were poor-growing. The results of this study help to verify the knowledge of genetic variation pattern among Norway spruce populations in Poland, and to guide management decisions regarding spruce planting material.

Under changing climate, temporal and spatial stability (stationarity) of growth responses of trees to weather and climate, which has often been presumed without explicit testing, is crucial for prediction of productivity and sustainability of forests. However, considering evolutionary adaptation of tree populations to wide spatiotemporal ecological gradients, extrapolation of linear responses, which could be observed in limited parts of the gradients (certain locality), can result in biased results. Accordingly, the plasticity of responses of tree-ring width of the eastern Baltic populations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) to meteorological conditions across the regional climatic gradient was assessed using a mixed generalized additive model. The linear responses were assessed using a bootstrapped correlation analysis for comparison. The radial growth responses of the eastern Baltic population of Scots pine showed explicit regional gradients according to the local climates, indicating gradual shifts in the effects of winter temperature and summer moisture regime. Accordingly, temperature in late-winter and summer, as well as summer water deficit were identified as the main regional drivers of tree-ring width. Their effects were generally non-linear, indicating explicit spatiotemporal gradients in growth responses in the mid-part of species distribution. This also implied limited efficiency of simple linear models for the assessment of radial growth under moderate conditions. The responses to summer temperature indicated local optima, while the responses to drought index showed threshold values. The responses to winter temperature indicated positive effect of warming on growth. In some stands, specific non-stationary responses though were evident, suggesting that trees have adapted (specialized) to certain local climatic conditions, which are changing and thus explaining temporal shifts in growth responses. Nevertheless, the estimated responses suggested phenotypical adaptability limits of the eastern Baltic populations of Scots pine in a longer term, supporting the necessity of climate-smart management for sustainability of forest in the region in the future.

The purpose of this study was to determine the growth variability of four provenances of Picea abies on experimental plots in the Wyszków Forest District, central Poland. The experiment was established as a system of random blocks with four repetitions per block. We selected 48 trees from each provenance and the increment cores were colected from sample trees. Standard measurements of the width of annual increments were performed using the WinDendro software. Raw data was then indexed and subject to dendroclimatic analyses based on the average monthly temperatures and precipitation of the period from 1969 to 2012. Furthermore, the COFECHA software was used to check the consistency of the data and to determine the pointer years. High data consistency as well as growth variability of particular provenances in response to climatic conditions was observed. The results obtained here will allow for an improved selection of populations best suited for growing in the climate of central Poland. The study was financed by the State Forests National Forest Holding and carried out within the research project no. BLP-364. Przemysław Szmit

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the addition for 6 weeks of 12 ppm lycopene (Lyc), 2% fish oil (FO) or 0.25 ppm Se as selenate (Sevi) or selenized yeast (SeY) to an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous ration containing sunflower oil as the source of energy on the profile of fatty acids (FA) and the oxidative stress in thigh muscles of female and male chickens. The ration with FO most efficiently increased the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA), atherogenic SFA and thrombogenic SFA as well as the concentration sum of all assayed FA in muscles of chickens. the rations with lyc, sevi or SeY revealed negligible and inconsistent impact on the concentration of individual SFA in muscles compared with the control. The ration with FO most efficiently increased the concentration of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), especially n-3 long-chain PUFA and the sum of conjugated linoleic acid isomers in muscles. The ration with SeY most effectively increased the concentration of long-chain PUFA (LPUFA), especially n-6 LPUFA, in muscles of chickens. the Fo, lyc or sevi-fed chickens had a lower concentration of cholesterol in muscles than the control or SeY fed birds. Lyc added to the ration most efficiently stimulated the accumulation of α-tocopherol in muscles of chickens. The ration with Sevi most effectively stimulated the formation of malondialdehyde in muscles.

The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of the addition of 12 ppm lycopene (Lyc), 2% fish oil (FO) or 0.25 ppm Se as selenate (SeVI) or selenized yeast (SeY) to an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous basal diet containing sunflower oil (SO) as the source of energy on the concentrations of fatty acids (FA), especially saturated- (SFA), mono- (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) acids, in breast muscles of female and male chickens for six weeks. The influence of these additives on the capacity of D9-, D4- and D5-desaturations, the elongation of FA, and the yield of PUFA peroxidation (an oxidative stress) in breast muscles of female and male chickens were also studied. Dietary SeY most efficiently decreased the concentrations of SFA, MUFA and PUFA as well as malondialdehyde (the marker of the oxidative stress) in muscles of female and male chickens. The addition of FO most efficiently increased the concentration of n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3LPUFA) and most effectively increased the concentration ratio of n-3LPUFA to SFA (n-3LPUFA/SFA), while most effectively decreased the concentration ratio of n-6PUFA to n-3PUFA (n-6PUFA/n-3PUFA) in muscles of chickens that are beneficial to human health. We conclude that further studies are necessary to determine if diets containing other chemical form of selenium compounds and other vegetable oils induce changes in the profiles of fatty acids in muscles of chickens that are beneficial to human health. Keywords: Chicken, lycopene, selenium, fish oil, sunflower oil, breast muscles, fatty acids, malondialdehyde African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(14), 1604-1613

Summary A method for determining underivatized cholesterol and its oxygen derivatives (ChlOs) in animal tissue specimens and some food has been developed using capillary gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) with 5α-cholestane as the internal standard. The analysis preparation procedure for cholesterol and ChlOs consisted of lipid extraction followed by gentle saponification using 2 M KOH in ethanol. The analyzed samples were saponified overnight at room temperature in the dark with shaking. Then, free cholesterol and ChlOs were extracted using diethyl ether. The extracts were dried under argon, and the residues were redissolved in chloroform before GC-MS analysis. Cholesterol was analyzed in biological materials using the short column temperature program. The simultaneous quantification of cholesterol and its oxides in biological materials was performed using the longer column temperature program. Cholesterol was eluted faster than ChlOs. The chromatographic method that used column temperatu...

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different levels of protein in a diet on the incorporation of endogenous urea nitrogen (EUN) into individual amino acids (AA) of the ruminal bacteria of goats fed a low- (LP), medium- (MP), or high-protein diet (HP) in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Three Alpine goats of about 35 kg body weight fitted with cannula into the rumen and catheter into the jugular vein were fed three isoenergetic diets containing 11% (LP), 13% (MP), or 16% (HP) crude protein in dry matter. The goats were infused for 6 days continuously with an 15 N urea solution into the jugular vein. Ruminal bacteria were hydrolysed with 6M HCl. Next, butyl deriva- tives of free bacterial AA were obtained using HCl in butanol, then N-acylated using trifluoroacetic acid anhydride and analysed by gas chromatography using a mass-selective detector. The concentration of urea in plasma was 178, 356 and 667 mg · l -1 in goats from groups LP, MP and HP, respectively. 15 N-excess during the infusion of labelled urea was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in the vast majority of AA of ruminal bacteria from goats fed the LP diet in comparison with goats fed the HP diet. Therefore, the level of protein in the diets affects the incorporation of EUN into bacterial AA. With the LP diet, EUN was incorporated mostly into glutamic acid, isoleucine and arginine, while in the case of the HP diet, into glutamic acid and arginine, as well as methionine. Regardless of the level of nitrogen in the diets, the incorporation of 15 N into proline was very low. Irrespective of the dietary nitrogen level, EUN appears to be predominantly used for synthesis of glutamic acid in ruminal bacteria.

The influence of selenite (Se IV ) or selenate (Se VI ) added to ovine ruminal fluid containing linseed oil (LO) on the profile of fatty acids (FA), particularly conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, was investigated. The ruminal fluid was incubated in vitro at 39°C under CO 2 either alone (the control fluid) or with LO (3.3 mg/ml) or with a combination of LO with either a low (0.167 μg /ml) or high (1.67 μg /ml) level of Se as Se IV or Se VI . LO added to ruminal fluids also provides an extra source of energy. The tubes with the examined fluids were removed after 0, 6, 12, 18, or 24 h of in vitro incubation and then analyzed to determine the FA levels. The lower and higher concentration of Se IV in the fluids with the LO revealed negligible effect on the concentration of the sum of the CLA isomers (∑CLA) in the fluid compared with the fluid with LO alone. The addition of a higher amount of Se IV to the fluid containing LO usually decreased the concentration of ∑CLA compared with the fluid containing the lower concentration of Se IV and LO. The concentration of c9t11c15C18:3 (cLNA) in the fluids with LO, irrespec - tive of the presence of extra Se, increased throughout the incubations, although the addition of Se IV or Se VI to the fluids containing LO numerically reduced the increase of the concentration of cLNA compared with the fluid with LO alone. The concentration sum of the C18:1 isomers (ΣC18:1) in the control fluid numerically decreased throughout the incubations, while LO added to the fluid increased the concentration of ΣC18:1 throughout the incubations. LO added to the fluid, irrespective of the presence of Se IV or Se VI , significantly increased the concentration of ΣC18:1 compared with the control fluid and the fluids with Se IV or Se VI . The concentrations of C16:0 and C18:0 in the control fluid and the fluids containing Se IV or Se VI numerically increased throughout the incubations and were usually lower than in the fluids containing LO without or with Se IV or Se VI . The concentra - tion of C18:3n-3 decreased throughout the incubation of the fluids containing LO, irrespective of the presence of Se IV or Se VI . LO added to the fluids, irrespective of the presence of Se IV or Se VI , increased the concentration of C18:2n-6 compared with the control fluid and the fluids with Se IV or Se VI . The higher concentration of Se IV or Se VI in the fluid with LO most efficiently increased the concentration of c5c8c11c14c17C20:5 compared with the control fluid or the fluids containing LO, irrespective of the presence of the lower concentration of Se IV or Se VI . LO added to the fluid, irrespective of the presence of Se IV or Se VI , increased the concentration of polyunsaturated

(Received 29 October 2012; revised version 5 December 2012; accepted 10 December 2012)ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to estimate the magnitude of endogenous blood urea nitrogen (EBUN) incorporation into bacterial protein produced in the rumen and into milk protein of goats fed low (LP), medium (MP) or high protein (HP) diets arranged in a 3 x 3 Latin Square design. Three Alpine goats of about 35 kg body weight fitted with cannula into the rumen and a catheter into the jugular vein were fed three isoenergetic diets containing 11(LP), 13(MP) or 16(HP)% crude protein in dry matter (DM). Goats were continuously infused

The aim of this study was the preliminary estimation of the breeding value of selected European larch half-sib families based on data from the experimental family trial in Zwierzyniec Lubelski. The trial in Nowiny, Zwierzyniec Forestry District, was established in spring, 2003. The initial spacing was 2.5 by 2.5 m and the forest site code, ‘LMśw’ - fresh mixed broadleaved forest. There were 2948 trees planted originating from 66 families from the region of Jesienik in the Czech eastern Sudeten Mountains. In September 2009, the DBH, height were recorded and wood density was measured using a Pilodyn penetrometer. Stem straightness, crown size and branch angle were scored using the scale from 1 to 5. The mean height of the trees after seven years of growth was 7.57 m. The tallest trees came from family 1414 (8.05 m mean height), and the smallest family was 1709 (6.79 m), a difference of 17% compared with the mean value. The relative differences among families were larger for DBH than for tree height. The overall mean DBH was 10 cm, and the difference between the best and worst performing families was 42% of the mean value. Wood quality did not differ greatly among families, particularly given that there were relatively large differences between individuals.In order to evaluate trees based on a combination of all measured parameters, a selection index was calculated. Based on selection indices, as far as breeding value is concerned, the best families were numbers 1414 and 1411. They demonstrated both good growth and good quality features. The worst families were numbers 1709, 1734 and 1722. They were characterized by weak growth but moderate to good quality features. There was also a statistically-significant positive correlation between survival and the index breeding value of larch families.Those families which grew best were characterized by higher survival rates, which probably resulted from phenotypic selection which eliminates individuals that are poorly-adapted to environmental conditions, thus favouring the best trees, in terms of their growth parameters.The results obtained in this study after seven years of the growth should be considered as preliminary. To estimate the breeding value of the studied larch families a further evaluation is needed when trees reach the age of 15-20 years old.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of diets containing conju - gated linoleic acid isomers (CLAmix) with or without low ( L Se) or high ( H Se) concentration of selenised yeast (SeY) on body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and concentrations of CLA iso - mers and other fatty acids (FA) in the liver and femoral muscle of rats. The investigation was performed on 48 female rats (Wistar, Hsd Brl Han: WIST), aged 8 weeks with an initial body weight of 195.7 ± 0.8 g. After one week of submaintenance feeding, for 6 weeks the rats were fed ad libitum the Labofeed H diet supple - mented with 1.5% CLAmix with or without low (0.2 μg Se/g diet) or high (0.5 μg Se/g diet) concentration of Se as SeY. T he diet enriched with L Se or H Se elevated the BWG of rats compared with the control group, while the L Se diet resulted in the most efficient increase in BWG. The diet containing CLAmix, irrespective of the presence of SeY, stimulated the accumulation of Se in the liver and muscles in comparison with the diet enriched with SeY. The addition of SeY to the diet enriched with CLAmix stimulated the accumula - tion of cis9trans11 (c9t11), t10c12 and cc isomers of CLA in the liver. The diet containing CLAmix and L Se most efficiently increased the concentration of these CLA isomers in muscles. The diets enriched with SeY increased the concentration of essential, endogenous and total amino acids (AA) in the liver, whereas the diets enriched with SeY or CLAmix reduced the concentration of these AA in muscles. The diets enriched with CLAmix and/or SeY decreased the Δ9-desaturase index in the liver and muscles compared with the control group. These diets increased Δ4-, Δ5- and Δ6-desaturase indexes in muscles, but significantly reduced the elongase index compared with the control group. Our study shows that dietary CLAmix increased the concentration of C14:0, C18:0 and the sum of saturated FA (SFA) in the liver, whereas the diets enriched with SeY, irrespective of the presence of CLAmix, slightly reduced the concentration of C14:0, C18:0, and SFA in muscles compared with the control group. The diets containing SeY and/or CLAmix increased the accumulation of arachidonic acid (ArA), linolenic acid (αLNA) and c4c7c10c13c16c19C22:6 in the liver com - pared with the control rats. Negative effects of dietary SeY and/or CLAmix on the accumulation of αLNA, c5c8c11c14c17C20:5, c7c10c13c16c19C22:5, c4c7c10c13c16c19C22:6, linoleic acid, ArA and c8c11c14C20:3 in muscles were found out. The CLAmix diet increased the Δ4-, Δ5-desaturase and elongase indexes in the liver. It also increased the Δ4-, Δ5- and Δ6-desaturase indexes in muscles, but significantly reduced the elongase index compared with the control group. The finding that the diet with CLAmix and H Se fed to rats

The influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers (CLAmix) and/or Se as Na 2 SeO 3 (SeIV) or selenized yeast (SeY) on the relative body weight gain (RBWG) of rats, pancreas weight, concentrations of CLA isomers and of other fatty acids (FA) in the pancreas were studied. For 6 weeks, female Wistar rats (aged 8 weeks) were fed ad libitum the Labofeed H diet enriched in 1.5% CLAmix, 0.2 ppm Se ( L Se), 0.5 ppm Se ( H Se) as SeIV (i.e. L SeIV or H SeIV, respectively), or SeY (i.e. L SeY or H SeY, respectively). Each group contained eight rats. The results documented that dietary L SeIV and CLAmix most effectively increased the RBWG of rats and feed conversion efficiency, while the diet with H SeIV most efficiently increased pancreas weight compared with the control rats. The diets enriched in CLAmix and Se as SeIV or SeY increased the sum of saturated fatty acids (SFA), the atherogenic SFA, A-SFA index, thrombogenic SFA (T-SFA), and the T-SFA index in the pancreas of rats compared with the control group. The diets containing CLAmix and Se as SeIV or SeY stimulated the accumulation of cis9trans11CLA, trans10cis12CLA, as well as the sum of all CLA isomers in the pancreas compared with rats fed the diet enriched in CLAmix. These diets increased the concentration of n-6 polyunsaturated FA (n-6 PUFA) and decreased the level of long-chain n-6 PUFA (Ln-6 PUFA) in the pancreas compared with the control rats and rats fed the diets with SeIV or SeY. The diets containing CLAmix and Se (as SeIV or SeY) increased the concentration of n-3 PUFA and Ln-3 PUFA in the pancreas compared with the control rats. Our study findings documenting that dietary Se and/or CLAmix and Se (as SeIV or SeY) considerably increased the concentration of PUFA, especially n-3 PUFA, improved the n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA ratio in the pancreas are valu able information for scientists carrying out research to improve animal and human health.

Zusammenfassung Nahrstoffverwertung von Formaldehyd-behandeltem Rapsolmehl beim Schwein Es wurde die Verdaulichkeit der Nahrstoffe und eine N-Bilanz an Schweinen ermittelt, die Rationen mit 15% Rapsolmehl mil Formaldehyd behandelt oder nicht erhielten. Die Versuche wurden an jeweils 5 mannlichen kastrierten Schweinen in einem Korpergewichtsbereich von 45,6 kg durchgefuhrt. Die Proteinloslichkeit in 0,02 N KOH betrug 41% fur das unbehandelte und 0,2% fur das behandelte Rapsolmehl, die entsprechenden Werte fur den Lysingehalt lagen bei 5,01 bzw. 3,93 g/16 g N. Die Verdaulichkeit fur unbehandeltes und behandeltes Rapsolmehl betrugen fur Rohprotein 83,3% und 75,8%, fur die organische Substanz 86,4% und 83,3%, die N-Retention betrug 11,7 bzw. 8,7 g pro Tag, der Anteil des retinierten N am aufgenommenen N 36,2% und 27,0% und der Anteil des retinierten am verdauten N 43,5% und 35,5%. Diese Unterschiede sind signifikant. Eine Beeinflussung der physikalischen und chemischen Eigenschaften durch Formaldehyd fuhrte beim Schwein zu eher negativen Effekten hinsichtlich der Verdaulichkeit und Verwertung der Nahrstoffe.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of diets containing 1.5% conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLAmix) and/or a high or low level of selenite (0.2 ppm Se ( L Se) or 0.5 ppm Se ( H Se)) on the body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and concentrations of CLA isomers and other fatty acids (FA) in the liver and femoral muscle of female rats fed ad libitum these experimental diets for 6 weeks. It was found that the diet containing the CLAmix and 0.5 ppm Se ( H Se) resulted in the highest increase in BWG and FCE compared with values for BWG and FCE of all other groups. This diet most efficiently increased the concentration of Se in the liver and muscles. The content of CLA isomers in muscles was ~20-fold higher than in the liver. There were usually no differences in the concentrations of c9t11CLA, t10c12CLA and the sum of CLA isomers in the liver and muscles of rats fed the diet with CLAmix with or without H Se, whereas these values in the liver and muscles were usually lower for rats fed the diet enriched in CLAmix and 0.2 ppm Se ( L Se) compared with those fed the diet with CLAmix. The diets enriched in CLAmix and/ or Se (as L Se or H Se) caused a decrease in the Δ9-desaturase index only in the liver. The current study shows that the highest values of the Δ4-, Δ5- and Δ6-desaturase indexes were in muscles of rats fed the diet enriched in CLAmix. This diet most efficiently increased the value of the Δ4desaturase index in the liver, the desaturase responsible for the most efficient increase in the content of c4c7c10c13c16c19C22:6n-3 in the liver. Our study indicates that dietary CLAmix stimulated β-oxidation of FA in skeletal muscles, while promoting the accumulation of FA, particularly n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in the liver. The diet enriched in CLAmix and H Se assured satisfactory ratios of PUFA to saturated FA and PUFA to the sum of all assayed FA in the liver and

Alkaline saponification of entire sample matrixes for quantification of alpha-, gamma-, delta-tocopherols (alpha-T, gamma-T, delta-T) and alpha-tocopherol acetate (alpha-TAc) was examined. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure alpha-T, gamma-T, delta-T and alpha-TAc in tocopherol standard solutions, milk and ovine blood plasma. Saponification in the presence of vitamin C decreases the concentration of tocopherols, especially alpha-T and gamma-T. The poor recovery of tocopherols is due to the decomposition of tocopherols in saponified standard solutions, milk or plasma. Saponification of samples in the presence of 2,[6]-ditertbutyl-p-cresol or flushed only with a stream of Ar resulted in a major decrease in the concentrations of alpha-T, gamma-T, delta-T and alpha-TAc in comparison with saponification in the presence of vitamin C.

The influence of 1.2 ppm dietary selenium added in the form of selenized yeast (Se-yeast) and of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers added to a level of 1 or 2%, of cis9trans11CLA (c9t11) added to 1%, and of trans10cis12CLA (t10c12) added to 1% on the body and organ gains of rats and on the concentration of CLA isomers and other fatty acids in the spleen, pancreas and kidneys was investigated. Total fatty acids in the studied organs were separated as methyl esters using long-capillary gas-liquid chromatography with flame-ionization detection, while nonmethylated fatty acids containing conjugated double bonds were examined using silver-ion liquid chromatography with fotodiode detection. Free fatty acids were obtained by mild saponification, whereas their methyl esters, by base- and acid-catalyzed methylation. Feeding t10c12 and Se-yeast resulted in the highest increase in rat growth and organ gain. All diets enriched in CLA isomer(s) significantly elevated the concentration of CLA isomers in the organs; the highest concentration of CLA isomers was found in the pancreas, the smallest, in the spleen. The addition of Se to diets containing CLA isomer(s) usually showed a statistical tendency or increase in the concentration of CLA isomers in the organs. Our results demonstrate that t10c12 was metabolized faster than c9t11 in the pancreas and kidneys, whereas the addition of Se-yeast to the diets with CLA isomer(s) reduced the rate of t10c12 metabolism. A 2% dietary content of a mixture of CLA isomers or of t10c12 usually tended to increase or significantly increased the concentration of linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids and of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in the organs. Dietary c9t11 and a 1% content of the mixture of CLA isomers weakly influenced the concentrations of these fatty acids in the organs, whereas the diet enriched simultaneously in c9t11 and Se-yeast resulted in a statistical tendency or increase in the concentration of long-chain n-3 PUFA and the