Search

Copyright of Krmiva is the property of Croatian Society of Agronomists 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.)

There are few studies related to the radionuclide remediation options, which comply to the demands of the environmentally non-destructive physical remediation methods. So far, most of the research was conducted on the phytoremediation capacity of different energy crops, as well as the established miscanthus hybrids which involved metal and heavy metal contaminants. Hence, the objective of this research was the radioecological characterization of the examined agroecosystem, including the initial source of the radionuclides (soil) as well as different miscanthus hybrids grown on the same soil. The results have shown that the radioactive content of soil was similar to the global averages. All measurements of the activity concentration of 137 Cs in miscanthus samples were below the detection limits. There is also an indication that 210 Pb is leaching into the lower layers (or is being taken up by miscanthus plant from the upper layers). Moreover, transfer factors (TFs) for radionuclides, as a more precise parameter for evaluating the phytoremediation potential, were calculated; the TFs were found to be very low for 226 Ra (≤0.07), TFs for 40 K (≤0.39) and for 232 Th (≤0.21) were in the lower limits, whereas the TFs for 238 U were found to be the highest (≤0.92). For 210 Pb, the TFs were not calculated, since the expectation was that a significant part of the measured quantity came from the air, and not through the soil. Having in mind the sustainability and the circularity aspect of the radionuclide phytoremediation system, the appropriate management method should be applied for the disposal and utilization of the biomass contaminated with radionuclides. This research has shown that the radiological content in miscanthus is high enough and the ash content is low enough that miscanthus ash could be considered as a NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material), and it can be further used for the construction industry (i.e. concrete, tiles), in mixtures with other materials with certain limitations, similar to the utilization of ash from other sources such as coal or wood., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Vanja Jurisic reports financial support was provided by European Regional Development Fund. Vanja Jurisic reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/501100000780European Commission and BBI consortium. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

New biomass crop hybrids for bioeconomic expansion require yield projections to determine their potential for strategic land use planning in the face of global challenges. Our biomass growth simulation incorporates radiation interception and conversion efficiency. Models often use leaf area to predict interception which is demanding to determine accurately, so instead we use low-cost rapid light interception measurements using a simple laboratory-made line ceptometer and relate the dynamics of canopy closure to thermal time, and to measurements of biomass. We apply the model to project the European biomass potentials of new market-ready hybrids for 2020-2030. Field measurements are easier to collect, the calibration is seasonally dynamic and reduces influence of weather variation between field sites. The model obtained is conservative, being calibrated by crops of varying establishment and varying maturity on less productive (marginal) land. This results in conservative projections of miscanthus hybrids for 2020-2030 based on 10% land use conversion of the least (productive) grassland and arable for farm diversification, which show a European potential of 80.7-89.7 Mt year -1 biomass, with potential for 1.2-1.3 EJ year -1 energy and 36.3-40.3 Mt year -1 carbon capture, with seeded Miscanthus sacchariflorus × sinensis displaying highest yield potential. Simulated biomass projections must be viewed in light of the field measurements on less productive land with high soil water deficits. We are attempting to model the results from an ambitious and novel project combining new hybrids across Europe with agronomy which has not been perfected on less productive sites. Nevertheless, at the time of energy sourcing issues, seed-propagated miscanthus hybrids for the upscaled provision of bioenergy offer an alternative source of renewable energy. If European countries provide incentives for growers to invest, seeded hybrids can improve product availability and biomass yields over the current commercial miscanthus variety., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© 2023 The Authors. GCB Bioenergy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) results in a number of pathophysiological and morphological changes in the renal parenchyma, including interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, apoptotic changes of tubular and interstitial cells. Recent studies have indicated an association between renin-angiotensin system and apoptotic alterations in the kidney after unilateral obstructive nephropathy. In this study, the effect of ACE inhibitors and AT1 receptor antagonists on tubular cell apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy after UUO in rats was investigated. The study was conducted on Wistar rats with unilaterally ligated ureter and sham operated animals (control group). The rats with UUO were treated with ACE inhibitor (cilazapril) or AT1 receptor antagonists (losartan) and control group was treated with H2O. Sham-operated animals were treated in the same way. Tubular and interstitial cell apoptosis was detected morphologically by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end-labeling (TUNEL). The area of intersitial fibrosis was determined using computer-assisted image processing after Gomory silver impregnation of paraffin sections. All experimental animal groups with unilateral ureter ligation showed a significantly increased number of apoptotic tubular and interstitial cells in the obstructed kidney compared with the contralateral, unobstructed kidney. Histomorphometric analysis of renal interstitial fibrotic changes in the groups of rats treated with losartan or water showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the operated and sham--operated animals. In conclusion, following UUO there is a significantly increased number of apoptotic tubular cells and interstitial fibrosis in the ipsilateral kidney compared with the contralateral kidney. ACE inhibitors and AT1 receptor antagonists could not decrease the extent of renal cells apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis after UUO.

Blood pressure was measured in 3317 men, aged 40-59, working in H. Cegielski Metal Works in Poznań. The average systolic pressure for the whole population was 130.9 mmHg (SE = 17.90). The average diastolic pressure was 83.7 mmHg (SE = 10.03). The systolic, diastolic and mixed systolic-diastolic hypertension was found in 539 men which makes 16.3% of the study group. The borderline systolic hypertension was found in 327 men i.e. 9.9%, borderline diastolic hypertension in 267 men i.e. 8.0%. Both systolic and diastolic borderline hypertension displayed 339 men i.e. 10.2% of the study group. So, borderline hypertension (systolic, diastolic and systolic-diastolic) was found in 933 men which makes 28.1% of the population under the study.

The effect of monocrotofos (in a concentration of 4.5 X 10(-3)M) on the bioelectric parameters of rabbit intestinal epithelium was compared with a similar effect on these parameters of frog skin. It was demonstrated that the tested pesticide added to the medium on the mucosal side of the intestinal wall or on the external side of frog skin caused no evident changes in the potential difference (PD), short-circuit current (CC) and resistance of the studied tissues. This suggested absence of monocrotophos-binding receptors on the external surface of these epithelial structures. The pesticide applied to the serosal side of the intestine decreased PD and SCC without changing the resistance. Applied to the internal surface of frog skin it raised the PD and SCC with some decrease of the resistance. The different pattern of the response could be due to structural differences and to species-specific differences of these epithelia.

The effects of " Padan " (hydrochloride of 1.3-di/ carbomylothio /-2-N-dimethylamino/propane/ upon transport capabilities of plasmatic membrane have been checked. The experiment was performed on isolated skin of Rana temporaria frogs. Assessment of transporting activity of membrane in relation to sodium ion involved a method developed by Ussing with so called "short-circuit" technique. The effects of the pesticide on the external and internal surface of the frog's skin have been examined, final concentrations of the compound being 3.4 X 10(-6) M to 3.4 X 10(-3) M. The results indicate that " Padan ", whether administered to the external or internal surface of the membrane, decreases the value of membrane potential and short-circuit current, which is indicative of membrane transport inhibition. The effect varies with pesticide concentration in the medium, though it is statistically significant only in concentration 3.4 X 10(-3) M. On the other hand, membrane resistance usually gets increased as the compound concentration in the medium increases. The results indicate that cellular membrane should be considered while explaining the mechanism of toxic effects of " Padan " upon organism.

The effect of monocrotophos on the bioelectric parameters of frog skin: potential difference (PD), short-circuit current (SCC), the rate of active sodium ion transport, resistance (R), summed ionic permeability, was studied and it was demonstrated that the tested pesticide added to the medium on the external surface of the skin at the concentrations 4.5 X 10(-3)M and 1.1 X 10(-2)M had no significant effects on these parameters. This might have been connected with the presence on the skin surface mechanisms protecting it against the action of this pesticide. After addition to the medium on the internal side of the skin in a higher concentration it produced an irreversible increase in SCC value and decreased tissue resistance. It seems that the most likely cause of the observed changes were disturbances in the molecular structure of the plasma membrane with its stabilization of the sodium channels in the open position.

The rats (control group--6 animals, experimental group I--13, experimental group II--8) of inbred Wistar/W Bog strain, were orally administered 84,6% technical concentrate IPO-62 (bromphenvinphose) dissolved in olive oil and next the spines on apical cortex dendrites were evaluated. Statistically significant loss of dendritic spines was found both in group I (IPO-62 daily dose from 3 to 12 mg per 1 kg of body weight during 58 days) and in group II (IPO-62 daily dose--12 mg per 1 kg/body weight for 5 days and 18 mg/kg body weight for 4 days).

The effect of paraquat (in concentrations of 10(-4) and 10(-3) mol/l) was studied on the bioelectric parameters of rabbit small intestine. A short-lasting rise in the potential difference (PD) and some decrease of tissue resistance (R) were observed, particularly after the higher concentration. These changes indicate stimulation of the transport function of the rabbit small intestine as a result of administration of this herbicide. Other tested parameters included determination of the rate of paraquat penetration (at concentration gradient 10(-3) mol/l) across the intestinal wall from the serosal side to the mucosal side and conversely. In the latter case three experimental models were used: first--complete intestinal wall, second--intestinal wall with the serosa stripped off, and third--intestinal wall with the mucosa and serosa removed. Differences were found in these rates depending on the model used. The importance of epithelial cells of the mucosa and subepithelial layers, and mesothelium of the serosa in limiting the penetration of bipirydylium herbicides is stressed.

Investigations were carried out on the effects of several pesticides (Lindan, 2,4-D, p,p-Metoxychlor, Carbaryl, Monolinuron) on the transport ability of the plasma membrane. The experiments were done on isolated skin of the frogs Rana temporaria. The so called short-circuit current technique was used for quantitative evaluation of the transport activity in relation to sodium ions. The effect of the studied substances was studied during 3 hours after their addition to the medium on the external surface of frog skin after a preceding control period of 1-2 hours. A series of long-term experiments was performed also in which the animals were exposed to those pesticides for 14-20 days. The results of the acute experiments failed to demonstrate any significant effect of the studied substances on the plasma membrane, but some weak effects could have been observed in some experiments, at least. The results obtained in the long-term experiment showed that an effect on the plasma membrane could be postulated as regards 2,4-D and Carbaryl. It does not mean, however, that this effect is the only mechanism of the toxic action of these substances on the organism.