Volume 66, Issue 5

In Escherichia coli, Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) protects against oxidative stress, perhaps, in part, by oxidizing OxyR. Here this protection, specifically VHb-associated effects on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels, was examined. Exponential or stationary phase cultures of SOD+ or SOD− E. coli strains with or without VHb and oxyR antisense were treated with 2 mM hydrogen peroxide without sublethal peroxide induction, and compared to untreated control cultures. The hydrogen peroxide treatment was toxic to both SOD+ and SOD− cells, but much more to SOD− cells; expression of VHb in SOD+ strains enhanced this toxicity. In contrast, the presence of VHb was generally associated in the SOD+ background with a modest increase in SOD activity that was not greatly affected by oxyR antisense or peroxide treatment. In both SOD+ and SOD− backgrounds, VHb was associated with higher catalase activity both in the presence and absence of peroxide. Contrary to its stimulatory effects in stationary phase, in exponential phase oxyR antisense generally decreased VHb levels.

Culture dependent phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA based phylogenetic analyses were applied to study the aerobic halophilic bacterial population present in the Pulicat brackish-water Lake of India. Five different media were employed for isolation of bacteria. A total of 198 morphotypes were recovered, purified and screened for salt tolerance in nutrient agar medium amended with 5–25% NaCl. Based on 16S rDNA restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with three restriction endonucleases, 51 isolates tolerant to 5% or more NaCl were grouped into 29 clusters. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that 29 strains could further be allocated into two clades: 19 to Firmicutes and 10 to γ-Proteobacteria. Firmicutes included low G+C Gram-positive bacteria related to family Bacillaceae, which included five genera Bacillus, Virgibacillus, Rummelibacillus, Alkalibacillus and Halobacillus. Another genera included in Firmicutes was Salimicrobium halophilum. In the γ-Proteobacteria group, all the isolates belonged to one genus Halomonas, represented by six different species Halomonas salina, H. shengliensis, H. salifodinae, H. pacifica, H. aquamarina and H. halophila. Most of the isolates exhibited cellulase, xylanase, amylase and protease activities.

The aim of this work was to make a survey describing factors that influence the production of extracellular enzymes by white-rot fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora responsible for the degradation of lignocellulolytic materials. These factors were: carbon sources (glucose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, maltose and starch), nitrogen sources (ammonium sulphate, potassium nitrate, urea, albumin and peptone), pH, temperature and addition of three different concentrations of Cu2+ and Mn2+. The cellulase and xylanase activities were similar in medium with different carbon sources and the highest cellulase and xylanase activities were measured in medium with urea and potassium nitrate as nitrogen sources, respectively. The highest laccase activity was observed in medium with lignin and peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources. In other experiments, time course of production of lignocellulolytic enzymes by white-rot fungus C. subvermispora in medium with lignin or glucose as carbon sources was observed.

A commented list of 19 particularly interesting and noteworthy lichen species collected recently in the Giant Mts (Karkonosze, Krkonoše) is given. Most of them were found on the basalt outcrop in the western wall of the Mały Śnieżny Kocioł cirque (germ. Kleine Schneegrube), which is the most valuable and most conserved area in this mountain range. Two species are new to Poland: Lecanora gangaleoides and Lecidea praenubila. Umbilicaria cinereorufescens is reported for the first time from the Sudety Mts as a whole. Three species are new for the Giant Mts: Buellia ocellata, Diplotomma lutosum and Fuscidea praeruptorum. Eight species: Aspicilia microlepis, Belonia russula, Caloplaca crenularia, C. nivalis, Gyalecta biformis, Koerberiella wimmeriana, Miriquidica complanata and Polyblastia cruenta were re-discovered after over 100 years on the historical locality in the Mały Śnieżny Kocioł cirque.

Resistance to causal agents of diseases is an important varietal characteristic that influences the management practice of crop plants and thus production costs of commodities. At present, almost all European barley varieties possess at least one major gene for resistance to powdery mildew. After hybridizing selected parental varieties, resistance genes often segregate in subsequent generations and, therefore, some varieties comprise lines that differ in the number or combinations of resistance genes. The objective of this research was to describe the various methods available for postulating resistance genes to pathogens in heterogeneous varieties using resistance to powdery mildew of barley as an example. Four spring barleys (‘Orbit’, ‘Malva’, ‘Tocada’ and CLE 233), and a six-row variety of winter barley, F 12872, were screened. For postulating resistance genes, several testing procedures and many Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei isolates were used. Minimum amounts of seed were determined and different methods of obtaining homogeneous seed samples from heterogeneous varieties were compared. It was found that ‘Orbit’ and ‘Malva’ are composed of three and ‘Tocada’, CLE 233 and F 12872 of two lines with different resistances to powdery mildew. Problems of postulating resistance genes in heterogeneous varieties and the advantages of testing leaf segments instead of young plants are discussed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants, in comparison to their non-transgenic counterpart, on the density and physiological profiles of aerobic bacteria in the rhizosphere. Plants of transgenic alfalfa expressing the AMVcp-s gene coding for Alfalfa Mosaic Virus coat protein were cultivated in a climatic chamber. Two methods were used to determine the microbial diversity in rhizospheres of transgenic plants. First, the cultivation-dependent plating method, based on the determination of the density of colony-forming bacteria, and second, a biochemical method using the Biolog™ system, based on the utilization of different carbon sources by soil microorganisms. Statistically significant differences in densities of rhizospheric bacteria between transgenic and non-transgenic alfalfa clones were observed in ammonifying bacteria (GTL4/404-1), cellulolytic bacteria (GTL4/404-1, GTL4/402-2, A5-3-3), rhizobial bacteria (GTL4/402-2), denitrifying bacteria (A5-3-3) and Azotobacter spp. (GTL4/402-2). The highest values of substrate utilization by microbial communities and average respiration of C-sources were determined in non-transgenic alfalfa plants of the isogenic line SE/22-GT2. Carbohydrates, carboxylic acids and amino-acids were the most utilized carbon substrates by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Both, the community metabolic diversity and the utilization of C-sources increased in all alfalfa lines with culture time and regardless of transgenic or non-transgenic nature of lines.

One flowering specimen of Ophrys bertolonii (s. str.) — a plant with a Circum-Adriatic distribution and hitherto unknown in other regions — was found on 7th May 2010 in the vicinity of Kunadacs (Central Hungary; N 47°00′ E 19°17′). The nearest known populations of this Mediterranean plant inhabit the Adriatic coast (ca. 450 km away) in Croatia, therefore this new occurrence represents a significant long distance dispersal event. The circumstances of the occurrence argue against introduction, but we can not decide now whether this new appearance is temporary or permanent. The permanent establishment of this strictly entomophilous plant requires the presence of its specific pollinator in the close neighbourhood of the habitat. However, no pollination was observed on the three flowers of the plant until 9th May, and one day later the stem had disappeared most likely due to grazing. Whatever the long-term fate of the plant is, this discovery represents a significant long distance (jump) dispersal event, and testifies to the dispersal ability of Ophrys species. Additionally, the appearance of a mature Adriatic plant in Central Europe fits well into the currently observed, climate change driven northward expansion of European orchids, therefore this finding most likely reflects a growing Mediterranean-like climatic influence in the region.

Amygdalus nana L. (Dwarf Russian Almond) a well-known ornamental plant is endangered in its natural habitats on the territory of Slovakia. Using methods of cytology and embryology, the stages of reproductive cycle of the species were clarified. Especially the development of the male and female reproductive organs, processes of the fertilization and formation of the embryo were studied. The reduction of reproductive potential was caused by synergic influence of negative biotic and abiotic factors. Despite the presence of degenerated, misshapen pollen grains and a great variability in shape and size, a sufficient amount of normally developed viable pollen grains originated within the species Amygdalus nana. We did not observe serious disturbances during megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis, the reduction in fruit set was caused by the degeneration of ovules after unsuccessful pollination (unfavourable conditions during the flowering period) and after unsuccessful seed development, caused mainly by damages of reproductive organs by pests.

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a plant species recalcitrant to in vitro morphogenesis and no protocols for the genetic transformation of coconut tissues have been published. The present study aimed to develop a protocol for genetic transformation of this palm species; evaluating reporter genes, transformation methods, and conditions for the use of antibiotics to select transformed plant cells. The gene gusA was first used for Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of coconut embryogenic calli. However, endogenous GUS-like activity was found in calli not co-cultured with bacteria. Then essays for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation were developed using green and red fluorescent genes. Both genes are suitable as reporter genes for coconut transformation. In order to establish a protocol for coconut genetic transformation, an approach was used that combined biobalistics to generate micro-wounds in explants, vacuum infiltration and co-culture with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (C58C1 + pER10W-35SRed containing the embryogenesis related gene WUSCHEL). Calli treated with the combined protocol showed red fluorescence with greater intensity and greater area than calli treated with either biobalistics or infiltration, followed by bacteria co-culture. PCR amplification of DNA extracts from transformed embryogenic callus produced a band with the expected size using WUSCHEL primers (862 bp). No band was obtained using the VirE2 primers. This is the first report of transient genetic transformation of C. nucifera and it is the first step toward a protocol that will be useful for the study of the role of genes of interest and for practical applications, such as the improvement of coconut micropropagation via somatic embryogenesis.

A Gram positive, rod-shaped potential strain was selected from the pool of bacterial isolates obtained from the Western Ghats forest (India) on the basis of zone of P-solubilization activity. Identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain is of Bacillus species, sharing highest sequence similarity to Bacillus tequilensis NRRL B-41771T (99.5%). Strain NII-0943 was able to produce good amount of indole acetic acid (IAA) and was positive for siderophore production. In addition to IAA and siderophore attributes, strain NII-0943 also possessed the characteristics like Ca3(PO4)2 solubilization and growth in nitrogen-free medium. Seed inoculation with the strain NII-0943 resulted in significantly higher root initiation in black pepper cuttings grown under pots. The contents of nitrogen and phosphorus in both soil and plant were also enhanced significantly in treatments inoculated with these bacterial inocula. Hence, based on this evidence it is proposed that strain NII-0943 could be deployed as a plant growth-promoting inoculant to attain the desired results of bacterization.

Cut-leaved teasel is an invasive weed in Missouri that reduces the diversification of native species along roadsides and impairs traffic visibility. Teasel is a biennial and grows as a rosette in the first year and flowers the second year. Reproduction is only by seed. Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 at two locations to assess the seed production of cut-leaved teasel. From a natural stand, fifteen plants were tagged at the onset of flowering. Selected plants included those considered growing in a group and those growing alone; a plant was considered alone when no other plant was adjacent for at least 60 cm. Whenever a seedhead completed flowering, it was covered with a cellophane bag and harvested one month later. Linear regression was used to correlate the weight of seeds from a single seedhead and number of seeds to estimate the total seed production per seedhead. The number of seedheads per plant varied from 3 to 56. On average, plants growing alone had 64% more seedheads per plant than plants occurring in a group. Seed numbers in the primary seedhead ranged from 511 to 1,487. Total seed production per plant ranged from 1,309 to 33,527. Seed production was 61% greater for plants growing alone versus those growing in a group and was more prolific in 2005 than in 2004. In addition, seed production per plant varied between locations for plants growing alone, but seed yield per plant was similar for plants growing in groups. Colonization of teasel in new areas is facilitated by higher seedhead numbers per plant and total seed production compared to reproduction of plants in areas of intraspecific competition.

The objective of this study was to determine more indepth physiological and antioxidant responses in two Medicago ciliaris lines (a salt-tolerant line TNC 1.8 and a salt-sensitive line TNC 11.9) with contrasting responses to 100 mM NaCl. Under salt stress, both lines showed a decrease in total biomass and in the growth rate for roots, but TNC 1.8 was less affected by salt than TNC 11.9 in that it maintained leaf growth even in the presence of added salt. In both lines, salt stress mainly affected micronutrient status (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) rather than K nutrition, but the tolerant line TNC 1.8 accumulated more Na in leaves and less in roots compared with TNC 11.9. Salt stress decreased total soluble sugars (TSS) in all organs of the sensitive line TNC 11.9, whereas TSS was only reduced in roots of the tolerant line. The salt-induced drop in growth was linked to an increase in lipid peroxidation in roots of both lines and in leaves of the sensitive line. The salt-tolerant line TNC 1.8 was more efficient at managing salt-induced oxidative damage in leaves and to a lesser extent in roots than the salt-sensitive line TNC 11.9, by preserving higher phenolic compound and superoxide dismutase levels in both organs.

Anatomical analysis of the red-purple fruit of the Epiphyllum hybrid with red flowers in the course of its development was performed. Main attention was directed towards the special origin of the fruit pulp tissues by fusion of differentiated ovule funiculi cells. This interesting phenomenon in combination with accumulation of mucilage with a high water binding capacity in fruit pulp may prevent the premature dehydratation of fruits and prolong their exploitability. Thorough pigment analysis in the peel and fruit juice from Epiphyllum fruits and Epiphyllum flowers is reported for the first time. While the total betalain content of fruit was comparable with that of some Opuntia and Hylocereus clones, pigment pattern of Epiphyllum flowers may aid in differentiation of hybrids similar to previous reports on Opuntia and Hylocereus fruits. Overall, the results appear to be promising to extend investigations on Epiphyllum both from a botanical view but also with respect to their bioactive substances.

The W2 domain is a conserved domain found firstly at the C-terminus of several translation initiation factors, but its roles are unknown. Here we identified three W2 genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) which were located to the nucleus. The expression profiles of the three genes in response to phytohormones and abiotic stresses were also analyzed. OsW2-1 expression was mainly affected by two classes of phytohormones, including abscisic acid and cytokinin, and some abiotic stresses such as dark, drought and hypersaline, while both OsW2-2 and OsW2-3 expression levels were down-regulated by 2,4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid treatment. Besides, OsW2-2 under chilling stress, and OsW2-3 under 3-indolebutyric acid, kinetin and salt treatments, also showed slight transcription reduction. Our results first suggest that the three W2 genes function in phytohormone signaling pathways, and OsW2-1 also interrelated with the resistance to abiotic stresses in rice. It implies that the homologs of translation initiation factors in nuclei have different functions from those in the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells.

Two new records of Zannichellia peltata Bertol. were reported from Sicily (Italy), together with the history of the taxonomic studies. This macrophyte, usually considered as a synonym or subspecies of Z. palustris, was reported only twice from Italy over one century ago. Taxonomic relationships within the Zannichellia genus, habitat ecology and anthropogenic disturbance factors were also investigated.

The extreme habitats of dry grasslands are suitable for investigations of the response of vegetation to local climate changes. The impact of weather variability on the dynamics of a plant community in a dry grassland was studied. Correlations were found between different functional groups of species and individual species and weather variability. During a 9-year study in five nature reserves in Prague (Czech Republic), the following responses of dry grassland vegetation to weather conditions were observed: (i) wetter conditions, especially in the winter, affected the dominance and species richness of perennial grass species and the decline of rosette plants; (ii) the year-to-year higher temperatures in the winter produced a decline in the dominance of short graminoids and creeping forbs; (iii) spring drought adversely impacted the overall abundance, especially the abundance of dicotyledonous species, and the species richness. However, these relationships may be manifested in different ways in different locations, and in some cases the vegetation of different locations may respond to weather conditions in opposite manners.

Batracobdelloides moogi, the species representing the afroasiatic genus, is very poorly known for its biology and anatomy. This species was described on the basis of a small group of samples from south-western Europe. This study presents a morphological analysis and description of the structure of the alimentary tract and reproductive system. Biometry and external morphology were analyzed on 96 individuals and the anatomic structure on 40 individuals. The average length of the examinated specimens was 9.81 mm and the average weight was 0.056 g. The length of proboscis ranged from 2.5 to 4 neurosomites. Lengths of each ovary ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 neurosomites. Lengths of left and right sperm ducts ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 neurosomites. Correlation between the length of sperm ducts and their coiling was recorded.

Sardinian man-made lakes are reservoirs of species richness, hosting zooplankton taxa from the Mediterranean region and North Africa. To provide a first record of the taxa composition and diversity of zooplankton communities, we sampled 15 reservoirs during 2008–2009, from the north of the island to the south, representative of a range of size, depth, renewal time, and trophy. The survey was complemented by seasonal sampling in one of the largest lakes studied. Water samples collected from surface to bottom provided data on hydrochemistry and trophy. Crustacean dormant stages were inspected from sediments of the richest, and most diverse, Lake Sos Canales. RDA suggested that productivity, water depth, renewal time and altitude were the main variables related to taxa composition. The ubiquitous Copidodiaptomus numidicus, and its persistence in the water column, resulted from the production of subitaneous eggs throughout the year, an adaptive strategy in perennial water bodies. Genetic analyses of DNA sequences of the diagnostic gene ND5 placed the Sardinian Daphnia pulex in the North American group. Moreover, the ND5 sequence found in Sardinia was identical with that of an asexual hybrid clone between the American D. pulex and American D. pulicaria that replaced native D. pulex throughout Africa. The presence of this ND5 haplotype in Sardinia shows that this invasive clone also poses an invasive threat to native populations in Europe.

The monotypic subfamily Oxytorinae is recorded for the first time from South America. Oxytorus peruvianus sp. n. from a Peruvian premontane rain forest is described and illustrated. Information on the habitat and phenology of the new species is reported.

The gall midge Obolodiplosis robiniae is a pest of black locust Robinia pseudoacacia. The species was recently introduced into Europe and it is nowadays a usual insect in Slovakia, where two-year field surveys were undertaken during 2007–2008. The main objective of this study was to determine the natural enemies attacking O. robiniae and estimate their influence on midge population, less than 3 years after its introduction. Eight parasitoids and bushcricket Tettigonia viridissima were responsible for midge regulation. The parasitoid complex was not typically that of an introduced species as it was predicted. Firstly, the midge was heavily influenced by a specialized parasitoid Platygaster robiniae, which was a predominant parasitoid and accounted for 98% of all specimens reared. Secondly, annual larval parasitism varied from 5.4 to 10.8%, though the late season average parasitism achieved 26.0% and often exceeded 40%. P. robiniae was also very efficient in exploiting galls and was capable of consistently regulating midge population. The surveys demonstrated that the average cumulative impact of natural enemies on the midge was substantial. Stably around 20% of attacked galls were recorded during the late summer. Bushcrickets were as efficient as parasitoids and played an important role at control, especially during lack of parasitoids. Greater impact of parasitoids was found in the larger settlements than it was in the countryside, when countertendency was valid for bushcrickets. There is an indication that O. robiniae parasitized by specialized parasitoid, and attacked by bushcrickets represents only a moderate risk for R. pseudoacacia or forest stands.

Aim of the study was to find relations between the habitat pattern and the pattern of mosquito assemblages. Microhabitats of shallow lakes, riversides, forests and humid grasslands were studied. 1,239 samples (mosquito assemblages and potential habitat variables) were taken in different habitats in Hungary. Cluster analysis, Pearson correlation, MDS and PCA were used. Results showed that the mosquito larval assemblages are related to characteristic vegetation types: (a) reed beds and sedge-marshes with temporary character; (b) reed beds and/or sedge-marshes with permanent character; (c) the fresh grasslands characterized by temporary water supply; (d) the marginal zone of the open permanent waters (e.g., lakes); (e) the closed forest vegetation types of temporary water supply. Presence of mosquito species and their larval assemblages is dependent on characteristic habitat-mosaics. Mapping of this background pattern covers the mapping of mosquito assemblages.

The longitudinal distribution patterns of fish species are affected by both natural and anthropogenic variables. The role of these factors on the formation of species assemblages is well documented in North America and Western Europe, but detailed information is lacking from Central and Eastern Europe, and the Carpathian region especially. Therefore, we examined the structure of fish assemblages in response to six key environmental parameters in a natural stream system (Udava stream basin, Slovakia). We used the indirect ordination method of gradient analysis (Detrended Correspondence Analysis, DCA) to analyse the species groups and their connections to the sampled sites and to recognize the strongest gradient of assemblage composition. Subsequently, we used the direct ordination method (Canonical Correspondence Analysis, CCA) to identify the strongest gradients in relation to selected variables. Two major gradients were identified that follow the upstream-downstream pattern of fish communities and three variables (distance from source, depth and site slope) are correlated with the first CCA axis (P < 0.05) and two variables (depth and vegetation cover) are correlated with the second CCA axis (P < 0.05). We assume that these factors influence the temperature and the amount of dissolved oxygen that can cause oxygen and temperature stress to intolerant species (e.g., salmonids). Based on these results, we assume that the economically important species, brown trout and grayling, are not native to the stream basin and this status is only the consequence of natural factors. Furthermore, the results suggest that the Udava stream offers favourable conditions for fish species distribution — a view supported by the high variability of particular variables within the proposed model.

The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, inhabits a wide distribution area in the western Palaearctic. Polish populations of pond turtle represent the nominotypical subspecies Emys orbicularis orbicularis. The mitochondrial DNA haplotype (cytb gene) variation among 131 turtles from 26 locations in five regions of Poland was investigated. Five haplotypes belonging to three distinct lineages were identified. Two clades (I and II) were represented by two haplotypes each, while the other clade (IV) was represented by one haplotype. Three haplotypes were reported for the first time in E. orbicularis. The eastern part of Poland is inhabited exclusively by turtles bearing haplotype Ia. The remaining four sequence variants were recorded in western Poland where only the IIb haplotype is considered endemic. The distribution of the other haplotypes in western Poland could thus reflect past introductions or accidental releases. The authors regarded the two locations (Drzeczkowo and Karpicko) that were first included in the western Poland populations as autochthonous catchment areas of haplotype Ia.

This paper deals with the squamate fauna from three Neogene localities in Slovakia. Neogene lizards and snakes have rarely been reported from this region and many aspects of their evolution and palaeodiversity are still poorly understood. Squamate remains from the Upper Miocene (MN 9) locality of Borsky Sväty Jur belong to at least five different taxa: Lacerta sp., Pseudopus sp., Colubroidea indet. (? Elapidae), Natricinae indet. and Colubridae indet. The ophidian assemblage from Ivanovce (Lower Pliocene; MN 15b) is dominated by colubrids, mainly Zamenis longissimus. The remainder is comprised of the species Natrix natrix. Squamate material from this locality also includes Lacerta cf. agilis, Pseudopus sp. and Ophisaurus sp., while that from Hajnáčka (Upper Pliocene; MN 16a) is extremely poor, comprising just one taxon - Natrix natrix. The Ivanovce material represents the oldest proof of the former existence of the species Zamenis longissimus and Natrix natrix in the Slovak Republic. The composition of this snake fauna indicates faunistic and palaeoecological changes at the end of the Miocene, although this was not as rapid as at similar localities in Europe. The squamate fauna of Slovakia has changed very little since the beginning of the Pliocene, and the majority of taxa are represented by species that currently occur in this region.

To understand population dynamics, the determination of survival rates is very important. For the black stork Ciconia nigra no survival rate determination has been published to date. This might be due to the fact that ringing activity and recovery numbers in general are still relatively low for the species. The international black stork colour ringing programme is taking place with the participation of 25 countries including Hungary. Altogether more than 7,000 black storks have been colour ringed worldwide, of which 1,069 individuals were marked in Hungary. This article’s objective is the determination of the survival rates for the black stork, as well as to estimate the longevity of the species based on live encounters of ringed individuals. The conclusions are that longevity can be estimated based on the data, and is in agreement with previous knowledge; and that the survival rate of the species, with our present knowledge, shows a significant difference between first year (0.1696, 0.1297–0.219) and older birds (0.838, 0.773–0.887).

Sperm apical hooks in murine rodents play an important role in sperm competition. Apical hooks are more curved and longer in species with relatively larger testes, that is in species with a higher risk of sperm competition. The sperm can form aggregations, ‘trains’, that can move faster than individual sperm, thus reaching the egg earlier as was observed in Apodemus sylvaticus. The apical hook plays an important role for train formation. This study focuses on the changes in the curvature of sperm apical hooks during the final stages of spermiogenesis and stages before fertilization (sperm-life span). Apical hook curvatures of field mice (A. agrarius and A. sylvaticus) vary significantly between dormant and active sperm. In contrast, there are no significant differences among the stages in the eastern house mouse. Since there are high ranges of angle values in all stages, the mean angles of apical hook curvature are not appropriate for evaluating risk of sperm competiton. The ranges of angle values point to a level of flexibility of the apical hooks. The lengths of sperm hooks in individual species do not change during particular stages. The length and flexibility of the sperm apical hooks are important for the formation of sperm aggregations, thus these sperm characters indicate the risk of sperm competition and the sperm strategies in murine rodents.

Central neuronal interactions may contribute to up regulation of cough in subjects with rhinitis. Previously we have shown that noxious stimulation of the nose induces considerable Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) in the solitary nuclei and the region of ventral respiratory group and these neurons are involved in the cough pattern generator. Recent study addressed the question, which additional groups are activated in model of trigeminal hyperresponsiveness and whether some of them might also cooperate with cough pattern gating areas. 24 guinea pigs were sensitized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) and later were once weekly challenged with intranasal OVA to develop the neural hyperresponsiveness, 12 animals were left unsensitized. The nasal symptom score was evaluated after each challenge. Finally, animals were anaesthetized and the latest challenges with nasal OVA, capsaicin and saline were applied to induce c-Fos expression in designed groups. Following the survival time animals were deeply anaesthetized, exsanguinated, and transcardially perfused with heparinised saline (200 ml) and paraformaldehyde fixation (200 ml). The brainstems were removed, postfixed, and brainstem slices were processed immunohistochemically (c-Fos, Calbiochem, SR). FLI at the level of obex and areas relative to the obex was analyzed. In all groups (excluding the saline group) the FLI was detected bilaterally in the trigeminal complex, nuclei of solitary tract, lateral reticular and nucleus ambiguus. There were no differences between the OVA and capsaicin groups. Count of Fos-positive neurons within the trigeminal complex does not correlate with the magnitude of clinical symptoms, which gradually increased each week in OVA induced model of hyperresponsiveness. Whereas trigeminal hyperresponsiveness contributes to the up-regulation of cough in animal models, it does not induce any additional neuronal FLI at the middle medulla than observed in naive animals.

Musk deer (Moschus spp.) are small, solitary forest ruminants well-known for the musk secreted by adult males. Because of illegal hunting and habitat degradation and loss, the five species of musk deer are classified as endangered. Musk deer farming has been a positive example of ex situ conservation, maintaining deer numbers whilst sustaining musk production. This study was conducted at the Xinglongshan Musk Deer Farm in Gansu Province in northwest China, and was designed to explore the relationships among musk extraction, fighting ability and social rank in captive, male alpine musk deer (Moschus sifanicus). Results showed that musk production was related to a male’s rank in the dominance hierarchy. Males in the middle rank of the dominance hierarchy tended to produce more musk than deer of higher and lower ranks. This is due to the time-energy budgeting patterns and captive stress of males with different status in the dominance hierarchy. That is, high-ranking males need to budget more time and energy to maintain their higher rank, while low-ranking males are exposed to more aggression from higher-ranking individuals, thus limiting their access to resources such as food and shelter. Accordingly, high-ranking and low-ranking males endured more stress than middle-ranking males, negatively affecting their annual musk production. Supporting the correlation between musk production and the frequency of tail-rubbing behavior was not significant, average musk extraction could not be predicted based on the frequency of tail-rubbing alone. Status in the dominance hierarchy, however, was positively correlated with tail-rubbing frequency, with males of higher rank tending to tail-rub more frequently. Conflict winners tended to initiate tail-rubbing after the conflict; tail-rubbing accounted for 83.33% of the post-conflict behavior expressed by the winner. Tail-rubbing was one of the behavioral rewards of winning a conflict and was also related to releasing aggression; not solely for scent marking territory and trails. Based on the results of this study, there was no direct relationship between musk production and captive males’ status in the dominance hierarchy (and, therefore, in the intensity of aggression displayed). If the sole aim of musk deer farms is to domesticate musk deer for maximum production of musk, we suggest that highly aggressive males be removed from the population. Musk production will remain unchanged, however, aggression level and intensity of fighting could be lessened thus reducing farming costs.