Damage caused by rodents in Polish forests,”

Abstract The impact of small rodents on Polish forest trees was examined at both the national and regional levels. Detailed information based on a questionnaire was collected at the national level in 1993. Field studies at the regional level were carried out from 1994 through to 1997. The damage due to rodents constituting a significant economic problem occurred in only 4% of the Forest Districts in Poland. The tree species that small rodents preferred most were larch, ash, beech and maple, whereas birch, Norway spruce, Scots pine and black alder were the least preferred. Regional field studies were conducted in localities with the highest levels of damage situated in the Sudety Mountains (southern Poland). In this region, the most common rodent species was the field vole. Levels of tree-seedling damage were correlated with vole population density in the Autumn. I conclude that: (1) at the national level, the damage caused by small rodents has limited impact on Polish forestry; (2) at the regional level small rodents may exert considerable pressure on the over-wintering survival of tree seedlings

Versatile approach for functional analysis of human proteins and efficient stable cell line generation using FLP-mediated recombination system

Deciphering a function of a given protein requires investigating various biological aspects. Usually, the protein of interest is expressed with a fusion tag that aids or allows subsequent analyses. Additionally, downregulation or inactivation of the studied gene enables functional studies. Development of the CRISPR/Cas9 methodology opened many possibilities but in many cases it is restricted to non-essential genes. Recombinase-dependent gene integration methods, like the Flp-In system, are very good alternatives. The system is widely used in different research areas, which calls for the existence of compatible vectors and efficient protocols that ensure straightforward DNA cloning and generation of stable cell lines. We have created and validated a robust series of 52 vectors for streamlined generation of stable mammalian cell lines using the FLP recombinase-based methodology. Using the sequence-independent DNA cloning method all constructs for a given coding-sequence can be made with just three universal PCR primers. Our collection allows tetracycline-inducible expression of proteins with various tags suitable for protein localization, FRET, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), protein dynamics studies (FRAP), co-immunoprecipitation, the RNA tethering assay and cell sorting. Some of the vectors contain a bidirectional promoter for concomitant expression of miRNA and mRNA, so that a gene can be silenced and its product replaced by a mutated miRNA-insensitive version. Our toolkit and protocols have allowed us to create more than 500 constructs with ease. We demonstrate the efficacy of our vectors by creating stable cell lines with various tagged proteins (numatrin, fibrillarin, coilin, centrin, THOC5, PCNA). We have analysed transgene expression over time to provide a guideline for future experiments and compared the effectiveness of commonly used inducers for tetracycline-responsive promoters. As proof of concept we examined the role of the exoribonuclease XRN2 in transcription termination by RNAseq

The influence of herb addition to broilers` diet on production results and meat chemical composition

Celem doświadczenia była ocena wprowadzenia do mieszanki paszowej dla kurcząt brojlerów dodatku ziół, w celu poprawy wyników produkcyjnych osiąganych przez ptaki oraz składu chemicznego mięsa. Badaniem objęto 144 dwutygodniowe kurczęta brojlery, podzielone na 2 grupy (po 72 osobniki w każdej)- 1.- żywiona standardową mieszanką pełnoporcjową oraz 2.- otrzymująca tę samą mieszankę wzbogaconą w 2.5% dodatek ziół. W czasie eksperymentu kontrolowano ilość paszy spożytej przez ptaki oraz określono masę ciała kurcząt na początku i na końcu doświadczenia. Uzyskane dane posłużyły do określenia stopnia wykorzystania paszy (FCR) i Europejskiego Wskaźnika Wydajności (EWW). Ostatniego dnia eksperymentu z każdej grupy wybrano po 30 ptaków, pozbawiono je dostępu do paszy, ubito i wypatroszono. Po schłodzeniu tuszek pobrano próby mięśnia piersiowego i oznaczono skład chemiczny mięsa. Otrzymane rezultaty poddano analizie statystycznej przy użyciu programu SAS. Odnotowano wpływ dodatku ziół do mieszanki pełnoporcjowej na FCR, który był mniejszy o 12.5% u ptaków żywionych dawką wzbogaconą w zioła, w porównaniu z kurczętami otrzymującymi mieszankę bez dodatku ziół. Nie wykazano natomiast wpływu dodatku ziół na skład chemiczny mięsa.The evaluation of herbs introduction to broiler chickens diet was this experiment`s purpose, to improve production effects gained by the poultry and the chemical composition of the final product. The investigation took on 144 twoweek-old broiler chicks, divided into 2 groups, 72 in each. First group was fed full portioned commercial feed without the herbal mix (the control group) and the second (the experimental group) received feed mix enriched by 2.5% dried herb mix. During the experiment the amount of feed consumed by the birds was registered and the body mass of the chickens was determined at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Thus, obtained information served to determine FCR and EEI. On the last day of the study from each of the groups, were selected 30 birds, they were not fed for 12 hours, then slaughtered and gutted. Obtained carcasses were sectioned. On the sampled breast muscle portions, a chemical composition of the meat has been performed. The results were statistically analyzed. The effect of the herb’s addition on the FCR was noted. The FCR was 12.5% lower in birds fed the herb enriched diet in comparing with the birds fed without the herbs added. The influence of the differentiated diet on the chemical composition of the meat was not noted however

Quantitative proteomics revealed C6orf203/MTRES1 as a factor preventing stress-induced transcription deficiency in human mitochondria

Maintenance of mitochondrial gene expression is crucial for cellular homeostasis. Stress conditions may lead to a temporary reduction of mitochondrial genome copy number, raising the risk of insufficient expression of mitochondrial encoded genes. Little is known how compensatory mechanisms operate to maintain proper mitochondrial transcripts levels upon disturbed transcription and which proteins are involved in them. Here we performed a quantitative proteomic screen to search for proteins that sustain expression of mtDNA under stress conditions. Analysis of stress-induced changes of the human mitochondrial proteome led to the identification of several proteins with poorly defined functions among which we focused on C6orf203, which we named MTRES1 (Mitochondrial Transcription Rescue Factor 1). We found that the level of MTRES1 is elevated in cells under stress and we show that this upregulation of MTRES1 prevents mitochondrial transcript loss under perturbed mitochondrial gene expression. This protective effect depends on the RNA binding activity of MTRES1. Functional analysis revealed that MTRES1 associates with mitochondrial RNA polymerase POLRMT and acts by increasing mitochondrial transcription, without changing the stability of mitochondrial RNAs. We propose that MTRES1 is an example of a protein that protects the cell from mitochondrial RNA loss during stress

Prospective International Multicenter Pelvic Floor Study:Short-Term Follow-Up and Clinical Findings for Combined Pectopexy and Native Tissue Repair

Efforts to use traditional native tissue strategies and reduce the use of meshes have been made in several countries. Combining native tissue repair with sufficient mesh applied apical repair might provide a means of effective treatment. The study group did perform and publish a randomized trial focusing on the combination of traditional native tissue repair with pectopexy or sacrocolpopexy and observed no severe or hitherto unknown risks for patients (Noé G.K. J Endourol 2015;29(2):210–215). The short-term follow-up of this international multicenter study carried out now is presented in this article. Material and Methods: Eleven clinics and 13 surgeons in four European counties participated in the trial. In order to ensure a standardized approach and obtain comparable data, all surgeons were obliged to follow a standardized approach for pectopexy, focusing on the area of fixation and the use of a prefabricated mesh (PVDF PRP 3 × 15 Dynamesh). The mesh was solely used for apical repair. All other clinically relevant defects were treated with native tissue repair. Colposuspension or TVT were used for the treatment of incontinence. Data were collected independently for 14 months on a secured server; 501 surgeries were registered and evaluated. Two hundred and sixty-four patients out of 479 (55.1%) returned for the physical examination and interview after 12–18 months. Main Outcome and Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 15 months. The overall success of apical repair was rated positively by 96.9%, and the satisfaction score was rated positively by 95.5%. A positive general recommendation was expressed by 95.1% of patients. Pelvic pressure was reduced in 95.2%, pain in 98.0%, and urgency in 86.0% of patients. No major complications, mesh exposure, or mesh complication occurred during the follow-up period. Conclusion: In clinical routine, pectopexy and concomitant surgery, mainly using native tissue approaches, resulted in high satisfaction rates and favorable clinical findings. The procedure may also be recommended for use by general urogynecological practitioners with experience in laparoscopy

Climate change and deer in boreal and temperate regions: From physiology to population dynamics and species distributions

Climate change causes far-reaching disruption in nature, where tolerance thresholds already have been exceeded for some plants and animals. In the short term, deer may respond to climate through individual physiological and behavioral responses. Over time, individual responses can aggregate to the population level and ultimately lead to evolutionary adaptations. We systematically reviewed the literature (published 2000–2022) to summarize the effect of temperature, rainfall, snow, combined measures (e.g., the North Atlantic Oscillation), and extreme events, on deer species inhabiting boreal and temperate forests in terms of their physiology, spatial use, and population dynamics. We targeted deer species that inhabit relevant biomes in North America, Europe, and Asia: moose, roe deer, wapiti, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, white-tailed deer, mule deer, caribou, and reindeer. Our review (218 papers) shows that many deer populations will likely benefit in part from warmer winters, but hotter and drier summers may exceed their physiological tolerances. We found support for deer expressing both morphological, physiological, and behavioral plasticity in response to climate variability. For example, some deer species can limit the effects of harsh weather conditions by modifying habitat use and daily activity patterns, while the physiological responses of female deer can lead to long-lasting effects on population dynamics. We identified 20 patterns, among which some illustrate antagonistic pathways, suggesting that detrimental effects will cancel out some of the benefits of climate change. Our findings highlight the influence of local variables (e.g., population density and predation) on how deer will respond to climatic conditions. We identified several knowledge gaps, such as studies regarding the potential impact on these animals of extreme weather events, snow type, and wetter autumns. The patterns we have identified in this literature review should help managers understand how populations of deer may be affected by regionally projected futures regarding temperature, rainfall, and snow

Complex genomic landscape of inversion polymorphism in Europe's most destructive forest pest

In many species, polymorphic genomic inversions underlie complex phenotypic polymorphisms and facilitate local adaptation in the face of gene flow. Multiple polymorphic inversions can co-occur in a genome, but the prevalence, evolutionary significance, and limits to complexity of genomic inversion landscapes remain poorly understood. Here, we examine genome-wide genetic variation in one of Europe's most destructive forest pests, the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus, scan for polymorphic inversions, and test whether inversions are associated with key traits in this species. We analyzed 240 individuals from 18 populations across the species' European range and, using a whole-genome resequencing approach, identified 27 polymorphic inversions covering ∼28% of the genome. The inversions vary in size and in levels of intra-inversion recombination, are highly polymorphic across the species range, and often overlap, forming a complex genomic architecture. We found no support for mechanisms such as directional selection, overdominance, and associative overdominance that are often invoked to explain the presence of large inversion polymorphisms in the genome. This suggests that inversions are either neutral or maintained by the combined action of multiple evolutionary forces. We also found that inversions are enriched in odorant receptor genes encoding elements of recognition pathways for host plants, mates, and symbiotic fungi. Our results indicate that the genome of this major forest pest of growing social, political, and economic importance harbors one of the most complex inversion landscapes described to date and raise questions about the limits of intraspecific genomic architecture complexity.202