Inorganic Phosphorus Concentrations Research Articles

Assessment of eutrophication through ecological indicators at the entrance of a tropical urbanized estuary

Dissolved nutrients, phytoplankton biomass and other ancillary variables, were obtained at two sub-embayments at the entrance of Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and a composite trophic status index (TRIX) was used to assess the water quality of the study area. The role of bottom sediments in nutrient dynamics was also investigated through the evaluation nutrients, phytoplankton biomass and other sedimentary variables, since this compartment acts as a geological record of anthropogenic input. Jurujuba Sound, at the east margin, and Flamengo-Botafogo Sounds, at the western margin, were sampled during neap and spring tides in the dry season. Signs of eutrophication were detected through the extreme variations of dissolved oxygen concentrations at both margins, being more accentuated at Jurujuba Sound (2.20-14.07 mg.l-1). Dissolved inorganic nitrogen was elevated at both margins and mostly composed of ammonium, surpassing 87% at Flamengo Botafogo Sounds, which suggests a continued input of raw sewage at the western margin of the bay. TRIX revealed poor water quality for most stations at the study area, varying from 4.53 to 7.29 at Jurujuba Sound and from 5.67 to 7.87 at Flamengo-Botafogo Sounds. The increase of TRIX from neap to spring tide was registered at both margins, revealing decrease of water quality. The differences in grain size between both margins played a key role in nutrient dynamics, with predominance of fine sediments at Jurujuba Sound and coarser particles at the opposite margin. Accumulation of high concentrations of TOC (0.87-6.57%) and inorganic phosphorus (154.34-1516.82 µg.g-1) were favored by the predominance of fine sediments at Jurujuba Sound. The assessment of eutrophication in water column and bottom sediments revealed the maintenance of this process at the entrance of Guanabara Bay sustained by the recurrent anthropogenic input, what demands urgent action from public policies to mitigate this situation.

Effects of cadmium and flooding on the formation of iron plaques, the rhizosphere bacterial community structure, and root exudates in Kandelia obovata seedlings

In the rhizosphere, plant root exudates (REs) serve as a bridge between plant and soil functional microorganisms, which play a key role in the redox cycle of iron (Fe). This study examined the effects of periodic flooding and cadmium (Cd) on plant REs, the rhizosphere bacterial community structure, and the formation of root Fe plaques in the typical mangrove plant Kandelia obovata, as well as the relationship between REs and Fe redox cycling bacteria. Based on two-way analysis of variance, flooding and Cd had a considerable effect on the REs of K. obovata. DOC, NH4+-N, NO3−-N, dissolved inorganic phosphorus, acetic acid, and malonic acid concentrations in REs of K. obovata increased considerably with the increase of Cd concentration under 5 and 10 h flooding conditions. Fe plaque development in the plant root was stimulated by flooding and Cd, although flooding was more effective. After Cd treatment, the ways in which Fe-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) and Fe-reducing bacteria (FeRB) were enriched in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane of plants were different. Thiobacillus and Sideroxydans (dominant FeOB) were more abundant in the plant rhizosphere, whereas Acinetobacter (dominant FeRB) was more abundant in the rhizoplane. Cd considerably decreased the relative abundance of unclassified_f_Gallionellaceae in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane but dramatically enhanced the relative abundance of Thiobacillus, Shewanella, and unclassified_f_Geobacteraceae. Unclassified_f_Geobacteraceae and Thiobacillus exhibited substantial positive correlations with citric acid and DOC in REs in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane but strong negative correlations with Sideroxydans. The findings indicate that Cd and flooding treatments may play a role in the production and breakdown of Fe plaque in K. obovata roots by affecting the relative abundance of Fe redox cycling bacteria in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane.

Spatiotemporal distributions and relationships of phosphorus content, phosphomonoesterase activity, and bacterial phosphomonoesterase genes in sediments from a eutrophic brackish water lake in Chile

Phosphorus (P) cycling by microbial activity is highly relevant in the eutrophication of lakes. In this context, the contents of organic (Po) and inorganic (Pi) phosphorus, the activity of acid (ACP) and alkaline (ALP) phosphomonoesterase (Pase), and the abundances of bacterial Pase genes (phoD, phoC, and phoX) were studied in sediments from Budi Lake, a eutrophic coastal brackish water lake in Chile. Our results showed spatiotemporal variations in P fractions, Pase activities, and Pase gene abundances. In general, our results showed higher contents of Pi (110–144 mg kg−1), Po (512–576 mg kg−1), and total P (647–721 mg kg−1) in sediments from the more anthropogenized sampling sites in summer compared with those values of Pi (86–127 mg kg−1), Po (363–491 mg kg−1) and total P (449–618 mg kg−1) in less anthropogenized sampling sites in winter. In concordance, sediments showed higher Pase activities (μg nitrophenyl phosphate g−1 h−1) in sediments from the more anthropogenized sampling sites (9.7–22.7 for ACP and 5.9 to 9.6 for ALP) compared with those observed in less anthropogenized sampling sites in winter (4.2–12.9 for ACP and 0.3 to 6.7 for ALP). Higher abundances (gene copy g−1 sediment) of phoC (8.5–19 × 108), phoD (9.2–47 × 106), and phoX (8.5–26 × 106) genes were also found in sediments from the more anthropogenized sampling sites in summer compared with those values of phoC (0.1–1.1 × 108), phoD (1.4–2.4 × 106) and phoX (0.7–1.2 × 106) genes in the less anthropogenized sites in winter. Our results also showed a positive correlation between P contents, Pase activities, and abundances of bacterial Pase genes, independent of seasonality. The present study provided information on the microbial activity involved in P cycling in sediments of Budi Lake, which may be used in further research as indicators for the monitoring of eutrophication of lakes.

X-ray macromorphological and biochemical assessment of consolidation of fractures of long tubular bones under conditions of osteoreplacement with calcium-phosphate ceramics doped with germanium for osteoporosis in rab-bits

Among several factors that can cause a violation of the course of reparative osteogenesis, previous diseases associated with a change in the structural and functional state of bone tissue and primarily osteoporosis are considered significant. Osteoporotic fractures are difficult to treat. Along with systemic therapy, locally applied bone substitute materials, particularly unalloyed and alloyed calcium phosphate ceramics with pronounced osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteointegration properties. The work aims to evaluate the effect of calcium-phosphate ceramics doped with germanium on post-traumatic bone regeneration in conditions of secondary osteoporosis in rabbits. Experimental osteoporosis in rabbits was induced by administration of 0.4 % dexamethasone solution (KRKA, Slovenia) for 21 days at a dose of 1.2 mg/kg of body weight. Experimental (n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups of animals were formed. Animals of the experimental group had defects replaced with granules of hydroxyapatite ceramics, synthesized based on hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate, doped with germanium. In rabbits of the control group, bone defects healed under a blood clot. Blood samples to determine the level of total calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorus (P) were taken before surgery and on 7-,14th, 30th, and 60th day of the study. X-ray studies were performed on the RUM-20 X-ray machine on the 14th, 30th, and 60th day of reparative osteogenesis. Radiologically and macromorphologically, it was established that reparative osteogenesis in the experimental animals proceeds more dynamically compared to the control group and is characterized by a high density of bone tissue at the site of the defect already on the 14th day after the injury, a moderate periosteal and early appearance of the endosteal reaction. The content of total calcium in the animals of the experimental group on the 14th day after the injury was 1.3 times (P < 0.001) higher than that of the control and animals before the operation, and on the 30th day, it was 1.2 times (P < 0.001) in accordance. The concentration of inorganic phosphorus (P) on the 14th and 30th days of reparative osteogenesis in animals of the experimental group was 1.1 times (P < 0.05) lower than in control animals, and on the 60th day in 1.4 times (P < 0.01), respectively. Systemic osteoporosis in experimental animals causes a violation of reparative osteogenesis due to the prolongation of the inflammatory-resorptive stage and cartilaginous callus and complicated mineralization of bone regeneration. Calcium-phosphate ceramics is a promising material for replacing bone defects in animals with systemic secondary osteoporosis.

Effects of phytase supplementation of high-plant-protein diets on growth, phosphorus utilization, antioxidant, and digestion in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Fish meal is increasingly being replaced by plant protein raw materials, meanwhile, it brings phytic acid, which combines with phosphorus to form phytate phosphorus and leads to a low utilization rate of phosphorus in shrimp. To solve this problem, this study investigated the effects of phytase supplementation on growth performance, phosphorus utilization, antioxidants, and digestion in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Crayfish (initial mean weight: 8.69 ± 0.15 g, N = 324) were randomly divided into six groups each with three replicates of 18 individuals each, and hand-fed for 8 weeks with one of six experimental diets (50 and 490 g kg−1 animal and plant protein raw material, respectively): negative control (NC; 11.0 g kg−1 phosphorus), positive control (PC; 15 g kg−1 NaH2PO4 added to NC; 14.7 g kg−1 phosphorus), and phytase supplementation diets (P1–P4: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g kg−1 phytase added to NC, respectively). The feeding trial was performed in a micro-flow water culture system. P2 showed a significantly higher weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention efficiency (PRE) but showed the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) than other groups. Broken-line regression analyses using WGR, FCR, and PRE as evaluation indices showed that the optimal dietary phytase supplementation level was 0.233, 0.244, and 0.303 g kg−1, respectively. P2 showed the highest crude protein content of whole crayfish and abdominal muscle, and phosphorus deposition rate, which was significantly higher than that in NC and PC. P3 showed the highest calcium and phosphorus contents in whole crayfish and phosphorus content in abdominal muscle, and calcium and inorganic phosphorus content in serum, which were significantly higher than those in NC. P3 showed significantly lowest serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase activities, malondialdehyde content in hepatopancreas, and highest catalase activity, which were significantly lower and higher, respectively, than those in NC and PC. In summary, the addition of 0.2–0.4 g kg−1 phytase significantly improves the growth performance, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant of P. clarkii, which has a similar effect to the direct addition of NaH2PO4 at 15 g kg−1 to the feed.

Pollution and substrate characteristics are correlated with intertidal macroalgal community structure on the eastern Libyan coast

ABSTRACT This pioneering investigation relates pollution indicators and substrate characteristics to algal diversity at seven sites along the eastern Libyan coast during autumn 2018 and spring 2019. Seawater chemical composition and algal diversity exhibited marked temporal and spatial variability. High concentrations of inorganic phosphorus (Pi), nitrite (NO2 −) and nitrate (NO3 −), along with low dissolved oxygen (DO) were used as indicators of water pollution. Water pollution status and nature of substrate were correlated with algal distribution and diversity. The algal community was dominated by rhodophytes followed by chlorophytes and ochrophytes, whereas cyanophytes and xanthophytes were rare. Interestingly, Xanthophyta was represented by the freshwater alga Vaucheria piloboloides. Chlorophytes, particularly Ulva spp, were associated with polluted sites, whereas rhodophytes and ochrophytes dominated the more pristine sites. Chlorophytes, rhodophytes and xanthophytes were more abundant in the cold season (October–December), whereas cyanophytes and ochrophytes were found in greater abundance in the warm season (March–May). In addition to the effect of pollution and climate, the nature of the substrate had a profound influence on algal diversity. The agreement between frequency of occurrence and percentage cover observed in cyanophytes, chlorophytes and ochrophytes was less evident in rhodophytes. The present work concludes that the enhanced urbanization at the eastern Libyan coast, with emergence of point source pollution mainly of municipal and industrial origins, has impacted the diversity of algal communities, leading to dominance of Chlorophyta, particularly Ulva spp, over the other algal groups at polluted sites.

Post-collection acidification of spot urine sample is not needed before measurement of electrolytes

IntroductionKidney stone formers can have higher oxalate and phosphate salt amounts in their urine than healthy people and we hypothesized that its acidification may be useful. The study aims to compare results of urine concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus in the midstream portion of first voided morning urine samples without (FMU) and with post-collection acidification (FMUa) in kidney stone patients.Materials and methodsThis is a prospective single center study. A total of 138 kidney stone patients with spot urine samples were included in the study. Urine concentrations of calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus were measured with and without post-collection acidification. Acidification was performed by adding 5 µL of 6 mol/L HCl to 1 mL of urine.ResultsThe median age (range) of all participants was 56 (18-87) years. The median paired differences between FMU and FMUa concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus were: - 0.040 mmol/L, 0.035 mmol/L, and 0.060 mmol/L, respectively. They were statistically different: P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively. These differences are not clinically significant because biological variations of these markers are much higher.ConclusionsNo clinically significant differences in urinary calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus concentrations between FMU and FMUa in patients with kidney stones were found.

SOME METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN IN DAIRY COWS DURING THE PERIOD CLOSE TO CALVING UNDER ACETONEMIA

The active development and intensification of animal husbandry, with technological errors (abnormal operation, unbalanced diets, keeping conditions, and others), increases the risk of the occurrence of a variety of metabolic diseases (ketosis, osteodystrophy, hepatosis). The study aimed to investigate the metabolic changes in dairy cows during the “close to calving” period of acetonemia. The authors researched cows of black-motley breed based on the joint-stock company of educational and experimental farm “Prigorodnoye”, Barnaul. The research was carried out four times: 2 and 1 month before calving, and 10 days and 1 month after calving. During the study, clinical and biochemical examination of the selected animals was carried out. The authors found that in ketosis cows have increased respiratory rate and heart rate. The authors also noted signs of osteodystrophy and rumen hypotonia. In cows with ketosis, the level of total calcium was below the physiological limits during the whole study. The authors observed an increase in total calcium concentration one month and ten days after calving, after which this concentration decreased. Inorganic phosphorus concentrations decreased one month before calving and increased sharply after calving. Hypoglycemia and acidosis were also noted by the authors. Acetone bodies decreased by calving and increased after calving. Triglyceride levels increased before calving and exceeded physiological values one month before calving. After calving, triglyceride concentration decreased sharply. The concentration of cholesterol in the blood of cows rose during the whole period of the study and its level was within the physiological norm.

Photosynthetic apparatus features of Nuphar lutea and Nymphaea alba floating leaves can affect their redistribution

Water plants are well adapted to the aquatic environment due to the high plasticity of the photosynthetic apparatus of floating and submerged leaves. A strong decrease or complete disappearance of Nymphaea alba L. populations and their simultaneous replacement by Nuphar lutea L. Smith populations were observed for the last decades in freshwater ecosystems previously described as typical habitats of both species. However, there is no information on which environmental factors and / or interspecies differences between Nu. lutea and Ny. alba induce succession in Nymphaeaceae populations and decline of Ny. alba in natural habitats. We conducted a two-year comparative study of photosynthetic apparatus in floating leaves (chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf anatomy, and chloroplast ultrastructure) of both plant species in water bodies significantly different in the degree of anthropogenic impact and abundance of Nymphaeaceae individuals. It was shown that shifting of parameters of water chemistry induced by increasing concentrations of nitrogen and inorganic phosphorus did not affect photosynthetic processes in both species and confirmed literature data on high tolerance of rooted floating-leaved macrophytes to eutrophication. Irrespective of the water eutrophication level, a more rapid decrease of effective quantum yield (ΦPSII) of Nu. lutea floating leaves at irradiances above 500 μmol m−2 s−1 was observed. Active non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) mechanisms and local extensions of granal thylakoids indicate well-developed photoprotective features of Nu. lutea. The higher value of ΦPSII and diameter of grana in palisade parenchyma and a well-developed spongy parenchyma providing intensive gas exchange indicate better adaptation of photosynthetic apparatus of Ny. alba to high irradiance. In addition, leaf costs and leaf dynamics of Nu. lutea and Ny. alba can impact the outcome of the competition between the two species.

Morphological characteristics and chemical behaviour of phosphorus at the sediment–water interface in wetland

AbstractThe content and adsorption capacity of phosphorus in the surface and bottom sediments of the karst wetland were monitored for 2 months. The results indicated that the total phosphorus concentration in the sediments varied from 217.15 to 1511.84 mg kg−1 and 353.64 to 1650.26 mg kg−1 in summer and autumn, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of phosphorus by wetland sediments were systematically studied. The adsorption isotherm conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximal adsorption capacity (Qmax), background adsorbed phosphorus (NAP), and equilibrium concentrations (EPCe) in sediments were strongly affected by Eh, pH, the content of inorganic phosphorus (IP), and organic phosphorus (Or‐P). The results of this research will shed light on understanding the biogeochemistry behaviour of phosphorus at the sediment–water interface in karst wetland and the water purification mechanism in wetland sediments on a global scale.

Effect of Corn Straw Blending on Phosphorus Specification and Bioavailability of Incinerated Sludge Ash

Phosphorus is a depletable resource, and the consumption of phosphorus fertilizer increases with the growing population size. Phosphorus recycled from incinerated sludge ash can be a complement to phosphatic fertilizers in districts suffering from phosphorus resource shortages (e.g., Germany, Japan, and Sweden). The apatite inorganic phosphorus (AP) content in incinerated sludge ash is a key factor influencing the recoverability and bioavailability. Biomass straw is rich in calcium and magnesium minerals and can be used as an additive to be blended with sludge to increase the AP content. However, most of the current studies added excessive amounts of calcium-based or biomass additives, and the bioavailability of various Ca–Mg–P minerals generated after the addition of biomass has not been systematically discussed. In this study, the changes of the phosphorus form in the mixed sludge and biomass with Ca/P in the range of 1.0–2.5 are studied, and the influence of temperature and additives on the phosphorus form and the bioavailability of phosphorus in the ash samples are discussed by combining X-ray diffraction and citric acid (CA) leaching experiments. The AP content is very low in the residue of the sludge or corn straw (CS) that has been burned individually. The sludge and the blended sludge and CS were incinerated at various temperatures. As the incineration temperature increased, the conversion of non-apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP) to AP was promoted, but the bioavailability did not change until 1050 °C for samples with a Ca/P of 2.5. In the range from 750 to 950 °C, higher temperature promotes the formation of Ca2P2O7 and CaP2O6. CaP2O6 is insoluble in CA; thus, the bioavailability changes little from 750 to 950 °C, although the AP content increases. With the increase of Ca/P, the conversion of NAIP to AP and the bioavailability of phosphorus were promoted. For the blended sludge and CS ash, Ca7Mg2P6O24 appears at 950 and 1050 °C and the bioavailability also increases.

Long-Term Harmful Algal Blooms and Nutrients Patterns Affected by Climate Change and Anthropogenic Pressures in the Zhanjiang Bay, China

Climate change and anthropogenic pressures have significantly affected coastal environments. This study obtained historical data on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and nutrient patterns over a 30-year period to explore responses to long-term climate change and anthropogenic pressure indicators. Although the surrounding area has achieved great economic success over the past 30 years, the Zhanjiang Bay (ZJB) has been seriously affected by various pollutants and is threatened by increasing eutrophication and HABs due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures. In the ZJB, HABs rarely occurred before the 1980s but have occurred periodically and frequently since the 2000s. The largest HAB covered a cumulative area of 310 km2 in 2005. Most of the HABs occurred during spring. Additionally, the dominant phytoplankton species were Skeletonema costatum and Phaeocystis globosa, accounting for 37.50 and 43.75% of the HABs observed, respectively. Anthropogenic pressures have caused the nutrient regime to significantly increased in the ZJB over the past three decades (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Specifically, the concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) increased threefold from the beginning of the 1990 to 2019 period, while the dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) concentration increased 21-fold. Unsynchronized variation in nutrient patterns has led to changes in the composition of nutrients, and the ZJB ecosystem has shifted from a P-limited oligotrophic state before the 2000s to an N-limited eutrophic state. Anthropogenic pressure indicators showed a significant linear correlation with nutrients (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but climate change indicators did not play a direct role in the eutrophication problem in the ZJB during this period (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Therefore, integrated land-ocean environment management should be introduced to reduce land-based pollution sources, mitigate eutrophication, and curb the blooms of harmful algae in the ZJB.

Effect of a probiotic containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria on the metabolic processes, litter microbiocenosis, and production indicators of broiler Pekin ducklings

Background and Aim:The use of antibiotics is prohibited in poultry feeding in many countries worldwide, which has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, probiotic supplements are a good alternative in these circumstances. Probiotics, including Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can reduce the development of resistance and stimulate the growth of broiler ducklings. This study aimed to evaluate properties of the probiotic supplement containing these bacteria.Materials and Methods:We studied the response of broiler ducklings to the addition of a dietary probiotic supplement containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria until they reached 7 weeks of age. All birds participating in the experiment received probiotic supplements on days 1-7, 15-21, 29-35. The state of the ducklings was assessed on day 21. At the age of 21 and 42 days, 4-5 ml of blood was drawn from the wing vein of 10 randomly selected birds (5 in each group). Blood samples were analyzed for total protein, concentration of glucose, hemoglobin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus, as well as the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Enzymatic calorimetric method, molybdate method, and haemocytometry according to Nutt method and haemoglobin cyanide method were used to analyze blood samples.Results:The live weight of the experimental ducklings increased by 5.0%, showing a positive effect of probiotic supplementation, whereas their feed consumption per kilogram of weight gain decreased. Their hemoglobin content and red blood cell count increased. Although the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria increased, the number of Escherichia coli cells decreased 2.15-fold (p<0.05). The addition of the probiotic supplement contributed to improving the digestibility of protein and fat by 1.6%, fiber by 3.4%, and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 4.7%. The broiler ducklings had high meat quality indicators, including dressing percentage, which increased by 5.4%, whereas the fat content decreased by 1.3%.Conclusion:The introduction of the probiotic supplement in the diet of broiler ducklings improved their growth indicators and increased the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria while decreasing the number of E. coli cells in the intestine. It not only improved the meat quality but also increased the profit from $0.392 per bird in the control group to $0.472 per bird in the experimental group. Therefore, this probiotic supplement is a good alternative for raising ducklings in large enterprises and farms. The study limitations may be that the results are only applicable to broiler ducklings. The use of lactobacilli may yield different results in other bird breeds or broiler ducklings in different age groups.

MARKERS OF METABOLIC DISORDERS IN THE BLOOD OF SOWS IN CASE OF HEPATODYSTROPHY

Liver diseases are widespread among pigs of different gender and age groups. Hepatodystrophy (hepatosis) is most often recorded among liver diseases. Various metabolic disorders develop in sows with hepatosis. Groups of sows of different ages (farrow number) with biochemical changes which are specific for hepatosis were formed in the conditions of the pig-breeding complex. In total, six groups of 5 sows in each were formed. The list of biochemical parameters allowed to assess the state of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, mineral and pigment metabolism, as well as activity of a number of enzymes. The diagnosis was confirmed by macro- and microscopic examination of the livers of sows. Macroscopic examination of the livers of sows with hepatosis revealed their increased size, rounded edges, variegated color. Similar changes were not found in the livers of healthy sows. Granular, vacuolar and fatty degeneration were found when studying histosections obtained from liver samples of sows with hepatosis. Derangements of protein and nitrogen metabolism (high levels of total protein and creatinine, decreased concentrations of albumin and urea, albumin-protein ratio) were found in sows with hepatosis. Derangements of carbohydrate and lipid (decrease of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides) and mineral metabolism (increase of concentration of iron and inorganic phosphorus with simultaneous decrease of concentration of calcium and calcium-phosphorus ratio) were noted. These changes of metabolic processes in the body are basically preconditioned by inhibition of synthetic function of the liver in case of hepatosis of sows.

The Advantages of Inorganic Fertilization for the Mass Production of Copepods as Food for Fish Larvae in Aquaculture.

Copepods are commonly used as live feed for cultured fish larvae, but the current mass production method using organic fertilizers cannot meet the market demand for copepods. We evaluated the feasibility of applying an inorganic fertilization method, which is currently in use in freshwater and marine larviculture, to the mass production of copepods. For 30 days, and with five replicates of each treatment, we made comparative daily measurements of various parameters of (1) copepod cultures fertilized with commercially available condensed fish solubles (organic fertilization) and (2) other cultures in which the concentration of inorganic phosphorus was maintained at 100 μg P L−1 and that of inorganic nitrogen at 700 μg N L−1 (inorganic fertilization). With inorganic fertilization, pH fluctuated over a smaller range and much less filamentous algae grew in the tanks. The mean production of copepod nauplii over the course of the study was similar between the two treatments, but the combined density of copepodites and adult copepods was significantly higher with inorganic fertilization. Compared to commercial zooplankton products, copepods cultured with inorganic fertilization were smaller, were mixed with fewer (almost none) non-copepod contaminants, were also pathogen-free, and could be produced at the cheapest cost per unit output. Based on these results, we conclude that the inorganic fertilization method can profitably be adopted by commercial copepod producers to meet the demand from fish farmers, especially for small-sized copepods.

Excessive Aurantiochytrium acetophilum docosahexaenoic acid supplementation decreases growth performance and breast muscle mass of broiler chickens

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with health-promoting potential. This study was to investigate effects of supplemental DHA from Aurantiochytrium acetophilum on growth performance, health status, meat quality, and protein synthesis signaling of broiler chickens. Day-old male chicks were housed in an environmental control room (6 cages/treatment, 8 chicks/cage), and fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet supplemented with the DHA-rich A. acetophilum biomass (Heliae, Gilbert, AZ) at 0, 1, 2, and 4% (0, 1.7, 3.4 and 6.8 g DHA/kg diet) for 6 weeks. Growth performance was measured weekly. Blood samples were collected at weeks 3 and 6 (2 chicks/cage). Four tissues were sampled (2 chicks/cage) for biochemical and meat quality analyses. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and regression. Compared with the control, the 4% A. acetophilum diet decreased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (19%) and gain to feed ratio (19%) during weeks 4–6. The A. acetophilum supplementation dose-dependently decreased (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.21–0.54) plasma alanine amino transferase activity and glucose concentrations, but had little effect on plasma activity of alkaline phosphatase or concentrations of inorganic phosphorus and uric acid at weeks 3 and 6. Compared with the control, the 4% A. acetophilum diet decreased (p < 0.05) breast muscle weight by 21%, and down-regulated (p < 0.05) mRNA levels of mammalian target of rapamycin and ribosomal s6 protein (S6), and protein levels of phosphorylated S6 to S6 and phosphorylated S6 kinase beta 1 to S6 kinase beta 1. The A. acetophilum supplementation linearly increased (p < 0.01) lipid peroxidation (R2 = 0.62–0.90) and hardness and chewiness (R2 = 0.34–0.44) of breast and thigh muscles. In conclusion, supplemental 4% (6.8 g DHA/kg), but not 1 or 2%, of A. acetophilum impaired growth performance, breast muscle mass accumulation, and(or) protein synthesis signaling of broilers.

Natural spawning, early development and first successful hatchery production of the bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus (Valenciennes, 1839), with application of an inorganic fertilization method in larviculture

Bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, is one of the top ten most exported fish to the global trade in marine aquarium fish and a key species for reef fish diversity. However, knowledge on reproduction and early ontogeny of this species in captivity are scarce and incomplete. Daily spawning, early development and appropriate rearing condition (temperature and salinity) for the larviculture of L. dimidiatus were studied for the first time. We raised wrasse larvae by using an inorganic fertilization method to produce natural assemblages of phytoplankton and zooplankton, and compared it to the higher N: P ratio group and traditional rotifer-fed group. A single male dominated a harem of three females, spawning between late afternoon and dusk. L. dimidiatus spawned 305 times from 1 May 2011 to 30 April 2012, 86.9 ± 10.1% of which resulted in fertilized eggs. Fecundity ranged from 53 to 25,108 eggs per spawn with average hatching rate of 72.2 ± 22.6%. Fertilized eggs were spherical, buoyant and had a diameter of 0.68 ± 0.02 mm. Embryonic development lasted 19 h at 27.3 °C. Newly hatched larvae were 1.81 ± 0.06 mm in total length (LT) and had an oil globule in the ventroanterior area of the yolk sac. First feeding took places at 3 days post hatch (dph) which is marked by the widening of the gut. At 41 dph, transformation of larvae to the juvenile stage was completed at 12.60 ± 0.98 mm LT. On the scanning electron microscope observations, the fertilized egg membrane was smooth and lack surface sculpturing. The distribution density of pores was 61 pores 100 μm−2. The micropyle was circular or oval-shaped, and the diameter was 6.90–7.13 μm. Several neuromasts were found on the head and body surface of newly hatched larvae. The results showed that unicellular algae, zooplankton within the size ranges of 48–150 μm and larval survival of L. dimidiatus were all significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fertilized treatment (maintaining the inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations of 700 μg N L−1 and 100 μg P L−1, respectively) compared with the others. These results indicated that the optimal conditions for embryo incubation and larval rearing of L. dimidiatus were combinations of temperature 27 °C and salinity 33 psu. Our results of this study may provide a keystone for further studies to determine the successful mass-scale production of juvenile L. dimidiatus.

Urine uromodulin and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: is there a relationship?

BACKGROUND. Uromodulin (UMO) is a multifunctional glycoprotein expressed in epithelial cells of the thick ascending part of the loop of Henle. Currently, enough information has been accumulated about the participation of this glycoprotein in a number of important physiological and pathological processes. THE AIM: to evaluate the relationship between the level of urine uromodulin (Umo) and the intake of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in chronic kidney disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS. 96 patients aged 43.6±15.4 years were examined. (M:W = 46:50). The presence of kidney disease in all cases is confirmed morphologically. The main criterion for the inclusion of patients in the study was the presence of CKD C1-C3. The exclusion criteria were age over 70 years, the presence of diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive therapy at the time of examination, taking diuretics. Umo concentrations in blood serum (SUmo) and urine (UUmo) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Serum and urinary concentrations of creatinine, potassium, sodium, chlorine, calcium, and inorganic phosphorus, as well as protein levels in urine, were also determined. The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the formula CKD-EPI. The values of daily excretion, clearance, and fractional excretion were calculated for all ions. RESULTS. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 – 20 people who did not take ACE inhibitors; group 2 – 78 people who took ACE inhibitors. The content of Umo in urine correlated in the first group with the value of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum Umo. In the second group, associations of the concentration of Umo in urine with age, eGFR, the excreted fraction of sodium and chlorine, and serum Umo were noted. CONCLUSION. The data obtained suggest that the nephroprotective properties of ACE inhibitors are broader than is commonly thought. Our data allow us to talk about their protective effect at the level of the tubular apparatus. The authors believe that the information currently available is quite sufficient to discuss the need to introduce the definitions of SUmo and UUmo into real clinical practice.

Mass removal efficiencies in water and consequences after a river diversion into coastal wetlands: second thoughts

Salinity control, nutrient additions, and sediment supply were directly or indirectly the rationale for a $220 million coastal wetland restoration project (Davis Pond River Diversion) that began in 2002. We sampled Mississippi River water going in and out of the receiving basin from 1999 to 2018 to understand why wetland loss increased after it began. There was a reduction in inorganic sediments, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations within the ponding area of 77%, 39% and 34%, respectively, which is similar to that in other wetlands. But the average sediment accumulation of 0.6 mm year−1 inadequately balances the present-day 5.6 mm year−1 sea level rise or the 7.9 ± 0.13 mm year−1 accretion rates in these organic soils. Nutrients added likely reduced live belowground biomass and soil strength, and increased decomposition of the organic matter necessary to sustain elevations. The eutrophication of the downstream aquatic system from the diversion, principally by P additions, increased Chl a concentrations to a category of ‘poor’ water quality. We conclude that this diversion, if continued, will be a negative influence on wetland area and will eutrophy the estuary. It is a case history example for understanding the potential effects arising from proposed river diversions.

Productive and interior indicators in pigs when microcapsulatedlactobifadol is included in the diet

The results of studies of the effect of the microcapsulated probiotic lactobifadol on productive and interior indicators in pigs are presented. It is shown that the microcapsulated preparation obtained by the original technology has a pronounced stimulating effect on metabolism. After its application, pigs had higher average daily body weight gains (583,0±8.8-600,0±9,5 g) compared with animals receiving non-encapsulated lactobifadol (507,0±10,1-533,0±11,0 g) and control (463,0±9,2-483,0±8,5 g). The blood contained significantly (p&lt;0.05) more red blood cells and hemoglobin. At the same time, the content of leukocytes was within the physiological boundaries. The encapsulated lactobifadol had a positive effect on the biochemical status. Pigs receiving the drug on the 30th day of the experiment had significantly more (p&lt;0,05-0,01) total protein (75,7±2,3 g/l), total calcium (3,10±0,19 mmol/L), glucose (3,42±0,10 mmol/L), vitamins A (0,55±0,04 mg/l) and C (3,93 ± 0,18 mmol/l) compared with control group animals (6,83±2,0 g/l; 2,60±0,15 mmol/l; 2,72±0,15 mmol/l; 0,28±mg/l; 2,9±0,17 mmol/l). At the same time, the content of inorganic phosphorus (1.65±0.18 mmol/l) and total lipids (4,48±0,21 g/l) was at a lower level than in animals not receiving probiotic preparation (1,85±0,16 mmol/l; 4,67±0,18 g/l). The developed microcapsulate-dlactobifadol is recommended for use in pig breeding practice.