Diet of the southern ravine salamander Plethodon richmondi

The diets of many small North American Plethodon species are poorly studied despite their important roles in forest ecosystems. Using a non lethal gastric lavage method, we examined the spring-season diet of 31 southern ravine salamanders (Plethodon richmondi) from a second-growth forest in south-eastern Kentucky (USA). We recovered and identified a total of 452 prey items from 14 different prey groups. The three most important prey groups were Formicidae (ants), Acari (mites and ticks), and Collembola (springtails). Together, these groups accounted for more than 80 % of all prey items. Examining the diets of terrestrial salamanders may help us better understand their roles in the regulation of invertebrate communities and the transfer of accessible nutrients back to the soil.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the water, sediment and the tissues of Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) from Eber Lake

In this research, in order to observe the seasonal change between April 2014 and February 2015, heavy metal contents in the water, sediment and the Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) tissues (muscle, gill and liver) growing in Eber Lake were determined. The obtained results showed that trace elements were founded in water, sediment and fish tissues. Among the average annual concentrations of water samples, the highest concentration was found for Mn (0.1584 mg/L) element and the lowest concentration was found for Pb element in the spring season. the maximum Average annual concentration was calculated for Mn (0.1584 mg/L, Spring) and the minimum was determined for Pb in water. In the sediment, Fe (16245.84 mg/kg, Spring) was found to be maximum and Co was the minimum. In fish, the highest concentrations were found in liver (Mo, Ni, Pb, Co, Cu, Fe), while the lowest concentrations were found in gill (Mn, Zn) and muscle (Cd, Cr, Se) tissues While the highest heavy metal concentrations were observed in the sediment, the minimum was found in the fish tissues (the ranking was the following; liver, gill and muscle). It was concluded that the heavy metal levels measured in the Lake Eber have no risk to the environment and to the public health.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Plant Growth and Tuber Yield of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) cv. Kenya White

The experiment was carried out at Experimental field, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Sciences [formerly known as Allahabad Agriculture Institute Deemed University, AAI-DU] during the Spring season 2014-2015. The experiment consists of Thirteen treatments viz., (T0) Control-RDF (100:120:100 N P K kg ha-1,), (T1) 75% RDF + AZ@ 2.5 kg ha-1,, (T2) 75% RDF + FYM @ 10 ton ha-1, (T3) 75% RDF + VC@ 10 ton ha-1, (T4) 75% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg/ha +FYM @ 10 ton ha-1+VC @ 10 ton ha-1, (T5) 50% RDF +AZ@ 2.5 kg ha-1, (T6) 50% RDF + FYM@ 10 ton ha-1, (T7) 50% RDF + VC@ 10 ton ha-1, (T8) 50% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg ha-1+FYM @ 10 ton ha-1+VC @ 10 ton ha-1, (T9) 25% RDF + AZ@ 2.5 kg ha-1, (T10) 25% RDF + FYM@ 10 ton ha-1, (T11) 25% RDF + VC@ 10 ton ha-1+, (T12) 25% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg ha-1+FYM @ 10 ton ha-1+VC @ 10 ton ha-1. The treatments were replicated thrice in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The results revealed that Plants treated with 75% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg/ha +FYM @ 10 t/ha +VC @ 10 t/ha (T4) significantly recorded maximum vegetative and Tuber yield attributes like plant height (91.87 cm), plant spread (92.38 cm), Number of Branches per plant (7.27), number of leaves per plant (26.53), number of tubers per plant (4.80), maximum tuber weight (958.53) and Maximum tuber yield per plant was recorded in T4 (75% RDF + AZ @ 2.5 kg/ha +FYM @ 10 t/ha +VC @ 10 t/ha) (43.33g) followed by T3 (75% RDF + VC @ 10 t/ha) (40.95g).

Watermelon Production Budget for North Florida

This publication describes a sample watermelon production budget for a spring season in north Florida. We estimate costs for fixed assets, equipment operation, labor, materials, services, harvesting and marketing. We also estimate yield and potential returns. A budget summary and sensitivity table are provided. A spreadsheet that can serve as a budget template accompanies the manuscript.

Comparative characterization of the roach Rutilus rutilus heckelii (Nordmann, 1840) sampled in different areas of the Sea of Azov during its spawning season in 2021, based on its physiological and biochemical parameters

Four samples of Rutilus rutilus collected in various water bodies of the Azov Sea Basin have been investigated. Individuals were examined during their spawning migration in the spring season of 2021. The differences in some physiological and biochemical parameters between the studied samples were considered. It has been found that the content of lipids in the sexual products of males was higher than in the gonads of females, and the protein was lower. Biochemical analysis of fish blood serum showed differences in the level of albumin between females and males and in the amount of triglycerides in the individuals from different fishing sites. In the liver of the fish from the Vostochno-Akhtarskoe (East Akhtarsk) Hatchery, a low activity of all investigated enzymes of the antioxidant system has been recorded.

Biochemical and hematological parameters of the roach Rutilus rutilus heckelii (Nordmann, 1840) from the Sea of Azov stock in the spring season of 2020–2021

This work presents the results of the investigation of the physiological state of the roach Rutilus rutilus heckelii breeders from the Sea of Azov stock during the spawning period. It has been established that, in the spring season of 2020 and 2021, the content of proteins and lipids in fish tissues, as well as hematological parameters in all investigated roach specimens from different water bodies were consistent with the average long-term values. The content of proteins in the muscles and liver of roach does not differ by sex. A higher protein content in the gonads of females is characteristic of the pre-spawning period due to the process of gonad maturation. The high content of lipids in the gonads of males apparently results from the lower energy consumption for maturation of the gonads and spawning. The average concentration of sodium and potassium ions decreased in comparison with the values obtained in 2020, while the concentration of chloride anions increased. It has been concluded that the physiological state of all investigated roach specimens was normal.

Study of episootic sıtuation at poultry farms for colibacteriosis and salmonellosis in Azerbaijan

The article refers to the research work carried out in recent years at the poultry farms of the Khachmaz region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the influence of opportunistic microbes on the activities of the farm. The role of opportunistic microbes in the occurrence of certain diseases with deficiencies in the process of feeding and raising of birds, and the microclimate in poultry farms is shown. During the bacteriological examination of breeding eggs by seasons there were revealed the presence of infection in the winter season with E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus – with each infection separately 13.0 %, in the spring season with E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus – with each infection separately 20.0 %, in the autumn period with E. coli 27.0%, Salmonella 40.0 %, Staphylococcus 13.0 % and Streptococcus 13.0 %. In the course of bacteriological examination of dead embryos, the presence of infection in the winter period with E. coli 20.0 %, salmonella 30.0 %, staphylococcus 25.0 % and streptococcus 25.0 %, in the spring season with E. coli 30.0 %, salmonella 40.0 %, staphylococcus 15.0 % and streptococcus 15.0 %, in the autumn season with E. coli 45.0 %, salmonella 55.0 % was revealed. In the autumn period, infection with staphylococci and streptococci was not detected. When studying as a whole, pseudomoniasis and mold fungi were not found.

Clinical Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors for Severe Bronchiolitis Caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Vietnamese Children

Introduction. Bronchiolitis is the most prevalent cause of hospitalization in infants under the age of 12 months. The disease is caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, which can cause breathing difficulties and respiratory failure. Therefore, it is necessary to discover the risk factors of severe bronchiolitis to diagnose and treat promptly. This study is aimed at describing the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of acute bronchiolitis caused by RSV and assessing the related factors to severe acute bronchiolitis in studied patients. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Haiphong Children’s Hospital, Haiphong, Vietnam, for one year, from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017. All bronchiolitis admissions < 2 years were included. Results. 377 children were evaluated, including 261 boys and 116 girls; children under 6 months accounted for the highest proportion (57%), and 47 (12.5%) of all patients had severe disease. Wheezing was the main reason to be taken to the hospital 261 (69.2%). Clinical symptoms of acute bronchiolitis such as cough, tachypnea, and runny nose were found in all patients. Bronchiolitis cases increased in the winter-spring season, and the highest registered number of patients was 42 in March. Image of bronchiolitis on chest X-ray was found in all patients, and air trapping lung was found in 124 (32.9%) patients. The risk factors included age (≤6 months), low birth weight, preterm birth, nonbreastfeeding for the first six months, early weaning, and exposition to cigarette smoke increased the severe disease ( p < 0.05 ). Conclusion. The number of hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis caused by RSV has an upward trend during the winter-spring season (from October to March). This study confirms that age, preterm birth, breastfeeding under 6 months, history of exposure to cigarette smoking, low birth weight, having sibling(s) under five years old going to kindergarten, history of undergoing cesarean section, history of mechanical ventilation, poor living condition, and maternal education are 10 risk factors of severe bronchiolitis caused by RSV.

Response of Growing Media and IBA Application under Different Weather Conditions on Growth of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cuttings

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important commercial horticultural crop. The cultivation of this crop is increasing day by day. Mainly due to its survival nature, particularly in dry or less water available areas. Its propagation is possible by using seed but vegetative propagation methods are very popular. Even commercial propagation of pomegranate is done by cuttings. To fulfill the rising demand for high-quality plant material, easy, fast, reliable, economical multiplications are required, and under such circumstances, cuttings are the best-suited material. This method of propagation can further be improved by the use of optimum growing media and application of various plant growth regulators Indole Butyric acid and its derivations. Moreover, the success of propagation depends on prevailing weather conditions and the time of planting. Perlite + vermiculite and a combination of vermiculite + coco peat in equal proportions, quick dip application of 2500 ppm IBA, and planting in the spring season are considered ideal for fast and economical multiplication of pomegranate cuttings. Humid weather conditions during the spring season exhibit a good possibility of rooting and survival of the same. Therefore, the main aim of this review article is to collect/compile the information regarding the effect of growing media and applications of IBA under different weather regimes over previous years along with recent happenings.