Different Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation vs. Blood Lipid Profiles-A Study on a Rat Model.

Dyslipidemia is a serious condition affecting an increasing number of people, and thus, preventive measures, including supplementation, are being developed. We aimed to compare the effect of linseed oil, its ethyl esters and fish oil supplementation on the serum lipid profiles of rats fed a high-fat diet. Wistar rats were divided into nine groups. Four of them were fed a high-fat diet for the whole experiment, four groups were fed a high-fat diet before the supplementation period and then the control one with supplements, and one was fed a control diet without supplements. The whole experiment lasted 12 weeks. A significant reduction in blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and the LDL fraction was noted in supplemented groups compared to the controls, especially in groups supplemented with ethyl esters of linseed oil and linseed oil compared to fish oil groups. The results were also more beneficial in groups where, in addition to supplementation, there was also a diet change from a high-fat diet to a control diet during the supplementation period. We may conclude that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, combined with a healthy diet, may be a good way of preventing or alleviating dyslipidemia.

Effect of Aluminum Concentration in Water on Its Toxicity and Bioaccumulation in Zooplankton (Chaoborus and Chironomus) and Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Roe.

An attempt to evaluate aluminum toxicity to living organisms was undertaken in the study. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine aluminum bioaccumulation and toxicity in Chironomus and Chaoborus larvae and in Cyprinus carpio L. roe depending on aluminum concentration in water reflecting natural chemical composition. Water was examined for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, color, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, sulfates by spectrophotometric method; total hardness and chlorides by titration method; and calcium, magnesium, sodium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, total aluminum by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Determination of aluminum levels in water, roe, and zooplankton was carried out after mineralization using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Aluminum bioaccumulation factor in roe was determined with respect to concentration in water. Moreover, acute toxicity (LC50) was calculated. In the roe experiment, aluminum concentration in water at the end of the experiment was 0.0635-0.1283 mgAl∙dm-3. The lowest values were noted for the control sample and the highest for water with 0.03 mgAl∙dm-3 aluminum content. The final aluminum level in roe was, like in water, the highest in roe treated with 0.03 mgAl∙dm-3 (18.95 mgAl∙kg-1), and the lowest in roe treated with 3.00 mgAl∙dm-3 (6.96 mgAl∙kg-1). Aluminum bioaccumulation in roe was the strongest in the control. Survival rate ranged from 2.00 to 97.00%, which shows higher sensitivity of roe to aluminum concentration. LC50 value for Chaoborus was 0.6464 mgAl⋅dm-3, and for Chironomus 0.2076 mgAl⋅dm-3 indicating that Chironomus is more sensitive to aluminum toxic effects. Concentration of 3.0 mgAl∙dm-3 caused the highest mortality. Aluminum in both species at each concentration reached the highest levels after one day (24 h), 254.58 mg⋅kg-1 for Chaoborus and 3107 mg⋅kg-1 for Chironomus. After another day, aluminum levels decreased. This demonstrated the differential accumulation of aluminum depending on the species, which predisposes Chironomus as a better indicator organism. This type of research is important from the point of view of aquaculture, which is a targeted activity with a high degree of economic importance, but is also important for aquatic organisms living in natural conditions. Fish reproduction takes place in both types of waters, so all these reservoirs regardless of their source of destination should be inspected.

The Effect of Ethyl Esters of Linseed Oil on the Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile of Hair Coat Sebum, Blood Serum and Erythrocyte Membranes in Healthy Dogs.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation with ethyl esters of linseed oil on the fatty acid profile in hair sebum, blood serum and erythrocyte membranes in healthy dogs. The material for the study included hair and blood samples of adult beagle dogs. The experiment was performed in two periods: summer and winter. Each time it lasted 16 weeks. During the first 8 weeks, the dogs received a supplement, the amount of which was determined individually so that the ratio of α-linolenic acid (ALA) to linoleic acid (LA) together in the feed and supplement was 1:1. Hair coat and blood samples were collected on days 0, 56 and 112; i.e., before the start of supplementation, after 8 weeks of supplementation and 8 weeks after supplementation was completed. The study included a determination of the fatty acid profile with a particular emphasis on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in hair sebum, blood serum and erythrocyte membranes. As a result of supplementation, a significant decrease in saturated acids and an increase in unsaturated acids was observed in hair sebum both in summer and winter and especially in omega-3 fatty acids; i.e., α-linolenic (ALA) and its derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The same relationships were observed in blood serum and in erythrocyte cell membranes in all the studied periods. Additionally, 8 weeks after the end of supplementation, the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids was still higher compared to the period before supplementation. Moreover, the supplementation resulted in a favorable decrease in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 acids in the tested samples, which persisted even after the withdrawal period.

Emergent (branched bur-reed-Sparganium erectum L.) and submergent (river water-crowfoot-Ranunculus fluitans Wimm., 1841) aquatic plants as metal biosorbents under varying water pH conditions in laboratory conditions.

A laboratory experiment was performed to find out the potential bioaccumulation of metals (Al, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, Fe, Mn) in aquatic plants acting as natural biosorbents in the environment depending on the variation of water pH. Two plants were selected for the study: branched bur-reed-Sparganium erectum L., as a representative of emergent plants; and river water-crowfoot-Ranunculus fluitans Wimm., 1841, as a representative of submergent plants. The bioaccumulation of metals in plants relative to water (BCFW) was determined, and the metal pollution index (MPI) was calculated. The metal content in water and plants before the experiment was arranged in the following series of increasing values: Cd = Ni < Cu < Pb < Mn < Al < Fe (water) and Cd < Cu < Ni < Pb < Al < Fe < Mn (in both plants). The lowest concentration of cadmium was found in water both at the end and beginning of the experiment. In turn, aluminum level increased, and its concentration was the highest in both acidic and alkaline water. This suggests that aluminum is definitely more available to the organisms living in it under such conditions, and in higher concentrations may be a limiting factor for them. Bioaccumulation of metals (BCFW) in neutral and alkaline environments was higher in branched bur-reed, and in acidic conditions in river water-crowfoot. This may provide a basis for using specific plant species to selectively accumulate metals depending on the range of water pH. This is also supported by the MPI values, which indicate that they have a very high and often the highest impact on metal pollution levels. The observed variability of metals bioaccumulation against the condition of hydromacrophytes makes it possible to consider these plants as biosorbents used in constructed biological treatment plants, which, depending on the species placed there, can selectively absorb particular trace elements. The plants used in the experiment are common hydromacrophytes of Europe, so they can be used in the construction of artificial wetlands across the continent. The apparent diversity of metal accumulation in relation to hydromacrophytes indicates that this type of site can be inhabited by specific species, which can significantly improve the purification of natural or anthropogenic water reservoirs, i.e., those that are intended to perform a filtering function.

Safety and efficacy of induction immunochemotherapy with rituximab, methotrexate, ifosfamide, and vincristine (R-MIV) in patients with primary CNS lymphoma including recent COVID-19 pandemic experience.

Clinical data on primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL) patients is mostly generated from prospective studies, and many frail real-world patients are not included. Recently,the diagnosis and treatment of PCNSL patients was confounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, treatment with high-dose cytarabine was linked to increased risk of pneumonia and virus persistence. We report on outcome of the induction regimen R-MIV (rituximab, methotrexate, ifosfamide, and vincristine) involving intensive administration of high-dose methotrexate (3.5 g/m2 ) with ifosfamide, every 2 weeks and rituximab once per week for six doses. The median age and performance status (PS) for 64 patients was 58 years and 2 (PS 3; 22%) respectively. The overall response rate by magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT) was 73% (n = 46/63), with an additional 17.5% (n = 11/63) patients without measurable disease at baseline. Grade 3-4 haematological toxicity was low for R-MIV (neutropenia: 25% and thrombocytopenia: 1%). Three patients (4.7%) died from treatment-related toxicity. Co-existence of SARS-CoV-2 infection with cytomegalovirus reactivation and the varicella-zoster virus in two patients was fatal. Fifty patients (78%) were eligible for consolidation. Median progression-free and overall survival were not reached (median follow-up: 44 months). In conclusion, the R-MIV regimen is feasible in routine practice, effective and safe, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effect of nanosilver-based preparation on microbiological quality of poultry litter.

The study aimed to examine an effect of the preparation based on nanosilver suspension on mineral carrier on poultry litter microbiological profile. The study was conducted on Ross 308 broiler chickens. Three groups were formed, 84 birds in each. Preparation used in the study was composed of aqueous nanosilver suspension sprayed on mineral sorbent. Birds were maintained on straw-sawdust litter; the groups were differentiated due to preparation application (C - control without preparation, I - preparation applied once at the beginning, II - preparation added each week). Pooled litter samples were collected from the top layer of the litter (six samplings) in order to determine mesophilic bacteria count. Additionally, on the last day of the experiment litter samples were collected from three points (by drinker, feeder, pen corner) to analyze the total number of microorganisms, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococci, and molds. In the case of mesophilic bacteria count, the highest decrease was noted for group II. Total number of microorganisms determined in various points of the pen did not give clear relationship; in some cases even an increase was found. Salmonella spp. decreased as a result of preparation addition; the highest decrease was noted for samples collected by feeders. The results for Escherichia coli are not unequivocal. However, a decrease was found in the case of drinkers and feeders compared to control, especially in group II. An addition of preparation caused a decrease in Enterococci, especially for samples collected by feeders in group II. Similar tendency was found for molds. The study demonstrated that the preparation exhibits bactericidal properties. However, its effect varies depending on microorganism kind and sample collection point.

Gain or Loss? Evidence for Legume Predisposition to Symbiotic Interactions with Rhizobia via Loss of Pathogen-Resistance-Related Gene Families.

Nodulation is a hallmark yet non-universal characteristic of legumes. It is unknown whether the mechanisms underlying nitrogen-fixing symbioses evolved within legumes and the broader nitrogen-fixing clade (NFC) repeatedly de novo or based on common ancestral pathways. Ten new transcriptomes representing members from the Cercidoideae and Caesalpinioideae subfamilies were supplemented with published omics data from 65 angiosperms, to investigate how gene content correlates with nodulation capacity within Fabaceae and the NFC. Orthogroup analysis categorized annotated genes into 64150 orthogroups, of which 19 were significantly differentially represented between nodulating versus non-nodulating NFC species and were most commonly absent in nodulating taxa. The distribution of six over-represented orthogroups within Viridiplantae representatives suggested that genomic evolution events causing gene family expansions, including whole-genome duplications (WGDs), were unlikely to have facilitated the development of stable symbioses within Fabaceae as a whole. Instead, an absence of representation of 13 orthogroups indicated that losses of genes involved in trichome development, defense and wounding responses were strongly associated with rhizobial symbiosis in legumes. This finding provides novel evidence of a lineage-specific predisposition for the evolution and/or stabilization of nodulation in Fabaceae, in which a loss of pathogen resistance genes may have allowed for stable mutualistic interactions with rhizobia.

The Effect of the Housing System, Season and the Linseed Oil Ethyl Esters Additive on Selected Blood Parameters in Rabbits.

The composition of the diet, including the amount and type of lipid supplements, influences the products formed in the digestive tract, their levels in the blood and their deposition in the tissues. One example of a plant rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids is flax (Linum usitatissimum). The aim of the presented work was to evaluate the effect of the linseed oil ethyl esters additive and environmental conditions on the selected rabbit blood parameters. The study included two types of animal maintenance (laboratory conditions and external conditions) and two seasons (summer and winter), a total of four study stages. At each stage, a control group and an experimental group were specified. The feed supplement in the form of esterified linseed oil was administered to the experimental animals for two months. The blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment, as well as at the end of treatment. Moreover, blood samples were collected also after two months from the end of the experiment. During the experiment, morphological and biochemical parameters of the rabbits' blood were examined. The results of the content of fatty acids were determined in the erythrocytes and serum blood samples and grouped into saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In an internal study, the influence of housing conditions and season on selected morphological and biochemical parameters of rabbit blood was confirmed. Furthermore, expected beneficial changes in the fatty acid profile in erythrocytes and blood serum were observed as a result of supplementation. A significant increase in omega-3 fatty acids was noted as well as a substantial decrease in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (p < 0.01). Most importantly, the linseed oil ethyl ester supplement used did not adversely affect the health of the rabbits, as evidenced by biochemical and blood morphological indices remaining within, known so far, reference limits or showing only slight fluctuations (p > 0.05). However, the obtained results extend the database of hematological blood parameters in rabbits, thus, contributing to improvements in laboratory diagnostics for fur animals.

Possibility of Metal Accumulation in Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) in the Aquatic Environment of South-Western Polish Rivers.

A four-year research study was conducted on aquatic plants (reed canary grass) growing in the beds of three rivers and their tributaries in Lower Silesia, Poland. Metal contents (Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) were determined in plant samples, metal accumulation in water (BCFw) and sediment (BCFB), Metal Pollution Index (MPI) and Enrichment Factor (EF) were calculated. The highest contents of copper, lead, nickel and cadmium were found in reed canary grass sampled from the Nysa Szalona River. The highest values were recorded for zinc in the Bystrzyca River, and for iron and manganese in the Strzegomka River. The series of metals were as follows: Nysa Szalona and Strzegomka: Cd < Ni < Pb < Cu < Zn < Mn < Fe, Bystrzyca: Cd < Ni < Cu < Pb < Zn < Mn < Fe. Throughout the study period, the lowest values of metals in plants were recorded in 2015 and 2018, and the highest in 2017. The general picture of MPI in aquatic plants is arranged in the series Bystrzyca < Strzegomka < Nysa Szalona. These values classify the studied material at a high level of pollution in all rivers. In the comparison of the two extreme sites, i.e., source−mouth, higher values were found at the mouth of the reservoir, which suggests that metals move with the water current and accumulate more with the direction of the river flow, which is most likely a consequence of the influence of the catchment area as the source of metals. The series of EF enrichment factor values were as follows: Bystrzyca­Ni < Cd < Fe < Cu < Zn < Mn < Pb, Nysa Szalona­Ni < Fe < Zn < Cd < Mn < Cu < Pb, Strzegomka­Ni < Cd < Fe < Zn < Cu < Pb < Mn. For all the samples studied, the values found in spring were much higher than in autumn, which indicates the great importance for research in that area. The levels of copper and iron were within the range of moderate values, lead and manganese reached very high and exceptionally high values, and the remaining metals were within the values described as significant. Bioaccumulation of metals determined relative to bottom sediments was highest in 2017 and lowest in 2018, while bioaccumulation relative to water was highest in 2018 and lowest in 2016. The four-year study found that the metal content in reed canary grass was mostly within the range of mean values presented in the literature from moderately polluted areas. Also, no significant deviation was found from levels that have been recorded for the same rivers for more than two decades.

High efficacy of intensive immunochemotherapy for primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma with prolonged follow up.

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) is currently curable in 85-95% of patients. Treatment regimens frequently used include RCHOP ± radiotherapy, DAEPOCH-R, or occasionally more intensive protocols. Here we present results of treatment of 124 patients with PMBL over a period between 2004 and 2017 with the use of a protocol designed for aggressive B-cell lymphoma GMALL/B-ALL/NHL2002 including 6 cycles of alternating immunochemotherapy with intermediate-dose methotrexate in each cycle, and reduced total doxorubicin dose (100 mg/m2 for whole treatment). Majority of patients (77%) received consolidative radiotherapy. A median (range) age of patients was 30 (18-59) years, and 60% were female. With a median (range) follow up of 9 (1-17) years, 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year progression free survival (PFS) were 94% and 92%, respectively. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) results at the end of chemotherapy were predictive for outcome: OS and PFS at 5 year were 96% and 94% in PET-CT negative patients, respectively, and 70% and 70% in PET-CT-positive patients (p = 0.004 for OS, p = 0.01 for PFS). Eight (6%) patients had recurrent/refractory disease, however, no central nervous system (CNS) relapse was observed. Acute toxicity included pancytopenia grade 3/4, neutropenic fever, and treatment related mortality rate of 0.8%. Second malignancies and late cardiotoxicity occurred in 2.4% and 2.4% of patients, respectively. Intensive alternating immunochemotherapy protocol GMALL/B-ALL/NHL2002 is curative for more than 90% of PMBL patients and late toxicity in young patients is moderated. The attenuated dose of doxorubicin and intermediate dose of methotrexate may contribute to low incidence of late cardiotoxicity and effective CNS prophylaxis.

The Effect of the Season, the Maintenance System and the Addition of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Selected Biological and Physicochemical Features of Rabbit Fur.

The aim of the study was to show the impact of environmental conditions and dietary supplementation with ethyl esters of linseed oil on the quality of the rabbit hair coat. The research was divided into 4 stages: laboratory (summer and winter) and outdoor (summer and winter). In each stage of the research, animals were divided into control and experimental groups. The animals were fed in accordance with the feeding standards of reproductive rabbits during the period of sexual dormancy. The rabbits from the experimental groups during the first two months were given an addition of ethyl linseed oil to the feed. In the experiment, linseed oil was cold-pressed directly in the laboratory. Three samples of hair were collected: before the study, after two months of treatment, and after two months from the end of supplementation. The hair coat biological properties, such as share of individual hair fractions (%), heat transfer index (HTI), hair diameter (µm), as well as physico-mechanical properties such as breaking force (N), breaking stress (kg/cm2) and elongation (%) were performed. Moreover, the histological structure of hair and histological hair evaluation were performed. The fatty acid profile was determined in the hair as well. The obtained results of the content of individual fatty acids were grouped into saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, omega-3 and omega-6 were distinguished from the group of unsaturated acids. The environmental conditions have a major impact on the quality of the rabbit coat. The best results of hair thickness and their heat protection were obtained from animals kept outdoors. The studies did not show an influence of the administered preparation on the quality of the rabbit coat. The hair became thinner, but more flexible and tear-resistant. Administration of linseed oil ethyl esters had significant, beneficial changes in the fatty acid profile in hair and hair sebum were observed. There was a significant increase in omega-3 acids, and a significant decrease in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 acids.

Ofatumumab with iphosphamide, etoposide and cytarabine for patients with transplantation-ineligible relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The efficacy of salvage treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients who relapse or progress (rrDLBCL) after initial therapy is limited. Efficacy and safety of ofatumumab with iphosphamide, etoposide and cytarabine (O-IVAC) was evaluated in a single-arm study. Dosing was modified for elderly patients. Patients received up to six cycles of treatment. The primary end-point was the overall response rate (ORR). Patients were evaluated every two cycles and then six and 12 months after treatment. Other end-points included progression-free survival (PFS), event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Seventy-seven patients received salvage treatment with O-IVAC. The average age was 56.8 years; 39% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of at least 3; 78% had disease of Ann Arbor stage 3 or 4; 58% received one or more prior salvage therapies. The ORR for O-IVAC was 54.5%. The median duration of study follow-up was 70 months. The median PFS and EFS were 16.3 months each. The median OS was 22.7 months. Age, ECOG performance status and the number of prior therapy lines were independent predictors of survival. Treatment-related mortality was 15.5%. O-IVAC showed a high response rate in a difficult-to-treat population and is an attractive treatment to bridge to potentially curative therapies.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and cortisol levels vs. microbiology of the digestive system of sheep during lambing.

BACKGROUND: During parturition, animals exhibit variation in hormone levels, homeostasis disturbance and dysfunction of the immune system as a result of stress. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is responsible for the occurrence of oxidative stress in the cells. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, but it is also involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and metabolism processes led by adipose tissue. The aim of the this study was to determine how the levels of GST and cortisol change depending on the parity. Additionally, the influence of lambing on the microbiological composition of the digestive system and placenta in Olkuska sheep was investigated. METHODS: Eighteen ewes were selected for the experiment - primiparas (n = 9) and multiparas (n = 9), they were kept in the same environmental conditions, had the same diet and did not show any disease symptoms. Fecal samples were collected individually from each ewe (n = 18) and then bacterial DNA isolation was made, then qPCR analysis for Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria phyla and Lactobacillaceae family bacteria levels was performed. These samples were also used to analyze cortisol levels by ELISA test. In addition, placenta fragments were collected during delivery, and then the GST level from the tissue was tested. RESULTS: The analysis of the results showed a higher level of cortisol in primiparous sheep than in multiparous ones, as in the case of glutathione transferase. There were differences between both studied groups in the microbiological composition of the digestive system. In primiparous sheep, the levels of the tested microorganisms were significantly lower than in multiparous ones. A similar relationship occurred in the study of the placental microbiome. CONCLUSION: The results show that sheep microbiome, cortisol and GST levels are different in primiparas and multiparas. The study conducted may constitute an introduction to further analyzes that would help positively affect the welfare and homeostasis of the female organism.

Aluminum Bioaccumulation in Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) from Rivers in Southwestern Poland.

This study aimed to determine aluminum levels in reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea L.) in rivers in southwestern Poland­Bystrzyca, Strzegomka, and Nysa Szalona, together with their tributaries. The samples were collected in spring and autumn 2015−2018. The highest amounts of aluminum were recorded in the Nysa Szalona, and the lowest in the Bystrzyca. During the four-year cycle of studies, the highest values were recorded in the last year, and the lowest in the first year. The highest amounts of aluminum were found in all three rivers in the lowland tributaries. In the main rivers, higher amounts of aluminum were found at the mouth of the Nysa Szalona and Strzegomka reservoirs, while the opposite situation was found for the Bystrzyca. Higher aluminum contents were recorded in autumn than in spring, and the values of BCFW (aluminum bioaccumulation factor in relation to water) and BCFB (aluminum bioaccumulation factor in relation to bottom sediments) coefficients were also higher. The MPI (metal pollution index) was arranged in a series: Bystrzyca < Strzegomka < Nysa Szalona, while the degree of pollution was high for Bystrzyca and very high for the other two rivers. The variability in Al levels may be attributed to pollution level in the catchments, but also to successive modernization works carried out in the beds of the main rivers and their tributaries. All these works were carried out in a variable way and often covered only a fragment of the riverbed; therefore, the consequences of activity may have been visible in the catchment but not necessarily in the same vegetation cycles.

Influence of selected factors on the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes phyla and the Lactobacillaceae family in the digestive tract of sheep.

In this study, we used 10 healthy sheep, which gave birth to healthy twins. Stool samples were collected from mothers and their offspring 3 times during the study (0, 28 and 56 day postpartum). Milk samples were taken from the mothers at the same time. RT PCR analysis of faeces and milk was performed in order to assess the level of bacteria from the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla including the family Lactobacillaceae (phylum Firmicutes). The composition of mother's milk was also analyzed and their BCS. The data were compiled statistically. The obtained results showed that the level of the studied groups of bacteria may change due to the change of diet. Additionally, there were significant differences between lambs and mothers in the levels of the studied groups of bacteria. Analysis also shown that in the digestive system of mothers was a smaller disproportion in the level of the studied bacterial phyla than in lambs. The results also indicated the occurrence of differences in the bacterial composition at the individual level, both in ewes and their offspring. Additionally, in the conducted experiment, there were differences in the level of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes groups depending on the sex.

Aluminum in Bottom Sediments of the Lower Silesian Rivers Supplying Dam Reservoirs vs. Selected Chemical Parameters.

The study was carried out on sediments collected from three rivers: Nysa Szalona, Strzegomka and Bystrzyca flowing in southwestern Poland. The content of Al in sediments and in bottom water was determined in relation to chemical conditions. The study was carried out in a four-year cycle, during spring and autumn. The aim of the study was to determine the level and accumulation of aluminum in sediments of rivers supplying dam reservoirs storing water for consumption. The sediments studied were mineral in nature, with neutral pH and moderate sulfate content. The level of Al and heavy metals in the sediments was the highest in the Nysa Szalona River and the lowest in the Strzegomka River, which was also evident in the concentration factor (CF). In terms of season, higher Al contents were recorded in sediments in autumn than in spring, which was also reflected in the concentration factor (CF). Along the course of the river, a gradual decrease in Al levels was observed in successive tributaries in the Nysa Szalona and Strzegomka Rivers, while there was no apparent regularity for the Bystrzyca. Against this background, a comparison of extreme sites below the springs and at the reservoir outlet shows that values were higher in the Nysa Szalona below the springs, and lower in the Strzegomka and Bystrzyca below the reservoir outlet. The general picture of Al and heavy metal loading of the studied sediments shows the lowest loading for the Strzegomka, only the enrichment factor (EF) was the lowest for the Nysa Szalona: metal pollution index (MPI)-S < B < NS, contamination factor (Cf)-S < B < NS, degree of contamination (DC)-S < NS < B, EF-NS < B < S, geoaccumulation index (Igeo)-S < B < NS, CF-S < NS < B. There was no effect of catchment size and river length on Al levels in sediments.

The Level of Selected Bacterial Phyla on the Skin Surface of Small Ruminants According to the Breed and Species.

For decades, skin has been assigned the main role of an insulator of the inside of the body from the external environment, but it also plays a role in maintaining homeostasis. In this study, the level of selected bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria) was assessed in three sheep breeds (Swiniarka sheep, Uhruska sheep and BCP line (synthetic sheep breed; n = 6) and in two breeds of goats (Boer, Saenian; n = 6) living in the same environment and fed on the same feed, where the aim was to identify differences in terms of race, species and individual differences. Significant differences were found in Firmicute, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla (p ≤ 0.05). Statistically significant and positive correlations were demonstrated between Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes or Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The obtained results suggest that the species and racial differences in the level of the studied bacterial phyla may also result from the physicochemical differences of the skin surface, as they could exacerbate the variations in humidity, temperature, composition of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and lipid content. In addition, individual differences were observed, which indicate a similar effect of an individual on the microbiological composition of its organism.

Levels of Main Bacterial Phyla in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Sheep Depending on Parity and Age.

During pregnancy and parturition, the homeostasis of the body is disturbed, and the immune system is undermined, which is associated with hormonal changes within the body. Recently, it has also been suggested that physiological and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may affect the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the composition of the microbiome in the third month of pregnancy in sheep in their first and second parity. Eighteen females in total were selected for the experiment, and they were divided into two groups: primiparous (aged 1 year) and multiparous ones (aged 2 years). The animals were fed the same fodder, and did not show any disease symptoms. Fecal samples were collected individually from each female (n = 20), and then bacterial DNA isolation and real-time PCR were performed for the main bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) and families (Lactobacillaceae and Clostridia). The obtained results showed the differentiation in the microbiome between the primiparous and multiparous ewes with respect to the following groups: Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria-the level was higher in the case of the primiparas. These results suggest that the parity and age of the females may affect the gastrointestinal microbiome, but further studies are recommended.

Inter and intraspecies comparison of the level of selected bacterial phyla in in cattle and sheep based on feces.

BACKGROUND: The microbiome of the digestive tract of ruminants contains microbial ecosystem that is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. The subject of this study concerns the influence of selected genetic factors, such as species of animals and "host" individual differences on the digestive tract microbiome composition. The results show the core microbiological composition (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) of ruminants digestive tract (based on feces) depending on breed and "host". The Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla are the most abundant in ruminants digestive tract. The aim of the study was to determine the differences prevalence level of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in feces of Charolaise cattle and Polish Olkuska Sheep with respect to intra- and inter-species variability. RESULTS: The research group in the experiment consisted of animals at the age of 3 months kept in the same environmental conditions - rams of Polish Olkuska Sheep (n = 10) and Charolaise bulls (n = 10). Feces were collected individually from each animal (animals without disease symptoms were selected), living on the same environmental conditions. The analysis of the results in terms of species showed differences in the Firmicutes phylum level and Lactobacillaceae family between rams and bulls. Subsequently, the analysis performed for the "host effect" showed differentiation in the levels of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla between individuals in a group and also between the groups. CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest that, apart from the diet and the environment, the species and the individual host are equally important factors influencing the microbiological composition of the digestive system of ruminants.