The increased population of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) in Europe

In this paper the recent population changes of the Wild Boar in different European countries is analysed through the study of hunting statistics. A simultaneous increase in numbers is observed throughout the whole area during the period 1965–1975. From 1975 onwards the population stabilizes itself apart from in peripheral areas like Finland. Potentially favourable factors which play a part in this process are discussed and certain reproductive and dispersive characteristics which favour its invasive behaviour are discussed.     

Immunological and phenotypic characterization of cell constituents of breast milk

The morphology and immunological phenotype of plastic-adherent cells from human colostrum were studied in an in vitro short-term culture (6–7 days) using antibodies to CD3, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD68, vimentin, and osteocalcin. In 20% of the analyzed cultural flasks, nearly equal proportion of fibroblast-like cells and rounded cells was observed. In the 80% of the flasks, cells of regular shape were detected with the presence of single fibroblasts. The diameter of flattened cells ranged from 10 to 100 μm. All plastic-adherent cells did not express CD3 and showed weak binding (w) to the antibodies against CD31, CD34, and CD45. At the same time, we identified adherent cells that readily bound the antibodies against CD68, vimentin, and osteocalcin. According to the literature data, the CD68 + CD3^–CD31^wCD34^wCD45^w immunological phenotype of the majority of the adherent cells from the colostrum allows them to be classified as monocytes/macrophages. High expression of stromal antigens—vimentin and osteocalcin—in 40–45% of the adherent cells in the culturing medium lacking any osteogenic supplements (β-glycerophosphate, ascorbic acid, and dexamethason) implies the presence of osteoblasts in the colostrum, which differentiate from mesenchymal stem cells under the action of humoral factors contained in breast milk.     

Cell-IQ visualization of motility,cell mass,and osteogenic differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells cultured with relief calcium phosphate coating

The Cell-IQ continuous surveillance system allowed us to establish the following changes in a 14- day culture in vitro: a twofold suppression of the directional migration of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells of human adipose tissue (MMSC-AT) towards the samples with a microarc calcium phosphate (CP) coating from synthetic hydroxyapatite; a tenfold decrease in the cell mass on the interphase with the samples, which was accompanied by a slight reduction in the expression of membrane determinants of stromal stem cells; and an enhancement of their osteogenic differentiation (osteocalcin secretion and mineralized matrix formation) on the 21st day of the study. Calcium phosphate particles, but not the calcium and phosphorus ions, may trigger the phenotypic transformation of the MMSC-AT behavior in vitro.     

Chromosome numbers in Brazilian species of Crotalaria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) and their taxonomic significance

Chromosome numbers were counted for 23 species of Crotalaria native to Brazil. Among these data there were new counts for 15 taxa, and some confirmed previous reports or represented numbers that were different from those cited previously. The chromosome numbers most frequently found were 2 n  = 16 and 2 n  = 32. Only C. incana L. had 2 n  = 14 and C. tweediana Benth. had 2 n  = 54. The counts 2 n  = 32 and 54 were found in species of section Calycinae and 2 n  = 16 and 14 in species of section Chrysocalycinae . The data revealed the importance of chromosomal parameters in the characterization of sections Calycinae and Chrysocalycinae in Brazil. We discuss the systematic significance and evolutionary aspects for the genus, comparing the results with the two sections that are native in Brazil.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 271–277.     

Chromosome numbers and meiotic analysis in the pre-breeding of <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Brachiaria decumbens</Emphasis> (Poaceae)

A total of 44 accessions of Brachiaria decumbens were analysed for chromosome count and meiotic behaviour in order to identify potential progenitors for crosses. Among them, 15 accessions presented 2n = 18; 27 accessions, 2n = 36; and 2 accessions, 2n = 45 chromosomes. Among the diploid accessions, the rate of meiotic abnormalities was low, ranging from 0.82% to 7.93%. In the 27 tetraploid accessions, the rate of meiotic abnormalities ranged from 18.41% to 65.83%. The most common meiotic abnormalities were related to irregular chromosome segregation, but chromosome stickiness and abnormal cytokinesis were observed in low frequency. All abnormalities can compromise pollen viability by generating unbalanced gametes. Based on the chromosome number and meiotic stability, the present study indicates the apomictic tetraploid accessions that can act as male genitor to produce interspecific hybrids with B. ruziziensis or intraspecific hybrids with recently artificially tetraploidized accessions.