Implications of Exposure to Air Pollution on Male Reproduction: The Role of Oxidative Stress.

Air pollution, either from indoor (household) or outdoor (ambient) sources, occurs when there is presence of respirable particles in the form of chemical, physical, or biological agents that modify the natural features of the atmosphere or environment. Today, almost 2.4 billion people are exposed to hazardous levels of indoor pollution, while 99% of the global population breathes air pollutants that exceed the World Health Organization guideline limits.

Health assessments of brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) nestlings from colonies in South Carolina and Georgia, U.S.A.

Health evaluations of brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) nestlings from three colonies along the Atlantic coast of the southeastern United States were performed in 2005, 2007, and 2008. The primary objective of this study was to establish baseline data for hematologic, biochemical, and serologic values from a relatively healthy population of free-living pelicans during early chick development. Relationships among health variables and colony site, ectoparasite infestation, sex, and body condition index were also evaluated.

Effects of caloric restriction and overnight fasting on cycling endurance performance.

In addition to aerobic endurance and anaerobic capacity, high power-to-weight ratio (PWR) is important for cycling performance. Cyclists often try to lose weight before race season to improve body composition and optimize PWR. Research has demonstrated body fat-reducing benefits of exercise after fasting overnight.

Spatial Diversity of Setosphaeria turcica Sampled from the Eastern United States.

ABSTRACT Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and mating type were used to examine regional population structure of Setosphaeria turcica in the eastern United States. Of 251 maize-infecting isolates studied, 155 multilocus haplotypes were identified using 21 RAPD markers. Twelve isolates of the most common haplotype were identified from seven states and represented 5.

Wheat Straw Mulch and Its Impacts on Three Soilborne Pathogens of Peanut in Microplots.

Experiments were conducted in 1992, 1993, and 1994 to determine the effects of surface residue on incidence of Cylindrocladium black rot (CBR), Sclerotinia blight, and Southern stem rot of peanut in microplots in North Carolina. Soil was infested with either Cylindrocladium parasiticum, Sclerotium rolfsii, or Sclerotinia minor and plots were planted with the peanut cultivars NC 7 or NC 10C. Wheat straw was applied to establish 80 to 90% soil-surface coverage.