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A 13-year-old spayed bitch was referred for evaluation of an abdominal distension with a palpable, continuously growing mass. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 30 × 20 cm mass directly connected to the spleen. Surgical exploration confirmed the sonographic diagnosis with adhesions to the omentum and the liver. Pathohistological samples revealed well differentiated adipose tissue and variably differentiated collagenous and myxomatous tissue. Immunohistochemically, vimentin and in some regions alpha smooth muscle actin were expressed indicating smooth muscle differentiation. The results support the diagnosis of a malignant mesenchymoma composed of liposarcoma, mixosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. No local recurrence or metastasis occurred during a nine month follow-up. So far, only two pathological retrospective studies describing the common prevalence and properties of canine splenic malignant mesenchymomas were found in the literature. However, this rare tumor entity has to be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of large splenic masses.

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of ultrasonographic examination of the large intestine in 10 clinically healthy Jersey/Red Sindhi crossbred cows. The area extending from the tuber coxae to the 6^th intercostal space (ICS) and from the lumbar transverse processes to the linea alba on the right side was shaved. An imaginary line was drawn from the distal third of the femur up to the 8^th ICS parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cow. The large intestine was scanned dorsal to this imaginary line. Only the near wall of the large intestine adjacent to the abdominal wall could be imaged ultrasonographically. Based on the topographical anatomy, the ultrasonographic images of the caecum and the proximal loop of the ascending colon (PLAC), resembling the 'arc of a circle', were observed in the mid to dorsal right paralumbar fossa and the 12^th ICS; however, the caecum and the PLAC could not be differentiated with certainty using ultrasonography. Similarly, the ultrasonographic images of the spiral loop of the ascending colon (SLAC), resembling a 'cycloid', could be imaged through the 12^th to 11^th ICSs and in the dorsal right paralumbar fossa; yet, ultrasonographically, it was difficult to differentiate the SLAC from the descending loop of the ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon, respectively. The differences (qualitative and quantitative) in the degrees of curvatures of various ultrasonographic images of parts of the large intestine were also not helpful. In conclusion, ultrasonographic imaging of various parts of the bovine large intestine should be interpreted with caution.

The usefulness of compression anastomotic clips (CAC) for small bowel anastomosis in animals was evaluated. Implants made of nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) in the form of elliptical double-coil springs with one-way and two-way shape memory were applied. The studied animals were subjected to jejunal resection and side-to-side bowel anastomosis with the use of CACs. The experiment was conducted on 10 pigs divided into three groups. The speed and ease of the surgical procedure, implant excretion time and leak tightness were evaluated by macroscopic observations and X-ray examinations. Tissue samples from the anastomotic site were subjected to histopathological analysis. The applied method was characterised by tight connections between fused tissue, the absence of complications and ease of use. The results of the study indicate that shape memory NiTi clips are a promising tool in veterinary gastrointestinal surgery.

Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a degenerative polyneuropathy affecting postganglionic parasympathetic and sympathetic neurons. The major clinical signs relate to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and the condition is frequently fatal. EGS has been reported in different parts of the world including Europe. This paper describes the first case of equine dysautonomia in the Czech Republic. The ante mortem diagnosis was based on typical clinical signs and a positive phenylephrine eye-drop test and was confirmed at necropsy following observation of pathognomic histopathological lesions in the enteric neural system of the ileum.

This study was conducted to examine the potential of cuttlebone xenograft in the healing of bone using radiography and histology for a period of 24 weeks. One hundred and five New Zealand male rabbits with radius defects in the metaphyseal region were divided into five groups treated with cuttlebone, demineralized bone matrix, bovine cancellous graft, and tricalcium phosphate. The control was no treatment. Clinical, radiological, biochemical and histological evaluations were made 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery. Physiological measurements (body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate) were not affected by the treatments. The radiological score was greatest in the demineralised bone matrix and tricalcium phosphate groups (score of 8), followed by the bovine cancellous graft (score of 6), cuttlebone (score of 6), and control groups (score of 5). The histological score was greatest in the tricalcium phosphate group (score of 55), followed by the cuttlebone (score of 50), bovine cancellous graft (score of 48), demineralized bone matrix (score of 44) and control groups (score of 42). Oxidative enzyme activities were not different across the treatments. The lack of reinfection and infection responses and faster bone union highlight the potential of cuttlebone xenograft in orthopaedic surgery.

Radiographic contrast studies have been recommended to identify the thoracic duct (TD) and its branches before and after surgery for total occlusion. The macroscopic identification of the TD and its branches during surgery usually involves injection of methylene blue (MB). Radiographic contrast and methylene blue can be injected into different anatomical structures (lymph node, lymph vessel, s.c.). The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques (radiographic and thoracoscopic) for visualisation of the TD after intrapopliteal lymph node injection in the pig. Six piglets from the same litter (two males and four females), two months of age were used. Iohexol at 245 mg/ml was injected into the left popliteal lymph node (LN) under general anaesthesia; hindlimb, abdominal, and thoracic radiographs were taken. A 0.25% methylene blue solution was injected into the right popliteal lymph node and the thoracic duct colouration was assessed thoracoscopically. The thoracic duct was visualised radiographically in one out of six pigs after iohexol injection and thoracoscopically in five out of six pigs after methylene blue injection. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.040). Popliteal LN lymphangiography using iohexol at 245 mg/ml in piglets should not be the recommended method for TD visualisation. Intrapopliteal injection of a 0.25% solution of methylene blue is recommended as a method of TD visualisation prior to thoracic duct ligation.

During April 2012, 34 dead wild boars (Sus scrofa) were found in the Tachov region (Czech Republic) directly in the River Mze or in its close vicinity. After infectious diseases were excluded, poisoning was suspected as the cause of death. The finding of cadavers directly in or close to a river was indicative of poisoning by a substance which causes thirst. Laboratory analysis excluded dietary salt poisoning. Later, the presence of ethylene glycol was proven in the stomach contents of the wild boars using HPLC. The diagnosis was confirmed by the typical autopsy findings on the kidneys. The kidneys were firm and of a pale brown colour with scattered petechiae on the surface and haemorrhagic stripes on the cut. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of oxalate crystals in the tubules and interstitial tissue of the kidneys.

The aim of this study was to monitor short-term osteoarthrosis progress in relation to a recently introduced novel extracapsular method called the Tight Rope procedure and after Lateral Suture with nylon in cruciate-deficient dog stifle joints. Twelve dogs were included in the study. Treatment type was not randomised. Mediolateral radiographs from 12 stifle joint were evaluated preoperatively and six months after surgery. A modified scoring system for evaluation of osteoarthrotic changes was used. The initial osteoarthrotic score in the TightRope group ranged from three to six and in the Lateral Suture group from 0 to 11. In the TightRope group 66.6% of dogs had an osteoathrotic score difference of ≤ 5 and 33.3% dogs had an osteoarthrotic score difference of > 5. For the Lateral Suture group 50% of dogs had an osteoarthrotic score difference of ≤ 5 and 50% dogs had an osteoarthrotic score difference of > 5. The Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative osteoarthrotic scores (P = 0.0038). No significant differences were noted between TightRope and Lateral Suture groups in terms of changes in mean radiographic osteoarthrotic score preoperatively and at the six-month postoperative end point. Both groups had numerically higher radiographic scores six months after surgery.

Mastitis is an important cause of early culling of dairy heifers. The aims of this study were to identify microorganisms that cause subclinical mastitis (SCM) in Holstein heifers in northern Jordan, to estimate the relative importance of various microorganisms, and to examine the correlation between the somatic cell count (SCC) and the isolated microorganisms. Composite milk samples were collected aseptically from 133 Holstein heifers between Days 5 and 14 postpartum for bacterial culture and somatic cell counts. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in this study was 57.1%. Seventy six (76) of the 133 cows tested had SCC of > 250 000 cells/ml. Bacteria were isolated from 36 (27.1%) cows. About sixty six percent (66.7%) of these isolates were cultured from cows with subclinical mastitis. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) were the most prevalent bacteria among isolates (50%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (22.2%), Corynebacterium bovis and coliforms (E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) (5.6% each), and Streptococcus uberis (2.8%). Interestingly, the majority of the negative-culture samples (53.6%) had elevated SCC. All isolates except for the CNS group exhibited strongly elevated SCC (> 1 × 10⁶cells/ml). However, the coagulase-negative Staphylococci did not have a distinct pattern with respect to SCCs. There was a strong correlation (P ≤ 0.05, correlation coefficient 0.213) between the results of bacterial culture (culture-positive vs. culture-negative) and SCC class but not between SCC class and the type of isolated bacteria. It is concluded that subclinical mastitis appears to be a significant health issue for dairy heifers in Jordan.

Respiratory and cardiovascular changes in normocapnic dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy are described in this report. To-date, changes during a standardised ventilation pattern, irrespective of end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) levels, have not been reported. This study was undertaken to describe these changes. Forty bitches undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy were enrolled in a prospective double-blind randomised clinical trial. They were first anaesthetised with medetomidine-butorphanol-propofol and then maintained with isoflurane in oxygen-air. Ventilation pattern was pressure-controlled, volume-limited. After stabilisation, atracurium 0.4 mg/kg (ATR group, n = 20) or saline 0.04 ml/kg (SAL group, n = 20) was administered intravenously. Capnoperitoneum was then established with an intra-abdominal pressure setting of 10 mmHg. Collected data included heart rate (HR), non-invasive blood pressure, EtCO₂, oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, and tidal volume and neuromuscular blockade (train-of-four). Data were recorded before administration of atracurium or saline, and at 2, 5, and 10 min thereafter. Subsequently, insufflation of CO₂ was commenced. After capnoperitoneum was established, data were recorded at 2, 5 and 10 min. Time of capnoperitoneum induction and duration, time of ovary searching and excision and total time of capnoperitoneum and surgery were also recorded. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro Wilk test, ANOVA with repeated measures and Student's t-test for independent samples were used (P < 0.05). Significant increases in EtCO₂ were observed in patients 5 min after atracurium administration and 5 min after capnoperitoneum was established in the ATR group, when compared to the SAL group. No other differences were found. Administration of atracurium in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy with a standardised ventilation pattern did not result in clinically important differences in selected cardiovascular and respiratory variables and surgical times in comparison with non-relaxed dogs. Thus, the use of atracurium in laparoscopic ovariectomy does not result in any benefit for patients or surgeons.

Avian mycobacteriosis was diagnosed in one female Mauritian Pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) from a zoological collection. The bird displayed clinical symptoms of apathy, loss of body weight, ruffled feathers and diarrhoea. Necropsy revealed nodular lesions in the internal organs. Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium was isolated and also directly detected using qPCR in the female's liver. Avian mycobacteriosis may pose a threat to efforts directed towards conservation of this endangered species.

Aneurysmal bone cysts are expansile osteolytic bone lesions that can manifest clinically as lameness, pain and swelling. In humans, aneurysmal bone cysts are considered benign tumours that have been classified as primary or secondary to a previous coexisting lesion. Local recurrence after treatment or malignant transformation has been reported in both humans and in a dog. Different treatment options have been proposed. This report describes the treatment of an 11-month-old Irish wolfhound with an aneurysmal bone cyst with a combination of computed tomography-guided cementoplasty and radiation therapy, 30 Gy delivered in 10 fractions. The dog recovered completely, with no lameness observed 30 months after treatment.

Deslorelin acetate, a GnRH agonist, is commonly used to prevent folliculogenesis in several species. However, little is known of the effect of deslorelin acetate implants on the oestrous cycle of female guinea pigs. Fifteen intact healthy female guinea pigs were investigated in this study. Signs of sexual behaviour, the presence of a vaginal membrane along with plasma concentrations of oestradiol (E₂)and progesterone (P₄), were monitored during two consecutive oestrous cycles. At the beginning of the third oestrous cycle each guinea pig was administered an implant of the GnRH analogue, deslorelin acetate, (4.7 mg). When compared to the untreated state, deslorelin implantation was associated with altered signs of oestrus. The average time to opening of the vaginal membrane was delayed. After opening, the vaginas were found to be variably opened and closed. A significant reduction in P₄ (to less than 1.0 ng/ml) and cessation of P₄ cyclical variation was observed. Plasma E₂ remained high during the whole experimental period. This study shows that cessation of the oestrous cycle by the deslorelin implant might be useful in preventing pregnancy in guinea pigs.

Trichinellosis is a parasitic zoonosis that is of importance to public health; human trichinellosis usually occurs when improperly cooked pork or wild animal meat is consumed. The purpose of this study was to determine the nationwide seroprevalence of Trichinella infection in wild boar and domestic pig populations in Korea. Using ELISA, we detected no seropositivity among the serum samples of 2350 domestic pigs collected in 2013, indicating that the domestic cycles of Trichinella spp. have disappeared from the domestic pig population in Korea. In contrast, approximately 13% of the 434 wild boars hunted in 2013 were seropositive. Furthermore, the seroprevalence of six of the seven provinces was between 6.7% and 18.3%, indicating that Trichinella infection occurred in the wild boar population throughout the country. The results of this study suggest that Trichinella circulates in the wild boar population and could be transmitted from infected wild boars to other wildlife, domestic pigs, and humans in Korea. Therefore, we recommend continued surveillance of Trichinella infection prevalence in wild animals and an appropriate strategy to prevent human infection in Korea.

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiovascular and respiratory effects and the bispectral scale index (BIS) as well as the recovery period characteristics in response to treatment with a propofol/alfentanil admixture of different concentrations in dogs undergoing splenectomy. We conducted a prospective, randomised, blinded experimental trial. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained by continuous-infusion anaesthesia of propofol and alfentanil or a propofol/alfentanil admixture after premedication with acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg). Dogs were assigned to receive different concentrations of the admixture. Changes in BIS value, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R), non-invasive arterial blood pressure, pulse oximetry (SpO₂), end-tidal carbon dioxide concentrations (ETCO₂) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at predefined time points during anaesthesia. Data [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures followed by a Dunnett's test and Student's t-test (P < 0.05) and where necessary, the Mann-Whitney U-test. No significant differences were found between groups with respect to age, body mass, SpO₂, ETCO₂, f_R, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP). BIS values were significantly lower in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 at T7, T8, T9. The HR of Group 2 was significantly lower at T2 to T9 when compared to Group 1. The propofol and alfentanil admixture provided satisfactory results in dogs undergoing splenectomy. Thus, an admixture of propofol/alfentanil may be used for total IV anaesthesia in dogs at the infusion rates determined in this study.

An intact male, six-month-old Hanwoo bull calf (native Korean beef breed) was presented to the Animal Medical Centre, Chonbuk National University because the owner had noticed a conjunctival and corneal abnormality in the left eye (OS). On ophthalmic examination, a small, elevated and skin-like mass lesion, containing hair was found on the ventronasal cornea and the conjunctiva of the third eyelid. In the light of its characteristic appearance, the lesion was classified clinically as a corneal dermoid. Under general anaesthesia, superficial lamellar keratectomy and conjunctivectomy was performed to remove the abnormal tissue. As the owner could not apply topical medications regularly, a drug-filled osmotic pump (Alzet; Alza, Palo Alto, CA) was implanted subconjunctivally under the upper eyelid and connected to a catheter at the lateral limbus. The catheter was fixed to the conjunctiva with 3-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl^®; Ethicon, Johnson and Johnson, Somerville, USA) and a partial temporary tarsorrhaphy was placed. In order to determine the efficacy of medication delivery, a sample of aqueous humour was collected via aqueocentesis from the anterior chamber at two weeks and four weeks after implantation of the pump. The presence and concentration of ciprofloxacin was determined via mass spectroscopy. Aqueous concentration of ciprofloxacin was 0.093 µg/ml at two weeks and 0.107 µg/ml at four weeks. The calf healed without incident and returned to normal function six weeks following the procedure.

It has been claimed that artificial insemination (AI) of cows with frozen-thawed semen treated with commercially produced kits, Heiferplus^TM (HP, in favour of female gender) and Bullplus^TM (BP, in favour of male gender), increases the birth chance of calves with desired sex ratio by at least 20-25% and pregnancy rates by at least 5-20%. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of HP and BP kits as combined with AI on the pregnancy rates, foetal sex ratios and some reproductive parameters in cows. For this, a total of 200 cows (100 Holsteins and 100 Simmentals) from three to five years old were used. Fifty Holstein and 50 Simmental cows served as controls. The other half of Holstein and Simmental cows was artificially inseminated with frozen-thawed semen treated with HP and BP, respectively. Findings showed that the AI of cows with frozen-thawed semen treated with HP had no significant effect on the pregnancy rate [52.0% (26/50) in HP group; 56.0% (28/50) in control group], female calf ratio [52.0% (13/25) in HP group; 44.4% (12/27) in control group], embryonic death, abortion, stillbirth, twinning and gestation length as compared to the control group. Similarly, AI of cows with frozen-thawed semen treated with BP did not lead to any significant effect on the pregnancy rate [64.0% (32/50) in BP group; 58.0% (29/50) in control group], male calf ratio [53.1% (17/32) in BP group; 39.3% (11/28) in control group] and other reproductive parameters as compared to the control group. In conclusion, HP and BP treatments of semen used in the AI provided only slight, non-significant increases in female (7.6%) and male (13.8%) calf ratios, respectively.

Abomasal cannulation, an important research tool in experimental procedures, provides a method for the placement of an abomasal cannula in sheep. The aim of this study was to describe a technique for laparoscopic abomasal cannulation in sheep. It was performed in six anaesthetised sheep positioned in dorsal recumbency using three portals in the abdomen. The first absorbable traction suture was placed 1 cm cranial to the determined abomasal cannula site. A stab incision was made with a laparoscopic monopolar hook electrode in the middle of a purse-string suture placed around the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped cannula was inserted into the abomasum lumen through the stab incision, and the second traction suture was then placed 1 cm caudal to the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped abomasal cannula was pulled out of the abdominal cavity through the exit wound located 3-5 cm lateral and 10-12 cm cranial to the right side of the umbilicus. The two traction sutures were tied. The T-shaped cannula was secured to the skin with a finger-trap suture. Repeat laparoscopy was performed 1 month later. Firm adhesion between the abomasum and abdominal wall was observed in all sheep, with no evidence of leakage or peritonitis. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The median surgical time was 49 min, with a range from 42 to 58 min. The abomasal contents were collected easily. In conclusion, laparoscopic abomasal cannulation is safe and easy to perform. Its low complication rates and the "ideal" placement of the tube into the abomasum make it an especially attractive alternative to traditional surgical abomasal cannulation in veterinary practice.

A domestic shorthair cat was referred with a history of dyspnoea and lethargy that had arisen gradually within the last few days. The cat had been hit by an automobile 10 days earlier. A thoracic radiograph suggested stenosis of the intrathoracic trachea, proximal to the tracheal bifurcation. Endoscopic examination confirmed a narrowing of the tracheal lumen due to the presence of a fibrotic ring, with remaining patent lumen of about 2 mm. A surgical treatment with a right lateral thoracotomy approach and resection of the narrowed portion of the trachea (a length of about 1 cm) was performed under endoscopic vision. The procedure was unsuccessful because of the size of the tissue removed and the laxity of the remaining tracheal tissue that caused dehiscence of sutures between the tracheal stump and tracheal bifurcation. After consultation with the cat's owners, an intraoperative euthanasia was performed.

An eight-year-old gelding, Wielkopolski Horse was presented with a pink tumour, which filled the entire palpebral fissure of the left eye. Ultrasonography revealed it to be well-demarcated from the cornea mass, which covered its entire surface. Due to the extensive size of the lesion and the lack of owner's consent to post-operative treatment, it was decided to perform enucleation. A histopathological examination revealed corneal squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The primary cause of the tumour has not been established. Immunohistochemistry was negative for p16 immunoreactivity which is typical for the E7 oncoprotein in PV infection, and is suspected of involvement in the aetiopathogenesis of ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Adhesion formation involving the genitourinary tract is common following laparoscopic procedures. To evaluate the effectiveness of intraperitoneal lidocaine hydrochloride 1% solution for the prevention of abdominal adhesions, twenty four Santa Ines ewes submitted to laparoscopic ovum pick-up, uterine puncture and local rinsing, were randomly distributed into two groups of 12 animals, according to rinsing solution: normal saline (SG) or 1% lidocaine hydrochloride solution (LG). Laparoscopy for manipulation of the reproductive tract (uterine puncture trauma model and ovum pick-up) was applied. A standard laparoscopic approach using three ports in triangulation was employed. The uterus and ovaries were rinsed at the end of the procedure (using either saline or lidocaine hydrochloride) for removal of blood clots from the ovaries and uterine horn surfaces. Inflammation was assessed postoperatively by plasma fibrinogen, and all animals underwent a second laparoscopic procedure 21days after surgery for macroscopic assessment of adhesion formation. Four cases of adhesion were observed in each group. The plasma fibrinogen did not differ between groups and among different time points, indicating an absence of systemic inflammation following laparoscopic procedures. There were no significant differences between treatments. Both normal saline and 1% lidocaine hydrochloride were similarly effective in the prevention of adhesion formation.

The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for the haematological profile of alpacas on the basis of a large population of clinically healthy animals, and to determine the influence of sex, age and season on these indicators. Blood samples were collected from 243 alpacas (53 males and 156 females over six months of age and 34 crias - 12 males and 22 females - under six months of age). The selected farms were located in Central Europe (Czech Republic and Germany). We determined 13 haematological indicators. Comparison of the results was performed with respect to the sex of animals and for the older group also with regard to the season and to the feeding period. We found no highly significant (P > 0.001) differences between males and females. We did find highly significant differences (P < 0.001) between the group of crias under six months of age and the older alpacas (mean corpuscular volume - MCV, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - MCHC, red cell distribution width - RDW, white blood cell count - WBC, neutrophil count). Based on our findings we suggest that for some indicators different reference intervals (esp. WBC and differential cell counts) be used for the two above mentioned age groups. We found some highly significant differences (P < 0.001) in haematological indicators in the older group of alpacas between the summer and winter feeding period (haemoglobin concentration, MCHC). Clinical laboratory diagnosis may be improved by the use of age-based and season-based haematological reference values.

The levels are reported of the free 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD), its bound forms, the recognised precursors of 3-MCPD, and the factors influencing its formation in 5 selected coffee surrogates and 18 malts in the Czech Republic. The coffee surrogates had the free 3-MCPD level in the range of < 9.0 to 32 µg/kg while the highest amount was found in roasted barley. In malts, the free 3-MCPD levels were similarly low (< 9.0 to 45 µg/kg) being the highest in roasted malts (16-45 µg/kg). Nevertheless, the values found in either surrogates or malts, calculated after normalisation to 40% dry matter content, did not exceed the European Union limit of 20 µg/kg adopted for soy sauces and acid-HVP. The risk for consumers could arise from the bound 3-MCPD, its elevated levels having been found in both coffee surrogates and malts. In coffee surrogates, the bound 3-MCPD levels varied between 145-1184 µg/kg product; the highest level was found in roasted barley. The bound 3-MCPD levels exceeded the free 3-MCPD levels 32 to 81 times. In malts, the bound 3-MCPD levels ranged from 4.0-650 µg/kg, the highest amount having been found in roasted malts (463-650 µg/kg). The bound 3-MCPD levels exceeded the free 3-MCPD levels 0.4 to 36 times.

The antilisterial activity of E. mundtii 1282 strain and its cell-free neutralised supernatant was observed against five persistent L. monocytogenes strains using the agar spot method. The enterococcal metabolite was consequently characterised as a proteinaceous substance - the bacteriocin-like substance, which was heat-stable at heating to 100°C for 30 min, stable at pH 2-12, and still active after eight-week long storage at 6°C and -20°C. The bacteriocin-like substance reached the highest activity of 6400 AU/ml after ten hours of cultivation of E. mundtii 1282 strain, when it was at the stationary phase of its growth. E. mundtii 1282 strain produced the bacteriocin-like substance: in BHI broth with pH 4-6, at the cultivation temperature 12-45°C, and in BHI broth with 1-6% (w/w) NaCl.

The preparation of mango wine by yeast-mango peel immobilised biocatalyst system by repeated batch fermentation was conducted and compared to free cells fermentation at 15, 20, 25, and 30°C. The operational stability of the biocatalyst was good as the ethanol concentrations (76.0-96.0 g/l) and productivities (1.53-3.29 g/l/h) were high, showing the suitability of the biocatalyst for even low temperature winemaking. The concentration of ethyl acetate was not above 40 mg/l in all cases, and higher alcohols were low (< 330 mg/l) in wine with immobilised cells indicating an improvement in the product compared to free cells fermentation. Amyl alcohols were proved to be temperature dependent and decreased with the decrease in temperature (262.48-146.83 and 239.74-184.34 mg/l) in the case of fermentation batches with immobilised and free cells, respectively, from 30°C to 15°C. Sensory evaluation revealed fruity aroma (7.9 ± 0.73), fine taste (7.7 ± 0.24), and the overall improved quality of the wines produced by the immobilised system.

Meadow grassland communities were monitored in situ in the region around the town of Bansk᠂ystrica (Central Slovakia) over the 2008 growing season. The botanical compositions were determined at the sites listed in NATURA 2000 (Donovaly, Tajov, and Priechod). The respective site coordinates were determined using a Global Position System, and then put on the digital map of the Google server. A range of rare, endangered, and protected plant species were found at the monitored sites (e.g. Gymnadenia densiflora, Lilium bulbiferum, Lilium matragon, and Stipa joannis).

By 2008, twelve localities had been investigated. At each location we assessed the degree of threats to the wild grapevine. Flowering plants were seldom found. The plants found were localized geographically, and 149 vines were described using the characteristics of shoot types and leaves, using the O.I.V. descriptor list. Morphological differences of the leaf shape, hair or bristle density are high. A few seeds which were found in dry black berries are much smaller in size than the seeds of Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa. From plants that were easily attainable, cuttings were taken with the objective to multiply the Vitis sylvestris and to establish an ex situ collection. In 2008, we repeated the procedure with 54 vines. The state of health of the vines in situ is very good. No fungal diseases were visible, and mites occurred only rarely. In the nursery, some plants were contaminated by mildew.

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world. Its yield is greatly influenced by global climate change and scarcity of water in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world. So, exploration of gene resources is of importance to wheat breeding in order to improve the crop ability of coping with abiotic stress environment. Wild relatives of wheat are rich repositories of beneficial genes that confer tolerance or resistance not only to drought but also to other environmental stresses. In the present study, the changes in leaf relative water content (RWC), free proline content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation of five wild wheat species including T. boeticum (YS-1L), T. dicoccum var. dicoccoides (YS-2L), T. araraticum (ALLT), and two cultivated varieties of T. turgidum ssp. durum (MXLK and 87341), with two well-known common wheat cultivars (SH6 and ZY1) possessing strong drought resistance and sensitiveness, respectively, as references were investigated during 3-day water stress and 2-day recovery, in order to assess the drought tolerance of these wild wheat species. The laboratory experiment was conducted under two water regimes (stress and non-stress treatments). Stress was induced to hydroponically grown two weeks old wheat seedlings with 20% PEG 6000. Stress treatment caused a much smaller decrease in the leaf RWC and rise in MDA content in YS-1L compared to the other wheat species. From the data it was obvious that YS-1L was the most drought tolerant among studied species having significantly higher proline and RWC while lower MDA content under water stress conditions. The order of water stress tolerance of these species according to the three parameters is: YS-1L > YS-2L > SH6 > 87341 > ZY1 > MXLK > ALLT. We speculate that the observed drought stress tolerance at a cellular level was associated with the ability to accumulate proline and high water level conservation.

In the present study the effect of preventive application of Enterococcus faecium EF 55 on the intestinal mucosa was evaluated in experimentally infected chickens with Salmonella enterica subsp. Enteritidis. A total of 120, one-day-old Salmonella-free chickens of Isa Brown hybrid were divided into 4 groups. The chickens in groups E and ES were perorally inoculated with E. faecium EF55 in a dose of 1 × 109 CFU/ml for 7 consecutive days. Placebo was applied to birds in control group C and group S during the first 7 days of life. At the age of 8 days chickens in groups ES and S were perorally infected with S. enterica subsp. Enteritidis phage type 4 in a dose of 1 × 108 CFU/ml. In birds treated with E. faecium EF 55 (group ES) a decreased number of Salmonella spp. positive individuals was recorded from 28.5% 2 days post infection (p.i.) to 10% 14 days p.i. when the difference between group ES and group with the application of Salmonella Enteritidis alone (group S) was significant (P < 0.01). On the contrary, in birds of group S the percentage of Salmonella spp. positive animals showed no constant changes. It increased from 12.5% 2 days p.i. to 37.5% 4 days p.i. The maximum of positive samples 83.3% was found 14 days p.i. The application of E. faecium EF55 reduced colonisation of caeca and minimized translocation of salmonellae into the liver and spleen. Two days p.i. the shortest villi in the jejunum were observed in group S - 1 266.2 µm, when compared to group E with the highest jejunal villi - 1 605 µm (P < 0.05). The growth of the villi was observed 14 days p.i. in all groups except group S. The early exposition of chickens to E. faecium EF55 led to more rapid development of intestinal villi when compared to the untreated control (P < 0.05). Reduced colonisation of the intestinal tract by salmonellae in birds treated with E. faecium EF 55 also preserved the microenvironment of the intestine from harmful effects of the pathogen.

The transition period is the most critical time of the cow's lactation cycle that is associated with the onset of mastitis. In this study, changes of plasma proteins in cows (n = 12) with or without subclinical mastitis after calving were determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), which detected 18 spots with variations in protein spots abundance. These spots were identified by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The changes in protein profile from day 21 before calving to day 1 after calving were similar in cows with or without subclinical mastitis. Abundance of α1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin was dramatically increased at parturition, while transthyretin was down-regulated at parturition, and apolipoprotein E and immunoglobulin gamma 1 were up-regulated at postpartum compared with prepartum in periparturient dairy cows. In cows infected with subclinical mastitis, AGP, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A were dramatically increased and continued to be elevated in plasma from day 1 to day 21 after calving compared with cows free of mastitis. Changes of protein in plasma at parturition may serve as an immune system response to parturition and lactation process at the protein level and suggest that these altered proteins would not serve as a potential marker for predicting if the periparturient dairy cows are susceptible to subclinical mastitis.