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o uncover the regulatory metabolism of poly-glutamic acid (PGA) in protecting wheat crops against salt stress (SS) at the physiological level, we utilised hydroponic experiments to explore the roles of PGA in regulating the photosynthetic performance, water physiology, antioxidant metabolism and ion homeostasis of wheat seedlings exposed to SS for 10 days. The findings demonstrated that SS inhibited the photosynthetic performance of wheat seedlings. In contrast, different doses of PGA all improved the photosynthetic performance, especially for 0.3% PGA. Compared with SS, 0.3% PGA plus SS decreased nonphotochemical quenching (q_N) by 26.3% and respectively increased photosynthetic rate (Pn), soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) value, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (F_v/F_m), photochemical quenching (q_P) and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (Y(II)) by 54.0, 27.8, 34.6, 42.4 and 25.8%. For water metabolism, SS destroyed the water balance of wheat seedlings. In contrast, different doses of PGA enhanced water balance, especially for 0.3% PGA. Compared with SS, 0.3% PGA plus SS decreased leaf water saturation deficit (LWSD) by 35.5% and respectively increased leaf relative water content (LRWC), transpiration rate (T_r), stomatal conductance (g_s) and the contents of soluble sugars (SSS) and proline (Pro) by 15.9, 94.7, 37.5, 44.6 and 62.3%. For antioxidant metabolism, SS induced the peroxide damage to wheat seedlings. In contrast, different doses of PGA all mitigated the SS-induced peroxide damage, especially for 0.3% PGA. Compared with SS, 0.3% PGA plus SS respectively decreased superoxide anion (O₂^–), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and electrolyte leakage (EL) by 39.1, 29.6, 46.2 and 36.3%, and respectively increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbate reductases (DHAR) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) activities, and antioxidants ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents by 69.2, 49.2, 77.8, 80.6, 109.5, 121.7, 104.5, 63.8 and 39.6%. Besides, SS destroyed the ion homeostasis of wheat seedlings. In contrast, different doses of PGA all maintained ion homeostasis, especially for 0.3% PGA. Compared with SS, 0.3% PGA plus SS reduced Na+ content by 40.7% and respectively increased K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ contents by 64.4, 82.6 and 105.6%, thereby respectively increasing K⁺/Na⁺, Ca²⁺/Na⁺ and Mg²⁺/Na⁺ ratios by 177.6, 209.4 and 244.8%. In the above ways, SS inhibited wheat height and biomass. In contrast, different doses of PGA all improved wheat height and biomass under SS, especially for 0.3% PGA. Compared with SS, 0.3% PGA plus SS, respectively, increased wheat height and biomass by 27.4% and 41.7%. In the above ways, PGA mitigated salt toxicity in wheat seedlings. The current findings implied that there was a potential for the use of PGA in real situations to improve wheat salt tolerance, especially for the 0.3% dose.

Aronia melanocarpa is one of the many fruit types rich in polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, we used this fruit in our research as a possible natural antioxidant, which was added to pork sausages. Four groups were prepared: control group, a group with ascorbic acid, and groups with 3 and 5 mL·kg^–1 of chokeberry extract. During storage, we monitored changes in pH, colour, texture and oxidative stability of pork sausages and sensory evaluation. We did not observe any negative effects of the extract on the quality of pork sausages during storage. Regarding oxidative stability, the lowest increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in the group with 5 mL·kg^–1 of chokeberry extract, which was comparable to the group with ascorbic acid.

Exogenous polyamines can elevate postharvest fruit cold resistance and alleviate cold injury. However, the mechanism, by which polyamines mediate cold tolerance, is still to be explored. So in this paper, the conjugated polyamines in tonoplast and vacuole conformation were illuminated in the flesh cells of peach fruit subjected to cold stress, which were pretreated with exogenous putrescine. The results showed that under cold condition, fruit firmness decreased and flesh browning area increased, and vacuole conformation changed. The cold injury could be alleviated by pretreatment with exogenous putrescine, as judged by stabilization of the vacuole conformation, increased fruit firmness and reduced flesh browning area. Furthermore, the cold alleviation was coupled with the increases in the levels of covalently conjugated putrescine and non-covalently conjugated spermidine and spermine in the tonoplast. The results suggested that these conjugated polyamines in tonoplast and vacuole conformation might be involved in putrescine-mediated cold tolerance. The suggestion was further verified by applications with inhibitors, phenanthroline and methylglyoxal-bis (guanylhydrazone) (MGBG). Phenanthroline and MGBG could restrain the putrescine-induced increases in covalently and non-covalently conjugated polyamines mentioned above in the tonoplast, respectively, and increase flesh browning area, decrease fruit firmness and vacuole conformation stabilization. So, we can conclude that exogenous putrescine alleviates cold injury in peach fruit via elevating the contents of the polyamines conjugated to the tonoplast and thereby maintaining vacuole conformation.

The most common orthopaedic developmental disease in dogs is hip dysplasia. This condition results in coxofemoral laxity due to incongruity and lack of stabilisation of the joint by the soft tissues. Currently, there is no therapeutic plan to correct hip dysplasia without surgical intervention at a very early age. The goal of the non-surgical treatment is to relieve pain and stiffness and to increase the muscle strength, usually through hydrotherapy and the beneficial physical properties of water. Recently, there has been growing interest in regenerative medicine, which involves the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their products to alleviate the characteristic clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). In vivo studies with canine MSCs have shown that an intra-articular injection of MSCs into cartilage lesions leads to the excellent regeneration of the hyaline cartilage. Regenerative medicine has undergone rapid development in recent years thanks to new therapies based on the application and combination of innovative biomaterials. One of the first known regenerative methods to be used in clinical practice was platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This review summarises the use and potential of MSCs and PRP, including their in vitro properties, their therapeutic effects in the treatment of cartilage lesions in preclinical in vivo studies, their clinical efficacy in the treatment of naturally occurring OA in dogs, and the current limitations of the studies.

Unique challenges have been elicited by climate change, demanding the utilisation of effective adaptation strategies that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. Regrettably, the agricultural sector has not been spared from the effects of climate change, but it is among the largest employers and the primary source of food security globally. The situation is worse in Pakistan, where poverty, hunger, and malnutrition are reported to be prevalent. The complexity of risks posed by climate change has called for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies, which potentially could augment cost efficiency and yield in wheat production. Surprisingly, previous studies have largely overlooked this crucial aspect. Therefore, our research seeks to address two fundamental questions: What is the comparative cost efficiency between adopters and non-adopters of CSA practices in wheat production? And what are the yield effects associated with CSA adoption, particularly compared to non-adopters? To this end, a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to randomly select 400 farm households in a climate risk hotspot province in Pakistan, on which the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and endogenous switching regression (ESR) were applied. The results revealed that CSA adoption was associated with improved cost efficiency and yield. Interestingly, if non-adopters decided to adopt CSA, they would increase their wheat yield by about 20%. Given the importance of wheat for food security, this would contribute to poverty and hunger eradication. Therefore, our study conforms to the aspirations of the 2030 agenda by promoting rethinking food production through possible improvement in cost efficiency and yield in the face of a changing climate.

In today's forestry practices, integrated management is the prevailing approach. One method gaining traction is retention forestry, where certain trees, known as biotope trees providing microhabitats (TreMs), are preserved during harvesting operations. This article delves into hands-on training for marking interventions using marteloscope plots, focusing specifically on 'Pokojná hora,' a 1-hectare plot situated in the southeast of the Czech Republic. Field surveys were conducted using FieldMap technology, capturing essential data for all trees: coordinates, species, diameter, height, and health status. Additionally, details such as wood quality, economic value, microhabitats, and habitat value were documented for each tree. Forestry engineering students virtually mapped out interventions on the marteloscope plot, testing 11 solution variants across 2 scenarios to strike a balance between economic goals and biodiversity conservation. The plot hosts 155 microsites, predominantly on Fagus sylvatica (common beech) with 108 microsites. The likelihood of TreMs increases with tree diameter, while the correlation between a tree's economic value and its diameter was confirmed. Optimal management suggests maintaining 10 habitat trees per ha to reconcile economic and ecological objectives during harvesting operations. In essence, we contend that the adoption of retention forestry practices coupled with marteloscope training can play a pivotal role in arresting biodiversity decline within forest ecosystems.

In an era marked by an ageing agricultural workforce and intensifying environmental pressures, agricultural infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing green productivity. This study investigates the impact of agricultural infrastructure construction and population ageing on agricultural green total factor productivity (agricultural GTFP), utilising provincial panel data from 2004 to 2022 in China. Our findings reveal that the agricultural infrastructure construction significantly boosts agricultural GTFP and significantly mitigates the negative effects of ageing on agricultural green production at the 0.01 level. Notably, different types of infrastructure exhibit varying impacts, with electricity and irrigation infrastructure demonstrating the most significant positive effects. We further identify a strong mediating effect of farmland transfer and agricultural mechanisation in facilitating infrastructure-driven agricultural GTFP growth. Our analysis reveals a pronounced regional heterogeneity, with non-food producing, central, western regions of China benefiting most from agricultural infrastructure investments. To address the challenges posed by ageing, we recommend giving priority to expanding agricultural infrastructure construction, fostering agricultural socialised services, and tailoring infrastructure programs to regional resource endowments. These strategies aim to compensate for labour shortages, enhance resource utilisation, and ultimately drive improvements in agricultural green productivity.

The subject of this study is to point out the issue of various impacts of musculoskeletal disorders in chainsaw operators and their impact on human health. The first goal was to find out whether the body mass index is responsible for excessive stress to individual parts of the body of chainsaw operators at work. The second goal was to determine whether the excessive load to the individual body parts is affected by the time of working with the chainsaw. Questionnaires created for the fulfilment of the goals were distributed to professional forest loggers working in the Czech Republic, which were filled in by 161 of them. Questions in the first part of the questionnaire were formulated in such a way that answers to them would clearly identify information on the individual respondents. The second part of the questionnaire was focused on the assessment of the load upon 12 body parts of the operators (each part being split into the right and left sides). The results of the statistical analysis showed that neither the body mass index (BMI) nor the length of time working with the chainsaw affect the load on the individual parts of the body of the chainsaw operators.

Kavurma is a traditional cooked meat product of Türkiye containing a high percentage of animal fat (30–40%). Therefore, kavurma can undergo lipid oxidation easily. This may cause a major problem in the storage and marketing of the product. Synthetic additives used in foods cause anxiety in consumers and this situation increases the search for natural alternatives. Plant essential oils can be reliable additives to extend the shelf life of foods. The protective effect of rosemary and clove essential oils on kavurma meat against microbiological and oxidative deterioration was investigated in this study. For this purpose, kavurma samples were divided into five groups after being produced by standard methods, the essential oils (rosemary and clove) obtained by distillation method were added to the kavurma fat in various proportions, alone or in combination. At the end of the study, the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) and peroxide values of the groups containing plant essential oils were found to be lower than the control groups. The groups containing rosemary and clove essential oil showed that microbiological deterioration was delayed and, the sensory evaluation scores were higher than the control groups at the end of the cold storage period.

The demand for beneficial, safe natural pigments is growing. Clitoria ternatea (CT) flowers are a promising source of natural blue colours and bioactive compounds. This study extracted intact CT flowers (CTFs) and their powders (CTFPs) with distilled water at various temperatures (30–90 °C) and durations (30–180 min). The total anthocyanin content (TAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of the CT extracts were analysed by using the pH differential and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was expressed as the ability to scavenge DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals. The results showed that different sample types significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the TAC, TPC, and antioxidant activity. The optimal TAC and TPC extraction for CTF was at 90 °C for 90 min, and for CTFP at 90 °C for 30 min. Using hot water instead of 60% alcohol organic solvent was feasible for extracting the phytochemicals, particularly with CTF. Ultrasound-assisted extraction was notably effective for anthocyanins from intact flowers. Higher heating temperatures and pH values increased the anthocyanin degradation rate constants, while a higher pH decreased the activation energy. Thus, blue aqueous CT flower extracts, rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, have the potential for use in foods and nutraceuticals with neutral and acidic pH values.

The present investigation explored the possible use of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TVEO) as a beverage antifungal preservative instead of chemical ones. The chemical profile of TVEO exposed carvacrol (60.47%) as the predominant compound. The antifungal properties of TVEO were assessed on various food spoilage yeast and mould species using two tests. TVEO showed a powerful antimicrobial effect against all the fungal strains at the three volumes of essential oil (EO) used (i.e. 10, 20, and 30 µL). The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of TVEO was also evaluated and ranged from 0.0625% to 0.015% (v/v). Furthermore, the potency of TVEO as a beverage antimicrobial preservative was tested at four distinct concentrations (0.6, 1.25, 4, and 6 μL·mL^–1) against Saccharomyces cerevisiae alone and combined with medium heating (70 °C for 2 min) in a real food matrix (Orangina^® drink) for eight storage days. TVEO exhibited a significantly higher preservative effect than chemical preservatives (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate). Lastly, a molecular docking examined the mechanism of action of carvacrol against two crucial enzymes in S. cerevisiae viability [ERG2 (sterol C8-isomerase) and ERG3 (sterol C5-desaturase)] compared to a chemical preservative (potassium sorbate). The two ligands highly interacted with the two target enzymes. However, carvacrol achieved a better score than potassium sorbate against ERG2 and ERG3, with binding energy of –10.19 kcal·mol^–1 and –11.73 kcal·mol^–1, respectively. Our results open up the perspective of using TVEO as a natural food preservative.

The fatty acid (FA) composition of milk fat can be positively influenced by the modification of dairy farming and the possible selection of raw material for processing. The question arises as to whether the benefits of a better FA composition will be maintained even after processing dairy products. Thus, the aim was to obtain a more favourable FA composition by a targeted selection of cow’s milk (grazing vs stabled herds) and then compare FAs of milk and fermented product (yoghurt). Bulk tank milk of grazing herds had significantly better FA composition than milk of stabled herds (for example, C16:0 28.07% vs 32.27%, P < 0.001; C18:3n-3 0.83% vs 0.41%, P < 0.001; C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (conjugated linoleic acid; CLA) 1.02% vs 0.41%, P < 0.01). The differences between the FAs in milk and yoghurt samples were negligible (in relative values from 0.04% to 5.21%). The correlations between milk and yoghurt for nutritionally important FAs were high, from 0.925 0 (C18:2n-6) to 0.998 8 (CLA; both P < 0.001). The minimal effect of milk fermentation on the original FA composition of milk fat was found. In conclusion, systematic selection of raw cow’s milk or modification of farming conditions can also provide a nutritionally desirable composition of final dairy products.

Carbohydrate digestive enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase can be used to treat and manage diabetes. By inhibiting these enzymes, carbohydrate digestion slowed down, lowering the level of glucose entry into the bloodstream and preventing postprandial hyperglycemia. However, the effectiveness of current antidiabetic agents is limited due to their adverse effects. Therefore, the current study explored natural inhibitors from the methanol extract of rice to combat this issue. Through an integrated approach, four different rice cultivars were analysed and found that red rice methanol extract compounds stigmasterol and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid interacted with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Additionally, further research on stigmasterol directs the structure-activity relationship studies that aid in managing diabetic conditions.

Soil is a valuable resource for food production, and it demands a long time to recover itself. Soil erosion is one of the most important issues for countries based on agriculture. This review article analyzed articles published on the topic of general soil erosion in Central Asian countries in 1993–2022. More than 50% of the articles reflect the results of the conducted practical work. The main content of these scientific works is aimed at the prevention of erosion processes, their evaluation and the development of countermeasures. During the considered period, the number of publications on soil erosion has increased in the last years compared to the first years, which indicates that the attention to the topic has increased in recent years. The purpose of this article is to get accurate information about the state of soil erosion in the countries of Central Asia and to get acquainted with the practical works carried out against erosion in these countries. For this aim, the contents of the articles were reviewed and the results of the scientific works conducted on the topic of erosion in each country were presented. According to the content of the articles, the use of modern techniques and technologies in the evaluation and prevention of soil erosion gives effective results.

Magnetic fields, as a form of physical energy, exert an influence on biological activities. However, our current understanding of the impact of magnetic fields on wheat yield remains limited. In this study, our objective was to investigate the effects of magnetic field treatment of wheat plants on their yield, root growth, absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus and soil bacterial diversity. The experiments were conducted at two agricultural research stations in China, Zhengzhou and Xuchang. Plants were treated with magnetic fields of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mT induced by permanent magnets for chronic exposure. Untreated plants were considered as controls. Our result showed that soil nutrients were found to have a substantial impact on wheat nitrogen and phosphorus absorption, and wheat nitrogen and phosphorus absorption significantly affected wheat yield. The change in soil nutrient content was caused by the change in soil bacterial community diversity and abundance, and increased soil nutrients increased wheat yield. The results suggest that magnetic field treatment stimulated wheat plant growth and yield, and changed soil nutrient content through improved soil bacterial community diversity and increased soil nitrogen and phosphorous absorption.

The objective of the study is to determine the impact of shock from climate change, such as drought and flood, on various technology adoptions in rice production in Vietnam. This study utilised VARHS (The Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey) panel data from 2012 to 2018 and employed regression analysis following the application of propensity score matching (PSM) to address potential selection bias caused by drought and flood shocks. The findings indicated that households tend to adopt the improved variety of rice and organic fertilisers since households suffer the shock from the drought. Another finding showed that households used more chemical fertiliser and reduced the probability of using improved seeds in rice production since the household was affected by floods. Based on the findings, policies should prioritise promoting and implementing environmentally friendly farming methods that are customised to address specific climate-related difficulties.

Pod dehiscence or pod shattering from mature soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most outstanding disadvantages in domesticated cultivars. Pod shattering in relation to 16 quantitative traits and 3 qualitative traits among 140 cultivars of vegetable soybeans, grain soybeans and small-grain soybeans was evaluated over two years. We found the pod shattering percentage is positively correlated with the number of productive branches, pod width, pod length, pod area, 100-seed weight, 1-seeded-pod percentage, 2-seeded-pod percentage and seed protein content, but negatively correlated with the plant height, pod height at the bottom, number of nodes on the main stem, 3-seeded-pod percentage, 4-seeded-pod percentage and seed oil content. The pod shattering percentage in vegetable soybeans is remarkably high, reaching up to 93%, 7.8 times higher than that of grain soybeans. A schematic model of the characteristics for shatter-susceptible and shatter-resistant soybean cultivars is proposed. The pod shattering in vegetable soybeans is related to the “umbrella-shaped” architecture and pod size. It is suggested to select lines with more 2-seeded and 3-seeded pods for vegetable soybeans, but a higher seed oil content and greater node number on the main stem for grain soybeans and small-grain soybeans, to avoid pod shattering in future breeding programmes.

Negative energy balance (NEB) after calving leads to unique metabolic changes in cows and it provides important information on the period when nutrient output prevails over nutrient intake associated with a number of physiological changes in the organism suitable for detection using biochemical blood analyses. The aim of this paper is to summarise current knowledge of the changes in blood parameters during the period of NEB in relation to non-esterified fatty acids, ketone bodies, and immunologic and stress indicators. The impact of these changes on bovine reproduction and health is also discussed in the sequel. The period of NEB is still a very pertinent area of research as it provides a new insight into connections between physiological systems, to wit, ​​immunology, manifestation of various stress indicators, including oxidative stress, and heat shock proteins inter alia. Understanding the physiological changes during NEB is crucial for successful management of the transition period and subsequent overall good animal health and productivity.

Chilli anthracnose, incited by Colletotrichum capsici, is a major disease affecting the quality and quantity of chilli production. Farmers greatly depend on synthetic fungicides for the management of the disease. However, the extensive and non-judicious use of chemical fungicides resulted in the development of fungicide resistance in the pathogen and associated human and animal health risks. Piriformospora indica, a beneficial fungal root endophyte, has been employed as an efficient and safe biocontrol agent for managing bacterial, fungal and viral diseases and enhancing growth and yield. Hence, the present study was carried out to establish the protective role of P. indica against the chilli anthracnose incitant, C. capsici. The enzymes of phenylpropanoid pathway involved in this tripartite interaction were also studied. The study demonstrates that P. indica restricted C. capsici growth in dual culture with 57.22% mycelial inhibition on the 15th day after inoculation. P. indica ‒ colonized chilli plants showed a delay in disease development, and significantly reduced the incidence and severity of chilli anthracnose disease compared to the control plants. Higher activities of defence-related enzymes viz. peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, 4-coumaryl CoA ligase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and total phenol in the P. indica ‒ colonised plants revealed that the endophyte early resistance of plants against further pathogen invasions. The present study revealed P. indica to be an efficient biocontrol agent against chilli anthracnose. The results showed that P. indica reduced the infection of C. capsici by direct antagonism, activation of enzymes involved in plant defence and enhanced growth in chilli plants.

Hokkaido brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis) meats are used as ingredients of game cuisines. In contrast, shank meats are unsuitable as edible meats due to gamy tastes and tough meats. Here, new meat sauces were developed using glutinous rice koji and food enzymes for the application of the underutilised meat i.e. shank meat. The proximate analysis showed that the obtained sauces were reduced-salt sauces at approximately 6.4–7.7 g·(100 g)^–1 as salt equivalent. The sauces had a light colour, no unacceptable odours, and strong sweetness and umami taste. The sauce with good sensory acceptability was rich in glutamic acid, leucine, lysine, and alanine. Besides, the essential amino acid contents were remarkably high at approximately 55.6%. In addition, the tested sauces had good antioxidative activities, scavenging activities against reactive oxygen species such as superoxide anion radicals and hydroxyl radicals, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities. These results suggested that Hokkaido brown bear shank meat sauces, which had positive effects for human health, could be used as one of novel condiment with consumer demands.

This study focused on the co-fermentation of goat milk with functional lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and traditional yoghurt starter culture. The fermentation process was optimised by single factor experiment and response surface methodology (RSM). The physicochemical and sensory properties of goat milk yoghurt were evaluated under chilled (4 °C) storage for 21 days. The optimised conditions were selected as the inoculum amount of Lactobacillus paracasei NM-8 (1.1 × 10⁷ CFU·mL^–1; CFU – colony forming unit), sucrose addition (6.8%) and fermentation temperature (41 °C). During milk coagulation, the pH declined to be 4.45 and the viable LAB number arrived at 8.77 log CFU·mL^–1. The content of exopolysaccharides (EPS) increased to be 2.13 g·L^–1. These changes led to the better viscosity (941.33–792.33 cP) and higher water holding capacity (63.24–56.20%) of yoghurt fermented using L. paracasei NM-8 in storage, compared with those of yoghurt without L. paracasei NM-8. This study provided a theoretical basis for eliminating the whey precipitation and rough texture of goat milk yoghurt.

Lactic acid has gained considerable attention globally due to its multi-purpose application. Commercial lactic acid production uses the fungal species Rhizopus oryzae, which produces other organic acids. A crucial point of effective fungal organic acid production is matching the fungal strains’ requirements, where the carbon source plays a major role. The highest production rate is achieved when glucose is used as a carbon source. Alternatively, we can apply carbon-rich agricultural residues as carbon sources. Using agricultural waste for lactic acid production provides a sustainable and cost-effective feedstock but also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from landfills and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, polylactic acid (PLA) produced from lactic acid monomers can occur in numerous agricultural applications. We should delve deeper into sustainable methods of using carbon residues to recycle waste, foster the circular economy, and advance sustainable agriculture. Therefore, there is a need for further research on the commercial use of agricultural and food industry wastes for lactic acid production.

Biochar plays an important role in agricultural production as it can improve soil fertility, promote nutrient adsorption and enhance plant growth. However, the distribution of biochar in the soil significantly impacts its application effect. In order to investigate the impact of non-uniform biochar distribution on soil nutrient uptake, root shape, peanut development, and the makeup of soil microbial communities, we carried out greenhouse peanut pot studies. This experiment followed a completely randomised design with four treatments, each with three replications. The four treatments were as follows: no biochar application (B0); concentrated biochar application near seeds (B1); relatively concentrated surface application of biochar (B2), and uniformly dispersed application of biochar (B3). The findings demonstrated that, compared to the no-biochar scenario, the aboveground and root nitrogen uptake was significantly (P < 0.05) improved by the B2 treatment, increasing by 42.79% and 51.39%, respectively, compared to the control group. Additionally, it reduced the concentrations of NO₃^–-N and NH₄⁺-N in the soil. The B2 treatment also significantly (P < 0.05) increased the net photosynthetic rate and aboveground dry matter weight, increasing by 196.85% and 53.96%, respectively, compared to the B0 treatment. The B1 and B3 treatments also demonstrated a higher promoting effect. The growth of the root system and the quantity of root nodules were promoted by the addition of biochar. The number of root nodules in the B2 treatment was 72.22% higher than that in the control group. In terms of microbial and bacterial communities, the addition of biochar increased the number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria to a certain extent, while the relative abundance of soil bacterial communities showed no significant differences. In general, the non-uniform distribution of biochar in the soil significantly affected peanuts’ vegetative growth and developmental effects. The relatively concentrated surface application of biochar treatments contributes to improving plant nutrient uptake and root system development. This provides a more effective application method for agricultural personnel to apply biochar fertiliser in the future.

Drought-tolerant rootstocks with better performance regarding water deficit is important for sustaining orchard productivity, especially in regions where water availability is unpredictable. By selecting appropriate rootstocks, fruit growers can mitigate the adverse effects of insufficient water on yields. However, the response of specific rootstocks to drought remains unknown. Our study examined the drought tolerance of five plum rootstocks (Wavit, Torinell, Adesoto, Penta, and St. Julien) focusing on their physiological and biochemical responses. To assess their tolerance under drought conditions, we evaluated leaf relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll fluorescence, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), proline, and phenolic content. The results showed that Torinel exhibited the highest performance index (PIABS), maximum PSII photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m), RWC, lowest lipid peroxidation and H₂O₂ during the drought-stress condition. Based on our results, we identified Torinel as a rootstock with a great ability to withstand drought, suggesting that it could be applied in the breeding program to increase plum resistance to drought. The study provides insights into the drought tolerance of different plum rootstocks, identifying which ones are better suited for cultivation in water-limited environments.

Biofortification provides a sustainable, pragmatic strategy to address the lack of vitamin A and the associated health complications. The objectives of the study encompassed the quantification of the carotenoid content of 147 maize inbred lines, the identification of variable regions within the ZEP1 gene, the correlation of these observed variances in the presence of this gene with carotenoid content, and the identification of lines harbouring the favourable alleles of the crtRB1 gene. The observed correlations among the carotenoids synthesised by distinct branches of the biosynthetic process were both significant and positive. Utilising gel-based genotyping, 24 lines with contrasting carotenoid profiles were selected, evaluated and sequenced. Analysis of the variation in the sequence classified these lines based on their similarities to give 8 allele groups. The findings highlight that inbred lines both group 1 and group 8 exhibited significant associations with the carotenoid content of the lines. Specifically, ZEP1_7852, a discernible variation belonging to group 8, was found to be significantly associated with zeaxanthin content and total carotenoid content. Furthermore, 25 lines were found to have provitamin A content above 15 μg/g, harbouring the favourable alleles of the crtRB1 gene using KASP SNP zm0016. These lines can serve as parents for source populations and hybrids, leading to the further enhancement of provitamin A in maize.

Sweet cherry juice rich in phenols and anthocyanins is highly perishable and typically undergo thermal pasteurisation, which can diminish its nutritional composition. High pressure processing (HPP), a non-thermal technique using pressure to inactivate the microbes while preserving nutrients, offers a more effective alternative for extending the shelf life of fruit juice. Accordingly, present study evaluated comparative impact of high pressure processing and thermal pasteurisation on phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, microbial and sensory attributes of cherry juice during storage. For study, cherry juice subjected to two different HPP levels (400 and 600 MPa) for 5 min and thermal pasteurisation (95 °C) for 30 s, followed by storage (60 days at 4 °C). Results showed HPP and thermal pasteurisation had significant impact (P < 0.05) on phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants compared to control, however, thermally pasteurised juice showed rapid deterioration compared to HPP juice, whereas anthocyanin and cyanidin-3-glucoside levels remarkably different in both groups. Microbial findings revealed safety of HPP pasteurisation juice with shelf life (45 days) however, better sensory acceptability for HPP treated juice. In nutshell, HPP pasteurisation is pragmatic approach for enhancing shelf life with better nutrients for cherry juice and findings useful for beverage industry and health professionals.

Abstract: To eliminate the unpleasant odour and produce more flavour, enzymatic hydrolysis with bromelain (Bro), papain (Pap), and Bro + Pap and boiled with maltose were applied in pig trotters. In this study, Pap, Bro, and a combination of Bro + Pap were dissolved in a saline solution to treat pig trotters. Results showed that the Bro + Pap treatment produced more amino acids, and the boiled + roasted with sugar of Bro + Pap treatment could significantly reduce aldehydes (nonanal and octanal) associated with the formation of off-flavour. Additionally, it increased the content of esters (ethyl propionate, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, and butyl acetate) in pig trotters, resulting in a more pleasing flavour. Electronic nose signals and sensory evaluation experiments further confirmed these findings. Moreover, the deodorising and aroma-enhancing process also improved their overall eating quality.

We explored the role of yttrium nitrate (Y(NO3)3) in extending the longevity of campanula cut flowers. The results showed that Y(NO3)3 significantly enhanced the enzymatic antioxidant system, including the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. In this way, Y(NO3)3 increased the DPPH scavenging activity and decreased the malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage, which implied that Y(NO3)3 strengthened the antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, Y(NO3)3 significantly improved the production of the soluble sugars, proline, and soluble protein, relative water content, average fresh weight change rate, and average water balance value, which indicated that Y(NO3)3 could maintain the water balance. Besides, Y(NO3)3 dramatically increased the flower diameter and extended the longevity. Our current research demonstrated that Y(NO3)3 improved the longevity by reinforcing the enzymatic antioxidant system and water balance, which added new information and a supportive base for the utilisation of Y(NO3)3 in the preservation of campanula cut flowers.

Dental health has historically received little attention in veterinary medicine, but is becoming more common. This study aimed to report the prevalence of dental extractions in dogs in Seoul, Republic of Korea, describe the current status of dental health and determine any preventive methods. In total, 166 dogs participated in the study, presented to the veterinary hospital with an oral disorder or for a routine check-up were included in the study. Teeth were extracted from 130 dogs (78.32%). A single tooth was extracted from 18 dogs (13.85%), whereas multiple teeth (2–29 teeth) were extracted from 112 dogs (86.15%). Ten teeth were extracted in 31 dogs (27.67%). In descending order, the most extracted teeth were PM2, PM3, PM4, and PM1. The age at the first dental check-up, the average interval between dental check-ups, and the average interval between the previous two dental check-ups in the extraction group were significantly greater than those in the non-extraction group. In contrast, the number of dental check-ups was significantly lower. In conclusion, this study suggests regular dental check-ups to prevent dental extractions. The data provide useful information for veterinary dental health management and the prevention of tooth extractions.

Growth traits belong to the most important economic traits in livestock. One of the genes involved in vertebrate growth and development is insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Therefore, in our study we hypothesised that within the sequence of rabbit IGF1 gene it is possible to identify a polymorphism that may influence growth, carcass or meat traits in rabbits. We identified 6 polymorphisms (g.89259430T>C; g.89259338C>G; g.89259328T>C; 89210029A>G; 89210349C>G and g.89194199C>T) within introns of the IGF1 gene. One polymorphism, g.89194199C>T, was analysed using polymerase chain reaction high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM). We performed the association analysis on 370 animals (males to females 1 : 1) of different breeds: New Zealand White × Flemish Giant crossbreds (NZW × FG), Termond White (TW) and Flemish Giant (FG). Results showed that for growth and slaughter traits in TW populations a significant association (P = 0.003) was found for slaughter weight (SW) when CT genotypes showed significantly higher values compared to CC genotypes (2 878.0 g ± 107.0 and 2 678.0 g ± 34.0, respectively). For TW rabbits we found a significant association (P = 0.009) for dissected bone weight in hind leg (HB) when CT genotypes (127.0 g ± 5.8) had significantly higher values compared to CC genotypes (112.0 g ± 2.4). For carcass traits and physical characteristics of meat we found for musculus longissimus lumborum in TW rabbits that the b* parameter value 45 min after slaughter was significantly higher (P = 0.001) for CT genotypes (1.88 ± 0.05) compared to CC genotypes (0.05 ± 0.02). We conclude that the use of identified SNP in breeding may be limited to some breeds.