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Forest management of durmast oak stands [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] is focused on the production of high-quality assortments for the furniture industry. Due to various forest management factors and impacts of climate change, their vitality and quality are often reduced. Sudden illumination of the oak trunk caused by management cuts can lead to epicormic shoot formation. This study compared two localities and nine long-term research plots at the stand age of 62–68 years in Slovakia. While one locality was affected by the massive dieback of oak in the past, the other was not. The epicormic shoot occurrence was monitored separately in the lower and upper parts of the trunk, depending on selected quantitative tree parameters and on the various management methods. The formation of epicormic shoot was influenced especially by DBH, crown width and crown volume. The occurrence of shoots was always markedly higher in the upper part of the trunk compared to the lower one. During a 35-year period, the development of the proportion of epicormic shoots in the lower part of the trunk in the locality with massive dieback of oak confirmed a higher occurrence on control plots compared to the managed plots with thinning interventions. It showed that the occurrence of epicormic shoots in durmast oak stands was influenced not only by different methods of management but also by the dieback effect in the past. Promoting more intensive thinning in early-stage oak stands is advised, as it prompts trees to develop larger crowns with limiting formation of epicormic shoots.

The domestication process has had a substantial and varied impact on animals in terms of anatomy, physiology, and behaviour. Poultry species are particularly important for humans, with the most significant being chickens, geese, and ducks. However, it is not well understood whether, or to what extent selection influences the eggshell structure compared to wild ancestors. In the present study, we compared eggshells from three species: Red junglefowl and its four domesticated forms: Green-legged partridge, Lohmann Brown, Ko-Shamo, meat type breeder (Cobb 500); Greylag goose, and two domesticated breeds: Bilgoraj goose and White Koluda goose, as well as Mallard duck and domesticated crossbred KhO-01. The analyses revealed significant differences in the eggshell structure both between species (P < 0.001) and between breeds (P < 0.001 for chickens and geese, and P = 0.039 for ducks). Domesticated forms tend to have fewer mammillary knobs per mm² (P = 0.004), which were larger (P < 0.001) and they show the smaller coverage of the mammillary knobs (P < 0.001). Analyses showed significant correlations of the body mass and egg size with eggshell characteristics (P < 0.001). Considering that domesticated forms are usually larger, it cannot be conclusively determined whether changes in structure result from the domestication process itself or are physiologically linked to body mass and egg size. The relatively high similarity between the eggs of the wild ancestor and the Ko-Shamo breed, which exhibits substantial morphological changes but has a body mass similar to that of the Red junglefowl, supports this interpretation.

This study aims to demonstrate that Andrographolide, an herbal immunostimulant, can influence M1 macrophages to inhibit inflammation, including the growth of endometriosis caused by inflammation. This study evaluates the effects of Andrographolide on suppressing endometriosis through M1 macrophage activity. This post-test-only experimental study involved 42 female Balb/C mice, which were divided into six groups: Group N, KN (endometriosis without therapy), and KP (endometriosis + dienogest), P1 (endometriosis with 0.05 mg/kg), P2 (endometriosis + 0.1 mg/kg Andrographolide), and P3 (endometriosis + 0.2 mg/kg Andrographolide). Peritoneal fluid was aspirated, and the peritoneum was cut and stretched to observe the extent of the endometriosis. This study compared the formation of ectopic endometrial lesions and analysed the M1/M2 ratio in each group that received standard therapy versus Andrographolide therapy. The results from peritoneal fluid flow cytometry indicated that M1 was more dominant than M2 compared with KP. The levels of M2 in the P2 and P3 groups were also significantly lower than in the KN group. This study demonstrated that Andrographolide may enhance the regulation of M1 macrophage differentiation, acting as a precursor to endometriosis growth by suppressing M2 phenotypes that promote the condition.

Assessing of genetic diversity is essential for identifying useful alleles for crop improvement. This study evaluated genetic diversity among two cassava breeding populations for total carotenoid content (TCC), dry matter content (DMC), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration using trait-linked single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 360 genotypes were analysed, including 261 from the IITA breeding programme (Population 1), 23 progenitor lines, and 76 from the University of Ibadan Cassava (UIC) breeding programme (Population 2). Minor allele frequency (MAF), gene diversity (GD), observed heterozygosity (H_e), and polymorphic information content (PIC) were computed. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were performed to examine genetic variation and population structure. Call rates were high (96–100%). MAF ranged from 0.00 to 0.50, with mean values of 0.28, 0.28, and 0.29 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. GD averaged 0.36, 0.36, and 0.35 across these groups. Observed heterozygosity was 0.42, 0.41, and 0.43, while PIC values averaged 0.29, 0.27, and 0.27 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. PCA and clustering analyses grouped the genotypes into three clusters containing 257, 88, and 15 genotypes. The first two principal components explained 39.1% of the total genetic variation. The results indicate substantial genetic diversity among the studied genotypes, suggesting strong potential for allele pyramiding and highlighting the informativeness of the SNP markers used.

The four-year field trial was conducted at the Rolnicze Gospodarstwo Doświadczalne Brody (Brody Experimental Farm), Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland. This study aimed to assess how different doses of gypsum and potassium (K) fertilisers influenced the nutritive value of the alfalfa-grass mixture. The following two experimental factors were duplicated: gypsum fertilisation – two levels (0 and 500 kg/ha) and K fertilisation – four levels (0, 30, 60, and 120 kg/ha). The sward was harvested three times at the full budding phase of alfalfa. The content of nutritive components: crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), crude ash (CA) and water-soluble sugars (WSC) by NIRS technique was assessed. The combined application of gypsum and K significantly increased the yields obtained only in the 1st and 3rd harvests of the sward. In the case of CP and WSC, the application of gypsum and K showed no significant effect on the content of these components in the sward. At the same time, it significantly influenced the higher content of CF and CA only in the case of the 2nd harvest. Analysing the influence of only the effect of K on the results obtained, a response of increasing CF content in the sward under the influence of increasing doses of this nutrient was noted. The average potassium content of the sward increased from a K0 fertilisation level to an application rate of K60. In the case of CA content, there was a successive increase with the application of successive fertilisation rates from K0 to a rate of K120. Based on the average yield results, a similar response was observed for the increase in yields obtained with increasing potassium fertilisation rates from K0 to K120. CP content increased due to gypsum fertilisation, as did the achieved sward yields of the alfalfa-grass mixture. The biomass of the alfalfa-grass mixture without gypsum fertilisation contained more WSC than the fertilised one.

A rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) method combined with intelligent knife (iKnife) method was developed to explore the geographical origin and characteristic differential components of Qianbei Ma lamb. The REIMS conditions were initially refined, with the cauterization duration of 3 seconds, and the auxiliary solvent flow rate set to 100 μL·min^–1 to prevent duplication. A database model was created from raw data through the proposed principal component analysis-linear discriminate analysis (PCA-LDA) in Live ID software, successfully applied to identify samples from 5 provinces in China and the real-time reliable identification rate with confidence higher than 99%. The obtained data by REIMS were used to establish the multivariate statistical models which using orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), provided strong the discrimination power between composition and content changes of 16 specific ions such as m/z 726.3952 and m/z 744.4050, etc., including fatty alcohols, fatty acids and phosphatidylserines in mutton of different origin and the model displayed validation [R²(Y) = 0.968, Q² = 0.924].

The jandaíra bee (Melipona subnitida) is a species native to northeastern Brazil that produces geopropolis, a mixture of clay and propolis, used in folk medicine. Geopropolis has traditionally been used in folk medicine because of its potential therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. Recent studies have highlighted the rich composition of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, contributing to their pharmacological potential. Despite these findings, the gastroprotective properties of geopropolis and the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored and warrant further investigation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of a hydroethanolic extract of geopropolis (HEG) produced by M. subnitida in Wistar rats, focusing on its antioxidant activity and the role of its bioactive compounds in preventing gastric mucosal damage. The gastroprotective potential was evaluated in Wistar rats pre-treated with HEG (250, 500, and 1 000 mg/kg, orally) for seven days and subjected to acute gastric lesions with ethanol (0.2 ml/animal, orally). One group of rats that received only distilled water served as the negative control, whereas the other group that received only ethanol served as the positive control. The stomachs were evaluated to determine the following parameters: evidence of macroscopic and histological changes, volume of mucus-containing mucin, stomach pH, and index of ulcerative lesions. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene tests were performed, followed by the Tukey test, with values considered significant at P < 0.05. HEG reduced the severity of the ulcerative lesions at all doses tested. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the pH values of gastric secretions, mucus volume, and mucin content in the stomachs of animals pretreated with HEG compared to the negative control group. These results indicate that HEG has gastroprotective activity, which may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds and its high antioxidant activity.

This study investigates advancements and trends in Fleckvieh breeding research using the Web of Science Core Collection database to collate articles published since 1994. Through CiteSpace 6.4.R1, we conducted systematic analyses to visualise research trajectories, identify seminal domains, and delineate emerging patterns. Our methodology encompassed publication profiling, scientific collaboration network mapping, co-citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence/clustering techniques. The findings reveal that the current research frontiers focus on: Genomic applications in genetic selection, Reproductive efficiency optimisation, Environmental adaptability mechanisms, Thermotolerance management strategies, Cross-disciplinary methodological integration. Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland emerged as leading contributors, with institutions including the Technical University of Munich and University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, demonstrating a particular scholarly influence. Knowledge mapping effectively delineated thematic concentrations and temporal evolution patterns, providing actionable insights for future research prioritisation. The field is progressing towards holistic, interdisciplinary frameworks underpinned by robust international consortia. This work introduces novel analytical perspectives to refine breeding protocols and enhance practical implementation.

In recent decades, Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands have become increasingly vulnerable to frequent droughts and associated outbreaks of secondary biotic pests, resulting in significant degradation of forest ecosystems. To preserve their production and ecological functions, it is necessary to apply well-adapted silvicultural practices that mitigate the risk of stand decline. This study examines the effects of two thinning intensities (moderate and heavy) on stand productivity and resilience under varying site conditions. Three long-term research sites with paired differently thinned plots located within and outside the natural range of Norway spruce in the Czech Republic were analysed. Tree-ring width measurements were used to calculate radial growth trends and four resilience indices (resistance, resilience, recovery and average relative growth reduction). Across sites Blaník (BL), Tetřeví Boudy (TB) and Železná Ruda (ZR), basal area increment (BAI) differed significantly between thinning intensities (BL: P = 0.044; TB: P = 0.0076; ZR: P < 0.001), with moderate thinning showing higher BAI at BL and TB, whereas heavy thinning reduced growth at the waterlogged TB site. Site-specific differences in tree growth responses to negative pointer years were evaluated, particularly concerning drought events. Resilience metrics computed for five drought pointer years (1976, 2000, 2003, 2015, 2019) showed no consistent differences between thinning intensities; however, at ZR, heavy thinning yielded higher resilience (Rs) and resistance (Rt) in 2015 and 2019. During drought years, the average relative growth reduction (ARGR) ranged from 3% to 31%, with the lowest values under moderate thinning. Overall, moderate thinning enhanced stand productivity and resilience, whereas heavy thinning had adverse effects at the waterlogged site. These results highlight the need to adapt silvicultural practices to local ecological conditions to ensure long-term stability and productivity.

Disturbing the remaining forest ecosystem in the Cibodas Botanical Garden (CBG) has affected the dynamics of the soil macroarthropod communities. This study was conducted in three remaining forest locations in the CBG with different levels of disturbance. Soil macroarthropod samples were collected using the pitfall trap method with 30 traps and analysed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Pielou's evenness, Simpson's dominance, and Margalef's species richness to assess the dynamics of the soil macroarthropod community. This study analysed how these communities respond to different levels of disturbance in the garden, namely Jalan Akar (JA; low), Wornojiwo (WJ; moderate), and Ciismun (CI; high), which were influenced by tourism activities and local environmental conditions. The results showed that individuals from the Hymenoptera group accounted for 60.05% of the total number of soil macroarthropods found. Site WJ, which experienced moderate disturbance, had the highest number of individuals and species richness of soil macroarthropods. In contrast, site CI, which experienced high levels of disturbance, had a lower number of individuals and lower species richness, diversity and evenness indices. Site JA, which experienced low levels of disturbance, exhibited higher diversity and evenness indices. These results demonstrate that disturbance affects the presence of soil macroarthropods at their respective levels of disturbance. However, analysing the spatial distribution of soil macroarthropods in each studied taxon using the Morisita index revealed that they were dominantly clustered and exhibited varied distribution patterns. The study concludes that maintaining minimal disturbance is essential to preserve soil biodiversity and ecological balance in managed forest ecosystems such as the Cibodas Botanical Garden.

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body, mainly obtained from the daily diet. Producing selenium-rich agricultural products through selenium-rich cultivation is an important cultivation method. Selenium-rich agricultural products can effectively supplement the selenium element needed by the human body in daily life. In this study, we conducted research on selenium-rich cultivation techniques for garlic, and different concentrations of sodium selenite solutions were used for garlic field treatment. We tested the related agronomic traits, nutritional indicators, and selenium content of garlic sprouts and garlic bulbs. The yield of garlic sprouts (37.08 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (25.31 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (61.00 μg/kg) and garlic bulbs (2 930.00 μg/kg) of T3 treatment (120 mg/L Na2SeO3) were significantly increased, compared with the yield of garlic sprouts (30.66 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (20.90 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (6.33 μg/kg) and garlic bulbs (75.00 μg/kg) of the control (CK). Furthermore, selenium treatment improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in garlic sprouts during winter, and promoted the absorption of soil nutrients by garlic. Taken together, our research indicates that garlic, especially garlic bulbs, has strong selenium-rich ability, and selenium-rich cultivation techniques could significantly improve the yield and quality of garlic products.

In Eastern Europe, near-natural forest patches are decreasing and are gradually replaced by non-native plantations. Tree plantations are commonly thought to be simple ecosystems with low conservation value, although this conclusion is mainly based on simple taxonomic diversity indices, which ignore functional and phylogenetic diversity. In this study, our objective was to compare species composition, diagnostic species, taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, as well as naturalness status between two near-natural forest types (Quercus-Tilia and Populus alba) and two common plantation types (non-native Pinus sylvestris and non-native Robinia pseudoacacia) in the Deliblato Sands, Serbia. Our results showed that the species composition significantly differed in the four habitats. Each habitat had some species that were significantly concentrated in them. Most of the diagnostic species in the Quercus-Tilia forests were forest specialist plant species, while those in Populus alba forests were species associated with warmer and drier habitats, whereas the plantations hosted diagnostic species with broader ecological tolerances. Native species richness, total species diversity, and functional and phylogenetic diversity were similar in the four studied habitats, which can be explained by the combined effects of light regime and naturalness. We assessed low naturalness (i.e. high degradation) in plantations, which can be expected to reduce diversity. However, higher light availability was probably able to compensate for this effect. Non-native plantations, especially Robinia pseudoacacia plantations, were the most degraded and hosted the highest non-native species richness, implying that they are ecologically undesirable. In light of our results, we suggest that near-natural forest stands should be protected and efforts to restore these forests should be given high priority. Furthermore, it is advisable to continue with a forestry strategy that involves replacing non-native plantations with native ones, such as Tilia tomentosa, in the Deliblato Sands.

Leaf rust is an important wheat disease that considerably reduces the wheat production in most wheat growing regions worldwide. This study aimed to identify leaf rust resistance genes in 42 wheat varieties to find genetic sources with the broadest spectrum of resistance against leaf rust pathotypes, to enable effective breeding for disease resistance. In this study, 42 wheat cultivars were inoculated with 18 pathotypes of Puccinia triticina Eriks. at the seedling stage to postulate the Lr genes in the cultivars. Resistance to leaf rust at the adult stage was then tested in field trials under natural infection during the 2019 to 2020 cropping seasons at Baoding, Hebei Province. Gene postulation together with molecular marker detection identified ten Lr genes (Lr1, Lr10, Lr14a, Lr26, Lr2a, Lr17, Lr20, Lr34, Lr37, and Lr46) among the 42 accessions.  Lr1 was present in 16 accessions, Lr14a in three accessions, Lr17 in five accessions, Lr2a in five accessions, Lr34 in one accession, Lr10 in two accessions, Lr37 in two accessions and Lr46 in 29 accessions. Additionally, 15 wheat accessions displayed adult-plant resistance or other unknown genes. These results suggest that a high level of leaf rust resistance can be achieved by combining known resistance genes and adult-plant resistance genes in wheat cultivars.

Developing and employing new, sustainable, and eco-friendly biostimulants that enhance plant growth and alleviate the harmful effects of environmental challenges is a major focus for many researchers. Salt stress is a critical constraint on plant growth and a limiting factor in crop productivity, particularly during the early developmental stages in the nurseries. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Java plum) is an important fruit tree and widely cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant. This study was designed to develop Cassia javanica subsp. nodosa leaf extract (CLE) as a new sustainable and eco-friendly biostimulant capable of triggering the metabolic adaptation to salt stress in Java plum seedlings grown in nurseries. CLE successfully mitigated reductions in growth, biomass yield, and secondary metabolite production caused by salinity. Although salt stress depressed morphological characters and biomass yield, CLE foliar spray enhanced these parameters. Moreover, CLE enhanced the ferric reducing antioxidant potential, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities, increased phenolic content, and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, CLE application increased seedling biomass and stimulated antioxidant activity, osmoprotectant accumulation, and overall tolerance to salinity stress. These observations provide new insights into CLE’s potential as an eco-friendly biostimulant for enhancing salt tolerance in Java plum seedlings.

A quarantine organism, the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), is a xylem-inhabiting, vector-transmitted, Gram-negative, and very slow-growing bacterium in the Lysobacteraceae (earlier Xanthomonadaceae) family. The spreading of X. fastidiosa over long distances occurs mainly via import/export human-mediated transportation of mainly latently or symptomatically infected plant material. Short-distance distribution is usually by xylem sap-feeding insects. Until now, the presence of X. fastidiosa has not been reported or studied in Poland. During our study, over 500 individuals from the four families: Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae, Delphacidae and Membracidae were collected in different geographical regions of Poland. Real-time PCR with primers for rimM gene and nested PCR to detect X. fastidiosa, using DNA extracted directly from selected insects known as potential vectors of X. fastidiosa, did not confirm the bacterium's presence in these insects.

Advocating proper phosphorus (P) fertilisation is necessary to save this limited natural resource and to save the investment in rice cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate changes in phosphorus availability, total phosphorus in soil, phosphorus buffering capacity, and phosphorus saturation in the long-term phosphorus fertilisation in the paddy rice system. Soil samples were collected in the harvest stage after seven consecutive crops over three years at Can Tho city, Vietnam. The applied phosphorus fertiliser rates were: no phosphorus fertilisation (P0), 17.4 kg P/ha (P17.4), and 26.2 kg P/ha as farmer’s practice (P26.2). The results showed that the soil phosphorus buffering capacity in P0, P17.4 and P26.2 treatments was 9.49, 9.08 and 9.04 mg/kg, respectively. The degree of phosphorus saturation of P17.4 and P26.2 treatments ranged from 17.7% to 25.5%, showing the medium to high risk of phosphorus leaching. This study indicated that the application of phosphorus rate higher than 17.4 kg P/ha might result in the reduced soil phosphorus buffering capacity in the intensive rice cropping system in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region. Our results implied that the application of a rate lower than 17.4 kg P/ha/crop could be extended to the other rice-growing (double/triple rice) areas in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region or other paddy rice on alluvial soils in Asia.

Surface runoff and soil losses in the case of potato cultivation using de-stoning technology on gentle slopes (Haplic Cambisol) were studied in 2020–2022. Different ridges shapes were compared: control (smooth shaped ridges), pits, pits plus loosening, pits plus loosening plus cover crop (Triticum aestivum L.) sowing in trail furrows. Runoff and soil losses were studied approximately 1 and 2 months after planting potatoes. The obtained results showed the highest reduction of surface runoff and soil losses in the treatment with cover crop sowing. In this variant, soil losses were reduced by 65–81% (1 month after planting) and 54–85% (2 months after planting) in case of simulated rainfall on the soil with natural moisture (or these losses were reduced by 51–93% and 50–76% in case of 15-min rainfall). On average, tuber yields reached 29.4 t/ha (pits + loosening) to 30.6 t/ha (pits) in 2020–2022. The different abilities of the tested shapes of ridges and furrows to retain water did not significantly affect the achieved yields of tubers, as rainfall was not a limiting factor in the monitored period. The yield differences among all tested treatments reached units of tons per hectare if the entire dose of nitrogen was applied at planting. Splitting the total nitrogen dose (50% at planting, 50% at loosening) gave significantly (P < 0.05) higher yields (34.2 t/ha) than a single application at planting. The treatment pits plus loosening with fertilisation provided a 19–26% higher tuber yield than pits plus loosening with a total N dose applied at planting.

In this study, the effects of Aloe vera gel and coconut oil on wound healing were investigated and compared in rats. Forty-two Wistar albino rats were used during the experiment, in which they were operated on under general anaesthesia to create two full-thickness open skin wounds (created with a 0.5 cm diameter punch biopsy apparatus) on both back sides of the median line. A total of 42 rats were divided into three groups of 14 animals each to receive the topical application of Aloe vera gel (AV group – n = 14), coconut oil (CO group – n = 14) and cold cream (CONT group – n = 14). The medical applications were performed twice a day in all the groups. The wound borders were marked on a transparent sheet every day. Afterwards, this sheet was transferred to the millimetre graph paper. On days 0, 7, and 14, the unhealed wound area was measured in all the groups. On days 7 and 14, seven rats in each group were euthanised. Then, skin samples including the intact skin were taken from the wound sites for histopathological and biochemical evaluations. The topical application of Aloe vera gel showed a significant increase in the healing process of the open wounds in terms of the clinical evaluation, histopathological and biochemical data averages when compared with the coconut oil and cold cream groups of rats (P < 0.05). The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that Aloe vera gel may provide a good alternative for the treatment of open wounds.

This study aimed to determine the nano-emulsion of virgin coconut oil (n-VCO) formula that can produce the best size and zone inhibition of antimicrobial activity. The VCO was formulated with the different percentages of Tween 80 (P1: 24%, P2: 25%, P3: 26%) and sorbitol (P1: 36%, P2: 35%, P3: 34%). The particle size of the n-VCO emulsion was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial activity test of the n-VCO was determined by a challenge test using Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The data were analysed by a one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). The significant data were furthermore tested by Duncan’s multiple ranges (SPSS v26.0). This study showed that the P3 formulation (26% Tween 80 and 34% sorbitol) produced the best n-VCO among all the treatments showing a particle size of 5–100 nm. Formulas P1 and P2 produced particle sizes of about 500–1 000 nm. The antimicrobial test showed that the P3 formula had a strong inhibitory effect on S. Typhi (7.442 ± 0.52 mm), S. aureus (8.380 ± 0.49 mm), and E. coli (6.490 ± 0.82 mm). This study concluded that the formula of the detergent strongly influences the particle size of the n-VCO. The n-VCO has enormous potential to be used as an alternative antimicrobial.

Corrigendum in: CJFS. 2023 Feb 27; 41(1):78. doi:10.17221/26/2023-CJFS

Growing consumer awareness is forcing food producers to supply raw material and products of increasingly high quality and health-promoting properties. Knowledge of the genetic background of quality characteristics is taking on great importance, enabling selection based on molecular markers. The increasing throughput of molecular techniques, in combination with an expanding bioinformatics infrastructure, is leading to continual improvement in understanding of the molecular mechanisms influencing meat quality. This has resulted in the identification of polymorphic nucleotides [single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] showing a relationship with meat characteristics such as tenderness [polymorphism in the calpain (CAPN) and calpastatin (CAST) genes], marbling [diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1)], colour, pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) [CAST, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and others], and fatty acid profile (SCD1). An increasingly wide range of methods is used for analysis, from techniques based on amplification of nucleic acids [polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR)] through Sanger sequencing to high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. This paper is a review of the literature on polymorphism of genes determining the quality characteristics of meat and molecular methods used to detect them.

his study optimised the conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of defatted wheat germ protein (WGP) and evaluated its effect on the functional properties. Single-factor and orthogonal experiment designs were combined to optimise the UAE extraction condition. The extraction of WGP reached the highest level, at 88.66%, with a solid : liquid ratio of 1 : 25 g·mL^–1, pH value of 9.0, ultrasonic time of 10 min, and ultrasonic power at 400 W. Under these conditions, albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutenin accounted for 32.26, 28.52, 5.42, and 22.40% of total protein, respectively. In addition, this study compared the functional properties of WGP extracted by UAE with the results based on a commercially available soy protein (SP) isolate (SPI). The UAE of WGP had better oil absorption, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Therefore, UAE is a promising technique for food protein extraction because it can change the protein efficiencies and properties of the extract.

The aim of this study was to map the spectrum of microorganisms belonging to the genus Acinetobacter in domestic animals with a specific focus on the prevalence of Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii. Additionally, the susceptibility of isolates to antimicrobial agents was determined. In the period from January 1, 2014, to August 31, 2015, a total of 9 544 samples originating from gross lesions and pathological processes of animals exhibiting clinical symptoms of the disease were examined across 41 districts in the Czech Republic. The examinations were carried out using culture methods involving meat-peptone blood agar and Endo agar under aerobic conditions at a temperature of 37 ± 1 °C for 18–24 hours. Isolates were confirmed using molecular phenotypic method MALDI–TOF MS with the MBT Compass Library Revision L 2020 covering 3 239 species/entries (9 607 MSP) from Bruker Daltonics company. Out of the 108 isolates (prevalence 1.13%), 14 species of Acinetobacter spp. were identified, with 5 isolates remaining unclassified as species. A. pseudolwoffii was the predominant species isolated in 25 cases (prevalence 0.26%). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for 12 antimicrobials by the disc diffusion method, with A. pseudolwoffii isolates exhibiting the lowest susceptibility to ceftazidime (32%) and co-trimoxazole (60%).

A combined roaster and oil expeller was developed with locally available and accessible materials and the efficiency of the machine was evaluated. The obtained result shows that the efficiency of the machine is a function of the roasting temperature, the roasting duration, the moisture contents of the processed seeds and the machine feeding rate. The expeller is movable, simple in design for local fabrication, is easy to operate, requires few repairs and little maintenance and is cost effective. It is powered using a gear reduction electric motor of 5.5 Hp, the expeller has an average oil yield of 25.77% and an extraction efficiency of 70.26% and is designed to work for 8 hours per day of operation. The shaft diameter was designed to be 30 mm, while the roaster heater capacity was 2.8 kW. The designed machine is good for castor oil expression for both small- and medium-scale processing among rural and urban communities.

Panax ginseng Meyer is one of Asia’s most popular medicinal plants, with triterpene saponins as principal bioactive compounds. The present study investigates the possibility of ginseng cultivation in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India in the Western Himalayas focusing on growth characteristics, and ginsenoside content in the roots. Plant growth parameters increased with an increase in the crop age and reached maximum maturity at the age of five years along with the production of a good amount of seeds and roots. Root fresh and dry weight of the five-year-old plant was 142.6 g and 45.5 g, respectively, which almost doubled as compared with the four-year-old plant. The HPLC analysis of P. ginseng roots leads to the identification of 14 compounds representing 31.81 ± 2.89 mg/g of total ginsenoside contents, where Rb1, Rg2 and Re were found to be major ginsenosides with 7.53 ± 0.37, 7.04 ± 0.61 and 3.77 ± 0.26 mg/g content. Protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT) represent the major classes of ginsenosides present in the ginseng roots with a 0.98 ratio of PPD/PPT. Our studies revealed that the soil and climate of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh State in the Western Himalayas are suitable for the cultivation of P. ginseng with good content of ginsenosides in five-year-old roots.

Forests are atmospheric CO₂ sinks, but their losses and degradation accelerate the emissions of carbon stored as a sink. Deforestation and forest degradation are widespread in Bangladesh, but their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is unknown. We assess land use and land cover (LULC) change and forest loss in this study by classifying different Landsat satellite imagery with a focus on forest cover loss from 1989 to 2020. Tier 1 standards were used to estimate the carbon removal and emissions from a small-scale tropical forest. Over the last three decades, the forest area has decreased by 2.40%, 3.74% and 7.52%, respectively. The primary causes of forest loss are large-scale tea garden and homestead expansion, as well as increase in agricultural activities. Because of a reduction in the forest area, the annual gain of carbon in forest biomass has also decreased. Although overall carbon emission was a net gain for the Maulvibazar hill forest, it has decreased from 331.24 Gg·yr^–1 in the first decade (1989 to 2000) to 307.7 Gg·yr^–1 in the most recent decade (2011 to 2020), which is an alarming trend. As a result, this research will contribute to leaders’ commitment to “halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030” at the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in 2021 to improve carbon sequestration, combat climate change and conserve biodiversity.

One of the latest environmentally friendly methods in soybean production technology is the pulsed electromagnetic field of low frequencies (PEMP). The paper presents the results of the influence of electromagnetic stimulation of soybean seeds on grain yield, protein and oil yield, depending on different agroclimatic conditions, exposure time and frequency. In the 2012–2017 research period, the soybean cv. Valjevka was used in the Institute of Field and Vegetable Agriculture experimental field, Novi Sad, Serbia. Immediately before sowing, the seeds were subjected to PEMP treatment, with a pulse generator and a tape applicator, in the following variants: electromagnetic field frequencies of 16, 24 and 30 Hz, and exposure time of 0, 30 and 60 min. The most successful variant of seed stimulation for all three examined parameters was at 16 Hz and 30 min, where the research results show that this measure can increase the examined parameters by more than 10%. The average yield of grain for all years of research with seed stimulation was 4.85% (3 338 kg/ha) compared to the control (3 203 kg/ha). The average grain protein yield in the treatments with PEMP was 1 315 kg/ha, which was 4.26% higher compared to the variant without PEMP (1 260 kg/ha), and the treatment was 4% higher in the average oil yield, 703 kg/ha compared to the control 676 kg/ha. Also, the analysis of the mutual dependence of the indicators is in a positive correlation, which is essential for plant breeding and the development of new technologies, which have economic justification, are safe for use and have a positive impact on adverse effects such as drought.

Periodic waterlogging is more common due to more frequent extreme precipitation but its impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) loss is obscure in straw-return farmland. We compared soil properties and biochemical characteristics of SOC (compositions of non-cellulosic and amino polysaccharides) in adjacent periodic waterlogged farmland (PWF) and non-waterlogged farmland (NWF) in a semi-humid warm temperate region. SOC mineralization was also measured at 60% (aerobic) or 100% (anaerobic) of field capacity at 25 °C for 82 days. The negative effect of periodic waterlogging on SOC contents and soil aggregate stability were observed in the 20–80 cm depth but were offset in topsoil (0–20 cm) due to straw-return. Periodic waterlogging increased the non-cellulosic sugar content and amino sugar content in SOC and the mass ratio of (galactose plus mannose) to (arabinose plus xylose) at 40–80 cm depth except at 0–40 cm depth. By the end of 82 days’ incubation, when aeration status changed from anaerobic to aerobic conditions, total C loss as CO₂ increased similarly (123.9%) in PWF and NWF soils in the top 40 cm, but more C loss occurred under PWF than under NWF (78.9% vs. 46.9%) in the 40–80 cm depth, which was probably ascribed to its higher non-cellulosic sugar and amino sugar content. Our result emphasized the importance of straw-return for maintaining soil quality under periodic waterlogged farmland.

This study investigates the impacts of exogenously applied proline (Pro, 10 mmol/L) on the growth and productivity of wheat plants in saline environments. The findings indicated that increased NaCl concentrations, 60 and 120 mmol/L, further depressed the shoot and root growth parameters and flag leaf area. However, the Pro treatment ameliorated salt stress and improved all growth parameters, reducing the magnitude of such growth inhibitions compared to nontreated plants. It also enhanced the organic osmolyte accumulation, including Pro, total soluble sugars, and total soluble protein, implicated in osmotic balance and cell protection under stress. Furthermore, supplementing Pro improved ionic balance through a reduction in Na accumulation and an enhancement in the uptake of K, Ca, and Mg, thus mitigating the negative effects of salinity on nutrient availability. Pro treatment affected phytohormone levels, especially increasing auxin and gibberellins while decreasing abscisic acid under salt stress. Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, as well as nonenzymatic antioxidants like ascorbic acid and glutathione, were also enhanced by Pro, thereby protecting the plants against oxidative damage. Moreover, it was noticed that Pro treatment substantially improved all yield attributes of wheat plants, such as plant height, spike length, no. of spikelets/main spike, grain no./main spike, grain fresh and dry weights, and grain yield/plant through attenuation of the negative impact of NaCl. In this regard, Pro application appears to be a very promising approach toward mitigating the adversities of salinity in agriculture, especially in crop productivity in saline environments.

Drawing upon data on co-signed patents in China's agricultural sector between 2015 and 2022, this paper explores the structural characteristics and determinants of the patent collaboration network in agricultural technology involving universities (U), enterprises (E) and research institutes (R). The results of social network analysis (SNA) revealed that the patent collaboration network is expanding in scale, but innovators are sparsely connected to others. Although the subnetwork linked by enterprises is the largest, universities and research institutes are more likely to play roles as hubs and bridges in the network. Furthermore, quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) regression revealed that prior collaboration experience and geographical proximity are key factors that promote co-patenting in the agricultural sector. Compared with U–U partnerships, E–E and E–R partnerships are associated with decreased patent collaboration. In the agriculture and forestry industries, the U–U and U–R partnerships are most likely involved in co-patenting, followed by the R–R and U–E partnerships. In the animal husbandry and fishery industries, no significant difference was found between the partnerships of U–U, R–R, U–E and U–R in their collaborative propensity.

The aim of the study was to find out whether and how the forest soil compaction resulting from the traffic of forest logging machines results in the increased soil air concentration of CO₂, occurring over a longer period of time and in different seasons of the year. Changes in the soil air CO₂ concentrations were monitored in two periods: in winter (cold period) and in summer (warm period). CO₂ concentrations were measured in compacted and non-compacted soil using a certified measurement. In addition to the soil concentration of CO₂, air temperature, soil temperature and soil moisture content were measured. The research was conducted in the Czech Republic. The obtained data was subjected to statistical analyses (Student's t-test; correlation analysis). The results of the study confirm the long-term influence of soil compaction by the traffic of forest machinery on the CO₂ concentration in soil in both seasons (cold and warm). The concentration of CO₂ in the air of compacted soil was always significantly higher in both periods than the CO₂ concentration in the air of non-compacted soil (control). Thus, the negative influence of soil compaction was clearly demonstrated as a result of a single pass of forestry machines over the soil surface.