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The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of cultivar, flesh colour, location, year and long-term cold storage on the total anthocyanin content (TAC) in the tubers of 12 potato cultivars with coloured flesh. TAC ranged from 17.0 to 750.1 mg cyanidin/kg fresh matter and was significantly affected by the genotype of the cultivar. The highest TAC was achieved in a three-year average in the cv. Vitelotte (371.0 mg/kg FM, 1.15-8.10 times higher than in the other cultivars). The purple or red colour of the flesh had no significant effect on the TAC. A significantly higher TAC (1.24 times) was determined in the Valečov location with a cooler climate in comparison with the Uhříněves location with a warmer climate. The TAC was significantly influenced by year, the highest values were found at both sites in the year with significant water stress. Storage (4°C, 6 months) significantly affected the TAC in seven out of eight cultivars; the TAC increased in four cultivars and decreased in three cultivars. This is probably due to different disposition of cultivars for the accumulation of sugars during cold storage.

Assessment of seminal oxidative stress indicators is emerging as a valuable prognostic tool in assisted reproductive technology. We investigated levels of oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant enzyme defence system comprising superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in seminal plasma (SP) of common carp Cyprinus carpio and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss over the course of the spawning season. Oxidation was determined in lipids and proteins by assessing thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine carbonyl groups, respectively. Levels of SOD were assessed by the autoxidation of pyrogallol. Determination of GR and GPx was based on the rate of NADPH oxidation. We observed clear alterations in lipids and proteins over the course of the spawning season in both species. The highest levels of TBARS and CP were recorded late in the season. SOD was not significantly altered in either species. The activity of GR was higher in carp SP late in spawning compared to other times (P < 0.05), while in rainbow trout, GR significantly increased (24.13 ± 2.8 mU/mg protein) in mid-season. A significantly lower GPx activity (9.18 ± 1.32 mU/mg protein) was found in rainbow trout SP early in the spawning season, but no significant differences in GPx were observed over the course of the season in carp. These results provide further understanding of the role of fish SP antioxidants and present new data on the oxidant and antioxidant balance in SP during the spawning season that may be of value in the development of methods for artificial reproduction of teleost species.

Relieving perioperative pain can reduce postoperative suffering and improve recovery from anaesthesia in animals. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of nefopam and tramadol in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-four adult mixed-breed female dogs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8) and received their respective treatments immediately after surgery: Group T (2 mg/kg tramadol, i.v.), Group C (1 mg/kg nefopam, i.v.) and Group D (2 mg/kg nefopam, i.v.). The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured and the level of analgesia was assessed using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF). The CMPS-SF was performed at least two days before premedication (baseline), every 2 h for the first 8 h (post-extubation), at 12 h and at 24 h. Results showed that the HR in all groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at 2 and 6 h than at baseline. The RR in Group T was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 0 and 2 h than at baseline. Rescue analgesia (0.2 mg/kg morphine, i.v.) was provided if CMPS-SF pain scores greater than or equal to six. Four dogs required rescue analgesia: one dog in Group T at 2 h and three dogs in Group C at 2 and 6 h. No dogs in Group D required rescue analgesia. The CMPS-SF pain scores of dogs in Group C were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in Group T at 6, 8 and 12 h. The scores in Group D were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in Group C at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h. The scores in Group D were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in Group T at 2 and 4 h. However, the scores in Group D were not significantly different compared with Group T. In conclusion, this study suggests that nefopam at 2 mg/kg i.v. produces better postoperative analgesia compared with tramadol at 2 mg/kg i.v. or nefopam at 1 mg/kg i.v. in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

We propose a sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of flavonoids as expressed in 'quercetin equivalent' in apple juices. The method is based on the strong emission of the aluminium(III)-quercetin complex at 480 nm with excitation at 420 nm, and it is successfully applied for the determination of flavonoids in commercial apple juices and compared with results obtained in reference spectrophotometric determination. The flavonoid content in commercial apple juices was found to range from 5.53 to 15.55 mg/l quercetin equivalent. The very good agreement between the two methods indicates the suitability of the proposed spectrofluorimetric method for the precise and accurate determination of flavonoids. In addition, the total polyphenol content was determined spectrophotometrically using the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) method and the antioxidative activity of the tested juices was tested in a DPPH assay and these values were correlated with each other. The obtained profiles of compounds with antioxidative ability lead us to conclude that fruit juice labels based only on fruit % might sometimes misinform consumers.

Genetic linkage maps representing the tobacco genome have been an important tool for breeding programs because of the elucidation of polygenic traits. We constructed a genetic linkage map of cigar tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) based on an inter-type backcross population of 213 individuals and performed a comparative analysis with other published maps of dark tobacco and flue-cured tobacco. The map consisted of 562 SSR loci distributed on 24 tentative linkage groups and spanned a total length of 1341.18 cM with an average distance of 2.39 cM between adjacent markers. The comparative analysis revealed a Spearman correlation index of 0.93 for marker order conservation with the previously published maps constructed for different tobacco types. Approximately 91% of the SSR markers common to other inter-type maps were located in the same positions as in previous maps. The three maps exhibit good synteny in terms of the shared markers, which suggests that there might be no translocation variations between the genomes of the cigar, dark and flue-cured tobaccos. These results indicate the feasibility of generating a unique genetic map of preferred traits in cigar tobacco and that such mapping may be helpful for breeding programs because plants derived from different inter-type populations can be rapidly scanned using the markers associated with useful cigar traits

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the C-ring aiming guide for the atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation technique in toy breed dogs. Twenty-one adult canine cadavers of toy breed dogs were used in this study. The left and right sides of the cervical vertebrae were randomly assigned to two implant insertion groups: a C-ring aiming guide group and a drill guide group. A 1.2-mm Kirschner wire was inserted into each side by using either a C-ring aiming guide or a drill guide. CT scans were performed before and after surgery. The optimal safe implantation corridor angle and length, the implant insertion angle and length, the implant insertion time and the proportion of the insertion corridor to the optimal corridor were evaluated. Violations to the alar foramen and the vertebral canal also were evaluated. The implant insertion time was twice as long as that observed in the aiming guide group (P < 0.05). The proportion of the insertion angle and length to the optimal angle were not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05). With respect to precision, there was a trend toward less variability in the aiming guide group; however, this difference was not significant (P = 0.09). The violation of the alar foramen was significantly lower in the aiming guide group than in the drill guide group (P < 0.05). Violation to the vertebral canal was detected in one cadaver in the drill guide group but did not occur in the aiming guide group. The use of a C-ring aiming guide was associated with less damage to the alar foramen and the vertebral canal during atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation in toy breed dogs.

Soils harbour enormously diverse bacterial communities that interact specifically with plants generating beneficial interactions between them. This study was the first approach to assess bacterial communities before sowing with three cotton genotypes, including both transgenic and conventional ones. The structure of bacterial communities was identified using the next generation sequencing analysis, ion torrent PGM (Personal Genome Machine™) sequencer technology, based on the V2-V3 16S rRNA gene region. Quantitative insights into microbial ecology pipeline were used to identify the structure and diversity of bacterial communities in bulk soil samples collected in the northeast of Mexico. Bulk soil textures and chemical properties, including most nutrients, were homogeneous in these bulk soil samples. Relative abundance analysis showed similar bacterial community structures. Dominant taxonomic phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes, whereas the main families were Bacillaceae, Chitinophagaceae and Rhodospirillaceae with an abundance average of BS1 (bulk soil sample), BS2 and BS3 (24.85, 19.74 and 19.71%, respectively). Alpha diversity analysis showed a high diversity (Shannon and Simpson index) and a large value of the observed species found in bulk soils samples. These results allowed establishing the previous bacterial structural community in an unused soil before sowing it with a transgenic crop for the first time.

The population genetic evaluation of the Hungarian Hucul horse population was performed based on pedigree records. Herd book data of registered Hucul horses available up to 2016 were analysed using ENDOG (Gutierrez and Goyache 2005) and POPREP (Groeneveld et al. 2009) on the whole population (WP) as well as on the reference stock (RS) (breeding stock registered in 2016). Inbreeding coefficients were 5.57% (WP) and 7.18% (RS). Average relatedness was 10.39% in WP and higher in RS (12.67%). Effective population size was 52.32. Generation interval was 13.01 years for WP and 10.99 years for RS. The values for equivalent complete generations were 6.07 and 8.75, for the maximum number of generations 14.11 and 19.16, and for the number of full generations traced 3.77 and 5.50 for WP and RS, respectively. The effective number of founders (f_e) was 23 both for WP and RS. The effective number of ancestors (f_a) was 20 in WP and lower in RS (16). The f_a/f_e ratio was 0.869 in WP and 0.696 in RS. Founder genome equivalent (f_g) was 9.618 in WP and 5.790 in RS. The f_g/f_e ratio was 0.481 in WP and 0.361 in RS. The study revealed that both the inbreeding coefficient and the average relatedness were high. The above mentioned ratios indicated loss of genetic diversity in the Hungarian Hucul population.

The different materials and methods used to develop biopesticides with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) still limit the quality of the final product, reducing field efficacy and complicating application strategies. Therefore, the objective of this review is to identify priority areas to improve the EPN formulation process based on the scientific and technological research developed so far. The results show great progress in the EPN survival time, from 7 days to 180 days, through two types of formulations: water dispersible granules and calcium alginate capsules. Also, EPNs formulated and applied as insect cadavers showed higher efficacy for the pest control than the EPNs applied in an aqueous solution. We consider that the priority areas of research are: automated massive formulation and exploration of new additives with better properties that may lead to increase the infectivity in the field. It is concluded that the study of these aspects requires a systemic approach with greater involvement of the invertebrate physiology and systems modelling disciplines.

To develop new natural fungicides, six monoterpenes and two phenylpropenes were tested for their antifungal activity against eight plant pathogenic fungi. The results of the mycelial growth inhibition assay showed that trans-cinnamaldehyde was the most potent compound against the eight tested fungi with EC₅₀ values ranging between 0.75 and 3.19 mg/l. This compound caused the higher mycelial growth inhibition than carbendazim. Furthermore, (-)-menthone exhibited strong antifungal activity against Alternaria solani (EC₅₀ = 9.31 mg/l), Penicillium digitatum (EC₅₀ = 16.14 mg/l), and Rhizoctonia solani (EC₅₀ = 24.69 mg/l). Likewise, eugenol showed potent antifungal activity against P. digitatum, R. solani, Fusarium solani, and A. solani, whereas EC₅₀ values were less than 30.0 mg/l. In a separate experiment, trans-cinnamaldehyde, p-cymene, eugenol, and (-)-menthone were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on pectin methyl esterase and cellulase. The tested compounds exhibited the pronounced inhibition of enzyme activities with trans-cinnamaldehyde being the most potent inhibitor for both enzymes.

The uncontrolled release of arachidonic acid (ARA) and its metabolism by lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway can induce and aggravate cellular oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) is an integral part of some antioxidative selenoproteins and may protect cells from oxidative damage by modulating ARA release and metabolism. The present study aimed to investigate the protective response of Se against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). The BMECs were incubated for 24 h in serum-free medium and then divided into four groups randomly. The cells in groups 1 and 2 were subsequently incubated for 30 h in serum-free medium containing 0 (control) and 50 nM Se (Se treatment group). The cells in groups 3 and 4 were incubated for 24 h in serum-free medium containing 0 and 50 nM Se, and then treated with 600 μM H₂O₂ for 6 h (H₂O₂ damage group and Se prevention group). The results showed that Se attenuated the H₂O₂-induced production of reactive oxygen species and the decrease of antioxidative enzymes as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), selenoprotein P (SelP), superoxide dismutase, and catalase in BMECs. The preventive effects of Se on the decrease of selenoprotein activity were demonstrated further by the increase of mRNA expression for GPX1, TrxR1, and SelP, and protein expression for GPX1 and TrxR1. Pretreatment of cells with Se inhibited the H₂O₂-induced increase of mRNA expressions and activities for cytosolic phospholipase A2 and 5-lipoxygenase, ARA release, and 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid production. Se also blocked the H₂O₂-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase but not that of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. These results suggested that Se may protect BMECs against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage by increasing selenoproteins synthesis, inhibiting MAPK pathway, and then decreasing ARA release and its metabolism by LOX pathway.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vital signs of newborn puppies using the modified Apgar score after spontaneous delivery and caesarean section. The survival of puppies was monitored for up to 24 hours after birth. The experiment consisted of ten deliveries of bitches with dystocia terminated by caesarean section (C-section group) and ten bitches with spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD group). Vital signs of neonates were evaluated using a modified method of the Apgar score 5, 10 and 15 min after birth. Five evaluation criteria (colour of mucous membranes, reflex irritability, motility, heart rate and respiration) were used with puppies classified into three scoring groups: "severe distress" (0-3 points), "moderate distress" (4-6 points) and "no distress" (7-10 points). In the SVD group, 57 puppies were evaluated; 98.2% of puppies were born alive, all survived their first 24 hours of life. At the time of birth, 1.8% of puppies were dead (1/57). The Apgar scores of all foetuses were in the "no distress" category. In the C-section group (n = 37), 13.5% of puppies (5/37) were stillborn, two puppies (6.3%) died within 24 hours of delivery. The "no distress" group included 51.4% (19/37) of puppies, while 5.4% (2/37) of puppies were classified into "moderate distress" and 43.2% of puppies (16/37; P < 0.001 at 5 min, P < 0.005 at 10 min and P < 0.005 at 15 min after delivery) were classified into "severe distress". These results confirm the influence of type of delivery on the Apgar score immediately after parturition and on the short-term survival rate of puppies after parturition.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of whole seeds of white lupine and different binder types in complete pelleted diets on selected haematological and plasma biochemical indicators of growing dwarf rabbits. The individual litters of Dwarf Lop rabbit kits were randomised after birth into control (n = 12) and experimental (E) groups. The young rabbits of the E group (n = 24) received an experimental pre-weaning diet containing a 25% share of white lupine seeds. At the time of weaning, the live weights of eight-week-old rabbits in the control group and E group were 727 g and 743 g, respectively. The weaned rabbits of the E group were further equally divided into two post-weaning experimental dietary groups (M = 12; G = 12); these diets contained a 20% share of white lupine seeds each and their composition only differed in the type of the binder (molasses or glycerol component). The rabbits of the control group received a commercial pet rabbit diet with no white lupine seeds during the entire experimental period. At the age of eight weeks, the diet showed a significant effect on the level of albumin (P < 0.05), A/G ratio (P < 0.05) and ALP activity (P < 0.01) in plasma of dwarf rabbit kits. Significant effects of diet were found in 15-week old rabbits in relation to the plasma level of albumin (P < 0.05), Ca (P < 0.05), A/G ratio (P < 0.05) and ALT activity (P < 0.01). The dietary inclusion of white lupine seeds resulted in beneficial health effects on certain blood indicators of rabbits, and their use in the proportion of 25% in the pre-weaning diet and 20% in the post-weaning diet can be recommended as a suitable feed additive for dwarf rabbits. The use of crude glycerol as binder in the experimental diet had no adverse effect on the blood indicators of the growing rabbits and thus it can be recommended for the manufacture of feed pellets intended for dwarf rabbits.

The paper describes the preparation and evaluation of phenolic extracts from waste materials - pomace (grape marc), seeds and press oil cake of the white grape variety Irsai Oliver (Vitis vinifera L.) and their addition to apple and grape juices to increase the nutritional properties. The waste samples were extracted using 50 or 80% ethanol (v/v). Some of the samples were extracted for 60 min at boiling temperature under reflux; the remainder were processed for 24 h on a shaker at room temperature. The highest antioxidant capacity (as measured using DPPH (758 ± 28 mM Trolox/kg of extracted matter)) and content of total polyphenols (74 ± 0.7 g gallic acid/kg of extracted matter) were found in the extract of the seeds obtained through extraction using 50% ethanol (v/v) at boiling temperature for 60 minutes. The press oil cake extract obtained by means of 80% ethanol (v/v) at boiling temperature for 60 min was evaluated as the best for enriching the sensory quality of apple and grape juices. The addition of 1 g of freeze-dried press oil cake extract to 1 l of juice increased the antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content two-fold

The effects of a simple saline solution prepared using two different pH (4.4 and 8.5) on sperm motility in burbot were investigated. Results were recorded during a 96-hour chilled storage (4°C) in 24-hour intervals. Measurements were focused on the detailed characteristics of motility using 12 parameters obtained from the Computer-assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA). Significantly higher progressive motility (pMOT), distance average path (DAP), distance curved line, distance straight line (DSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, and beat cross frequency (BCF) were observed with the activating solution buffered at pH 8.5 in comparison with pH 4.4. Already after 24 h a significant reduction was measured in pMOT (0 h: 49 ± 24%, 24 h: 12 ± 7%). Similar decreasing tendency was recorded only after 72 h in DAP (0 h: 26 ± 4 µm/s, 72 h: 19 ± 9 µm/s), DSL (0 h: 21 ± 5 µm/s, 72 h: 17 ± 8 µm/s), VAP (0 h: 59 ± 9 µm/s, 72 h: 43 ± 21 µm/s), and BCF (0 h: 28 ± 2 Hz, 72 h: 18 ± 10 Hz). The response of different investigated CASA parameters to different treatments varied in our experiments. According to our studies, numerous burbot sperm motility parameters are sensitive to chilled storage and to low pH of the activating solution. Our results could support the effective sperm quality assessment and successful artificial propagation process in burbot.

This study was aimed at determining the nutrient composition and in vitro ruminal digestion values of Plantago lanceolata herbage in different phenological stages. The plant samples were gathered in the vegetative, flowering and early seed stages of the plant. The crude protein, diethyl ether extract, ash, non-fibre carbohydrates, and proanthocyanidins levels of the vegetative and flowering stages were higher than those of the early seed stage (P < 0.001). Structural carbohydrate levels (P < 0.05) were determined to have a higher value in the early seed stage. Glucose, fructose, Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe and Cu concentrations decreased as the plant matured (P < 0.001), but Na, Zn, and Mn concentrations increased (P < 0.05). The asymptote gas production, gas production rate (P < 0.001), total gas production at 24 h (P = 0.002), metabolic energy, net energy lactation and organic matter digestibility values and the number of Entodinium (P < 0.001) and total bacteria count (P = 0.026) of the flowering and vegetative stages were higher than those of the early seed stage. Methane produced by 0.2 g dry matter was similar in the three phenological stages (P = 0.078). The bound condensed tannins and saponin contents of plants and ammoniacal-N, number of total protozoa and pH value of rumen fluid were similar in the three different phenological stages (P > 0.05). The present study indicates that P. lanceolata in the vegetative and flowering stages has, owing to its chemical composition, energy content and digestibility, the potential to be used as a forage source for ruminants in areas affected by drought.

The ripening processes of 24 apple cultivars were examined in the United Kingdom NationalFruit Collection in 2010. Basically the starch content, and additionally ground colour, water-soluble solids content and flesh firmness were studied during ripening. The degradation of the starch content was evaluated using a 0-10 scale. A starch degradation value of 50% was taken to be the optimum harvest date, with harvest beginning at a value of 40% and finishing at 60%. Depending on the cultivar, this represented a harvest window of 9 to 21 days. Later ripening cultivars matured more slowly, leading to a longer harvesting period, with the exception of cv. Feuillemorte. Pronounced differences were observed among the cultivars on the basis of the starch degradation pattern, allowing them to be divided into four groups. Separate charts were elaborated for each group that are recommended for use in practice.

The Štiavnické vrchy Mts. were strongly affected by pollution mostly from an aluminium plant in 1953-1989. This paper compares contamination of soils between Štiavnické vrchy Mts. and the neighbouring little polluted Kremnické vrchy Mts. from results of a 25-year study. After a decrease of emissions in Slovakia at the beginning of the 1990s the sulphate sulphur content, acidity and conductivity of soil water have decreased only on the surface and at a depth of 0.10 m at the study site in the Štiavnické vrchy Mts. At the depth 0.25 m the increase of sulphurization (23.68 kg/ha S-SO₄^2- per year) and acidity (pH 4.92) was observed. During the research, the total sulphate sulphur influx to this soil depth was 568.3 kg/ha. The average sulphur input in the study areas of the Kremnické vrchy Mts. decreased with depth: from 18.48 kg/ha/year in the surface humus to 6.85 kg/ha/year at a depth of 0.25 m. The maximum sulphur influx at the open plot was 24.06 kg/ha/year and in total 553.34 kg S-SO₄^2-. A small increase of acidity at soil depths of 0.25 m at some sites was observed also in the Kremnické vrchy Mts. Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant influence of sulphate sulphur content in the atmospheric precipitation on the sulphur amount in the soil water. A significant correlation was also observed between the precipitation amount and the sulphur content in soil water. Data from monitoring revealed significant differences between the sulphur amounts at depths of 0.10 m and 0.25 m in these study areas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a vitrification-warming procedure on the viability of cat embryos and blastocysts and the incidence of apoptotic changes in blastocysts subjected to vitrification and blastocyst that developed from vitrified embryos. In the first part of the experiment, post-thaw embryo development and blastocyst viability were evaluated based on morphological appearance and the ability to develop (embryos) or re-expand (blastocyst) compared to control. In the second part, blastocysts that were viable after vitrification-warming and blastocysts that developed from vitrified-warmed embryos were stained with Annexin-V and TUNEL to evaluate apoptotic changes. Most of the vitrified-warmed embryos were viable after thawing, 36.3% developed to morula, and 14.7% to the blastocyst stage. The overall re-expansion rate of blastocysts that were vitrified on day 7 was 55.6%. Vitrification significantly increased apoptotic and necrotic changes in blastocysts, but did not influence late apoptotic and necrotic changes in blastocysts that developed from vitrified-warmed embryos. The total number of blastomeres in blastocysts was similar in blastocysts that developed from vitrified-warmed embryos (99.1 ± 23.1), but lower in blastocysts vitrified on day 7 (82.1 ± 16.8), if compared to the control group (107.9 ± 24.2). These results show that the vitrification-warming procedure returns embryos capable of further development to a good quality blastocyst in vitro. Whereas, vitrification of blastocysts caused the progression of apoptotic changes in some blastomeres, however it did not affect the overall blastocyst viability.

The contribution presents the results of a 5-year (2008-2012) dendroecological research in a Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) clone forest (Northern Slovakia). Due to different climatic and soil moisture conditions in the monitored years, different seasonal courses of stem increment formation were observed using band dendrometers with continuous data recording. The lack of precipitation affected growth processes mainly during the growth culmination and at the end of summer. The multiple regression analysis of the impact of individual factors on stem circumference changes on the basis of their partial correlation coefficients revealed that the individual environmental characteristics influenced daily stem radial changes with time lags of one to ten days. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the stem radial reactions to climatic and soil moisture factors were not significantly different between the clones.

Putative strains belonging to Xanthomonas spp. causing leaf spot and blight diseases on geranium (Pelargonium peltatum and P. hortorum), begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida), anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and English ivy (Hedera helix) growing in Turkey were isolated. All bacterial strains were classified as Gram-negative, oxidase negative, catalase, levan and starch hydrolysis positive, with hypersensitive reaction positive on tobacco and pathogenic to host plants. Identification of these strains was further confirmed by serological method using ELISA kits, conventional PCR, carbon utilisation, and FAME. Results of the identification showed that 28, 24, 10, 2, and 1 strains were identified as X. axonopodis pv. begoniae, X. hortorum pv. pelargonii, X. axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae, X. hortorum pv. hederae, and Xanthomonas sp., respectively. This is the first report of X. hortorum pv. hederae on English ivy in Turkey.

The cells of commercial strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb12 were encapsulated using emulsion encapsulation in a milk protein matrix. The volume based median of the microcapsules was 52.1 ± 6.2 µm. The stability of free and encapsulated cells was compared during 28 day-storage in pineapple juice and in strawberry-apple juice at 8 ± 1°C and 22 ± 1°C. Encapsulation ensured a higher number of cells compared to the free cells only at 8 ± 1°C. Strawberry-apple juice was found to be not suitable as probiotic vehicle. Both free and encapsulated cells lost their viability after 14 days at 22 ± 1°C. The number of bifidobacteria cells, pH and lactic and acetic acid content did not change in pineapple and strawberry-apple juice after 24 h cultivation at 37°C.

Agriculture in the semi-arid is often challenged by overuse of nitrogen (N), inadequate soil water and heavy carbon emissions thereby threatening sustainability. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization levels (N₀ - 0, N₁₀₀ - 100, N₂₀₀ - 200, N₃₀₀ - 300 kg N/ha) on soil water dynamics, soil respiration (Rs), net ecosystem production (NEP), and biomass yields. Zero nitrogen soils decreased Rs by 23% and 16% compared to N₃₀₀ and N₂₀₀ soils, respectively. However, biomass yield was greatest under N₃₀₀ compared with N₀, which therefore translated into increased net primary production by 89% and NEP by 101% compared to N₀. To a lesser extent, N₂₀₀ increased net primary production by 69% and net ecosystem production by 79% compared to N₀. Grain yields were greatest under N₃₀₀ compared with N₁₀₀ and N₀, which therefore translated into increased carbon emission efficiency (CEE) by 53, 39 and 3% under N₃₀₀ compared to N₀, N₁₀₀ and N₂₀₀ treatments, respectively. There appears potential for 200 kg N/ha to be used to improve yield and increase CEE.

Bísaro pig, a local endangered swine breed, has gained popularity in the recent years. A complete pedigree was used to evaluate the population structure and investigate the current breed's genetic variability in two reference populations (AlivePop and AliveBpop). Since the breed's foundation, the number of registered animals, producers, and farrowing records has increased. The mean progeny size for sires was 116.17 ± 210.81, and 3.24% of the breeding boars originated 26.54% of all registered births showing a marked unbalanced use of certain sires. The mean calculated equivalent generations was 4.54, and 98.1% of all the animals had known parents, indicating a good degree of pedigree completion and depth. Approximately half of the individuals were inbred, with average inbreeding values of 10.41, 9.02, and 8.58% for the whole and reference populations, respectively. Considering both reference populations, a low effective founder/ancestor ratio was obtained (1.12), showing a well-balanced founder/ancestor contribution, and subsequent genetic transfer. However, the effective founder/founder ratio was particularly low (0.06 and 0.12) compared with other native breeds. The founder genome/effective founder ratios were 0.37 and 0.41 for AlivePop and AliveBpop. Contrarily to the whole population, the random genetic drift weighted significantly more than the drift due to unequal founder contribution in the reference populations. The effective population size based on the increase in coancestry ranged from 62.39 and 54.66, and 16.74 and 24.84 based on the increase of individual inbreeding, for the whole and reference populations. The genetic conservation index steadily grew over the years with a mean value of 6.53 for the whole pedigree. Genetic variability losses and diffuse structuring might have occurred in the Bísaro population. Notwithstanding, the recent genetic variability indicators seem positive, yet supported by an open herdbook policy. These characteristics must be taken into account to define future mating policies and selection programs.

The purpose of this prospective double blind clinical study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of meloxicam with/without a buprenorphine patch for pain management after ovariohysterectomy in cats. Cats were randomly divided into two groups: ten cats were treated with meloxicam s.c. after ovariohysterectomy (Group A), and eight cats were treated with s.c. meloxicam and a 20 µg/h buprenorphine transdermal patch (Group B). For patch treatment, the cat's hair was clipped on the left side in the thoracic area. Pain scores were assessed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 30 h post-ovariohysterectomy extubation. To evaluate postoperative pain, 4A-VET pain scale and visual analogue scale pain scores were used. In addition, blood was collected from all cats to determine the cortisol levels at -2 h and at 0.5, 4, 6 and 24 h after extubation. The 4A-VET scores for Group B were significantly lower at 1, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 30 h than the scores for Group A. The visual analogue scale pain scores for Group B were significantly lower at 4, 6, 24 and 30 h than the scores for Group A. Serum cortisol concentrations were not significantly different between Groups A and B at any of the measured intervals. There was a significant positive correlation between postoperative visual analogue scale and 4A-VET pain scores in both groups. Our results should be subject to careful interpretation as the study was limited by its small sample size and by observer subjectivity.

The EN ISO 6579/2002 guideline was used for the detection of Salmonella in retail poultry and pork meat in the Czech Republic in 2013 and 2014. The laboratory confirmed isolates were further typed (slide agglutination, phage typing, resistance to antimicrobial agents, PCR for the detection of selected genes encoding plasmid mediated quinolone resistance). Out of 176 poultry and 223 pork meat samples, 24 (13.6%) and 6 (2.7%) were positive for the detection of Salmonella spp., respectively. In Salmonella isolates from poultry, 14 serotypes were differentiated with S. indiana, S. enteritidis and S. 6,7:-:1,5 being the most common serotypes. S. typhimurium and its monophasic variant S. 4,[5],12:i:- were predominant in pork meat. The overall resistance to one antimicrobial agent at least was high in both groups of isolates - 50% (poultry) and 71.4% (pork). No Salmonella isolate was confirmed to carry any of the selected PMQR genes. The study showed a higher prevalence of Salmonella in poultry, but pork meat also poses a risk to consumers.

Aroma profiles and phenolic components of white wines made from 'Pošip' and 'Škrlet' (Vitis vinifera L.) both native Croatian, non-aromatic grape varieties enhances the knowledge about these varieties, prepared without maceration (control) and subjected to the pre-fermentative cold maceration (CM). Individual phenolic compounds in wines were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, while total phenolics and flavan-3-ols in wines were determined by spectrophotometric methods. CM had the significant impact on the total phenolic and flavan-3-ols composition of 'Škrlet' wine. The significant increase of some individual phenolic compounds was observed in 'Pošip' wine. Volatile aroma compounds in wines were determined by gas chromatography (GC) with the previous extraction on the solid phase micro extraction (SPME). The primary aroma compounds, i.e. terpenes were under the significant influence of CM process in 'Škrlet' wine. Aroma profiles, based on the content of 24 specific compounds, grouped in eight aroma series that contribute to wine odor were developed. CM significantly increased five aroma series in 'Škrlet' wine and only three in 'Pošip' wine.

Inappropriate integration of USLE or RUSLE equations with GIS tools and Remote Sensing (RS) data caused many simplifications and distortions of their original principles. Many methods of C and R factor estimation were developed due to the lack of optimal data for calculations according to original methodology. This paper focuses on crop-management factor evaluation (C) weighted by fully distributed form of rainfall erosivity factor (R) distribution throughout the year. We used high resolution (1-min) data from 31 ombrographic stations (OS) in the Czech Republic (CR) for monthly R map creation. All steps of the relatively time-consuming C calculation were automated in GIS environment with an innovative procedure of R factor weight determination for each agro-technical phase by land parcel geographic location. Very high spatial and temporal variability of rainfall erosivity within each month and throughout the year can be observed from our results. This highlights the importance of C factor calculation using a correctly presented method with emphasis on the geographic location of given land parcels.

The optimum extraction conditions of the aqueous enzymatic extract from rice bran (AEERB) were evaluated with respect to γ-oryzanol content and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) activity by using response surface methodology. The results showed that the effect of the extraction temperature on γ-oryzanol content and FRAP activity was the most significant. The optimal conditions were determined as follows: Trypsin, 453 U/g at 56°C and pH 7.9 for 2 h at a liquid/solid ratio of 7 : 1. The corresponding γ-oryzanol content and FRAP activity were 0.1749 mg/g and 0.5043 mmol FeSO₄/g, respectively. The antioxidant activities of AEERB were comparable with 2,6-di-tert-buty-4-methylphenol (BHT) or ascorbic acid (AA) at the high concentration. Furthermore, the binding capacities of AEERB to sodium taurocholate and sodium deoxycholate were 24.96 and 13.63 µmol/100 mg, respectively. The results indicated that AEERB is a promising method for developing and applying a value-added RB product.

This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, rumen enzymes, and fattening earnings of beef cattle when substituting corn stalk silage with corn silage or corn grain in finishing rations. Forty-five Bohai Black steers were selected and fattened in a three-phase (4 weeks-4 weeks-16 weeks) way with one of three diets based on corn silage (CS), corn stalk silage (SS) without/with equivalent corn grain supplement (SSC), respectively. During the 24-week trial, individual feed intake and body weight were recorded every four weeks. By the end, blood and rumen fluid were sampled, and all the cattle were slaughtered to evaluate carcass performance. There were no significant differences found in the body weight gain, daily feed intake or feed efficiency among different dietary treatments over the whole finishing period except that the cattle fed CS achieved higher weight gain and feed efficiency in Phase 2 than those fed SS or SSC along with a lower feed intake than that of cattle fed SSC. No significant effect was found on the hot carcass weight, chilled carcass weight, dressing percentage, aging loss, loin eye area, and the weights of chuckeye, ribeye, striploin, and tenderloin. The cattle fed CS showed lower blood concentrations of ALT and glucose along with a higher ratio of AST and ALT than those fed SS. The cattle fed SSC also presented a higher activity of avicelase in the rumen fluid and their fattening earnings were approximately $27.50 less than those of the cattle fed CS or SS. These results suggest that substituting corn stalk silage with corn silage or corn grain could not improve animal performance and it is more economical to substitute corn stalk silage with corn silage rather than supplement equivalent corn grain in a high-concentrate finishing ration.