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The use of sludge in agriculture within the European Union (EU) is currently regulated only by the limits of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) listed in Council Directive 86/278/EEC. This document is now more than 30 years old. Several European countries have introduced more stringent requirements in comparison with the directive, and have adopted limits for concentrations of other heavy metals, synthetic organic compounds and microbial contamination. The paper provides an overview of the current limits of these substances in sewage sludge and concentration limits of heavy metals in soil intended for sludge application, together with applicable laws and regulations in European Union countries. There is a need to update these regulations taking into account the current risks associated with the application of sludge to agricultural land, with the possibility of using ecotoxicological tests to assess the risks. A wide range of technologies for sewage sludge processing is used in EU countries. The predominant choice is a direct application in agriculture followed by composting. The use of sewage sludge in agriculture in 2014 and 2015 in 13 EU countries that provided data amounted to 22.6% (2014) and 22.1% (2015) of produced sludge and 23.3% (2014) and 23.1% (2015) of sludge disposed. It is also highly variable within EU countries ranging between zero (Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia) and 80% (Ireland). Over 50% of sewage sludge is used in agriculture in Bulgaria according to 2015 data.

Manganese (Mn) is an important micronutrient for growth and development in plants, however, excess Mn is harmful by disrupting photosynthesis system and inducing oxidative damage in leaves. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in regulating Mn toxicity tolerance in plants. Here, we identified Mn toxicity-responsive miRNAs in Arabidopsis by using small RNA sequencing. Eighteen differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings in response to Mn toxicity. These differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in regulating nutrition homeostasis, transport, stress response, and developmental processes. Our results indicated that these miRNAs play a key role in Mn toxicity response in plants.

Physicochemical properties of the tuber as a commercial product differ according to environmental conditions of the area and the growing season. The knowledge about how weather affects these characteristics, allows estimating the correct selection of the cultivars in order to obtain the highest yields or desired physicochemical qualities. In this sense, the effect of the main meteorological factors on the physicochemical characteristics (size, texture, dry matter, soluble solids, phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and inhibitor concentration (IC₅₀)) of 8 potato cultivars growing in A Limia (North-West Spain) was analysed. The study was conducted during three consecutive years (2014-2016) and the results presented significant differences in the analyzed parameters between years (P < 0.05). Spearman's correlations and principal component analysis showed that the tubers of 2014 (with colder weather conditions) had the highest phenol content and the lowest flavonoids and carotenoids content. Therefore, the temperature positively favoured the flavonoid content and carotenoid content (samples from 2016), although the size of potato tubers was considerably smaller.

Conservation tillage harmonizes soil protection with demands of the crop, soil and climate. The continuous conservation tillage improves soil properties and modifies impact of weather extremes. The aim of the paper was to investigate the changes in four soil physical states affected by soil conservation tillage and to evaluate soil water content in a critical period. The study was carried out on Chernozems applying six tillage treatments, that are loosening, ploughing, tine tillage (a deeper, and a shallower), disk tillage and direct drilling. The investigation suggested that soil conservation was the major solution resulting in the balanced water content (SWC) and penetration resistance values in both treatments under peculiar weather conditions. However, the crumb ratio and the crusted area resulted in significant differences between the treatments, presumably due to the level of surface preservation. Soil water content differed significantly between months, with higher contents in spring and lower values in the end of summer. The higher SWC expected at the beginning of the growing season was reliably fulfilled, but the SWC level for workabilty differed from the optimum.

In this case report, we describe a five-year-old, mixed-breed, neutered male cat weighing 5.7 kg, that was referred to the Near East University Animal Hospital with complaints of dyspnoea, cough and lack of appetite over the preceding two days. Clinical examination revealed marked wheezing during expiration, severe shortness of breath and associated cyanosis. A blood sample was drawn for full blood count, serum biochemical and blood gas analyses. Laterolateral and ventrodorsal radiographic images of the thorax and abdominal region were obtained. A radiopaque foreign body measuring 3 × 9 × 13 mm was detected at the carina of the trachea, aligned in the midst of the fifth-sixth intercostal space. Considering that this foreign body obstructed the tracheal lumen almost completely and had been creating pressure on the tracheal wall for at least two days and also with the aim of preventing potential complications (tracheal rupture, laceration, etc.), after repeated unsuccessful interventions to minimise the time spent under anaesthesia, the object was removed by intercostal thoracotomy. The subject was discharged on the sixth postoperative day and regained its normal state within a short time.

Monensin has been shown to decrease mortality and morbidity in feedlot cattle by reducing the incidence of acute and subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). Lately, the technique of real-time observance of reticuloruminal temperature and pH, which involves placement of indwelling pH probes in the reticulum or in the rumen has gained in popularity. In this study, we aimed to determine, using real-time monitoring in fresh dairy cows, how monensin controlled release capsules affect the reticulorumen temperature and pH. We used a slow-release rumen preparation, which emitted daily monensin doses of 335 mg. Following the manufacturer's instructions, the preparation was administered through an oral balling gun. The following points indicate the method for determining the two experimental groups: (1) monensin-supplemented test group (TG) (a 32.4 g monensin controlled release capsule, MCRC, n = 20) and (2) a control group (CG) (capsule containing no monensin, n = 20). Both began a day after calving, and one month after calving the experiment was finished. A set of smaXtec boluses fabricated for animal care was used to measure the temperature and pH of the reticulorumen. After the first day of the study, a statistically significant difference between reticulorumen temperature in CG (38.67 ± 0.10 °C) and TG (39.08 ± 0.09 °C; P < 0.01) was found. The use of the monensin controlled release capsule, which emitted daily monensin doses of 335 mg, in the first 30 days after calving increased the reticulorumen pH by 1.89% (P < 0.001), and the temperature of the reticulorumen by 0.82 % (P < 0.001). We conclude that using monensin in the form of monensin controlled release capsules reduces the risk of SARA. Real time observation of temperature and pH levels in the reticulorumen in fresh dairy cows allows for evaluation of the risk of SARA and provides the opportunity to determine the prophylactic effect of those capsules.

The main purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed overview of the theoretical insights and recent development trends on risk in agriculture. It focuses on the synthesis and analysis of the research studies published over the period from 2008 through 2018 and aims to identify major findings obtained over the recent decade and determine the areas for future research. This paper reviews a total of 397 unique publications retrieved from the international journals accessible in the Web of Science database. Based on different criteria deployed by the scientometric analysis, the selected articles have been reviewed and classified. The bibliometric analysis includes the citation volumes, authors, names of journals, research areas, affiliations, and contributing countries. The network analysis includes the examination of keywords. This article provides an opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers to understand and manage risk in agriculture and at the same time presents a roadmap for future research in this field.

The characteristic features of traditional cottage sausage were analysed. In addition, the extent to which manufacturers create product diversity on the market was investigated, along with potential health risks of the product to consumers. The samples had high overall sensory scores. The average level of fat slightly exceeded 28%, cholesterol content was in the range of 435.4-1220.3 mg/kg and salt content was 1.53-2.77%. Some manufacturers do not cure their product, but about 20% of them apply nitrites above the level of 150 mg/kg. Due to their relatively high pH level (5.76-6.60) and water activity (0.95-0.98), Polish cottage sausage can be a medium which encourages the growth of microorganisms; however, pathogenic bacteria were not found. Histamine was detected in only 42% of the samples, at the low level of 2.6 to 34.2 mg/kg. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied and the dominant variables were specified for particular PCs.

Based on a long-term fertilization experiment on sandy soil, research concerning the effect of variable fertilization on the soil content of silicon extracted by CaCl₂ solution was performed. The content of plant available silicon was evidenced to depend on the applied fertilization and soil properties. Plant silicon supply coefficient varied depending on the fertiliser combination. In the case of potatoes this coefficient was smaller then 1 but for oat was usually higher then one. It suggesting that the amount of available silicon in soil is sufficient to cover the nutritional needs of potatoes but not sufficient for oat.

Nowadays, quadrupedal locomotion information is well established for dogs, horses, and pigs, and kinetic systems have been widely used for sensitive and reliable gait analysis. However, few studies have investigated cat locomotion and the data available are confusing and restricted, especially in relation to jumping. In addition, it has been suggested that several factors, including the influence of the body weight (BW), may be associated with the collection of the kinetic data measurements in dogs. This raises the question of whether the BW would influence the kinetic data measurements in cats. Therefore, this study was aimed at comparing the kinetic parameters of the landing during the jumping in cats with different BWs and to determine the associations between the BW and the kinetic parameters. Twelve client-owned cats were sub-divided into two groups based on the BW and were categorised as a thin group and a heavy group. Each cat was encouraged to jump from a table (1.0 m) onto a force plate several times. The trials were considered to be valid if the cat jumped normally onto the plate and then continued to walk forward. The kinetic parameters including the peak vertical force (PVF) and the vertical impulse (VI) were obtained for each limb. In addition, correlations between the PVF, VI, and BW and the symmetry index (SI) of the forelimbs and hindlimbs were also determined. Most of the kinetic parameters of the thin cats were significantly smaller than the heavy cats during the landing and these values increased as the BW increased, while the normalised PVF and VI of the forelimbs were significantly smaller in the heavy cats than in the thin cats. In addition, for both groups, the non-normalised or normalised PVF and VI were significantly larger in the forelimbs than the hindlimbs, and the SI of the PVF was significantly smaller at the forelimbs than in the hindlimbs. In conclusion, the results of this study showed substantial similarities and differences during the landing between thin and heavy cats. These findings should provide more reference data for the biomechanical motion analysis related to jumping in clinically intact cats.

White asparagus is a highly appreciated, high-value crop with a distinguished economic relevance among vegetables. Freshly harvested asparagus is available only during a short part of the year and the demand varies. The produce is perishable and only proper handling can ensure its quality after a reasonable shelf life. In this study, we investigated a new method to reduce one of the most important reasons for quality decline: fresh matter losses. The potential benefits or disadvantages of moist asparagus packaging for unpeeled white asparagus (cv. 'Gijnlim') was tested. We used polythene sleeves or bags, lined with cellulose fleece to hold added water for moisturizing. 500 g bunches of spears were filled in the bags. Spears were partly covered by the sleeves or totally covered by the bags. All spears were stored for 3 to 11 days at the temperature of 2°C, 8°C and a combination of 2°C/22°C.The last temperatures were to simulate retail conditions. In wet bags spear fresh weight increased, losses in bags with dry fleece were low. Maintaining of fresh weight in wet bags coincided significantly with higher bending firmness, and lower shear force, which points to less fibrousness. Wet storage also reduced the incidence of dried cut surfaces but promoted the incidence of lengthwise fractures and, in combination with higher temperature, grey-brown discolouration and colour saturation. Wet packaging may be beneficial primarily under low temperature and low air humidity storage conditions.

A public private partnership can be an effective approach to deal the projects with modern agricultural development in Sub Saharan Africa. A former financial analysis of a development project, carried out by the authors, showed that public and private partners can effectively join in a mutually satisfactory venture capital. The same project is now complemented with a bankability study, considering lenders options, equity allocation, collaterals and likely applicable interest rates, available cash flow and sustainable debt service repayment to provide a through financing scenario for each partner's perspective assessing the relevant Debt Service and Loan Life Cover Ratios. Cash flow and interest rates fluctuation impacts are eventually investigated with a sensitivity analysis to prove the robustness of the proposed scenario.

Damage by the blueberry gall midge Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) was found on different cultivars of highbush Vaccinium corymbosum L. at different localities of Lithuania. D. oxycoccana is a serious insect pest of blueberries in North America. In 1996, unusual damage on blueberries was observed in Europe. This is the first report of the blueberry gall midge occurrence in blueberry plantations in Lithuania.

The paper pertains to the issue of quality assurance methods. Particular emphasis is placed upon the examination of hazards and possible product defects in food processing. At present, Polish regulations oblige any food processing entity to implement HACCP system. The system is perceived as a universal vaccine preventing the emergence of possible hazards or reducing the risk to an acceptable level. As far as defects are concerned, these are either disregarded altogether or do not occur at all. Meanwhile, the practice proves the case is not so. The research aspect of the paper revolves around an attempt to transplant solutions primarily applied in the automotive sector onto food processing industry. The practical aspect of the paper is manifested in the analysis of causes behind defects and hazards conducted on the basis of bakery industry. Potential hazards and product defects emerging from the process were identified in the course of the study. In addition, in order to eliminate these, their level was established with the application of various methods.

The decline of soil organic carbon (SOC) has aggravated salinity-related problems in semi-arid irrigation areas of the Awash river basin, Ethiopia. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of potential remediation crops on saline soil and their effectiveness for remediating soil salinity and improving pH, SOC, bulk density (BD) and hydraulic conductivity (HyCo). Rhodes grass (RHG), alfalfa (ALF), sudangrass (SUG) and blue panicgrass (Retz) (BPG) were grown in saline (3-13.9 dS/m) field plots. The crop biomass was incorporated into the soil immediately before flowering. The results show that at high soil salinity levels, BPG and SUG grew well, with the harvesting frequency of BPG being much higher than for SUG. Conversely, the growth of ALF and RHG was strongly inhibited by high soil salinity. Significant (P < 0.05) reduction of soil salinity levels (-3.2 dS/m) and related ionic concentrations, an increase of SOC (0.8% to 1.6%) and improvement of BD and HyCo were observed in BPG plots. The fast-growing nature of BPG in the hot climate of the experimental area resulted in harvests every three weeks and promoted the incorporation of high amounts of biomass to the soil and efficient soil salinity remediation. At moderately saline conditions, ALF also showed a great potential for salinity reclamation (-1.8 dS/m) and SOC accumulation. The cultivation of fast-growing annual crops proved an efficient and low-cost strategy for soil salinity mitigation and the reclamation of salinity-associated soil degradation in irrigation agriculture in Ethiopia.

The purpose of this research was to find a suitable protocol to enhance frozen rabbit sperm preservation analysing the role that seminal plasma (SP) plays and the effect of different cryoprotectant agents on sperm quality 0 and 2 h after thawing. Sperm samples were pooled and divided in eight fractions. Four of them were diluted with BotuCrio^® (extender A), INRA 96^® plus 6% glycerol (extender B), 6% N, N-dimethylformamide (extender C) and 6% N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (extender D), respectively. The other four fractions were centrifuged and the supernatant was discarded in order to eliminate SP. Each sample was then resuspended with extender A, B, C and D. Samples were cooled progressively, loaded into 0.5 ml freezing straws and frozen with liquid nitrogen vapour. Thawing was performed by placing the straws into a bain-marie at 37°C for 21 s. Straws were dried and sperm samples placed into Eppendorf tubes to be analyzed by ISAS software, vitality test, HOS test and acrosome integrity test. The best motility and velocity parameters were obtained by extender A (P < 0.050) even when the motility parameter was compared with previous studies using other diluents. Additionally, sperm quality decreased over incubation time (P < 0.050) and no differences were found in samples processed with or without SP. This research revealed that BotuCrio^® could be used for rabbit sperm cryopreservation and moreover the improvement of the cryopreservation process of rabbit sperm due to the demonstration that SP removing is not required.

Foreign bodies that affect airways are a well-recognised problem in small-animal practice. Cats in par­ticular, may be especially at risk of aspiration due to their predatory behaviour. Here, we report a case of an insect as a foreign body, namely a beetle in the tracheal bifurcation of a cat. Radiographs suggested a wide range of possibilities for differential diagnosis, but the presence of a foreign body was initially suspected. A final diagnosis was not pursued by the owner and the cat was euthanised. The presence of a summer chafer was then confirmed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time such a foreign body and radiographic findings are reported in the literature.

Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is one of the major forest pests and causes serious damage especially to pine trees. Mechanical and chemical methods are used in the control of this pest in Turkey's forests. In recent years, a chemical control has been the most preferred method against this pest. Due to the chemical control's harmful effects on the environment and the human health, alternative methods of control are being emphasised today. There are many studies on the use of plant oils against pests in agricultural areas. However, studies on the effect of plant oils against the pine processionary larvae are very limited. In this study, commercial oils containing 8 different essential oil types (thyme oil, peppermint oil, poppy oil, garlic oil, rosemary oil, pine oil, sage oil, lavender oil) were applied in 3 different doses (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%) and 4 repetitions against the pine processionary larvae. The experiments were conducted at 65% humidity and 25°C in laboratory conditions. The study was monitored for five days and the results were evaluated through the mortality rates. On the 5th day of the study, 1% dose of thyme oil was found to be most effective with 100% mortality followed by the poppy oil (95%), the sage oil (95%), the garlic oil (90%), the rosemary oil (70%), and the pine oil (45%). The peppermint (40%) and lavender oil used in the study were found to be ineffective. As a result of the study, it was determined that thyme oil, poppy oil, sage oil, and garlic oil were effective against the pine processionary larvae and that they had the potential to be used in the control of this pest.

For the period 2007-2013 LEADER became the fourth axis of rural development policy. One of the main characteristics of LEADER is that it adopts a bottom-up approach. Local Action Groups (LAGs) have to define and implement area-based local development strategies (LDSs). In this paper, we examine the relationship between variety in the LDSs implemented by LAGs and employment safeguarding over the programming period 2007-2013 in Andalusia, the most populated region of Spain. Firstly, we construct several indicators to capture differences in the number of projects carried out, the grants awarded, the investments made and the safeguarded employment. Secondly, we carry out an exploratory factor analysis. We use cluster analysis to classify LAGs applying similar LDSs. The results obtained show that there is no ideal strategy for employment safeguarding and that spending high amounts of money in a few numbers of projects does not guarantee success. Thus, most LAGs do not show any clear specialisation pattern but obtain moderate results in terms of employment safeguarding. This supports the idea that LAGs need to have sufficient flexibility to find a balance among the different objectives of the rural development policy and to translate this balance into the funding of projects.

To analyse the genetic diversity of the Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) population in Poland and to establish the phylogenetic relationships between the Polish and other isolates described to date, 91 isolates were collected from cucumber plants. The analysis, based on coat protein (CP) gene, revealed the presence of two phylogenetic groups: one consisting of the Polish isolates collected in 2017 and those originated mainly from Asia region and the second including the Polish isolates collected in 2016 and the others from European countries. The sensitive, specific, and rapid one-step loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay was developed for the early detection of genetically diverse CGMMV isolates in seeds and plant material.

Techniques of drip irrigation are broadly applied for the reclamation of saline-alkali lands, during which effective management of water use to accelerate salt leaching is essential for crop production. In 2017, a field experiment with five treatments of soil matric potential (SMP) levels of -5, -10, -15, -20, and -25 kPa was conducted in heavy saline silty soil land in Bohai Bay, China to study the effects of drip irrigation on salt leaching. The results showed that salt leaching was enhanced with increasing SMP, particularly under an SMP of -5 kPa within a 30 cm soil profile depth and 15 cm distance from the dripper, and the average electrical conductivity of saturated paste extracts (ECe) decreased from 13.8 to 1.52 dS/m. Water consumption increased with increasing SMP, but the yield of oil sunflower did not differ significantly between SMPs of -5 and -10 kPa. These findings indicated that a relatively high crop yield of oil sunflower and effective salt leaching can be achieved if the SMP can be controlled at -10 kPa in heavy saline silty soil.

Hydrocarbon contaminants have become a global concern due to their long-term adverse effects on soil ecosystems and human health. Successful implementation of phytoremediation to clean up hydrocarbon contaminants requires the identification of the most effective remediation plant species. Twelve native plant species of the Sudd Wetland in South Sudan were evaluated for their potential application as phytoremediators. The treatments included six total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 g/kg soil. The twelve native plant species tested were: Sorghum arundinaceum Desv., Oryza longistaminata A. Chev. & Roehrich, Hyparrhenia rufa Nees, Abelmoschus ficulneus L., Gossypium barbadense L., Nicotiana tabacum L., Sorghum bicolour L. Moench, Eleusine coracana Gaertn., Capsicum frutescens L., Zea mays L., Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl. and Medicago sativa L. Significant differences in phytoremediation rates were observed amongst the treatments with exception of the 125 g/kg soil concentration of hydrocarbon that was lethal to all the plant species. Over 50% TPH reduction in the 75 g/kg soil concentration was observed in contaminated soil phytoremediation in H. rufa, G. barbadense, O. longistaminata, T. diversifolia and S. arundinaceum, making them potential phytoremediators of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil in the Sudd-Wetland of South-Sudan.

Milk production is one of the most important areas of the Czech agrarian sector, as evidenced by its 50% share (at 2017 prices) in revenues from livestock production. As for any business, a certain level of profitability is a prerequisite for long-term and sustainable development of dairy farms. This study's aim was to evaluate the economic efficiency of milk production from both Czech Fleckvieh (C) and Holstein (H) cows based on data collected each year from 48 to 70 Czech dairy farms in the period from 2012 to 2017. Total costs per feeding day and litre of milk, level of profitability, and income over feed costs were calculated. The influences of herd size and milk yield on profitability and break-even points were examined while sensitivity analysis and model calculations were utilised to predict profitability. The farms with higher average milk yields (>7 500 and >9 500 L per lactation for C and H, respectively) had higher costs per feeding day, lower costs per litre of milk, and improved profitability (p < 0.05). Average break-even points were estimated for milk price (0.31 and 0.32 EUR) and milk yield (7 257 and 9 209 L) in C and H herds, respectively.

Filamentous fungi were isolated from ten spices collected from markets in Indonesia. The aim was to enumerate fungal contamination and to determine the toxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus strains on each of the spices. Viable fungal populations were determined using a dilution method. Toxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus was determined by culture on a quick screening coconut agar and by PCR using four sets of primers specific for aflatoxin pathway genes. All the tested spices were contaminated by storage fungi, Species of Aspergillus was the most commonly isolated moulds followed by species of Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Rhizopus. The greatest number of Aspergillus flavus isolates were found on white pepper, followed by nutmeg, cardamom, and black pepper. The greatest number of Aspergillus chevalieri isolates were found on coriander, followed by nutmeg. Fifty strains of A. flavus were isolated, all of the strains produced large sclerotia and biseriate conidiophores. Their toxigenicity was assayed by the presence of yellow pigment on a quick screening coconut agar medium and PCR amplification of regulatory and structural genes in the aflatoxin pathway.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of milking fraction and mammary gland health status on the electrical conductivity (EC) of milk from Manchega ewes, considering also the lactation number. To this end, we also studied the relationship of EC with milk macrocomposition, and the relation existing between EC and somatic cell count (SCC). Finally, the use of EC thresholds as a mastitis detection method (sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV)) was assessed in each of the three fractions: first streams (F1), machine milk (F2) and stripping milk (F3). Milking fraction, mammary gland health status and lactation number had a significant effect on EC and SCC. In the case of EC, the milking fraction caused a more pronounced effect than health status of the glands or number of lactation (F = 19.95, 15.88 and 6.55, respectively; P < 0.5). In SCC, the gland health status caused the most pronounced effect followed by milking fraction and lactation number (F = 112.02, 6.89, and 5.28, respectively; P < 0.05). Changes in the milk composition, especially fat and lactose contents, explained the EC variation to a great extent. For the same EC threshold, specificity and sensitivity varied slightly depending on the milking fraction. NPV above 80% was obtained in the three milking fractions and at all EC thresholds tested, but PPV was only higher than 20% as of the threshold of 4.5, 4.4, and 4.2 mS/cm in F1, F2 and F3, respectively. From the results obtained, we concluded that the algorithm design for mastitis detection in sheep should include those factors affecting the composition and which therefore cause variations in EC, such as milking fraction, individual differences, lactation stage or lactation number.

This paper describes the results of a retrospective study performed on 385 cats with feline lower urinary tract disease. The study was conducted to obtain epidemiological data and to evaluate clinical symptoms and the results of laboratory tests in a population of Polish cats with symptoms of lower urinary tract disease. The analysed population comprised feline patients of the veterinary clinic at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn who had not been treated prior to admission. Medical history was obtained for all patients. Urine samples were collected mostly, but not solely, by cystocentesis. Feline idiopathic cystitis was diagnosed in most cats (60.7%), while urinary tract infections were noted in only 7.8% of patients. Urethral obstruction caused by mucus plugs was observed in 17.4% of animals. Urolithiasis was observed in 13% of cats, 5% of whom were also diagnosed with urinary tract infections. Hyperplastic changes were identified in only 1% of the studied population. In 59% of cats, feline lower urinary tract disease was accompanied by urethral obstruction. Cats with feline idiopathic cystitis were the youngest animals in the analysed population, and the risk of urinary tract infections and neoplasia increased with age. Our results, obtained over a period of six years in a Polish feline population, show that sex, neutering, age, living conditions and diet influence the type of urinary tract disease, data which are consistent with those obtained in other countries.

The exact prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. infection in animals slaughtered for food is unknown in Lithuania. Therefore, the present study was initiated to evaluate Sarcocystis spp. infection in the carcasses of cattle (n = 206), sheep (n = 61), pigs (n = 73) and horses (n = 72) raised in Lithuania for food. The prevalence and intensity of Sarcocystis spp. infection were assessed under light microscopy by analysing 1 g of stained and squashed muscle samples. All the investigated muscle types (oesophagus, diaphragm, heart, neck, jaw, back, leg and tongue) were found to have been infected with microcysts rather than with macrocysts. A high prevalence of infection was established in cattle (44.9-98.1%) and sheep (100%), whereas the prevalence of this infection in pigs (30.1-50.0%) and horses (34.7-63.9%) was considered to be moderate. Significant differences in the infection prevalence were detected in the majority of muscle groups of cattle and in some muscle groups of pigs and horses. Similarly, significant differences in the median (Md) intensity of infection were observed in the majority of the muscle groups of cattle (Md = 4-29) and sheep (Md = 21-73) and only in some muscle groups of pigs (Md = 4.5-16) and horses (Md = 1-3). Cases of intense infection (> 40 cysts in a sample) were relatively often detected in sheep (44.9%) and cattle (19.1%), and rarely in pigs (3.7%). Hence, based on the varying rates of infection in the examined samples, the infection was identified as being intense in sheep and cattle, moderate in pigs and low in horses.

Diquat is a bipyridyl compound which belongs to the group of herbicides. Its activity is based on the liberation of the superoxide anion radical and, subsequently, hydrogen peroxide, leading to tissue destruction by oxidative stress. Acute poisoning is associated with high mortality within several hours to a few days. The reported case of poisoning occurred on a commercial farm. The fattening pigs of the Landrace and Large White breeds were affected. The pigs were kept on a deep litter. Reglone (active ingredient diquat dibromide, 200 g/l) was used on the farm fields to desiccate the clover crop. The dry clover straw was harvested and stored for approximately a month and then used as a litter. In total, 50 pigs were affected. The onset of the poisoning was very fast. Within eight hours after the litter administration, 20 animals died. The only clinical sign seen was severe haemorrhagic dermatitis. The pathological examination revealed acute superficial haemorrhagic dermatitis on the belly, the snout and the ears of the affected pigs. Hyperaemia of the tonsils, pharynx and oesophagus was diagnosed, as well as a pronounced hyperaemia of the stomach fundus. In the distal part of the trachea, there was a dense, white foam. The lungs were congested, with focal emphysema. The liver was slightly hyperaemic. The histological examination revealed a massive haemostasis in liver and diffuse acute polymorphonuclear hepatitis. The other organs were without changes. The examination revealed acute poisoning caused by the large body surface areas contacting with a toxic substance. The pigs that survived were immediately removed to a non-contaminated area. The changes on their skin were not so extensive compared to the dead ones. Within 5-7 days after the exposure to diquat, the skin lesions healed.

Dormant bud cryopreservation is a valuable tool for the germplasm of temperate trees preservation. Freezable water content, as an important cryopreservation characteristic, was analysed by DSC. Scions of modern apple tree varieties (Malus domestica) were collected during the winter season from orchards, freeze-dehydrated to 26-32% of water content at -5°C and cryopreserved by the two-step procedure. Samples were rehydrated in moist peat after 4 months of cryopreservation and grafted on rootstocks in a field. Regeneration by sprouting buds on rootstocks was evaluated. The varieties were divided into three groups according to their water content and percentage of crystallized water. The regeneration in the three groups decreased with decreasing bud water content. Regeneration was higher than 80% in most of the varieties and reached 100% in almost 1/3 of the tested varieties. In only one variety, was regeneration lower than 40%, which is still a high regeneration rate for considering apple genotypes as successfully cryopreserved. According to this study, the two-step cryoprotocol was successfully optimized for Central European conditions.