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The influence of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) on histopathological changes in the small intestine and the intensity of invasion of T. spiralis in mice were investigated in this study. The animals were infected with doses of 500 and 250 T. spiralis larvae per mouse. A SCFA solution containing acetic, propionic and butyric acid (30 : 15 : 20mM) was administered orally to the mice starting from the 5^th day before infection to the 20^th day after infection (day). Fragments of the jejunum collected during dissection on the 7th and 10th day were used to prepare specimens to assess the histopathological changes. In the infected animals, the intestinal trichinellae were counted on the 7^th and 10^th day, while on the 42^nd day the muscle larvae number were determined. The strongest host reaction in the intestine was observed on the 7^th day at a dose of T. spiralis 500 larvae, and on the 10^th day at a dose of 250 larvae. Numerous inflammatory infiltrations, strong shortening of the intestinal villi, extension of the intestinal crypts, and the lowest ratio of the villi length to the intestinal crypts depth were observed. The ratio was 1.3 ± 0.3 on the 7^th day at a dose of 500 larvae, and on the 10^th day, at dose of 250 larvae the ratio reached 1.5 ± 0.5. Both values differed significantly from the control group: 3.3 ± 0.5 (P < 0.01). Administration of SCFA to the animals infected with T. spiralis caused remission of local histopathological changes resulting from the presence of the parasite in the small intestine after the mentioned periods. This manifested as limited villi shortening and reduced deepening of intestinal crypts. At the higher infectious dose, in animals receiving the acid solution, on the 7^th day the intestinal villi were considerably longer (356 µm ± 35) than in the group infected with T. spiralis but not treated with the acids (279 µm ± 57; P < 0.01). At a lower dose of parasites, on the 10^th day these values were 339 µm ± 88 and 306 µm ± 47 respectively and the observed differences were not statistically significant. The solution of SCFA also caused a decrease in the numbers of mature parasites in the intestine and the muscle larvae at a dose of 500 larvae/mouse. In animals receiving the SCFA, 24 050 ± 10 415 larvae were observed in muscles, while in the infected mice, which did not receive the acids, 32 875 ± 16 762 larvae were detected (P < 0.05). An increase in the intensity of infection accelerated the rate of host reaction to the presence of T. spiralis in the intestines (self-cure). To summarize, the administered solution of short chain fatty acids alleviated the formation of histopathological changes in the intestine in response to the parasite's presence, and lowered the intensity of T. spiralis invasion after infection with a higher dose of larvae.

Cutting down 20- to 30-years-old trees of blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) (October, May) and cross-cutting them to sections of different volume (0.5-75 dm3) under conditions of half-shade × open area resulted in a potential food offer for cambiophages. Ips amitinus (Eichh.) and Pityogenes chalcographus (L.) reached the higher frequency of occurrence on sections placed in the open area than in half-shade and on stems felled in the autumn season than in the spring season. Dryocoetes autographus (Ratz.) was markedly profiled on sections in half-shade with the gradual desiccation of phloem. P. chalcographus preferring open areas occurred on branches being accompanied by Cryphalus abietis (Ratz.), which attacked branches located in half-shade. On stems of sections from both autumn and spring felling, one generation of I. amitinus developed, however, on autumn sections, the 2^nd generation developed unsuccessfully on the original nutritive material. P. chalcographus completed the development of one generation on stems and branches from autumn felling. On the spring material, the invasion was delayed and a part of wintering larvae did not complete their development. Logging residues of P. pungens were available for the development of I. amitinus and P. chalcographus during one growing season only.

The effects of high power ultrasound of 24 kHz and ultrasound bath of 24 kHz frequency on the textural and pasting properties of corn starch suspensions was examined. Suspensions were treated with different intensities and treatment times (15 min and 30 min) using an ultrasound probe set and bath. The treatments with high power ultrasound probes caused a significant lowering of the starting gelatinisation temperatures of corn starch. The ultrasound treatment caused disruption of starch granules by cavitational forces and made the granules more permeable to water. The highest viscosity was observed for the treatment with 300 W probe. Also, a statistically significant increase in solubility in water (20°C) was observed, being caused by the disruption of starch granules and molecules by ultrasound treatment. When applying more powerful ultrasound, starch granules, specifically in the amorphous region, are much more mechanically damaged. The texture profile analyses of the starch gel prepared from the suspensions that had been treated with ultrasound probe presented higher hardness and higher values of adhesiveness and cohesiveness when compared with untreated suspensions or those treated with ultrasound bath. Micrography showed an obvious impact of ultrasound on the structure of starch granules. Ultrasound treatment ruptures and mechanically damages the starch granules causing collapse of cavitation bubbles which induces high pressure gradients and high local velocities of the liquid layers in their vicinity.

This paper deals with the Reynoutria × bohemica and Reynoutria japonica under conditions of the Czech Republic. It evaluates the impact of soil, weather conditions and various terms of harvest (autumn, spring) on the yield, dry matter content, phytomass loss, ash content, and basic elements content change in plants. Heavy metals content was determined in soil where plants were grown and consequently in plants themselves. The average yield of dry matter at the fully closed stands of Reynoutria japonica were 9.06 t/ha in autumn, Reynoutria × bohemica from 13.23 to 21.41 t/ha, according to the site. The yield losses within the winter period were found on average 42% for Reynoutria japonica and 34% for Reynoutria × bohemica. The moisture decrease of Reynoutria japonica was found from 68% in the autumn to 24% in the spring, and of Reynoutria × bohemica from 67% to 23%, respectively. Decreased content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the knotweed phytomass was found during the latter (spring) harvest periods in comparison with the earlier harvest periods. Decreased elements content in phytomass during the latter harvest period (spring) increases the phytomass quality as a fuel from both aspects - technical and emissions generation. The ash content in plants varied according to the site, on average from 3.12% in Ruzyně to 4.6% in Chomutov. None of the heavy metals monitored in knotweed plants reached the maximum admissible values determined for the food or feed purposes in the Czech Republic. From the results of combustion experiments, it is evident that Reynoutria × bohemica is a good fuel. Energy sorrel shows the extreme CO concentration in flue gases in comparison with other monitored fuels. According to the ČSN EN 12809 (2001) standard it does not meet even the third class of requirements. On the contrary, knotweed and wood bark fulfill the requirements for the first class. The surprising fact is that both of these fuels show the lower level of CO emissions, than the wooden briquettes. Concentrations of nitrogen oxids are comparable with biofuels, except of wood, and probably are related to the nitrogen content in heating material.

Yogurt was prepared from goat's milk, supplemented with aronia juice and blueberry juice. The dynamics of acidification, number of lactic acid bacteria, and fatty acids composition were investigated. Yogurt from goat's milk, supplemented with aronia juice and blueberry juice, coagulated at a lower acidity and faster than natural yogurt. The numbers of lactic acid bacteria in supplemented yogurts were higher compared to control samples. The addition of aronia and blueberry juices increased the amount of unsaturated fatty acids in yogurt by 6.9% and 8.5%, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids increased by 11.2% in yogurt with aronia juice in comparison with natural yogurt.

Selected parameters characterizing the chemical composition of bones were determined in 60 male and 60 female hybrid Ross 308 chickens aged 40 days at the end of the fattening period. The chickens received a complete feed mixture intended for pre-feeding (starter) in a period from the start of the experiment until Day 10, followed by the feed mixture intended for fattening until Day 30 (grower), and the feed mixture for the third phase of fattening, i.e. until Day 40 (finisher). The feed mixtures and drinking water were provided ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, chickens were slaughtered and the femur and the tibiotarsus from the right pelvic limb were collected and the following parameters were determined in wet tissue: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) (N × 6.25), fat, ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg); the content of organic matter was calculated. The resultant values were recalculated to 100% of DM. Differences between males and females in the chemical composition of retrieved bones were investigated. The content of CP in wet tissue from both bones ranged from 354.0 ± 11.8 to 365.1 ± 14.3 g/kg being significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the tibiotarsus. Differences between sexes were very small. The content of fat in the bones ranged from 16.12 ± 8.71 to 16.17 ± 8.85 g/kg, with higher levels of fat being detected in female chickens (17.16 ± 8.53 to 17.24 ± 8.28 g/kg) as compared to male chickens (15.01 ± 9.05 to 15.19 ± 9.12 g/kg). No statistically significant differences between the femur and the tibiotarsus were detected. The levels of ash ranged from 472.2 ± 13.1 to 480.1 ± 10.83 g/kg, being statistically higher in the tibiotarsus in both male and female chickens (P < 0.01; P < 0.001). The levels of Ca ranged from 180.4 ± 8.57 to 181.6 ± 12.32 g/kg, showing higher values in both bones from female chickens (181.7 ± 9.17 to 183.8 ± 14.71 g/kg), as compared to male chickens (179.2 ± 7.8 to 179.3 ± 8.91 g/kg). No statistically significant changes were found. The levels of P ranged from 83.17 ± 9.82 to 83.29 ± 7.42 g/kg, with higher levels being observed in female chickens (84.1 ± 9.21 to 89.8 ± 7.47 g/kg), as compared to male chickens (76.5 ± 6.93 to 82.5 ± 5.00 g/kg). The levels of P were significantly higher in the femur (P < 0.001) in female chickens and in the tibiotarsus (P < 0.001) in male chickens. The Ca:P ratios for both analysed bones was greater in males (femur 2.20, tibiotarsus 2.21), as compared to females (femur 1.98, tibiotarsus 2.09). The mean weight of male and female broiler chickens on Day 40 was 2 694 ± 32.6 g and 2 345 ± 23.9 g, respectively. In comparison with the expected performance parameters of ROSS 308 hybrid chickens, the weight increased in both male and female chickens by 8.2% and 10.6%, respectively. Although the chickens grew very quickly, no clinical signs indicating pathological changes in the bone system were found.

The phenological stages, flower characteristics, shoot growth and flower bud differentiation of sweet cherries, cv. Hongdeng and Van, were investigated in different climatic zones in China, subtropical monsoon climatic zone (Shanghai, 31°14'N, 121°29'E) and temperate climatic zone (Qingdao, 37°09'N, 121°20'E). Sweet cherry trees grown in subtropical monsoon climatic zone had earlier phenological stage and longer blooming duration than those grown in temperate climatic zone. Fruit growth periods of Hongdeng and Van in Qingdao were 38 days and 51 days, respectively, but only 29 days and 45 days in Shanghai. Both cultivars showed more abnormal flowers under subtropical monsoon climate. The percentage of fruit set under open pollination in Hongdeng and Van were 31% and 24% in Qingdao, respectively, but only 0.4% and 3.2% in Shanghai. The trees grew more vigorous in Shanghai; flower bud differentiation was delayed by high temperature and superabundant rainfall in subtropical monsoon climate zone and more easily affected by the overlap of current shoot growth.

The aim of this study was the determination of lactoferrin in goat milk using HPLC method. Milk samples were collected at a goat farm in the South Moravia Region, the Czech Republic. It were established bulk tank samples of raw milk (n = 24) and pasteurised milk (nn = 27) that were collected during lactation. Lactoferrin contents were analysed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with diode-array detector PDA 2996. Detection was carried out at the wavelength 205 nm. The average concentration of lactoferrin in goat milk was 120 ± 18 μg/ml. The lactoferrin content was increasing within the lactation period in the ranges of 98 ± 170 μg/ml in April to 149 ± 19 μg/ml in November. The heat treatment (pasteurisation at 72°C for 20 s) resulted in no significant effect on the lactoferrin content. No statistically significant differences (P = 0.05) were found between the values of raw and pasteurised goat milk.

The aim of our research was to evaluate whether rapeseed and linseed oils used as feed additives to ewe's diets allow to achieve the higher secretion of unsaturated fatty acids into milk with extended emphasis on the conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Two experiments were carried out on 6 lactating ewes in two independent 3 × 3 Latin square designs. In each feeding cycle the animals were subjected to one of the treatments: (1) without oil supplementation, (2) with 3.5% of rapeseed oil (RS) or linseed oil (LS), (3) with 7.0% of rapeseed oil or linseed oil. Feeding diets rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids to lactating ewes under our experimental conditions resulted in demanded changes in milk fatty acid content without causing milk fat depression or modification of other milk constituents. Milk fat was improved in unsaturated fatty acids including C18:2 c9 t11 CLA isomer without changing the milk fat concentration. The C18:2 c9 t11 concentration increased from 0.03 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.21 and 0.12 (FAME, %) in groups receiving 3.5 and 7% RS, respectively. The diet with 7% LS also elevated the C18:2 c9 t11 level in milk from 0.04 (FAME, %) in the control group to 0.11 (FAME, %). Hence a conclusion is drawn that plant oils may be an important source of monoenic and also polyenic fatty acids in milk, however, our research and analysis of literature data indicate that results are strictly dietary and supplement-dependent.

Colic was treated surgically in 576 horses (545 individuals). Twenty-seven horses were subjected to surgery twice and two horses three times during the period of this study. A total of 371 horses (64.4%) were discharged from the hospital, 205 animals (35.6%) died or were euthanised; 16 of them died during anaesthesia, 102 horses were subjected to euthanasia during surgery, 24 patients did not recover from anaesthesia after surgery completion, and 63 horses did not survive the postoperative period. Ileus of the small intestine was diagnosed in 267 cases (46.4%), affection of the large colon in 239 cases (41.5%), lesion of the small colon in 22 cases (3.8%), lesion of the caecum in 19 cases (3.3%), and affection of stomach and rectum in four and one cases, respectively. In 14 animals (2.4%), lesions were located at two different sites of the gastrointestinal tract. In four horses, the cause of colic was located outside the gastrointestinal tract. Three animals were affected by diffuse peritonitis. No gastrointestinal lesion could be identified during surgery in three horses with recurrent colic. The most common causes of small intestine ileus included incarceration in inguinal hernia (50 of 267 horses, 18.7%), hernia of the omental foramen (31 of 267 horses, 11.6%), anterior enteritis (19 of 267 horses, 7.1%), mesenterial volvulus (18 of 267 horses, 6.7%), and ileal impaction (18 of 267 horses, 6.7%). The most common caecal disorder was acute constipation/dysfunction (5 of 19 horses, 26.3%). Frequent causes of the large colon colic were torsion (63 of 239 horses, 26.4%), left dorsal displacement (36 of 239 horses, 15.1%), and right dorsal displacement (23 of 239 horses, 9.6%). The small colon was most often affected by focal obstruction/constipation (9 out of 22 horses, 40.9%). Surgical treatment of colic of the small intestine, caecum, large colon, and small colon was successful in 59.6%, 36.8%, 73.3%, and 63.6% of the cases, respectively.

Seeds and seedlings of Quercus robur, a characteristic tree species of the hardwood floodplain forests along the Rhine River, demonstrated high resistance to complete inundation under controlled conditions. In both experimental trials no significant difference between the different flooding periods (8, 10, and 12 weeks) could be established either for shoot emergence or for the measured morphological growth parameters. Flooding delayed the germination of submerged acorns till the end of inundation. However, seeds of the flooding treatments had significantly higher germination rates than the non-flooded acorns of the control. Likewise, dry weights of seedlings from the flooded seeds were significantly higher than those of seedlings from seeds not flooded. Aboveground growth in the 24-week growth period following flooding was reduced in favour of root development in either trial of the experiment. Restricted leaf development and reduced shoot elongation stalled the growth of young oaks in the seedling trial. The results confirm knowledge from earlier experiments about the flood tolerance of Quercus robur seed and seedlings. They also serve to explain why oak seedlings are widespread on the Rhine floodplain after mast years, but gradually disappear in successive years.

Rhopalosiphum padi is a polyphagous species with a nearly worldwide distribution. Biological parameters of this aphid on six commonly grown wheat cultivars in the Fars province including Chamran, Darab2, Shiraz, Ghods, Marvdasht and Niknezhad were investigated at the two-leaf stage of wheat. The experiments were carried out at 24 ± 5°C, 65 ± 5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 14:10 h (L:D) in a greenhouse. The number of nymphs per female of R. padi was 62.05, 55.84, 49.89, 47.63, 42.76 and 40.65 (nymphs/female) on Niknezhad, Shiraz, Ghods, Marvdasht, Chamran, and Darab2, respectively. Also, the highest and the lowest r_m values of this aphid were obtained on Niknezhad (0.381 per day) and Darab2 (0.328 per day), respectively. In addition, other population growth indices were estimated. In general, a high level of antibiosis in Darab2 compared with the other tested cultivars may decrease the population density of R. padi on wheat and also cause a suppression of cereal viruses (e.g. BYDV) and reduce the pesticide application to wheat fields of Iran.

The effect of supplementing dietary selenium (Se) and vitamin E was investigated in 330 24-week-old laying hens. The hens were fed a basal diet containing Se and α-tocopherol at 0.11 and 26 mg/kg, respectively, or a diet supplemented with Se at 0.3 mg/kg and vitamin E between 0 and 625 mg/kg. Se was supplied as Se-methionine or sodium selenite. The eggs were collected for analysis during the third, seventh and eleventh weeks of the experiment. Supplementation of either form of Se significantly increased the Se concentration in egg yolks and whites, with a more pronounced effect caused by Se-methionine. The egg yolk α-tocopherol concentration paralleled the dietary α-tocopherol concentration. At a high dietary α-tocopherol concentration (632 mg/kg), the retinol content in egg yolks from hens fed Se-methionine increased significantly. Supplementation of Se-methionine significantly increased the α-tocopherol content in the eggs in the third and seventh weeks of the experiment. A moderate decrease in yolk cholesterol was observed in hens fed Se-methionine and α-tocopherol at 119 mg/kg. The concentration of products from lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS) in egg yolks increased marginally during the refrigerated storage of the eggs for 2 weeks. The effect of dietary vitamin E on TBARS formation was generally small, although a more significant effect was observed at the highest dose tested.

A field experiment was conducted to illustrate the different degree and dynamics of microbial community structure and function in the rhizosphere across four growing stages (before plantation and three growth stages) using a combination of biochemical (enzyme assay and microbial biomass carbon) and molecular approaches of qPCR and PCR-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). Rice plant cultivation promoted higher enzyme activities (invertase and urease), microbial biomass carbon (C_mic), bacterial (16S rRNA) and fungal (ITS rRNA) genes abundances in the rhizosphere compared to unplanted soil. Principal component analyses of PCR-DGGE profile also revealed that structures of bacterial and fungal communities of rice planted soil were well distinct from unplanted soil. Moreover, enzyme activities showed a significant positive correlation with the total microbial biomass in the rhizosphere throughout growth stages of rice plant. Relative fungal: bacterial ratios were significantly higher in rice planted soil compared to unplanted soil, suggesting rice plantation enhanced the fungal community in the rice rhizosphere environment. These results further suggest a significant linkage between the microbial community dynamics and function in the rhizosphere associated with rice plant over time.

Peat used as a feed supplement for piglets has favourable dietetic qualities; however, its frequent contamination with potentially pathogenic mycobacteria (PPM) has been shown to pose a potential risk to piglet health. The purpose of the present study was to investigate possible ways of devitalising mycobacteria. Examination of 118 samples from various types of commercially available peat (natural peat, packed peat for horticulture and specially processed peat intended for piglet feeding) showed that PPM were present in 84 (71.1%) samples. Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (82.1%) was the most frequent mycobacterial isolate. In addition, from a natural locality where peat is mined and stored in large piles for up to four months, mycobacteria were detected in peat samples collected from the surface and from up to 25 cm in depth. We used different physical and chemical procedures for peat decontamination (peracetic acid, formaldehyde, steam, and microwave radiation) in attempting to devitalise the mycobacteria in peat. We found that PPM can be reliably devitalised with 1.0% peracetic acid, or 5.0% formaldehyde. However, under field conditions, when using bulk amounts of peat, none of the above procedures were shown to be suitable. Based on these results, the feeding of peat to piglets is confirmed as a high-risk practice.

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) provides cranio-caudal stability, prevents hyperextension and constrains medial rotation of the tibia in the canine stifle joint and CCL rupture is the leading cause of hind leg lameness in dogs. Treatment of CCL rupture aims to resolve lameness caused by joint instability and provide good long-term function of the affected hind limb. The extracapsular technique is one of the most popular methods to restore joint stability. The technique involves a suture loop that is placed around the lateral fabella and through the tibial tuberosity. The ideal suture material should be strong, aseptic, easily handled, inexpensive, and provide excellent knot security and knot compactness. A critical property of the loop is the application of either a knot or crimp to maintain the tension on the loop. There is a variety of orthopaedic suture materials used for the extracapsular technique. Our aim was to compare the mechanical properties of four commercially available materials in pure tension. The materials tested were monofilament nylon leader (MNL) 100 lb, MNL 80 lb, Supramid and Silon. Our second objective was to compare the interoperator variability of applying either a knot or a crimp to secure the suture loop. Ultimate tensile strength was greatest with MNL 100 lb (373 N) followed by MNL 80 lb (285 N), Supramid (160 N) and Silon (103 N). Based on our results, we conclude that MNL 100 lb and MNL 80 lb are mechanically superior to Silon and Supramid. Our study also shows significant effects for the operator and method of loop fixation (P < 0.0001). Intraoperator differences were also found to be significant, for operator 1 (P < 0.0001), for operator 2 (P < 0.001) and operator 3 (P < 0.01). Our findings indicate that MNL is most suitable orthopaedic material and that loop fixation should remain the method of choice for surgeons treating CCL.

The paper presents results of an assessment of needle age classes in Scots pine partial populations in the period of three and five years after outplanting in a lowland site in relation to conditions created by climatic elements. The method is based on Skuhravý's (1987) description when the state of needle age classes of the third whorl (from the apex) is evaluated just once. Five-year summary of meteorological data was assessed according to the criteria of determination of periods of heat waves and dry spells. Differences in numbers of living needle age classes in the groups of Scots pine populations in the period of three and five years after their outplanting in permanent lowland sites proved the highest total number of living needle classes in the group of local lowland populations. On the contrary, the lowest total number of living needle classes was found out in the group of mountain populations. Critical climatic periods are overlaps of heat waves and dry spells that illustrate the complexity of moisture and temperature conditions of lowland sites. Although the Scots pine is a xerophytic species, it responded to the cumulation of adverse factors by accelerated needle senescence. Its physiological response to heat and dry stress consists in needle shedding, i.e. reduction in the assimilating area. As mountain populations are not usually exposed to heat waves, the impact of this phenomenon on them was the highest. On the other hand, the local (lowland) populations carrying information on the patterns of local climate from the reproduction period do not undergo any marked reduction in needle age classes.

There is a sufficient global potential to produce the food required to feed the world population on the global level. Despite this, the number of hungry people worldwide was 925 million in 2010. Developing countries account for 98% of the world undernourished people and have a prevalence of undernourishment of 16%. Food security increasingly depends on non-agricultural factors like energy, trade and finance. The negative economic and social impacts of food, energy and the global economic and financial crises showed the vulnerability to poverty. High and rising food prices further undermined the food security and threatened the livelihoods of the most vulnerable by decreasing their already limited purchasing power. The main step in reducing poverty and hunger in developing countries is to invest in agriculture and rural development. Scaled-up investments in social protection that focus on nutrition and health are also crucial for improving the lives of the poorest people.

Occurrences of pea aphids and their natural enemies (syrphids, mummies caused by entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria sp. and by the parasitic wasp Aphidius ervi) were compared in monocultures and mixtures of field peas and spring cereals in three seasons (2008-2010). At the beginning of colonisation, the occurrence of aphids was not substantially influenced by intercropping with cereals. However, the numbers of pea aphids located on inflorescences started to decline earlier in mixtures compared with monoculture. More syrphids (eggs + larvae) were found in mixtures than in monoculture, and more syrphid eggs were found in young aphid colonies (10 to 20 individuals) in mixtures. Intercropping did not influence the occurrence of fungal mummies (Beauveria sp.), but mixtures tended to have more aphid colonies infested by A. ervi in 2008 and 2009.

Combined culture of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis, L. plantarum i L. sanfranciscencis) and baker's yeasts was used in order to reduce immunoreactivity of gluten from wheat. Flour and dough samples were analysed in terms of lactic acid fermentation and thermal processing. Their immunoreactivity was determined with ELISA method using both anti-gliadin antibodies from patients suffering from coeliac disease and rabbit anti-QQQPP peptide (main epitope of flour allergen) antibodies. Also, immunoreactivity was measured in the final products after simulated digestion. The obtained total effectiveness of the fermentation and digestion processes amounted to less than 30% relative to immunoreactivity of human anti-gliadin antibodies and less than 10% relative to immunoreactivity of anti-QQQPP peptide antibodies as compared to the baking made with non-fermented flour.

Non-destructive and rapid monitoring methods for crude protein content (CPC) in rice grain are of significance in nitrogen diagnosis and grain quality monitoring, and in enhancing nutritional management and use efficiency. In this study, CPC and canopy spectra in rice were measured based on rice field experiment. Key spectral bands were selected by principal component analysis (PCA) method, and the predicted models were built by multiple linear regressions (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results showed that there is a significant correlation between CPC content and key spectral bands. The results of prediction for the three models were in order of PLSR > ANN > MLR with correlation values of 0.96, 0.92 and 0.90, respectively, for the validation data. Therefore, it is implied that CPC in rice (grain quality) could be estimated by canopy spectral data.

The aim of this study was to determine the energy efficiency indices in the agro-ecosystems of the Guilan province in 2010. One hundred and twenty-seven farmers were interviewed using a particularly designed questionnaire. The inputs in the calculation of energy use in agro-ecosystems embraced labour, machinery, electricity, diesel oil, fertilizers, seeds, while rice and straw yield were included in the output. The results depicted that total input and output energy into these agro-ecosystems were about 47,604 and 90,680.04 MJ/ha, respectively. The highest energy input was related to water (38.84%), electricity (27.87%) and nitrogen fertilizer (17.5%). Energy efficiency and energy productivity in these agro-ecosystems was 2.19 and 0.064 kg/MJ, respectively, and water productivity was 0.11 kg/m³. The results also showed that due to application of flood irrigation in these agro-ecosystems and also water elicited from subterranean sources by electrical pump, the inputs had the largest portion among the energy inputs to agro-ecosystems that this matter increased energy use in the unit area and also reduced energy efficiency and productivity.

In this study, the aim was to investigate the anatomy of the aortic arch in ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus). Five ground squirrels were investigated. The materials were carefully dissected and the arterial patterns of arteries originating from the aortic arch were examined. The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery were separated from the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk first gave the left common carotid artery, and then the right subclavian and common carotid artery detached from it. In all the animals examined, at the cranial thoracic entrance and after leaving from this entrance, similar branches arising from the left and right subclavian arteries were the common branch of the internal thoracic artery and the intercostal suprema artery, separate branches as the vertebral and descending scapular arteries and a common branch of the cervical superficial, the cervical profund, the suprascapular arteries and the spinal ramus. After separation of these branches, the continuation of the artery gave the external thoracic artery on the external face of the thoracic cavity and then formed the axillar artery. The axillary artery separated into the subscapular and the brachial arteries. In conclusion, the pattern of arteries originating from the aortic arch and the branches of these arteries were partially similar to what has been observed in red squirrels, and thus differ from other rodents and domestic mammals.

The causative agents of respiratory diseases of turkeys represent, primarily in fattening farms, a substantial risk of economic and breeding problems. The purpose of this communication is to provide information on the prevalence of respiratory agents of turkeys and chickens in several fattening and production farms in Southern Moravia. This study was focused on pathogens causing bacterial diseases such as Ornithobacteriosis and Mycoplasmosis, as well as viral rhinotracheitis and laryngotracheitis of poultry. The laboratory diagnosis of these diseases has been performed in our institute since January 2008. We examined 249 samples of turkeys and chickens from a single rearing house and six fattening farms in Southern Moravia. The samples were examined using the PCR or RT-PCR method. The typing of isolates of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale was done using the M13 fingerprinting method. We established the prevalence of pathogens such as Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) and laryngotracheitis virus (ILT) in selected farms.

In human medicine, the association between intussusceptions and inflammatory bowel disease is well known, even if referred to only in case reports or a small series of patients. The exact cause of intussusceptions, in general, is unknown; however, any lesion in the bowel wall or irritant in the lumen that alters the normal peristaltic pattern may initiate invagination. In Crohn's disease the lead point may be dysrhytmic contractions secondary to the on-going inflammatory process of a thickened, inflamed segment of bowel wall. In veterinary medicine, the information available related to the association of intussusceptions and inflammatory bowel disease is limited. The present study is the first reported case of a dog in which ileocolic intussusception and histiocytic ulcerative colitis appear to be associated. Moreover, this is also the first description of the involvement of the caecum in canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis. Herein, we document a condition previously reported in humans with inflammatory bowel disease, and we believe that this work contributes to identifying the similarities between human and canine inflammatory bowel disease.

Chemical seed protectants are used to reduce the adverse effects of seedling fungal pathogens or insect attack on legume pastures and crops. Chickpea seeds are also frequently treated with Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer inoculant to promote effective symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), which seems to be a cost effective measure. The population of viable Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer on seeds of chickpea declined with time of storage (4°C) in pesticide treated and untreated chickpea seeds in vitro. A significant reduction in chickpea rhizobia was observed in seed treatment with Captan followed by Endosulfan and Chlorpyrifos. In a field experiment during the winter season 2006-2008, no difference in the emergence count of chickpea plants was observed. Treatments inoculated with Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer alone or along with Captan, Chlorpyrifos or Endosulfan showed improved plant growth and symbiotic parameters (plant height, nodulation, leghaemoglobin content, and nitrogen content) in comparison with the uninoculated control treatment. Significantly higher grain yield (9.6%) was observed in the treatment inoculated with Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer alone as compared to the uninoculated control. A non-significant difference in grain yield among treatments where Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer along with a mixture of fungicide and insecticides was applied was observed in contrast to the Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer treatment. In conclusion, the recommended rates of fungicide and insecticides as seed treatment were not detrimental to chickpea-Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer symbiosis, hence they can be safely used to obtain higher productivity.

Mulberry (Morus L.) is an economically important tree being cultivated for its leaves to rear the silkworm Bombyx mori. Rearing of silkworm is an art and science popularly known as sericulture; an agrobased cottage industry provides employment to millions in China, India, Korea, Vietnam, etc. Mulberry is a perennial tree that maintains high heterozygosity due to the outbreeding reproductive system. It is recalcitrant to most of the conventional breeding methods, yet considerable improvement has been made in leaf yield and leaf quality. Conventional breeding in mulberry is a tedious, labour intensive and time taking process, which needs to be complemented with modern biotechnological methods to speed up the process. This article enumerates the problems, challenges, constraints and achievements in mulberry breeding along with recent advances in biotechnology and molecular biology to enable mulberry breeders to tackle specific problems more systematically and effectively.

Field experiments were conducted at two different locations (Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal and farm field Talagang, district Chakwal) for two crop-growing seasons in northern rainfed Punjab, Pakistan to assess the yield and micronutrient uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The treatments were four combinations of two levels of sulfur (15 and 30 kg/ha) from two sources (gypsum and ammonium sulfate) and a no-sulfur control. Application of sulfur resulted in a significant increase in seed yield up to 17% over control. Ammonium sulfate was a more efficient source of sulfur as compared to gypsum at both the locations. Sulfur application resulted in a significant increase in micronutrient uptake by plant; however effect of sulfur application on soil pH at the end of experiment was not significant. Availability of soil zinc and copper increased with sulfur application at the end of two year experiment. Tissue copper and iron and soil available copper and iron correlated negatively with soil pH. Sulfur should be applied to chickpea grown under rainfed conditions in order to increase seed yield, to improve nutritional composition of product and to enhance efficiency of other fertilizers.

The study was conducted to investigate the presence of Campylobacter spp. in meat sold to consumers at a retail market in Poland. Antimicrobial resistance and the presence of putative virulence genes of the isolates were also examined. A total of 558 meat samples, including beef (n = 105), pork (n = 85), and poultry (n = 368) were collected over an almost three year study period. It was found that 321 samples, all of them originating from poultry, were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Most of the obtained isolates were classified as C. coli (189 strains, 58.9%), whereas C. jejuni was identified in 132 (41.1%) samples. All Campylobacter strains were susceptible to gentamicin and all but one C. coli isolate to erythromycin. On the other hand, the highest level of resistance among Campylobacter tested was to ciprofloxacin (91% for C. jejuni and 86.1% for C. coli) and nalidixic acid (89.3% for C. jejuni and 85% for C. coli). Furthermore, resistance to two or more classes of antibiotics was found in the majority (60.9%) of Campylobacter spp. and among them one C. coli strain showed resistance to four different classes of antimicrobials. Identification of virulence genes in the isolated Campylobacter showed that all of them had the flaA and cadF genes. The iam marker was found more often in C. coli strains (88.8%) compared to C. jejuni isolates (53.8%). On the other hand, the virB11 gene was identified only in 4.2% of C. coli and in 6.1% of C. jejuni strains, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of the cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC genes among C. jejuni strains was 97.7%, 93.2%, 96.2%, respectively, and was significantly higher than for C. coli regarding the cdtC (66.7%) gene. The obtained results showed that the presence of Campylobacter in retail meat may represent a threat to public health.

We provide fundamental information about the future development of selected climate elements in relation to anticipated threat to forests in the Czech Republic. All analyses were carried out in relation to four elevation zones with specific potential forest vegetation - up to 350 m a.s.l. (oak dominance), 350-600 m a.s.l. (beech dominance), 600-900 m a.s.l. (beech-fir dominance), 900-1,100 m a.s.l. (spruce dominance). We found out that while the projected increase in mean annual air temperature is almost constant over the Czech Republic (+3.25-3.5°C in the distant future), the frequency of heat spells at lower elevations is expected to increase dramatically compared to higher elevations. The precipitation totals during the vegetation season are projected to increase in the near future by up to 10% and to decrease in the distant future by up to 10% over all vegetation zones. In general, drought is presumed to become a key limiting factor at lower elevations, while increased temperature along with the prolonged vegetation season at higher elevations can be beneficial to forest vegetation. Consequently, northward progression of forest tree species and retraction of the species lower distribution range are a generic response pattern. Such impacts are presumed to be accompanied by changes in the distribution and population dynamics of pests and pathogens. Mainly the impacts on two key forest pests, Ips typographus and Lymantria dispar, are discussed.