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Antibiotics used in animal feeds have recently been strictly regulated to avoid antibiotic resistance in humans. Thus, scientists are compelled to find new feed additives to replace antibiotics in feed. Apart from having a zero effect on human health, new alternatives may even be able to further improve production performance. Essential oils (EOs) and organic acids (OAs) stood out as powerful and useful replacements for both animal production and human population. These are added to chicken diets and drinking water to induce a favourable growth response. Hence, enhancing the nutrient digestibility, performance, and immunity of birds, OAs and EOs are used in livestock production mainly to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and simultaneously maintain the balance of intestinal bacteria. This improves the digestion of nutrients and mineral absorption which will eventually lead to better feed efficiency. The addition of OAs and EOs also causes the intestinal lining to thin, which further enhances nutrient absorption and utilization. Not only for poultry production, the effect of OAs and EOs can also improve poultry immunity and antioxidant capacity. However, the effects will vary depending on the type of OAs and EOs because their mode of action is dependent on their pKa value. In the present review, beneficial properties of OAs and EOs, as well as various dose combinations, to promote their optimal use in poultry nutrition and production will be examined. Their effects on supporting protein digestion, faster absorption of minerals, especially microminerals, stimulating growth performance, regulating antioxidant capacity, and improving immune response will be explored.

Genetic modifications can improve the health status and disease resistance of farm animals. In the previous study, genetically modified (GM) sheep overexpressing toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) were produced. The GM sheep had stronger ability to eliminate invasive microbes compared to the wild-type (WT) sheep. Physiological status and immune homeostasis, blood parameters, body composition, and gastrointestinal microbial diversity were evaluated in this study to elucidate the effects of TLR4 overexpression. In a set of 10 GM rams, the TLR4 mRNA and protein expression levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, muscle, kidney, and spleen were higher than those of the WT (n = 10; P < 0.05). No significant differences in the parameters of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and in the composition of circulating T lymphocyte subsets were observed between the GM and WT sheep (P > 0.05). Of the biochemical parameters, only total protein levels differed (were higher) in the GM sheep than in the WT sheep (P < 0.05) while no significant differences were observed for the other indices (P > 0.05). GM and WT sheep showed similar offal weights and muscle fatty acid and amino acid compositions (P > 0.05). Furthermore, TLR4 overexpression did not affect the community structure of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota. Eleven KEGG pathways associated with the TLR4 gene, physiology and biochemistry, growth and metabolism, fatty acids, and amino acids did not demonstrate significant differences between the GM and WT sheep (P > 0.05). In conclusion, TLR4 overexpression had no principal or adverse effects on the physiological development and health of sheep, except for the general mRNA and protein expression levels.

Using probiotics represents a potential solution to post-weaning diarrheal diseases in piglets on commercial farms. The gastrointestinal tract of wild boars serves as a promising reservoir of novel lactic acid bacteria with suitable probiotic characteristics. In this study, we isolated eight bacterial strains from the intestinal content of wild boars identified as representatives of the species Bifidobacterium apri, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius. These isolates underwent in vitro analysis and characterisation to assess their biological safety and probiotic properties. Analysis of their full genome sequences revealed the absence of horizontally transferrable genes for antibiotic resistance. However, seven out of eight isolates harboured genes encoding various types of bacteriocins in their genomes, and bacteriocin production was further confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. Most of the tested strains demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of selected pathogenic bacteria, produce exopolysaccharides, and stimulate the expression of interleukin-10 in porcine macrophages. These characteristics deem the isolates characterised in this study as potential candidates for use as probiotics for piglets during the post-weaning period.

The 2021 Cyclone Seroja was a category 3 storm that made landfall on Lembata Island, causing extensive damage. This study aims to identify key interpretations of sediment transport related to tropical cyclones (TC) Seroja and past floods using a geopedological approach, estimate the return period through frequency analysis, and determine the rainfall threshold for flooding using HEC-RAS software. Extreme rainfall data from global precipitation model (GPM) (2000–2023) in Wei Laing watershed were analysed alongside LiDAR terrain data, physical and chemical properties of soil, and land cover data. Based on geopedological analysis, the result shows that the erosional-transfer zone of Wei Laing Watershed has thin, loamy, and slightly sandy soils due to erosion and limited pedogenesis. The depositional zone contains flood deposits with abrupt vertical texture changes, reflecting transported coarse grains and finer in-situ sediments. The modern flood deposit (TC Seroja flood deposit) was identified by texture, CaCO₃ content, organic matter, and coarse organic material. The fine-grained flood deposits (≤ 4 cm) are classified as slackwater deposits, consist of silty clay loam and silt loam textures, reflecting deposition under slow-flowing conditions. TC Seroja corresponds to a 50-year return period. Hydrological modelling indicates a 60 mm/day rainfall threshold for flooding, with 77 flood events recorded between 2000–2023. The model is confirmed by thick past flood deposits enriched with coarse organic materials. These findings provide insight into flood dynamics and sedimentary responses, supporting future flood risk mitigation efforts.

With the increase in the world population and the ensuing surge in organic waste, effective management strategies are crucial to prevent environmental pollution. This study aims to address this challenge by utilising organic waste (OW) as the substrate for the production of lactic acid (LA) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through anaerobic bioprocessing. The substrates used, included grass, starch, and fruit wastes inoculated with non-sterile inoculum landfill soil (LS). The anaerobic bioconversion was performed by varying the substrate to the inoculum. The results unveil that a digester loaded with 150 g·L^–1 of fruit waste, exhibits the highest concentration of LA, reaching a significance of 25 mmol·L^–1. A digester fed with 100 g·L^–1 starch, also manifests significant LA production (18.50 mmol·L^–1). A digester, supplied with 150 g·L^–1 starch waste, showcases the highest VFA (92.5 mmol·L^–1). Intriguingly, the anaerobic bioprocessing of the grass substrate did not produce LA at all, yet al. the substrates showcased VFA production, albeit with fluctuating and lower concentrations. This study highlights the potential of incorporating simple sugar for enhanced LA production and starch-based substrates for increased VFA production when utilising LS as the inoculum. The anaerobic bioprocessing shows promising outcomes for the future development in sustainable waste utilisation.

This study aims to analyse the key company-level variables influencing pollutant emissions in the Spanish agri-food sector and investigate the bidirectional relationship between international trade and environmental performance. Using panel data from 2007–2020, we employ discrete choice models to test causal relationships between business variables and environmental impact. Empirical findings show a negative correlation between internationalisation and polluting emissions from agri-food companies. Additionally, other factors, such as company age and size, also influence this index. These results provide valuable insights for economic decision-makers in the agri-food market, highlighting the implications of international trade and business variables on pollution levels.

The paper explores the influence of global pandemic uncertainty (GPU) on food prices (FP) by using the mixed-frequency vector autoregression (MF-VAR) model. Empirical findings indicate that the influence of GPU on FP varies across different scenarios, exhibiting either positive, negative, or insignificant effects. A positive influence implies that GPU fuels panic-buying and stockpiling behaviours, thereby boosting food demand. Concurrently, disruptions in agricultural production and food export restrictions tighten the market supply, potentially pushing FP upwards. Conversely, a negative effect suggests that the global economic downturn and food safety anxieties stemming from pandemic-related uncertainty may dampen food demand, causing FP to decline. In some instances, FP remains unaffected mainly by GPU due to the competing pressures from adverse climate change risks on the food market. Notably, FP's predictive error variance decomposition underscores that the net impact of GPU on FP is stimulatory. This overall effect aligns with the inter-temporal capital asset pricing model (ICAPM), which posits a positive influence of GPU on FP. The findings recommend that consumers and investors diversify their food sources, while policymakers should bolster food supply chain resilience, promote sustainable agriculture, establish emergency reserves and coordinate aid.

The purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence rate of European rose chafer (Cetonia aurata) on American highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). The observation was made from the beginning of flowering to the end of harvest of the blueberry cultivars ‘Duke’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Huron’. The incidence occurs during the first harvest of the ‘Duke’ cultivar. Three rows per cultivar, with 90 plants per row, were monitored during the research. Insects were collected on 15 infested plants per row, randomly selected, and counted. This procedure was repeated every second day, 3 times a day: in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. The highest presence of the insect was recorded at the full ripening phase of the ‘Duke’ cultivar, with 25.5% of bushes being infested and an average of 12.7 beetles per bush counted. The damage percentage varied over the harvesting periods: 29% of the fruits were damaged in the first harvest, 13% in the second harvest, and 8% during the third harvest. While ‘Legacy’ and ‘Huron’ stood out with 5.55% and 3.33% of infected bushes, respectively, and minor fruit damage. This research proves that the European rose chafer in the area of the experiment is a harmful pest of early cultivated blueberry cultivars.

This study investigates the benefits of using mine tailings (MT) to improve pea (Pisum sativum L.) growth and productivity on degraded agricultural soils in semi-arid environments. The research aims to evaluate the use of MT as an innovative soil amendment and to determine the optimal dose required to enhance the micronutrient availability of Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe without affecting soil quality. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse pots with three different soil types amended with different MT doses (control and four doses). Soil samples were collected from the Doukkala region, one of the main agricultural areas in Morocco. Pea was grown in pots and monitored for 87 days until maturity. After harvest, soil and plant samples were weighed, measured and analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The experiment found that moderate doses (0.2 g/kg to 1 g/kg) applied to all soil types promoted optimal pea growth by improving plant height, root and above-ground biomass and pod number. Thus, MT can act as a biostimulant. However, nutrient antagonism negatively affected growth at the highest dose (4 g/kg). Bioconcentration and translocation factors indicated efficient micronutrient uptake and biofortification, while heavy metals remained immobilised in roots, effectively eliminating toxicity risks.

This study investigated how wheat (C3) and maize (C4) respond to soil thallium (Tl) contamination and elevated CO₂ (eCO₂), aiming to understand strategies for mitigating oxidative stress. Under eCO₂, both crops showed higher biomass production. However, high Tl concentration (120 mg/kg) significantly decreased fresh and dry weights by 31–59%, which translated directly to compromised yield. This growth decline is linked to impaired photosynthesis, evidenced by a 54–57% drop in net photosynthetic rate under elevated Tl. Such photosynthetic inhibition intensifies oxidative stress, marked by increased membrane damage and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, photorespiration contributed to oxidative stress by generating H₂O₂, with increased activities of glycolate oxidase and hydroxypyruvate reductase rising by 122% and 201%, in wheat and by 179% and 39% in maize, respectively, in response to 120 mg/kg TI under eCO₂ conditions. Simultaneously, to mitigate oxidative damage, antioxidant defences were significantly enhanced, resulting in increased activity of the ascorbate (ASC)/glutathione (GSH) cycle, along with elevated levels of metallothionein and phytochelatin for Tl sequestration, as well as augmented glutathione S-transferase activity. Overall, findings reveal complex interactions between CO₂ and Tl, highlighting species-specific adaptive responses of C3 and C4 plants. C3 plants use photorespiration to combat oxidative stress, while C3 and C4 plants have strong antioxidant systems to reduce the effects of oxidative stress, promoting crop resilience and growth despite Tl toxicity.

Antimony (Sb) pollution from industrial activities poses a severe global threat, particularly impacting valuable medicinal crops like linseed, which are highly sensitive to heavy metals. This study reveals the remarkable potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as a sustainable solution to this challenge. Our research demonstrates that while Sb stress significantly impairs linseed growth and photosynthesis, it also triggers oxidative damage. AMF improved photosynthetic performance and water status, and notably enhanced the biosynthesis of crucial phytochemicals like phenolics, flavonoids, and citric acid. These compounds are vital for both plant defence and human health. Furthermore, AMF promoted the accumulation of essential detoxifying agents, leading to a better redox balance and significantly reducing Sb uptake and translocation by 47%. This dual action not only bolsters the plant’s tolerance to Sb but also enhances its medicinal value by boosting health-promoting bioactive metabolites. These promising findings underscore AMF’s dual role: a powerful tool for phytoremediation and a natural enhancer of phytochemical quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide a sustainable, nature-inspired approach to safely cultivate medicinal plants in environments contaminated with heavy metals, underscoring the vital role of plant-microbe interactions in alleviating environmental stresses.

Global climate change (GCC) and increasing drought frequency pose a threat to the stability of European forests, particularly those of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] plantations. We investigated how different pre-commercial thinning (PCT) intensities affect leaf area index (LAI) and its relationship to soil water content (SWC) in young spruce stands in northeastern Czechia. Three permanent research plots in a 13-year-old monoculture were subjected to mild PCT, heavy PCT, or left as an unthinned control in winter 2019/2020. Thinning caused an immediate decrease in LAI, with averages of 8.3 ± 1.1 m²·m^–2 (mild), 3.8 ± 0.5 m²·m^–2 (heavy) and 11.1 ±1.1 m²·m^–2 (control) in 2020. By 2023, LAI in the mildly thinned stand had largely converged with the control, whereas the heavily thinned stand maintained significantly lower LAI. The strongest relationship between LAI and SWC occurred in the heavily thinned plot (R² = 0.715 in 2021), while correlations were weak or transient in the mildly thinned and control plots. These results indicate that PCT intensity influences both the magnitude and duration of LAI reduction and is associated with differences in stand water dynamics. Appropriately adjusted thinning may therefore modestly affect water availability and could contribute to adaptive management of spruce forests under GCC.

With the growing population, increasing income, and high-speed lifestyle, people pay more attention to a healthy diet and nutritional food. Organic food, also regarded as healthy, sustainable, or eco-friendly eating, has gained global popularity. This trend has been particularly amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a surge in demand for nutritious foods worldwide. Organic food originated in Europe, with the highest development globally. Its progress varies by country. China's organic food industry began decades ago, growing rapidly. As globalisation advances and China's economy accelerates, it is valuable to examine the organic food industries in Hungary and China. In order to understand the willingness of consumers to buy organic food, we conducted a survey for a month in 2021 from 581 respondents in Hungary (185), China (374), and other countries, compared the respondents' demographic data, organic food consumption and their buying willingness and attitude to recommend organic food to other consumers. The decision tree analysis was deployed to analyse the statistical data via SPSS software. It showed that organic food has a positive demand in both Hungary and China, but some purchase habits are different in these two countries.

This experimental study evaluated the therapeutic potential of a liquorice-derived hydroalcoholic extract in managing experimentally induced peritonitis in New Zealand rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6): one control group, one negative control group (infected but untreated), three treatment groups that received the liquorice-derived extract at 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg, and one positive control group treated with enrofloxacin. The confirmation of peritoneal infection relied on histopathological and radiographic tests. The effect of the liquorice extract on the peritoneal infection was evaluated using biochemical, haematological, and ultrasound analyses across the groups. The ultrasound examination, along with the haematological and biochemical evaluation on the 20^th day after induction, showed significant differences between the groups. The results demonstrated that higher doses of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg were more effective than the lower dose of 0.5 g/kg. The haematological and biochemical analyses revealed significant differences in several variables (including WBC, neutrophils, fibrinogen, and liver enzymes) between the treated and control groups, with the most pronounced improvements observed in the group receiving 2 g/kg of liquorice extract, suggesting a dose-dependent therapeutic effect. The administration of a hydroalcoholic extract of liquorice at different doses, along with the standard treatment with enrofloxacin, affected various haematological and biochemical variables in the context of peritoneal infection management. In conclusion, the effectiveness of the liquorice-derived extract is dose-dependent and could be used as an effective therapeutic agent in peritoneal infections in New Zealand rabbits. These findings showed that the liquorice-derived extract effectively improves the local inflammatory and structural changes associated with peritoneal infection without adversely affecting systemic biochemical homeostasis.

High salt (sodium chloride) consumption is a significant public health concern worldwide. There is strong scientific evidence that a high-sodium diet is associated with increased rates of several health problems. This article aims to replace the salt content of sliced bread with salt encapsulated in xanthan gum, providing a non-homogeneous distribution of salt to maintain the perception of salty taste. The key focus of this research is to maintain the product's sensory characteristics and ensure consumer acceptance, a crucial aspect in the success of any food product. For this purpose, three sliced bread formulations were developed and compared: Formulation 1 (F1) as the standard, and Formulations 2 (F2) and 3 (F3) using the encapsulated salt technique, with respective reductions of 30% and 50% in salt. Physicochemical analyses were performed on the products of the three bread formulations. Sensory analysis was also performed on the products from the three bread formulations, involving 80 untrained tasters, to evaluate and compare salt intensity. Thus, it was evaluated that F1 and F2 did not present statistical differences in the sodium content, while F3 presented a difference between the others. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that reducing sodium by 29% using xanthan gum encapsulation can be an alternative to reducing salt without lowering flavour perception.

A field experiment was conducted with potatoes to examine the effects of hydrogel application and weather conditions on total tuber yield and the content of potentially harmful compounds – glycoalkaloids and nitrates. The first experimental factor comprised three table cultivars: Lawenda, Rima and Provita. The second factor consisted of three treatments: the application of the hydrogel AgroNanoGel Basic at 60 and 90 kg/ha, and a control treatment without hydrogel. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant effects of cultivar, hydrogel application rates, and hydrothermal conditions in the study years on potato tuber yield. The highest yields were produced by cv. Lawenda, and the most favourable yield-forming effects were observed when the hydrogel had been applied at 90 kg/ha. The levels of antinutritional compounds were significantly affected by the experimental factors and weather conditions during the study years. Cv. Rima accumulated the lowest levels of glycoalkaloids, whereas cv. Lawenda contained the least nitrates (V). The hydrogel increased the content of both glycoalkaloids and nitrates relative to the control treatment, although their levels posed no risk to human health. Higher concentrations of antinutritional compounds were recorded in the dry and warm 2024 season than in the cooler and more humid 2025 season.

This study was conducted to find out the seasonal evapotranspiration (ET_c) and crop coefficient (K_c) for walnut trees (ages one to nine) that were grown with drip irrigation in Türkiye’s semi-arid climate. Three different irrigation levels were applied at five-day intervals based on cumulative Class A pan evaporation using irrigation treatment coefficients (K_t = 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25) during the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 growing seasons. The amount of irrigation water applied to the treatments varied from year to year according to the measured Class A pan evaporation amounts. The total amount of irrigation water applied to the treatment subjects varied between 371.7 mm and 619.6 mm as an average of eight years. Total ET_c of walnut trees varied over the years depending on the applied irrigation water and measured rainfall. The total evapotranspiration estimated from the I₂ treatment, representing the irrigation regime in which 100% of Class A pan evaporation was applied, fluctuated between 676.5 and 585.9 mm over the study years. The daily reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) values are calculated as between 1.85 and 7.07 mm/day. The K_c values for walnut trees were calculated as 0.55 for April, 0.71 for May, 1.02 for June, 1.07 for July, 1.01 for August, and 0.74 for September on average. The research revealed that seasonal evapotranspiration and plant coefficient values can assist in calculating the water requirements of walnut trees and improve water management in semi-arid regions.

Weeds are the major menace to agriculture, which greatly impact crop growth and development, resulting in economic yield loss or crop failures. Therefore, it is indispensable to take up appropriate weed management practices to prevent the effects of weeds on crops. Chemical herbicides have immense potential for effective control of weeds, but, in the long run, the persistent nature of herbicides adversely affects the soil microbes and also that terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Bioherbicides are products derived from plant extracts, allelochemicals or microbes and their secondary metabolites with weed-suppressing abilities. Most microbial bioherbicides are based on fungi and its active ingredients, which successfully control weeds with different mode of actions. Moreover, the toxins or secondary metabolites the fungi produce also possess herbicidal properties. So, exploring the fungal pathogens and their toxins for managing weeds seems to be a feasible and eco-friendly way for the management of weeds. There is a wider scope for utilizing fungi and their secondary metabolites as mycoherbicides, which have the potential to replace hazardous chemical herbicides in the near future. This review article mainly emphasizes the scope of mycoherbicides and explores the fungal secondary metabolites for eco-friendly weed control.

The rate of climate change advancement and its predicted impact are valid reasons for intense discourse on the topic of choosing the most suitable silvicultural and adaptation measures for the longevity and sustainability of forest communities. Changes in growth conditions of plants can be expected in both vertical (altitudinal) and horizontal (geographical) directions. The anticipated occurrence rate of these changes should, according to climate models, be higher than the natural adaptability rate of longevous tree species. This study focuses on the possibility of utilising regional geographical units of the Czech Republic (Central Europe) – Natural Forest Areas (NFAs) – for introducing the principles of assisted forest migration to national silviculture policies in order to find solutions for the predicted climate change scenarios. The primary objectives are (i) to review the history of the NFA concept, (ii) to discuss the perspectives of NFAs with regard to climate change, and (iii) to propose possible solutions for further development in comparison with alternative approaches to horizontal classification of the Czech Republic. This study is the first of its kind that provides a complete textual and graphic overview of the NFAs' history from 1959 to 2018, highlighting the purpose of NFAs as both frameworks for the maintenance of the genetic potential of forest tree species' populations and frameworks for long-term strategic management planning. Further development of the concept is discussed in connection with the main principles of assisted forest migration and the possibility of employing geospatial modellation analyses for a more precise definition of current NFA borders. An assessment of the areas' potential is also debated, mainly with an emphasis on the zonality of forest sites.

Optimising the feed composition, especially the forage choice, and reducing costs are essential for improving dairy production efficiency. Different forage sources and proportions were used to formulate rations containing equal energy and protein, and their effects on rumen microbiota and milk production performance of dairy cows were evaluated in two experiments. In experiment 1, thirty lactating cows (235 ±13 d postpartum; milk production 29.1 ± 1.0 kg/day) were divided into Pangola and Bermuda groups. In experiment 2, twenty lactating cows (79.9 ± 8.1 d postpartum; milk production 34.7 ± 0.6 kg/day) were divided into Pangola and oat groups. In experiment 1, the Simpson index for rumen microbiota of the Pangola group was significantly higher than in the Bermuda group (P < 0.05). Analysis of the weighted unique fraction (UniFrac) distances indicated significant differences in the beta diversity of the community composition of rumen microbiota between Pangola, Bermuda and oat groups in both experiments (P < 0.001). The relative abundance of Prevotella brevis was significantly higher in the Pangola group than in the oat group in experiment 2 (P < 0.05). The somatic cell counts (SCCs), C18:0, and C18:1 in milk were significantly higher in the Bermuda group than in the Pangola group (P < 0.05) in experiment 1. On the other hand, milk crude protein (CP) and solids-not-fat (SNF) were significantly higher in the Oat group than in the Pangola group (P < 0.05) in experiment 2; however, milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was significantly higher in the Pangola group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a switch of forage (Pangola vs Bermuda) at a lower proportion of the diet under the high forage level condition (experiment 1) caused only minor changes in rumen microbiota diversity (Simpson index, beta diversity) and milk production performance (milk SCCs, C18:0 and C18:1). On the other hand, a switch of forage (Pangola vs oat) at a higher proportion of the diet under the low forage level condition (experiment 2) resulted in greater changes in rumen microbiota diversity (beta diversity, relative abundances of bacterial taxa, P. brevis relative abundance) and milk production performance (milk CP, SNF, and MUN).

To research the impact of free radical oxidation on myosin, we established a hydroxyl radical oxidation system using iron/hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid. By varying hydrogen peroxide concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20 mmol·L^–1), we achieved different oxidation levels of myosin and investigated the effects on its structural and functional characteristics. The results showed that when the H₂O₂ concentration was 20 mmol·L^–1, compared with the control group, the carbonyl content of myosin was 2.376 times higher, the sulfhydryl content was decreased by 37.02%, the surface hydrophobicity was increased by 59.13%, the solubility was decreased by 19.54%, and the turbidity was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Myosin emulsification, emulsification stability, and foaming capacity initially increased and then they diminished, and the maximum value was reached when the H₂O₂ concentration was 5 mmol·L^–1, whereas foaming stability remained relatively unchanged. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis research revealed increased crosslinking and protein polymerisation in oxidised myosin. The secondary structure of myosin measured by Fourier infrared spectroscopy showed that the α-helix content decreased by 14.41% and the β-fold content increased by 44.50%. These results suggested that oxidative modification alters the structural and functional properties of myosin, providing valuable insights for its structural and functional analyses.

This study aimed to evaluate ozone (O₃) phytotoxic potential using AOT40F (accumulated O₃ concentration over a threshold of 40 ppb for forest protection), document visible foliar O₃ injury across eight forest monitoring plots, analyse MDA (malondialdehyde) content in leaves and needles, and assess the relationship between visible injury and plot conditions. Initial findings are based on data from the 2021 and 2022 vegetation seasons. AOT40F values exceeded the critical level of 5 ppm·h^–1 at all plots, with higher values in 2022. The correlation between AOT40F and visible injury was inconsistent; in 2021, minimal visible O₃ injuries were observed, while these were more frequent in 2022, notably on Fagus sylvatica leaves. The altitude effect on O₃ concentration indicates greater vegetation damage at higher altitudes. In contrast, the AOT40F-altitude relation was not significant. The 2021 vegetation season was characterised by lower temperatures and higher relative air humidity and soil moisture in comparison to 2022. Stomatal conductance conditions were similar in both years, except for lower soil moisture in 2022. Soil moisture, air humidity, and temperature together accounted for about 50% of the variance in visible injury in 2022. The findings suggest that the AOT40F capability for predicting damage to vegetation is limited and highlight the importance of future research focusing on stomatal O₃ flux-based approaches.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of laying hybrid lines of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus f. domestica) and their age on ejaculate parameters in roosters. Parameters assessed included ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), percentage of normal spermatozoa, and sperm motility. Additionally, morphological defects were observed: defects of the acrosome, head, neck, tail, and immature spermatozoa. The study included 120 roosters of the Barred Plymouth Rock, Sussex Light, Rhode Island Red, and Rhode Island White laying lines. Ejaculate was repeatedly evaluated at the ages of 34, 43, and 52 weeks. The average ejaculate volume was 0.52 ml, sperm concentration 2.53 × 10⁹ cm^–3, motility 81.1%, and defect occurrence rates were as follows: acrosome defects 0.7%, head defects 3.0%, neck defects 2.4%, and tail defects 2.9%. A statistically significant effect (P < 0.01) of the line was observed for all parameters except tail defects. Statistically significant differences between age categories were confirmed for volume, sperm concentration, TSC, immature spermatozoa, and normal spermatozoa (P < 0.01), as well as for ejaculate volume, neck, and tail defects (P < 0.05). The volume, concentration and TSC reached significantly higher values at 43 weeks of age. The incidence of normal spermatozoa and immature spermatozoa was significantly lower at 34 weeks of age. The interaction of age and line was significant (P < 0.01) for sperm concentration, TSC, motility, head, tail, and normal spermatozoa. The highest values of volume, concentration, and TSC were observed in the BPR line, which also exhibited the lowest occurrence of head defects and immature spermatozoa. The RIR line showed a higher occurrence of sperm defects. Younger roosters (34 and 43 weeks of age) had higher ejaculate parameter values and a higher occurrence of sperm defects compared to the older ones.

Sheep production represents an important source of income for farmers in Türkiye; however, reproductive inefficiencies during the anoestrus period pose a major challenge to productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of injectable trace minerals (copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc) on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes synchronised during the anoestrous period. A total of 200 clinically healthy ewes were randomly allocated to two groups: the trace mineral group (TRACE, n = 100), which received 2 ml of a trace mineral solution 14 days before oestrus synchronisation, and the control group (CON, n = 100), which received 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl. Oestrus was synchronised using intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 days, followed by administration of 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin at sponge removal. Ewes were hand-mated for five days following synchronisation. Variables assessed included serum trace mineral concentrations, response to synchronisation, and reproductive outcomes (oestrus rate, pregnancy rate, lambing rate, incidence of multiple births, and dystocia). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between groups in serum concentrations of copper, zinc, or manganese. Although the duration of oestrus was significantly longer in the TRACE group compared to control (29.66 ± 0.96 h vs 26.09 ± 0.89 h; P = 0.006), all other reproductive indicators were similar between groups. These findings suggest that a single pre-synchronisation injection of trace minerals does not significantly improve the reproductive performance or mineral status in anoestrous Awassi ewes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing and dosing strategies for supplementing trace minerals in sheep.

An unstructured mathematical model is proposed to describe the fermentation kinetics of growth, lactic acid production, pH and sugar consumption by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus WDCM 00102 (National Bank for Industrial Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Sofia, Bulgaria) as a function of the buffering capacity and initial dry matter concentration of pretreated biomass of Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis) ('Simbiotex' Ltd., Sofia, Bulgaria) in the culture media. Initially the experimental data of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus WDCM 00102 fermentations in algae-based media with different buffering capacities and dry matter concentrations were fitted to a set of primary models. Later the parameters obtained from these models were used to establish mathematical relationships with the independent variables tested. The models were validated with 6 fermentations of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus WDCM 00102 in different algae-based media. In most cases, the proposed models adequately describe the biochemical changes taking place during fermentation and are a promising approach for the formulation of algae-based probiotic foods.

Cold stress significantly impacts sesame during its early growth stages, with varying responses observed among different genotypes. Ten genotypes were evaluated for phenotypic response to various temperatures during germination. Cold stress at 10, 12, 14, and 16 °C inhibited germination, with zero germination at 10 °C. At 14 °C, genotypes showed significant germination variation, and it was selected as the threshold temperature for assessing cold tolerance in sesame. Four genotypes were grouped into two, and each group with extreme germination responses (high and low) were selected for further biochemical and physiological studies. Genotypes V5 and V7 exhibited higher cold tolerance, better germination percentage, and seedling parameters under low temperatures, while V8 and V9 showed significant reductions, indicating cold sensitivity. Biochemical analyses revealed that cold-tolerant genotypes had enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, as well as higher proline accumulation compared to sensitive genotypes. These antioxidants played a crucial role in mitigating the oxidative stress induced by cold, as evidenced by lower levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in the tolerant genotypes. Cold-tolerant genotypes also accumulated higher soluble sugars and protein levels, contributing to osmotic regulation and membrane stability. The findings highlight the importance of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in cold stress tolerance, suggesting these biochemical markers could be used to identify and develop cold-resistant sesame cultivars. The results offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cold tolerance and provide a foundation for breeding efforts to improve sesame cold resistance.

The research was conducted in 2014–2017 in a multi-cultivar apple orchard in the Experimental Orchard of the National Institute of Horticultural Research (IO-PIB) in Dąbrowice near Skierniewice. To determine the actual Venturia inaequalis ascospores release dates, the Burkard spore trap installed in a plot of the McIntosh cv. that was not protected against apple scab was used. Monitoring of ascospore releases was carried out annually, starting from the appearance of numerous colouring (maturing) ascospores in the pseudothecia (usually in the second decade of March) and ending at the second half of June, usually about two weeks after the last release of these spores. The sums of ascospores detected on a given day and their proportion in all ascospores recorded during primary infections were calculated. The obtained results formed the basis for the analysis of forecast indications of the A-scab, Metos (Metos® Pessl Instruments), and RIMpro-Venturia models in connection with meteorological data from the Metos weather station installed in this orchard and to compare them with the actual release dates recorded by the Burkard spore trap. Depending on the year, significant differences were found in the number and intensity of V. inaequalis ascospore releases and in their beginning and end dates.

The substantial increase in grain production stimulated by traditional agricultural direct subsidies has been accompanied by a concomitant decrease in ecological quality, precipitated by excessive application of chemical fertilisers, which has generated countervailing effects that fundamentally undermine the positive effect of subsidy policies on agricultural output. Consequently, the mitigation of agricultural pollution and the elevation of ecological quality have emerged as pivotal directions for the reform of agricultural subsidies. Using both time-varying difference-in-differences (DID) models and spatial DID models in this study, we examined the effect of agricultural 'three subsidies' reform on agricultural fertiliser nonpoint source pollution (AFNSP), drawing on China's province-sector panel data from 2008 to 2022. The empirical evidence yields several salient findings. First, the three subsidies reform can significantly reduce AFNSP and improve ecological quality. Second, the large-scale operation of agricultural households and the enhancement of agricultural production efficiency serve as effective pathways for the three subsidies reform to reduce AFNSP. Third, the implementation of the three subsidies reform engenders significant spatial spillover effects, which play a crucial role in reducing overall regional AFNSP. Fourth, the efficacy of the three subsidies reform exhibits heterogeneity across diverse agroecological contexts and farming cultures. Last, the reform has resulted in notable improvements in agricultural ecological quality, thereby reinforcing food security capabilities. These findings not only offer valuable reference for refining agricultural subsidy reform but also contribute to the development of a comprehensive framework that simultaneously safeguards agroecological security and food security.

Enhancing sustainability in agriculture requires innovative practices that boost crop productivity while conserving natural resources. This two-season field study (2023–2025) in sandy soils of El Sadat City, Egypt, evaluated the combined effects of nano-fertilisers and seed priming on the growth and yield of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Five fertilisation regimes, ranging from 100% conventional to 100% nano-formulations, were tested under both primed and unprimed seed treatments. The results demonstrated that the integration of nano-fertilisers with seed priming significantly improved sugar yield (up to 36.1 t/ha), sucrose content (20.35%), and nitrogen use efficiency (55.1 kg sugar/kg N). Post-harvest soil analysis showed improved nutrient retention, indicating enhanced environmental performance. This approach supports climate-smart agriculture by optimising nutrient input, reducing losses, and improving soil sustainability. Our findings highlight the potential of nano-agronomic inputs to contribute to global food security under conditions of climate change.

Medetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist, is used for sedation. This study aimed to determine the influence of the alpha-2 adrenoreceptor antagonist vatinoxan, co-administered with medetomidine, on healthy dogs’ intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD). A prospective, randomised, masked clinical study was performed. A total of 40 conscious dogs were allocated to one of two groups: medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg with vatinoxan 0.2 mg/kg intravenously (MV-group, n = 20) or medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg intravenously (M-group, n = 20). The IOP, PD, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were measured prior to baseline and 5, 10, and 20 min after drug administration. Data were analysed using one- and two-way repeated measures ANOVA or their non-parametric equivalents (P < 0.05). No significant differences in IOP within or between groups were recorded. In the MV-group, PD remained unchanged compared to baseline. In the M-group, PD significantly (P = 0.007, P < 0.001, P < 0.001) decreased compared to baseline at all observation times. PD was significantly (P = 0.010, P < 0.001, P < 0.001) smaller in the M-group at all observation times compared to the MV-group. Vatinoxan co-administered with medetomidine, as well as medetomidine alone, did not significantly influence IOP. Vatinoxan with medetomidine did not affect PD, while medetomidine alone significantly reduced it.