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The aim of the present study was to correlate the milk production and the kinetic variables in milk of cephalothin administered to goats. Twenty healthy creole goats in milk production were used. Cephalothin was administered by intravenous route (20 mg/kg b.w.). Milk samples were collected at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 12.0 hours postadministration of the antibiotic. Cephalothin concentrations were measured in milk samples by high performance liquid chromatography. The values (mean ± standard error) of milk production collected during 24 hours previous to the administration of the antibiotic were 761.5 ± 111.1 ml. The results of the kinetic variables (mean ± standard error) of cephalothin in milk were: AUC = 5.4 ± 1.6 µg/ml/h; C_max= 1.1 ± 0.3 µg/ml and t_max = 1.7 ± 0.1 h. The correlation coefficients AUC-milk production, C_max-milk production and t_max-milk production were: 0.602 (P < 0.01), 0.596 (P < 0.01) and 0.398 (P < 0.1), respectively. In conclusion, the areas under the curve and the maximum concentrations and the time to reach them in milk are in fact related to the volume of milk produced by the goats

A long-term study carried out within the 1967 All-Poland Larch Provenance Experiment investigated genetic variation in 20 Polish provenances of larch growing under the site conditions of the Beskid Sądecki Mts. (at a test site in Krynica). The study was based on the measurements of tree height made in individual larch populations during 1969-1999, i.e. when trees were 5, 8, 11, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years old. The results showed a considerable adaptation stability of the provenances tested at the Krynica site. This stability, however, tended to decrease with increasing mean height of trees. An estimation of the effect of the "genotype (provenance) × years of observation (age)" interaction revealed a high stability of height growth in larch populations having extreme values of this trait. As follows from the study, it is possible, especially in the case of the latter group of provenances, to carry out effective selection in the early stage of tree growth, thus ensuring a permanent genetic gain.

Flavonoids are a large group of secondary plant metabolites with hydroxyl groups. The flavonol quercetin is commonly found in onions. In the edible fleshy scales of yellow onions quercetin mono- and diglucosides are present. The aim of this work was to study quercetin glucosides during technological processing of yellow onion bulb. Onion was boiled in water under reflux for 30 min. The cooking was performed at three different onion/water ratios (1/5, 1/10, 1/20; w/w). The resulting soup, boiled onion solids and the control raw onion samples were lyophilised, extracted with ac. methanol and analysed for quercetin and its derivatives (3-β-D-glucoside, 4'-β-D-glucoside, 3,4'-β-D-glucoside) using HPLC-UV. Major flavonoid components identified in yellow onion were quercetin-4'-β-D-glucosideand 3,4'-β-D-glucoside with a decreasing concentration from outer toward inner rings of the raw bulb. These substances were rapidly transferred into cooking water during thirty minutes boiling making the resulting soup a good source of flavonoids. The effect of water amount added on flavonoid concentration was followed.

Seedling emergence is one of the most important factors in the establishment of optimum plant density for a maximum yield. Seed quality and seedbed conditions affect seedling emergence. Seedbed condition is affected by soil content, especially soil organic matter. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of soil organic matter on germination and seedling emergence of three hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars. This research was conducted in 2000 and2001 in field and glasshouse conditions. Perlite and 20 soils with different organic matter contents were used as seedbed conditions. Soil organic matter, environment, and soil organic matter × environment factors had significant effects on seedling emergence. Decreasing soil organic matter content resulted in a decrease of seedling emergence due to the decreases in water content of the soil. This effect was clearer in adverse environmental conditions, especially in the soils with less than 2% organic matter.

The Odra River, 55.2 kmof its length, is winding through the Poodří Protected Landscape Area, which has total area of 81,5 km². More than 80% of its stream has retained the natural character of its riverbed and the hydrological regime with regular floods. Ichthyologic research was carried out in the period 1997-2001. It took place in 7 localities comprising 3 localities situated in main tributaries and 4 localities of former river arms. Gill nets and electrofishing were used for the research on limnetic biotopes. A total of 22 fish species in the streams (Odra, Lubina, Ondřejnice, and Bílovka Rivers) and 4 other species in stagnant water bodies were found. Out of all identified species, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Pseudorasbora parva, and Carassius auratus are not native species. Anglers identified further 7 species in their catches. The studied river sections are inhabited by the Barbus - Chondrostoma fish community. The highest biomass belongs to the most frequent species Leuciscus cephalus, Rutilus rutilus, and Barbus barbus. Total abundance in the individual localities ranged from 2 416 to 20 392 fishes/ha and total biomass was in the range from 174 to 788.8 kg/ha. The species diversity index H' of ichthyocenoses fluctuated between 2.238 to 3.108 in the area. There were 4-8 species in low numbers in 4 searched pools. The biomass was also low and the diversity index H' ranged from 1.390 to 1.737.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of four anaesthetics on haematological and biochemical blood profiles in burbot Lota lota L. Blood profiles of burbot were evaluated 10 min and 24 h after anaesthesia with tricaine methanesulfonate (MS 222) (100 mg/l), clove oil (33 mg/l), 2-phenoxyethanol (0.3 ml/l), Propiscin (1 ml/l) and compared to non-anaesthetized control. The tested anaesthetics had no effect on haematological profile of burbot. The exposure to clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin significantly (P < 0.01) influenced the level of ammonia and glucose. The level of lactate was significantly (P < 0.01) increased following anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol and Propiscin. The levels of total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and calcium were higher (P < 0.01) with clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin compared to control. The use of MS 222 showed the lowest effect on haematological and biochemical blood profile and is recommended as a suitable anaesthetic for burbot.

The fruiting of 23 apple progenies, in total 756 genotypes grafted on M 9 rootstock, was evaluated for 11 years (2005-2015). The most precocious was the progeny obtained by the crossing of genotype HL1737 and Pink Lady cultivar, seedlings of which achieved fruiting stage just between the first and second year after planting. The least precocious was the progeny Freedom × Antonovka o.p., in which seedlings started fruiting on average just in the 5^th and 6^th year after planting. The most productive in the study was the progeny HL782 × Topaz, having a mean rating of 5.33 points on a 1-9 scale. Behind this leader, in decreasing order, were the progenies HL782 × HL665, Resista × Pink Lady, Resista × HL2219 and HL665 × HL782. The progenies Resista × Benet and Idleless × HL665 were distinguished with the highest level of biennial bearing (above 81%). The most valuable for utilisation in breeding is the progeny HL665 × HL782. Other noteworthy donors to be considered for distinctly more regular cropping are the cultivars Pink Lady, Discovery and HL2219.

"Hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules" (HTBS), or "mucoperiosteal exostoses" (ME, syn.) are small, globular (≥ 1 mm in diameter), mostly stalked and drumstick-like, bony structures, which arise from the inner wall of the tympanic bulla and project into the middle ear cavity. HTBS present as mineral densities inside the tympanic bulla on radiographs or computed tomographic (CT) images. They have previously been referred to as "otoliths" and were thought to represent mineral concretions secondary to otitis media. Recently, it was shown that HTBS actually consist of regularly composed bone tissue, covered by normal middle ear mucosa. So far, HTBS have only extensively been described in dogs, where they occur with a prevalence of up to > 45%. A recent study detected ME, most likely representing HTBS, in the tympanic cavities of skeletonised skull bones of African lions. To estimate the occurrence of HTBS in other mammal species, the middle ears of adult animals of 78 different domestic, wild, and zoo species undergoing routine necropsy at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology of the LMU Munich, Germany were examined in the present study. HTBS were found in the tympanic bullae of carnivorous species, such as canids (wolf, fox), and in several large felid species (lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah). In contrast, HTBS were not present in domestic cats (more than to 200 cases), small carnivorous species such as mustelids, nor in any primate, ungulate, ruminant, pig, insectivore, or rodent species. The detectability of HTBS by CT of the tympanic bullae of large felids was demonstrated in an African lion. Histologically, HTBS consisted of mature lamellar bone, covered by periosteum and a partially ciliated, flat epithelium, regularly without any apparent inflammatory alterations. The present study demonstrates that HTBS may frequently occur in large felids and in different canid species. These findings should be taken into account when examining the middle ear, or interpreting bulla radiographs/CT-images of the respective species. However, the factors triggering the development of HTBS remain to be identified.

The technology of a functional fermented buttermilk-based beverage was developed and the impact of beverage consumption on the health parameters of young volunteers was studied. Three functional beverages were made on the basis of buttermilk, which differed in the composition. The beverage containing the buttermilk-skimmed milk-milk protein concentrate (0.3%) as a product with the preferred quality characteristics (synaeresis, viscosity, sensory properties, and acceptability) was used for further studies regarding the impact on human health. The medical nutrition experiments did not show any statistically significant effect on the biochemical blood parameters of 25 young volunteers after a 21-day period of the consumption of fermented buttermilk beverage with milk protein concentrate, although some of them (e.g. total, low- and high-density cholesterol, triacylglycerol concentrations, etc.) slightly decreased. The anthropometric and body composition, arterial blood pressure, and pulse evaluation indicators of recipients did not change significantly.

Histological examination of thymi from juvenile Acipenser ruthenus and Acipenser brevirostrum after haematoxylin and eosin staining revealed the presence of Hassall's corpuscles, in a scattered distribution within the thymic medulla in two of seven, and one of nine examined specimens, respectively. Morphologically, the Hassall's corpuscles were of the juvenile and premature type and no degenerative changes were seen.

The susceptibility of field and laboratory strains against all instars larvae of S. littoralis to spinosad pesticide after a 24- and 48-h exposure and under laboratory conditions was investigated. As a result against 1^st instar larvae, the LC₅₀ values after 24 h were 12 and 0.275 µg/ml for laboratory and field strain, respectively. In addition, the resistance ratio (RR) of 1^st instar was 43.64-fold. In this interim, the 48 h LC₅₀ values were 8.7 and 0.18 µg/ml for laboratory and field strain, respectively and the RR was 48.33-fold, which revealed the field strain was more susceptible to spinosad than the laboratory strain. Distinctly similar trend was shown for later instar larvae stages. For instance, in 6^th instar larvae, the LC₅₀ values after a 24-h exposure to spinosad were 1100 and 105 µg/ml for the laboratory and field strain, respectively, and the RR value was 10.48-fold. Furthermore, after a 48-h exposure, the LC₅₀ values for laboratory and field strains were 500 and 42 µg/ml, respectively, with RR value being 11.90-fold. On the other hand, according to relative tolerance values, the 6^th instar larvae were the most tolerant instar of all the instars tested. The susceptibility of 6^th, 5^th, and 4^th instar larvae was comparable and significantly lower than that of 3^rd, 2^nd, and 1^st instar larvae. However, the 1^st instar was the least tolerant. The results implied that spinosad may play a potential role in the control of S. littoralis and, therefore, it is considered a promising tool in integrated pest management program to control Cotton leafworm which is becoming resistant to conventional pesticides in Egypt.

Among Meliaceae derivatives, neem cake is usually used as a fertilizer; however its origin and industrial processing are often unknown, so that its effect on soil fertility is not predictable. In this study, the effect of soil incorporation of 6 commercial neem cakes and leaves of Melia azedarach L. on nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) dynamics was investigated in a 118-day laboratory incubation experiment. Neem cake at a rate of 8 g/kg of soil and melia leaves at 16 g/kg were incorporated into the soil and their net N and C mineralisation were evaluated 2 h after application and at day 1, 2, 6, 12, 26, 54 and 118, by analysing a 50-g soil sample placed in 250 glass jars. The apparent net N mineralisation was well predicted by N concentration and C/N ratio of derivatives. The derivatives with a C/N ratio < 24 caused a net N mineralisation, whereas those with a C/N ratio ≥ 24 caused net N immobilisation. C mineralisation ranged between 15% and 25% and was not related to chemical composition of the derivative. Neem cake with a C/N ratio < 24 can be used to add N, while neem cake with a C/N ratio > 24 can be used to reduce soil mineral N.

The effect of mineral nitrogen (N) nutrition on seed production and acquisition of ¹⁵N from fertilizers by components of cereal-pea mixtures was investigated. Yields of wheat-pea and oats-pea mixtures raised together with the increase of cereals percentage in the pot, and higher seed yields of mixture with barley was affected by a larger share of pea plants. The percentage of nitrogen derived from fertilizers was significantly higher in cereals as compared with pea. Pea accumulated the greatest quantity of nitrogen from fertilizers in straw and roots, and cereals translocated ¹⁵N mainly to ears - grain and glumes with rachis. The percentage of ¹⁵N in seeds of pea amounted to 15% on the average, and in grain of cereals - 54% to 60% of the total N taken up.

Autotransplantation of teeth is the most natural technique to for replacing missing teeth in exposed parts of the dental arch. Reports from human patients indicate great progress toward successful transplantations. However, complications such as inflammation and ankylosis still occur. To understand regenerative processes after autotransplantations, several animal models have been used (monkeys, rodents, rabbits, cats and dogs) and histological/molecular methods have been established. This review aims to summarise knowledge from animal models and discuss their advantages or disadvantages with respect to possible usage in research.

The aim of this study was to design and implement a Seroprevalence Map based on Business Intelligence for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M. gallisepticum) in broilers in Comunidad Valenciana (Spain). To obtain the serological data we analysed 7363 samples from broiler farms over 30 days of age over the course of two years (3813 and 3550 samples in 2009 and 2010, respectively, from 189 and 193 broiler farms in 2009 and 2010, respectively). Data were represented on a map of Comunidad Valenciana to include geographical information of flock location and to facilitate the monitoring. Only one region presented with average ELISA titre values of over 500 in the 2009 period, indicating previous contact with M. gallisepticum in broiler flocks. None of the other regions showed any pressure of infection, indicating a low seroprevalence for M. gallisepticum. In addition, data from this study represent a novel tool for easy monitoring of the serological response that incorporates geographical information.

This article was aimed at assessment of selected factors of the work environment, which influenced the operators of harvesters and forwarders. The selection of the work environment factors was based on a thorough literature survey. From the survey exposure to whole-body vibrations, noise (equivalent and peak), microclimatic conditions and mental load were selected for detailed observations. The measurements were conducted according to international standards and assessed according to European or national legislation. Subjective assessment of the effects of the work environment was conducted through a structured interview. The exposure to whole-body vibrations was 0.5 m.s-2. The equivalent noise exposure was 78 dB, peak noise exposure was 130 dB. The average temperature inside the machine cabs was 17.9°C and average airflow velocity was 0.06 m.s-2. Mental load was high according to the Meister questionnaire, three operators considered the load inadequate, two considered it adequate. Subjective assessment showed that operators considered other factors to be light or no load

Increased detection records of Listeria monocytogenes in foods have been recently observed. Standard methods of L. monocytogenes elimination from food products including pasteurisation or acidification may, however, be unreliable. The elimination of L. monocytogenes using specific bacteriophages which are natural antagonists of these pathogenic bacteria has become an innovative method that does not affect the taste, smell or appearance of the product. The use of phage preparations in food production is becoming an increasingly popular method for the effective and safe elimination of L. monocytogenes from food products.

An 11-year-old, intact male Maltese dog presented with a history of vomiting and regurgitation. On plain radiographs, a caudodorsal thoracic mass was identified, and there were no radiographic signs frequently associated with an oesophageal mass. An oesophagram with fluoroscopy showed no classical signs of an oesophageal mass such as an irregular mucosal surface, a filling defect, or decreased ability of the lumen to pass contrast medium through the oesophageal lumen. A mass of pulmonary or mediastinal origin rather than of oesophageal origin was suggested. During the operation for mass removal, a gross connection between the suspected mass and the adventitia of the distal oesophagus was identified; thus, excision of the extraluminal mass was performed from the outer oesophageal wall. Histopathology confirmed the mass to be an oesophageal leiomyoma. This case highlights that the differentiation of an extraluminal oesophageal mass from other masses of mediastinal or lung origin can be challenging with radiographs and oesophagram alone. Even when the radiographic signs are not suggestive of an oesophageal mass, an extraluminal oesophageal mass should be considered.

The efficacy of superficial tillage as a sustainable tool to reduce the emergence of Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria viridis, and Sorghum halepense was evaluated with field experiments. Seeds were buried at 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm of depth to simulate seed vertical distribution caused by autumn superficial tillage. Seedling emergence was monitored weekly for two years after sowing. The highest emergence was obtained in the first year after sowing and from 1 and 2 cm. Sorghum halepense was only slightly affected by seed burial, with 15% of emergence from 10 cm of depth, while D. sanguinalis was strongly affected, with 4% of emergence from 5 cm. The efficacy of superficial tillage as control tool could vary according to local weed flora.

We tested the suitability of Landsat images to track defoliation by insect herbivory with focus on the oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana (Lep.: Tortricidae). Landsat images from the period before (2002) and after the T. viridana infestation (2007, 2014) were compared in oak forests of Zagros in western Iran. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for the test area from Landsat 5, 7, and 8 images. Because the red and near-infrared spectral bands of Landsat 8 OLI sensors are different from the other two, a model for the calibration of Landsat OLI NDVI was developed. The proposed model with a correlation coefficient of 0.928 and root mean square error of 0.05 turned out to be applicable and the NDVI decreased significantly during the observation period. Taking into account the protection status of the area and small fluctuations in temperature, the decrease in NDVI could be attributed to T. viridana damage.

The study was based on soil samples taken after the long-term fertilizer experiment (1974-2014) where different doses of nitrogen and potassium were applied. The experiment was located at the Research Station of the UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz (Poland). The long-term application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers leads to changes in the concentration of mercury, soil acidification, reduction in total organic carbon, total nitrogen as well as affluence of available nutrients (P, K, Mg) and increased mobility of copper and zinc. The significant positive correlation between total mercury content in the soil and the content of N-NO₃, Zn, N-NH₄ and the hydrolytic acidity value were stated.

Soil testing in the Czech Republic is based on the use of the Mehlich 3 method for determination of macronutrients and diethylentriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and hot-water extraction for determination of micronutrients. Since inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers have become commonly used in soil testing laboratories, Mehlich 3 extractant could be used very effectively also for a simultaneous micronutrient determination. To take full advantage of the universal Mehlich 3 extractant, new criteria for evaluation of the content of micronutrients in this extractant are needed. The criteria presented in this study were obtained by a simple calculation of criteria from the relationships between the Mehlich 3 extractant and the extraction methods for which the criteria were available (DTPA for copper, zinc, manganese, iron and hot-water extraction for boron). The first calculated estimates of the criteria were pre-validated and slightly adjusted to minimize the difference between the frequency of the samples in each category after determination and evaluation by the compared methods. Further adjustment of the presented critical values with respect to the field and pot experiments will be necessary in the future.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes with fatness traits in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs. The polymorphisms of genes were investigated, which included beta-3-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3), heart fatty acid-binding protein gene (FABP3), and hormone-sensitive lipase gene (LIPE) as well as lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition contents in Longissimus dorsi muscle samples were measured. Results showed that ADRB3, LIPE, and LPL SNPs were associated with IMF content (P < 0.05). ADRB3 AG heterozygotes exhibited higher IMF content. LIPE A allele was associated with greater IMF content. LPL CT heterozygotes exhibited the lowest IMF content. ADRB3 c.1192G>A had highly significant association with the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (P < 0.01) and the total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (P < 0.01). LIPE c.442G>A was significantly associated with the contents of C12:0 and C14:0 (P < 0.05). LPL c.624C>T was significantly associated with the percentage of C16:1 (P < 0.05) and the percentage of total saturated fatty acid (SFA) (P < 0.05). The pigs with ADRB3 G allele had more MUFA, and the pigs with LPL T allele had less SFA, implying that the ADRB3 G and LPL T in pigs may be beneficial to human health. In conclusion, the results suggest that these genetic markers are important sources of the variations for the pork selection to obtain favourable meat with higher IMF levels and appropriate fatty acid composition.

In order to improve the gut microbiome of calves, probiotic bacteria can be fed as active living-cells (fermented milk), or as live but inactive (freeze-dried) cultures. Ten bifidobacterial strains with suitable probiotic properties (as determined in our previous study) were tested for survival during the freeze-drying process, and screened for their ability to ferment cow's milk. The viability of both freeze-dried and live-cell cultures during storage was also tested. All of the strains tested were able to ferment cow's milk, with average counts of 8.26 ± 0.62 log CFU/ml. Eight out of the ten strains were able to survive in milk for 2 months in counts higher than 10⁶ CFU/ml. Bifidobacteria showed high viability following the freeze-drying process, with average numbers of 9.03 ± 0.22 log CFU/vial and did not decrease after 12 months of storage. The mixture of rifampicin-resistant variants of bifidobacteria (RRBs) was fed to 2-day-old dairy Charolais calves in the form of living-cells, or as freeze-dried bacteria. The control group was given no probiotics. Survival of the RRBs administered and the numbers of other bacterial groups in faecal samples was monitored by culturing. Bifidobacteria that were administered passed successfully through the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and were found in numbers higher than 10⁹ CFU/g for two weeks. RRBs colonized the intestines of calves for at least 63 days in both treatment groups. Significantly higher total counts of bifidobacteria were found in the treated groups, compared to the control group. Reduction in Escherichia coli and total coliforms numbers, and an increase in lactobacilli counts were observed in both experimental groups following the application of the probiotic mixtures. Our results show that both forms of administering probiotic bifidobacteria to calves are effective, but that the freeze-dried form is more suitable from a practical viewpoint.

The paper deals with the possibility of appropriate measurement and evaluation of emissions of nitrogen oxides. Development of exhaust systems which captures the solid particles emitted from engine, lost an objective assessment of the emission status of the diesel engine of agricultural tractor. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new method of measuring and quantifying the emission state of the diesel engine by measuring emissions, which should be economic and time-saving, but especially universal and sufficiently precise. The selected method should also provide sufficient information on such emissions that are subject to approval but they are not controlled during periodic checks.

Forty six Holstein Friesian repeat breeding cows (the average AI/conception was 5.2 ± 0.2) were investigated using the progesterone assay after AI to determine possible differences in plasma progesterone profiles between summer and winter seasons. Twenty eight (60.9%) and 18 (39.1%) cows were followed in summer (June-August) and winter (December-February), respectively. In the summer season, the total progesterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in pregnant cows with normal luteal function compared to those in non-pregnant animals with abnormal luteal function. In contrast, in the winter season, there was no difference (P = 0.12) in total progesterone concentrations between pregnant and non-pregnant cows with normal or abnormal luteal functions. When the progesterone concentrations were compared, the pregnant and non-pregnant cows with normal luteal functions exhibited no difference (P = 0.92) in summer and winter seasons. Thus, the present study indicates that there is no effect of season on plasma progesterone profiles in repeat breeding cows; however in the summer season, the total progesterone concentrations were considerably higher in pregnant cows with normal luteal function compared to non-pregnant cows with abnormal luteal function.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar Derby are the most common serovars of Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica found in pigs in Europe. We previously observed that suckling piglets of sows vaccinated with an S. Typhimurium-based inactivated vaccine are protected against homologous strain challenge. To develop this vaccine for commercial use, potential crossprotectivity of this vaccine to challenge with S. Derby was tested. Two sows were vaccinated with an S. Typhimurium-based inactivated vaccine while two other sows remained serologically negative. Four-day-old suckling piglets from both groups were orally challenged with S. Derby or S. Typhimurium. Maternally-derived immunity against S. Typhimurium protected piglets against S. Typhimurium challenge, when a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in S. Typhimurium count was found in ileocaecal and submandibular lymph node, tonsil, ileum and ileum content. On the other hand, after S. Derby challenge, significant (P < 0.05) decrease in S. Derby count was detected only in ileum content. Although both serovars belong to the same O:4 serogroup, other antigenic structures, for example the flagellin, are different. In a subsequent in-vitro experiment, we found that serum from vaccinated sows inhibited the motility of S. Typhimurium but not the motility of S. Derby. Our results indicate that protectivity of S. Typhimurium vaccine against S. Derby infection is limited.

Bilberry is a valuable wild forest fruit harvested in many countries in Europe. The biological activities of bilberry include antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticholinesterase activities. This study examines the protective effects of a bilberry (BB) preparation on IEC-6, Caco-2, and HepG2 cell lines. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to study the cytotoxicity of BB. The genotoxicity was determined using single-cell microgel electrophoresis. The Ames test was employed to assay bilberry mutagenicity. No significant effects of BB (12.5-100 µg dry mass/ml) were observed on the viability of IEC-6, Caco-2, and HepG2 cells. There were no differences in the percentage of DNA in the comet tail between the cells treated with BB (100 µg dry mass/ml) and the control cells. However, a significant reduction of oxidative DNA damage in the HepG2 cells was found. BB exhibited neither mutagenic nor promutagenic effects. Our results suggest that bilberry can be a potential tool in the prevention of chronic diseases, without any undesired effects on the cells of the gastrointestinal tract.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is the causal agent of white mould, stem, and fruit rot diseases on a wide variety of crop plants including cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) in field and storage. Control of this pathogen by using commercial disease management methods is extremely difficult. Therefore, this study was performed to develop an alternative and effective control method for the diseases by using biocontrol bacteria - Bacillus subtilis (strains TV-6F, TV-17C, TV-12H, BA-140 and EK-7), Bacillus megaterium (strains TV-103B), and Bacillus pumilus (strains RK-103) on Petri plate assays and on red cabbage in pot assays. On Petri plates, all of the tested bacterial strains showed the zone of inhibition against the pathogen fungus ranging 15.00-26.50 mm. Their percentage inhibition rates and lesion length ranged 42.64-79.41% and 0.02-4.50 cm in pot assays, respectively. Consequently, our results indicated that especially B. subtilis strains TV-17C, TV-12H, and TV-6F can be used as bio control agent of S. sclerotiorum in red cabbage production.

To investigate the effects of osmotic stress on plant growth, and ions and compatible solutes accumulations of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), in the present study, two-month-old plants were subjected to different degrees of osmotic stress (-0.5, -1.0, and -1.5 MPa) induced by sorbitol for 7 days. The results showed that fresh weight and water content in both leaf blade and leaf petiole significantly decreased by osmotic stress. With the increase of osmotic stress, Na⁺ concentration in leaf blade showed the significantly increasing trend. However, osmotic stress significantly reduced K⁺ concentration in lateral root. It was observed that osmotic stress of -1.5 MPa remarkably increased sucrose accumulation in storage root compared to control. In addition, plants accumulated more sucrose and fructose in storage root than in other tissues. Proline concentrations in leaf blade, leaf petiole and storage root significantly increased by osmotic stress of -1.0 MPa and -1.5 MPa; in leaf blade it was to a higher degree than in leaf petiole and storage root. These results suggested that sugar beet plants can adapt to osmotic stress by accumulating more osmolytes, such as Na⁺, sucrose and proline.