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A previously developed method of HPLC-DAD-Fl has been used for the determination of phytochemical profiles in different types of drinks: instant coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, and different types of tea (green, white, black, and red tea). Using data on the concentrations of 20 main phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones, and alkaloids) it was possible to identify most of the sample types. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and caffeine are the main target compounds in instant coffee; in soft and energy drinks, only caffeine was found. Tea has a more complex phytochemical composition. Unfermented tea is mainly composed of flavan-3-ols and alkaloids, with a high caffeine concentration. Black tea is composed of alkaloids and low levels of flavan-3-ols, which are affected by oxidative reactions during the fermentation. Flavonols are present in lower concentrations in all kinds of teas. The identified phytochemical distribution patterns were used to correctly differentiate instant coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, unfermented tea and fermented tea (within fermented tea, black tea from red tea can also be differentiated).

The genus Allium (Family: Alliaceae) is the most important among the bulbous vegetable crops. characterization of Alliums based on phenotypic traits is influenced by the environment and leads to biased diversity estimates. Recognizing the potential of DNA markers in plant breeding, researchers have adopted the molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and characterization of different quality traits in Alliums. This review presents details about the use of DNA markers in Alliums for cultivar identification, diversity studies, SSR development, colour improvement, total soluble solids (TSS), cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and efforts of DNA sequencing. As there are no such reports to describe the above work under a single heading, we decided to mine literature for those who are working in onion, garlic, chives and leek improvement to generate new insights in the subject.

Although a positive correlation between aneuploidy and maternal age was first reported almost a century ago, the underlying mechanisms remain mostly unknown. Different hypotheses regarding age-related aneuploidy rise have been presented, but so far none of them can explain its full mechanism. Age-related aneuploidy is more likely to result from complex events taking place during the entire period of germ cell development, than from the failure of one particular mechanism. Recent findings confirm that the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) does not control and correct kinetochore-microtubule attachments in oocytes, enabling further propagation of aneuploidy, which has occurred in the earlier phases of oogenesis. In this review we will discuss the following hypotheses: the "limited oocyte pool" hypothesis, the "two hits" hypothesis, weakened centromeric cohesion and cohesin loss, different functions of the spindle assembly checkpoint and finally, changes in global gene expression.

Wheat, apple, potato, and bamboo fibres were applied at 1 and 3% content to bread wheat flour and these additions were studied for the quality of dough and bakery products characterised by farinograph parameters, laboratory baking tests, firmness, and sensory analysis. The addition of fibre caused a decrease of loaf volume, also a change of crumb colour and a slight increase of bread crumb firmness. On the other hand, the addition of fibre affected the farinograph parameters, significantly decreased the specific volume especially at 3% fibre (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in firmness was found out between products with added wheat and bamboo fibre. Statistically highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were found among the other pairs of products with fibre. The best sensory properties were detected when examining the products with an addition of wheat and potato fibre. The enrichment of bread with fibre at 1% or 3% increased the dietary fibre content in bread with slightly adverse effects on bread quality.

A unique project exists in the Czech Republic, namely the Czech National Programme of Protection of Genetic Resources of Economically Significant Microorganisms and Tiny Animals (NPPGR), which includes nineteen Czech collections of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi), viruses, and tiny animals. It is fully financed by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Under this Programme, the Culture Collection of Fungi (CCF) in Prague maintains 293 fungal strains, 225 of which are food and feed relevant fungi (e.g. toxigenic Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium verrucosum, and Fusarium sporotrichioides). The main aims of the Programme are to provide adequate protection of the microbial genetic resources that are of importance to the agriculture and food industries, to provide strains (free of charge) for the research and educational purposes, and to support the cooperation between Czech and foreign institutions. A database of all microorganisms is accessible online.

This paper examines the productivity of hired and family labour and determinants of technical inefficiency of fish farms in Ghana. A modified Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function which accounts for zero usage of family and hired labour is employed on cross-sectional data of 150 farmers collected in 2007. The results reveal that family labour, hired labour, feed, seed, land, other costs and extension visit have a reasserting influence on fish farm production. Findings also show that family and hired labour used for fish farming production in Ghana may be equally productive. The combined effects of operational and farm specific factors (age, experience, land, gender, pond type and education) influence technical inefficiency although individual effects of some variables may not be significant. Mean technical efficiency is estimated to be 79 percent. Given the present state of technology and input level, the possibility of enhancing production can be achieved by reducing technical inefficiency by 21 percent through adoption of practices of the best fish farm.

The present study was conducted to verify the effect of Ceylon cinnamon on experimentally induced excision wounds in rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups of eight rats each. Group A received a placebo containing 1.5% of cinnamon and Group B a placebo containing 3%. Group C, as the control group, didn't receive any treatment and finally Group D received a blank placebo as the reference standard group. Wound healing was monitored on Days 3, 6, 9 and 14 and histological evaluation was carried out on the samples. The results show that cinnamon extract served to accelerate the wound healing process and specifically increased epithelialization in treatment groups compared to the other groups. Thus, this study demonstrates that Ceylon cinnamon may be effective in stimulating the enclosure of wounds.

The aim of the study was to examine for the first time the various aspects of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) presenting in a Middle Eastern country. Medical records of 164 dogs diagnosed with CAD were evaluated. Associations between signalment, lifestyle, clinical signs and allergens were evaluated statistically. Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd dog, Boxer, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever and Shar-Pei breeds were presented more frequently than the regular hospital population (P < 0.0001), and had an earlier disease onset time (P < 0.01). In 22 dogs (13%) signs of CAD were noticed at less than six months of age. Most dogs (75%) lived indoors. Most dogs (83%) had lesions on the ventral part of the body and 68% had foot lesions. After excluding flea allergy dermatitis by implementing strict flea control, 60% of the dogs presented with dorsal distribution of skin lesions. Dogs with ventral lesions were younger when clinical signs first appeared (P < 0.05). Most of the dogs were allergic to dust and/or dust mites (75.6%), with weeds and trees as the next most common allergens. CAD is similar worldwide, but geographic differences may be attributable to genetic pools and allergen loading. This study also shows that early onset of clinical signs, especially in breeds predisposed to CAD and with a dorsal distribution of skin lesions, should not rule out the diagnosis of CAD.

This paper assesses the effects of the performance of the OECD national economies and agricultural sectors on the farm producer support for the years 1986 to 2009. The study is complementary to the large amount of microeconomic research that highlights the importance of support to agricultural industry. Data for the analysis are taken from the OECD Producer and Consumer Support Estimates database and the World Bank World Development Indicators 2010 database. The Producer Support Estimate - PSE (expressed in absolute value, in percent of the total farm revenues and per 1 hectare of agricultural land) was taken as the dependent variable, whereas the selected indicators describing the performance of the economies (e.g. GDP per capita, unemployment, fiscal balance, government debt, government expense and tax revenue, exchange rate, agriculture share in GDP and employment, agricultural raw materials exports and imports) were the independent variables. Utilizing these variables, a simple linear regression analysis was conducted and resulted in many significant associations. In the period analyzed, there was a wide gap between the most and least farm supporting countries in terms of the annual average percentage PSE and the PSE per hectare. Substantial differences between the countries in the variability of the PSE over the time occurred. The empirical results obtained from the regression models reveal, among other, that when the countries were becoming richer, the percentage PSE was generally decreasing. Mixed results were obtained for the relationship between the percentage PSE and unemployment, as in some countries it was negative, while in the others positive. Expansionary fiscal policy exerted opposite effects on the PSE in different countries. Labour productivity in agriculture was inversely correlated with the percentage PSE.

An increasing number of works on the rural-environmental connection can be found at present. However, their overview and classification are needed - this is the guiding idea of this paper. We distinguish three approaches to the rural-environmental connection and label them scientific approach, environmentalist approach, and development approach. In the paper, theories of environmental concern (post-materialism, paradigm shift, and ecological modernisation) are discussed at first and then a classification of works is proposed.

The aim of the study was to describe the distribution of total mercury in the tissues of fish originating from important Czech fishing locations and to determine the level of methylmercury as a percentage of total mercury (Hg speciation). At six important fishing locations a total of 144 fishes of 13 species were caught and analysed. Samples of muscle, liver, gonads and scales were analysed for total mercury and in the case of muscles for methylmercury concentrations. Total mercury was determined by AAS using an AMA 254 analyser, and methylmercury determination was performed by GC/ECD using a GC-2010A chromatograph. Total mercury concentrations in muscle and other tissues of all the fish from all fishing locations were below 0.5 mg/kg, with the exception of 6 asps (Aspius aspius). A significant (P < 0.05) correlation was found between the total mercury concentrations in scales and other tissues. Methylmercury made up about 46-100% of total mercury in muscle. The overall results confirmed the good hygienic quality of fish from important Czech fishing locations.

Interest in conifer-broadleaf mixedwood forests has greatly increased due to continuous demand for hardwood products and a shift towards more biological or ecosystem-based management. In British Columbia, more than 30% of the productive forest land is a conifer-broadleaf mixture and current forest regulations are more conifer biased rather than maintaining a mixed-species condition. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of paper birch on white spruce growth. Spruce growth data from 10 to 18 years old complex stands indicate that radial, height, and stem volume was not impacted by retaining up to 3,000 stems.ha^-1 of birch. Similarly, growth and yield model projections suggest spruce-birch stands would be more productive up to a threshold birch density (3,000 stems.ha^-1) than pure spruce stands. At a 4% real interest rate, the removal of birch from these stands does not appear to be warranted as an investment. The results suggest that instead of encouraging uniform broadleaf removal across conifer plantations, mixed species management strategies could enhance the forest productivity, stand diversity and resilience.

The operating and economical parameters of agricultural products harvesting are important aspects from production costs point of view. Profitability of the crops depends on quantity and quality of end products and efficiency of growing and harvesting operations. In case of linseeds harvesting by combine harvester statistically important impact of cutting mechanisms state on energy, exploitation and economical parameters was determined.

The antimicrobial activity of six plant extracts from Ocimum basilicum (Sweat Basil), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Eucalyptus chamadulonsis (Eucalyptus), Datura stramonium (Jimsonweed), Nerium oleander (Oleander), and Allium sativum (Garlic) was tested for controlling Alternaria solani in vitro and in vivo. In in vitro study the leaf extracts of D. stramonium, A. indica, and A. sativum at 5% concentration caused the highest reduction of mycelial growth of A. solani (44.4, 43.3 and 42.2%, respectively), while O. basilicum at 1% and 5% concentration and N. oleander at 5% concentration caused the lowest inhibition of mycelial growth of the pathogen. In greenhouse experiments the highest reduction of disease severity was achieved by the extracts of A. sativum at 5% concentration and D. stramonium at 1% and 5% concentration. The greatest reduction of disease severity was achieved by A. sativum at 5% concentration and the smallest reduction was obtained when tomato plants were treated with O. basilicum at 1% and 5% concentration (46.1 and 45.2 %, respectively). D. stramonium and A. sativum at 5% concentration increased the fruit yield by 76.2% and 66.7% compared to the infected control. All treatments with plant extracts significantly reduced the early blight disease as well as increased the yield of tomato compared to the infected control under field conditions.

Aerial parts of Saussurea salicifolia (L.) DC were studied for their lignan and flavonoids in solvent chloroform and n-butanol of ethanolic extract. Isolation and identification of phenolic compounds of the chloroform and n-butanol fractions were performed with Dionex HPLC-DAD system with water-methanol gradients in 4 different wave lengths (235 nm, 254 nm, 280 nm and 340 nm), using online UV and LC-MS as described previously. 9-OH-pinoresinol which is a lignan with anticancer activity was dominated in the chloroform fraction, whereas mainly flavonoid glycosides like quercetin-3-O-galactoside, apigenin-7-O-rhamnoside with anti-inflammatory effect were detected in the n-butanol fraction. Additionally, 9-OH-pinoresinol was also found in the n-butanol fraction. Anticancer tests were conducted in leukemia mouse lymphoma cells L5178Y at a concentration of 10 μg/ml of test compound. Crude ethanol extract of S. salicifolia reduced the growth of leukemia mouse lymphoma cells L5178Y to 23.8%.

The survey was conducted in three selected areas of the Czech Republic in 2008, with the results processed in 2009. Forests visitors received inquiry forms (face to face interviews, random sample). The total number of visitors on 8 survey days was 7,369. The total number of filled-in questionnaires in the three areas was 1,122. Tree planting and tree protection are considered as the most important forest operations, followed by road and stream bank maintenance. On the contrary, timber transport and harvesting are considered as the least important activities. The nature-protecting function is considered as the most important forest function, followed by soil-conservation, climatic, hydrological and health (recreational) functions. Timber production and non-timber production are the least important functions according to the respondents. 20% of respondents claimed that increased costs needed to improve non-market forest functions, used by the visitors, should be partially or fully financed from the timber sales revenues, while only 6.5% of respondents say the costs should be partially or fully financed from payments by the users of forest functions.

Different variants of regeneration felling or different light conditions (total site factor 15-95%) and weed control were evaluated in relation to the 4-year development of individuals of regenerated sessile oak. The regeneration density is not dependent on light conditions. The highest mortality occurs on the open area of clear felling. For a certain time in youth, it is possible to consider oak as a shade-tolerating species. With the increasing light intensity the diameter and height growth of oak seedlings increases proportionally, being the highest at 100% light intensity. However, to support at least medium-fast growth, the species requires minimally 50% light intensity (smaller closed clear-felled areas). On the other hand, more extensive unprotected cleared areas appear to be quite unsuitable at the initial stages of regeneration. The positive effect of weed control on the success and growth of natural regeneration is questionable. We recommend developing the regenerated stand by means of a series of small-area (about ≤ 0.3 ha) two-stage felling with a medium-long regeneration period (15-20 years).

This clinical case report deals with a very rare case of the detection of Trypanosoma theileri in the peritoneal fluid of a seven-year-old eight month pregnant cross-bred cow in fourth parity showing frank peritonitis. Peritoneal tab cytology revealed chronic active peritonitis and the presence of polymorphic T. theileri organisms. The parasite was also occasionally detected in blood smears. The protozoan, considered by and large non-pathogenic, has previously been detected in aberrant body sites, other than the peritoneal cavity. A perusal of the available literature indicates that this is the first report of this large stercorarrian trypanosome associated with peritonitis, which was characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells and neutrophils, as well as a significant number of intact and degranulating eosinophils, not usually seen in protozoan infections.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the microbial diversity in the caecum of geese using a 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA) clone library approach. A total of 160 clones and 124 clones were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed from the contents and mucosa of the caecum of Yang Zhou geese, respectively. The result indicated that there was a rich variety of bacteria in the caecum contents. Forty-six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on a 98% similarity criterion were classified in the contents of goose caecum, as compared to 29 OTUs based on a 97% similarity criterion in the mucosa of goose caecum. The sequences were assigned to 7 and 5 groups in the contents and mucosa of goose caecum, respectively. Contents of goose caecum were dominantly occupied by Clostridia-related species (58.7%) with other abundant sequences being related to Bacteroidetes (26.9%) and Erysipelotrichi (11.2%). Gammaproteobacteria (59.6%) and Clostridia (20.1%) were predominant in the mucosa of goose caecum.

In an Island of the Netherlands, Pine (Pinus nigra) was planted to stabilize the dunes and to protect the arable lands from the blowing sand. This research was conducted to understand the most important environmental factors responsible for a vegetation change in the Pine plantation and effect of this change on the rare orchid population: Goodyera repens and Listera cordata. Vegetation sampling was carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet phytosociologic method within the three sites of this Island. Twinspan analysis confirmed the definition of three site types and redundancy analysis showed a significant difference between the pure Pine stands and the plots with regeneration. The results revealed that the most significant explanatory variables were litter cover, broadleaved tree cover, and shrub cover indicating the vegetation change under the Pine plantation. The abundance of Goodyera repens is strongly associated with the Pine forest and negatively related to broadleaved cover. Listera cordata could apparently cope with vegetation change. Controlling the herbaceous layer in the Pine plantation can promote the orchid population but on the contrary, promoting the natural regeneration of broadleaved species might endanger them.

Claw lesions and lameness in sows are an important welfare concern as well as a cause of considerable economic loss. These problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Given that group housing for gestating sows will become mandatory in the EU from 2013 onwards, the aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in sows housed in groups during gestation, and (2) to analyze whether the type of group housing system and sow-related factors were associated with lameness and claw lesions. Eight Belgian pig herds with group housing of gestating sows were selected. Four herds used pens with electronic sow feeders (dynamic groups), the other four herds kept their sows in free access stalls (static groups). All sows were visually examined for lameness at the end of gestation. Claw lesions were scored after parturition. Information about feed, housing conditions and culling (strategy) was collected, as well as information about parity and breed. Of all 421 assessed sows, on average 9.7% (min. 2.4%, max. 23.1%) were lame. Almost 99% of the sows had one or more claw lesion with overgrowth of heel horn (93%) and cracks in the wall (52%) as the most prevalent lesions. Neither for lameness nor claw lesions was significant differences found between the two types of group housing. Lameness decreased while the mean claw lesion score increased with ageing. These results suggest that lameness can be caused by reasons other than claw lesions, especially in older sows. Although no difference was found between the two types of group housing, a huge variation between herds was observed. Moreover, as the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in group housing is quite high and group housing will become mandatory in 2013, further investigation on risk factors of locomotor disorders in sows is necessary.

Analyses of root mycorrhizal samples and monitoring of fruiting bodies of macromycetes from Norway spruce stands at mountain and foothill localities in the Krkonoše and Orlické Mts. provided several data series allowing to assess and compare (albeit somewhat preliminarily) mycorrhizal conditions and macromycete incidence related to stand ages and location conditions. The overall mycorrhizal conditions in young (10 years old) and older (80 years old) stands on formerly agricultural soils are comparable to those in 80- and 90-year-old forests growing on standard forest soils, but young spruce stands in the Orlické Mts. replanted on forest soils do not surprisingly show any favourable mycorrhizal characteristics. The research documents a marked diversity of macromycete species composition in mountain spruce stands compared to foothill spruce stands on former agricultural soils. While in the younger mountain spruce stands of the Orlické Mts. the expansion of macromycete species composition began to develop in a similar fashion to that in the Krkonoše Mts., the comparison of older (80-year-old) stands on formerly agricultural soils in the Orlické Mts. foothills and Krkonoše Mts. implies that the macromycete species composition developed quite differently but with a similar success.

A four-year old, 26.5 kg, Boxer bitch was presented to the Department of Reproduction in the Clinic of Dogs and Cats with a six month history of vulvar swelling and vaginal discharge. General gynaecological examination showed an extremely swollen, oedematous and tough-elastic highly irritable vulva. A vaginal smear revealed the presence of superficial cells and red blood cells. After repeated unsuccesful administrations of HCG and GnRH the owner of the bitch agreed to surgical treatment. An ovariohysterectomy was performed and on the left ovary a grapefruit-size structure was found. Three nodular structures were found retroperitoneally and were also dissected. Histological examination showed a disgerminoma in metastasises, mitotically active with a bad prognosis. However, at a check up twenty months subsequently the patient was still alive.

Sorghum anthracnose is a disease of worldwide importance and host-plant resistance is the most practical method of disease management. In this study, 154 sorghum accessions from the Botswana collection maintained by the United States National Plant Germplasm System were inoculated with Colletotrichum sublineolum and evaluated for disease resistance at the Tropical Agriculture Research Station in Isabela, Puerto Rico during 2007 and 2008. A resistant response was observed for 69 accessions in 2007 and for 48 accessions in 2008 with no acervuli development observed on inoculated leaves. The low frequency of resistant germplasm is expected from a region of low annual rainfall. However, disease severity was low for the susceptible accessions with a mean severity of 11% for the 85 susceptible accessions observed in 2007 and 17% for the 106 susceptible accessions identified in 2008. The highest frequency of resistant accessions was observed for the Ngamiland district with 58% of the accessions rated as resistant, whereas the frequency of resistant accessions ranged from 22% to 36% for the other districts. The lowest mean disease severity was also observed for the susceptible accessions from the Ngamiland district with the highest mean disease severity observed for susceptible accessions from the Kgatleng district. The resistant accessions identified in this study would be useful for the development of disease resistant varieties and the results indicated an ecogeographic association with disease resistance.

An 8-year-old Italian saddle-horse gelding with a history of left guttural pouch empyema was referred to the clinic. Endoscopic examination showed a stenosis of the left pharingeal ostium that was treated with an endoscopic assisted electro-cauterization. Endoscopic follow-ups were performed before discharge and at six months after stenosis removal. No recurrence was observed, confirming the patency of the pharyngeal orifice.

Guttural pouch mycosis is an emergency disease of the upper respiratory tract in equine species. In the present report a case of guttural pouch mycosis in a female, seven year-old pregnant donkey is described. A serious dyspnea which necessitated tracheotomy and preceding epistaxis was the most important clinical feature of guttural pouch mycosis in the donkey. A full and rapid effectiveness of the topical therapy, the protocol for which is described, is the main distinguishing feature with regard to treatment. In the Authors' knowledge a detailed description of clinical features, treatment and follow up of guttural pouch mycosis in a donkey is not available in the scientific literature. The anatomical and physiological peculiarity of donkeys could explain some of the differences with horses in clinical presentation and therapeutic management.

The main objective of the study is to compare the organisational culture of the selected companies in the manufacturing sector and to identify and measure the perceived organisational culture and its various dimensions. 70 responses to a 4 point scale questionnaire based on the OCTAPACE profile developed by Udai Pareek were obtained from 2 organisations in the NCR. The result shows that the executives and non- executives perceive the culture differently. The study helps in identifying the weaker aspects of culture in terms of values and beliefs that prevail in the organisation. Once the diagnosis of the culture is done to identify how much each item is valued, the management gets an opportunity to work upon the identified weaker aspects, on the basis of the degree of correlation between the various elements of the OCTAPACE profile for developing and maintaining a better organisational culture to achieve the desired performance and to sustain competition in the long run.

The German Federal Gene Bank at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben comprises ca. 148 000 accessions of crop plants and their wild relatives. Among these, material from Albania and Greece is represented with ca. 1100 and more than 2700 accessions, respectively. IPK's collection of Albanian germplasm is the world's largest collection, while IPK's Greek germplasm collection is the third largest holding of Greek crops and their wild relatives. The largest part of this material (ca. 200 and 1600 accessions from Albania and Greece, respectively) originates from two collecting expeditions carried out by Hans Stubbe, the founder of the Institute for Cultivated Plant Research, and other German collectors during the Second World War, in 1941 (ca. 700 accessions) and 1942 (ca. 1100 accessions). Stubbe's expeditions are described with respect to the regions visited, species collected, plus a comparison between the original collections and their present state in the IPK Gene Bank is provided. A formal scientific report about the results of these expeditions had never been published before. The material from these expeditions can be freely requested from the IPK Gene Bank, after signing a Material Transfer Agreement.