Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties and Biological Effects of a Novel Combined Barberry Root-Propolis Extract on HEK293T Cells.

The health benefits of honeybee products and herbs are well known, and their appropriate combination may enhance their biological efficacy. This study investigated the biological properties of a combined barberry root and propolis extract (PBE) in comparison to a propolis extract (PE), a barberry root extract (BE), and pure berberine (BN). The antioxidant properties were evaluated using DPPH and FRAP methods and total phenolic contents (TPC) were assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method.

The Proapoptotic Effect of MB-653 Is Associated with the Modulation of Metastasis and Invasiveness-Related Signalling Pathways in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has a high mortality rate. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic, proapoptotic, and anti-invasive effects of the synthetic indole phytoalexin MB-653. The antiproliferative effect was determined using an MTT assay, showing IC values of 5.

In Situ Gelling Dexamethasone Oromucosal Formulation: Physical Characteristics Influencing Drug Delivery.

The study focuses on the development of an in situ gelling dexamethasone (DEX) oromucosal formulation designed for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis. Three series of formulations were prepared; a first series containing DEX suspended, a second series containing DEX and, in addition, mint essential oil (EO), and a third series containing EO and DEX solubilized in propylene glycol (PG). In the composition, polymers in the role of mucoadhesive agent were interchanged (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC).

Small mammals as hosts of vector-borne pathogens in the High Tatra Mountains region in Slovakia, Central Europe.

Rodents and insectivores are significant reservoirs of many zoonotic pathogens, contributing to the transmission of diseases affecting human and animal health. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of vector-borne pathogens in small mammals within the High Tatras region of Slovakia, an area with substantial recreational activity and protected zones. A total of 156 small mammals, comprising ten species, were screened for pathogens such as spp.

Population structure of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) with new data on haplotype diversity of flukes from Slovakia and Italy.

The fluke Clinostomum complanatum, a parasite of piscivorous birds, but also reptiles and rarely mammals, has established several foci in the western Palaearctic regions. Previous studies pointed out the complicated taxonomy of the genus, but broader population genetic analysis of C. complanatum has not yet been carried out.

Correction: Baláž et al. Mechanochemistry as an Alternative Method of Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Antibacterial Activity: A Comparative Study. 2021, , 1139.

In the original publication [...

Molecular detection of the zoonotic trematode Centrocestus formosanus (Nishigori, 1924) (Opisthorchiida, Heterophyidae) in Central Europe.

In our study, fancy southern platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus (Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae) were examined due to breathing disorders and mortality. Fish came from Vietnam farm and were redistributed by international wholesaler. In fish, loss of appetite and gasping near the water surface was observed.

Morphometric assessment of the choroid in dogs diagnosed with retinal atrophy (RA) with symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy, using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

The aim of the study was to determine the thickness of choroidal layers in mixed breed dogs suffering from retinal atrophy (RA) and showing symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), with the use of SD-OCT. The study was performed on 50 dogs divided into two groups: 25 dogs diagnosed with retinal atrophy (RA) with PRA symptoms aged 1.5-14 years and 25 healthy dogs aged 2-12 years.

Effect of selected bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas on the quality of raw cow's milk.

Pseudomonas spp. are a psychrotrophic species associated with milk spoilage caused by its enzymatic activities. The aim of this study was to identify Pseudomonas spp.

Influence of humic substances on growth performance and blood serum parameters in fattening turkeys.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of humic substances on performance and selected blood biochemical parameters in turkeys. A total of twenty 6-week-old turkey hybrids (Big 6) were divided into two groups. The first group of turkeys was fed the basal diet without any supplementation of humic substances as a control group.

Carriage of antimicrobial resistance genes in Escherichia coli of bovine origin.

The present study aimed to search for the presence of the plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance genes in 106 Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from a total of 240 fresh fecal samples collected from 12 private cattle farms in Bingol province of East Turkey from November 2021 to January 2022. In those colistin-resistant E.

The Influence of Maceration on the Biodiversity of Yeasts in the Early Winemaking Stages of White Wine from the Slovak Tokay Wine Region.

This study investigates the effect of maceration and different winemaking techniques on the species diversity of yeasts in white wines from the Slovak Tokay wine region, known for its traditional white wine production. Lipovina grape variety samples were divided into three groups: control (C), macerated (M) and macerated with the addition of a yeast culture (MY). During the entire fermentation process, quantitative and qualitative microbiological analyses of the raw material and must samples were carried out, which resulted in the identification of 60 yeast isolates via the API 20 C AUX biochemical test and MALDI-TOF MS.

Changes in Serum Protein Profile in Laying Hens Housed in a Cage-Free System.

The objective of this study was to characterize the distribution of serum proteins in laying hens reared under cage-free open farm conditions and to evaluate the changes in the concentrations of serum protein fractions throughout the 1-year laying period. Ten Dekalb White white-egg-laying hens were blood sampled from the wing vein at 17, 22, 29, 38, 50, 60, and 70 weeks of age. Egg laying was observed at 18 weeks of age.

Effect of Gentamicin-Loaded Calcium Phosphate Coating and Polymeric Coating on the Degradation Properties of Biodegradable Iron-Based Biomaterials.

In the past decades, iron has been one of the intensively studied biodegradable metals due to its suitable mechanical properties, but it suffers from slow degradation in a physiological environment and low bioactivity. In this work, the beneficial properties of ceramic and polymer coatings were merged to enhance the corrosion properties and biological compatibility of Fe-based biomaterials. A new bilayer coating for Fe-based biomaterials that speeds up degradation while offering controlled, localized drug release to prevent infections was prepared.

Tetracalcium Phosphate/Monetite/Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate Biocement for Alveolar Bone Augmentation After Tooth Extraction in Pig Mandible.

A tetracalcium phosphate/monetite/calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder cement mixture (CAS) in the form of a paste was used as a socket preservative to prevent alveolar ridge resorption after the extraction of the second premolar tooth in the mandible of a pig model. During the post-surgery period, the animals were monitored daily. No signs of inflammation, infection, or other complications were observed in the defect site for six months.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri B1/1 modulated the intestinal immune response in preventing Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 infection in a chicken ileal explant model.

In this study, we observed the effect of the newly isolated probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri B1/1 on the relative gene expression of selected cytokines (interleukin-15, transforming growth factor-β4), tight junction proteins (E-cadherin, occludin), biomarker active intestinal stem cells - LGR5 (leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor), markers of mucosal intestinal immunity (mucin-2, immunoglobulin A), as well as the creation of a new biomarker of inflammation in the intestine - calprotectin on an ex vivo model of chicken ileal explant in the prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 infection. The ability of L. reuteri B1/1 to effectively modulate the mucosal immune response under pretreatment conditions in S.

Novel approach for biomaterial assessment: utilizing the Ex Ovo quail cam assay for biocompatibility pre-screening.

In recent years, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) has emerged as a crucial component of biocompatibility testing for biomaterials designed for regenerative strategies and tissue engineering applications. This study explores angiogenic potential of an innovative acellular and porous biopolymer scaffold, based on polyhydroxybutyrate and chitosan (PHB/CHIT), using the ex ovo quail CAM assay as an alternative to the conventional chick CAM test. On embryonic day 6 (ED6), we placed the tested biomaterials on the CAM alone or soaked them with various substances, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), saline, or the endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor Angiostatin.

The first record of Culicoides deltus as a putative vector of Onchocerca flexuosa in Slovak red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Within the research conducted in the years 2016-2022 in the area of Volovsky Mountains in Slovakia, 63,950 biting midges were collected during 74 trapping sessions. The aim of the study was to identify species composition of biting midges, their host preference and potential transmission of parasites by these insects under natural conditions. The collected biting midges fell into 29 species and the most common were the Culicoides (C.

Nano selenium in broiler feeding: physiological roles and nutritional effects.

Using nanotechnology, while improving the health of broiler chickens, it is possible to control and reduce the conflict of minerals in the intestines, and toxicity of and pollution by these elements. It could be shown that the antioxidant and immune modulation effects of nano selenium are significantly superior compared to other sources of selenium. In addition, improving the quality of meat products with the use of nano selenium has promising results in the future perspective of quality improvement and food safety.

Toxic and essential elements in honeybee venom from Slovakia: Potential health risk to humans.

Honeybee venom is one of the natural substances produced by bees (). Their venom gland produces venom which plays a defensive role. In this study a concentration of macro and trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, Se, Sr, Pb and Zn) in foragers' and honeybees' venom was analysed by axial inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) with good validation parameters to differentiate the element accumulation ability in honeybee venom.

Spitz-like tail carriage in two domestic cats.

Domestic cats use visual cues to communicate with conspecifics and humans. This includes the position and movement of the tail. The tail up signal (i.

Fortification of Goat Milk Yogurts with Encapsulated Postbiotic Active Lactococci.

The species is a bacterium extensively used in the dairy industry. This bacterium is Generally Recognized as Safe and was added to the European Food Safety Authority's Qualified Presumption of Safety list. The major functions of this species in dairy fermentation are the production of lactic acid from lactose, citric acid fermentation, and the hydrolysis of casein.

Variations in Canine Behavioural Characteristics across Conventional Breed Clusters and Most Common Breed-Based Public Stereotypes.

Dog breeds are grouped based on scientific agreement, whether for traditional reasons or specific tasks during their domestication. Discrepancies may occur between public views of breed behaviour and actual evidence. This research aims to investigate differences in five behavioural traits (aggression towards people, aggression towards animals, fearfulness, responsiveness to training, and activity/excitability) by using the Dog Personality Questionnaire (DPQ) across six conventional groups/clusters of dog breeds (herding, hunting, guarding, companion dogs, potentially aggressive breeds, and mixed-breed dogs) and to assess hypotheses derived from common public presumptions.