In this study two analytical methods, one based on matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) and the other on liquid–solid extraction (LSE), coupled with gas chromatography, were evaluated and used to determine the presence of 163 pesticides (6 acaricides, 62 fungicides, 18 herbicides and 77 insecticides) in various herbs. Both methods were optimized considering different parameters (sample to sorbent mass ratio, extracting solvent, sorbents for clean-up step, etc.). The results of these validated sample preparation procedures were compared. Under optimum conditions, the mean recoveries obtained were in the range of 70–119 % for MSPD for most pesticides and 70–118 % for LSE, but with several exceptions. Precision values, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), were ≤16 % for MSPD and <18 % for LSE. Correlation coefficients were higher than 0.99254 for both methods. LODs (limits of detection) and LOQs (limits of quantification) for MSPD were within the ranges of 0.003–0.03 and 0.005–0.04 mg/kg, respectively. The data demonstrate that the MSPD method was successfully used for the analysis of 163 pesticides in the following herbs: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), linden (Tilia), lungwort (Pulmonaria L.), melissa (Melissa L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). This paper indicates the potential of MSPD for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pesticide residues. This method was therefore validated at three spiking levels (the first ranging from 0.005 to 0.05 mg/kg, the second from 0.05 to 0.5 mg/kg and the third from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/kg) and applied to real samples (n = 15). MSPD proves to be a simple, fast and very useful multiresidue method and can be recommended for routine pesticide monitoring studies in various herbs.

Staphylococcus aureus is an important causative agent of subclinical bovine mastitis worldwide. The aim of this research was to study the ability of S. aureus to form biofilms. Additionally, we examined the genes involved in cell resistance and sensitivity to antibiotics. Samples were collected from December 2020 to May 2021 from Simmental and black-and-white cows. The study was carried out on a total number of 643 cows, of which 278 (23 %) were in the subclinical mastitis stage. Finally, 64 S. aureus isolates were isolated and identified. The highest level of phenotypic resistance was observed to antibiotics of the tetracycline (tetracycline – 48.4 %, doxycycline – 32.8 %) and β-lactam (ampicillin – 45.3 %, penicillin – 45.3 %) groups. The genes encoding antibiotic resistance were characterized with the polymerase chain reaction method: blaZ in 30 isolates, mecA in 1 isolate, ermC in 15 isolates, aph (3) in 2 isolates, tetK in 19 isolates, tetM in 9 isolates. The tested S. aureus isolates had the ability to form biofilms in 76.6 % ($\mathrm{49}/\mathrm{64}$ ) of cases. Of these, 69.4 % were resistant to at least one antibiotic. The obtained results have shown that S. aureus, identified in cows with subclinical mastitis, was resistant mainly to tetracycline and β-lactam antibiotics. In addition, S. aureus isolates expressed resistance genes to the above drugs and had the ability to form biofilm. This study will help to identify the extent of antibiotic resistance and monitor S. aureus contamination of raw milk.

Bioinformatics and cheminformatics tools such as databases play an increasingly important role in modern science. They are commonly used in biological and medical sciences and they have many applications in food science. Databases listing biologically active compounds contribute to the design of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Databases of toxic or allergenic compounds are useful for food safety evaluations. This review presents examples of freely available databases (without obligatory registration) listing major groups of bioactive components. The main categories of compounds annotated in online databases include nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, and low-molecular-weight compounds. Other categories of database entries are also discussed, including enzymes, allergens and their epitopes, flavor-enhancing compounds, as well as toxic substances. The last section of the review focuses on metabases, which are Web sites that create access to multiple databases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long-acting selenium (Se) preparation administered to sheep. The experiment was conducted on 30 dams and 36 lambs divided into three equal groups of 10 dams and 12 lambs each: Control—C, and two experimental groups—E (Se administered to pregnant ewes) and EI (Se administered directly to lambs after the colostral period). The Se preparation (Barium Selenate Injection, BVP Animal Care, 50 mg/mL) was administered by injection at 1 mL/50 kg (1 mg Se/kg) body weight (BW) to group E ewes in the third month of pregnancy (between 70 and 90 days) and to group EI lambs between 4 and 7 days of age. The following parameters were determined: Se concentration in the blood of ewes, milk yield, milk composition, Se concentration in milk; hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters and Se concentration in the blood of lambs; growth rate and in vivo measurements of lean meat and fat content in lambs. Barium selenate significantly improved the Se status of dams and lambs, regardless of whether it was administered to pregnant ewes or directly to lambs in the first week of their life. The milk of ewes receiving the Se preparation was characterized by higher concentrations of fat and dry matter. The Se preparation induced significant changes in immunological parameters, thus enhancing defense mechanisms in lambs. The Se preparation exerted more stimulatory effects on humoral and cellular immune responses when administered directly to lambs after the colostral period (group EI) than to pregnant ewes (group E). The results of this study indicate that the long-acting Se preparation delivers benefits to sheep by boosting their immunity and, therefore, improving performance.