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Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important leguminous plant, in which pests trigger significant damage every year. Important members of this community are insects with piercing‐sucking mouthpart, especially the southern green stinkbug, Nezara viridula L.. This insect with its extraoral digestion causes visible alterations (morphological and color changes) in the seeds. We aimed to obtain precise information about the extent and nature of damage in soybeans caused by N. viridula using nondestructive imaging methods. Two infestation conditions were applied: one with controlled numbers of pests (six insects/15 pods) and another with naturally occurring pests (samples collected from the apical part of the plant and samples from whole plants). An intact control group was also included, resulting in four treatment groups. Seed samples were analyzed by computed tomography (CT) and image color analysis under laboratory conditions. According to our CT findings, the damage caused by N. viridula changed the radiodensity, volume, and shape (Solidity) of the soybean seeds during the pod‐filling and maturing period. Radiodensity was significantly reduced in all three damaged categories compared to the intact sample; the mean radiodensity reduction range was 49–412 HU. The seed volume also decreased significantly (25%–80% decrease), with a threefold reduction for samples exposed to regulated damage compared to natural ones. The samples exposed to natural damage showed significant but minor reduction in solidity, while samples exposed to regulated damage showed a prominent decrease (~12%). Image color analysis showed that the damaged samples were well distinguishable, and the differences were statistically verifiable. The achieved data derived from our external and internal imaging approaches contribute to a better understanding of the internal chemical processes, and CT analysis helps to understand the alteration trends of the hidden structure of seeds caused by a pest. Our results can contribute to the development of a practically applicable system based on image analysis, which can identify lots damaged by insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment studied the effects of egg composition (egg yolk content; Y) of two different chicken genotypes (selected by computed tomography; CT) on hatched chick growth performance, slaughter traits, and meat quality. Three thousand five hundred eggs per genotype were scanned by CT. Then, for each genotype, eggs were selected according to their Y content: low (21.0 ± 0.88 - 350 eggs), medium (24.5 ± 0.15- 350 eggs) and high (28.3 ± 0.98 - 350 eggs). The remaining eggs were excluded from the study. At 11 weeks of age, 15 chickens per group were slaughtered, carcasses were dissected and breast and legs were excised and dedicated to meat quality evaluations. Many parameters were influenced in the meat-type (EE) chickens, including slaughter, breast and leg weights, and abdominal fat content, whereas only the breast incidence on slaughter weight was affected in Tetra-H hybrid. In neither genotype were the meat traits affected by Y content. Two exceptions were represented by leg thawing loss, higher in low Y group compared to medium and high Y group, and by tibia length, longer in high Y content group than in the medium one, both for EE chickens. Similar findings were observed for the meat fatty acid (FA) profile, as only some single FA were influenced by Y content, however, apparently without a specific physiological meaning. The present work demonstrated that the Y content, measured by CT, allowed to select high-quality meat-type animals characterised by the best productive performances in terms of growth rate, live weight, slaughter weight, breast and thigh weights, and with lower abdominal fat content. These findings would bring positive advantages to hatcheries in terms of chick quality and also to farmers in terms of economic revenues: They would rear robust animals that would guarantee a higher probability of survival in the first rearing period and would be characterised by a high slaughter weight at the end of the productive cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Varroa destructor is a significant global honey bee parasite and the primary threat to bee health. Due to its latent lifestyle, detecting the mite in a brood requires invasive techniques. Enhancing detection methods is critical for advanced research on mite population dynamics, spread, selection efforts, and control methodologies. In this study, we employed infrared thermal imaging, a less-explored technique in apicultural studies, to detect parasitism in Apis mellifera broods. Our findings indicate that handheld infrared thermal cameras can generate adequately detailed heat maps of the hive. These maps distinctly separate cells containing honey, pollen, and brood, with stable, reproducible temperature measurements observable in late autumn. Notably, mite parasitism induces a sustained temperature increase in developing honey bee pupae, consistently detected regardless of mite numbers in the cell. This study reveals an advanced thermoregulatory behavior in the honey bee colony, manifesting as a social fever phenomenon. Further research is necessary to explore the health benefits of this behavior for bees and the negative effects on the mite. Our method, combined with the development of AI-based image evaluation software, could provide beekeepers and researchers with a valuable tool for Varroa research and bee biological studies. The Varroa destructor is the most significant bee parasite and the greatest threat to bee health all around the world. Due to its hidden lifestyle, detection within the brood cell is only possible through invasive techniques. Enhancing detection methods is essential for advancing research on population dynamics, spread, selection efforts, and control methodologies against the mite. In our study, we employed infrared imaging to measure the thermal differences in parasite and intact Apis mellifera worker broods. Experiments were conducted over two years at the MATE Kaposvár Campus in Hungary involving five beehives in 2022 and five beehives in 2023. A FLIR E5-XT WIFI handheld infrared camera was used to create a heat map of capped brood frames. Our results indicate that the resolution of these cameras is sufficient to provide detailed IR images of a bee colony, making them suitable to detect temperature differences in intact and Varroa parasitized capped brood cells. Mite parasitism causes a time-dependent and sustained temperature increase in developing bee pupae, observable regardless of mite number. Our work demonstrates two different heating patterns: hotspot heating and heating cells that are responsible for the elevated temperature of the Varroa-infested cells as a social fever response by the worker bees. Based on our results, future research combined with AI-based image evaluation software could offer beekeepers and researchers practical and valuable tools for high-throughput, non-invasive Varroa detection in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostic imaging techniques provide a new aspect of the ante‐mortem and post‐mortem diagnostics in fish medicine. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide more information about the internal organs and pathognomic lesions. The authors used diagnostic imaging techniques to evaluate and describe the neoplastic malformation in a 3‐year‐old female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The fish was examined with Siemens Somatom Definition AS + CT scanner and Siemens Biograph mMR scanner. The animal was lethargic and showed anorectic signs and muscular dystrophy. During the post‐mortem investigation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were also performed allowing us to identify the neoplasms. The results showed a large soft tissue mass in the first mid‐intestine segment, which proved to be an adenocarcinoma. This subsequently led to digestion problems and absorption disorders. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells of carcinoma revealed E‐cadherin and pancytokeratin positivity. This is the first study to report the use of MRI and CT for studying gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most beekeepers worldwide use the same combs in their hives for many years, which can result in alterations in the inner volume of the comb cells. The objective of this survey using microcomputed tomography was to reveal developmental disorders caused by this beekeeping practice. The extent of the thickening of the wall of brood cells that occurs as a result of the long-term use of the combs was determined. This alteration resulted in a reduction in the inner volume of the comb cells, which had a signifi cant effect on the size of the pupae and possibly the health of the imagoes. The walls of the cells can be divided into two well-determined parts, which can be exactly visualized using micro-CT. In addition, the inner structure of the wall in the first part of the cell was altered by very radio dense remains of cocoons. The material in the other part of the cell is less radio dense and as previously suggested is mainly wax. The decrease in the length, surface and volume of these cells adversely affected the developing pupae, which according to previous studies results in a reduction in the production of workers, colony strength and honey yield. The extent of the reduction in the body regions of pupae was on average 4.98%. Overall, the volume of the pupae that developed in these narrow comb cells were smaller by an average of 12.22%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-invasive diagnostic methods represent a new branch of insect diagnostics, which can provide novel information especially about insects with hidden lifestyle. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most useful non-destructive techniques allowing for both qualitative and quantitative assessments. The aim of the present study was to attain entomological information through the implementation of CT imaging, hence contributing to the spread of non-invasive imaging in entomological research. Through monitoring the development of wood-dwelling cerambycid larvae in beech branches, we point out some outputs applicable in entomological studies, which originate from CT image post-processing. We present findings on the location, and size of specimens of some hidden arthropods, as well as cavities formed by them, stemming from the maximum and minimum intensity projections, windowing, 3D-reconstruction, or virtual endoscopy, as steps of the imaging. In summary, it is expected that our findings contribute to a wider recognition of the entomological information that can be gathered from these non-invasive imaging techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of the selection for the total fat content of the rabbit body on the fat content and fatty acid composition of different meat cuts. The higher the fat content of the given meat, the more effective the selection was. Authors found that the meat of fatter rabbits is healthier, which can be used in the production of baby food. The present research studied the potential of a four-generation divergent selection (Pannon maternal rabbit lines) based on the total body fat content to create two rabbit lines with different meat attributes: a Fat line to deliver greater amounts of healthy fatty acids for newborns and infants, and a Lean line intended to provide lean meat for everyday consumption. Selection was based on the fat index calculated in 10-week-old live rabbits by means of computed tomography (CT). For each generation, 60 rabbits/line were fed ad libitum with commercial pellet from weaning (5 weeks) to slaughter (11 weeks). A total of 15 rabbits/line were randomly selected for meat quality evaluations: the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles (LTLs), hind legs (HLs), forelegs (FLs) and abdominal wall (AW) were analyzed for their proximate composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. FA contents were also calculated. Results highlighted that it was possible to obtain leaner meat for everyday consumption in most meat portions starting from generation 4 (7.93 vs. 11.9, 5.10 vs. 5.98 and 7.26 vs. 10.9 g of lipids/100 g of meat in Lean and Fat groups for the FLs, HLs and AW, respectively). The sole exception was the LTLs, which were not affected by the divergent selection. The total PUFA amount increased in FL and AW (p < 0.05) portions of the Fat line only, attributable to a greater n-3 amount (151 vs. 216 and 73 vs. 143 mg/100 g of meat in Lean and Fat groups for the FLs and AW, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Halyomorpha halys is a devastating agricultural pest, and digestion starts with an extra-oral phase as the injury is inflicted by injected saliva enzymes into the plant tissues. We carried out a noninvasive imaging assay assisted by computer tomography (CT) of through damaged tomatoes caused by H. halys. It was intended to support the imaging results by further laboratory analytical approaches, such as the antioxidant capacity, which have been used as a stress indicator. Our results confirmed that the noninvasive approach may provide new data for the cognition of the degree of damage induced by this important pest. The important finding is the proof of escalation of the lesions as a function of bug number and the exposure time. Volume and structure deviation in tomatoes were justified by the antioxidant activity. In summary, our method can be suitable for the qualitative inspection of tomato items. Qualitative and quantitative parameters of tomatoes are impaired by Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), which cause severe economic losses worldwide. Our aims were to assess H. halys-induced tissue damage in tomatoes via computer tomography and to confirm the results of imaging obtained by analytical methods. Our examination confirmed the intensification of the change in the inner structure of damaged tomatoes as a function of time. The tendency of this destruction triggered by bug saliva grew exponentially from the exocarp layer to the inner placenta. The destruction of the plant tissue was aggravated by an increase in the number of bugs, as it was unequivocally evinced by the shell thickness assays. The results of the assessment of the antioxidant capacity of tomato mesocarp showed a distinct decrease in the antioxidant capacity of the samples obtained from H. halys-infested tomatoes. This indicates that the ferric-reducing antioxidant power value was related to the degradation processes of the mesocarp tissue in tomato fruit caused by the watery saliva released by H. halys. The presented experimental method can be suitable for the qualitative control of the vegetable items intended for trade, which can help for the isolation of tomatoes damaged by bugs immediately after harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cypress jewel beetle Lamprodila (Palmar) festiva is a wood-boring pest posing a major threat to the phytosanitary conditions of several coniferous trees. Its unprecedented European expansion has triggered serious plant protection concerns in several new habitats. Parts of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana injured by L. festiva were collected and analysed by computed tomography in order to study the dimensions of the cavities caused by L. festiva larvae as well as the larval positions. It is concluded that computer tomography representing a non-invasive approach is a promising tool for the visual depiction of the position and the physical parameters of the cavities formed. According to our experimental data, the penetration into the cypress caused by larvae and, inherently, its depth depends on the diameter of the branch. Additionally, the developing larvae appeared to keep distance from each other, which also depended on the diameter of the attacked branch. Our approach provides new data to the biological traits of the species. The main benefit that our imaging method furnishes is the exact, stress-free measurement method of the hidden developing stages. Its additional advantage is the indirect pest identification, which is based on the predetermined pest-specific damage characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weevils of the Ceutorhynchus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are significant pests, posing a threat to oilseed rape cultivation in Central Europe. Due to their lifestyle, these weevils cause hidden damage within the stems. Our non‐invasive computer tomography‐based study aimed to compare the damage characteristics of three species within this genus: C. pallidactylus (Marsham), C. napi (Gyll.), and C. picitarsis (Gyll.), in oilseed rape stems. During the CT analysis of the plant samples from axial, coronal, and sagittal approaches at different points, we measured the length of the damaging larvae, their number per plant, their distance from each other, the volume of the formed cavity, and the diameter of the damaged plant stems. Additionally, we investigated the closeness of the connections between these forms of damage. Our study found that damage to plant samples during the period of interest was species‐specific. Significant differences were observed in the longitudinal size dimensions of the larvae, the volume of the formed cavities, and the diameters of the stems of the attacked plants among the species causing the damage. The Pearson correlation results confirmed a strong correlation between the volumes of the formed cavities and the values of larval length (l) and stem diameter (⌀), as well as between stem diameter and larval length data for each species (C. pallidactylus: l = 6.903 ± 1.332 mm, ⌀ = 11.43 ± 0.707 mm; C. napi: l = 9.868 ± 0.617 mm, ⌀ = 23.11 ± 2.813 mm; C. picitarsis: l = 3.772 ± 0.967 mm, ⌀ = 11.16 ± 0.365 mm). These results suggest that the damages caused by these hidden lifestyle stem pests of oilseed rape are species‐specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several studies dealing with the phenotypic variance of the vertebral number in the spinal column of rabbits. According to the literature the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae varies between 11-13 and 6-8, respectively. The length of the m. longissimus dorsi (MLD) - a valuable meat part of rabbits - is determined by the length of the vertebral column therefore the number of vertebrae may have economic importance in breeding. The aim of this study was to create an automatic counter using computed tomography (CT) images. In the first step, a skeleton binary mask was created using the radiodensity range between 120 and 3071 HU, then the lumbar and thoracic regions were processed by two different methods. The lumbar part was evaluated based on the frequency of the bone voxels along the axial plane. The number of thoracic vertebrae was determined from the number of ribs. The left and right ribs were processed separately. The developed method was tested on CT examination of 40 Hycole rabbits compared to manual evaluation. The results of the automatic algorithm had few errors: in one case in the lumbar region (2.5%) and in 3 cases in the thoracic region (5%). The automated evaluation process takes a few seconds per individual and then the program visualizes the results on a graph. The incorrectly evaluated rabbits are recognizable on graphs and they can be easily corrected with a minimal time investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damage of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), causes is mainly determined by the success of its overwintering. The aim of our study was to assess the consequences of the artificial cooling on the movement and survival ability of overwintering larvae of O. nubilalis by using computer‐assisted tomography. The in situ movement of the examined larvae in icy media of different thickness (5, 15, and 30 cm) and during freezing periods of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 min was determined in maize stalks using CT and the positioner‐laser of the CT apparatus. It has been found that the thickness of the ice had a significant effect on the displacement of the overwintering larvae, however, the impact of the duration of freezing on the moving of the larvae could not be proven statistically. Enhanced larvae activity due to thinner ice layers (5, 15 cm) were of exponential type, which was more pronounced just prior to the freezing point. In contrast, thicker ice covering (30 cm) caused complete immobility. According to our results, the diapausing larvae were still able to move and albeit it appeared to be capable of surviving the direct impact of extreme cold, it could even leave its overwintering place as a result of low temperature. Furthermore, the maize stalk tissue contributes to the survival‐success of the larvae as it seems to act as a temperature‐buffer moderating the severe impact that low temperature exerts on living tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to present the updated segmentation technique predicting the loin muscle weight of rabbits based on in vivo computed tomography measurements. The segmented muscle volumes are used to estimate the weight of the loin muscle and the predicted weights are compared to the real weights of meat cuts measured after the dissection of the animals. The R2 value of the proposed technique is 0.74 which is significantly better than the determination coefficients than that of the of the previously used method (R2 0.49). The proposed technique is suitable to be involved in the breeding selection program of rabbits (Pannon White) at Kaposvár University, Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loin muscle volume and hind leg muscle volume measured by computer tomography are economically valuable traits in rabbit breeding. Hence, genetic parameters were calculated to these new selection criteria, and a two-trait selection index was created in order to modify the current selection process of the Pannon large rabbit breed. The evaluated animals (n = 312) were randomly selected from 2014 and 2018, and the total number of animals in the pedigree file was 2758. Loin muscle volume (LMV) and hind leg muscle volume (HLV) were analyzed in a two-trait animal model. The estimated heritability for LMV was h² = 0.4 and h² = 0.42 for the HLV respectively. The selection index was created with desired gains by improving each trait in the selection criteria with one additive genetic standard deviation and the final index was Z transformed. Correlation coefficients between the index and the examined traits were high, 0.86 for LMV and 0.87 for HLV, thus this method could be announced into the breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic parameters for 21-d litter weight (LW21) and thigh muscle volume (TMV) were estimated, and based on these traits a two-trait selection index was created with the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the Pannon White rabbits' breeding programme. Litter weight at 21 d of age (LW21, n = 22,002) and thigh muscle volume (TMV, n = 8124) measurements (based on computed tomography - CT) were analysed that were recorded between 1992 and 2016. The evaluated animals were reared in 4178 litters and the total number of rabbits involved in the pedigree file was 14,124. LW21 and TMV records were analysed jointly in a two-trait animal model. The estimated heritability for LW21 and TMV were 0.10 ± 0.01 and 0.21 ± 0.02, respectively, and the estimated genetic correlation between these traits was −0.24 ± 0.07. The common environmental effect had the same magnitude (0.10 ± 0.01) as the additive genetic effect. The created selection index constructed to have 50 and 50% contribution of the measured traits. Application possibility of the created index was tested on a given kindling batch. In this case, the first step of the selection procedure was performed either according to the current breeding programme (based on the LW21 breeding values) or based on the two trait selection index. The second step of selection was not changed (based on the TMV breeding values). The consequences of using index scores instead of the regular procedure were obtaining 27.8% higher average breeding value for TMV and 11.4% lower average breeding value for LW21. These results suggest that introduction of the index may improve economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leguminous plant products have great nutritional and economic importance in the European Union, which is reflected by its protein policy. These harvested yields are risked by stored product pests, such as Acanthoscelides obtectus Say, which can cause up to 50-60% loss in stored bean items. The bean weevil causes both quantitative and qualitative damage to seeds. We aimed to map the qualitative damage of this devastating pest, which deteriorates the nutritional content of bean kernels. Furthermore, our purpose was to determine accurately the decrease in the volume and density alteration in beans caused by this important stored product pest using CT-assisted imaging analysis. Our results showed that the nutritional arrangement in damaged beans was caused by A. obtectus. The measured nutrient content increment in damaged samples can be explained by the presence of extraneous organic material which originates from perished specimens of the bruchin pest. This is a negative phenomenon in bean items used as forage, because of the loss of valuable proteins and rancidity in herbal oils. Weight loss triggered by developing larvae was 49.42% in examined bean items. The use of 3D technologies has greatly improved and facilitated the detailed investigation of injured seeds. The density (75,834 HU; 41.93%) and the volume (296.162 mm³; 26.21%) values measured by CT of the examined samples were significantly decreased. The decreasing of tissue density in damaged beans can be accounted for by the consumption of starch present at a high ratio and that of the dense reserve components in the cotyledons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A more complicated pathology was observed in female pigs infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, when the same were exposed to 20 ppm dietary levels of fumonisin B1 (FB1) starting 14 days before infection for a period of 42 days as was assessed by gross pathology and pathomorphological examinations or computed tomography, and also manifested by the strong deterioration of the pneumonic process in two pigs and the subsequent euthanizing of one pig. Typical damages in FB1-fed pigs were a strong oedema in the lung and slight oedema in the other internal organs and mild degenerative changes in the kidneys, whereas the typical pathomorphological changes in M. hyopneumoniae-infected pigs corresponded to the morphologic pattern of a catarrhal bronchointerstitial pneumonia more pronounced in the cranial and middle lobes or in the cranial third of the caudal lobe of the lung. The pigs treated by both pathogens (toxic and infectious) revealed strong oedematous changes in the interstitium of lung in addition to deteriorated and extended bronchointerstitial pneumonic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atrophic rhinitis is a widely prevalent infectious disease of swine caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida. The course of the disease is considered to be different depending on the principal aetiological agents distinguishing B. bronchiseptica induced non-progressive and toxigenic P. multocida produced progressive forms. In order to compare the pathological events of the two forms of the disease, the development of nasal lesions has longitudinally been studied in pigs infected by either B. bronchiseptica alone or B. bronchiseptica and toxigenic P. multocida together using computed tomography to visualise the nasal structures. Results B. bronchiseptica infection alone caused moderately severe nasal turbinate atrophy and these lesions completely regenerated by the time of slaughter. Unexpectedly, complete regeneration of the bony structures of the nasal cavity was also observed in pigs infected by B. bronchiseptica and toxigenic P. multocida together in spite of seeing severe turbinate atrophy in most of the infected animals around the age of six weeks. Conclusions B. bronchiseptica mono-infection has been confirmed to cause only mild to moderate and transient lesions, at least in high health status pigs. Even severe turbinate atrophy induced by B. bronchiseptica and toxigenic P. multocida combined infection is able to be reorganised to their normal anatomical structure. Computed tomography has further been verified to be a useful tool to examine the pathological events of atrophic rhinitis in a longitudinal manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the interaction of Bordetella bronchiseptica, toxigenic pasteurella multocida serotype D and mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) on artificially reared 3 day old piglets. The piglets were divided into a control group, a group fed FB1 toxin, a group infected with the 2 pathogens, and a group infected with the 2 pathogens and fed FB1 toxin. Computed tomography showed lung lesions attributable to colonization by Bordetella bronchiseptica in the infected groups.

The aim of these experiments was to examine the applicability of two different methods (TOBEC and CT) for the in vivo prediction of egg composition. In the first experiment the electrical conductivity of 46 hen's eggs was measured by means of the TOBEC (Total Body Electrical Conductivity) method and correlations were calculated between the measured values and different egg components (dry matter, protein, fat). In the second experiment 120 hen's eggs were scanned by CT (computer tomography), in order to develop the CT measurement protocol and to determine correlations between the information content of the CT images and yolk content of the eggs. In the case of the TOBEC measurements it was established that the dry matter and fat content of the eggs could be measured with medium accuracy (R2=0.472 and R2=0.486, respectively), when the electrical conductivity (E-value) and the weight of the eggs are used as independent variables in the linear regression model. In the second experiment it was observed that the separation of egg yolk and albumen is not possible based on the X-ray density values of the pixels (CT picture elements) because of the overlapping values of yolk and albumen. The determination of the surface of egg yolk on the CT pictures gave fairly good results, but this type of the evaluation is very time consuming. Therefore further development of the new egg-separation and segmentation software is needed, which can be used to determine the whole volume of the yolk, albumen and shell automatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is the most important natural pest of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, worldwide. The extent to which impairments in honey bees occur concomitantly upon infestation by this parasite greatly varies. Inter alia, the Varroa mite causes developmental disorders mediated by deformed wing virus in this host. Although there is a plethora of information regarding the consequences of this parasitism in the fully developed stage, data concerning the pre-imaginal honey bee stage inside the comb are rather scarce. In this study, morphological differences in the main body parts of the honey bee during the development stages of both intact and parasitized larvae were measured inside the comb by means of computed tomography. The images obtained reveal a visualization of the harmful effects of the Varroa mite on the pre-imaginal host. Our results demonstrate that the deformation of certain body parts was due to the presence of the parasite. Deformity, as the most conspicuous sign of infestation, is coupled with a decrease in the total-body size and abdomen size together with a disproportionate ratio of different body parts. In summary, information on the impairment of honey bee development triggered by the Varroa mite gives the opportunity to assess the damage caused by this serious pest, which occurs latently in honey bees. The honey bee (Apis mellifera L. 1778) is an essential element in maintaining the diversity of the biosphere and food production. One of its most important parasites is Varroa destructor, Anderson and Trueman, 2000, which plays a role in the vectoring of deformed wing virus (DWV) in honey bee colonies. Our aim was to measure the potential morphometric changes in the pre-imaginal stage of A. mellifera caused by varroosis by means of computed tomography, hence supplying evidence for the presumable role that V. destructor plays as a virus vector. Based on our results, the developmental disorders in honey bees that ensued during the pre-imaginal stages were evident. The total-body length and abdomen length of parasitized specimens were shorter than those of their intact companions. In addition, the calculated quotients of the total-body/abdomen, head/thorax, and head/abdomen in parasitized samples were significantly altered upon infestation. In our view, these phenotypical disorders can also be traced to viral infection mediated by parasitism, which was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Capitalizing on a non-destructive method, our study reveals the deformation of the honey bee due to mite parasitism and the intermediary role this pest plays in viral infection, inside the brood cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important leguminous plant worldwide, in which pests trigger significant damage every year. One of the most important pest is pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum, L) which causes covert damage in crops. In the present study, our aim was to obtain precise information pertaining to the extent and the nature of damage in pea caused by B. pisorum by means of non-invasive imaging methods. The infested pea samples were analysed by an infrared thermometer and a bioluminescence plant imaging system as well as a computer tomograph under laboratory conditions. The calculated weight of organic matter destroyed by the developing larvae was 36.46%. The changing of RGB (red, blue, green) codes obtained through thermal imaging and the CPS (counts per second) values originating from bioluminescence imaging in infested samples were statistically verifiable. According to our CT assay, the damage caused by B. pisorum changed the tissue density, volume and shape of the pea seeds by the end of the development of the pest. The results of thermal and bioluminescence imaging contribute to a better understanding of the internal chemical processes and the CT analysis helps to understand the alteration trends of the inner structure of seeds caused by this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The spread of both alternative and non-cage laying hen housing systems and the more forceful European refusal of beak trimming generate new problems in commercial egg production. The hybrid layers, which have been genetically selected under cage housing conditions for more decades, have lively temperament, are more susceptible for feather pecking and, in more cases, they are expressly aggressive, which led to permanent conflict situations in the large group keeping systems. Therefore, the omission of beak trimming could lead to an increased risk for feather pecking and consequently to a risk for increased mortality in the hen house by using the current commercial layers. Therefore, changes in the live weight, plumage and body condition, egg production, and mortality of different TETRA pure line non-beak-trimmed laying hens were compared during the egg-production period in our study, where the plumage condition was considered as an indicator trait for feather pecking. Our results confirm the findings of former studies that the genetic background of the hens is an important factor impacting feather pecking and suggest that breeding for an improved plumage condition might be a potential way to improve animal welfare in non-beak-trimmed layer flocks. The experiment was carried out with altogether 1740 non-beak-trimmed laying hens, which originated from Bábolna TETRA Ltd., representing two different types (Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Rhode Island White (RIW)) and four different lines (Lines 1–2: RIR, Lines 3–4: RIW). The plumage and body condition of randomly selected 120 hens (30 hens/line) was examined at 20, 46, and 62 weeks of age. The egg production and the mortality of the sampled hens were recorded daily. Based on the results, it was established that the lines differ clearly in most of the examined traits. It was also pointed out that injurious pecking of the hens resulted not only in damages in the plumage but also in the body condition. The results obviously demonstrated that the highest egg production and the lowest mortality rate were reached by those hens, which had the best plumage and body condition. Because the occurrence of injurious pecking seems to depend on the genetic background, selection of the hens (lines, families, individuals) for calm temperament will be very important in the future in order to maintain the high production level in non-beak-trimmed layer flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of selection for total body fat content and its effect on productive and carcass traits. Growing rabbits were selected for high or low body fat content. The selection was effective, and the difference in fat reserves (perirenal fat and scapular fat content) increased with each generation. After four generations, the feed conversion rate improved, and the ratios of fore and hind parts increased in lean rabbits. Selection for lower total body fat content could be useful for customers who want to buy animals and meat with lower fat content; while selection for higher fat content could be advantageous for rabbit does because they have more fat (energy) deposits which are in positive connection with maternal ability and a longer lifespan. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of divergently selected rabbits for total body fat content (fat index) on growth performance and carcass traits. The fat index was determined at 10 weeks of age by computed tomography and lasted for four consecutive generations. The rabbits with the lowest fat index belonged to the lean line and those of the highest values belonged to the fat line. At generation four, 60 rabbits/line were housed in wire-mesh cages and fed with commercial pellet ad libitum from weaning (5 w of age) to slaughtering (11 w of age). Growth performance, dressing out percentage and carcass adiposity were measured. The lean line showed a better feed conversion ratio (p < 0.001) than the fat line. Furthermore, the carcass of the lean rabbits had the highest proportion of fore (p < 0.020) and hind (p < 0.006) parts. On the contrary, rabbits of the fat line had the highest carcass adiposity (p < 0.001). The divergent selection for total body fat content showed to be effective for both lean and fat lines. Selection for lower total body fat content could be useful for terminal male lines, while the selection for higher total body fat content could be an advantage for rabbit does in providing fat (energy) reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research studied the potential of a four-generation divergent selection (Pannon maternal rabbit lines) based on the total body fat content to create two rabbit lines with different meat attributes: a Fat line to deliver greater amounts of healthy fatty acids for newborns and infants, and a Lean line intended to provide lean meat for everyday consumption. Selection was based on the fat index calculated in 10-week-old live rabbits by means of computed tomography (CT). For each generation, 60 rabbits/line were fed ad libitum with commercial pellet from weaning (5 weeks) to slaughter (11 weeks). A total of 15 rabbits/line were randomly selected for meat quality evaluations: the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles (LTLs), hind legs (HLs), forelegs (FLs) and abdominal wall (AW) were analyzed for their proximate composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. FA contents were also calculated. Results highlighted that it was possible to obtain leaner meat for everyday consumption in most meat portions starting from generation 4 (7.93 vs. 11.9, 5.10 vs. 5.98 and 7.26 vs. 10.9 g of lipids/100 g of meat in Lean and Fat groups for the FLs, HLs and AW, respectively). The sole exception was the LTLs, which were not affected by the divergent selection. The total PUFA amount increased in FL and AW (p < 0.05) portions of the Fat line only, attributable to a greater n-3 amount (151 vs. 216 and 73 vs. 143 mg/100 g of meat in Lean and Fat groups for the FLs and AW, respectively)., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The experiment was carried out with altogether 1740 non-beak-trimmed laying hens, which originated from Bábolna TETRA Ltd., representing two different types (Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Rhode Island White (RIW)) and four different lines (Lines 1-2: RIR, Lines 3-4: RIW). The plumage and body condition of randomly selected 120 hens (30 hens/line) was examined at 20, 46, and 62 weeks of age. The egg production and the mortality of the sampled hens were recorded daily. Based on the results, it was established that the lines differ clearly in most of the examined traits. It was also pointed out that injurious pecking of the hens resulted not only in damages in the plumage but also in the body condition. The results obviously demonstrated that the highest egg production and the lowest mortality rate were reached by those hens, which had the best plumage and body condition. Because the occurrence of injurious pecking seems to depend on the genetic background, selection of the hens (lines, families, individuals) for calm temperament will be very important in the future in order to maintain the high production level in non-beak-trimmed layer flocks.

Red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) hinds ( n = 3 × 10 ) of identical initial body weight (BW, ca. 68 kg) were reared on a monocotyledonous grass (G group), on a grass- papilionaceous (GP group) or on pure papilionaceous pasture each of 2 ha (P group) for 219 d. At the end of the experiment carcass tissue composition was assessed by means of computer tomography, slaughter value and meat quality were characterized and tissue - longissimus thoracis et lumborum  (LTL), thigh and liver - samples were taken for fatty acid composition analysis. The primary aim was to assess nutrition-driven differences. Hinds of group P provided higher final BW (101 kg vs. 90 and 91.9 kg in groups G and GP, respectively) and higher BW gain (32.6 kg during the total period vs. 22.4 and 22.1 kg). The carcass weight exceeded those of the other groups significantly (68.8 kg vs. 59.3 and 63.2 kg), while there was no difference among groups in the perirenal fat weight and red color tone ( a * ) of the LTL. Groups G and P differed significantly in the LTL weight (highest in P), its dripping loss (lowest in G), lightness (L; highest in P) and yellow color tone ( b * ). In the thigh muscle, LTL and liver the highest proportion of fatty acid CLA9c11t was reached on the G pasture, and the same trend was true for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA , C22:6 n3) in the muscles. The n6  /  n3 fatty acid ratio was the highest on the P pasture in the liver and both muscles. The liver incorporated the highest proportion of linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) and converted it rather effectively to arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6), coupled with the lowest α -linolenic acid presence. In conclusion, concerning muscle mass production, group P proved to be the most advantageous pasture; meanwhile LTL meat quality factors (dripping loss, DHA proportion, pH, color) were more favorable on the G pasture., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 János Nagy et al.)

Background and Purpose: Studies have shown that a high proportion of patients undergoing MRI examinations experience anxiety and distress which may compromise image quality and successful data acquisition. Research on fMRI related anxiety is limited as to date, therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the changes in anxiety as well as to examine its interactions with the implementation of a dedicated patient preparation phase prior to the examination., Methods: An fMRI examination consisting of six paradigms was performed on nine female and nine male healthy volunteers. Prior to the examination, the volunteers were subject to an extensive patient preparation phase including the professional support of a psychologist. The volunteers were subject to the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) pre and post fMRI. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured pre and post fMRI examination., Results: A high level of trait and state anxiety was observed (STAI-T: 41.67 +/- 8.96; STAI-S: 34.78 +/- 9.79) prior to the examination. The level of state anxiety decreased significantly following the examination (STAI-S: 28.83 +/- 4.99, p<0.01). Correlation between the volunteers level of anxiety prior to the fMRI scan and the volume of the activation areas was observed in the fingertapping (r=0.656; 0.561) and word generation (r=0.471) paradigms., Conclusion: The results of this study support the contribution of a supportive patient preparation phase inclusive of professional guidance to help reduce the volunteers' level of distress and anxiety. These results encourage the study to be extended to clinical patients.

A two-way selection procedure was performed on a Landrace pig line. First the cardiac output (CO) values (6.89 +/- 1.27 L/min) were estimated by ECG-gated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the heart performance of the boars (n = 30), then total body skeletal muscle volume (MVTB; 48.7 +/- 5.17 dm3) was determined applying spiral computerised tomography (CT). The relative cardiac output value (RCO) was developed, expressing the relationship between CO and MVTB. Four superior [RCO value below 6.7 dm3 / (L x min(-1))] and one minus variant [(8.97 dm3 / (L x min(-1))] boars were taken into breeding. The best fifteen percentage of the first generation males (n = 30) was characterised according to their RCO values. Significant difference was found between the developed performance measure of the progenies of minus and plus variant boars [8.2 +/- 0.65 and 5.63 +/- 0.70 dm3 / (L x min(-1)), n = 7 and 23], respectively. Comparing the existing five progeny groups, all of the 'HP+' groups differed significantly from the 'HP-' one, where the largest heart performance contrast found was 3.2 dm3 / (L x min(-1)). Based upon the results, the selection is being continued on a larger population.

Atrophic rhinitis (AR) is a widespread and economically important disease of swine caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida. It can be controlled by vaccination. This study investigates the effect of altering the composition (adjuvants and/or addition of formalin-inactivated P. multocida toxin, fPMT) of conventional vaccines on the serological profile and on protection against AR in swine. A significantly higher B. bronchiseptica specific antibody titre was detected for vaccines with novel immunostimulants, the best being Montanide IMS 1313 (1:630 compared to 1:274 obtained with alum). The highest B. bronchiseptica antibody titre was demonstrated for a combination of B. bronchiseptica--fPMT, while PMT antibody titre was highest for monovalent fPMT (both adjuvanted with IMS 1313). The AR-specific antibodies were transmitted from dams to their offspring in similar titres and with the same hierarchy of effectiveness. After a B. bronchiseptica--P. multocida bacterial challenge, piglets from dams vaccinated with fPMT combined with B. bronchiseptica or B. bronchiseptica--P. multocida bacterins showed the lowest nasal lesions scores (4.5 and 3.2, respectively, out of a possible maximum score of 18). These combinations, both of which were adjuvanted with IMS 1313, gave the best protection against experimentally induced AR. Our results show that the adjuvant and the antigen composition of the vaccine strongly affect seroconversion, and that the AR-specific antibody titre does not necessarily correlate with the degree of protection.