Pollen viability and longevity in Juniperus taxa native to Slovakia.

Pollen viability, dispersion ability and longevity during deep-freezer storage were studied in three Juniperus taxa distributed in Slovakia. All these characteristics of pollen are closely related to the pollination and/or fertilization success of the junipers in nature. Pollen viability varied considerably between the three populations of J. communis and one population of each, J. sibirica and J. communis var. intermedia. Pollen germination rate ranged between 40.75% and 75.06%, and pollen tube length between 30.32 and 40.41 µm. A clear tendency indicates a higher germination rate of J. communis pollen from lower altitudes and reduced germination of J. sibirica and J. communis var. intermedia pollen from higher altitudes. The dispersion potential of the J. communis pollen during its shedding seems relatively low. In 2021, pollen cloud density was diluted at 68.1% at the 4 m distance from the test shrub, in 2022 of 52.1% at the 17 m distance from the pollen source. A deep-freezer storage of juniper pollen in a double-walled polyethylene bag with silica gel was not efficient enough, as indicated by the drop of pollen germination rate of 31.2% in J. communis and of 79.4% in J. sibirica during a 1-year storage period at - 81 °C.

Temporal variation of allergenic potential in urban parks during the vegetation period: a case study from Bratislava, Slovakia.

Park greenery represents an oasis for urban residents; however, during the flowering period of trees that produce allergenic pollen grains, these areas threaten individuals suffering from seasonal allergic respiratory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the temporal distribution of the allergenic potential of three most important urban parks in Bratislava over the vegetation period, using a modification of the Urban Green Zone Allergenicity Index (IUGZA) and Individual-Specific Allergenic Potential Index (IISA) designed as a running index - rIUGZA and rIISA. We found that rIUGZA gives better information for park management and revitalization, since it considers the potential size of woody plants, while rIISA, considering the actual size of the vegetation, provides more relevant information for pollen-allergy sufferers. Based on rIISA, the allergenic potential was highest in May for the Grassalkovich Garden (formal baroque garden) and Janko Král Park (English landscape park) and in April for the Medic Garden (repurposed baroque garden). We also found differences in the duration of the period of increased allergenic potential in these parks, ranging from 1 to 3 months. Based on the total annual sums of rIISA, we found the highest allergenic potential in the Medic Garden and lowest in the Janko Král Park. This variance is caused mainly by the different density of trees and percentage of allergenic species. The biggest contributors to the allergenic potential were Platanus, Acer and Tilia. Based on the information on temporal variation of the allergenic potential during the vegetation period provided by the running indices, it is possible to improve the planning of park revitalization based on the flowering period of allergenic species and provide better information to the pollen-allergy sufferers for minimizing the allergenic effect of urban green areas on their health during a particular month.

Cross sectional study of vitamin B12 supplementation in Slovak and Czech vegans.

Background: The number of vegans in the world is growing and in Slovakia and the Czech Republic they make up 1% of the population. Vegan diet excludes all foods of animal origin and vegans who do not use vitamin B12 supplements are at risk of the vitamin B12 deficiency. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of Czech and Slovak vegans use vitamin B12 supplements regularly, irregularly or not at all and what is their supplemental cobalamin intake. Materials and methods: The research involved 1337 self-identified vegans from Slovakia and the Czech Republic who were interviewed using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method. Participants were recruited by posts in veganism-themed social media groups. Results: Out of 1337 vegans 55.5% supplemented cobalamin regularly, 32.54% irregularly and 11.97% were not supplementing. Rate of not supplementing individuals was 5.04% higher in Slovaks than in Czechs. Short-term vegans had a significantly higher rate of not supplementing individuals (17.99%) compared to medium-term (8.37%) and long-term vegans (7.50%). Mean weekly cobalamin intake from supplements was 2938.34±2566.60 µg in regularly supplementing vegans compared to 1630.31±1949.27 µg in irregularly supplementing vegans, particularly due to the lower weekly supplementation frequency among irregularly (2.93) compared to regularly supplementing vegans (5.27). Conclusions: The rate of supplementation in Slovak and particularly Czech vegans was higher than in other countries. The number of not supplementing individuals was significantly higher among short-term vegans, indicating that there is still a need for education on the importance of adequate and regular cobalamin supplementation, especially in new vegans. Our results support the hypothesis that the reason for higher rate of cobalamin deficiency in irregularly compared to regularly supplementing vegans is the lower cobalamin intake caused by lower supplementation frequency.

Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalence in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 Significantly Decreased during the Pandemic in Slovakia from 2020 to 2022 Which Was Associated with Decreasing Mortality.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to changes in lifestyle, which could influence vitamin D status on a population level. The purpose of our study was to compare 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels in patients hospitalized because of severe COVID-19 during two waves of the pandemic (2020/21 vs. 2021/22). A total of 101 patients from the 2021/22 wave were compared with 101 sex- and age-matched subjects from the 2020/21 wave. Patients from both groups were hospitalized during the winter season from 1 December to 28 February. Men and women were analyzed together and separately. The mean 25(OH)D concentration increased from 17.8 ± 9.7 ng/mL to 25.2 ± 12.6 ng/mL between waves. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) decreased from 82% to 54%. The prevalence of adequate serum 25(OH)D concentration (>30 ng/mL) increased from 10% to 34% (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with a history of vitamin D supplementation increased from 18% to 44% (p < 0.0001). Low serum 25(OH)D concentration was independently associated with mortality after adjusting for age and sex for the whole cohort of patients (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Slovakia decreased significantly, probably due to a higher rate of vitamin D supplementation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are (not) Different from the Others: Religious Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovakia and India.

Although the narrative of modernity has been rejected by numerous scientists, it remains a powerful paradigm. Several Western countries have, during the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessed renewed interest in some archaic practices and beliefs. Based mostly on media analysis, this paper provides an insight into religious responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia and India, two completely different cultural areas. Simultaneously, it challenges the self-identification of the West as the epicentre of rational thought, in contrast to the so-called non-Western world. The self-image of superiority adopted by the modern West in terms of religious relevance has proved to be distorted, as the tendency to turn to spiritual practices in times of crisis is not exclusively a feature of non-Western societies.

Results of diagnostics and treatment of amanita phalloides poisoning in Slovakia (2004-2020).

The paper presents results of AI diagnostics and treatment across the period of 2004-2020 pointing to the efficacy of two particular protocols. METHOD: Quantitative determination of amanitins in blood (ATOs) and urine (ATOu) performed by the original ELISA kit, indicated upon mycological history and clinical symptoms of poisoning. ATOu positive cases were recommended our protocol; ATOu negative results excluded amanitin poisoning. RESULTS: out of 2876 fungal poisonings registered in Slovakia during the subjected period, were 698 AI suspected cases. In 557 of them, was AI reliably excluded, in 141 confirmed. Urinary ATOu correlated with the severity of poisoning in the range of 6-47 h after mushroom ingestion, without false negativity. Serum ATOs had no diagnostic value. 129 patients with confirmed AI received full treatment protocol with antidotes of penicillin plus silibinin. In this group died two patients of acute kidney injury in the early stages of poisoning and 127 patients were recovered. Silibinin without penicillin was used in 12 patients. One of them undergone liver transplantation and four patients died of fulminant liver failure, respectively intracranial hemorrhage. Treatment failure in the PNC + silibinin protocol was 1.5 % (2 of 127 patients), silibinin alone being 41.7 % (5 of 12 patients, p = 0.00058). CONCLUSION: Early diagnostics of amanitin intoxication based on mycological and clinical history and subsequent determination of urinary amanitin levels (ATOu) allows early initiation of treatment. The use of treatment protocol with antidotes of PNC and silibinin is of high therapeutic efficacy. The omission of PNC from the treatment protocol significantly worsens patients' prognosis.

Seasonal variation in the allergenic potency of airborne grass pollen in Bratislava (Slovakia) urban environment.

The Phl p 5 allergen of the plant species Phleum pratense is considered one of the most crucial grass pollen allergenic molecules inducing respiratory allergies. In this study, we evaluated seasonal variation in the concentration of both grass pollen and Phl p 5 allergens as well as the ratio allergen/pollen (pollen potency) in the air of Bratislava during two consecutive years, 2019-2020. These 2 years differed in terms of air pollution, as COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020 considerably improved air quality in the study area. Air samples were collected using a Hirst-type sampler for pollen detection and the cyclone sampler for aeroallergen detection. In 2020, we observed 80.3% higher seasonal pollen integral, probably associated with the longer pollen season duration, however, 43.6% lower mean daily pollen potency than in 2019. The mean daily pollen value was 37.5% higher in 2020 than in the previous year, while the mean daily allergen value was 14.9% lower in 2020. To evaluate the relationship between the amount of pollen or allergen in the air and selected meteorological factors and air pollution parameters, we used multiple regression analysis. Regarding weather factors, precipitation and relative humidity were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen concentration, though these associations were negative. Atmospheric pollutants, especially CO, NO2 and O3 were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen levels. The associations with CO and O3 were positive, while the association with NO2 was negative. Our results indicate that for grasses, an air pollutant that has a significant positive relationship to the ratio of allergen/pollen is nitrogen dioxide.

Essential Oil Composition and Bioactivity of Two Juniper Species from Bulgaria and Slovakia.

Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb and J. sabina L. contain essential oil (EO), while J. sabina also contains podophyllotoxin, which is used as a precursor for anti-cancer drugs. Two studies were conducted. The first assessed the variability in the EO profile and podophyllotoxin concentration of the two junipers, depending on the location and tree gender. The main EO constituents of J. excelsa were α-cedrol, α-limonene and α-pinene, while the constituents in J. sabina were sabinene, terpinen-4-ol, myrtenyl acetate and α-cadinol. The podophyllotoxin yield of 18 J. sabina accessions was 0.07-0.32% (w/w), but this was not found in any of the J. excelsa accessions. The second study assessed the effect of hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus) and steam distillation (in a semi-commercial apparatus) on the EO profile and bioactivity. The extraction type did not significantly alter the EO composition. The EO profiles of the two junipers and their accessions were different and may be of interest to the industry utilizing juniper leaf EO. Breeding and selection programs could be developed with the two junipers (protected species) in order to identify chemotypes with (1) a high EO content and desirable composition, and (2) a high concentration of podophyllotoxin in J. sabina. Such chemotypes could be established as agricultural crops for the commercial production of podophyllotoxin and EO.

Excellent antibacterial activity of Slovak honeys on bacteria mostly infecting chronic wounds.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF STUDY: Chronic wounds are commonly colonized by various bacterial species and colonization frequently turns into wound infection, severely impairing healing process. With increasing antimicrobial resistance, the antimicrobial treatment of chronic wounds may be extremely challenging. Rediscovery of old and forgotten antimicrobial therapeutic options, such as apitherapy, may contribute to solving the problem of incurable chronic wound infections. Aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of four kinds of Slovak honey from ecological beekeeping against the most common bacterial species contaminating and infecting chronic wounds, and to compare these antimicrobial activities with those of the approved medical-grade Manuka honey. The impact of honey sterilisation methods and long-lasting storage on the bactericidal activity was also examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of honey was detected against 7 bacterial collection strains by broth microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility test according to EUCAST. The results were statistically analysed by Fisherꞌs exact test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Slovak ecologically produced honey samples demonstrated an excellent in vitro antibacterial activity, superior to the monofloral medical-grade Manuka honey activity. Neither the gamma-irradiation, nor the three-year-long storage had impact on the bactericidal activity of the tested honey (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 53).

DT56a in treatment of climacteric syndrome in the Central European population sample.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using the DT56a for the therapy of acute climacteric syndrome in women in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. DESIGN: Prospective interventional unblinded study. RESULTS: A sample of 453 women with symptoms of acute climacteric syndrome took 644 mg of soybeans´ phyotestrogenes DT56a in the period of 4 weeks. In course of the therapy, the total number of hot flushes decreased by 48 %, and the intensity decreased by 35 % (p < 0.01). In 85 % of women, the quantity or intensity of hot flushes decreased. Sleep quality increased in 65 % of women, headaches improved or significantly improved in 51 % of women, muscle aches and joint pains decreased by 40 %. Life quality improved in 72 % of women. CONCLUSIONS: DT56a is a possible alternative for the treatment of acute climacteric syndrome. In the Central European population, the efficacy of a daily dose of 644 mg corresponds with the effects observed in the Mediterranean population (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 21). Text in PDF www.elis.skKEY WORDS: DT56a, climacteric syndrome, menopause, non-hormonal treatment.

Psychometrics Properties of the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale in Slovak Elderly.

The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the daily spiritual experience scale (DSES) in Slovak elderly (n = 250). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.98. Reliability tests confirmed excellent internal consistency. Principal component analysis produced one-factor model which explained 75.86% of the total variance of the Slovak DSES. A higher frequency of spiritual experiences was associated with higher level of spirituality, meaning in life, religion/spiritual affiliation, and lower level of depression which justified construct validity of the DSES. Women stated greater spiritual experiences than men. Findings confirmed that the Slovak DSES is valid and reliable.

Lipid Profile, Lipoprotein Subfractions, and Fluidity of Membranes in Children and Adolescents with Depressive Disorder: Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Depressive disorder (DD) is a psychiatric disorder whose molecular basis is not fully understood. It is assumed that reduced consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids (FA) is associated with DD. Other lipids such as total cholesterol (TCH), LDL-, and HDL-cholesterols (LDL-CH, HDL-CH) also play a role in depression. The primary endpoint of the study was the effect of omega-3 FA on the severity of depression in children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the secondary endpoint, relationship between depressive disorder symptoms and lipid profile, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol subfractions, Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activities, and erythrocyte membrane fluidity in 58 depressed children and adolescents (calculated by the statistical program on the effect size), as well as the effect of omega-3 FA on the monitored parameters. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), lipid profile by standard biochemical procedures, and LDL- and HDL-subfractions by the Lipoprint system. Basic biochemical parameters including lipid profile were compared with levels in 20 healthy children and were in the physiological range. Improvement of symptoms in the group supplemented with a fish oil emulsion rich in omega-3 FA in contrast to omega-6 FA (emulsion of sunflower oil) has been observed. We are the first to report that omega-3 FAs, but not omega-6 FA, increase large HDL subfractions (anti-atherogenic) after 12 weeks of supplementation and decrease small HDL subfractions (proatherogenic) in depressed children. We found a negative correlation between CDI score and HDL-CH and the large HDL subfraction, but not LDL-CH subfractions. CDI score was not associated with erythrocyte membrane fluidity. Our results suggest that HDL-CH and its subfractions, but not LDL-CH may play a role in the pathophysiology of depressive disorder. The study was registered under ISRCTN81655012.

A new type strain of Pseudomonas putida NM-CH-I15-I isolated from a nickel-contaminated soil in southwest Slovakia harbouring the czcA-NM15I resistance determinant.

A soil bacterium MR-CH-I15-I was on the base of phylogenetic analysis of almost the whole (1,492 bp) 16S rRNA sequence and sequences of selected 9 marker genes identified as Pseudomonas putida strain NM-CH-I15-I. The bacterium exhibited typical morphological features and biochemical properties for this species, the highest resistance to nickel and copper and multidrug resistance to different antibiotic groups. In addition, the whole czcA-NM15I heavy-metal resistance gene sequence (3,126 bp, 1,042 amino acids, MW 112, 138 Da) was obtained and on the base of phylogenetic analysis was assigned to CzcA protein from Pseudomonas reidholzensis with 93% similarity. This gene was significantly induced mainly by the addition of zinc, cadmium and cobalt and in a lesser extent of nickel. Furthermore, an increased expression of the CzcA-NM15I protein was confirmed by immunoblot analysis after heterologous expression of the czcA-NM15I synthetic variant gene in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Finally, the location of amino acids (R83, R673, D402, D408, D619, E415, E568) in the homology model of the CzcA-NM15I protein suggested that these amino acids may play an important role in the transport of cations such as cobalt, zinc or cadmium. This soil bacterium can represent a new type strain of P. putida NM-CH-I15-I.

Seasonal Variability of Juniperus communis L. Berry Ethanol Extracts: 1. In Vitro Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity.

In the present study, in vitro hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, total phenols and terpene contents in 70% ethanol extracts were evaluated. Samples of crushed (CB) and non-crushed ripe juniper berries (NCB) collected at five localities in North-East Slovakia during the years 2012-2014 were compared. Standard or modified methods for determining phytochemical and antioxidant activity were used together with a novel method for the evaluation of the results after the correction of the measured values per gram of dry matter (DM). Statistically significantly higher DM contents (average values for three years) were found in the CB extracts (ranging from 18.86 to 21.91 mg/mL) in comparison to those for NCB (ranging from 2.59 to 9.90 mg/mL). Depending on the localities and years, the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity ranged from 15.52 to 32.85% for NCB and from 65.59 to 88.12% for CB, respectively. The contents of total phenols ranged from 43.75 to 246.75 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/L (NCB) and from 151.84 to 278.19 mg GAE/L (CB), respectively. However, the higher content of total phenols per gram of DM was found in the NCB extracts (8.49-42.23 mg GAE/g DM) and then in CB (6.87-18.77 GAE/g DM). The results obtained in this study showed a higher efficiency for extraction from juniper berries in 70% ethanol if the pericarp was disrupted in comparison to that achieved with the maceration of intact berries.

New Endophytic Fusarium spp. from Fraxinus excelsior Leaves in Slovakia.

Fraxinus excelsior is currently suffering from ash dieback disease caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Co-occurrence of large numbers of other fungi with endophytic as well as pathogenic lifestyles has been observed on F. excelsior. In this study, new endophytic Fusarium spp. isolate Fraxinus excelsior Fusarium from Slovak territory, associated with F. excelsior, was characterised. Using morphology-based approaches, the fungus was assigned to the genus Fusarium. The isolate formed thick-walled hyaline, fusiform, slightly curved macroconidia, produced from monophialides in sporodochia, pointed at the tip, mostly 3 - 5 septate, occasionally 6 septate, and 40 - 68 × 3.8 - 5.0 µm in size with basal pedicellate cells. For more accurate taxonomic affiliation, molecular sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor 1-alpha sequences, and partial ß-tubulin gene were performed. While the internal transcribed spacer sequence of the isolate showed the highest similarity to the Fraxinus oxysporum species, translation elongation factor 1-alpha and partial ß-tubulin sequences were distantly related to the Fraxinus avenaceum species. Based on these data, the Fraxinus excelsior Fusarium isolate could probably be considered a new species of the Fusarium genus.

High Ambrosia pollen concentrations in Poland respecting the long distance transport (LDT).

High Ambrosia pollen concentrations in Poland rather rarely come from the local sources. The aim of this study was to define the temporal and spatial differences of the high Ambrosia pollen concentrations by creating models for the pollen transport from the distant sources. This study was thought to determine the direction of the air masses inflow into Poland, carrying Ambrosia pollen, from areas of the bordering countries with the pollen concentrations higher than iSTOTEN_n Poland. Pollen and meteorological datasets at 8 monitoring sites in Poland, and daily pollen concentrations at 11 sites in the Czech Republic, 5 sites in Slovakia and 3 sites in Ukraine were analysed recently. Days with concentrations ≥10 Pollen/m3 and concurrent meteorological situations were analysed in great deal. The HYSPLIT model was applied to compute backward trajectories up to 4 days backward (96 h) and at three altitudes: 20, 500 and 1000 m above ground level (a.g.l.). High pollen concentrations occur most frequently when the air masses inflow into Poland from southerly (S, SE, SW, 44%) and easterly (E, 6%) directions and in no advection situations (25%). In years with the highest frequency of days over 10 Pollen/m3, the prevailing directions of the pollen influx into Poland were from the South (2004-2006, 2008, 2011) but in one year (2014) from the East. Trajectories for the studied period show that air masses come most frequently from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Sometimes, the Ambrosia pollen transport happens from Ukraine.

Essential and xenobiotic elements in cottage cheese from the Slovak market with a consumer risk assessment.

The examination of various elements in the milk products is very important in the food sector in respect of food quality and safety. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in white cottage cheese or cottage cheese supplemented with various additives (white, lacto-free, chive, tzatziki, mustard + onion, chili, active protein) available on the market of Slovakia. All essential elements were within the reference range. Cottage cheese enriched with tzatziki showed higher amount of Cu, Fe, K, and Zn. Mustard + onion cheese contained high values of Ca, Co, Mg, and Ni. In white cottage cheese high amount of Cr, Mn, and P was measured. The content of xenobiotic metals was below permitted limit. The contribution to PTWI (Provisional tolerable weekly intake) suggested very low dietary exposure to heavy metals as Cd, Hg, and Pb as well as other metals (Cu, Ni, and Zn) in cottage cheese. Numerous correlations between concentrations were observed. MOE (Margin of Exposure) evaluation denoted that average consumption of cottage cheese does not pose any high cardiovascular and nephrotoxicity threat.

Characterization of Rosa canina Fruits Collected in Urban Areas of Slovakia. Genome Size, iPBS Profiles and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities.

The studies of plant bacterial endophytes, colonizing the plant tissues without any signs of diseases, are essential for understanding of ecological interactions. The aim of our study is to detect microbiological contamination and to assess the antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, total phenolic, carotenoid content, genome size, and ploidy of non-cultivated Rosa canina sampled from urban areas. Samples of Rosa canina fruits were collected in three locations in Slovakia. The highest total viable count and the Enterobacteriaceae count in fruits were 4.32 log CFU/g and 4.29 log CFU/g, respectively. Counts of the mesophilic anaerobic sporulating bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., and of the microscopic fungi and yeasts were 3.00, 2.15 log CFU/g, 3.65 log CFU/g, and 2.76 log CFU/g, respectively. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, Escherichia coli and Klebsiela oxytoca were the most sensitive species among the assayed microorganisms to the treatment with the ethanolic extracts of Rosa canina fruits. The fruits were rich in bioactive compounds, polyphenols, and carotenoids, that could be related to their antioxidant activity. Genome sizes of analyzed samples ranged from 2.3 to 2.96. DNA-based fingerprinting obtained by iPBS markers of the Rosa canina var. lapidicola Heinr. Braun., was characterized by some distinctive inserted loci. An interdisciplinary study was performed for the dog roses from different parts of Slovakia that resulted in deeper characterization of this species.

Exploring essential oils of Slovak medicinal plants for insecticidal activity: The case of Thymus alternans and Teucrium montanum subsp. jailae.

Thymus alternans and Teucrium montanum subsp. jailae are medicinal and aromatic plants, typical of Slovakian flora, producing bioactive essential oils. In the present study, we evaluated the insecticidal potential of the essential oils, obtained by hydrodistillation from the plant aerial parts and analysed by GC-MS, as insecticidal agents. For the purpose, they were assayed against three insect species acting as agricultural pests or vectors of medical relevance, such as the common housefly, Musca domestica L., the lymphatic filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus and the Egyptian cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis; α-cypermethrin was tested as positive control. The two essential oils exhibited a different chemical profile, with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes being the main fractions in the essential oils from Th. alternans and T. montanum subsp. jailae, respectively. Insecticidal tests showed that the T. montanum essential oil was effective against S. littoralis (LD50(90) = 56.7 (170.0) µg larva-1) and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae (LC50(90) = 180.5 (268.7) mg L-1), whereas T. alternans essential oil displayed good toxicity against M. domestica adults (LD50(90) = 103.7 (223.9) µg adult-1). Overall, our results add useful knowledge about the potential of Slovakian flora as a source of botanicals for the eco-friendly management of insect pests and vectors.

Comparative Analysis of Triterpene Composition between Ganoderma lingzhi from China and G. lucidum from Slovakia under Different Growing Conditions.

The mushroom today known as Ganoderma lingzhi has been used for centuries in the countries of Eastern Asia as a very important medicinal mushroom. It prefers growing on rotten wood of broadleaf trees and is mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics. Its relative G. lucidum occurs naturally almost all the Earth, and it colonizes mostly oak and beech trees in Central Europe. G. lingzhi and G. lucidum are similar species. To obtain the qualitative parameters of G. lingzhi and G. lucidum, several strains (five G. lingzhi strains and five G. lucidum ones) were chosen and cultivated in both Slovakia and China, using wood chip (beech and oak) substrate and liquid fermentation method, respectively. It was found that there were more low-polarity triterpenes in G. lucidum, while G. lingzhi contained more high-polarity triterpenes. Beech substrate was more suitable for the accumulation of triterpenes in solid cultivation for both strains of G. lucidum and G. lingzhi. Strain C4 of G. lingzhi and strain K2 of G. lucidum contained higher triterpenes in either mycelium or fruiting bodies. Data in this study can help to identify these two species and bring a great benefit to the production of bioactive compounds of G. lucidum from Slovakia.