Fulltext search in archive

Yields of winter wheat, winter rape and oats were evaluated in the field; the field was divided into the site-specific zones and treated with variable doses of nitrogen fertilizer in years 2004-2006. Measurements of the yields were carried out with a yield monitor placed in a combine harvester. The measured data were processed into the yield maps by means of ArcGIS 9.2 software. Variable application of fertilizer should balance yield potential of the field. Generally, total yield variability on the field after the application of various doses of experimental fertilizer was similar in the years 2004 (11.3%), 2005 (14.7%) and 2006 (11.7%) in comparison with the year 2003 (25.02%). Variable application of nitrogen in the site-specific zones, created on the basis of the yield levels, decreased the yield variability in comparison with the uniform dose. Different doses of nitrogen fertilizer also enabled to increase utilization of production potential of the experimental field.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a mutualistic association between fungi and higher plants, and play a critical role in nutrient cycling and stress tolerance. However, much less is known about the mycorrhiza-mediated enhancement in growth and salinity tolerance of the peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) growing in the arid and semi-arid areas. Therefore, mycorrhizal status of Glomus mosseae in diverse salinity levels on original substrate soil conditions was investigated. Different growth parameters, accumulation of proline content and salt stress tolerance were studied. These investigations indicated that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could improve growth of peanuts under salinity through enhanced nutrient absorption and photosynthesis. Chlorophyll content and leaf water content were increased significantly under salinity stress by the inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi. Tolerance of the plants to salinity was increased and the mycorrhizal association was found highly effective in enhancing peanut growth and establishment in soils under salinity and deficient in phosphorus.

To better understand how water stress and availability affect the enzyme activity and microbial communities in soil, we measured the changes of organic carbon (OC), bacteria and fungi populations, and endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities in a semiarid soil treated with air-dried primary sewage sludge at a rate of 20 g/kg. The water potentials established for soil incubation were: saturation (SA, 0 bar), field capacity (FC, -0.3 bar), and permanent wilting point (PWP, -15 bar). An irrigation treatment was a drying-rewetting cycle (DWC) between -0.3 to -15 bars. After 0, 20, 60 and 90 days of incubation soils were sampled for analysis. The addition of sewage sludge increased soil OC, endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities significantly. The effects of soil moisture, incubation time and their interactions on OC, and endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities in soil were significant. During 20 days of incubation, OC, endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities decreased significantly. Soils incubated in DWC and FC compared to soils incubated in SA and PWP had lower OC contents due to organic matter mineralization. Organic C, exoglucanase and endoglucanase activities significantly increased with increasing soil water potential. The activities of exoglucanase and endoglucanase in soils incubated in SA were significantly higher than those in soils incubated in PWP.

The paper compares the quality of Festulolium, Dactylis glomerata and Arrhenatherum elatius at the end of the growing season over three years with the contrasting weather in the Czech Republic. The effect of pre-utilisation dates in June or July on the quality of grass forage in October, November and December (harvest dates) was investigated. In the first two years, Arrhenatherum elatius exhibited higher yields (P < 0.05) than Festulolium and Dactylis glomerata. In all treatments, differences between the species and between the years were inconsistent for organic matter digestibility (OMD) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) but Festulolium showed the lowest crude protein (CP) in all years and crude fibre (CF) in the first 2 years. The longer re-growth time due to earlier final cut in summer increased the yield and decreased the nutritive value in winter. Yields of DM, OMD and CP content generally declined and the CF content increased with the delay of winter harvest. Significant species harvest date interactions in some years were due to the steep increase of CF and NDF in Festulolium. Based on DM yields and nutritive value, all species have some merits as forage for use in possibly extended grazing season. Festulolium and Dactylis glomerata could be used to extend the grazing period in continental conditions. Arrhenatherum elatius had sufficient quality at both dry and warm end of the growing season due to the fact that Arrhenatherum elatius was a representative of drought-resistant species; however, intense grazing could suppress it.

Tracked travel mechanism is, in some cases, a significant alternative of wheeled travel mechanism. A suitability of application depends on particular work conditions, which opens the space for computer simulation. This paper is focused on possibilities of tracked vehicle simulation in MSC.ADAMS; mainly in the universal module MSC.ADAMS/View, which is not especially customized for tracked vehicle simulations. The study presents a concrete example of tracked vehicle simulation and a method of its successful realization during travel through terrain obstacle as a basic manoeuvre for evaluating of chassis properties and work ergonomy.

The paper deals with assessment of biogas yield from mixtures of Reynoutria substrates and livestock manure. The aim was to perform laboratory experiments and suggest suitable fermenter operating conditions (dry matter content, pH, share of substrate components, thermic regime) for metanogenic digestion, then to determine its quality and assess the usability of such produced biogas.

Soluble lipase (Lipozyme CALB L) was immobilized by covalent bond to chitosan pellets prepared from Aspergillus niger mycelium. This immobilized enzyme was compared with commercial immobilized lipase of the same origin (Novozym 435). Novozym 435 is also lipase CALB L commercially immobilized by sorption on poly-(methyl acrylate). Novozym 435 shows much higher conversion of rendering plant fat in methanol under optimum conditions, having, at the same time, lower optimum temperature and lower stability at higher temperature. Lipozyme CALB L immobilized on chitosan leads to a low conversion, regardless its higher thermal stability. Novozym 435 gives conversion of about 50% of theoretical value, which is in good accordance with basically catalyzed transesterification of rendering plant fat described elsewhere. Lipozyme CALB L immobilized on chitosan gives conversion of about 10% of theoretical value only. The use of Novozym 435 in two-step system (enzyme-acid) seems to be more convenient compared with traditional two-step system (base-acid)

The water regime variability in most catchments is frequently influenced not only by the changes of the vegetation cover in the annual cycle but also by its development in the time span of decades. That means that the resulting evapotranspiration depends not only on the actual climatic situation but also on the soil moisture. The simulations of the rainfall-runoff process have been used with the intention to follow the possible role of the developing land cover. The differences between the observed and simulated flows in relatively long periods can be considered as an appropriate tool for the assessment of the water regime changes, in which the evapotranspiration demand variability is a significant phenomenon.

The settlements situated on broad flat floodplains of rivers are threatened by floods during increased water flows in the rivers. The floodplain of the Dyje river situated in the area between the Nové Mlýny water reservoir and Břeclav has been protected from former annual floods since the 70s of the last century due to the water-management measures. The realised measures including the construction of the new floodway protect the town of Břeclav as well. A long-term research into the soil water regime of the floodplain forest is underway in the region. The results obtained document its historical evolution and current status. Only in the early April of 2006 (i.e. after 34 years), an unexpected "flash flood" occurred again due to a specific climatic situation. The combination of the high snow cover in higher parts of the basin and a rapid warming up caused an intensive runoff. The so-called dry polder (floodplain forests, meadows and fields) above Břeclav protected the town and its infrastructure from potential catastrophic consequences.

This paper presents an overview of methods for detection and identification of the pathogenic bacterium Francisella tularensis such as cultivation tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction, immunosensor, microarray, mass spectrometry, and chromatography. Included references are chosen according to their practical importance or perspectives for the future.

The use of antimicrobial growth promoters has been banned in the EU. This has created an interest in alternative strategies to prevent an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the potential development of intestinal disorders in livestock. Essential oils (EOs) have been known to exhibit antimicrobial activity against specific microbial species and could therefore be considered one such alternative in controlling the intestinal microbial population. Under anaerobic conditions, the tested Clostridium perfringens strains were found to be sensitive (P < 0.05) to carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral, limonene, thymol, particularly at the higher concentration tested (500 mg/l) and to oregano oil, rosemary oil and thyme oil. Streptococcus epidermis was sensitive (P < 0.05) to most EO's tested, also mainly at the higher concentration. The tested Salmonella serovars were found to be sensitive (P < 0.05) only to high (500 mg/l) concentrations of the tested EOs. Escherichia coli was sensitive (P < 0.05) to most of the tested EOs, also at lower concentrations (5 and 50 mg/l). Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus reuteri were less sensitive (P < 0.05) to most of the tested EOs, while Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis and L. fermentum were relatively sensitive also at lower concentrations (5 and 50 mg/l), although growth reduction by EOs of these bacterial species was less then with the antimicrobial growth promoter avilamycin. With the exception of Salmonella and E. coli, all tested microbes were sensitive to avilamycin. Selected EOs seem to have the advantage of inhibiting the growth of potential pathogens while only moderately influencing beneficial members of the intestinal microbiota. This difference in sensitivity may strengthen the microbiota and contribute to improved animal health.

We report three pigeons euthanized in a small household breeding facility, where there was suspicion of an avian tuberculosis outbreak. For rapid identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium direct conventional multiplex PCR was used. Nodular lesions were found on the livers of all three birds, the intestine of one bird and the kidney and ovaries of another. The liver samples and a further 18 tissue samples were examined. Acid-fast rods were detected in all the tissue samples after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Isolation and diagnosis of M. a. avium (serotype 1 containing IS901) from 17 tissue samples was confirmed using conventional multiplex PCR.

This study was aimed at investigating the lumbosacral plexus of squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). Ten squirrels were used in this work. The animals were carefully dissected and the spinal nerves that constitute the lumbosacral plexus were examined. It was discovered that the lumbosacral plexus was formed by L6, L7, S1, S2 in nine animals and in the one remaining animal in addition to these branches rami ventralis of L4 and L5 were forming the plexus. The common root forming the last part of the lumbosacral plexus and giving branches dispersing to the hind limb was formed by the rami ventralis of L6, L7, S1, S2. Thus, in squirrels, the spinal nerves forming the lumbosacral plexus and the joining of these spinal nerves to each other differs from other rodents and mammals.

Fresh and frozen seafood products (fish, shellfish, crustaceans, molluscs) in wide use in Croatia and typical of the Mediterranean diet, were examined for the presence of microbiological contamination through the winter and summer seasons. Total bacterial counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AB), aerobic psychrophilic bacteria (AP), Salmonella spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, sulphite-reducing clostridia (SRC), Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus were measured. The microbiological quality of individual samples varied widely between animal species and also between winter/summer seasons regarding total counts of aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria. The poorest quality was for (both summer and winter) fish samples, where 66.6 % of fresh and frozen fish were found unacceptable by Croatian standards. The overall prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus was 5%. Its recovery rate was higher in fresh/frozen shellfish in both seasons than in other specimens or other storage/season conditions. Fresh crustaceans sampled in winter demonstrated significantly higher aerobic mesophilic counts than frozen ones. Unacceptable Enterobacteriaceae levels were obtained in 40% of the fresh fish summer samples. The results of this survey constitute an indicator of bacteriological contamination of a variety of seafood. The findings could serve as a basis for future testing of seafood, and possibly as a template for developing a regional/Mediterranean testing scheme on the microbial contamination of seafood in order to establish data with comparative epidemiological and statistical values.

A ten-month old, male Black and Tan Coonhound dog was referred with ocular bleeding due to gunshot injury. His mental state was normal. A computed tomography revealed that the bullet was planted in the left cranium. It was presumed that the trajectory of the bullet penetrated from the right medial angle of the eye to the orbit, and changed its track to caudo-dorsal by penetrating the cranium, ending up at the left cranium. The bullet was removed by lateral rostrotentorial craniectomy. No complications were observed during a one-year follow-up except the blindness in the right eye. This is a rare case of gunshot-induced traumatic brain injury featuring a bullet which went through the orbit into the cranium. The damaged frontal lobe seemed to show no neurological signs at the time of first examination in this case. In conclusion, a less aggressive surgical approach is recommended to remove bullets when they are accessible.

A 3-year-old Andalusian stallion was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Cordoba due to acute onset of colic pain. At admission, the horse presented a pronounced distension of the inguinal and scrotal region which was cold and painful on palpation. On rectal palpation no small intestine gas distention was noticed, and the left large colon was detected protruding into the left internal inguinal ring. The percutaneous scrotal sonogram showed an intestinal loop which had moved into the scrotal bag close to the left testicle. The horse was diagnosed with indirect acquired left inguinal hernia. The necropsy revealed an impacted and twisted pelvic flexure in the vaginal space. To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first that describes a clinical case of inguinal-scrotal herniation and torsion of the pelvic flexure into the inguinal canal in an adult stallion associated with an impaction of the ascending colon.

Nasopharyngeal polyps are non-neoplastic masses, originating from the mucosa of the nasopharynx, the tympanic bulla or the Eustachian tube. Inflammatory polyps extending into the tympanic bulla cavity are a common cause of otitis media in cats. In dogs, however, occurrence of middle ear polyps has rarely been reported. The present report describes the findings of the clinical examination, diagnostic imaging and histopathological appraisal of a ten year old male dog with an inflammatory middle ear polyp arising from the mucosa of the Eustachian tube. Clinically, the dog displayed a peripheral vestibular syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hyperintense soft tissue mass filling the right middle ear cavity. Following ventral bulla osteotomy, a polypoid growth with a stalk arising from the auditory tube was surgically excised from the tympanic bulla. Histologically, the polyp was composed of a fibrous connective tissue stroma with discreet infiltration of inflammatory cells and an overlying surface layer of partially ulcerated respiratory epithelium. Similarities and differences between the histological appearance of the present case and the few previously reported records of canine middle ear polyps are discussed, along with a comparative review of etiological, pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of middle ear polyps in cats and dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic training (16 weeks - T1 and 24 weeks - T2) on oxidative stress biomarkers. To this end, GSH, GSH-peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activity were analysed in plasma. Nine bulls (3-4 years), were included in this work. The exercise training protocol was performed in a track ("taurodromo") three days per week for 24 weeks and consisted of 400 m warming up, 1200 m to 4-5 m/s, two minutes' resting, 1200 m to 4-5 m/s and, finally, 400 m walking. The results reflected that GSH-Px activity was higher at T1 (6.18 ± 0.45) than at baseline (T0; 2.31 ± 0.08) while the GSH level (2.98 ± 0.37) was lower vs. T0 (14.59 ± 3.40). Moreover, there were significant increases in GSH-Px (18.23 ± 1.36) and CAT (2.52 ± 0.04) activities and the recovery of basal values in GSH (11.75 ± 2.84) in T2. In conclusion, the type of training carried out in this study involved two well-defined stages: (i) a period of perturbation, followed by (ii) adaptation. The former stage was characterised by the induction of oxidative stress manifested as a decrease in the GSH, and the latter (T2) by the recovery of this non-enzymatic antioxidant.

Organic anthropogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, nitroaromatics, dioxins, various pesticides and natural compounds can enter the aquatic environment. These lipophilic compounds are readily taken up into the tissues of aquatic organisms where biotransformation via Phase I and Phase II metabolism can in part, determine the fate and toxicity of the xenobiotics. In this study on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), liver microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), methoxyresorufin O-demethylase (MROD), penthyloxyresorufin O-depenthylase (PROD), benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase (BROD), aniline 4-hydroxylase (A4H), N-nitrosodimethylamine N-demethylase (NDMA-DE), aminopyrine N-demethylase (APND), caffeine N-demethylase (CN3D) and erythromycin N-demethylase (ERND) were determined. A4H, ERND, NDMA-ND, EROD and PROD activities increased in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) liver microsomes of different ages, while CN3D and APND activities decreased. MROD activities were barely detectable in mature fish whereas BROD activities were not detectable at all ages studied. Results were also recorded at the protein level by Western blotting using anti-CYP1A, CYP2E and CYP3A antibodies. In conclusion, elevated levels of gilthead seabream liver microsomal CYP450 enzyme activities might reveal possible exposure to various exogenous compounds, which might affect the desired responses to drugs, hormones and dietary supplements used during breeding.

Twenty Lithuanian Black-and-White calves (10 bulls, 10 heifers) were used to evaluate the effects of the supplemental probiotic product, Enterococcus faecium M74 (2.4 g/day/calve), added to fresh milk and skimmed milk in a 56 day-study. The probiotic was administered by dietary supplementation to first group of calves and their respective pens (probiotic group), whereas the second group (control group) received no probiotic supplementation. The results of this trial indicate positive effects of the probiotic product Enterococcus faecium M74. The actual percentage of calves with diarrhoea was reduced from 50 % to 20% among the calves fed the pre-and probiotic diet. Probiotic supplementation reduced the faecal count of clostridia and enterococci. The calves fed Enterococcus faecium M74 weighed more at 20, 40 and 62 days of age by 4.9%, by 9.7% (P < 0.05) and by 9.4% (P < 0.01), respectively, than the control calves. The calves fed Enterococcus faecium M74 had increased daily weight gains compared with the calves not fed a probiotic product. The average weight gain and the daily weight gain of the probiotic-supplemented calves were by 7.8 kg (P < 0.01) and by 0.14 kg higher (P < 0.01) compared with the control calves. The calves given the Enterococcus faecium M74 also had forage and total DM intakes that were numerically higher than those fed the control diet, without any additive. During the 56 days experimental period, the average feed conversion rate was improved by 12.9% in the probiotic-treated group.

The relationship of various clinical forms of uterine inflammation to bacterial contamination and the applicability of hydrogen peroxide for intrauterine treatment of clinical endometritis was the subject of this trial. Uterine contamination was compared among groups of cows according to clinical findings on days 10 ± 3 (mild or severe puerperal metritis and controls without symptoms of the disease: MM, n = 16 or SM, n = 8 and CM, n = 13) and 25 ± 3 (mild or severe clinical endometritis and controls without symptoms of the disease: ME, n = 28 or SE, n = 40 and CE, n = 10). The applicability of 3% hydrogen peroxide was evaluated on the basis of macroscopic examination of intact and closed uteri from slaughtered cows after infusion of 50, 80, and 100 ml of the solution, clinical as well as bacteriological examination of uteri in cows suffering from clinical endometritis (Group E1 - treatment for the first time, n = 18 and Group E2 - previous treatment for retained placenta or puerperal metritis, n = 12) before and seven days after intrauterine administration of 80 ml of the solution as well as subsequent reproductive performance of treated cows in comparison with untreated controls without symptoms of the disease (Group C, n = 20). A wider bacterial spectrum was found in the cows on day 10 ± 3 compared to day 25 ± 3. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was the main uterine contaminant in cows suffering from all clinical types of uterine inflammation while this bacterium was not shown to be present in any of the control cows (MM 7/16 and SM 6/8 vs. CM 0/13, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; ME 14/28 and SE 18/40 vs. CE 0/10, P < 0.05). No macroscopic changes in uteri were found after infusion of various volumes of 3% hydrogen peroxide, only gas infiltration to the surrounding tissue occurred in completely closed uteri after deposition of 100 ml of the solution. Clinical symptoms of endometritis disappeared in 83% (E1) and 67% (E2) of affected cows and bacterial contamination decreased markedly (but not significantly) in both groups up to day 7 after intrauterine treatment. Reproductive parameters in treated cows compared to controls were not different. The results show an important role of A. pyogenes in the etiopathogenesis of all clinical forms of uterine inflammations in postpartum cows and support the use of 3% hydrogen peroxide for intrauterine treatment of clinical endometritis even though sufficient antibacterial effects of the treatment are still to be confirmed.

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

Papers on mycobacteria in food, feed and water, published between 1945 and 2010 and indexed in the database Web of Science^® (Thomson Reuters) were ranked according to authors, institutions, countries and source titles. The total number of papers on mycobacteria and food and mycobacteria and water were 1486 and 1419, respectively. More than 40% of papers have been published in the last five years. In addition to publications in peer reviewed journals the archives of ProMED-mail and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Union were also searched. It is evident that much attention is being paid to mycobacteria in food, feed and water as they likely pose a public health risk.

This experiment was conducted in order to compare the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream on healing of burn wounds in rats. Fifty four adult, male Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups of equal numbers. A burn was generated on the backs of all the rats. The burned areas in the first, second and third groups were covered with daily cold cream (control), SSD cream and NS cream (50% NS oil + 50% cold cream), respectively. Four, nine, and 14 days later, the rats were sacrificed and the burned skin tissue samples were collected for histopathological examinations. Histopatological evaluations on the 4th, 9th and 14th days showed burn healing to be better in the NS and SSD groups with respect to the control group. Wound healing was significantly different among the groups at 4th, 9th and 14th days (P < 0.001). In conclusion, application of NS and SSD cream are effective in healing burn related skin wounds in the rat model.

This case report of multiple mammary tumours in a Spitz bitch revealed the presence of three tumour masses, T-1, T-2 and T-3, of variable size, shape and texture on different mammary glands. Histopathological examination revealed these tumours to be of different histological type (T-1 - fibrosarcoma, T-2 - malignant mixed mammary tumour and T-3 - papillary adenocarcinoma). The mitotic index and AgNOR count was high in all three tumours indicative of a higher proliferation status of neoplastic cells while T-2 and T-3 showed overexpression of the c-erbB2 oncoprotein.

If Czech and European agriculture have ensured people's basic existential needs for many centuries, then it seems paradoxical that in the present institutional conditions of advanced market economies under free price formation, the share of this branch's contribution to the distribution of added value has fallen to an untenably low level. Since 1990, Czech agricultural primary production has become predominantly unprofitable and is maintained only through the supports from the European and national public budgets. This demonstrates almost the stagnation of prices for agricultural products during the rapid growth of the general price level in the Czech economy. The new form of the Common Agricultural Policy cannot rely on subsidies, but must correct the institutional conditions in the production verticals (agri-food chains) in a fundamental manner. That is the condition for the future sustainability of Czech agriculture.

The determination of polyphenols by spectrophotometric detection is complicated due to their low concentrations in beer. The beer samples have to be pre-concentrated before using the spectrophotometric detection for their quantification. An analytical method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) and followed by high performance liquid chromatographic separation with diode-array detection is used for the determination of free gallic, protocatechuic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic and salicylic acids, of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, and quercetin. These phenolic compounds participate in colloidal and sensory stability of beer. Six different SPE cartridges were tested and three different types of elution with the most appropriate solvents (acetonitrile, acetone and methanol) were used. The performance of the HPLC method was assessed by the evaluation of parameters such as absolute recovery, relative standard deviation (RSD - lower than 10%), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and the limit of detection (LOD). The polyphenol content in various types of Czech beer is presented.

A large-scale survey of the natural occurrence of trichothecene mycotoxins in major cereals harvested in the Czech Republic was conducted during the years 1999-2001. In total, 198 cereal samples representing various wheat, barley, and rye cultivars were examined for deoxynivalenol (DON) using gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Four years later, in 2005, the list of target analytes was fairly extended, 65 wheat and barley samples were analysed for seven trichothecene mycotoxins - deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), fusarenon-X (Fus-X), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol and 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (ADONs), HT-2 toxin (HT-2). and T-2 toxin (T-2) by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Trichothecenes represented mainly by DON were detected in almost all grain samples, its mean levels were the highest in the year 1999 which was characterised by very humid conditions during the growing season. The maximum concentration set in Commission Regulation EC (No. 856/2005) for DON (1250 µg/kg) in unprocessed cereals was exceeded only in two of all the samples analysed.

Humoral immunity has an important role during the maturation and development of the functional properties of spermatozoa. Spermatozoa may be exposed to antisperm antibodies in semen and in cervical, ovarian follicular and fallopian fluid. Antisperm antibodies can be complement-fixing or non-fixing and may affect the reproductive functions in a number of ways. Although the antisperm antibody alone can cause sperm agglutination, complement fixation is required for their immobilization. Therefore, the complement activation might be a "keystone" for the better understanding of "sperm humoral immunity" and some types of infertility. Recently, three cell surface molecules (CD molecules - CD46, CD55, CD59) present on many tissues in male and female reproductive tracts and gametes have been identified. These proteins belong to the family of complement regulatory proteins which could regulate the function of a complement system by cleavage of complement cascade in discrete sites of both activation ways (classical and alternative). In this review, the particular mechanisms of activity of complement regulatory proteins are presented as well as their function in a fertilization process and expression in human and animal tissues and organs.