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Eight individual bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and three bacteriocin-non-producing cheese starter cultures were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of six Listeria monocytogenes strains, originating from the guinea-pig lymph nodes, raw cow milk, and manufacturing dairy equipment. Results showed that either live cells or cell-free neutralised supernatant (CFNS) and/or heated CFNS of six individual LAB strains (Lcc. lactis subsp. lactis CCDM 416 and NIZO R5, Lbc. plantarum HV 11 and DC 1246, P. acidilactici HV 12, and Ent. mundtii CCM 1282) and one starter culture (DELVO-ADD^® 100-X DSF) were effective in the suppression of at least one listeria strain. Neither any individual LAB strain nor starter culture was antagonistic toward all studied L. monocytogenes strains, indicating diverse sensitivity/resistance among L. monocytogenes strains to antimicrobial compounds of LAB. The significant susceptibility of listerias isolated from raw milk and dairy equipment together with the strong antilisterial activity of DELVO-ADD^® 100-X DSF could be applied in dairy technology, where commonly used starter cultures could play both the biopreservative and fermentation role.

The aim of the study was to determine plant needs with regard to sulphur fertilization based on the assessments of sulphur in the soil profile carried out in the early spring. The study was founded on the continuous fertilization experiment established in 1985 at the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, which is located in Skierniewice. Soil samples were collected in the years 2009-2011 in the early spring (February/March) at low soil temperatures. The samples were taken at three soil depths: 0-30, 30-60, 60-90 cm. The content of sulfate sulphur was assessed in fresh soil samples after extraction in 0.01 mol/L CaCl₂. The plants cultivated during the study were spring barley and yellow lupine. The amount of sulphur in soil profile was too small and not sufficient to fulfill yellow lupine nutritional needs, thus could be a limiting factor for successful yield production. Regardless the fertilizer treatment, the amount of sulfate sulphur found in 0-60 cm soil layer fully covered nutritional needs of spring barley.

To assess the effects of long-term fertilization on soil available micronutrients in farmland, this study examined diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in surface soil with monoculture of corn (Zea mays L.) with a 30-year filed fertilization experiment established in Northeast China. Treatments included no fertilization (CK); nitrogen only (N); nitrogen and phosphorus only (NP); NP and potassium (NPK); NPK plus cornstalk (SNPK), and NPK plus farmyard manure (MNPK). Results showed that DTPA-Fe and Mn were significantly increased with chemical N application, and DTPA-Cu and Zn were significantly increased with farmyard manure amendment, while micronutrients were not significantly different between treatment SNPK and CK. DTPA-Fe and Mn were about twice to threefold in treatments N, NP, and NPK as much as in treatments SNPK, MNPK and CK. DTPA-Cu and Zn in treatment MNPK were about 3.9 and 6.5 times as much as in CK. DTPA-Fe and Mn decreased with the increasing of soil pH and cation exchange capacity, while DTPA-Cu and Zn increased with the increase of soil organic carbon and electrical conductivity.

The objective of the study was to estimate the heterozygosity and phylogenetic relationship between horse breeds in Poland, according to erythrocyte antigens and protein polymorphisms. The study included 15 434 horses: Polish Coldblood, Małopolski, Wielkopolski, Hucul, Polish Konik, Biłgorajski, Felin Pony, and ponies of Shetland origin. A total of 14 loci were studied: seven blood groups and seven protein polymorphism systems. Phylogenetic trees obtained for the erythrocyte antigens and protein variants were mostly alike which suggests that both kinds of markers may be equally used in estimating the similarity of animal populations. The lower polymorphism of the structural and enzymatic proteins, as compared with the erythrocyte antigen, resulted in a lower number of alleles per locus, lower heterozygosity, and closer genetic distances. The level of heterozygosity and phylogenetic trees of the breeds turned out to be mostly concordant with the known history of the populations. Małopolski and Wielkopolski horses are the most homozygous, the Huculs, Polish Koniks, and Biłgorajskis have a middle position, while the Polish Coldbloods and the ponies are the most heterozygous. The Polish Koniks are the most related to other breeds which shows that all the breeds studied, Polish Coldbloods included, have many indigenous ancestors. The Huculs, Polish Koniks, and Biłgorajskis are closely related. In spite of different histories, the Małopolski and Wielkopolski horses have the closest relationship. The Felin Ponies cluster together with the Shetlands. According to the blood groups and protein variation, the genetic diversity of the studied horse breeds is low and mainly due to individual differences. The low genetic variability of the breeds suggests reconsidering the long-term strategies of horse breeding in Poland, particularly of the conserved breeds.

Massive deaths were reported on a chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) farm, which over 10 months led to the elimination of the herd. After three months of feeding, longitudinal precipitates inside the pellets were noted. The first symptoms were observed two weeks after the introduction of feed, and included lethargy, decreased mobility, and reduced appetite, as well as increased reactions to external stimuli. Over time, single deaths, hair loss and gnawing, white discolorations on teeth, and polyuria were reported. Haemorrhages of the reproductive tract and mass abortions were observed. Necropsy revealed the presence of transudate with pH = 10, severe hyperaemia of the intestinal mesentery, and extensive regressive lesions in the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Both grossly and microscopically, lesions were noted in the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, and lungs. The urinary bladder was overfilled. No lesions were observed in the spleen or mesenteric lymph nodes. Histopathology of skin specimens revealed atrophy of the hair follicles. Diagnosis was sodium carbonate intoxication. Owing to the specific features of this species, it was impossible to introduce emetic-based treatment in order to eliminate the toxic agent from the body. No therapeutic measures were undertaken because of the late diagnosis of the toxic agent and late removal of feed, as well as extensive lesions on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Anew approach to forestry that increasingly values non-timber forest functions brings new interest and value also to coppice forests. A case study in the Voskop nature reserve located in the Český kras Protected Landscape Area was focused on a comparison of the timber production of individually growing trees and in multistemmed trees resprouting after cutting (stools). We recorded tree ecological characteristics of trees such as existence of stem cavities, whether the tree grows individually or from a stool and whether or not the tree is broken, dead or has a dying crown. In total 2,670 trees were sampled on a 1,875 ha sample plot. The main tree species forming coppice stands are Quercus petraea and Carpinus betulus. The total stock volume of only 136 m³.ha^-1 is very low at 84 years of age. The stock volume of individually growing trees is 84 m³.ha^-1 and the stock volume of trees in stools is only 52 m³.ha^-1 although the number of individually growing trees is lower.

The study focuses on the environmental problem of diffuse pollution from agriculture (DPA) as a result of the land use and the policy intervention that can be used to mitigate the problem. Attention is paid to the use of economic instruments (EIs) in policies concerning the DPA. Also, policy options, the advantages and disadvantages of the EIs and their assessment are looked at.

Communities of xylotrophic fungi were studied in wood of Pinus mugo of different qualities: (i) living stems, (ii) cut stumps, (iii) burned snags, (iv) cut burned stumps, (v) stems recently killed by root rot, and (vi) old snags of root rot-killed trees. A total of 277 isolates representing 58 fungal taxa were obtained from 300 wood samples (50 samples per each substrate category). Results of the present study suggested that following different disturbances (tree felling, forest fire or root rot), fungal communities likely evolve in different directions: depending on its origin (cut, burned or killed by the disease), dead wood might be inhabited by principally different microbial assemblages, and that fire has less effect on community structures than tree felling or root rot.

A previously developed method of HPLC-DAD-Fl has been used for the determination of phytochemical profiles in different types of drinks: instant coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, and different types of tea (green, white, black, and red tea). Using data on the concentrations of 20 main phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones, and alkaloids) it was possible to identify most of the sample types. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and caffeine are the main target compounds in instant coffee; in soft and energy drinks, only caffeine was found. Tea has a more complex phytochemical composition. Unfermented tea is mainly composed of flavan-3-ols and alkaloids, with a high caffeine concentration. Black tea is composed of alkaloids and low levels of flavan-3-ols, which are affected by oxidative reactions during the fermentation. Flavonols are present in lower concentrations in all kinds of teas. The identified phytochemical distribution patterns were used to correctly differentiate instant coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, unfermented tea and fermented tea (within fermented tea, black tea from red tea can also be differentiated).

Wheat grain products are the primary source of dietary Cd-intake for humans. Since varieties differ markedly in grain-Cd accumulation, efforts are needed to find traits associated with low, or high, accumulation. Two durum wheat varieties, selected in a field screening as low (Creso) and high (Svevo) grain-Cd accumulating, were grown on soil spiked with 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mg Cd/kg. Growth patterns, Cd uptake and translocation were investigated at heading and maturity. Cadmium did not affect plant growth and grain yield, but grain-Cd concentration always exceeded the permissible limit of 0.2 mg Cd/kg, and was approximately double in Svevo than in Creso. At maturity, total Cd-uptake increased linearly with supply in Creso, from 13 to 23 µg/plant, and was approximately 18 µg/plant, irrespective of Cd level, in Svevo. Partitioning to shoot was higher in Svevo than in Creso, both at heading and maturity. We suggest that reduced plant height, high root to shoot biomass ratio during vegetative growth and elevated post-heading dry matter accumulation promoted Cd accumulation into grain. Since these traits are common to modern wheat varieties, risks of grain Cd-contamination can increase in the future.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of P, Ca, S, and/or K and/or Mg application at different rates on the botanical composition, herbage yield and its nutritive value in dehesas developed on calcareous soils. In two growing seasons, 2009/10 and 2010/11, five surface-broadcast fertiliser treatments were applied once in autumn. Two grazing periods were simulated by cutting the pasture in mid-spring and late-spring. Treatment K1, with the highest amount of Ca and without K in its composition, provided higher crude protein values in the herbage than controls in 2009/10. When the effect of each nutrient was analysed separately, a strong and highly positive response of Mg application on herbage production was recorded. A surface application of fertilisers containing 25 kg Mg/ha in autumn could increase herbage yield by 40% under the studied conditions. However, Mg was not applied alone, and thus this increase could be due to an effect of Mg by itself or to a synergistic effect between Mg and other nutrients applied. The application of Ca, P and Mg may also favour the production of high-quality forage by yielding a greater cover of legumes and digestible protein.

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the histomorphometric features of the skin of the Iranian native sheep (Bakhtiari breed). A total of 24 apparently healthy Iranian Bakhtiari sheep, aged 1-2 years were analysed and categorised on the basis of sex (12 females and 12 males). Samples were taken as small pieces from different regions of the skin, fixed and stained with H&E. The quantitative evaluations of different regions of skin were carried out using lattice line graticule (5 × 5) and light microscopy. The Student t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data and detect significant differences. Results showed that the volume densities of different histological structures varied between sexes and among the different regions. No significant difference was observed in volume densities of sebaceous glands, arrector pili muscles and blood vessels, but the other parameters studied differed significantly among the regions. Except for the arrector pili muscle and connective tissue, the volume densities of other tissue structures were significantly affected by sex.

A four-year-old cross-breed and neutered bitch weighing 24 kg, was presented with vaginal bleeding for one month and a vaginal mass identified two previously. An ovariohysterectomy operation was performed at two years of age; however, mating subsequently continued. Vaginal bleeding and an irregular-shaped, oedematous vaginal mass (12 × 9 × 7 cm) were detected on clinical examination. The bitch also exhibited leukocytosis and erythrocytopenia. Abundant erythrocytes together with neutrophils, lymphocytes, intermedier cells and transmissible venereal tumour cells were observed in vaginal cytology. Abdominal ultrasonography showed cystic ovarian tissue (2.42 × 1.36 cm) next to the right kidney. Chemotherapy was performed once a week for six weeks leading to a gradual declined in the size and oedema of the mass and to a stop in bleeding. Subsequently, the vaginal mass was extirpated and the ovarian remnant tissue was removed via laparotomy on the same day. The bitch was found to be healthy on examination fourmonths later.

This study was aimed at assessing the histopathological and haematological effects of a widely used herbicide on rice paddy fields, i.e. butachlor, on rainbow trout. Fish were exposed to butachlor at a concentration of 0.39 mg/l, for a period of 10 days. Haematologically, fish showed a significant decrease in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, white blood cells and lymphocytes and a significant increase in neutrophils compared to controls (P < 0.05). Histopathological observations of prepared sections of the treatment group also revealed pathological lesions of varying severity in studied organs, including liver (hyperaemia and haemorrhage, bile duct hyperplasia, dilated sinuses, interstitial oedema, monocellular necrosis, nuclear degeneration and hypertrophy in hepatocytes), gills (hyperplasia and hyperplasia of lamellar epithelium, fusion of lamellae, rod-like structures of secondary gill lamellae, cystic-like lesions) and kidneys (vacuolar degeneration of tubular epithelium, desquamation of epithelium and necrosis of tubular epithelium). It is concluded that butachlor caused changes in certain haematological parameters and histopathologically, exerted destructive effects on the gills, liver and kidneys of rainbow trout.

Increasing productivity and reducing cost in long-distance transportation have become increasingly important in the logistics of forest harvesting operations. This paper presents the research results of the performance of loading with Volvo 4500 BM and timber trucking using two types of common trucks in the Nav watershed in Iran. Both trucks can carry logs shorter than 7.8 m in length. The study used a time study based on empirical data for loads collected from one procurement district in the Nav watershed. The models included the following explanatory factors: driving distance, number of logs, and load volume. The time consumption and productivity of loading and timber trucking depends on several variables such as volume and number of logs per cycle. To evaluate the current transportation system in the Nav watershed, the empirical time study was conducted. Since transportation includes several phases and since many factors affect the work performance, significant variation in the total transportation time was observed. This makes planning and cost accounting more difficult. The models developed in the study are a promising way to support route planning and optimization, and cost and profitability calculation for trucking en­trepreneurs and the forest industry. The average productivity of log transportation was 2.84 and 3.4 m3.effective h-1 for the dump truck and chassis truck, respectively. The average hauling unit cost was 18 and 15 USD.m-3 in the dump truck and chassis truck, respectively.

The paper aims at the overview of the main approaches of state support implemented by developed and developing countries and the assessment of their distorting influences on the trade with agricultural commodities. The current state of state support is analyzed on the examples of EU-27, the USA and Japan. The experiences of developing countries are summarized on the examples of China, Russia and the CIS countries. State support tools are grouped according to the WTO classification. The alternative classification is implemented in order to compare the distorting effects caused by the state support. The EPACIS model is implemented to analyze the effects of trade liberalization for the distribution of agricultural commodities and trade policies in developing countries. The model is adjusted in order to assess the effects of state support for the production and trade with agricultural commodities in developing countries, recently accessed the WTO (the case of Russia). Imitation calculations allow formulating policies for the developing agricultural markets depending on the degrees of their sensitivity to foreign trade regulations and domestic support.

Consumption of minimally processed fruits has been increased lately mainly due to their fresh-like quality characteristics. One of the major alterations that limit the shelf-life of these products is browning caused by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity on phenolic compounds. Six yellow-flesh peach cultivars, Spring Lady, Royal Glory, Ruby Rich, Summer Rich, Ryan Sun, and O'Henry, were selected. Peaches were hygienised and then samples were processed in a clean room. Slices were washed in cold tap water, dried, packaged in modified atmosphere, and stored at 4°C during 9 days; physicochemical and other quality parameters were studied. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation study were carried out in order to evaluate the relation between variables and cultivars. In conclusion, Spring Lady, Royal Glory, and Ruby Rich cultivars were the cultivars that offered the most suitable fruits for fresh-cut processing, mainly due to their low BP and PPO activity.

Nitrogen plays a vital role in the growth, development and nutritional quality of Chinese chive, which is an important leafy vegetable. The effects of improved Hoagland nutrient solutions on the nutritional quality and physiological characteristics of three Chinese chive cultivars (Saisong, Pingjiu No. 4 and Pingjiu No. 8) were investigated by modulating the ratio of nitrite nitrogen (NO₃^--N) to ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N). Improved Hoagland nutrient solutions with NO₃^--N to NH₄⁺-N ratios of 50:50 and 75:25 could effectively promote the accumulation of soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C and proline; decrease the malondialdehyde content; and induce the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities of the three cultivars. It is strongly suggested that NO₃^--N to NH₄⁺-N ratios of 50:50 and 75:25 improve nutritional quality and promote growth and are thus suitable for Chinese chive growth under hydroponic culture.

The sucrose monoesters of capric and lauric acid were tested for their antibacterial activity towards two foodborne enteropathogenic bacteria - Escherichia coli (CCM 3954 - serotype O6 and E22 - serotype O103) and Clostridium perfringens (CNCTC 5459 and CIP 105178). Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the plating technique. Sucrose monocaprate significantly decreased the number of viable cells of E. coli at all tested concentrations (0.1-5 mg/ml). The overnight incubation of C. perfringens with the sucrose ester of lauric acid at 0.1-5 mg/ml reduced the number of viable cells below the detection limit (2 log₁₀ CFU/ml). Incubating E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with monoesters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) did not influence the K⁺ permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane in cells during a 2.5-minute treatment. A 30-minute incubation of E. coli CCM 3954 and C. perfringens CNCTC 5459 with esters (0.1 and 2 mg/ml) revealed damage to cytoplasmic structures, as observed by transmission electron microscopy.

The application rate of a nitrogen fertiliser is one of the most important factors that affect the nitrous oxide (N₂O) flux. Calk ammonium nitrate with 27% nitrogen content was spread by a fertiliser spreader VICON RS-L connected with a tractor Zetor 16145 and incorporated into the soil by a power harrow Pöttinger Lion 301 six hours after spreading. Monitoring points were selected based on the size of application rate 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha and were measured 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after fertiliser application and incorporation into the soil. Nitrous oxide emissions were measured by a photoacoustic field gas monitor INNOVA 1412 with a multipoint sampler INNOVA 1309. Based on the data obtained, there were found statistically significant differences among time intervals and among the size of the application rate at a 95.0% confidence level. Results have shown impacts of the size of fertiliser application rate and time interval after fertilisation on nitrous oxide flux.

Mechanical load on the bone influences bone tissue and its inner tension, subsequently affecting bone formation and its histological structure. A precise understanding of this load and the development of strategies to influence it would contribute to principles of fracture management and to solving other bone pathologies of both humans and animals. The long bones of the thoracic and pelvic limb of a pig were here used as possible models to test new devices and implant materials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the thickness of compact bone of the diaphysis of porcine long bones and to establish ideal insertion points for tensometer probes, where 2.3 mm is the minimal required thickness, and to evaluate the histological structure of the compact porcine bone. A total number of 96 long bones from 12 pigs was investigated. The investigations consisted of morphometric assessment of the diaphysis of the bones by measuring thickness of the compact bone in different segments of the diaphysis and of microscopical evaluation of the compact bone. Macroscopical assessment of the bones revealed that the minimal required thickness of 2.3 mm of compact bone was found only in the middle and distal segment of the humerus, middle segment of the femur, proximally only on cranial aspect. The radius showed suitable thickness on the medial aspect of its proximal segment and on the lateral and caudal aspect of the middle segment. Tibial compact bone is suitable across the whole middle segment and on its lateral and medial aspect of the distal segment. Microscopical structure of the compact bone revealed characteristics of growing/immature bone characterised by both lamellar and osteonic bone. This study confirms the suitability of porcine radius and tibia for tensometer testing. However, one needs to take into account the different thickness of different parts of the bone planning experiments using tensometers.

Radiographic contrast studies have been recommended to identify the thoracic duct (TD) and its branches before and after surgery for total occlusion. The macroscopic identification of the TD and its branches during surgery usually involves injection of methylene blue (MB). Radiographic contrast and methylene blue can be injected into different anatomical structures (lymph node, lymph vessel, s.c.). The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques (radiographic and thoracoscopic) for visualisation of the TD after intrapopliteal lymph node injection in the pig. Six piglets from the same litter (two males and four females), two months of age were used. Iohexol at 245 mg/ml was injected into the left popliteal lymph node (LN) under general anaesthesia; hindlimb, abdominal, and thoracic radiographs were taken. A 0.25% methylene blue solution was injected into the right popliteal lymph node and the thoracic duct colouration was assessed thoracoscopically. The thoracic duct was visualised radiographically in one out of six pigs after iohexol injection and thoracoscopically in five out of six pigs after methylene blue injection. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.040). Popliteal LN lymphangiography using iohexol at 245 mg/ml in piglets should not be the recommended method for TD visualisation. Intrapopliteal injection of a 0.25% solution of methylene blue is recommended as a method of TD visualisation prior to thoracic duct ligation.

We summarized development and dynamics of natural regeneration in mountain spruce forests in areas affected by bark beetle gradation in the Šumava National Park. Detailed measurements of the regeneration were carried out using Field-Map technology (www.fieldmap.com) on ten permanent research plots. Research plots included the forests with decaying tree layer, stands in partial decline and stands with a generally healthy, or only partially damaged tree layer. Differences in rates of regeneration are very significant between the particular types of plots, especially in the youngest age class. Differences are also evident in the seedling height under varying treatments. The highest numbers of recruits (9,880 per ha) were found under intact overstorey canopies, while the fastest height growth occurred on clearcuts. This study also investigated and evaluated artificial regeneration done in the past.

In the period 2009-2011 monitoring of the incidence of phoma stem canker was carried out at selected sites of the Czech Republic (Šumperk and Opava regions in North Moravia). The risk of infection was evaluated by assessing the autumn release of Leptosphaeria spp. ascospores and with the proPlant prediction model. In recent years, the incidence of phoma stem canker has been relatively low and this corresponded with the total count of ascospores released in the autumn period but not with an increased level of infection risk announced by the proPlant model. During the monitored period the ascospore concentration reached maximally 2 ascospores/1 m³ per day. Maximum ascospore release was recorded in 2010 as a result of favourable weather conditions. The first incidence of phoma leaf spot has been observed in mid-October. The higher values of ascospores concentration were recorded in the Opava region, but the total number of the trapped ascospores was more often higher in the Šumperk region.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of tillage systems and nitrogen fertilization on the grain yield and quality of spring wheat and on selected chemical and biological properties of soil. The first order factor was the tillage system: (1) conventional (CT) - shallow ploughing and harrowing after harvest of the previous crop, and pre-winter ploughing; (2) reduced (RT) - only a cultivator after harvest of the previous crop, and (3) no-tillage (NT) - only Roundup 360 SL herbicide (a.s. glyphosate) after harvest of the previous crop. The second order factor was nitrogen dose: (1) 90 kg N/ha and (2) 150 kg N/ha. Higher yields were demonstrated for spring wheat sown in CT and RT systems, compared to the NT system. In addition, grain yield was increased by a nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha, compared to 90 kg/ha. Contents of protein and wet gluten in the grain were also increased by the higher nitrogen dose. The RT and NT systems were observed to increase the content of organic C, total N and available phosphorus in the soil, compared to the CT system. They also increased the number and mass of earthworms in the soil, compared to the CT system.

Several Lathyrus species, particularly Lathyrus sativus and L. cicera, have a high potential both as food and fodder crops. Rust and powdery mildew fungi are among the most important pathogens of major grain legumes including Lathyrus species. We review and critically discuss available knowledge of the existence of resistance and the underlying resistance mechanisms against rust and powdery mildew in the L. sativus and L. cicera crop species.

In the long-term field trial on an arable dystric Stagnosols, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N) in lysimeter water were compared under treatments of 0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg/ha of mineral nitrogen (N) during the growth years 1996/97, 1999/00, 2002/03 and 2005/06. Year properties significantly influenced N availability resulting in different responses of grain yield and NUE under variable treatments. Grain yield showed strong significant correlation with the rainfall accumulated from March to May (r = 0.77). In the case of a dry year 2003, winter wheat yield and NUE were adversely influenced by unfavourable climatic conditions. The optimal response of yield and NUE to increasing mineral N rates was found at the amount of 150-200 kg N/ha. Very strong significant correlation between the total amount of leached NO₃^--N and NUE was found for periods 1999/00 and 2005/06 where, in terms of increasing N levels, lower NUE conditioned higher NO₃^--N leaching (r = 0.91 and r = 0.94, respectively). According to the shallow depth of groundwater and installation of drainage systems, there is still a risk of freshwater contamination by nitrates if the N rates higher than 200 kg/ha were applied.

The ribosomal protein SA (RPSA), also known as 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor/67-kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR), has been identified as a multifunctional protein, playing an important role in multiple pathologies like cancer and prion diseases. Since RPSA is involved in the binding and internalization of the prion protein, mutations in the ovine RPSA gene, influencing the RPSA-PrP^C/PrP^Sc binding, can potentially play a part in the resistance to prion diseases. Our goal was to further characterize the complex RPSA gene family and to detect structural mutations which can play a role in this disease. In a prior study, 11 ovine pseudogenes were detected experimentally. As the whole genome shotgun ovine genome became accessible, an in silico genome-wide screening was performed and 37 new pseudogenes (36 processed and one semi-processed pseudogene) were detected, bringing the total to 48 ovine RPSA pseudogenes. Additionally, the complete bovine genome was screened in silico and 56 pseudogenes were identified. Once these sequences were known, it was possible to analyze the presence of mutations in the coding sequence and exon-flanking regions of the ovine functional full-length RPSA gene without the interference of pseudogenic sequences. Nineteen mutations were found: one in the 5' UTR, a silent one in the coding region, and seventeen in the exon-flanking regions, including an interesting mutation in the SNORA62 gene, localized in intron 4 of RPSA, leading to potential ribosomal defects. Structural mutations of the RPSA gene can be ruled out to play a role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies but regulatory mutations still can have an effect on these diseases.

Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a degenerative polyneuropathy affecting postganglionic parasympathetic and sympathetic neurons. The major clinical signs relate to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and the condition is frequently fatal. EGS has been reported in different parts of the world including Europe. This paper describes the first case of equine dysautonomia in the Czech Republic. The ante mortem diagnosis was based on typical clinical signs and a positive phenylephrine eye-drop test and was confirmed at necropsy following observation of pathognomic histopathological lesions in the enteric neural system of the ileum.