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Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were carried out on two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars Arabi Abiad and Arabi Aswad at 8 and 14 days after emergence to identify their early tolerance mechanism for heavy metals (25 and 50μM of cadmium and lead). Transient fluorescence curves (OJIP curves) and energy flux models showed different specific reactions of photosystem II (PSII) of each cultivar to each type of stress. After 7 days of lead stress application plants of cv. A. Aswad showed weaker I and P peaks on the OJIP curve than control plants, and the appearance of a new K step; parameters of phenomenological energy fluxes for cv. A. Abiad were similar to those for control plants and only some silent reaction centers appeared. Generally, parameters of energy fluxes within PSII were directly shifted shortly (24 h) after the application of both heavy metals, especially in the case of plants grown under cadmium treatment. This suggests that these parameters could be good indicators for monitoring of these two pollutants in the environment at early stages of plant development.

Harvester technologies represent the second most common logging system in the Czech Republic. The high productivity of this technology is very necessary to cover its acquisition and operational costs. A human factor - a machine operator is the most important factor that surely influences the machine productivity. That is why the aim of this study is as follows: to analyze the mutual dependence of machine operator's education and working experience and harvester and forwarder productivity. The analysis proves that the operator's education and even more his working experience are very important. The time of harvesting work stages was measured when the harvester was operated by an operator with two-year working experience and by an operator with no experience. The average time difference between the harvester operators was 64.9 seconds in one work stage. The statistical significance of different operation times was confirmed during technically demanding segments in the working stage (the boom out the felling head and tree processing). Operators with the same working experience in forestry mechanization - about 13 years but with different education carried out the haulage work stage. In this case, the statistical significance between calculated differences was not proved. This fact proves that the operator's working experience is more important than his education.

In this study, a novel missense (NM_174579:c.1201C>T) mutation in exon 6 at the bovine POU1F1 locus is reported, which results in p.S284F, namely, Ser (TCT) > Phe (TTT) at position 284 of the mature protein. A DdeI PCR-RFLP was used to determine the genotypes. The polymorphism was studied in eight Chinese cattle breeds (Nanyang, n = 251; Qinchuan, 149; Jiaxian Red, 144; Chinese Holstein, 61; Luxi, 57; Angus, 49; Jinnan, 60; Guyuan, 192). The frequencies of the POU1F1 T allele in the analyzed populations ranged from 0.010 to 0.053. The relationships between the DdeI polymorphism and growth traits and body sizes were analyzed by adjusted linear model in 251 Nanyang cattle. Fixed effects of marker genotype, birth year, season of birth (spring vs. fall), age of dam, sire, farm and sex, and random effects of an animal were included. Statistical evaluation revealed no significant relationships between this polymorphism and birth weight, body weight and average daily gain for different growth periods (6-month old, 12-month old, 18-month old and 24-month old) body height, body length, heart girth and height at the hip cross for different growth periods (P > 0.05).

Productivity and its stability were evaluated in a set of 24 apricot genotypes of the world collection and some promising new selections in 1994-1999. The productivity of most genotypes was higher than that of control variety Velkopavlovická LE-6/2. Genotypes with higher productivity in the years favorable for apricot productivity gave higher yields also in the years unfavorable for productivity. It was proved by a significantly close highly significant correlation (r = 0.64++). It is a reason for the necessary regulation of fruit set in highest-yielding varieties in the years favorable for apricot productivity when overproduction and undesirable reduction in the fruit size occur. The variability of yields in kg per tree, expressed by coefficients of variation over a six-year period, was high in the years of observation. The variability of yields was significantly lower in the years favorable for apricot productivity. To express yield variability the coefficient of variation and index of fluctuation can be used. Their similar conclusiveness was proved by the significant positive closeness of correlation between the values determined by both calculations (r = 0.51+). The varieties Vynoslivyj and Volšebnyj showed the highest and most stable productivity. From the producer's and breeder's aspects, of these two the Vynoslivyj variety is one of the most remarkable genotypes of the evaluated set due to its fruit quality and late ripening.

FT-IR spectra were recorded of Escherichia coli cell mass with the aim of obtaining spectral traits possibly useful in a rapid detection and characterisation of this indicator bacterium. A well differentiated spectrum was obtained from the cell mass harvested in a stationary phase of growth, e.g., after 24 h, from a minimum nutrient broth. The cell mass, harvested either earlier or grown in nutrient solutions which contained an enhanced carbon or nitrogen concentrations delivered somewhat different IR spectra, apparently due to a higher content of nucleic acid components as related to other structural constituents of bacterial cells. Consequently, the FT-IR spectra of E. coli, although rather rapidly to collect, seem only capable of delivering useful and reproducible information if the cell mass is obtained under standardised cultural conditions.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different body weight groups (light (L) = 1 400-1 500; medium (M) = 1 500-1 600 and heavy (H) = 1 600 < g) on performance and egg quality traits of Lohmann hens, 24 weeks of age, in different laying periods. A total of 288 Lohmann White layers were allocated randomly to three groups with respect to live weight, each consisting of 24 replicated cages as subgroups, comprising four hens. The study period lasting for 60 weeks was investigated as four different age periods (first period = 24-40 weeks; second period = 40-54 weeks; third period = 54-68 weeks; fourth period = 68-84 weeks). Differences in the initial live weight at the beginning of experiment among the groups continued to the end of experimental period. Considering the egg production, differences among the groups were not significant (P > 0.05) during the experimental period. Egg weight was determined to be lower in the group with low body weight (64.58 g) than in medium (64.97 g) and heavy hen groups (66.30 g). Differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the groups were found significant, and the mean values were 123.93, 127.48 and 130.67 for feed consumption (g/day); 2.23, 2.28 and 2.27 for feed conversion ratio. Except for the feed conversion ratio, the effect of weight groups by age period interaction on performance parameters was significant (P < 0.01). The effects of body weight on shell strength, shell thickness and yolk index were not significant during the experimental period. However, different body weight groups significantly affected shape index, yolk colour, albumen index and Haugh unit parameters. Shell strength, yolk colour and yolk index values were affected by weight groups by age period interaction. In conclusion, Lohmann White hens in the light group in a uniform flock had higher egg production and lower feed conversion ratio values than those of other weight groups.

The process of leukocyte cytolysis and the manifestations of apoptosis and secondary necrosis of neutrophil granulocytes (hereafter only "neutrophils") were studied on four virgin heifers after the induction of leukocyte influx into the mammary gland and after their lavage in in vitro conditions. Phosphate buffered saline, muramyl dipeptide and a lipopolysaccharide were used for influx induction. Cytolysis and apoptosis were induced with heat stress, ultraviolet irradiation and spontaneous aging for 24 hours. The cytolysis was detected indirectly by determining the lactate dehydrogenase activity in the cultivation medium after the enzyme was released through cell lysis. The neutrophil apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry and two staining methods (i) simultaneous staining with Annexin V labelled FITC and propidium iodide and (ii) with SYTO 13. It was found that leukocytes of the mammary gland of virgin heifers undergo spontaneous aging during in vitro incubation. The fraction of lysed leukocytes rose in the course of the in vitro incubation and reached 21% up to 34% after 4 hours and 73% up to 79% after 24 hours, depending on the inductor of influx used. From among them, phosphate buffered saline resulted in the lowest incidence of cytolysis, the lipopolysaccharide in the highest incidence. The differences in the effect of influx inductors on leukocyte cytolysis became manifest during the first 4 hours of incubation in particular; the differences between inductors became insignificant after 24 hours. Heat stress, unlike ultraviolet irradiation, resulted in a significant increase in the fraction of lysed leukocytes. Ultraviolet radiation induced neutrophil apoptosis in a dominant way, while the effect of influx inducers and/or of the staining method used for flow cytometry had no effect. Heat stress also induced neutrophil apoptosis but to a lower extent than ultraviolet irradiation. Spontaneous leukocyte aging during the in vitro incubation resulted in an increasing share of apoptotic neutrophils depending on the duration of incubation. An increase in the share of necrotic neutrophils was only significant after influx induction with the lipopolysaccharide, but not after induction with buffered saline. Highly significant correlation between the percentage representation of apoptotic neutrophils and the percentage proportion of lysed leukocytes was shown, both after influx induction with phosphate buffered saline, and with the lipopolysaccharide and after both staining techniques (r = 0.767; 0.932; 0.966; 0.922). Statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the proportion of necrotic neutrophils and the share of lysed leukocytes only after influx induction with the lipopolysaccharide (r = 0.579; 0.765). After the influx induction with phosphate buffered saline and staining with Annexin V and propidium iodide, statistically significant negative correlation between the percentage share of necrotic neutrophils and the percentage of lysed leukocytes (r = -0.653) was demonstrated. Thus it means that situations can occur when the more leukocytes succumb to cytolysis, the smaller the share of necrotic neutrophils that can be detected with flow cytometry. One can state that the in vit

The group of 7 strains of facultatively heterofermentative lactobacilli (FHL) of the non starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) isolated from semi-hard cheeses using a well agar diffusion assay possessed a different level of inhibition activity against 16 different strains of Clostridium sp. belonging to the species Cl. butyricum, Cl. tyrobutyricum, Cl. beijerinckii, and Cl. sporogenes. Two selected strains with the production of partially indentified anticlostridially active inhibitory substances, Lb. paracasei ST68 (producing hydrogen peroxide) and Lb. paracasei 171R2 (producing bacteriocin and hydrogen peroxide), were tested for the inhibition activity against gas producing Cl. butyricum 10702 and Cl. tyrobutyricum 184 in cheese slurry. The effects of both strains were different in reducing the numbers of gas producing Cl. butyricum 10702 by > 3 log cycles and Cl. tyrobutyricum 184 by > 1 log cycles in cheese slurry during the tested storage periods of 24 days at 13°C. The Cl. tyrobutyricum strains isolated from spoiled cheese were identified by species-specific PCR for Cl. tyrobutyricum.

In this work, the effects of double, triple and quadruple combinations of gibberellic acid, kinetin, 24-epibrassinolide and polyamines (cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine) on the stomata movements in the leaves of barley seedlings grown under saline conditions were studied. In the control seedlings, the stomata number, stomata index and stomata length increased in the upper surfaces of leaves in comparison with their lower surfaces. In addition, the epidermis cell number in the leaves of control plants were fewer in the upper surface than that in the lower surface, but the stomata were statistically in the equal width in both surfaces. As for the applyings, they generally decreased stomata number, stomata index, stomata length and epidermis cell number, while they increased the stomata width in the upper and especially in the lower surface according to the control. The growth regulators used may have served to adaptation of barley seedlings to saline conditions by causing a decrease in most of the mentioned parameters.

The effect of water supply during grain growth on grain nitrogen concentration (GNC) and grain nitrogen yield (GNY) of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied in the field experiment on fertile loamy-clay soil in years 2004-2007. The water regime was differentiated using mobile rain shelter (water shortage, treatment S) and drip irrigation (ample water supply, treatment W); rain-fed crop served as the control treatment (R). Wheat was grown without addition of nitrogen and with 200 kg N/ha (N0 and N1, resp.). The effect of water supply on GNC was highly significant (P < 0.001) in fertilized wheat and not significant in N0. Drought significantly increased GNC in comparison with irrigated and rain-fed crop in N1. Average grain nitrogen concentrations in respective treatments S, R and W were 1.52, 1.54 and 1.56% in N0 and 2.50, 2.24 and 2.07% in N1. Water availability also significantly affected grain nitrogen yield (P < 0.01). The GNY of fertilized wheat under water shortage was significantly lower (139 kg/ha) than GNY in treatments R (174 kg/ha) and W (182 kg/ha) while under N0 the differences were not significant. Unlike GNC, the GNY was positively associated with mineral N supply (N_min) in 0-90 cm depth in early spring (r = 0.98-0.99 and 0.83-0.97 for N0 and N1, resp.). Several weather and related characteristics showed relations to GNY and GNC, often opposite under N0 and N1. N_min together with nitrogen fertilization rate, indicators of water regime and temperature during grain growth period explained 78-97% of observed variability of GNC and GNY in the experiment.

Aprostocetus micantulus (Thomson, 1878) (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae), Torymus heyeri Wachtl, 1833 (Chalcidoidea: Torymidae), Pseudencyrtus idmon (Walker, 1848) (Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae) and Platy-gaster compressicornis (Thomson, 1859) (Platygasteroidea: Platygasteridae) are four main parasitoids reared from galls of Thecodiplosis brachyntera (Schwägrichen, 1835) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) developing on Pinus mugo L., P. rotundata Link, P. sylvestris L. and P. × pseudopumilio (Willk.) G. Beck (Pinaceae) in the Czech Republic during outbreak 1967-1972. Of total 4,279 parasitoid specimens, Platygaster compressicornis (1,778 specimens, 41%) was the most abundant, Aprostocetus micantulus (1,047 specimens, 25%) and Pseudencyrtus idmon (1,020 specimens, 24%) less abundant and Torymus heyeri (434 specimens, 10%) was on the fourth place of abundance. In laboratory conditions, adults of Platygaster compressicornis emerged simultaneously with adults of T. brachyntera, adults of Pseudencyrtus idmon and Torymus heyeri 14-24 days after emergence of T. brachyntera and adults of Aprostocetus micantulus after 24-60 days. Behaviour of adult parasitoid during the process of building the opening hole to escape from gall is described. Larvae identified and figured by FANKHÄNEL and ZELETZKI (1964) as larval stage of Misocyclops pini are misidentification; in reality they are the salivary glands of larvae of Thecodiplosis brachyntera.

The content of total anthocyanins was determined in grapes of nine grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties belonging to the traditional blue vine varieties grown in south Moravia (Czech Republic) within the period of 2002-2007. Factors of vintage and health condition of grapes were observed. The material balance of the colour substances in grapes was related to the dry matter of skins of berries and that of fresh grapes used as raw material for vinification. The highest content of pigments was found in the variety Neronet (2.15-4.49 g/kg of fresh grapes), which belongs to the so-called Teinturier varieties. Besides the variety Neronet (containing 30.6-73.4 mg/g of dry skin), high contents of total anthocyanins in dry skins were found in the varieties Dornfelder (24.7-59.0 mg/g of dry skin) and Cabernet Moravia (20.1-59.3 mg/g of dry skin). In the long run, the lowest concentrations of pigments were determined in grapes of the varieties Blauer Portugieser (0.51-1.02 g/kg of fresh grapes) and Pinot noir (0.27-0.60 g/kg of fresh grapes). The highest colour capacity was found in grapes harvested in the 2003 and 2006. Contents of anthocyanins were significantly lower (P = 0.001) in damaged grapes. Grapes containing more than 40% of rotten berries revealed in skins and whole grapes only 41% and 55%, respectively, of the colour capacity of the healthy raw material.

The level of occurrence of black point, the spectrum of fungal species and damage to wheat seedling vigour associated with it were assessed during 2003 and 2004 in the Slovak Republic. The incidence of black point kernels ranged between 0.2-2.4% in 2003 and 24.2-34.3% in 2004. The kernels' fungal contamination varied from 60% to 100%. Alternaria spp., F. poae and F. culmorum were isolated from all localities and all subsamples. Stemphylium vesicarium, Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. sporotrichioides, Microdochium nivale, Epicoccum nigrum, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus nigricans and Cochliobolus sativus were isolated less frequently. Fungi of the genus Alternaria were the most dominant, followed by Fusarium and Microdochium among which F. poae was dominant. Irrespective of incubation temperature, the germinative capacity and coleoptile growth rate of discolored kernels were affected more in the wet and cold year 2004. The inhibition of germination and seedling viability was more pronounced at the incubation temperature 22°C than at 15°C. Inhibition of coleoptile growth rate was 0.12-3.12% in black point kernels collected in 2003, and 0.24-9.28% in those collected in 2004.

Centrolobium tomentosum is a tropical legume tree indicated for functional and structural restoration of riparian areas. This study was conducted to characterize the rhizobia isolated from nodules of C. tomentosum in situ and to determine their capacity of renodulation, in an experimental area of land rehabilitation in the Rio Doce valley. Nodulation potential to inoculation with 2 selected fast-growing Rhizobium strains separately and a mixed inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was evaluated by the use of antibiotics resistance. Flood disturbance were observed not to affect renodulation by fast-growing strains. DNA fingerprinting RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) profiles were used to examine molecular relationships among field isolates, inoculants and reference strains. Maximal renodulation was exhibited by strain BHCBAb1 after 24 months after transplantation. Centrolobium tomentosum forms symbiosis with fast- and slow-growing Rhizobium strains, and it is suggested that their nursery culture could be improved by inoculation of selected strain under low nitrogen-input conditions.

Exercise induces a variety of physiological and laboratorial changes of different magnitude and direction, depending on the characteristics of the performed exercise (duration and intensity) and on the fitness and training level of the dog. The present research aims to describe the normal response to a session of search and rescue exercise in trained dogs in order to distinguish these changes from those derived from exhaustion or diseases. Nine healthy and trained dogs of both sexes (five females and four males), aged between 24 months and seven years (mean: 3.5 years) were studied. Exercise consisted in a normal session of searching and rescue training of 20 min of duration, carried out in an open terrain. During the exercise, heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously with a HR-meter. Furthermore, respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured and venous blood samples were extracted at rest (R), immediately after exercise (E) and at 5, 15 and 30 min of a passive recuperation (5REC, 15REC and 30REC). The following laboratorial parameters were studied: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HB), packed cell volume (PCV), RBC volumetric indices, white blood cells (WBC), creatinine (CREAT), total plasma protein (TPP), lactate (LA), glucose (GLU), triacylglycerols (TAG), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Na, K, Cl, cortisol (CORT) and insulin (INS). Clinical signs indicative of exhaustion or exercise intolerance were not observed in the dogs during the study. HR increased with E and remained over the reference range until 30REC. RR and RT also rose with E, with the highest RR at 5REC. RBC, HB and PCV were not affected by E, whereas WBC increased at E. TPP, GLU, AST and K were not affect by E neither by REC. E induced elevations in CK, LDH, LA and INS, reaching R values at 30REC, 30REC, 15REC and 5REC, respectively. Plasma Na decreased with E and recovered at 30REC. Plasma Cl decreased with E, without additional significant changes. Circulating CORT concentrations were reduced with E, with the highest reduction at 10REC. Modifications of RR, RT, WBC, CREAT and TAG persisted throughout the recovery period. In conclusion, significant modifications in physiological and laboratorial parameters were induced by the searching and rescue exercise, with values outside the reference range for healthy dogs. These data provide a data base for evaluating ill or injured dogs during this type of exercise. In addition, there was not evidence of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and stress or muscle disorders in the studied dogs.

The effect of 24-epibrassinolide and 28-homobrassinolide on seed germination and seedling growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was studied under cadmium toxicity. The impact of brassinosteroids (BRs) on free proline levels and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POD; EC 1.11.1.7), superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbic peroxidase (APOX; EC 1.11.1.11) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.7) in radish seedlings under Cd toxicity was evaluated. The effect of BRs on the activity of ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO; EC 1.10.3.3) and lipid peroxidation in radish seedlings challenged with Cd stress was also investigated. BRs supplementation alleviated the toxic effect of the heavy metal and increased the percentage of seed germination and seedling growth. Out of the two substances, HBL was found to be more effective than EBL in stress alleviation. HBL (3µM) alleviated the toxic effect of the heavy metal and increased the percentage of seed germination by 57% over Cd and 20% over unstressed control. Similarly supplementation of HBL (3µM) caused an increase of 156%, 78% and 91% in length, fresh weight and dry weight of seedling, respectively, over Cd treatment alone. The amelioration of seedling growth by BRs under metal toxicity was associated with enhanced levels of free proline. The activities of antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, APOX and GPX were increased in the seedlings from treatments with Cd along with BRs. Brassinosteroid treatment reduced the activity of POD and AAO in heavy metal stressed seedlings. Lipid peroxidation induced by Cd was found reduced with the supplementation of BRs. The results obtained in the study clearly indicated the ameliorative influence of brassinosteroids on the inhibitory effect of Cd toxicity.

Probiotic bacteria are used to balance a disturbed intestinal microflora and dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). They could be an effective alternative to the use of synthetic substances in nutrition and medicine. We investigated the effect of probiotics and potentiated probiotics on the productivity of laying hens. An experiment was carried out on 30 hens of the Hyssex layer hybrid starting from week 30 of laying. The hens were divided into three groups, 10 hens in each (K - control group, L - hens supplemented with probiotics and L + E - hens fed probiotics potentiated with essential oils). No statistically significant differences among the groups were observed in the quality of eggs. Biochemical determination of yolk cholesterol showed an insignificant difference after 25 days of feeding the probiotics. By day 50 of the experiment, yolk cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in group L + E and insignificantly in group L of layers. Biochemical examination of blood serum detected an insignificant decrease in the activity of ALT, serum cholesterol and total lipids. Our results allowed us to conclude that probiotics and potentiated probiotics favourably affected the investigated hens and their products.

The bio-rational insecticides Dipel 2x, BioFly, Agrin, BioGuard, Spinosad, Neemix, Mectin and Match were tested for their effect on 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th instar larvae and egg masses (24, 48 and 72 h old) of the Egyptian cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis under laboratory conditions. The doses used were the recommended dose, half of the recommended dose and quarter of the recommended dose. All insecticides caused higher mortality in the 1st than in the 3^rd and 5^{th larval stage, although Match, Mectin and Spinosad at all tested concentrations showed excellent efficacy against the 3rd larval stage of S. littoralis. Also, Match resulted in 100% mortality of 5th instar larvae at all tested concentrations. Moreover, these insecticides also strongly affected some biological parameters of treated 3rd and 5th instar larvae of S. littoralis. Egg masses of different ages (24, 48 and 72 h old) where dipped into the recommended dose of each insecticide and the mortality rates determined; eggs of different ages were affected similarly, with mortality rates of 83.4, 85.0 and 71.7%, respectively, after treatment with Spinosad compared to the control. In general, eggs 48 and 72 h old were less sensitive than 24 h old ones. A latent effect of the insecticides on egg hatchability of S. littoralis was observed only in Match and Neemix, with the average being 55.0% and 51.6%, respectively. Our results suggest that Match, Mectin and Spinosad are potentially potent compounds for control of S. littoralis.}

The in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and morphological changes in buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) cryopreserved by ultra rapid freezing using conventional (CON) and open-pulled straw (OPS) methods were tested. COCs were cryopreserved using a vitrification solution comprising of DPBS + 0.5M sucrose + 0.4% BSA and two concentrations (4.5 or 5.5M) of each cryoprotectant ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and cryopreserved by either CON or OPS method. Vitrified COCs were stored in LN₂ for seven days and then thawed, and morphologically normal COCs were used for IVM (n = 864) and IVF (n = 933) in two separate experiments to record (1) morphological damage of COCs due to vitrification, (2) nuclear maturation 24 h after culture (nine replicates) and (3) fertilization 24 h after insemination (10 replicates). The COCs were matured in vitro in TCM-199 medium using hormone supplements and fertilized using TALP-BSA. Freshly collected COCs were separately used for IVM (n = 110) and IVF (n = 130) and kept as control. The arcsin transformed data of the proportion of COCs matured or fertilized was compared by DNMR test. The highest proportion of morphologically normal COCs were seen in 5.5M EG with CON method (94.5%) and the lowest were seen in 4.5M DMSO with OPS method (82.4%). At the end of Experiment 1, it was revealed that IVM in all vitrification groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared to control (66.4%). Amongst the various vitrification treatments the highest IVM was seen in 5.5M EG with OPS method (39.2%) and the lowest in 4.5M DMSO with CON method (19.3%). Comparison of both concentrations of EG and DMSO showed that the proportion of COCs attaining metaphase-II (M-II) increased with increasing concentration of both the cryoprotectants. However, at equal concentration of EG and DMSO the proportion of COCs attaining M-II were significantly higher in OPS method compared to CON method. In Experiment 2, a significantly higher (P < 0.05) IVF was seen for fresh COCs (45.4%) compared to vitrified COCs. Amongst the vitrification treatments the highest fertilization was seen for 5.5M EG with the OPS method (33.6 %) and the lowest for the 4.5M DMSO with CON method (15.17%). A dose dependant increase in the proportion of oocytes fertilized was seen with increasing concentration of both EG and DMSO [CON: 4.5M (15.2%), 5.5M (25.6%), OPS: 4.5M (21.3%) and 5.5M (27.5%)] in both CON and OPS methods. Comparison of the two cryoprotectants revealed that EG was better compared to DMSO. At equal concentrations of EG or DMSO a significantly higher (P < 0.05) proportion of fertilized oocytes were seen in OPS method compared to the CON method. It was concluded that developmental capacity of vitrified buffalo COCs could be improved by using OPS in comparison to conventional straws.

Patatin relative abundance in SDS-extractable protein and patatin content in dry matter were evaluated in tubers of forty processing and table potato cultivars usually cultivated in the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Netherlands. The patatin characteristics were evaluated over three experimental years. Patatin relative abundance in the processing cultivars achieved on average a significantly higher value (P < 0.001; Tukey HSD test) than patatin relative abundance in the table cultivars, resulting in average values of 25.80% and 21.59%, respectively. A high patatin relative abundance (over 30% in extractable protein) was determined only in the case of two cultivars: Vaneda (average 31.29%) and Tomensa (average 31.24%). Patatin content in tuber dry matter was significantly higher in the processing potato cultivars in all three experimental years (P < 0.001), attaining a mean of 1.28% with the processing cultivars and 1.03% with the table cultivars. The direct effect of the cultivar on patatin relative abundance in SDS-extractable protein was higher (33.1% for processing potato cultivars and 48.1% for table potato cultivars) than the effect of the growing year (15.6% for processing potato cultivar and 22.8% for table potato cultivars).

The aim of the study was to investigate the acute toxicity of 2-phenoxyethanol to sheatfish, and using the values of haematological and biochemical profiles of blood and histological tissue examinations to assess the effects of the fish exposure to that anaesthetic. The values of acute toxicity of 2-phenoxyethanol to sheatfish were found to be 10minLC50 0.77 ml/l, 10minLC0.1 0.42 ml/l, 10minLC99.9 1.90 ml/l, 96hLC50 0.29 ml/l, 96hLC0.1 0.20 ml/l, and 96hLC99.9 0.41 ml/l. The 10-min exposure to 2-phenoxyethanol at a concentration of 0.30 ml/l caused significantly higher values (P < 0.05) of packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), glucose (GLU) and albumins (ALB) immediately after anaesthesia. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the values of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were found 24 h post anaesthesia. Histological examinations showed capillary ectasia of gill filaments immediately after 2-phenoxyethanol anaesthesia. Twenty-four hours after anaesthesia, no ectasia was observed. No histopathological changes were demonstrated in other tissues (liver, spleen, cranial and caudal kidneys) following anaesthesia. The results of examinations suggest that the use of 2-phenoxyethanol at a concentration of 0.30 ml/l does not cause any irreversible damage in sheatfish.

The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of CD14 on macrophages is regulated differently during initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response caused by CD14-dependent (lipopolysaccharide) and CD14-independent (muramyldipeptide) bacterial signals. In cell suspensions from the site of inflammation we observed two types of macrophages: non-vacuolized (_NMAC) and vacuolized (_VMAC) cells. _NMAC (monocyte-like cells) were dominant during the early stage of the inflammatory response, whilst _VMAC contained phagocytosed apoptotic neutrophils in various stages of digestion. These latter cells were dominant during resolution (particularly at the last time point of 168 h). Intramammary instillation of muramyldipeptide (MDP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a significant increase in the total count of CD14+ _NMAC after 24 h (muramyldipeptide P < 0.01 and lipopolysaccharide P < 0.05) compared to phosphate buffered saline (PBS). During resolution of the inflammatory response, a gradual decrease in the total count of CD14+ _NMAC was observed. The difference compared with PBS was significant at 48 h and 72 h after instillation of both bacterial agents (muramyldipeptide: P < 0.05; lipopolysaccharide: P < 0.05). A lower total count of CD14+ _VMAC was observed as an effect of MDP and LPS at 24 h after induction (P < 0.05), when compared to PBS. During resolution, the total count of CD14+ _VMAC increased. Differences (P < 0.01) were observed at 72 h and 168 h after LPS compared to PBS. We therefore assume that the expression of CD14 on macrophages is not regulated differently during the inflammatory responses caused by CD14-dependent and CD14-independent bacterial signals. On the other hand, the stage of the inflammatory response to MDP and LPS played an important role in the regulation of CD14 expression on macrophages.

The formation of low molecular carboxylic and hydroxycarboxylic acids as well as sugar and deoxysugar acids from monosaccharides (D-glucose, D-fructose, D-arabinose, DL-glyceraldehyde, and 1,3-dihydroxyacetone) was studied in three different model systems: aqueous and alkaline solutions of potassium peroxodisulfate (K₂S₂O₈), and sodium hydroxide solution. In total, 3 low molecular carboxylic acids (formic, acetic and propionic), 24 hydroxycarboxylic acids, and 12 corresponding lactones were identified and quantified by GC/MS. Formic, acetic, and propionic acids were isolated by extraction with diethyl ether and directly analysed by GC/MS; hydroxycarboxylic acids and their lactones were monitored as their trimethylsilylated derivatives using the same method. Formic, acetic, L-lactic, glycollic, DL-2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acids and aldonic acids derived from the parent sugars were the most abundant compounds in all model systems. Within the models investigated, the yield of carboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids (together with their lactones) ranged between 9.3-22.2% (n/n) and between 3.6-116.9% (n/n), respectively. The amount of acids was significantly lower in aqueous solutions of K₂S₂O₈ than in the alkaline solutions. The data obtained indicate that lower carboxylic acids are formed by both subsequent reactions (oxidation and/or intramolecular Cannizzaro reaction) of the sugar fragmentation products and direct decomposition of some intermediates such as uloses or hydroperoxides derived from the parent sugars. The acids possessing the original sugar skeleton are formed as a result of sugar oxidation or benzilic acid type rearrangement of deoxyuloses. Lower acids may also be formed by a recombination of free radicals.

The effects of housing systems on the calcium requirement for eggshell production, eggshell quality and on the breaking strength of the hen's tibia were evaluated. Unenriched cages (UN) (24 laying hens), enriched cages (EN) (16 laying hens) and floor system (FS) (24 laying hens) were used in this experiment. The eggshell production of laying hens from 19 to 66 weeks of age was higher (P < 0.01) in the cage systems (UN 39.6 g/hen/week and EN 39.2 g/hen/week) than it was in FS (35.0 g/hen/week). Consequently, the amount of calcium deposited in the eggshells (g/hen/week) was higher (P < 0.01) in the cage systems (14.2 and 14.0 g/hen/week) than in FS (12.6 g/hen/week). Despite of the same calcium intake of the hens housed in EN and FS the eggshell thickness (0.39 and 0.38 mm, respectively) and eggshell strength (38.04 and 36.43 N respect.) were higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively) in EN. The tibia breaking strength was higher (P < 0.05) in FS (156.6 N) in comparison with UN (92.7 N). The rate of calcium intake deposited in the eggshells was higher in the cage systems than in FS, namely by 1.7 to 8.9% depending on the age of laying hens. When determining the correct calcium requirements in the diets of laying hens, the housing system should be taken into account.

A serosurvey for mosquito-borne viruses was carried out in 93 wild boars (Sus scrofa), using a plaque-reduction neutralization microtest with Vero cells. The boars were sampled on 24 hunting grounds of the Breclav district (South Moravia) from 2000 to 2002. Specific antibodies to Flavivirus West Nile (WNV) were detected in six (6.5%) animals, and only in Lanzhot and Kostice, i.e., in the area of the "Soutok" game reserve where WNV was previously isolated from mosquitoes in South Moravia. However, the antibody titres were comparatively low (1:20-1:40). A substantially higher seroprevalence was revealed against Orthobunyavirus Tahyna (TAHV): 18 (19.4%) wild boars were positive, and the titres ranged from 1:20 up to 1:640. Only one animal (1.1%) seroreacted with Orthobunyavirus Batai (Calovo), at a low titre of 1:20. The sera were additionally examined by a haemagglutination-inhibition test against Alphavirus Sindbis: two boars (2.2%) revealed antibodies, the titres were 1:20 and 1:80. The serosurvey indicates that the activity of mosquito-borne viruses in South Moravia has decreased compared with the past decades, but that surveillance for these viruses is still necessary.

In this research, the growth and survival of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated during kefir fermentation. Two different levels of inoculation of the strains were conducted; the levels of 102 CFU/ml (EC-1, SA-1 and S-1) and 103 CFU/ml (EC-2, SA-2 and S-2). At 0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours of kefir fermentation at 23 ± 1°C, samples were taken and the counts of E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium, and S. aureus were determined. EC-1 grew from 2.29 ± 0.02 log CFU/ml to 4.13 ± 0.18 log CFU/ml whereas EC-2 grew from 3.22 ± 0.04 log CFU/ml to 6.78 ± 0.99 log CFU/ml. Both S-1 and S-2 viable populations grew during the fermentation period, where sample S-1 grew from 2.37 ± 0.20 log CFU/ml to 4.64 ± 0.67 log CFU/ml and sample S-2 grew from 3.52 ± 0.07 log CFU/ml to 5.60 ± 0.10 log CFU/ml. SA-2 strains grew from 3.06 log CFU/ml to 3.64 log CFU/ml, SA-1 strains grew from 2.28 log CFU/ml to 2.66 log CFU/ml. According to the findings, E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium, and S. aureus can survive in kefir during fermentation.

Competitive ability of six summer catch crops (Brassica napus, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Sinapis alba and Trifolium incarnatum) in volunteer winter wheat based on field trials was experimentally tested during the years 2004-2007 in central Bohemia (Czech Republic). The production of aboveground biomass and plant cover of sown catch crops, volunteers and weeds was assessed on experimental plots. General linear models revealed significant influence of catch crops, year and their interaction on dry-mass of the volunteers. The lowest average values of volunteer biomass at the end of growing season (average from 2004-2007) were recorded on plots sown with S. alba (124.7 kg/ha) and P. tanacetifolia (186.3 kg/ha). The average biomass of volunteer plants in stands of S. alba was significantly lower than the biomass of volunteers in stands of L. perenne, L. multiflorumand T. incarnatum. The lowest average biomass of weeds was recorded also in S. alba stands. In the context of our study, catch crop is a crop sown between seasons of regular plantings to make use of temporary idleness of the soil.

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of the feeding of 80 g/kg (R8) and 100 g/kg (R10) of untreated rapeseed (RS) on egg quality including sensory quality in comparison with a control diet without rapeseed (R0). The addition of iodine (I) was also evaluated (1 mg/kg (R10) vs. 3 mg/kg (R10+I)). "Double zero" RS was used. The contents of energy and crude protein were almost the same in the diets. Laying hybrid ISABROWN was used in the experiment. The quality of eggs was analyzed 11 times every 28 days, from 19 to 64 weeks of age. 30 eggs per each group were always analyzed. Boiled eggs were assessed twice around the peak of egg production. Egg weight decreased (P < 0.001) with the increased level of RS (62.9 g, 61.8 g and 60.7 g, respectively). A reduction in egg weight in R8 and R10 diets resulted in the lower weight of albumen and eggshells. The addition of I to R10 diet increased (P < 0.001) egg weight (62.1 g vs. 60.7 g). The yolk proportion in egg weight was the highest (26.0%, P < 0.001) and the albumen weight ratio was the lowest (64.2%, P < 0.001) in group R8. Iodine supplementation improved (P < 0.001) yolk weight (15.7 g vs. 15.3 g). The proportion of RS in the diet did not affect the eggshell strength. An increase in the level of I improved (P < 0.001) eggshell quality (strength 36.1 N vs. 34.0 N and thickness 0.386 mm vs. 0.363 mm). Taste and overall acceptability were lower (P < 0.05) in eggs of hens fed RS. The addition of I did not affect flavour, odour, taste or overall acceptability.

The objective of this field trial was to evaluate the impact of a control program based on systematic clinical examination on Day 10 ± 3 post partum (pp) and treatment in the case of puerperal metritis on reproductive performance in dairy cows. Cows having serious dystocia as well as cows treated for retained placenta were not involved in the trial. The evaluation was performed by comparing reproductive performance between systematically examined cows (Group E, n = 83) and cows that were examined and treated occasionally on the basis of farmers' notifications of a pathological condition (Group C, n = 95). In Group E, reproductive performance was compared between cows with a mild form of metritis (Group E1, n = 18), cows with a severe form of metritis (Group E2, n = 14) and cows without puerperal metritis (Group E0, n = 51). Clinical examination consisted in rectal and vaginal palpation with inspection of the lochia manually withdrawn from the vagina. Cows with puerperal metritis were treated with an intramuscular administration of PGF_2α analogue - dinoprost. An intrauterine antibiotic (rifaximin foam) was added in cases of severe metritis. The examination and treatment (in cases of a pathological condition, n = 10) were repeated in Group E on Day 24 ± 3 pp. In addition, the incidence of puerperal metritis in the year seasons was evaluated. Occurrence of ovarian disorders (30.1 vs. 24.2%) and clinical endometritis (27.7 vs. 23.2%), calving to first service interval (83.2 vs. 85.4 days), pregnancy until Day 100 pp (30.8 vs. 35.3%) as well as until Day 150 pp (64.6 vs. 64.7%), services per conception (2.45 vs. 2.16), calving to conception interval (141.6 vs. 136.4 days), total culling rate (20.5 vs. 28.4%) and culling rate due to (sub)infertility (8.4 vs. 6.3) in Group E compared to Group C were not different. Only the first service pregnancy rate was lower in Group E (30.3 vs. 47.1%, P < 0.05). Even though no significant differences were found in the reproduction parameters between groups E1, E2 and E0, the worst parameters were in Group E2. The incidence of puerperal metritis in the year seasons was not different. The trial did not prove that there was a beneficial effect of systematic clinical examination on Day 10 ± 3 pp nor of treatment in cases of puerperal metritis, using PGF_2α and intrauterine antibiotic, on reproductive performance in dairy cows.

The efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis, mineral oil, insecticidal emulsion (garlic extract, plant detergent soap and food additive) and insecticidal gel (plant oil and plant extracts) to control the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, was examined in laboratory conditions 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after treatments. Leaves of citrus with second and third instars of leafminer larvae were used in all experimental tests. There were significant differences in larvae mortality between control and treatments (P < 0.0001), but no significant differences were found among treatments. Larvae mortality (%) in IE, IG, BT and MO was 67.83 ± 9.10, 62.45 ± 8.10, 49.08 ± 6.70 and 37.70 ± 8.50, respectively. The levels of mortality of larvae 96 and 72 h after treatments were higher than after 48 and 24 hours. The results indicate that 3 days is the maximum period of efficacy for all tested insecticides. In conclusion, the present study showed that under heavy infestation, use of synthetic insecticides is necessary to prevent reinfestation by the citrus leafminer.