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Levels of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs, including those with 20 and 22 carbon-chains, in concentrate-fed Asturiana de los Valles (AV) yearling bulls with and without the double muscling gene (mh/mh = 24, mh/+ = 26, +/+ = 25) were measured to examine if this gene influences the pattern of PUFA deposition in different adipose tissues. Fatty acid compositions of muscle tissue (longissimus thoracis) and intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues were determined by gas chromatography. The composition of intramuscular fat was unique compared to the other two adipose tissues which were similar in composition. In general, n-6 and n-3 fatty acid elongation and desaturation products were affected by AV genotype and this effect was most evident in n-3 PUFAs of the intramuscular fat of mh/mh (n-6/n-3 = 11.8 and 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 = 25.3) compared to mh/+ and +/+ animals (mean values of n-6/n-3 = 9.86 and 18:2n-6/18:3n-3 = 15.5). PUFA elongation and desaturation end products did not accumulate to any great extent in intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Beef from mh/mh cattle showed greater deposition rates of n-3 elongation and desaturation products but their absolute content of total n-3 fatty acids was lower (21 mg/100 g meat) in comparison with mh/+ and +/+ cattle (mean value of 25 mg/100 g meat).

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 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.}

Experiments were conducted on calves divided into three groups, 6 animals in each, to determine the influence of the intake of non-acidified and acidified milk replacer on the level of acid-base homeostasis in venous blood. The milk replacer was supplied at a dose of 700 g dry matter in 8 l of the liquid in two feedings. The milk replacer was acidified by adding formic acid to ensure the concentration of 0.2% in milk replacer. Venous blood was collected before feeding and 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after feeding. The samples were analyzed for blood pH, actual bicarbonate HCO₃^- (mmol/l), base excess BE (mmol/l), partial pressure of carbon dioxide pCO₂ (kPa) and partial pressure of oxygen pO₂ (kPa). Significant changes were observed in calves fed acidified milk of albumin type. The mean daily values of acid-base parameters in these calves were significantly lower in comparison with animals fed non-acidified milk replacer and reached the following levels: pH 7.343 ± 0.032 (P < 0.05), HCO₃ 24.49 ± 2.13 mmol/l (P < 0.01), BE 1.11 ± 1.97 mmol/l (P < 0.001). A similar tendency but of a more pronounced decrease in values was recorded in the group of calves fed acidified milk replacer of casein type: pH 7.312 ± 0.022 (P < 0.01), HCO₃^- 21.73 ± 0.75 mmol/l (P < 0.001), BE 96 ± 0.86 mmol/l (P < 0.001). In relation to the time after feeding the group of calves fed non-acidified milk replacer showed a rising tendency in the level of metabolic components (HCO₃^-), compensated by respiratory regulating mechanisms (rise in pCO₂) conducive to the maintenance of optimum blood pH level. The group of calves fed acidified milk replacer (formic acid 2 ml/l) of the albumin type showed metabolic acidosis with subsequent gradual adjustment and compensation by means of metabolic (HCOHCO₃^-) rather than respiratory regulation mechanisms. The calves fed acidified casein type milk replacer displayed metabolic acidosis with insufficient metabolic regulation and more intensive respiratory compensation (decrease in pCO₂). Concurrent investigations of the abomasum acidity and blood acid-base homeostasis reflected the joint action of both the acidifying effect of formic acid and significantly lower production of bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) related to the intake of acidified milk and the tendency to the development of metabolic acidosis.

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.

In this study, nutritive values of rapeseed (R), rapeseed meal-expeller A (RM-A), rapeseed meal-expeller B (RM-B) and extracted rapeseed meal (ERM) were compared. The trials were performed using the in sacco method with three steers of the Czech Fleckvieh breed, which were fitted with a permanent ruminal cannula. Nylon bags with samples were incubated in the rumen for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 hours. The effective degradability (ED) of crude protein (CP) was calculated at 0.08, 0.06 and 0.04 1/h of rumen particulate outflow rates (k), and the obtained ED values were 65.4, 70.8 and 77.4% for R, 86.7, 88.1 and 89.7% for RM-A, 82.2, 84.4 and 87.0% for RM-B and 56.3, 62.1 and 69.6% for ERM, respectively. The ED values significantly differed between feeds (P < 0.05) for all rumen particulate outflow rates. Disappearances of amino acids (AA) after 16 hours of incubation in the rumen of R, RM-A, RM-B and ERM were determined. In all cases, the concentrations of AA in the feeds determined after incubation in rumen were lower than in the original feeds. A mobile bag technique was used to determine intestinal digestibility. In the experiment, three dry cows fitted with permanent large ruminal cannula and the T-piece cannula in the proximal duodenum were used. The intestinal digestibilities of rumen undegraded CP (DSI) were estimated 30.0% in R, 15.4% in RM-A, 27.6% in RM-B and 65.3% in ERM. The DSI values significantly differ between the feeds (P < 0.05), except for the difference between R and RM-B.

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 aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic (TP) content and antioxidant activity (AA) in yellow (cvs. Impala, Karin, Dita, Saturna) and purple-fleshed (cvs. Valfi, Violette) potatoes grown in the Czech Republic in 2004 in four locations in precise field trials. TP content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteau assay and AA by DPPH assay both in freeze-dried tuber matter. Results showed a statistical significant difference in TP content and AA between yellow and purple-fleshed potatoes. Purple-fleshed cultivars showed higher TP content (by 60%) than yellow-fleshed cultivars; AA in purple-fleshed cultivars was twice as high as in yellow-fleshed potatoes. A medium linear correlation between TP and AA was found ( r² = 0.747). Average TP content in yellow-fleshed cultivars was 2.96 GAE (g of gallic acid per kg dm); in purple-fleshed cultivars it was 4.68 GAE. Average AA in yellow-fleshed cultivars was 11.26 EAA (mg of ascorbic acid per 100 g dm) and in purple-fleshed cv. 24.79 EAA. Purple-fleshed potatoes showed a lower variation among localities (only 6%). Hence, regarding a relatively high potato intake by Czechs (72 kg per capita a year), contribution of potatoes, especially purple-fleshed, to total antioxidants intake should be considered.

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).

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.

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 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.

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 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.

In this field study, embryos were derived from genetically highly valuable cows excluded from breeding due to reproductive disorders. Cows, 5 to 10 years old, of Czech Siemmental, Holstein Dairy and Beef Cattle breeds were used as oocyte donors. Oocytes were obtained either in the growth phase of the first follicular wave from cows with synchronized oestrus or in any other phases of follicular development from cows without oestrus synchronization. The embryos were prepared by a standard protocol described previously. The mean number of usable oocytes, transferable and freezable embryos per donor, and the mean percentage of usable, transferable and freezable embryos were assessed. The results were analyzed by Student's-t and Chi-squared tests. The embryos were frozen according to a slow freezing protocol. After thawing, they were transferred to recipients on Day 7 after oestrus. Irrespective of the breed, the mean numbers of usable oocytes and transferable and freezable embryos collected per donor were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the synchronized than for the nonsynchronized donors (20.4 vs 11.7, 4.3 vs 1.0 and 3.2 vs 0.8, respectively). Similarly, the mean percentages of usable oocytes, transferable and freezable embryos were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the synchronized than for the nonsynchronized donors (28.5% vs 20.5%, 20.9% vs 9.0% and 15.8% vs 6.5%, respectively). On comparison of the synchronized and nonsynchronized donors of each breed, the difference in the mean percentage of usable oocytes was significant (P < 0.01) in cows of all three breeds, the difference in the mean percentage of transferable embryos was significant in Czech Siemmental and Holstein Dairy cows (P < 0.01) and the difference in the mean percentage of freezable embryos was significant only in Holstein Dairy cows (P < 0.01). After the transfer of 41 frozen-thawed embryos and 43 fresh embryos, 20 heifers and 24 heifers became pregnant, respectively. In conclusion: (a) higher number of oocytes from infertile, genetically valuable cows was recovered in the growth phase compared with the other phases of follicular development; (b) greater development of these oocytes resulted in more embryos for transfer and cryopreservation; (c) the transfer of frozen-thawed and fresh embryos resulted in pregnancy rates of 48.8% and 55.8% , respectively.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The aim of the study was to prove the effect of muramyldipeptide and lipopolysaccharide on the expression of CD14 and CD44 during an induced inflammatory response of the mammary gland and its resolution. The purpose was to clarify whether the CD14 and CD44 expression is controlled by the mechanisms of resolution. The CD44 had previously been judged to be an activation marker along with CD11b on polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The experimental inflammatory response was induced by muramyldipeptide and lipopolysaccharide, while phosphate buffered saline was used as a control. The course of the inflammatory response was monitored at four time points: 24 h and 48 h (initiation of inflammatory response), 72 h and 168 h (resolution of inflammatory response). The total number of cells was determined by a hemocytometer. Flow cytometry was used to determine differential counts of leukocytes, proportions of CD11b+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes, proportions of apoptotic and necrotic polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and proportions of CD14+ and CD44+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The proportion of CD11b+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes after induction of inflammation with muramyldipeptide was higher (P < 0.05) compared to that after induction by phosphate buffered saline, was highly significantly greater after lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.01), and remained at approximately the same level for the whole period of observation (168 h). A higher proportion of CD14+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes was observed 72 h after induction with phosphate buffered saline. A statistically highly significant lower proportion was observed after induction with muramyldipeptide (P < 0.01), and a statistically significant lower proportion was observed after induction with lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.05). Decrease in the proportion of CD14+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes followed. In the initial phase of the inflammatory response (24 to 72 h) there was a gradual increase in the proportion of CD44+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and more so after the phosphate buffered saline. A greatly lower proportion of CD44+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes was observed after administration of muramyldipeptide and lipopolysaccharide: 24 h (P < 0.01), 48 h (P < 0.05) and 72 h (P < 0.01). Compared with muramyldipeptide and lipopolysaccharide, there was a statistically highly significant (P < 0.01) lower proportion of CD44+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes observed 168 h after induction with phosphate buffered saline. Hence the proportion of CD44+ polymorphonuclear leukocytes is low in the initial phase of inflammation, and CD44, in contrast with CD11b, does not appear to be a polymorphonuclear marker of activation. The results of the study have shown that expression of CD14 and CD44 is controlled by the factors inducing inflammatory response as well as by the mechanisms of resolution.

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.

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.

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 results obtained in research on the quality of raw timber by means of the structure of assortments for the stands of poplar clones Robusta and I-214 are presented in the paper. Models for an estimation of the structure of basic assortments of poplar stands were constructed separately for each clone in dependence on mean diameter, quality of stems, and damage to stems in the stand. The clone Robusta has higher proportions of higher-quality assortments than the clone I-214. The accuracy of models was determined on empirical material. It was confirmed by statistical tests that the models did not have a systematic error. The relative root mean-square error for main assortments of the clone I-214 is 15-27% and Robusta 13-24%.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of heavy metals (Cd, Cr and Pb), soil texture (sandy, loam and clay) and incubation periods (7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days) on soil respiration (CO₂ evolution) during sugarcane trash decomposition in laboratory conditions of the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India. Surface soils (0-15 cm) were collected from agricultural fields and crop residue of sugarcane trash (Saccharum officinarum L.) was taken in the institute farm. Crop residue (10 t/ha) and heavy metals (10, 50, 100, 1000 μg/g) were mixed and incubated at 30°C ± 2°C in an incubator. The rate of soil respiration (CO₂ evolution) decreased with increasing heavy metals concentration. During the 120 days, the toxicity decreased but still remained significant. Maximum soil respiration was recorded at 7 days of incubation period; further, it decreased with increasing incubation period. The highest drop of soil respiration rate was caused by addition of 1000 μg/g Cd, Cr and Pb levels. Clay soils evolved maximum CO₂ followed by loam and sandy soil.

In March 2010, a 3.5-month-old Korean native calf was anatomized and two nematode worms were detected in the thoracic cavity. The worms were identified and classified by light and scanning electron microscopy on the basis of features at the anterior and posterior parts of the worms. The worms were female Setaria digitata and Setaria marshalli and numerous eggs which contained microfilaria were detected in the uterus of both species. The body lengths of the S. digitata and S. marshalli were 78 mm and 117 mm, respectively. Mosquitoes act as the vector for Setaria nematodes but these are inactivated in winter in Korea. Therefore, we concluded that this case represented setariasis with congenital infection occurring during the summer prenatal stage of life.

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.