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The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and cloprostenol (CLO) administration on oestrus synchronisation, uterine development as well as serum LH and FSH concentrations in mice. One hundred and five KM mice were assigned into eCG-1, eCG-2, eCG-3, CLO-1, CLO-2, CLO-3 and control groups (CG, n = 15). The eCG-1, eCG-2 and eCG-3 groups were intramuscularly injected with 10, 20 and 40 IU eCG. CLO-1, CLO-2 and CLO-3 were intramuscularly injected with 10, 15 and 20 μg cloprostenol acetate. The results showed that 93.33% and 66.67% of synchronised mice displayed oestrus within 18.68-37.59 h. Oestrus numbers, oestrus onset time (EOT) and oestrus rate in CLO and eCG groups were greater than in CG (P < 0.05). EOT in CLO and eCG groups were 19.88 ± 2.91 h and 34.84 ± 5.05 h. Uterine weights of treatment groups were larger than CG. Uterine weights of the eCG group were higher than those in the CLO group. Uterine horn longitudial diameters (ULD) in treatment groups were larger than CG during the experiment. ULD in eCG-2 and eCG-3 were significantly greater when compared to CG (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). On days 14 and 21, uterine horn transverse diameters (UTD) in CLO-1, eCG-1, eCG-2 and eCG-3 subgroups were significantly larger than that of CG (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Serum LH concentrations in eCG and CLO increased. Increments in eCG and CLO groups were greater than that of CG. FSH concentrations in eCG mice were higher than those in CLO and CG mice (P < 0.05) on day 21. Thus, eCG and cloprostenol treatments in mice can improve uterine development and promote the secretion of LH and FSH.

The effect of different levels of corn oil (CO) and flaxseed oil (FO) on growth performance, blood characteristics, fatty acid composition, and expression of lipogenic genes in the liver of broiler chickens was studied. Two hundred forty female Cobb-500 broiler chickens at the age of one day (body weight (BW) = 46 ± 4 g) were fed a corn soybean meal based diet containing 5% CO (LC), 3.75% CO + 1.25% FO (FO1), 2.5% CO + 2.5% FO (FO2) or 5% FO (FC). Chickens fed FO1 diet had better BW gain (P = 0.049) and gain/feed ratio (P = 0.006) than those fed LC and FC diets during days 1-21 of age. However, for the whole experimental period (1-42 days of age), the dietary lipid source had no effect on the growth performance. On day 42 of age, the hepatic percentages of 18:3n-3 (P = 0.001) and 20:5n-3 (P < 0.001) were higher in FC than in LC group, which led to a higher content of total n-3 PUFA and lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. The contents of 18:2n-6 (P < 0.05) and Σ n-6 PUFA (P = 0.009) were lower in FC than in LC group. Chickens fed FO1 and FO2 diets had higher Ca²⁺-ATPase activity and lower lipoprotein lipase activity than those fed LC and FC diets, whereas activities of lactate dehydrogenase and Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase were increased by FO2 than by LC diet (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA expression level of lipin 1 in chickens fed FO2 and FC was higher (P < 0.01) than in those fed LC and FO1 diets. Our results demonstrated that higher levels of FO led to hepatic enrichment of n-3 PUFA content and lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios in liver and increased the expression of lipin 1 whereas the expression of lipin 2, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2, Δ-6 fatty acid desaturase, WD and tetratricopeptide repeats 1, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was not affected.

This paper evaluates the response on the rate of photosynthesis (P_n), transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (g_s) and water use efficiency (WUE) in 15 genotypes of young hop plants (19 BBCH) grown in greenhouses in the conditions of water deficit for the period of 9 days. On the 9^th day, the relative content of water in the experimental plants fluctuated between 70.14-75.20%. The levels of P_n and g_s evidently dropped in the monitored species as a result of the water deficit. The decrease of P_n in the experimental plants compared with the control group was largest in the Saaz Os. cl. 72 (by 77.5%), Magnum (by 73.3%) and Columbus (by 62.3%). To the contrary, the lowest P_n decrease was noted in the case of genotypes Saaz Late (by 15.7%), Vital (by 23.9%) and Premiant (by 24.2%). All genotypes except for cv. H16 showed an evident decrease of E. Judging by the highest values of WUE, the most effective water management was shown by Premiant, Vital and Saaz Late genotypes. A significant stomatal limitation of photosynthesis due to water stress was identified in the most widely used Czech cultivar, Saaz Os. cl. 72, with low values of stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and transpiration.

: The paper describes the basic potential methods and their costs of maintenance of forest lands in protective zones under high-voltage power lines (HVPL) 400 kV and 220 kV. In the present situation and with available information and data, it was possible to accomplish the average cost calculations for the whole area of the Czech Republic. The paper analyses the following mechanical and chemical methods of maintenance of forest lands: full-area scrub clearing with power saw (PS), selective individual scattered clearing of trees with PS, full-area scrub clearing by milling, full-area scrub clearing by the application of herbicides and arboricides, selective individual scrub clearing of individual trees by cutting followed by spray treatment with arboricides. The maintenance of forest lands in zones of HVPL (scrub clearing) by milling belongs to the economically most convenient mechanical methods, for example when removing 3,000 trees.ha^-1, the cost of this option is 20,000-23,000 CZK.ha^-1ha in a period of 3-year periodic frequency, while the most expensive method is selective individual scrub clearing of scattered individual plants with PS at costs of around 84,000 CZK.ha^-1.

Opioidergic and serotonergic (5-HTergic) systems have crucial role in central regulation of food intake. This study was designed to investigate the role of the opioidergic system and the interaction with the 5-HTergic system in opioid-induced feeding behaviour in 3-h food-deprived (FD₃) neonatal layer-type chicks. In total 432 chickens were allocated into 9 experiments, each per 4 treatment groups. In Experiment 1, birds were intracerebroventricularly (ICV) injected with D-Ala2-NMe-Phe4-Glyol5-enkephalin (DAMGO), µ-opioid receptor agonist (125, 250, and 500 pmol). In Experiment 2, chickens were ICV treated with D-Pen², D-Pen⁵enkephalin (D-Pen^2,5enkephalin, DPDPE), δ-opioid receptor agonist (20, 40, and 80 pmol). In Experiment 3, the effect of ICV injection of U-50488H, κ-opioid receptor agonist (10, 20, and 30 nmol) was investigated in chicks. In Experiment 4, chickens were injected with para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), cerebral serotonin depletive (1.5 µg) + DAMGO (125 pmol). In Experiment 5, birds were treated with PCPA (1.5 µg) + DPDPE (40 pmol). In Experiment 6, birds received 1.5 µg PCPA + U-50488H (30 nmol). In Experiments 7-9, birds were injected like in Experiments 4-6, but with SB242084, 5-HT₂c receptor antagonist (1.5 µg) instead of the PCPA injection. Cumulative food intake was recorded until 3 h post injection. According to the results, the ICV injection of DAMGO significantly decreased whereas that of DPDPE + U-50488H increased food intake (P ≤ 0.05). Co-administration of PCPA + DAMGO significantly decreased hypophagia induced by DAMGO (P ≤ 0.05). PCPA had no effect on DPDPE + U-50488H-induced hyperphagia (P ≥ 0.05). SB242084 significantly attenuated the hypophagic effect of DAMGO (P ≤ 0.05), while SB242084 had no modulatory effect on the food intake induced by DPDPE + U-50488H (P ≥ 0.05). These results suggest that there is an interaction between the opioidergic and 5-HTergic systems mediating the hypophagic effect of µ-opioid receptors via the 5-HT₂c receptor in neonatal layer-type chicks.

Pyrolysis of sandbox shell was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of pyrolysis parameters on the pyrolysis process and identifies production conditions for the yield of biochar. Parameters investigated were heating temperature (400, 500 and 600°C), heating time (10, 20, and 30 min) and particle size of feedstock (0-1.0, 1.0-2.5 and 2.5-5.0 mm) in a laboratory batch pyrolysis process. The experiment was designed by applying response surface methodology through a three-factor full factorial design. The quadratic polynomial model obtained explains adequately the modelled response with coefficient of correlation, R² value of 0.8698. All the three variables significantly affected the biochar yield from sandbox shell, with heating temperature being the most effective followed by heating time and particle size of feedstock. Maximum biochar yield of 39.65% wt. occurred at 400°C heating temperature and 10 min heating time with 1.0-2.5 mm particle size.

A nine-year-old, female Shih Tzu dog was referred to Chonnam National University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a non-weight bearing lameness, pain in the right forelimb, increased appetite, and dermatological changes. A complete transverse fracture of the right ulnar trochlear notch was detected on survey radiographs. Cushing's disease was diagnosed using the adrenocorticotropic hormone test. The fracture site was repaired using an intramedullary (IM) pin, a 2.0 miniplate and screws, and 1 mg of bone forming peptide-1 (BFP-1) was applied to the fracture site. Post-operative radiographs were performed immediately, and at two and 17 weeks after the first surgery. After the first surgery, the patient fell from the bed, and the IM pin was broken. Thus, a second surgery was performed, and the broken IM pin was removed. To stimulate bone healing, we applied Matrigel containing 3 mg of BFP-1 to the fracture site 20 weeks after the first surgery. A narrowed fracture gap was seen radiographically three weeks after the second surgery, and a hard callus was observed on the cranial fracture line at eight weeks. Bone mineral density at the fracture site increased at 16 weeks. Gradual fracture healing was observed on radiographs over the 35 week period following the second surgery.

Phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM2) catalyzes the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate into 2-phosphoglycerate and releases energy during glycolysis in muscle tissues. PGAM2 has been considered as a candidate gene to influence growth, development, and carcass traits in livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms of PGAM2 and growth traits in rabbits. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by direct sequencing in 20 random individuals from three breeds, including c.-10C>T, c.195C>T, and c.414+17C>T. The c.195C>T was genotyped by PCR-RFLP in a total of 222 rabbits of three breeds (Tianfu black, 53 animals; Ira, 91 animals; Champagne, 78 animals). The average allele frequency among the breeds was 0.52 for allele T and 0.48 for C. The heterozygosity and effective number of alleles were 0.4992 and 1.996, respectively. The association results revealed the CT genotype of c.195C>T was associated significantly (P < 0.05) with greater body weight at 84 days of age (BW84) and with average daily weight gain (ADG). However, association of the genotypes with other production traits was not observed. The results of this study suggested PGAM2 is one of the candidate genes affecting BW84 and ADG in the rabbit.

The main objective of our study was to compare the contents and quality of humic substances in selected soil types under different tillage regimes (deep, reduced, minimum). Non destructive spectroscopic methods such as UV-VIS and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy were applied. After three years of experiments, no statistically significant differences in the total carbon content, labile carbon content, and humic substances carbon content were found. Humic substances quality and the absorbance in UV-VIS spectral range was the highest in Haplic Chernozem (minimum tillage). Fluorescence intensity varied in dependence on the soil types, however, the same main fluorophores in all samples were detected. Fluorescence of humic substances was the highest in Haplic Chernozem (minimum tillage). The determination of HS spectroscopic characteristics was found as a sensitive indicator for HS quality assessment.

The four-year trial was conducted in north-western Slavonia (main arable crop producing region in Croatia) to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems on the water content of silty loam soil (Albic Luvisol) and yields of maize (Zea mays L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The tillage systems compared were: conventional tillage; reduced conventional tillage; conservation tillage I; conservation tillage II (CM); no-tillage (NT). During the study period, there were one dry, two wet and one average season. Soil water content (SWC) was measured at 0-5, 15-20 and 30-35 cm depths on a monthly basis. Tillage systems had significant (P < 0.05) effects on SWC and yields. The highest average SWC in all seasons was measured under the NT system, followed by the CM system. In the second season, the highest yield was measured under the NT system while in all other seasons, it was under the CM system.

Pre- and post-harvest factors determine the levels of the selected risk elements in100% fruit juices. The juices samples closely followed the Brix international reference values. Fruit juices presented the following order of the elements mean concentrations: cadmium (1.597 μg/l), chromium (2.767 μg/l), lead (20.75 μg/l), nickel (73.37 μg/l), zinc (545.9 μg/l), and iron (1792 μg/l), measured by AAS. The pre-harvest factors (origin, fruit, and agriculture) and the post-harvest factors (blending, packaging, conservation, pasteurisation, and process) were evaluated according to the manufacturers information and were correlated with the elements concentrations of fruit juices. A strong relationship was detected between the fruit species used for the juice production (i.e. pre-harvest factor) and their elements concentrations. Furthermore, multiple correspondence analysis was used for reducing the data dimension by grouping the factors. The zinc concentration was detected as a potential proxy for the identification of the fruit juices manufacturing process.

In conjunction with soil type and climate, the use of nitrogen fertilizers is a major factor affecting nitrous oxide emissions. This study compares injection of pig slurry and pig slurry digestate at 15 or 20 cm depths with trailing-hose application followed by immediate incorporation. The work was based on a laboratory microcosm experiment with undisturbed soil cylinders (0-30 cm depth) from three arable soils (Histosol, Gleysol and Plaggic Anthrosol). Soil cylinders were fertilized with pig slurry and pig slurry digestate (150 kg N/ha) and emissions of N₂O, CH₄ and CO₂ were monitored. The comparison of application techniques over a 37-day period show that soil type and application technique, had a strong (P < 0.001) impact on N₂O emissions. Fertilization with pig slurry showed no significantly higher N₂O emissions than pig slurry digestate. Fertilizer injection significantly increased N₂O emissions compared to fertilization with a trailing-hose with incorporation.

The growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) and kefir was studied in substrates containing pomegranate juice, molasses, and cheese whey, at various conditions such as fermentation temperature, air supply, initial sugar concentration, and substrate composition. The results showed that, in the case of kefir, the highest production yield of biomass (0.24 g/g of utilised sugar) and productivity (6.5 g/l/day) was obtained in 40/60 and 20/80% of pomegranate/cheese whey. S. cerevisiae grew easily on all substrates with higher cell mass yields (0.34 g/g) and productivities (13.1 g/l/day) compared to kefir, with the best results obtained at the ratio of 40/60 and 20/80% of pomegranate/molasses. These results are promising regarding the exploitation of non-conventional substrates, such as the juice from discarded pomegranate fruits of a currently significantly increasing market, for microbial biomass production.

A micro-plot field experiment with reduced urea ¹⁵N application was conducted to study the effects of urease inhibitor NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) and nitrification inhibitor DMPP(3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazolium dihydrogen) on the fate of applied urea ¹⁵N; it aimed to find an efficient way to reduce the urea N application rate while improving the agronomic and environmental benefits. Five treatments were installed, i.e., 180 kg N/ha (N₁, conventional application rate), 126 kg N/ha (N₂, reduced to 70% conventional application rate), N₂ + NBPT, N₂ + DMPP, and N₂ + NBPT + DMPP. Compared with treatment N₁, all the other treatments had a significantly higher total ¹⁵N recovery by both soil and plant (P < 0.05 48.20, 41.39, 37.69, 38.85 and 34.83% soil recovery for N₂ + NBPT + DMPP, N₂ + DMPP, N₂ + NBPT, N₂ and N₁treatment, respectively; and 42.68, 40.86, 40.25, 37.18 and 36.30% plant recovery for N₂ + NBPT + DMPP, N₂ + DMPP, N₂ + NBPT, N₂, and N₁ treatment, respectively). In the plant ¹⁵N recovery, the ¹⁵N absorbed in grain/stem was highest in treatment N₂ + NBPT + DMPP. The maize biomass and the maize yield had a slight increase in treatment N₂ + NBPT + DMPP, compared with those in treatment N₁. In sum, for the maize production in study area, N₂ + NBPT + DMPP application method would be a feasible way to ensure the normal maize yield while improving yield quality, saving urea fertilizer, and protecting the environment.

Fourteen clonal apple rootstocks (M.9, M.26, M.27, MM.106, J-TE-E, J-TE-F, J-TE-G, J-TE-H, J-OH-A, Jork 9, Pajam 1, Pajam 2, Burgmer M.9-751, and Burgmer M.9-984) were tested in two experimental orchards established in the Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy using scion cultivars Golden Delicious, Melrose, Jonagold, Rubin, and Florina. Following characteristics were recorded: yield, trunk circumference, suckering. Rootstocks Jork 9, Pajam 1, Pajam 2, M.9-751, and M.9-984 produced better results than original rootstock M.9. Clone J-TE-E favourably affected fruit-bearing of the Rubin cultivar. The growth vigour of trees grafted on Pajam 2, M.9-751, and M.9-984 was somewhat larger than those on M.9. Rootstock J-TE-H was semi-vigorous and grafted trees had low yield efficiency. Clone Pajam 1 had the similar growth vigour as M.9. Trees on Jork 9 grew significantly weakly in comparison with M.9. The rootstocks J-OH-A and J-TE-F produced a lot of suckers. The following rootstocks were recommended for growing in commercial plantations: Jork 9, Pajam 1, Pajam 2, M.9-751, and M.9-984.

Studies on glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) have focused on soil aggregation and fungal physiology, whereas it is not known how exogenous GRSP could positively impact on these processes, soil enzyme activity and plant growth. Easily extractable GRSP [EE-GRSP, 0.022 mg protein/mL citrate buffer (20 mmol, pH 7.0)] from a 26-year-old citrus orchard was exogenously applied into 5-month-old potted trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) for 3 months to evaluate effects on soil water-stable aggregate distribution, relevant soil enzyme activities and plant growth. Depending on the applied concentrations as 1/2, 1/4 or full strength, exogenous EE-GRSP generally significantly increased the distribution of soil water-stable aggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD, an aggregate stability indicator). Values of MWD and plant biomass production curvilinearly positively correlated with exogenous EE-GRSP applications. Exogenous EE-GRSP generally significantly increased the activity of rhizospheric polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase. Both the 1/2-strength and 1/4-strength, but not the full-strength exogenous EE-GRSP, significantly stimulated plant growth performance. Our results firstly demonstrated the positive contribution of exogenous EE-GRSP to soil aggregation, relevant rhizospheric enzyme activities and/or plant growth, which has important implications for exploring GRSP in enhancing soil structure and/or plant performance.

This paper compares two different housing systems for laying hens producing table eggs, namely a conventional cage system and an aviary, during three summer months, starting from the 20^th week of the production cycle. Research was focused on airborne bacteria, fungi and dust levels and on the bacterial eggshell contamination. Levels of airborne bacteria determined in the aviary system were many times higher and ranged from 6.2 × 10⁴ CFU/m³ to 8.9 × 104 CFU/m3, and the levels of airborne fungi ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 1.9 × 104 CFU/m³, while the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi determined in the conventional cage system ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 2.5 × 10⁴ CFU/m3 and from 0.8 × 10⁴ to 1.3 × 10⁴ CFU/m³, respectively. Microbial air contamination was associated with eggshell contamination, with the levels in the aviary ranging from 5.4 × 10³ to 9.6 × 103 CFU/eggshell and those in the conventional cage system ranging from 2.3 × 10³ to 3.6 × 10³ CFU/eggshell. Airborne dust levels in the aviary and conventional cage system ranged from 3.2 to 4.6 mg/m³ and from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/m³, respectively. From the aspect of animal welfare and behavioural requirements, alternative systems, i.e. aviaries, appear more acceptable; however, they are not satisfactory from hygienic aspects because of a higher content of airborne pollutants which can represent a greater risk of horizontal contamination of the egg content.

Water scarcity makes necessary the use of tools for increasing water productivity such as regulated deficit irrigation strategies (RDI). The effect of RDI on fresh-cut white flesh extra-early nectarine was studied. Initially, the soluble solids content of nectarines from RDI was higher than in control and over-irrigated fruits (9.72 ± 0.20 vs. 8.57 ± 0.05°Brix, respectively) but after shelf-life storage no differences were found. During storage, RDI fruits had a more stable antioxidant capacity and soluble phenolic content. This treatment showed 10% more vitamin C than the other irrigation treatments, due to an increase in dehydroascorbic acid content. No pathogenic bacteria growth was found and all microbial counts were below the European legal limits. For all the irrigation treatments, the final sensorial scores were above the limit of marketability. Overall, RDI enabled savings of about 1,260 m³ of water/ha and year, without negatively affecting the quality of the fruit, allowing for their use as a fresh-cut product with a shelf-life of 8 days at 5°C.

Chilli peppers (Capsicum spp.) are important plants usually consumed as food or used as a spice or medicine. They contain a wide range of phytochemicals such as capsaicinoids, polyphenols (PPH), carotenoids (CC) and vitamins. This study aimed to quantify the contents of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, total PPH, phenolic acids (PHA) and total CC, and the antioxidant activities of the chilli peppers Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, Bhut Jolokia, Habanero Red, Habanero Maya Red, Habanero Red Savina, Jamaica Rosso, Serrano, and Jalapeño. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify the contents of the bioactive compounds. The capsaicin contents in the peppers ranged from 2.1 to 124.2 mg·g^–1, the dihydrocapsaicin content ranged from 5.1 to 151.3 mg·g^–1, the total PPH content ranged from 3.53 to 25.9 mg GAE·g^–1, and the total CC content ranged from 114.7 to 1 390.8 μg·g^–1. The chlorogenic acid content was highest in Habanero Red (82.6 µg·g^–1). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl test of free-radical scavenging activity indicated that the ethanolic extract of the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper had the highest antioxidant activity correlated with the contents of phenolic substances.

Bunium persicum (Boiss.) is an economically important medicinal plant growing wildly in arid regions in Iran. The fruit of B. persicum is widely used in traditional Iranian medicine to control colic pain and dysmenorrhoea. The aim of the current study was to determine antinociceptive mechanisms of B. persicum essential oil using an acetic acid-induced writhing test as a model of visceral pain and to determine the possible involvement of opioidergic, serotoninergic and histaminergic systems on antinociceptive mechanisms of B. persicum in male mice. In experiment 1, B. persicum was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected (0.001, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1%; 10 ml/kg) in Tween-80 (0.5%) and a writhing test served as a model of visceral pain. In experiments 2-5, opioidergic receptor antagonist (naloxone, 2 mg/kg), serotonergic receptor antagonist (cyproheptadine, 4 mg/kg), histamine H₁-receptor antagonist (chlorpheniramine, 20 mg/kg) and histamine H₂-receptor antagonist (cimetidine, 12.5mg/kg) injection was followed by B. persicum (0.01%; 10 ml/kg) and the writhing test response was measured for 30 min. According to the results, essential oil of B. persicum, administered i.p. (0.001, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1%; 10 ml/kg) in Tween-80 (0.5%), elicited antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of B. persicum was significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with naloxone, chlorpheniramine and cimetidine (P < 0.001). These results suggest that B. persicum-induced analgesia may be mediated via opioidergic and histamine H₁ and H₂ receptors.

The effects of serotonin (5-HT), GnRH analogue (D-Ala⁶ LHRH, GnRH-A) and dopamine antagonist - pimozide (PIM), on luteinizing hormone (LH) release in mature Prussian carp female (Carassius gibelio Bloch) were examined at the time of gonad recrudescence. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with 5-HT (10 mg/kg), GnRH-A (20 μg/kg) or PIM (5 mg/kg) or the combinations: 5-HT+GnRH-A, 5-HT+PIM, 5-HT+GnRH-A+PIM. Before the injection and 3, 6, 12 or 24 h after treatment blood samples were collected for LH levels determination by ELISA method. The analysis of LH concentrations, expressed as the percentage of pre-treatment, showed that serotonin alone had no influence on the spontaneous LH release, however the additive effects of serotonin and GnRH-A was observed. Serotonin potentiated the GnRH-A-stimulated LH release and potentiated also the effect of PIM. Extremely strong response to PIM and also to the combination with GnRH-A masked the participation of serotonin in the process of LH release in fish with recrudescing gonads. The interaction of serotonin GnRH-A and PIM in the control of LH release is discussed.

Sweet cherry is a species that is characterized by self-incompatibility, which causes difficulties in obtaining high yields of sweet cherry fruit. Determination of the composition of the S-alleles of sweet cherry cultivars is useful both to growers producing the fruit and breeders when selecting cultivars for cross-fertilizations. In this work, S-alleles have been identified for 47 sweet cherry cultivars from Central and Eastern Europe, mostly from Ukraine and the Czech Republic, with S-genotypes of 43 cultivars identified for the first time. To identify the S-alleles, PCR-based methods were used. In each cultivar, two of the following eight S-alleles were identified: S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, S₅, S₆, S₉ and S₁₃. In the cultivars from the Czech Republic, the most frequently occurring were the alleles S₃, S₁ and S₄. In the cultivars originating in Ukraine, the most frequently found were the alleles S₅ and S₉, which makes them differ considerably from the sweet cherry cultivars from other regions of Europe. The tested sweet cherry cultivars were assigned to 20 of the existing incompatibility groups.

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Persian oak (Quercus persica) were studied in relation to altitude and slope variations in Ilam province. A total area of 1,500 m2 (30 × 50 m) was covered in five altitudinal classes ranging from 800 to 1,800 m a.s.l. Samples were taken based on a systematic random sampling method with 24 sample plots at each class. In total, 120 sample plots (in five classes) were collected covering four gradient categories ranging from < 20 to > 60%. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to compare differences between group means in gradient categories and Duncan's post-hoc test was performed to reveal differences between the means of various quantitative characteristics (e.g. growing stock, basal area, diameter at breast height, tree height and regeneration) and the altitudinal classes. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine the differences between the means of qualitative variables and different altitudes and slopes categories. The results indicated that variations with altitudes may have a higher impact than slopes on the quantitative characteristics of the oak stands in the region while the qualitative variables of the native species were influenced by both altitudes and slope variations.

Control of the nosema disease poses a major challenge, and therefore, treatment of this serious parasitic disease using natural preparations could be of great benefit. The aim of this study was to test the performance of zeolite clinoptilolite as a curative measure against honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) naturally infected by Nosema ceranae. The histopathological structure, and the content and distribution of mucosubstances and histochemical activity of aminopeptidase and non-specific esterase in the midgut mucosa of honeybees originating from colonies fed sugar syrup supplemented with zeolite minerals was studied. A decline in the number of spores in honeybees fed with zeolite clinoliptolite was observed on the first sampling day (Day 10; 53.25 ± 15.15 million spores/bee), though a statistically lower number of spores in comparison to the control was confirmed on Day 20 (41.08 ± 9.4 million spores/bee), Day 30 (28.42 ± 7.79 million spores/bee) and Day 40 (24 ± 6.25 million spores/bee). The possibility of using natural zeolites as a dietary supplement for honeybee colonies as a preventative measure and for the reduction of the deleterious effects of nosemosis is discussed.

The paper deals with the greying process, melanoma, and vitiligo depigmentation occurrence in Old Kladruber horses (OKH). The study includes 376 animals of both sexes at the age of 1-25 years. The evaluation was performed repeatedly during 4 consecutive years. The greying status was measured spectrophotometrically on four body parts using L*a*b* colour system. Melanoma and vitiligo were detected visually and by palpation in all the animals and classified using 5 (3) grade scale. The GLM procedure of SAS package was used to examine the influence of the effects of line, age, sex, stud, and year of evaluation. The GLM analysis confirmed a significant impact of age on greying. Parameter L* showed progressive increase until 10 years of age when all horses reached final grey level. Subsequent analyses suggested the influence of sex, i.e. a notably higher level of greying in mares. The incidence of melanoma was confirmed. Melanoma in OKH most frequently occurs on the bottom of the tail or at the anal and perineal area. Probably only benign forms of melanoma have been detected. The global occurrence of melanoma in OKH (ca. 13%) is substantially lower than in Lipizzan and Camargue horses. Overall incidence of melanoma in horses at the age of 15 and older reached 68%. Genetic parameters were estimated for melanoma grade, grey level, and vitiligo. Greying is strictly influenced by age (h² = 0.52 ± 0.07). Prevalence of melanoma progresses with age (h² = 0.07 ± 0.04). Vitiligos of both facial and anal parts are influenced by the effects studied (h² = 0.20 ± 0.05 and 0.34 ± 0.06 for vitiligo A and vitiligo F, respectively).

The efficiency of two types of pheromone dispensers (ECOLURE classic and ECOLURE tubus) was compared in 2008. Pheromone-baited traps were checked 13 times in 10-day intervals (this guaranteed the efficiency of ECOLURE tubus all time). ECOLURE classic trapped more beetles on average in all samples. Differences among the first 4 samples (checkings) were statistically insignificant, differences among another 9 samples were significant (used statistic tests - two choice t-test, α = 0.05 from data with normal distribution, Wilcoxon matched pairs test in the case of other data distribution).

This paper deals with the classic and contemporary sociological research of countryside in the Czech Republic, carried out with a monographic procedure. It mentions basic social factors and theoretical and methodological assumptions of the monographic study of the Czech and Moravian countryside until the 30's of the 20^th century. It briefly introduces one of the classical studies Dolní Roveň. Then comes a part that provides information on post-war monographic research. Last part of the paper aims at present sociological study of countryside using the monographic procedure. It characterizes its new approach, different from the classic studies due to accepting interpretativistic paradigm and regarding empirical methods. This last chapter is based on empirical experience of the author of this paper.

A 10-year-old spayed female Pomeranian dog was referred for hepatic mass evaluation. Blood tests revealed mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase activities. Computed tomography revealed a mass with multiple nodules on the right hepatic medial lobe adjacent to the caudal vena cava; histopathology confirmed mixed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Because of incomplete resection, adjuvant therapy was recommended. As tumour cells showed PDGFR-α, c-Kit, and FGFR1 overexpression, the anticancer effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors was evaluated on the cells; toceranib was the most effective and was administered starting with an extra-labelled dose. The dog remained stable for 2.3 years with mild adverse effects. To our knowledge, this is the first successful clinical application of toceranib in a dog with mixed HCC-CC.

Clonal propagation is widely used for Acacia breeding and commercial planting. When a large number of clones are handled, problems with mixings are commonly confronted. Detection of admixture in Acacia clones based on morphology particularly at seedling stage is not feasible. However, molecular markers are commonly used to test the genetic fidelity of planting materials. This paper reports the detection of mislabelling in Acacia clonal progenies using a sequence tagged microsatellite (STMS) genetic marker system. Progenies from two mapping populations were clonally propagated and field planted for phenotypic and genotypic evaluation at three locations in Malaysia: (a) Forest Research Institute Malaysia field station at Segamat, Johor, (b) Borneo Tree Seeds and Seedlings Supplies Sdn, Bhd. (BTS) field trial site at Bintulu, Sarawak and (c) Asiaprima RCF field trial site at Lancang, Pahang. During field planting mislabelling was reported at Segamat, Johor and similar was suspected for Bintulu, Sarawak. Screening revealed mislabelling events in both populations. A total of 18.52% mislabelling incidences were detected from both sites, of which 17.39% of mislabelling was detected for fibre length cross and 20% for wood density cross. The assignment test efficiently reestablished the mislabelled ramets to the respective clones. Future studies should be focused on the utilization of a higher number of markers, e.g. SSR or SNPs to increase a discrimination power. A high number of SNPs can be generated within a short period of time compared to SSR, but SNPs could be cost inhibitory. Multiplexing microsatellite combinations along with sample bulking will further reduce the processing time when screening large populations. The use of assignment test would efficiently assign mislabelled individuals to the respective clones. It is concluded that checking for mislabelling is imperative for future breeding and for analyses such as QTL mapping where a correlation between genotypic and phenotypic data is determined.

The aim of this study was to determine the extent of the hormonal response of Arctic fox females exposed to two types of stress: short-term and long-term, combined with adaptation to new environmental conditions. Short-term stress (20 min) was investigated in 34 females on farm A in the Wielkopolska province. The testing procedure involved capturing of the animals, their immobilisation, phenotype evaluation, and placing in target cages. Blood for laboratory examinations was collected from the vena cephalica antebrachii three times: on the day of the test, directly after the procedure and after three days. Long-term stress (8 h), combined with adaptation to new environmental conditions, was examined in 30 females which were purchased from a farm in the Lodzkie province (farm B). The testing procedure involved selection and capture of the animals, immobilisation and transfer from the pavilion, blood collection and placing of animals in a transport cage. Transport of the animals to the target farm (farm A) lasted approximately 8 h. Blood was collected five times in total, i.e. before transport (on farm B), after the transport to farm A, and then after three days, whereas the last two samplings were conducted at a 5- and 15-day interval from the third blood collection. The control group consisted of 20 randomly selected females from farm A. Blood from these animals was collected twice - at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Changes in hormone concentrations (cortisol and testosterone) were adopted as a measure of sensitivity to a stressor. Blood hormones were analysed using a radio-immunological method. The course of stress reaction was affected by exposure time and stressor intensity, and significant changes in cortisol (P ≤ 0.01) and testosterone (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations were noted among individuals subjected to both short-term and long-term stress. Increased cortisol concentrations were maintained for a longer time in the group of Arctic fox females exposed to a long-term stress. In conclusion, the course of a stress reaction is affected by the duration of exposure and intensity of the stressor, and the strong stress reaction to zootechnical treatments and transport confirms the lack of complete domestication of this species.