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The aim of this study was to compare the effect of four anaesthetics on haematological and biochemical blood profiles in burbot Lota lota L. Blood profiles of burbot were evaluated 10 min and 24 h after anaesthesia with tricaine methanesulfonate (MS 222) (100 mg/l), clove oil (33 mg/l), 2-phenoxyethanol (0.3 ml/l), Propiscin (1 ml/l) and compared to non-anaesthetized control. The tested anaesthetics had no effect on haematological profile of burbot. The exposure to clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin significantly (P < 0.01) influenced the level of ammonia and glucose. The level of lactate was significantly (P < 0.01) increased following anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol and Propiscin. The levels of total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and calcium were higher (P < 0.01) with clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and Propiscin compared to control. The use of MS 222 showed the lowest effect on haematological and biochemical blood profile and is recommended as a suitable anaesthetic for burbot.

In the environment of farms and farm buildings, cattle are exposed to various unnatural influences. Such an impact is also noise always arising with a certain energy conversion. In cattle farms, the sources of noise are represented by various mechanical equipment and machines that are used for enabling farm operations. The aim of the paper was to analyse the noise levels in dairy cattle production in the environment, during their day routine. Noise levels were measured at two farms with a different technological layout of milking parlour, with a different way of milking. The noise exposure of dairy cows was measured in three locations, namely in the milking parlour, during standing in the area before milking (in the so-called collection room) and directly in the stabling area. Noise exposure was measured during milking and when the milking parlour was turned off. The values were compared with the hearing sensitivity of cattle at selected frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 kHz).

The fruiting of 23 apple progenies, in total 756 genotypes grafted on M 9 rootstock, was evaluated for 11 years (2005-2015). The most precocious was the progeny obtained by the crossing of genotype HL1737 and Pink Lady cultivar, seedlings of which achieved fruiting stage just between the first and second year after planting. The least precocious was the progeny Freedom × Antonovka o.p., in which seedlings started fruiting on average just in the 5^th and 6^th year after planting. The most productive in the study was the progeny HL782 × Topaz, having a mean rating of 5.33 points on a 1-9 scale. Behind this leader, in decreasing order, were the progenies HL782 × HL665, Resista × Pink Lady, Resista × HL2219 and HL665 × HL782. The progenies Resista × Benet and Idleless × HL665 were distinguished with the highest level of biennial bearing (above 81%). The most valuable for utilisation in breeding is the progeny HL665 × HL782. Other noteworthy donors to be considered for distinctly more regular cropping are the cultivars Pink Lady, Discovery and HL2219.

Studies were performed to determine the loss of soluble forms of organic carbon in differently used meadows on mineral soil. In a long-term experiment two variants were distinguished: a productive meadow (N120-AN and N120-CN) and a non-productive one (Kp-AN, Kp-CN, Kz-AN, Kz-CN). Productive meadows were fertilized with 120 kg N/ha/year, 34.9 kg P/ha/year, and 149.4 kg K/ha/year and mown three times a year. Nitrogen fertilization was applied in a form of ammonium nitrate (AN) and calcium nitrate (CN). The only agro-technical measure applied to non-productive meadows was the regular cutting of vegetation and leaving it on the plots (variants: Kp-AN and Kp-CN) or taking it away from the plots (variants: Kz-AN, Kz-CN). Significant positive Pearson's linear correlations were found between pH (in CaCl₂) of mineral soil and total organic carbon (TOC) content in the following variants: Kz-AN (r = 0.457**), N120-AN (r = 0.491**), and N120-CN (r = 0.424**) and in all meadows fertilized with AN (r = 0.243**). The obtained linear correlation coefficients between pH and TOC indicate that soil organic carbon may be lost as a result of progressive acidification of the soil. Dissolved organic carbon in the mineral meadow soil increased in the following order: Kp-CN > N120-CN > Kz-CN > N120-AN > Kp-AN > Kz-AN.

This article was aimed at assessment of selected factors of the work environment, which influenced the operators of harvesters and forwarders. The selection of the work environment factors was based on a thorough literature survey. From the survey exposure to whole-body vibrations, noise (equivalent and peak), microclimatic conditions and mental load were selected for detailed observations. The measurements were conducted according to international standards and assessed according to European or national legislation. Subjective assessment of the effects of the work environment was conducted through a structured interview. The exposure to whole-body vibrations was 0.5 m.s-2. The equivalent noise exposure was 78 dB, peak noise exposure was 130 dB. The average temperature inside the machine cabs was 17.9°C and average airflow velocity was 0.06 m.s-2. Mental load was high according to the Meister questionnaire, three operators considered the load inadequate, two considered it adequate. Subjective assessment showed that operators considered other factors to be light or no load

Increased detection records of Listeria monocytogenes in foods have been recently observed. Standard methods of L. monocytogenes elimination from food products including pasteurisation or acidification may, however, be unreliable. The elimination of L. monocytogenes using specific bacteriophages which are natural antagonists of these pathogenic bacteria has become an innovative method that does not affect the taste, smell or appearance of the product. The use of phage preparations in food production is becoming an increasingly popular method for the effective and safe elimination of L. monocytogenes from food products.

The purpose of this report is to describe the T-staple tenodesis of biceps brachii in three client-owned dogs and long-term ultrasonographic follow-ups. The orthopaedic examination revealed grade 2/4 (n = 2) and 3/4 (n = 1) lameness, moderate pain on passive movement and positivity to the tendon biceps test with a complete extension of the elbow during the flexion of the shoulder (Cases 1 and 2). Ultrasound examination was crucial for diagnosis of partial or complete rupture and tenosynovitis of biceps tendon. Surgical tenodesis was carried out with a metal T-staple. One-year ultrasound follow-up was performed, confirming the correct integration of the staple on the bicipital fibres and the absence of macroscopic tendon injury or degenerative disease. The results suggest that the metal T-staple could be a good alternative for bicipital tenodesis in dogs.

The efficacy of superficial tillage as a sustainable tool to reduce the emergence of Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria viridis, and Sorghum halepense was evaluated with field experiments. Seeds were buried at 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm of depth to simulate seed vertical distribution caused by autumn superficial tillage. Seedling emergence was monitored weekly for two years after sowing. The highest emergence was obtained in the first year after sowing and from 1 and 2 cm. Sorghum halepense was only slightly affected by seed burial, with 15% of emergence from 10 cm of depth, while D. sanguinalis was strongly affected, with 4% of emergence from 5 cm. The efficacy of superficial tillage as control tool could vary according to local weed flora.

We tested the suitability of Landsat images to track defoliation by insect herbivory with focus on the oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana (Lep.: Tortricidae). Landsat images from the period before (2002) and after the T. viridana infestation (2007, 2014) were compared in oak forests of Zagros in western Iran. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for the test area from Landsat 5, 7, and 8 images. Because the red and near-infrared spectral bands of Landsat 8 OLI sensors are different from the other two, a model for the calibration of Landsat OLI NDVI was developed. The proposed model with a correlation coefficient of 0.928 and root mean square error of 0.05 turned out to be applicable and the NDVI decreased significantly during the observation period. Taking into account the protection status of the area and small fluctuations in temperature, the decrease in NDVI could be attributed to T. viridana damage.

Two-way field experiment was carried out in a split-plot design in 4 growing seasons at the Experimental Station of the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology in Mochełek (Poland). The forecrops for winter triticale cv. Tulus were lupins: yellow, blue and white, field pea and spring barley. Nitrogen (N) fertilization in triticale after harvesting forecrops was: 0-60-120-180 kg N per ha. Average long-term yields of grain and protein in triticale after leguminous forecrops were statistically similar, by 0.84 t/ha and 86 kg/ha higher than after spring barley. On plots without mineral N fertilization, by over 1.5 t/ha more grain was obtained after leguminous forecrops, and by 142 kg/ha more protein than on the plot after spring barley. However, the rate of 180 kg N/ha guaranteed obtaining a significantly highest mean protein yield in triticale. The applied mineral N fertilization at rates from 60 to 180 kg N/ha did not significantly vary the average yield of winter triticale. Mineral nitrogen (N_min) content in the layer 0-60 cm after harvesting the leguminous forecrop without mineral N fertilization was by 25.5% higher than after harvesting spring barley fertilized with a rate of 60 kg N per ha.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Ca : total(t) P ratio, vitamin C and microbial phytase on broiler performance and cadmium retention of broiler. In experiment, 288 day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups, 3 replicates of 8 chicks each. The study was carried out for 42 days. The basal diet supplemented calcium, phosphorus, cadmium (0.5 and 5 mg/kg), zinc (20 mg/kg), vitamin C (0 and 1 g/kg) and microbial phytase (0 and 600 PU/kg feed). Differences among diets fed to individual experimental groups affect either body weight gain or feed intake and conversion after the 3 weeks and at the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). Cadmium and microbial phytase supplement to diet caused a significant increase of cadmium concentration in the tissues examined. There were significant differences in tissues concentrations of cadmium (p < 0.05) among the groups fed diets supplemented. In conclusion, addition of 600 PU feed of phytase per kg of diet compensates this effect and lowers the cadmium burden by up to 60%.

During growth, kernel of cereals can be provided with carbohydrate and nitrogen (N) from the translocation of pre-anthesis accumulated reserves stored either in the vegetative plant parts or from current assimilation during kernel development. This study was conducted to assess the effects of nitrogen level and cultivars on dry matter and N accumulation and mobilization during pre-anthesis and post-anthesis. Twenty two-rowed spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars were grown on a non-calcareous chernozem soil in four growing seasons (1995-1998) atNovi Sad (45°20'N, 15°51'E,86 m a.s.l.) at two nitrogen levels. Dry matter accumulation before anthesis ranged from less than 50% in unfavorable to 90% in favorable growing conditions. Dry matter translocation occurred in favorable growing conditions only. Pre-anthesis accumulated N represented 57-92% and 54-129% of total N at maturity at the low and high N levels, respectively. Translocated N represented 41-85% and 37-153% of grain N at the low and high N level, respectively. N losses occurred in favorable growing conditions when anthesis N exceeded 150 kg/ha. N accumulation during grain filling was in negative correlation with dry matter and N accumulation before anthesis. The N harvest index was 0.57-0.63 and 0.71-0.74 in unfavorable and favorable growing conditions, respectively. Selection of genotypes with a higher ability of pre-anthesis reserve utilization or genotypes with longer leaf area duration after anthesis may be two possible solutions in spring barley breeding for Mediterranean growing conditions.

A laboratory experiment was carried out on stored wheat infested by the stored product mite Acarus siro and beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis. The initial infestation was 150 mites of A. siro and 15 beetles of O. surinamensis per 1 kg of wheat. The predatory mite Cheyletus eruditus and parasitoid Cephalonomia tarsalis were added in the ratio 1:20 and 1:12, repectively. Three combinations were tested: (1) mites and (2) beetles separately, and (3) mites and beetles together. The experiment ran for three months at 22°C and 75% RH. The pests were suppressed by their antagonists in all combinations. Synchronous application of both natural enemies resulted in better control of O. surinamensis through an enhanced effect of both antagonists.

Czech collections of Cucumis spp. genetic resources includes 895 accessions ofcultivated C. sativus and C. melo species and 89 accessions of wild species. Knowledge of their morphological and biological features and a correct taxonomical ranging serve a base for successful use of germplasm in modern breeding. List of morphological descriptors consists of 65 descriptors and 20 of them are elucidated by figures. It provides a tool for Cucumis species determination and characterization and for a discrimination of an infraspecific variation. Obtained data can be used for description of genetic resources and also for research purposes.

120 root systems and trunks of 20 years old birch trees and 60 root systems and trunks of 15 years old birch trees affected by defoliation and with no visual symptoms of damage were analyzed in the air-polluted area of Krušné hory Mts. In the given area, birch develops a superficial or anchoring root system of circular shape. A greater effect of defoliation was recorded in trees with the superficial root system. The defoliation was in correlation with the extent of bole rot, root system rot and rooting depth. The proportion of root system branches infested by rot increased with increasing defoliation. Dominating fungi on roots were Armillaria gallica and Armillaria ostoyae. The degree of defoliation was directly proportional to the extent of bole rot induced by Trametes confragosa and Armillaria gallica, infecting frost ribs in the trunks. Extensive defoliation was recorded if more than 25% of peripheral tissues of the trunk and over 15% of root system branches were infected by rot. The defoliated trees showed a marked loss of fine roots, impaired longevity of fine roots and a change of ectomycorrhiza into ectendomycorrhiza.

In 1997 and 1998 we used samples of harvested grain to verify the possibility of distinguishing 14 winter wheat genotypes and six triticale genotypes and detecting the impurity on the basis of the detection of polymorphism of prolamin kernel proteins using the methods of the PAGE ISTA. On the basis of the identity index two sister prolamin lines with different percentage of participation, which was based on the weather conditions of the year of harvest, were discovered in seven wheat genotypes (Astella, Brea, Hana, Ilona, Siria, Sofia and Šárka) and two triticale genotypes (Tornádo and KM 779). A foreign genotype was detected in the Hana and Astella varieties. The identity index of the impurity to the Astella and Hana variety (i.e. ii = 0.28 and ii = 0.20, respectively) was considerably lower. In an unknown genotype (impurity) we detected the gliadin block Gld 1B3, which is the genetic marker of rye translocation T1BL.1RS, the Sr31 gene of resistance to black rust, higher cold resistance and the marker of poor baking quality (presence of secalin genes). The results proved the potential practical application of the method of electrophoretic detection of polymorphism of prolamin proteins as markers of impurities of foreign genotypes in a seed sample.

Market varieties of hops are classified to several groups according to their use in the brewing industry - aroma, bitter (dual-purpose), high-alpha ones. Saaz and other genetically related varieties form a separate group among the aromatic hops. The group called fine aroma hops has a low content of a-bitter acids (3-4% w/w), its content of b-bitter acids is in the range of 4-7% w/w and cohumulone ratio in the interval of 23-26% rel. The composition of hop oils is characterised by the content of b-farnesene in the range of 15-20% rel. and trans-a-bergamotene at the amount of ca. 1% rel. Most market varieties of hops are of hybrid origin. It holds true about the Czech varieties Sládek, Bor, Premiant and Agnus. The content of a-bitter acids in bitter varieties is in the range of 7-10% w/w while the content of a-bitter acids in high-alpha hops is higher than 10% w/w.

The aim of the study was to observe the influence of different ploidy levels in fish on micronucleus occur­rence. Twenty minutes after fertilization, one group of rainbow trout eggs was exposed to water temperatures of 26°C in duration of 20 minutes to induce triploidy. Second group was kept in water temperature of 10°C, which is optimal for development of rainbow trout. The frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes was determined in the peripheral circulation of rainbow trout 67 days (following absorption of the yolk - swim-up stage) and 128 days (fry stage) post fertilization. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes of diploid (1.10 ± 0.96‰) and triploid (2.41 ± 1.28‰) fish at swim-up stage. Increased mean values of micronucleus in diploid (1.80 ± 1.57‰) and triploid (5.92 ± 3.80‰) fry were also recorded.

Moxidectin administered in January or February at a single dose was tested for efficacy in horses on two farms for 12 and 11 months, respectively. Horses were infected with cyathostomes naturally in the previous grazing period. Forty horses of farm 1 and 20 horses of farm 2 were used in controlled tests to evaluate the efficacy of moxidectin 2% gel formulation at the dosage 0.4 mg moxidectin per kg of live weight, ivermectin commercial paste formulation at the dosage 0.2 mg ivermectin per kg of live weight, mebendazole and fenbendazole commercial paste formulation at the dosage both 7.5 mg mebendazole and fenbendazole per kg of live weight, all applied orally. Three control groups of 10 horses each (farm 1) were treated twice a year with ivermectin and benzimidazoles, respectively. Individual faecal egg counts, faecal cultures and larval differentiation were performed. Moxidectin had more prolonged and greater suppressive effects on the post-treatment reappearance and magnitude of strongyle egg counts than did ivermectin or benzimidazoles. In the moxidectin treated group (M1) strongyle eggs were seen for the first time in April and a slight increase in the mean count of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) was observed during the rest of the season. Litter larval counts significantly reflected levels of exposure during the tested season. Twenty animals of farm 2 were allocated into two groups of ten horses each based on pre-treatment eggs per gram (EPG) counts (moxidectin treated group and control group). In the moxidectin treated group mean egg counts remained very low throughout the study. A plateau was reached by autumn, with egg counts ranging from 74 to 145 EPG. The faecal egg counts of moxidectin treated group (M2) were significantly higher in March, April, May and June.

We analysed scientific papers published in the "Plant Protection Science" (PPS), former "Ochrana Rostlin" which is the only international scientific journal covering the problematic of the plant protection in the Czech Republic (CZ). The aim of this study was to explore general trends in the plant protection research in CZ during the five past decades (i.e. 1950-2002). During the period studied, 1633 articles and 2425 authors appeared in PPS. The peak of the annual publishing quantity was in 1970s and 1980s. The number of papers per year declined in 1990s reflecting (i) a decrease of scientific institutes and restriction of agricultural research in the CZ in early 1990s, and (ii) increasing demands on the quality of PPS in this period. The publication proportion of various disciplines in PPS were as follows: mycology (34.3%), entomology (20.9%), virology (20.9%), weed science (13.7%), bacteriology (4.9%), agroecology (3.2%), stored-product protection (1.7%), rodent control (0.2%), air-pollution derived injuries (0.1%). The relative contributions of the individual disciplines were fairly steady across the period studied except for the increased publishing share of the stored product protection. We found a decreasing trend in the publishing of pesticide papers, and an increasing trend to publish papers by more than one author. The global process of integration and internationalisation of applied sciences was reflected by PPS via (i) replacement of the national (OR) title with the English title (PPS) of the journal, (ii) increasing number of foreign authors, and (iii) increasing proportion of scientific papers in English, reaching 100% in 1999. Most of the changes leading to internationalisation of the journal PPS were traceable after 1989s with the termination of a "cold war" inEurope.

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, coded by MTTP gene, has multiple functions including participation in formation of chylomicrons, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins. Therefore MTTP protein plays a key role in the transport of fats and cholesterol between membrane vesicles, which can be associated with lipid metabolism. In the present study, ENSSSCT00000010052.2:c.2518C>T (rs335896411) missense polymorphism (Leu>Phe) located in exon 18 of MTTP gene was investigated in order to estimate its potential association with production traits of pigs. The analysis was performed with five breeds (Duroc, Landrace, Large White, Pietrain, Pulawska pigs) and totally 678 pigs, for which the genotypes of c.2518C>T polymorphism were identified by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The present study showed a significant association of c.2518C>T polymorphism with carcass yield. When analyzing the whole population, CC homozygotes showed significantly higher carcass yield than heterozygotes (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, c.2518C>T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affected pH measured in loin (m. longissimus dorsi) and ham (m. semimembranosus) 45 min after slaughter. For both parameters, the highest pH values were obtained for CC pigs, while the lowest for heterozygotes (P ≤ 0.05). The SNP analyzed was also related with meat colour (yellowness intensity (b*)). Previous research confirmed that ENSSSCP00000009789.2:p.Leu840Phe polymorphism, via affecting MTTP protein activity, influences metabolism of fatty acids. Additionally, results obtained in the present study suggest that the analyzed missense mutation in porcine MTTP gene can be one of the potential genetic factors associated with meat quality (pork pH and colour) and carcass yield.

Penile urethral obstruction in cats is a commonly seen clinical manifestation. In cases where there is no response to catheterisation and medical intervention, surgery is needed to provide urination and correct uremia and hyperkalemia. Several surgical techniques have been described. The perineal urethrostomy technique, reported by Wilson and Harrison in 1971, has been used extensively and since then various modifications of this technique have been developed by other researchers. In 2000, Yeh and Chin described a modified perineal urethrostomy tech­nique created by use of the prepuce mucosa. This technique was used in our clinic in 20 cats with penile urethral obstruction. Seventeen cats recovered without complication. A 2.6 mm diameter catheter was placed in each of the 3 cases in which leakage was determined in the anastomosis site. The urine gathered in the site subcutaneously was drained. Normal urination was achieved in 2 of the 3 patients treated with this technique. The remaining case was re-operated and the perineal urethrostomy technique, in which the urethra was sutured to the perineal skin (the Wilson and Harrison method, 1971), was applied. The advantages of this technique over the classical perineal urethrostomy technique are; return to urination shortly after the operation, better urination potential compared to normal cats, a more aesthetic appearance compared to other techniques (similar to a castrated cat), no narrowing of the orifice caused by re-growth of hair. It was also understood that, anastomosis of the urethra and the prepuce mucosa must be carried out with utmost care in order to prevent urine leakage.

A 12-day incubation experiment with the addition of glucose to soils contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) was carried out in order to estimate the potential microbial activities and the potential of the soil microbial biomass C to degrade 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The microbial activities were affected in different ways depending on the type of pollutant. The soil organic matter also played an important role. The microbial activities were affected particularly by high concentrations of PAHs in the soils. Soil microorganisms in the PAHs contaminated soil used the added glucose to a lesser extent than in the non-contaminated soil, which in the contaminated soil resulted in a higher microbial biomass content during the first day of incubation. DDT, DDD and DDE, and PCB affected the soil microbial activities differently and, in comparison with control soils, decreased the microbial biomass C during the incubation. The increased microbial activities led to a significant decrease of PAH up to 44.6% in the soil long-term contaminated with PAHs, and up to 14% in the control soil after 12 days of incubation. No decrease of PAHs concentrations was observed in the soil which was previously amended with sewage sludges containing PAHs and had more organic matter from the sewage sludges. DDT and its derivates DDD and DDE decreased by about 10%, whereas the PCB contents were not affected at all by microbial activities. Studies on the microbial degradation of POPs could be useful for the development of methods focused on the remediation of the contaminated sites. An increase of soil microbial activities caused by addition of organic substrates can contribute to the degradation of pollutants in some soils. However, in situ biodegradation may be limited because of a complex set of environmental conditions, particularly of the soil organic matter. The degradability and availability of POPs for the soil microorganisms has to be estimated individually for each contaminated site.

Infected animals in the wild, which can act as a reservoir and/or vector for the origin of bovine tuberculosis, are a great problem for national programmes seeking to free herds of cattle from the infection. The circulation of Mycobacterium bovis in the wild animal population might cause a slow-down in the progress of control programmes through the reinfection of herds of livestock. The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) living in the wild in Great Britain and Ireland, brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), ferrets (Mustela putorius f. furo) in New Zealand and wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) in Australia are among already known reservoirs and vectors of bovine tuberculosis. In 7 countries of Central Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) bovine tuberculosis in ca􀄴le was controlled as part of national control programmes more than 20 years ago. In the last decade M. bovis has been diagnosed extremely sporadically in cattle and other domestic animals as well as in wild animals held in captivity or living in the wild. This favour­able situation could be threatened by the mycobacteria spreading via the wild boar (Sus scrofa) which is susceptible to mycobacterial infection and very abundant in Central Europe. According to available literary data, mycobacteria were detected in 361 wild boar originating from countries other than those of Central Europe, such as Australia, Bulgaria, Germany, the Hawaiian island of Molokai, Italy and Spain. M. tuberculosis complex (33.9%) and M. bovis complex (39.8%) isolates were most frequently detected in the faeces and/or parenchymatous organs of wild boar. Of other mycobacterial species, M. intracellulare (3.8%), M. avium subsp. avium (3.8%), M. terrae (2.4%), M. fortuitum (2.2%), M. scrofulaceum (2.2%), M. gordonae (0.8%), M. simiae (0.5%), M. szulgai (0.5%), M. xenopi (0.5%), M. smegmatis (0.2%), M. vaccae (0.2%), fast-growing, further unspecified species (0.2%) and unidentified mycobacteria (8.8%) were isolated. Following the analysis of literary data and our own results, it was found that, in the area covered by the above-mentioned 7 countries of Central Europe, a total of 431 wild boar were examined for mycobacterial infections in the years 1983-2001. Tuberculous lesions in parenchymatous organs were found in 43 (10.0%) animals. M. bovis was identified in 22 (5.1%) animals, M. a. avium in 2 (0.4%), M. a. paratuberculosis in 1 (0.2%) animal and atypical mycobacteria in 27 (6.3%) animals. The wild boar may therefore represent, under certain unfavourable epizootio­logical conditions, a vector of some mycobacterial infections in not only animals, but also humans.

The influence of accelerated ageing test (AAT), i.e. of higher temperature and humidity, on the content and composition of phenolic compounds in the grains of five cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied in the years 1998 and 1999. Total polyphenols were determined spectrophotometrically by Folin-Ciocalteau's phenolic reagent and free phenolic acids by an HPLC method in control samples and after deterioration treatment (AAT) in the Ebi, Estica, Nela, Samanta and Šárka cultivars. Statistical significance of deterioration treatment, cultivar, cultivation site, and harvest year was proved. Content of total polyphenols increased during deterioration and levels of the individual free phenolic acid changed depending on their structures. Mean contents of total polyphenols varied from 600 to 960 mg/kg of dry matter. The increase caused by the AAT ranged between 0-20%, the greatest mean increase was observed in the cultivar Nela (by 19%). Sinapic acid (as high as 540 mg/kg of dry matter), 3-hydroxy-benzoic acid and 7-hydroxycoumarin were determined as the major phenolic acids and coumarins. A decrease of free phenolic acids containing methoxy groups in their molecules (sinapic and vanillic acids) and an increase of phenolic acids with free hydroxy groups (caffeic and gallic acids) was observed after deterioration treatment. Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect of AAT on the content of free phenolic acids was observed.

The efficacy of a CpGV-based preparation of Czech production against codling moth (CM) was tested in an experimental apple orchard at Prague-Ruzyně in 1998-2000. The influence of CpGV treatment on the reduction of CM population density and fruit injury was evaluated in comparison with teflubenzuron. Decline of CpGV efficacy in the orchard was tested in laboratory conditions on apples sampled at different terms after CpGV treatment. The rates of CpGV applied ranged from 0.5 to 1.00 × 10¹³ granulles/ha, and the number of applications from 3 to 5 per year. The biological efficacy of CpGV to reduce the CM population density ranged from 75.5% to 96.0%, that of teflubenzuron from 90.8% to 97.5%, compared to the untreated control. The CpGV treatment was more efficacious in reducing the CM population density than in reducing fruit injury. The efficacy of CpGV decreased to 50% after 20, 10 and 11 d after treatment in 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. According to our results, a 10 d interval for CpGV treatments is recommended in case of further mass egg-laying by CM in the period between CpGV applications.

In 1999-2000 in the Protected Landscape Area (PLA) Žďárské vrchy hills the occurrence of psocids (Psocoptera) was studied in different types of biotopes: natural forest ecosystems (stands of Fagus sylvatica with individual admixture of Abies alba, Acer pseudoplatanus, Picea abies), changed forest ecosystems (monoculture of Picea abies), young plantations in forest stands, disperse forest vegetation (solitary trees), and also non-forest ecosystems - agrocenoses, meadows and grazing lands. A total of 10,560 adults in 20 species were found. Three groups of biotopes with specific psocid taxocenosis were found out by computed cluster analysis - l. natural forest stands with dominance of Fagus sylvatica, 2. disperse tree vegetation and solitary trees in cultural landscape, and 3. forest stands remote to nature (monoculture of Picea abies). Occurrence of psocids was observed from the beginning of May to mid- November. Maximum of abundance was found in September.

The possible effect of beta-carotene supplementation upon peripubertal changes in serum concentrations across time for total protein (TP), urea (UR), cholesterol (CHOL), and glucose (GLU) around puberty onset was evaluated. The experiment was carried out from June to November and prepubertal goats (n = 17, 3 months old, 7/8 Saanen-Alpine, 1/8 Criollo) were randomly assigned to: (1) beta-carotene group (BC) (n = 9; 17.3 ± 1.0 kg live weight (LW), 3.3 ± 0.12 body condition score (BCS), oral supplementation with 50 mg beta-carotene per day per goat) and (2) control group (CC) (n = 8; 16.1 ± 1.0 kg LW, 3.1 ± 0.12 BCS). Serum blood samples were collected along the experiment to quantify progesterone concentrations (P4) through radioimmunoassay, while TP, UR, CHOL, and GLU through spectrophotometric analyses. No differences (P > 0.05) occurred between treatments regarding LW and BCS, and TP (67.6 ± 2.4 g/l), UR (3.8 ± 0.17 mmol/l), GLU (5.06 ± 0.09 mmol/l), and CHOL (1.62 ± 0.07 mmol/l) concentrations. However, while a treatment × time interaction occurred between treatments for TP, GLU, CHOL (P < 0.05) favouring the BC group, an increased serum UR levels occurred in the CC group. Nonetheless, such general serum metabolite profile was related neither to the age (215.7 vs 226.5 ± 6.6 days; P > 0.5) nor to the percentage (44.4 vs 25.0 ± 17.0%; P > 0.05) of goats reaching puberty in the BC and CC groups, respectively. Results should help speed-up goat productivity while may also engender key management applications to different animal industries.

The objective of this study was to determine whether α-adrenergic receptors are involved in the contractile activity of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the porcine isolated ovarian artery collected from immature pigs and from the animals on day 1-5, 8-13 and 17-20 of the estrous cycle. NPY increased (P < 0.05) blood pressure in preparations collected form the immature and mature pigs. NPY administration into prazosin pre-treated vessels increased (P < 0.05) blood pressure in preparations of the immature and mature animals with the highest potency in the vessels from days 17-20 of the cycle. Simultaneous methoxamine and NPY treatment caused an increase (P < 0.05) in blood pressure in the vessels from all the periods examined with the highest potency in the preparations from days 17-20 of the cycle. NPY administration at the time of the maximum response to rauwolscine increased (P < 0.05) blood pressure in the preparations from the immature and mature pigs with the highest changes in the preparations from days 17-20 of the cycle. In clonidine pre-treated ovarian arteries, NPY insignificantly increased (P > 0.05) blood pressure in the preparations collected from the immature pigs and on days 1-5, 8-13 of the cycle, and significantly increased (P < 0.05) blood pressure in preparations from the animals on days 17-20 of the oestrous cycle. The present study has revealed that NPY increases blood pressure in the isolated porcine ovarian artery and that α-adrenergic receptors are involved in the vosocontractile action of this peptide. Moreover, the changes in the blood pressure caused by NPY alone or administered after α-adrenergic receptor agonists or antagonists treatment are dependent on steroid hormone concentrations.

The polymorphism of prolamin storage proteins was studied in seed samples of 20 historical cultivars of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) of Czech and Slovak origin, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Only two samples were uniform. Most heterogeneity of prolamin patterns was observed in the oldest accessions. By means of a prolamin identity index it was possible to distinguish sister lines from admixtures within the seed samples. The obtained spectra will be used as additional descriptors for the spring barley core collection of the Collection of Genetic Resources of the Agricultural Research Institute Kroměříž, Ltd.