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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 2001, raptor and owl eggs were collected for the purpose of detection of contamination by poly­chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at 15 sites in the southeastern area of the Czech Republic. In total 31 unhatched eggs of 4 raptor species and 3 owl species were examined. PCB determination was carried out by high-resolution gas chromatography. PCB content was expressed in μg per 1 kg of lipid weight for the major PCB congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180, serving as indicators. In all examined eggs the indicator PCB congeners were found. The ranges of total values of indicator PCB congeners found in different raptor and owl species were as follows: kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) 37.0 and 44.3 (n = 2), black kite (Milvus migrans) 28.3-40.5 (n = 3), imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) 66.4 (n = 1), marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) 45.1 (n = 1), barn owl (Tyto alba) 20.6-46.1 (n = 17), long-eared owl (Asio otus) 32.0-41.9 (n = 6) and tawny owl (Strix aluco) 47.5 (n = 1) μg/kg of lipid weight. PCB congener 153 was the one most frequently found.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 authors studied an extension of the sources of plant products for the diet in coeliac disease. This disease is induced by the components of glutenin proteins. In a collection of crops, they examined the contents of the total and protein nitrogen, the composition of protein fractions, the electrophoretic composition of reserve gluten and prolamine proteins, and the immunological determination of the gliadin amount using ELISA test. By immunological tests, gliadin content below 10 mg per 100 g of sample was found in the following species: amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus and A. cruentus) followed by quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), sorghum species - grain sorghum and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor and S. saccharatum), millet (Panicum miliaceum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica ssp. maxima), broadrood (Digitaria sanguinalis) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). These species can be considered as suitable for the diet in coeliac disease. Below-limit values were found in triticale (Triticosecale) and some oats varieties; this, however, will need some other tests. The analysed samples differred by the contents of crude protein and fraction structures of the protein complex. In pseudocereals amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat, the proportion of the soluble fractions of albumin and globulin was 50-65%. In grain sorghum, their proportion was 20.5%, in sweet sorghum 7.8%. In millet, foxtail millet, and broadrood, their proportion amounted to 12-13%. The proportion of prolamines was higher in sweet sorghum than in grain sorghum. Pseudocereals and millet contained 3-6% of prolamines, Italian millet 38.7%, and broadrood 23.1%, respectively. The two latter species had, however, lower contents of glutenins. In the other species studied, the contents of glutenins ranged from 12 to 22%. Electrophoretic analysis PAGE of prolamine proteins or SDS-PAGE ISTA, developed for gluten proteins, confirmed the results of immunological tests on the suitability of quinoa, grain sorghum, sweet sorghum, buckwheat, amaranth, broadrood, millet and foxtail millet for the diet in coeliac disease. These species did not contain prolamins or the content of -prolamins was negligible in the given samples. The tested species of wheat, triticale, and oats species were manifested as substandard or unhealthy for the diet.

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.

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 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.

Insensitivity to the applied gibberellic acid, indicating the presence of Norin 10 dwarfing genes, was detected in 20 of 57 (35.1%) winter wheat varieties registered in the Czech Republic in 2002. Hybrid analyses in F₂ generation showed a prevalent occurrence of Rht2 gene (in 14 varieties). Only 6 varieties were found to carry Rht1 gene. Among the recently developed Rht2 varieties, Clever possesses also a high bread-making quality which was not observed with the older materials. Rht2 varieties were found, on average, less winter-hardy, later in heading and more resistant to lodging than Rht1 varieties.

Humerus, tibia and antebrachium fractures determined in 30 dogs of different breed, age, weight and gender were treated using Type I and II external fixators. Meynard and handcuff clamps were used in the external fixators. Limited open approach was applied in 6 of the cases and closed reduction techniques in 24. In cases where closed reduction and stabilisation was done, the patients were seen to use their leg within 3-10 days post-operatively and that walking was reasonably good after 20 days. In cases to which a limited open approach had been applied, use of leg was achieved in a period close to the closed method.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) can decrease luteinizing hormone and/or follicle-stimulating hormone levels in rat, mouse, sheep, and cattle by the direct suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The present study investigated polymorphisms in the GnIH genes of two dairy goat breeds and their association with litter size. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) g.1837C>G and g.3195G>A (GenBank Accession Nos. KR778885 and KR819142) were detected in the GnIH genes of Xinong Saanen and Guanzhong dairy goat breeds using DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Furthermore, the g.1837C>G and g.3195G>A loci were closely linked in both breeds (r² > 0.33). Association analysis showed that these SNPs had significant effects on the litter size of goats (P < 0.05). In both breeds, individuals with the CC/GG (g.1837C>G/g.3195G>A) genotype showed larger litter sizes in the second and average parities than individuals with the GG/AA genotype (P < 0.05). Known biochemical and physiological functions, along with our results, indicate that the CC/GG genotype may be used in marker-assisted selection to choose individuals with a larger litter size from both breeds.

This investigation is aimed at the determination of the effect of sugar alcohols sorbitol and isomalt on the sorption properties of hard candy. The equilibrium isotherms of two kinds of hard candy containing sorbitol and isomalt, respectively, were obtained by means of the static gravimetric method at a temperature of 20°C. The isomalt-containing candy proved to sorb less moisture under equal conditions. The Peleg model was found suitable for the description of the sorption isotherms of hard candy.

In total the samples of blood and kidneys of 379 small rodents and 154 wild swine were analysed. The antibodies to different serovars of leptospires were determined in 12.7% of small rodents, most often in the species Mus musculus (34.4%), A. agrestis (14.8%), A. flavicolis (10.8%), C. glareolus (9.4%) and A. sylvaticus (6.5%). Most frequent were the findings of antibodies to sv. pomona (27.1%), sv. sejroe (20.8%), and sv. australis (14.6%), and the antibodies to sv. hardjo, sv. saxkoebing, sv. tarassovi, sv. grippotyphosa, sv. bataviae and sv. icterohaemorrhagiae were also established. Seventeen (4.5%) isolates were identified, belonging to the serogroups sejroe (10 isolates), pomona (4 isolates) and australis (1 isolate) and one isolate was not identified. In wild swine positive reactions were estab­lished in 26% of the blood sera analysed. Most frequently the antibodies to sv. pomona (47.5%), sv. australis (40%), sv. grippotyphosa (10%) and sv. icterohaemorhagiae (2.5%) were established. Thirteen (8.4%) isolates belonging to the serogroups pomona (10 isolates), australis (2 isolates) and icterohaemorhagiae (1 isolate) were identified.

In 1998-2000, in a multi-factorial field experiment established by the method of split blocks and subplots, we studied the effect of three systems of beet tops management, two sowing rates and two levels of N fertilization and the effect of interactions of the factors on production and qualitative indicators of spring barley varieties Amulet and Kompakt. The evaluation shows the dominant effect of the particular year on the variability of all characters. The proportion of the effect of the year on the variability of characters ranged from 2.1 (number of plants per m2) to 80.1% (yield). The variability of quality parameters was also considerably affected by the genetic factor of the variety (grain over2.5 mmsieve 40.4%, TGW 20.5%). The level of characters was greatly variable in relation to the course of climatic conditions of the year. The highest grain yield was achieved in 1999 (7.21 t/ha), the lowest one in 2000 (5.25 t/ha). The best quality parameters were shown by grain from the 1998 harvest (yield 6.20 t/ha) with significantly highest TGW (47.76 g), a high proportion of grain over2.5 mmsieve (92.01%, 5.54 t/ha) and a favourable content of N substances in the grain (10.60%). Ploughed down beet tops supported the creation of the yield, the average differences between variants were, however, minimal being heavily affected by the course of weather in particular years. More favourable conditions for the creation of the yield (6.17 t/ha) and for the formation of mechanical properties of the spring barley grain (TGW45.55 g, grain over2.5 mmsieve 85.86%) were produced by variants with late ploughing down beet tops, the smallest accumulation of N substances occurred in variants with harvested beet tops (11.83%). Sowing rate significantly affected values of all studied characters. Variants sown 4.5 MGS (6.27 t/ha) gave higher average grain yields, grain of better quality was obtained from the stands sown 3.5 MGS (TGW45.22 g, grain over 2.5 sieve 84.41%, N substances 11.93%). Between particular varieties, significant differences were found both in the economic yield and the grain quality. The Kompakt variety showed on average 4.7% higher yield (6.37 t/ha) than the Amulet variety which, however, reached the higher average TGW values as well as the proportion of grain over2.5 mmsieve (45.87 g, 88.24%). The grain quality of the Amulet variety was negatively affected by the increased accumulation of N substances in the grain (12.49%). As compared with control, N fertilization at the rate of 30 kg/ha showed significant increase in the yield in 1998 only (by 7.5%) while in other years, an increase in the yield was not noticed. In all years under investigation, the TGW values and the proportion of grain over2.5 mmsieve decreased and the content of N substances in grain increased after application of N at the rate of 30 kg/ha.

Values of modulus of elasticity E and Poisson's ratio were determined with two methods adopted from geotechnique. First approach used was a method proposed by Sawicki (1994). This type of examination was applied to estimate values of E and v for wheat and rapeseed beddings for five levels of moisture content ranging from 6% to 20%. Modulus of elasticity E of wheat was found to decrease with an increase in moisture content. With the second method values of E were determined based on measurement of shear wave velocity. Tests were performed for bedding of wheat and rapeseed under equilibrium moisture content. Values of modulus of elasticity were found to depend of hydrostatic pressure and were higher then those determined in uniaxial compression test.

Field validation of spot-fumigation with phosphine (PH₃) applied by a subcontracted pest-control company in a farm grain store infested by pests was conducted. Inside and outside of the fumigated grain spot, containers with adults of 5 species of coleopteran stored-product pests were regularly spaced. The beetle pests were the internally feeding Sitophilus granarius and Rhyzopertha dominica, and the externally feeding Tribolium castaneum, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, and Cryptolestes ferrugineus. A 100% mortality of all pest species inside the fumigated spot under the sheet used for the application was stated. The efficacy (maximal) sharply declined with the increasing distance from the fumigated spot: 50% mortality was observed at 5 m from the spot, 38% mortality at 10 m, and a mortality of 23% was observed at 15 m. Mortality was different among the species, and the most sensitive was O. surinamensis, whereas the most tolerant were S. granarius, R. dominica, and T. castaneum. Although an efficient fumigation within the spot was found, the efficacy was low in the grains surrounding the spot. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiovascular and respiratory effects and the bispectral scale index (BIS) as well as the recovery period characteristics in response to treatment with a propofol/alfentanil admixture of different concentrations in dogs undergoing splenectomy. We conducted a prospective, randomised, blinded experimental trial. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained by continuous-infusion anaesthesia of propofol and alfentanil or a propofol/alfentanil admixture after premedication with acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg). Dogs were assigned to receive different concentrations of the admixture. Changes in BIS value, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R), non-invasive arterial blood pressure, pulse oximetry (SpO₂), end-tidal carbon dioxide concentrations (ETCO₂) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded at predefined time points during anaesthesia. Data [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures followed by a Dunnett's test and Student's t-test (P < 0.05) and where necessary, the Mann-Whitney U-test. No significant differences were found between groups with respect to age, body mass, SpO₂, ETCO₂, f_R, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP). BIS values were significantly lower in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 at T7, T8, T9. The HR of Group 2 was significantly lower at T2 to T9 when compared to Group 1. The propofol and alfentanil admixture provided satisfactory results in dogs undergoing splenectomy. Thus, an admixture of propofol/alfentanil may be used for total IV anaesthesia in dogs at the infusion rates determined in this study.

An eight-year-old gelding, Wielkopolski Horse was presented with a pink tumour, which filled the entire palpebral fissure of the left eye. Ultrasonography revealed it to be well-demarcated from the cornea mass, which covered its entire surface. Due to the extensive size of the lesion and the lack of owner's consent to post-operative treatment, it was decided to perform enucleation. A histopathological examination revealed corneal squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The primary cause of the tumour has not been established. Immunohistochemistry was negative for p16 immunoreactivity which is typical for the E7 oncoprotein in PV infection, and is suspected of involvement in the aetiopathogenesis of ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).