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The main task of the study was to investigate the growth conditions of silver fir natural regeneration in the Karkonosze Mts. (Poland). The paper examines the quantity and quality of light reaching the forest floor in stands of different canopies. The aim of the study was also to define the optimal site conditions for silver fir planting under stand canopy. Data on the natural regeneration and stand structure of each investigated stand were collected on circular plots in a grid of 15 × 15 m in 1999 and 2000. Biometric measurements of fir plants planted under various stand canopies were done three times (May 1999, autumn 2000 and 2001). It was found that the fir was not a dominant tree in all size classes from seedlings to saplings. Seedlings (both phases) of spruce, beech, sycamore and rowan occurred in all studied stands. The optimal conditions for fir development were found under larch canopy. That was demonstrated by the highest increment of height, diameter and offshoots. The worst conditions for fir growth were under beech and spruce canopy, which was indicated by the lowest diameter and height. The highest PAR was recorded under pine canopy, whereas the lowest one under beech canopy. Beech stand induced a lower R:FR ratio than the other tree species both on sunny and cloudy days. The highest R:FR ratio was found under the canopy of larch and pine stands.

Traditional land use has shaped the Mediterranean region for a long time and has resulted in present-day complex landscapes. The land abandonment dating from the 19^th century at a site located in the southwestern Alps (France) makes it possible to analyse how present-day forest stands inherit from past land uses. Tree composition and tree age structure were analysed in three stands resulting from different former land uses, i.e. ancient coppice, formerly grazed area and formerly tilled area. The ancient coppice contains the densest tree cover and is dominated by Fagus sylvatica, whereas the formerly ploughed and grazed areas are less dense, both dominated by Pinus sylvestris. Forest stand in the ancient coppice is older than in the formerly grazed area, and forest stand is the youngest in the formerly ploughed area. These stand differences are largely explained by former land use and the abandonment process. Albeit strong changes result from the land abandonment, these landscapes inherit aspects of their land use during the 19^thcentury at least and the dynamics does not match the expected pattern of soil fertility.

This paper describes the forest fire dynamics in the city of Sanming in Fujian province, China, from 2000 to 2009 with a view to understand the number of fires and burned areas in different counties. It also includes the spatial-temporal distribution of fires and application of the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS). Daily forest fire data was provided by the Department of Wildfire Prevention of Sanming Forestry Bureau. FWI calculator v.7.0.2.76 was used in this study for analysing the weather parameter data. The results showed that a total of 818 fires and burned areas of 8721.16 ha were found during the study period of 10 years. However, the highest and lowest forest fires were found in Youxi county and Sanming district, respectively. Most of the fires with large burned areas occurred at 2 p.m. Moreover, occurrences of fires were found the highest and lowest in March and June, respectively. Based on FWI calculation, the highest danger rating value was found in March, 2009. This study proposes that it would be possible to manage regular forest fire occurrences through the application of CFFDRS. Finally, to plan the fire prevention and management in southern China and other tropical countries, this system has a great opportunity for further implementations.

Heart lipomatosis represents a group of diseases leading to fatty tissue changes and their accumulation in the heart. Though the morbidity is relatively low, fatty changes are believed to take part in many processes that can cause death, and in fact fatty tissue is a normal component in healthy human and animal hearts. Several diseases that produce fatty changes in human hearts may possibly cause the same syndromes in animals but many of these conditions remain undiscovered. The aim of this paper is to review the typical conditions leading to fatty changes in human hearts and to delineate their relationship with animal pathologies.

In our routine surveys for the powdery mildew disease in greenhouse tomatoes, we detected a new pathogen that forms pseudochains consisting of 12 conidia. To identify the original plant that dispersed this pathogen, wild plants infected with powdery mildew were monitored. The pathogen on Japanese mallotus, Mallotus japonicus, produced a similar type of pseudochain, and conidia were infectious to tomatoes. Inversely, the conidia on the tomato leaves infected M. japonicus. Infectivity assays and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based phylogenetic analyses indicated that the two pathogens on the tomato and M. japonicus were identical. These results suggest that the conidia on M. japonicus can be transmitted to greenhouse tomatoes. This work documents the ecological transmission of conidia between wild plants and greenhouse tomatoes

A new probiotic, bacteriocin-producing strain of Enterococcus faecium EF9296 (isolate of our laboratory) was used in grass ensiling as an inoculant. The antimicrobial effect as well as the nutritive quality of silage was evaluated along with the aerobic stability test. Grass was ensiled with EF9296 strain (10⁹ colony-forming units per gram of fresh material) and the silage without EF9296 was also prepared. The silages were processed in 1-litre plastic bottles. The samples were collected at days 0-1 (start of experiment), 7, 14 and 105 of ensiling to check the microbial status and chemical parameters of silage. At the end of ensiling period (day 105) the silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test for 7 days. The EF9296 strain survived and colonized the silage in sufficient counts (10⁹-10¹⁰ cfu/g). The total counts of enterococci and lactic acid bacteria were increased. In the silage inoculated with EF9296 strain, a reduction in E. coli, enterobacteriae, staphylococci and Bacillus-like bacteria was noted mainly at day 7 and 14 of ensiling. Moreover, the counts of Listeria and moulds were reduced during the aerobic stability test. The silage inoculation resulted in a more rapid drop of pH, higher level of lactic acid and in a decrease in the concentration of acetic and butyric acid. The effect of E. faecium EF9296 on the value of pH was prolonged until the end of the experiment (including the aerobic stability test, below 4.3). During the whole ensiling period an increase in DM content in the experimental silage was detected. The E. faecium EF9296 strain represents a promising silage additive to produce silage of good quality and/or to prevent silage contamination.

Combined application of organic and inorganic amendments was known to play a significant role in improvement of soil properties. A field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of gypsum, farmyard manure and commercial humic acid application on the amelioration of salt affected (saline sodic) soil. During this study, soil pH, electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, responses of root length and rice paddy yield were examined. Application of gypsum with or without farm manure and commercial humic acid decreased soil pH (8.26%), electrical conductivity (from 6.35 dS/m to 2.65 dS/m) and sodium adsorption ratio (from 26.56 to 11.60), and increased root length (from 9.17 cm to 22.6 cm) and paddy yield (from 695.7 kg/ha to 1644 kg/ha). A negative but significant correlation was observed between root length and electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio (r = -0.93; -0.94, respectively, P ≤ 0.05), whereas positive and significant correlation with paddy yield (r = 0.96; P ≤ 0.05).

Cattle slurry is frequently used fertilizer on grasslands, but little is known about its effect on plant species composition. The aim of this study was therefore to assess effect of different application rates of cattle slurry (S0 - 0, S1 - 60, S2 - 120, S3 - 180, S4 - 240 kg N/ha/year) on the plant species composition of three-cut grassland. The study was performed over 6 years on moderately moist upland Arrhenatherion grassland in the Czech Republic dominated by Alopecurus pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, and Poa spp. Species composition recorded in treatments with application of cattle slurry in rate up to 120 kg N/ha/year was similar to the unfertilized control. During first three years, species richness was similar in all treatments and then decreased the most in S4 followed by S3 treatment. Cover of short forbs increased in S0 and decreased with an increase in slurry application rate which supported tall grasses. Application of cattle slurry up to 120 kg N/ha/year can be considered as suitable compromise between maintenance of species rich grasslands and requirements of farmers for sufficient forage production.

Pulsed light is an emerging technology that kills microorganisms using pulses of an intense broad-spectrum light. This work aimed to determine the effect of population density and microbial growth phase on its microbicidal efficacy. To this, Pseudomonas fluorescens cultures were grown, diluted to different population densities, flashed, plated, incubated, and enumerated, Also, cultures of P. fluorescens, Bacillus cereus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were taken at different growth phases, diluted to the same population density, flashed, plated, incubated, and enumerated. Microbial inactivation was lower at high densities, probably as the consequence of the shading effect, and higher at the exponential phase. This study sets the background information useful for scientists and industrial implementation. The population density and growth phase must be taken into account in the planning experiments and comparing the literature. On the industrial scale, heavily contaminated solids are not suitable for pulsed light (PL) treatment; while liquids should receive several PL flashes under the flow conditions that assure that all microorganisms receive a PL treatment, that should be also designed in function of the growth phase of the microbial contaminant.

The changes in total phenolics, hydroxycinammic acid derivatives, and antioxidant properties of spearmint after five drying treatments (convection oven drying, freeze-drying, microwave drying, and air drying with the sun exposure and without the sun exposure) were investigated. Phenolic composition of dried spearmint was analysed by spectrophotometric assays, while DPPH radical scavenging activity and Ferric reducing/Antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was used to measure the antioxidant properties. The results showed that freeze drying produced dried spearmint that had the highest total phenolics (34.6 ± 1.9 mg/g) content and the most potent antioxidant capacity (126.2 ± 0.4 mg/g for FRAP and 88.1 ± 5.9 mg/g for DPPH, respectively). On the other hand, spearmint that was dried by convection oven and microwave drying presented the lowest amount of phenolic compounds (12.0 ± 0.5 mg/g) and antioxidant potency (49.3 ± 0.7 mg/g for FRAP and 26.9 ± 1.6 mg/g for DPPH, respectively). This might be attributed to the fact that heat-sensitive phenolics were degraded or biotransformed at high temperatures. The loss of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity reached up to 60% compared to freeze drying.

In this study we assessed the normal physiological and dynamic thoracoabdominal distribution of ¹⁸F fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) uptake and the standardized uptake values (SUVs) of the major parenchymal organs in five normal young adult domestic short haired cats. Dynamic PET data were acquired with a transaxial field-of-view (FOV) PET/CT scanner, Regions of interests (ROIs) were manually drawn over the left ventricular free wall, left ventricular blood pool, liver, spleen, and left and right renal cortices. The SUVs of these organs were calculated for 5-min frames over the 90 min acquisition. The uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG within the major organs, showed a tendency to gradually decline, except for the left ventricle and blood pool. The decrease in SUV was rapid after injection with a plateau occurring after 30 minutes. The uptake of ¹⁸F -FDG within the hepatic parenchyma was low compared to that in the kidney at the beginning of study. A steady decline in the hepatic parenchyma SUV was quite similar to that observed for the kidneys .The SUV of ¹⁸F-FDG within the spleen was low. Uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG within the myocardium was minimal. These SUV data from the parenchymal organs of normal cats compares favourably with those of normal humans and dogs and can be used in feline studies using PET/CT for the evaluation of various diseases. Furthermore, PET/CT can provide higher quality images over shorter examination times than conventional PET.

A particularly advantageous method of monitoring the flight and calculating the median was used. An example is given in order to understand better the calculation. The medians show that the timing is similar at different latitudes despite local phenological differences. The difference in median flight times between Finland and the Czech Republic was five days on average, but phenological differences are about a month, shown by a comparison of temperatures, the monitoring of buds on spruce, and by the stage of the carrot plants. During the attack by T. apicalis the carrot plants are younger towards north what is unusual in Psyllidae. In extreme north locations as Finland the genetic triggering for flight could not be realised by the strong declining of temperatures. Flight occurs here substantially later as to local photoperiodicity but is the earliest as to phenology, including carrot plants. The very small plants during flight are much more damaged here than the well-developed plants in central Europe.

In this study, changes of pH, ionic (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺,and Mg²⁺), biochemical (total protein, glucose, and cholesterol)compositions of seminal plasma, sperm motility traits (percentage of motile spermatozoa and sperm movement duration), and sperm production characteristics (sperm volume, spermatocrit, and sperm density) were studied in Caspian roach, Rutilus rutilus caspicus, during spawning migration. Sperm of 10 males was collected three times during the spawning migration (in February, March, and April). The results showed that sperm motility parameters (percentage of motile spermatozoa and sperm movement duration) changed significantly (P < 0.05) during the reproductive season, but sperm density, spermatocrit, and sperm volume did not show significant differences during spawning migration. Analyses performed at each sampling time (February, March, and April) showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in calcium,magnesium, potassium, and cholesterol, whereas there were no significant changes in Na⁺, pH, total protein, glucose, and cholesterol.

The objective of the vegetation experiment established in 2008-2011 was to explore the effect of the time and dose of foliar molybdenum (Mo) application on the yield and quality of sunflower. Four treatments were established in the experiment: (1) control - not fertilised with Mo; (2) application of 125 g Mo/ha in the growing stage of 4 developed leaves (V-4); (3) application of 125 g Mo/ha at the beginning of elongation growth (R-1), and (4) split rate of Mo application of 62 g Mo/ha at stage V-4 (4 developed leaves) and 62 g Mo/ha at stage R-1 (terminal bud forms). Foliar application of molybdenum increased the biomass production of sunflower plants and its content in dry matter. A statistically significant effect of molybdenum foliar application on sunflower yields was found. Foliar application of Mo up to a dose of 125 g Mo/ha at the beginning of vegetation (stage V-4) and developmental stage R-1 increased yields of achenes. The relative increase in the oil content after foliar nutrition was not significant and ranged between 1.4% and 2.6%. Oil production increased due to increased yields and stabilised oil content. Foliar application of molybdenum had no effect on the content of oleic acid.

One of the factors frequently affecting yields is topography. Topographic data can be obtained from various sources with different precision. This work evaluates suitability of airborne laser scanning data for use as another source of topographical characteristics creation in a smaller scale in regards to precision agriculture needs. Simple models of elevation, slope and flow accumulation were created and the correlation between yield and topography was determined over a seven-year period in relation to precipitations and temperature. The suitability of airborne laser scanning data was proved with certain limitations. Flow accumulation model derived from original airborne laser scanning data indicated the right trend of flow accumulation but not as clearly compared to other models. In drier years the correlation coefficients between flow accumulation and yield reached up to 60-70%.

The article starts with the theoretical definitions of various concepts (rural space, endogenous approach to the rural development, the actor operating in the particular locality for its development). Concerning the know-how of the rural/local actor, the information acquired also through extension service takes important position there. The methodological approach explains the use of sociological methods and techniques employed in research in two localities. This is continued by the analysis of the data gathered. The conclusions of the paper evaluate the knowledge from the group interviews and discuss the necessity of establishing an "institute" the task of which would be to provide and roof the extension service and the sufficient information level for the local, often rural actors. These actors then would use such information/extension service not only for a more efficient development of their localities, but also for a higher valorisation of their efforts in the "animation" of the rural localities.

In order to decrease microbial contamination, fresh-cut industry commonly uses sodium hypochlorite as a disinfection agent, however, the by-products such as trihalometanes and chloramines are potentially harmful for human health making necessary the search for alternative disinfectant agents. A comparative study on the effectiveness of different disinfection methods on the quality of minimally processed F. vesca strawberry is presented. The fruit was processed in a clean room through the following steps: reception, cutting, washing, draining, and packaging. The processed strawberries were packaged in thermally sealed polypropylene trays using passive modified atmosphere. During a storage period of 8 days at 4ºC, the quality parameters, sensory attributes, and microbial counts were determined. As conclusion, the use of lactic acid at a concentration of 2.5 g/l in the washing water was effective in reducing microbial counts, maintaining the sensory attributes and quality of the product during the storage. The present study demonstrates that the use of lactic acid in the washing water could be a good alternative of the use of sodium hypochlorite and suggests that strawberries could make an acceptable fresh-cut product.

Gliomatosis cerebri situated in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral segments of the spinal cord was diagnosed in a Persian 10.5-year old tom cat. Clinical manifestation consisted of rump ataxy, weakened posture in the hind limbs, paraparesis, weakened spinal reflexes, no spinal hyperaesthesia or pain, and hypotonia of the urinary bladder. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diffuse hyperintense signal in the thoracolumbar junction and in lumbosacral segments (L6-S1) of the spinal cord. Normal size, form and colour of the spinal cord were apparent at autopsy; however, changes in grey matter shape were recorded on some transversal sections of the spinal cord. Dense, diffuse infiltration of the grey matter and surrounding white matter by glia-like neoplastic cells was histologically demonstrated. Immunohistochemical examination did not enable specification of the origin of the neoplastic cells but their neuroectodermal histogenesis can be assumed. On the basis of MRI, histological and immunohistochemical examinations gliomatosis of the spinal cord was diagnosed.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a triple anti-Helicobacter therapy using omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (OAC) in dogs. A total of 15 healthy adult stray dogs with naturally acquired Helicobacter infection were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and rapid urease test. Subsequently, they received a 21-day triple regimen. One day after the discontinuation of treatment, a second molecular analysis of gastric biopsies revealed complete eradication of Helicobacter DNA with negative quantitative urease testing in all 15 dogs. Our results confirmed the high prevalence of gastric Helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs) in the stray dog population of Shiraz, Iran, and the effectiveness of our therapeutic regimen for the complete eradication of these microorganisms in stray dogs. In conclusion, for the complete elimination of non-pylori Helicobacter spp. from the gastric mucosa of dogs, a 21-day three-drug regimen with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is suggested.

Milk urea concentration (MUC) is a suitable indicator of the health and nutrition state of dairy cows. MUC is in relation to their reproduction performance, longevity and technological milk indicators. The interpretation correctness of results depends on their reliability. There are a lot of principles of MUC analyses. Their results can be affected by a number of interferential factors. Disproportions were noticed in practice. Therefore the sources of variation in results are studied. The goal of this study was to investigate relationships between different methods of MUC determination with the use of standard samples of native milk with an artificial urea addition. After evaluation I (n = 7) the results of methods BI-1 and BI-2 (photometrical ones with diacetylmonoxime) were disqualified because of poor recovery (R), poor correlation (C) with other methods, higher random error (RER) and highest systematic error (SE). Evaluation II is more effective with stricter discrimination limits. Cs of all methods mutually (0.977 up to 0.998; P < 0.001) confirmed the methods as effective with the exception of BI-2 with poor Cs (0.713 up to 0.774), poor R (16.0 up to 69.0%) and high RER ±5.292 mg/100 ml. R of better methods was 44.0 up to 96.7%. The BI-1 method had good Cs (0.986 up to 0.994; P < 0.001), higher SE -7.546 mg/100 ml and poorer R (48.5 up to 75.3%). BI-1 method was a case of mistaken performance. BI method could be improved by the use of more samples in calibration. FT-MIR method (infra-analysis) has good addition R 69.5 up to 95.0% and Cs 0.981 up to 0.994 (P < 0.001). EH method (photometrical one with Ehrlich's agent) has good R 59.0 up to 96.7%, higher SE 4.755 (I) and 2.556 (II) mg/100 ml and close Cs 0.977 up to 0.994 (P < 0.001). UR method (ureolytical difference-conductometric) showed the best combination of results about R, C, SE and RER. MUC measurement was almost independent of fat in milk (r = 0.16 for UR and 0.01 for FT-MIR; P > 0.05) and MUC of both the methods did not increase significantly with lactose increase ((r= 0.16 and 0.27; P > 0.05), which increased logically ((r = -0.88; P < 0.001) during the fat concentration increase. The relationship of MUC results between UR and FT-MIR was significant (validation (r = 0.96; P < 0.001) at average difference -0.93 ± 1.663 mg/100 ml. It is possible to see the result reliability as good after calibration performance of FT-MIR according to results of UR. It is not necessary to see the effects of fat, protein and lactose on MUC methods as substantial. FT-MIR method for MUC has good result reliability at the use of native milk samples, incidentally with urea additions. It is suitable to calibrate the FT-MIR method according to specific determination of MUC (UR). However, the most important for elimination of disproportions is the calibration method with concrete audited R, though nonspecific.

Root net primary productivity (RNPP) was assessed in the wet submontane meadow in the highland region of the Czech Republic. RNPP was studied from 1992 to 1995 with help of the in-growth core technique. The effect of different intensities of fertilization on root growth was covered. In comparison with unfertilized stands, the application of fertilizers (90 kg N/ha) resulted, mostly significantly, in greater root productivity (297 g/m²/year and 2.08 g/m²/day, on average). This represented an increase by 72% and 71%, respectively. Variability in the fraction of RNPP to total net primary productivity was examined. Results indicate that this fraction varied from 0.18 to 0.25 across the compared treatments and decreased with increasing fertilization. Data show how different roles can grasslands play in accumulation of plant matter due to different levels of fertilization.

How light conditions affect development of park grasslands is a question that has not been satisfactory addressed. The aim of this study was therefore determination of the level to which unfavorable light conditions influence grassy parks area and relationships between parameters which determine state of turf grasses. Researches were conducted in two parks in Warsaw, in various light conditions and included measurement of: leaf density, sward height, leaf area index (LAI), and botanical composition of the communities. The leaf density of shaded areas did not exceed 70%. LAI value varied from 0.5 to 0.9-fold lower than in the areas in half-shade and in sun. The participation of basic lawn species at Skaryszewski Park was higher under shade, while at Łazienki Królewskie was higher in full-sunlight areas. The state of tested grassy areas in limited solar radiation does not satisfy the requirements of recreational and representational functions. The development processes of vegetation coverage were inhibited at the sites of lower solar radiation. LAI was influenced by both leaf coverage and sward height. Agrostis stolonifera and Poa trivialis may be recommended to create grass areas under limited solar radiation.

The profit/loss of agricultural holdings in the LFA is decreased due to worse conditions of climate and production. This disadvantage should be compensated by the "compensatory payments" in the LFA that should support the continuous using of agricultural land and preserving the rural region. The prepared delimitation of the LFA should be created according to the analyses of the possible impacts and the proper evaluation of the current state as its impacts will significantly influence the competitiveness of agricultural holdings. This paper summarises the results of the economic indicators analysis of agricultural holdings in the Czech Republic in the LFA and out of the LFA and the influence of subsidies on the profit/loss.

The paper deals with the use of European beech in the reconstruction of substitute species stands and in the regeneration of existing spruce stands in the air-polluted region of the north-eastern Krušné hory Mts. (air-pollution damage zones A, B, forest altitudinal vegetation zones 6 and 7, acidophilic sites). Twenty stand situations were analyzed during the study. The study objective was to compare the growth of European beech plantations in the Krušné hory Mts. with the growth of plantations of the same age in similar sites in the unpolluted region of the Bohemian-Moravian Upland (air-pollution damage zones C, D, forest altitudinal vegetation zone 6, acidophilic site). Each plant was assessed for eight growth and visually classified parameters and traits. Results of the survey showed that in the existing air-pollution and climatic situation, it is possible to switch to normal (shelterwood) beech management of higher elevations in the north-eastern Krušné hory Mts. The stands of substitute species and the current stands of Norway spruce may effectively eliminate injuries caused by late frost.

The paper deals with historical development of floodplain forests in the area of Vrapač National Nature Reserve in the floodplain of the Morava River (Protected Landscape Area Litovelské Pomoraví, Czech Republic). The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the anthropogenic influences that have over centuries led to the present state of floodplain forests in the study area. Thus, it will be possible to define more efficiently the management plan of this floodplain forest ecosystem.

Forest fires under conditions of the Czech Republic are evaluated from the aspect of their frequency of occurrence in 1992-2004 at a level of particular years, seasons, days and daytime, and causes of their origin. They are confronted with a situation in the CR in 1974-1983. Effects of climatic conditions are a limiting factor not only for the frequency of their origin but also for the size of the burnt area. Spring (April) and summer (August) culminations were balanced. The burnt area of the best part of forest fires (88.9%) was < 1 ha. The increased frequency of forest fires was noted in afternoon hours and during weekends. Areas threatened by fires are characterized by the increased visit number. In the spectrum of causes, a dominant position is taken up by fire raising, smoking and management in the forest. Railway operation and lightning represent minority causes of the origin of forest fires. In the course of the year, the structure of forest fire origin changes depending on activities in the forest and visit number.

The study described in this paper was undertaken in order to assess the impact of different woody plants on the dynamics of phenolic acids in soil. The influence of plant litter on the amount of phenolic compounds occurring in soils beneath several deciduous and coniferous tree species was examined in pot experiments. The contents of endogenous methanol soluble free and conjugated phenolic acids in Norway spruce, larch, rowan and two species of willow were determined. We focused on the dynamics of water-soluble and reversibly bound phenolic acid contents in the upper layers of soil substrates in pots after the cultivation of studied woody plants.

In 2007-2012 the first detailed study of P. halstedii distribution and severity was performed in the Czech Republic by monitoring altogether 128 localities. Incidence of the pathogen was recorded at seven localities in south-eastern (Central and South Moravia) and central parts (East and Central Bohemia) of the country; at only four localities the occurrence of sunflower downy mildew symptoms and pathogen sporulation were recorded repeatedly. In all cases the primary infection prevailed, and the severity of infections was rather low. The majority of records were for sunflower experimental fields (e.g. fields of Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture. Brno-Chrlice, Czech Republic), one record came from a commercial field and one record from a hobby field. Results of surveys indicate that reservoirs of primary inoculum likely exist in the soil contaminated by P. halstedii oospores in these habitats, but additional transfer by infected seed may be possible. Historical and geographical consequences of recorded infections are discussed, as well as virulence variation in the Czech pathogen populations which is currently in the process of investigation.

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the histomorphometric features of the skin of the Iranian native sheep (Bakhtiari breed). A total of 24 apparently healthy Iranian Bakhtiari sheep, aged 1-2 years were analysed and categorised on the basis of sex (12 females and 12 males). Samples were taken as small pieces from different regions of the skin, fixed and stained with H&E. The quantitative evaluations of different regions of skin were carried out using lattice line graticule (5 × 5) and light microscopy. The Student t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data and detect significant differences. Results showed that the volume densities of different histological structures varied between sexes and among the different regions. No significant difference was observed in volume densities of sebaceous glands, arrector pili muscles and blood vessels, but the other parameters studied differed significantly among the regions. Except for the arrector pili muscle and connective tissue, the volume densities of other tissue structures were significantly affected by sex.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of traumatic craniodorsal hip luxation in a cat, treated with the application of a Mini TightRope (mTR) implant. A caudal approach was carried out in order to expose the hip joint and the sciatic nerve preserving the muscle masses. Clinical follow-up and radiographic recheck were performed at 10 days, one, three, six and 12 months after surgery. Orthopaedic examination was normal 1 month after surgery while the revisit radiographs showed only mild to moderate signs of osteoarthritis (OA) one year later.