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Floodplain forests as one of the most endangered ecosystems in Europe have recently been impacted by fungal pathogens Phytophtora sp. and Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (chalara). Grey poplar (Populus × canescens Aiton Sm.) can be used as one of well adapted tree species for the reforestation of withering stands of ash (Fraxinus sp.). A unique population of grey poplar (Populus × canescens Aiton Sm.) characterized by desirable phenotypic traits was used for this purpose. The gender distribution was asymmetric; out of 155 individuals, 113 were female. Out of 33 different genotypes determined in the population, 15 were used as a source of approved forest reproductive material. Vegetative reproduction methods (ex situ clonal reproduction by micropropagation and cuttings) were developed and used, to rapidly initiate the recovery of forest stands of grey poplar. In total, 940 explants were successfully micropropagated and adapted to natural conditions, to ensure a genetically diverse source of viable plants used for reforestation. Moreover, we used methodological procedures of micropropagation for setting up cryopreservation technique. With respect to long-term storage of valuable grey poplar genotypes, modulation of gene expression by cold hardening during cryopreservation revealed significant changes in a few candidate genes involved in plant cellular processes.

Moyamoya disease is bilateral progressive steno-occlusive impairment of the distal internal carotid artery accompanied by the formation of basal collaterals and finally by the exclusive collateralization from the territory of the external carotid artery. Suzuki angiographic classification describes progression of moyamoya disease. Aetiology is not known, but it is probably a combination of inherited and autoimmune factors. Asian population is mostly affected. Ischemic symptoms are typical in a pediatric population, and in adults, haemorrhage is a frequent symptom. Prognosis is poor. Therapy is exclusively surgical, either direct extra-intracranial bypass or indirect revascularization. Indirect techniques utilize potential of neoangiogenesis of vascularized tissue in the proximity of the brain. Combination of direct and indirect revascularization represents optimal treatment of symptomatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Various approaches of endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer., Design: Retrospective analysis., Setting: Department of Obstetric and Gyneacology, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, University Hospital Olomouc., Methods: Effectivity of frozen-thawed embryo transfers was carried out between January and August 2017 in the IVF unit at the University Hospital Olomouc. Results were compared among groups A, B, C with various approaches of endometrial preparation. Group A - natural ovulating cycle, group B - artificial cycle with oral estrogen, vaginal gestagen and group C - artificial cycle with transdermal estrogen and vaginal gestagen. One blastocyst (two blastocyst in five cycles) was transferred on day 6 post ovulation (group A) or after 6 days of using gestagens (group B, C)., Results: The highest pregnancy rate was observed in group C (56%), similar pregnancy rate was found in group B (52%) and the lowest was seen in group A (22%). All pregnancies in group A continued over 12 weeks, in group B continued 57 percent and in group C continued 56 percent of pregnancies., Conclusion: Frozen-thawed embryotransfers in natural cycles are highly time-consuming. Our study has demonstrated the lowest effectivity of frozen-embryotransfer in natural cycles. Artificial cycles managed by oral or transdermal form of estrogen have shown better results.

Objective: The study was focused on comparison of efficiency, safety and tolerance of vaginal use of micronized progesterone in preparations Utrogestan and Crinone 8%., Design: Prospective randomized study., Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, University Hospital, Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc., Material and Methodology: Into a prospective randomized study was, after calculation of 80% of the power of the study, α = 0,05, included 111 women in age between 18-40 with a basal value FSH < 10 IU/l and a normal finding in uteral cavity. After evaluation of efficiency of both preparations there was selected a fertilization rate, an implantation rate, a pregnancy rate and a take-home baby rate. Comparison of tolerance was made from evaluation of 21 parameters which were obtained through a questionnaire., Results: There were not been proven any significant differences in efficiency between both preparations. Crinone 8% was in patients better tolerated., Conclusion: Luteal support within the IVF/ICSI-ET remains an integral part of the treatment. According to the outcomes of the study it seems to be more suitable to use a vaginal gel for the luteal support with micronized progesterone.

Objective: Bring a comprehensive overview of the available knowledge about the importance of thrombophilic mutations in patients with recurrent implantation failure and summary of therapeutic options., Design: Overview study., Setting: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, University Hospital Olomouc., Methods: Analysis of literary sources and databases Ovid, Medline., Conclusion: Failure of implantation in the context of assisted reproduction is associated with impaired endometrial receptivity. In women with normal anatomy may affect the implantation of embryos during stimulation hormonal changes, immunological factors or thrombophilic mutations. Recurrent implantation failure patients should be tested for the presence of thrombophilic mutations. Subsequently, these patients should be individually consulted and low molecular weight heparin should be used only in indicated cases. According to the available data treatment is recommended only in patients with known acquired or inherited thrombophilic disorder.

Regional migrating osteoporosis (RMO) was observed in young man with episodes of bone pain in bearing joints, which migrated from hip to leg and subsequently to knee on the unilateral side. Dynamic scintigraphy (SPECT) carried out during relapse of pain demonstrated increased accumulation of radioizotope in Lisfrank joint, distal epiphysis of femur and proximal epiphysis of tibia on the unilateral side due to hyperperfusion and high metabolic turnover in these regions of the skeleton. Dia-gnosis of RMO was confirmed by magnetic resonance (MRI), which showed bone marrow edema of corresponding regions. Although RMO is relatively benign disease with spontaneous remissions, infection etiology or the more serious avascular necrosis should be taken into account.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein and belongs to the TGF-β growth factors family. Our review describes the method of AMH determination in serum and follicular fluid. The reference values and changes in AMH levels during a womans life are also discussed. In addition, it is also presented the relationship between AMH, obesity, smoking and use of hormonal contraceptives. The focus of the work is the importance of the determination of AMH in clinical practice. In assisted reproduction has become its determination one of the tools to detect ovarian reserve. It helps not only predict reduced response to stimulation with gonadotropins but also the risk of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Benefits of the ovarian reserve detection using AMH serum levels are discussed in comparison with the antral follicle count (AFC) determined by ultrasound. Several clinical indications of AMH determination are mentioned in the next section. These are primarily the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a great challenge not only for the AMH testing, but there is an open space for further interdisciplinary cooperation. Endometriosis has no direct effect on ovarian reserve and AMH levels in serum. AMH is very sensitive tumor marker in the diagnostics and monitoring of ovarian granulosa cells tumors. Treatment of cancer disease burdens entire body, including healthy cells. Ovarian follicles are very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation. AMH is a good predictor of ovarian reserve damage during radio- and chemotherapy.

Objective: The objective of this article is to review the recent information about luteal support in the IVF/ET programme., Design: Review article., Conclusions: The luteal phase support is a necessary part of treatment in stimulated cycles for IVF/ET.

Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) represents an autosomal dominantly inherited condition and is considered a phenotypic variant of the more common hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC), or Lynch syndrome. MTS combines at least one cutaneous neoplasm with sebaceous differentiation (e.g. sebaceoma, sebaceous adenoma, and sebaceous carcinoma), and at least one visceral malignancy. MTS is a genetic disorder caused by a germline mutation in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Tumors in MTS patients are characteristically associated with the loss of MMR protein expression and/or microsatellite instability (70%). Patients who are suspected to have MTS/Lynch syndrome are often identified by dermatologists, dermatopathologists/pathologists, gastroenterologists and gynecologists. If MTS is suspected on a clinicopathological ground, necessary additional laboratory investigations should be performed only in specialized pathological departments providing immunohistochemistry and molecular biologic analysis service.

Objective: To assess, if the replacement of serum albumin by recombinant human albumin and hyaluronan in EmbryoGlue transfer medium effects embryo implantation within IVF+ET programme., Design: A prospective study., Setting: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, University Hospital, Olomouc., Methods: 297 IVF cycles with the embryotransfer (ET) were evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of transfer medium (culture medium; G2.2, n = 112 and the transfer medium EmbyoGlue (EG) n = 185) and to three subgroups according to the age of the patients (< 30, 30-38, > 38). In both groups the following entry parameters were compared: average age, number of oocytes obtained, fertilization rate (FR), number of frozen embryos, number of transferred embryos. The outcome parameters compared were: pregnancy rate (PR), implantation rate (IR), abortions (AB) and the number of multiple pregnancies., Results: In the group of patients up to 30 (EG = 72 vs. G2.2 = 51) and over 38 years of age EG = 18 vs. G2.2 = 18) no differences in input and output parameters have been discovered, while in the group of patients between 30 and 38 years of age (EG = 94 vs. G2.2 = 44) the results of EG group embryo implantation have been improved significantly (IR 27.7% vs. 153%, p < 0.01). No differences in any other output parameters have been encountered (PR 43.6% vs. 39.5%, AB 7.3% vs. 11.7%)., Conclusion: Human serum albumin can be replaced by hyaluronan as a sole macromolecule in a human embryo transfer medium and by recombinant human albumin, without reduction of pregnancy rate (PR) and implantation rate (IR). Not only similar results were achieved in EG medium compared to currently used G2.2 medium, but in the group of 30-38 year old patients a statistically significant positive influence of EG on the implantation of embryos has been observed.

The goal of the paper is to refer to and to inform about our own experiences with the Sub-Tenon's anesthesia in the surgery of the anterior as well as posterior segment of the eye. In cataract surgery it is equally efficient as the retrobulbar, peribulbar or topic anesthesia, and it is safer because no sharp needle is used. We operate on the posterior segment in sub-Tenon's anesthesia in patients with contraindicated general anesthesia because of their advanced age, decompensated diabetes mellitus or hypertension, in whom the pars plana vitrectomy is the only possibility to improve the patients' vision. Using the sub-Tenon's anesthesia, about 13.000 cataract surgeries and 127 pars plana vitrectomies without complications were performed. The simple pars plana vitrectomy may be realized at the outpatient basis as well.

Objective: To evaluate morphological parameters of embryos obtained in the process of ICSI., Design: A prospective study., Setting: Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palacký University Medical School, Olomouc., Methods: In the present study 1116 embryos developing after ICSI (IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure in the period of 2001-2004 were evaluated. The beginning of the mitotic cleavage was assessed within the interval of 22-27 hours after insemination. The embryos were divided into three groups according to the speed of their division as Early Cleavage (EC) embryos, where two blastomeres were present at the time of assessment, Break Down ProNuclei stage (BDPN) where the pronuclei had already disappeared, and ProNuclei (PN) embryos, where both pronuclei were still present. In these groups the degree of fragmentation was evaluated on day two of cultivation and embryos were divided into four categories as: A--regular blastomeres, without fragmentation, B--irregular blastomeres or fragmentation below 30%, C--fragmentation 30-50%, D--fragmentation above 50%. The speed of further cleavage and average number of blastomeres were evaluated on day two and three of cultivation. Statistical analysis was preformed at the Palacky University Computer Centre. The chi2 test and t-test for independent samples were used., Results: EC embryos were found in 37.4%, BDPN in 33.1% and PN in 29.5%. The degree of fragmentation between evaluated groups of embryos were statistically significant (p = 0.000). EC embryos were less fragmented (p = 0.000), had more blastomeres at the time of evaluation (p = 0.000) and their speed of cleavage was faster (p = 0.000). The cleavage of EC embryos was faster in comparison with the PN group (p = 0.000), but there were no significant differences between the EC and BDPN groups on day two of cultivation. On day three significant differences were found also between the EC and BDPN groups (p = 0.000). The embryonic developmental arrest was found only in PN embryos., Conclusion: The speed of the first cell cleavage is a useful additional criterion for the embryo selection for embryotransfer. EC embryos usually have better morphology and more blastomeres than the BPDN and PN ones.

Objective: To reduce the number of multiple pregnancies after IVF/ICSI treatment by an elective single embryo transfer, without significant reduction of pregnancy rate (PR)., Design: A pilot study., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Olomouc., Methods: The patients were devided into the three groups according to number and quality of transferred embryos: elective Single EmbryoTransfer (eSET, n = 14), Single EmbryoTransfer (SET, n = 21), and Double EmbryoTransfer--control group (DET, n = 85). After 3 days of cultivation the embryos were transferred. In all groups the following parameters were compared: age of the patient, number of oocytes obtained, fertilization rate, number of frozen embryos, pregnancy rate (PR), implantation rate (IR), abortions (AB) and the number of multiple pregnancy., Results: In eSET group PR and (or IR) was 42.8%, in SET group PR and (or IR) was 19%. There were no monozygotic twins in these groups. In DET group PR was 40.7% and IR 25.9%. Nine of these 33 pregnancies were twins (27%). Because of small number of the patients detailed statistical analyses were not performed., Conclusion: An elective transfer of one "TOP" embryo can reduce the number of multiple pregnancies without significant decrease of pregnancy rate.

Objective: To compare the changes of sonographic features of endometrium throughout natural and artificial cycles in which oral estrogen-progesterone substitution were used in the same group of patients and discuss their clinical significance., Design: A prospective study., Setting: Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Olomouc., Methods: In 24 women with regular menstrual cycle ovulation was detected (LH, sonography) and the following sonographic features: endometrial thickness, echogenity and pulsatility index (PI) of uterine artery were evaluated in the late proliferative, early and mid secretory phase. The same sonographic examination was performed in the artificial cycle with oral estrogen-progesterone substitution used for endometrial preparation for transfer of cryopreserved-thawed embryos., Results: In the late proliferative phase of the natural cycle the thickness of endometrium was higher than in the arteficial cycle (p=0.05). Triple-line echogenity prevailed in both cycles. The PI in natural cycle was lower (p=0.01) on the side of the growing Graafian follicle compared to the other side and lower (p=0.05) than in the artificial cycle. In the secretory phase there were no differences in endometrial thickness within cycles. Homogenous hyperechoic endometrium prevailed in both cycles and the lowest PI was found on the 7th day both after ovulation and after initiation of progesterone substitution., Conclusion: Progesterone addition after endometrial preparation with estrogen should be instituted when the endometrium thickness reached at least 9mm and isoechoic or triple line echogenity is found.

Objective: To present a review of bioethical discussion and recommendations concerning posthumous sperm procurement and postmortem parenthood., Design: Review article., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Masaryk University, Brno, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palacky University, Olomouc., Subject and Method: Literature search in Database of Abstracts of Reviews of the Evidence (DARE) and MEDLINEplus. Posthumous sperm procurement and cryopreservation must be performed within 36 hours after death. To established appropriate medical practice, it is important to consider all stakeholders in the decision-making process: the deceased, the requesting party, the child, the physician and the society. There are only few legislative measures concerning postmortem parenthood and posthumous sperm procurement. The essential elements for postmortem reproduction are: judicial order, ethics committee approval, bereavement period of at least 6 month before use., Conclusion: Posthumous sperm procurement is fraught with ethical and legal implications. All stakeholder should be considered. Society for reproductive medicine should prepare acceptable standard protocol.

Objective: To evaluate results of cryoembryotransfers in cycles with estrogen-progestin preparation of the endometrium., Design: Prospective study., Setting: Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palacký University Medical School, Olomouc., Methods: The study included 51 patients in whom in the period of January to August 2003 altogether 42 cycles the embryotransfer with frozen and thawed embryos were performed. The embryos for cryopreservation were obtained in the classical IVF (n = 21) or ICSI (n = 30) cycles and were cryopreserved in the pronuclear stage (PN). The storage interval varied from 3 months to 5 years. The endometrial preparation was performed in all cycles with oral estrogen--progestin substitution. Embryos in the PN stage were examined for survival (rate of intact embryos after thawing) and progress of their further development. Endometrial thickness, number of transferred embryos, pregnancy rate (PR), implantation rate (IR) and abortions (AB) were evaluated as outcome parameters., Results: A total of 210 thawed embryos were evaluated. Survival was 79% without regard to the method of fertilization. For 42 cryoembryotransfers 131 embryos (62%) in 6 to 10 blastomeres after 48 hours cultivation in G 1.2 and G 2.2 fy Vitrolife were selected. Further development was more regular in embryos obtained in classical IVF cycles, where 41% of the embryos were in 4 cells stage after 24 hours of cultivation and 36% of the embryos were in 8 cells stage after 48 hours while after ICSI 32% 4 cells embryos and 26% 8 cells embryos respectively. Endometrial thickness in the day of transfer in all patients was 10.9 +/- 1.3 mm, the average number of transferred embryos was 2.4 embryos/transfer, PR was 28.5 (IVF 42.9% and ICSI 20.7%), IR 12.0% (IVF 13.0% and ICSI 11.3%) and AB 41.6% (IVF 33.3% and ICSI 50.0%)., Conclusion: Improvement of cryopreservation procedures, freezing of embryos in the pronuclear stage and last but not least the optimal endometrial preparation can positively influence the cumulative efficiency of assisted reproduction.

Objective: To evaluate the history of pregnancies after IVF-ET, to define multiple pregnancy risk factors., Design: A retrospective analysis of the period of 1992-2000., Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Palacký University, Olomouc., Methods: 343 pregnancies were evaluated, divided into 4 groups according to the patients' ages: < or = 29 yrs. (n = 150), 30-34 yrs. (n = 122), 35-39 yrs. (n = 66), > or = 40 yrs. (n = 5). The number of transferred embryos and frequency of pregnancies in relation to the patient' ages were compared as well as the multiple pregnancy and spontaneous abortion rates. The dependence of preterm labour rate, foetus weight and the incidence of operative delivery on the frequency of pregnancies were evaluated (n = 276). The data were analysed using the chi 2 and Sheffe tests., Results: Three or four transferred embryos markedly increase the number of multiple pregnancies (P < 0.01). No relation to the patient's ages was found. An increased incidence of operative deliveries (P < 0.01) as well as preterm deliveries (P < 0.05) in multiple pregnancies was found., Conclusions: The number of transferred embryos is the most important risk factor for multiple pregnancy development. It is recommended to decrease the number of transferred embryos to two or one per ET.

Objective: To determine incidence of subclinical forms of celiac disease in women with decreased fertility., Design: Screening test., Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Palacký University, Olomouc., Methods: 137 patients with fertility problems were included to the study. There were divided into two groups, patients with infertility and patients with repeated pregnancy loss. Screening test for celiac disease, serum level of antibodies tissue transglutaminase (tTGA) were performed in all of them. Positive test was confirmed by serological level of anti endomysium antibodies (EmA) and final diagnosis of silent celiac disease was done by enterobiopsy., Results: Celiac disease was found in two infertile patients (1.67%). In one patient the silent form was diagnosed by enterobiopsy. The second disease was latent form. In patients with repeated pregnancy loss we did not observe positive screening test., Conclusion: We confirmed higher incidence of celiac disease in women with impaired fertility.

Objective: Evaluate the contribution and complications of ascitic fluid puncture in the treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome., Design: Retrospective analysis of 18 patients., Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Palacky University, Olomouc., Methods: 18 patients with the diagnosis of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome admitted to intensive care unit from January 1996 to June 2000 were analysed. As a part of the therapy of severe OHSS 11 punctures of ascitic fluid was performed. In 3 patients the reinfusion of the ascites into the blood circulation was performed., Results: The transabdominal paracentesis under the ultrasound control in 11 patients was performed. In 6 patients the puncture had to be repeated. The amount of removed ascitic fluid in single procedure was between 600-3750 ml. Total amount of fluid in different patients was between 1500-17,300 ml. Sterility of ascites and high contents of proteins was proved. In 3 patients with the refractory ascites the reinfusion of the ascitic fluid to the circulation was performed. No serious complications of the punctures were observed, 4 patients had a slight rise of body temperature, which fell down without antibiotics therapy., Conclusion: Puncture of the ascitic fluid is a save and effective part of the therapy of severe OHSS. In the treatment of the refractory ascites the reinfusion of the ascitic fluid should be used.

Objective: To find out if the shortened exposure of oocytes to sperm can influence the embryo quality and the implantation and pregnancy rate of the classical IVF also in Centre for Assisted Reproduction., Design: A prospective study including 104 patients undergoing the classical IVF procedure., Setting: Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Palacký University Medical School and the University Hospital in Olomouc., Methods: In the study group with the shortened exposure (54 patients) the oocytes were washed one hour after the insemination and transferred into the fresh medium. In the control group (50 patients) the classical procedure (e.g. transfer into the fresh medium 17 to 20 hours after insemination) has been used. The following parameters have been evaluated in both groups: the stimulation protocol, sterility cause, number of previous IVF cycles, age, serum estradiol level on the day of hCG application, number of retrieved oocytes, fertility rate (FR), embryo quality, pregnancy rate (PR) and the implantation rate (IR) expressed as the number of gestational sacs with heart action related to the number of transferred embryos. T-Test, Mann-Whitney Test and chi 2 were used for statistical evaluation., Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the study and the control group in any of the parameters compared., Conclusion: In our study group the shortened exposure of oocytes to sperm did not influence the results of the classical IVF.

Objective: To find out whether: 1) the blastocysts transfer rises the successfulness of IVF and ET (G/ET) and 2) the 2-blastocyst transfer lowers the incidence of multiple pregnancies (IR)., Design: Prospective study of 46 patients involved in a prolonged 5-day cultivation of IVF and ET programme., Setting: Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Teaching Hospital and Palacky University in Olomouc., Methods: Patients with at least 5 acquired embryos were included in the group. The cultivation in media commercially produced by Scandinavian IVF Science took 5 days., Results: In 91% of patients in the observed group (n = 46) morulas or blastocysts were acquired. The IVF and ET success rate after 5-day cultivation and subsequent transfer of two embryos was 37% pregnancies per a started cycle (G/cycle), 40% pregnancies per an embryotransfer (G/ET) and the implantation rate (IR) was 31%. Relatively high percentage of double pregnancies (53%) is alarming. Following parameters were assessed: age, sterility cause, number of previous IVF cycles, stimulation scheme, E2 level on the day of hCG application, number of acquired oocytes and pronuclear stages, percentage of grown blastocysts, the quality of transferred embryos and endometrium thickness on the day of transfer. The only statistically significant difference was found in E2 level on the day of hCG application. Pregnant patients had lower levels of estradiol (average value 11.8 +/- 4.8 nmol/l) compared to patients who did not become pregnant (18.6 +/- 11.9 nmol/l)., Conclusion: In selected groups of patients who refuse multiple pregnancies only one blastocyst should be transferred.

Problems which arise in conjunction with the use of assisted reproduction methods are no longer resolved only by the gynaecologist. The authors demonstrate on the case of a female patient the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and therapy of developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)--the most serious complication of assisted reproduction.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the influence of the number of transferred embryos on multiple pregnancy., Design: Retrospective clinical study., Setting: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology FN UP, Olomouc., Methods: Over the last seven years 572 embryotransfers (ET) have been performed in our centre., Results: Of the 173 pregnancies (P) achieved there were 56% singletons, 35% twins and 9% triplets. One embryo was transferred in 10% of cases and all 8 pregnancies (15% P/ET) ended with a live birth. Two embryos were transferred in 17% of cases. The pregnancy rate was 20% P/ET, 55% of pregnancies were twins and 10% pregnancies were lost in abortion or ectopic pregnancy. Three embryos were transferred in most cases (62%). The pregnancy rate was the highest in this group (36% P/ET) with 13% twins and 3% triplets. The overall pregnancy loss was 16%, the highest loss, 27%, recorded in triplets. Four embryos were transferred in 11% of cases. The pregnancy rate decreased to 28% P/ET, as well as the number of twins (6%), while the number of triplets increased slightly (5%). Pregnancy loss occurred only in singleton pregnancies., Conclusion: We can conclude that in our setting the pregnancy rate increases with a higher number of embryos up to three embryos transferred. Unfortunately, the higher pregnancy rate with three embryos transferred is on the expense of a higher risk and losses due to multiple pregnancy. Therefore we recommend to transfer two embryos unless there are some specific reasons.

Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) are modern medical methods which should help infertile couples to resolve their problems. With the introduction of ART new ethical and technical problems arise. The authors wish to demonstrate on the submitted two case-histories the need of interdisciplinary collaboration of the specialist in internal medicine and gynaecologist when dealing with a serious complication of ART--ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Based on a comparative study in a group of healthy men and men suffering from oligospermia and azoospermia, the authors consider it useful to examine FSH, LH, PRL and testosterone serum levels for possible evidence of testicular hypofunction and for detection of stress situations associated with raised PRL levels. As to seminal plasma, the authors consider it useful and relevant to assess citric acid levels, total acid phosphatases and in particular fructose with alpha-glucosidase.

The authors compared three types of stimulation protocols used in their department in 1992-1995. In the standard protocol they evaluated the use of hMG and FSH with regard to the number of abolished cycles and the number of achieved pregnancies. They compared protocol No. 1 "standard: CC + G (FSH), protocol No. 2 "short": GnRH-a + hMG (FSH) and protocol No. 3 "long" GnRH-a + hMG (FSH). They evaluated the number of abolished cycles, the effectiveness of the protocols as regards the number of obtained oocytes, the number of performed embryo transfers, the number of clinical pregnancies/embryo transfers and the number of cryopreservations. The abortion rate in relation to the used protocol was also evaluated.

An infectious agent is a confirmed etiological factor of female tubal sterility. In conjunction with the recorded decline of fertility of the male population the participation of infection in this trend can be taken into consideration. In the submitted paper the authors are concerned with the detection of an infectious agent in spermatozoa in the sterile population and its role when using assisted reproduction techniques (ART). From the results ensues that cultivation examinations of spermatozoa before a programme of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF + ET) has its place in the screening of the treated couple. Detection of virulent types of microorganisms has a negative effect on results of IVF + ET. Groups of men with this finding should be treated with antibiotics with regard to sensitivity and at the same time cultivation examinations of their partners should be made an necessary treatment and provided.

The greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) is a species of the Papaveraceae family. The principal secondary metabolites of the plant are isoquinoline alkaloids; more than 30 were found here. The richest organ is the root, the total content of alkaloids in it reaching 2-3%. The dominant alkaloids of the root are chelidonine and coptisine. The aerial parts contain about 0.5-1.5% alkaloids. The principal base for the whole period of vegetation is coptisine, the representation of other alkaloids substantially changing during the development of the plant. Of nonalkaloidal secondary metabolites, esters of caffeic acid have recently been demonstrated in the plant drug. In the past, the drug was used to treat tumours. At present, the extract of alkaloids from the plant is the base of the preparation Ukrain showing immunomodulating activity and being employed in the therapy of different types of carcinomata. Chelidonium majus is also a component of some preparations employed in the diseases of the biliary tract and liver. Biological effect of the principal constituents of the drug are different and often quite antagonistic. As their representation varies in the course of vegetation, the efficacy of the summary preparations changes in dependence on the prevailing substance in the preparation.

For the practical application of EEG frequency analysis it is necessary to ensure an output of results which contains only clinically relevant data. The article describes a new solution where, based on adequate statistical evaluation of parameters of frequency spectra, only important facts are topographically visualized. Marked reduction of data thus makes it possible to concentrate useful information. Contrary to hitheric common "mapping" of electric activity of the brain, it is thus easier to detect pathological changes in the EEG frequency spectra.

Of 1234 patients with confirmed myocardial infarction who were treated at the emergency medical service station in Ostrava in 95 (8%) circulatory arrest developed and cardiopulmocerebral resuscitation was applied. In 60 (63%) it was not possible to restore spontaneous circulation and they were subjected to necropsy after resuscitation efforts. A total of 35 (37%) of the resuscitated patients were taken to hospital. Resuscitation was permanently successful in 19 (20%) of patients with myocardial infarction. The authors discuss the most frequent shortcomings of urgent resuscitation as well as other possible ways how to improve the final results.