Search

The consequences of using and manipulating with a mobile phone while driving has a large negative effect on attention. Driver inattention is the major problem in road safety and generally belongs to the main causes of traffic accidents with a higher representation of rear impact and has been considered as a societal safety issue. Nowadays, distraction during driving has been very often connected with using a mobile phone. The aim of this study has been the analysis of using a mobile phone by accident participants during normal driving. For the purpose of this study, unique data about accident participants collected by Czech In-depth accident study has been used. The results have shown an increasing tendency of mobile phone use with an increase in annual mileage. There is also a greater risk of mobile phone use while driving among young drivers for up to 24 years. The analysis has also shown, that the drivers, who were assessed during the interview as a risky or aggressive, report more often handling of a mobile phone while driving, which contains all activities where is mobile phone actively used, without involving fine motor skills.

Abstract Mammalian dentition exhibits distinct heterodonty, with more simple teeth located in the anterior area of the jaw and more complex teeth situated posteriorly. While some region-specific differences in signalling have been described previously, here we performed a comprehensive analysis of gene expression at the early stages of odontogenesis to obtain complete knowledge of the signalling pathways involved in early jaw patterning. Gene expression was analysed separately on anterior and posterior areas of the lower jaw at two early stages (E11.5 and E12.5) of odontogenesis. Gene expression profiling revealed distinct region-specific expression patterns in mouse mandibles, including several known BMP and FGF signalling members and we also identified several new molecules exhibiting significant differences in expression along the anterior–posterior axis, which potentially can play the role during incisor and molar specification. Next, we followed one of the anterior molecules, SATB2, which was expressed not only in the anterior mesenchyme where incisor germs are initiated, however, we uncovered a distinct SATB2-positive region in the mesenchyme closely surrounding molars. Satb2-deficient animals demonstrated defective incisor development confirming a crucial role of SATB2 in formation of anterior teeth. On the other hand, ectopic tooth germs were observed in the molar area indicating differential effect of Satb2-deficiency in individual jaw regions. In conclusion, our data provide a rich source of fundamental information, which can be used to determine molecular regulation driving early embryonic jaw patterning and serve for a deeper understanding of molecular signalling directed towards incisor and molar development.

The paper focuses on students' understanding of the concepts of axial and central symmetries in a plane. Attention is paid to whether students of various ages identify a non-model of an axially symmetrical figure, know that a line segment has two axes of symmetry and a circle has an infinite number of symmetry axes, and are able to construct an image of a given figure in central symmetry. The results presented here were obtained by a quantitative analysis of tests given to nearly 1,500 Czech students, including pre-service mathematics teachers. The paper presents the statistics of the students' answers, discusses the students' thought processes and presents some of the students' original solutions. The data obtained are also analysed with regard to gender differences and to the type of school that students attend. The results show that students have two principal misconceptions: that a rhomboid is an axially symmetrical figure and that a line segment has just one axis of symmetry. Moreover, many of the tested students confused axial and central symmetry. Finally, the possible causes of these errors are considered and recommendations for preventing these errors are given.

Digital weight loss interventions present a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional therapy. However, further evidence is needed to establish the equal effectiveness of both approaches. This randomized controlled non-inferiority trial aimed to compare the effects of an intensive in-person weight loss intervention program with Vitadio digital therapy. One hundred patients with obesity and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Over a 6-month period, the control group received five in-person consultations with a physician who specialized in obesity treatment, a dietitian and/or a nutrition nurse, while the intervention group followed the digital program based on a multimodal therapeutic approach. The extent of weight loss was assessed and compared between the groups. Additionally, changes in body composition and metabolic parameters for the digital intervention group were analyzed. The study results demonstrated comparable effectiveness of both treatments for weight reduction. The positive effects of Vitadio were further evidenced by favorable changes in body composition and lipid metabolism and improved glycemic control in the intervention group. These findings suggest that Vitadio is an effective tool for assisting patients with managing obesity and preventing diabetes progression.

The present article focuses on the scope of the key sources of judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters within the EU, namely the Brussels I bis, Rome I and Rome II Regulations, in the context of the activities of public authorities. The aim of the article is to identify whether a legal relationship in which one of the parties is a public authority can qualify as a civil and commercial matter within the meaning of the Regulations in question and thus be subsumed under their ratione materiae and, if so, under which circumstances.

Comprehensive crash analysis includes calculating impact speed, which requires the determination of kinetic energy expended on the deformation of the vehicle's structural elements at the point of contact during a collision. The accuracy of the input data affects the resulting analysis of the crash. Therefore, this article aims to analyse selected factors influencing the determination of Energy Equivalent Speed (EES) determination using the CRASH3 algorithm: the extent of damage using defined measurement points, deformation width, and also limit speed b0. The variables were varied depending on selected factors such as the extent of damage, the type of collision (overlap), and also vehicle type (vehicle category classification). The presented study concluded that using 2 equally spaced measurement points to define the deformation profile should not be recommended in forensic practice when using CRASH3 algorithm. Using 7 measurement points seems more appropriate in case of equal spacing, even though the differences in calculated EES are not high when using 5 or 6 measurement points, especially with respect to the inaccuracy/technically acceptable tolerance of the EES value determination. The resulting EES is significantly influenced by variation of the deformation width. The used b0 range had a significant effect on the resulting EES value only in the case of SUVs. These vehicles show higher stiffness, which supposes the use of lower b0 values should not be recommended.

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGC) of the pancreas represents a rare subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Despite a distinct morphology and specific clinical behavior, UCOGCs exhibit unexpected similarities in regard to DNA mutational profiles with conventional PDAC. Treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is particularly challenging, with limited prospects for cure. As with many other malignant neoplasms, the exploration of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) in regulating the biological characteristics of pancreatic cancer is undergoing extensive investigation to enhance tumor diagnostics and unveil the therapeutic possibilities. Herein, we evaluated the expression of miR-21, -96, -148a, -155, -196a, -210, and -217 in UCOGCs and poorly differentiated (grade 3, G3) PDACs. The expression of miR-21, miR-155, and miR-210 in both UCOGCs and G3 PDACs was significantly upregulated compared to the levels in normal tissue, while the levels of miR-148a and miR-217 were downregulated. We did not find any significant differences between cancerous and normal tissues for the expression of miR-96 and miR-196a in G3 PDACs, whereas miR-196a was slightly, but significantly, downregulated in UCOGCs. On the other hand, we have not observed significant differences in the expression of the majority of miRNAs between UCOGC and G3 PDAC, with the exception of miR-155. UCOGC samples demonstrated lower mean levels of miR-155 in comparison with those in G3 PDACs.

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGC) of the pancreas is a rare malignancy regarded as a subvariant of pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) characterized by variable prognosis. UCOGC shows a strikingly similar spectrum of oncogenic DNA mutations to PDAC. In the current work, we analyzed the landscape of somatic mutations in a set of 13 UCOGC cases via next-generation sequencing (NGS). We detected a spectrum of pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations similar to those observed in PDAC following previously published results (10 KRAS, 9 TP53, 4 CDKN2A, and 1 SMAD4, CIC, GNAS, APC, ATM, NF1, FBXW7, ATR, and FGFR3). Our results support the theory that UCOGC is a variant of PDAC, despite its unique morphology; however, a UCOGC-specific genomic signature as well as predictive markers remain mainly unknown. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) status remains an important predictive marker based on previous studies.

Radiouhlíkové datování je etablovanou metodou, která pomáhá určit absolutní stáří archeologických nálezů. Tento tematický přehled prezentuje základní principy radiouhlíkové metody, předpoklady pro výběr vzorků z archeologických situací, způsob zacházení se vzorky před zasláním do radiouhlíkové laboratoře, laboratorní postupy úpravy vzorků, průběh AMS měření a kalibraci výsledků. Dále jsou vysvětleny faktory, které omezují výsledky radiouhlíkového datování, zejména radiouhlíková plata a rezervoárový efekt, a jak lze jejich vliv rozpoznat a případně eliminovat. Hlavním cílem článku je kriticky zhodnonit aplikaci radiouhlíkové metody na méně obvyklé archeologické vzorky (lipidy uchované v pórech keramiky, spálené kosti, zubní kámen, železné předměty a železné strusky, malta, pylové a fytolitové koncentráty vyextrahované ze sedimentů či půd), jejichž datace otevírá nové možnosti pro chronologické ukotvení přírodních i kulturních procesů a událostí v minulosti.

The trend towards globalization and the completion of the European Union's internal market has also led to an increase in the incidence of relations with a foreign element in international trade. The topic of my paper is precisely consumer protection within the European Union under the limits of judicial cooperation, which is touched upon in the key Regulations – the Brussels I bis and Rome I Regulations. As the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in online purchases, often from foreign shops, we consider this topic to be current. This paper will focus on consumer protection under selected Regulations. Based on the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union, we will deal with some of the more general provisions so as to be able to identify the scope of consumer protection under these Regulations in practice.

Abstract Soil seed viability and germinability dynamics can have a major influence on the establishment and spread of plants introduced beyond their native distribution range. Yet, we lack information on how temporal variability in these traits could affect the invasion process. To address this issue, we conducted an 8-year seed burial experiment examining seed viability and germinability dynamics for 21 invasive and 38 naturalized herbs in the Czech Republic. Seeds of most naturalized and invasive species persisted in the soil for several years. However, naturalized herbs exhibited greater seed longevity, on average, than invasive ones. Phylogenetic logistic models showed that seed viability (but not germinability) dynamics were significantly related to the invasion status of the study species. Seed viability declined earlier and more sharply in invasive species, and the probability of finding viable seeds of invasive species by the end of the experiment was low. Our findings suggest that invasive herbs might take advantage of high seed viability in the years immediately after dispersal, while naturalized species benefit from extended seed viability over time. These differences, however, are not sufficiently strong to explain the invasiveness of the species examined.

Insulin is stored in vivo inside the pancreatic β-cell insulin secretory granules. In vitro studies have led to an assumption that high insulin and Zn2+ concentrations inside the pancreatic β-cell insulin secretory granules should promote insulin crystalline state in the form of Zn2+-stabilized hexamers. Electron microscopic images of thin sections of the pancreatic β-cells often show a dense, regular pattern core, suggesting the presence of insulin crystals. However, the structural features of the storage forms of insulin in native preparations of secretory granules are unknown, because of their small size, fragile character and difficult handling. We isolated and investigated the secretory granules from MIN6 cells under near-native conditions, using cryo-electron microscopic (Cryo-EM) techniques. The analysis of these data from multiple intra-granular crystals revealed two different rhomboidal crystal lattices. The minor lattice has unit cell parameters (a ≃ b ≃ 84.0 Å, c ≃ 35.2 Å), similar to in vitro crystallized human 4Zn2+-insulin hexamer, whereas the largely prevalent unit cell has more than double c-axis (a ≃ b ≃ c ≃ 96.5 Å) that probably corresponds to two or three insulin hexamers in the asymmetric unit. Our experimental data show that insulin can be present in pancreatic MIN6 cell granules in a microcrystalline form, probably consisting of 4Zn2+-hexamers of this hormone.

This article investigates public spaces near urban rivers that contribute to the interaction between natural and urbanized areas and between people from different socio-economic backgrounds. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the environment of the largest urbanized areas of the Czech Republic, through which a large watercourse flows and creates a direct interaction with the city center. To evaluate the state of connectivity and comfort of urban rivers in the Czech Republic, a set of tools was applied to three cities: Prague, České Budějovice, and Hradec Králové. The methodology was created to correspond to the territory of Central Europe and was used for the specific assessment of rivers in four dimensions: (a) the spatial and visual accessibility, (b) the condition of the green corridor, (c) the condition of public space, and (d) the condition of the first built line. The dimensions are expressed using thirteen quantitative indicators of the environmental condition. The methodology uses the Urban River Sustainability Index (URSI), which was necessary to adjust the calculations of the indicators and resources for the Central European area. The best results were found in the central part of Prague and the worst in the peripheral part of Hradec Králové. The results call for the use of connectivity and comfort assessments of urban rivers for comparison, motivation, and future improvement in practice.

Abstract Background Non-native species have aroused scientific interest because of their ability to successfully colonise areas to which they have been introduced, despite their sometimes limited genetic variation compared to their native range. These species establish themselves with the aid of some pre-existing features favouring them in the new environment. Pectinatella magnifica (Leidy, 1851), the freshwater magnificent bryozoan, is non-native in Europe and Asia. This study was designed to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of P. magnifica colonies collected from the Protected Landscape Area (PLA) and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Třeboňsko (the Czech Republic) in the 2009 and 2011–2014 periods using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP). Findings The vast majority of the examined non-native colonies, except three colonies sampled in 2012, expressed very low levels of genetic variation, not differentiating from the USA native colony. The Bayesian clustering approach grouped the 28 accessions into two genetically different populations. Conclusions The data suggest relatively low gene diversity within all colonies, which might reflect the recent expansion of P. magnifica in the Czech Republic.

Despite recent evidence on the important role of seed banks associated with plant invasions, and a large body of literature on invasive annual Impatiens species, little is known about the seed bank characteristics of Impatiens species. To bridge this gap, we conducted a five-year field experiment where we buried seeds of two invasive species (I. glandulifera and I. parviflora) and one native species (I. noli-tangere) across four localities in the Czech Republic, harbouring all three Impatiens species and differing in the environmental conditions. We found that the three Impatiens species differed in the characteristics of their seed banks. Both invasive species had a high seed germination rate of almost 100% in the first year after seed burial, while

In rodents, the melatonin production by the pineal gland is controlled through adrenergic signaling from the suprachiasmatic nuclei and regulation of the principal enzyme in its synthesis, arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). In the present study, we identified increased isoprenaline-induced aa-nat expression and nocturnal AANAT activity in the pineal glands in response to the silencing of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) with siRNA or STAT3 inhibitors WP1066 and AZD1480. This AANAT activity enhancement in vivo did not interfere with light-induced AANAT suppression. Systemic or in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration markedly increased Stat3 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation, but it did not significantly affect AANAT expression or activity. Simultaneous LPS administration and Stat3 silencing enhanced the aa-nat transcription and AANAT activity to a similar extent as Stat3 inhibition without LPS co-administration. Furthermore, we describe the circadian rhythmicity in Stat3 expression and the phosphorylated form of STAT3 protein in the rat pineal gland. Our data suggest that the higher nocturnal endogenous level of STAT3 in the pineal gland decelerates or hampers the process of NA-induced AANAT activation or affects the AANAT enzyme stability.

Článek řeší změnu využití území a odtokových charakteristik v povodí řeky Otavy a jeho dvou subpovodích (povodí řeky Volšovky a Vydry). Cílem práce bylo zjistit, jak se změnila retence vody v krajině společně se změnou využití území v horských partiích a podhůří Šumavy od roku 1970. Změna využití území probíhala dvěma hlavními směry - (a) Převod orné půdy s různou intenzitou hospodaření na různě intenzivní či extenzivní louky a pastviny, (b) Odlesňování rozsáhlých ploch původních většinou smrkových monokultur a jejich převod na křovinatou a bylinnou vegetaci s nesouvislým pokryvem povrchu. V horských polohách Šumavy je retence vody místy snižována v důsledku zranitelnosti smrkových monokulturních lesů přírodními katastrofami (vichřice), nemocemi a škůdci. V podhůří Šumavy byl prokázán pozitivní vliv současného managementu krajiny na snižování přímého odtoku při intenzivních srážkách.

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathways play an important role in neuronal circuitry formation during early postnatal development. Our previous studies revealed an increased risk for adverse neurodevelopmental consequences in animals exposed to benzodiazepines, which enhance GABA inhibition via GABAA receptors. We reported that administration of the benzodiazepine clonazepam (CZP) during postnatal days 7–11 resulted in permanent behavioral alterations. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. We hypothesized that early CZP exposure modifies development of glutamatergic receptors and their composition due to the tight developmental link between GABAergic functions and maturation of glutamatergic signaling. These changes may alter excitatory synapses, as well as neuronal connectivity and function of the neural network. We used quantitative real-time PCR and quantitative autoradiography to examine changes in NMDA and AMPA receptor composition and binding in response to CZP (1 mg/kg/day) administration for five consecutive days, beginning on P7. Brains were collected 48 h, 1 week, or 60 days after treatment cessation, and mRNA subunit expression was assessed in the hippocampus and sensorimotor cortex. A separate group of animals was used to determine binding to NMDA in different brain regions. Patterns of CZP-induced alterations in subunit mRNA expression were dependent on brain structure, interval after CZP cessation, and receptor subunit type. In the hippocampus, upregulation of GluN1, GluN3, and GluR2 subunit mRNA was observed at the 48-h interval, and GluN2A and GluR1 mRNA expression levels were higher 1 week after CZP cessation compared to controls, while GluN2B was downregulated. CZP exposure increased GluN3 and GluR2 subunit mRNA expression levels in the sensorimotor cortex 48 h after treatment cessation. GluA3 was higher 1 week after the CZP exposure, and GluN2A and GluA4 mRNA were significantly upregulated 2 months later. Expression of other subunits was not significantly different from that of the controls. NMDA receptor binding increased 1 week after the end of exposure in most hippocampal and cortical areas, including the sensorimotor cortex at the 48-h interval. CZP exposure decreased NMDA receptor binding in most evaluated hippocampal and cortical areas 2 months after the end of administration. Overall, early CZP exposure likely results in long-term glutamatergic receptor modulation that may affect synaptic development and function, potentially causing behavioral impairment.

This work is focused on determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), glucose, fructose and sucrose in meads. Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric detection was used for the separation of HMF. Saccharides were separated using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with refractive index detector. These techniques were employed for determination of the content of HMF and saccharides in 23 samples of meads obtained from different producers. The content of these compounds is strongly dependent on the technological process of mead production and could be used as a marker of mead quality. The content of HMF is lower in samples obtained from beekeepers than in samples purchased in local stores.

The circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) regulates daily rhythms in physiology and behaviour and is an important part of the mammalian homeostatic system. Previously, we have shown that systemic inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the daytime-dependent phosphorylation of STAT3 in the SCN. Here, we demonstrate the LPS-induced Stat3 mRNA expression in the SCN and show also the circadian rhythm in Stat3 expression in the SCN, with high levels during the day. Moreover, we examined the effects of LPS (1mg/kg), applied either during the day or the night, on the rhythm in locomotor activity of male Wistar rats. We observed that recovery of normal locomotor activity patterns took longer when the animals were injected during the night. The clock genes Per1, Per2 and Nr1d1, and phosphorylation of kinases ERK1/2 and GSK3β are sensitive to external cues and function as the molecular entry for external signals into the circadian clockwork. We also studied the immediate changes in these clock genes expressions and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and GSK3β in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in response to daytime or night-time inflammatory stimulation. We revealed mild and transient changes with respect to the controls. Our data stress the role of STAT3 in the circadian clock response to the LPS and provide further evidence of the interaction between the circadian clock and immune system.

In 1927, the first pollen diagram was published from the Bohemian/Bavarian Forest region of Central Europe, providing one of the first qualitative views of the long-term vegetation development in the region. Since then significant methodological advances in quantitative approaches such as pollen influx and pollen-based vegetation models (e.g., Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm, LRA) have contributed to enhance our understanding of temporal and spatial ecology. These types of quantitative reconstructions are fundamental for conservation and restoration ecology because they provide long-term perspectives on ecosystem functioning. In the Bohemian/Bavarian Forests, forest managers have a goal to restore the original forest composition at mid-elevation forests, yet they rely on natural potential vegetation maps that do not take into account long-term vegetation dynamics. Here we reconstruct the Holocene history of forest composition and discuss the implications the LRA has for regional forest management and conservation. Two newly analyzed pollen records from Prášilské jezero and Rachelsee were compared to 10 regional peat bogs/mires and two other regional lakes to reconstruct total land-cover abundance at both the regional- and local-scales. The results demonstrate that spruce has been the dominant canopy cover across the region for the past 9,000 years at both high- (>900 m) and mid-elevations (>700–900 m). At the regional-scale inferred from lake records, spruce has comprised an average of ~50% of the total forest canopy; whereas at the more local-scale at mid-elevations, spruce formed ~59%. Beech established ~6,000 cal. years BP while fir established later around 5,500 cal. years BP. Beech and fir growing at mid-elevations reached a maximum land-cover abundance of 24% and 13% roughly 1,000 years ago. Over the past 500 years spruce has comprised ~47% land-cover, while beech and fir comprised ~8% and

The prenylated flavonoids are hop components with the most beneficial health effects. Information about their content and the dynamics of their decrease during hops processing is necessary for the production of beer with an increased content of these substances. This study deals with the long-term monitoring of the prenylflavonoids and α-bitter acids contents and their ratios in the whole spectrum of domestic hop varieties as well as with changes in these parameters during storage and hop processing. It was confirmed that the newly cultivated Agnus and Vital varieties are the varieties with the highest contents of prenylated flavonoids. As a result, the Vital variety is particularly useful in non-brewing applications. Based on the monitoring of the decrease in the levels of these components during hop processing it was recognised that development of new gentler methods, particularly for the hop drying would be necessary. These methods should minimize the risk of thermal and oxidative degradation.

The study focuses on how land use in the selected location affects the amount of phosphorus in the watershed. Defines the basic concepts of this and related issues. The monitored value is total phosphorus and description of the measuring apparatus. The resulting data are arranged in tables and graphs and results are compared with standards of Czech norms (CSN) and other similar studies.

One of the critical factors in facial reanimation is selecting the donor nerve. The most favored neurotizers are the contralateral facial nerve with a cross-face nerve graft (CFNG) and motor nerve to the masseter (MNM). A relatively new dual innervation (DI) method has shown successful results. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of different neurotization strategies for free gracilis muscle transfer (FGMT). The Scopus and WoS databases were queried with 21 keywords. Three-stage article selection was performed for the systematic review. Articles presenting quantitative data for commissure excursion and facial symmetry were included in meta-analysis, using random-effects model. ROBINS-I tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess bias and study quality. One hundred forty-seven articles containing FGMT were systematically reviewed. Most studies indicated CFNG as the first choice. MNM was primarily indicated in bilateral palsy and in elderly. Clinical outcomes of DI studies were promising. 13 studies including 435 observations (179 CFNG, 182 MNM, 74 DI) were eligible for meta-analysis. The mean change in commissure excursion was 7.15 mm (95% CI: 4.57–9.72) for CFNG, 8.46 mm (95% CI: 6.86–10.06) for MNM, and 5.18 mm (95% CI: 4.01–6.34) for DI. In pairwise comparisons, a significant difference was found between MNM and DI (p = 0.0011), despite the superior outcomes described in DI studies. No statistically significant difference was found in resting and smile symmetry (p = 0.625, p = 0.780). CFNG is the most preferred neurotizer, and MNM is a reliable second option. Outcomes of DI studies are promising, but more comparison studies are needed to draw conclusions. Our meta-analysis was limited by incompatibility of the assessment scales. Consensus on a standardized assessment system would add value to future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study is focused on mutual comparison of four methods of determination of alpha acids in hops (EBC 7.4, EBC 7.5, ČSN and EBC 7.7) and their application in evaluation of hops stored under different conditions. Furthermore, the results of the comparison of predicted and actual alpha acid values in the long-term monitoring of harvesting of three Czech hop varieties are discussed. The largest differences were found between the EBC 7.5 (LCV) and EBC 7.7 (HPLC) methods; the first method gives systematically higher results and the difference exponentially increases with the hop storage index (HIS) value. The difference in HSI in fresh hops is 10 – 15% rel. while the difference in older hops with HSI 0.6 – 0.7 is 25 – 45% rel. Pre-harvest prognosis and harvest estimate of alpha acids in the Saaz variety are in good agreement with the facts (kr = 0.93, kr = 0.95) and the same holds for the harvest estimation relation and the reality of the varieties Sládek and Premiant (kr = 0.93; 0.97).

Writing in the foreign language is one of the most important language skills students develop and improve at the Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra. Strong writing skills are essential to their future success, whether they are related to writing general reports on agricultural issues at home or in the world as well as to working-out some research papers aimed at agriculture, but also at some other areas of the business world. We have to state that writing is perhaps one of the most difficult skills students can develop and improve at our University. They learn how to write effectively, they are encouraged to develop an awareness of themselves as students - writers and essay authors. This paper deals with the essay writing analysis in teaching foreign languages at the Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra, particularly from the point of their final results. The research was carried out in the Department of Languages and we present in our paper the results students achieved in writing essays in the two compared years, 2007 and 2010.

Literature data support that green tea and its major component epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have powerful antioxidant effects. Contrary, hepatotoxicity can be induced by high-dose EGCG. The timing of exposure to green tea in relation to administration of hepatotoxic agent plays an import role too. The aim of our work was a verification of antioxidative effect of EGCG on D-galactosamine-induced injury in primary culture of rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were incubated with EGCG at concentrations of 1.25–10 μM and toxic D-galactosamine (GalN) for 24 hrs. Alternatively, hepatocytes were pretreated with EGCG for 24 hrs, and then incubated with EGCG and GalN for further 24 hrs. Cytotoxicity was analysed by lactate dehydrogenase activity, functional capacity by albumin production. Oxidative stress was evaluated from a production of malondialdehyde and glutathione content in the cells. EGCG protected hepatocytes against GalN-induced cytotoxicity but preventive treatment of intact hepatocytes with EGCG was required to diminish the development of hepatocyte injury. Oxidative stress induced in our study seems to overcome the ability of hepatocytes to improve GSH depletion and albumin production. Prolongation of the pretreatment with EGCG could be a promising strategy leading to amelioration of its hepatoprotective effect.

Abstract We evaluated responses to the treatment and long‐term outcomes of chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib as first‐line treatment in routine clinical setting from two countries with centralized tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment. We assessed prognostic significance of European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2006‐ and 2009‐defined responses and the prognostic value of molecular responses at defined time points on 5‐year survivals. Among the cumulative rates of incidence of hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular responses and all important survival parameters, we evaluated the prognostic significance of different BCR‐ABL transcript‐level ratios (≤1%; >1%–≤10%; >10%) at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (n = 199). The ELN optimal response criteria and their predictive role were significantly beneficial for event‐free survival at all given time points. We found significant improvement in survivals of patients with BCR‐ABL lower than 10% in the 6th and 12th months. Significantly better outcome was found in patients who achieved major molecular response (MMR) in the 12th month. The cumulative incidences of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and MMR were significantly associated with the molecular response in the 3rd month. The ELN response criteria and their predictive role were helpful at given time points; however, the 2009 definition did not significantly alter the prognostic accuracy compared with that of the 2006 definition. The significant value was observed for cytogenetic responses at the 6th and 12th month. Moreover, progression‐free and event‐free survivals were improved with MMR at the 12th month.

V posledních dekádách došlo v ČR, podobně jako v jiných zemích, k zásadním změnám v rodinném a reprodukčním chování – mezi nimi také k poklesu sňatečnosti a odkládání vstupu do manželství. Tyto změny bývají vykládány z perspektivy druhé demografické tranzice, která postuluje, že ve společnosti dochází k posilování hodnot negativně ovlivňujících individuální rozhodnutí vstoupit do manželství. Nicméně vliv hodnotového profilu jednotlivce na vstup do manželství dosud nebyl explicitně modelován. Proto používáme data ze dvou vln šetření Generations and Gender Survey z let 2005 a 2008 a ukazujeme, jaký byl vliv vybraných hodnot (měřených v první vlně panelu) na pozdější vstup do manželství. Nalézáme pouze dílčí potvrzení teorie druhé demografické tranzice (materialismus zvyšuje pravděpodobnost vstupu do manželství u respondentů mimo pracovní trh). Celkově pozorujeme mnohem slabší vliv hodnotových proměnných na vstup do manželství, než jsme podle teorie druhé demografické tranzice očekávali.

V naší studii se zaměřujeme na přijímání multikulturní ideologie ve vzdělávacím procesu na našich školách. Vycházíme z vlastního výzkumného šetření mezi učiteli a žáky základních a středních škol ve Zlínském, Olomouckém a Moravskoslezském kraji uskutečněného od září 2014 do června 2015, jehož cílem bylo zmapovat postoje učitelů a žáků k vybraným národnostním a kulturním skupinám.

Two species of knotweeds (genus Fallopia, Polygonaceae), native to Asia (Fallopia sachalinensis, F. japonica) and their hybrid (F. ×bohemica) belong to the most noxious plant invaders in Europe and exert a high impact on invaded plant communities that are therefore typically extremely poor in species. The remarkable paucity of invaded communities points to the possible existence of mechanisms suppressing germinating populations of native species in invaded stands. In this pilot study we assessed, under laboratory conditions, whether there are phytotoxic effects of the three Fallopia congeners on seed germination of three target species: two native species commonly growing in habitats that are often invaded by knotweeds (Urtica dioica, Calamagrostis epigejos), and Lepidium sativum, a species commonly used in allelopathic bioassay as a control. Since knotweeds generally form stands with a high cover, we included varying light conditions as an additional factor, to simulate the effects on germination of shading by leaf canopy. The effects of aqueous extracts (2.5, 5.0%, and 0% as a control) from dry leaves and rhizomes of the Fallopia congeners on germination of the target species were thus studied under two light regimes, simulating full daylight (white light) and light filtered through canopy (green light), and in dark as a control regime. Rhizome extracts did not affect germination. Light treatments yielded inconclusive results, indicating that poor germination and establishment of species in invaded stands is unlikely to be caused by shading alone, but we found a pronounced phytotoxic effect of leaf extracts of Fallopia taxa, more so at 5.0% than 2.5% extract concentration. Fallopia sachalinensis exerted the largest negative effect on the germination of Urtica dioica, F. ×bohemica on that of C.epigejos, and F. japonica had invariably the lowest inhibitory effect. In the field in Central Europe, F. sachalinensis often invades less disturbed, moist riparian-like habitats where it often encounters U. dioica populations, while F. ×bohemica tends to occur more often in ruderal sites with a high representation of C. epigejos; this might imply that each of the knotweed species exhibits a stronger effect on native species that are dominant in habitats they typically invade. The weakest phytotoxic effect of F. japonica corresponds to the results of previous studies that found this species to be generally a weaker competitor than its two congeners. Although the results of our experiments cannot be taken as a direct evidence for allelopathic effects acting in the field, the demonstrated potential phytotoxic effect of invasive Fallopia species on the germination of native species suggests that allelopathy may play a role in the strong impact of knotweed invasion on species diversity of invaded communities observed in the field.

The aim of this article is to evaluate possible problems with small urban structures restoration and development. Based on SWOT analysis and landscape characteristics there the evaluation of potential changes in the village Záblatí u Prachatic. These changes were divided into three categories – housing and architecture, amenities and production. By potential development and revival of this village it is preferred to use existing capacities in all potential fields of development. The most important problems and barriers are missing or insufficient infrastructure, poor technical conditions of building sites and also problems with parking spaces. These problems are connected not only with this concrete village but with most of similar municipalities in this region.

In most areas, where land adjustments were completed, only a mild erosion threat was discoverd and planned against – erosive measures were consequently minimal in these areas. There was mostly the expulsion of maize from crop rotation, grassing or projection of a new rural road so as it interupts the slope. The land adjustment Horní Stropnice was chosen for a more detailed solution, there was a higher erosion threat discoverd by the calculation of soil deterioration. The area was split in blocks, in which soil deterioration was counted by means of Wischmeier-Smith equation for various values of factor R. Then soil deterioration after implementation of anti-erosive measures was calculated. The anti-erosive component measures were evaluated and their execution in the terrain was investigated. Results show a problem with the determination of the right value of factor R and in reality planned anti-erosive measures stay mostly unimplemented.

A strategy for the preparation of silica-based monolithic capillary columns (150 × 0.1 mm) with high selectivity to amino acids is presented. The zwitterionic columns were prepared by coating the silica monolith with [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]-dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)-ammonium hydroxide via 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate. The columns were evaluated under isocratic conditions in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. The best separation of amino acids was obtained on the monolithic column prepared by a stepwise modification procedure where the modification step was repeated four times. The mixture of fifteen amino acids was separated within 13 min using the mobile phase consisting of 75% acetonitrile and 25% 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate at pH 4.5.

Silymarin, an extract from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) fruits, is consumed in various food supplements. The metabolism of silymarin flavonolignans in mammals is complex, the exact structure of their metabolites still remains partly unclear and standards are not commercially available. This work is focused on the preparation of sulfated metabolites of silymarin flavonolignans. Sulfated flavonolignans were prepared using aryl sulfotransferase from Desulfitobacterium hafniense and p-nitrophenyl sulfate as a sulfate donor and characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD) radical scavenging; ferric (FRAP) and Folin–Ciocalteu reagent (FCR) reducing activity; anti-lipoperoxidant potential; and effect on the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway were examined. Pure silybin A 20-O-sulfate, silybin B 20-O-sulfate, 2,3-dehydrosilybin-20-O-sulfate, 2,3-dehydrosilybin-7,20-di-O-sulfate, silychristin-19-O-sulfate, 2,3-dehydrosilychristin-19-O-sulfate, and silydianin-19-O-sulfate were prepared and fully characterized. Sulfated 2,3-dehydroderivatives were more active in FCR and FRAP assays than the parent compounds, and remaining sulfates were less active chemoprotectants. The sulfated flavonolignans obtained can be now used as authentic standards for in vivo metabolic experiments and for further research on their biological activity.

Nowadays, what is discussed more and more is the quality of land consolidation and the related need of a standard process being established, but also quality indicators. One possibility to ”measure” land consolidation efficiency is to make the connection between the original landscape frame, before land consolidation, and the final image of realized common equipment changes. Land consolidations which directly affect the landscape structure have the optimal degree of being global and reduce the very complicated phenomena in the environment and cultural landscape and also they have the most suitable of evaluating measures 1:5000, from which it is still possible to keep wider territorial links and also to solve property-law problems of cadastre.

The paper evaluates the quality of model silages made of wilted grass biomass and treated with silage additives. Grass species used for the production of silages were Lolium perenne, Festulolium pabulare and Festulolium braunii harvested in the first cut at the stage of earing. The assessed grass species were wilted after the cut for an identical time 36 hours (2008), resp. 24 hours (2009). The treatment was made either with a chemical preparation (formic acid, propionic acid, ammonium formate) and/or with a bio­lo­gi­cal inoculant (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus salivarius, cellulase, hemicellulase and amylase). The amount of the chemical ingredient was 4 l . t−1 and the amount of the biological additive was 10 g . t−1.The biomass was after wilting ensilaged in con­tai­ners whose diameter and height were 0.15 m and 0.64 m, respectively. After 60 days of ensilaging, the silages were assessed for pH, organic acids content, ethanol content and acidity of water extract (AWE); organic nutrients assessed in the silages were crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein (CP) and digestibility of organic matter (DOM). Hygienic safety was assessed from the contents of zearalenon, fumonisin and aflatoxin mycotoxins. The high (P < 0.05) dry matter (DM) content in Festulolium pabulare silages indicates that the species tends to rapid wilting. The higher DM content reflected in lower biomass losses (P < 0.05). The lowest pH values (P < 0.05) were detected in silages made of Festulolium braunii. The fact relates to the higher content of lactic acid in the prepared microsilages. The use of ensiling additives affected the quality of extracts. Namely the application of the biological additive led to the increased content (P < 0.05) of not only lactic acid but acetic acid too. Titrable acidity was not affected by the ensiling additives. As to the emanation of ethanol, heterofermentative bacteria of lactic fermentation apparently took part in the fermentation process of the silages as well. While the evaluated forage species showed differences in the di­ges­ti­bi­li­ty of organic matter (P < 0.05), the application of preservatives did not influence the content of organic nutrients. Fumonisin was not detected at all and aflatoxins were below the level of detection. None of the assessed factors had an effect on the content of zearalenon; in spite of the fact, an apparent tendency towards a higher content of zearalenon was recorded in Lolium perenne.

In this paper, results of the in vitro treatment are compared with those of in vivo therapy (i.e. treatment of plants in a peat substrate) when eliminating GFLV (Grapevine fanleaf virus) from three grapevine rootstocks. Therapy took 45 days under the temperature of 37°C in both cases. As far as the health condition of treated plants was concerned, no differences were found between the two methods. The differences were manifested in numbers of plants dying during the therapy and in the course of cultivation of apical segments treated with thermotherapy. Based on these results, it can be recommended to apply the thermotherapy in vivo, which - as compared with the in vitro method - enables us to obtain a greater number of apical segments from treated plants and to establish a smaller number of in vitro cultures in the course of the treatment. A shorter period of in vitro cultivation of plants is another advantage of this method because it helps to reduce the risk of somaclonal variability.