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Populus nigra is an important autochthonous woody plant that can be grown as a renewable energy source. The possibility of its improvement through intraspecific hybridization was tested. Differences in biomass production, growth parameters, Melampsora larici-populina rust resistance and drought tolerance were evaluated among 19 intraspecific hybrids from controlled crosses, 2 clones selected from natural populations and the “MAX 4” clone (P. nigra × P. maximowiczii). These P. nigra clones from controlled crosses were chosen from more than 2000 hybrid individuals whose parents were selected from natural populations in the Czech Republic. A field trial was set up in Pruhonice, Czech Republic (320 m a.s.l., 591 mm rainfall annually, mean annual temperature of 9.5 °C). The planting density was 6061 plants ha-1, and the plants were coppiced three times at 3-year intervals. The trial was irrigated only during its establishment. Among the clones, significant differences were found in all the evaluated traits over three rotations. An average dry matter yield of the best clone “MAX 4” was 12.8 t ha-1 yr-1 over three harvests. The best black poplar clone reached up to 9.4 t ha-1 yr-1 in three harvests. Rust resistance was constant over 9 years and high for the three P. nigra clones (two from controlled crosses and one from natural populations). Moreover, the best P. nigra clones from controlled crosses showed higher drought tolerance than the “MAX 4” clone. Breeding progress was confirmed, and most of the P. nigra clones from controlled crosses performed better than the clones selected from natural populations. The trial validated the suitability of natural populations for use as gene sources for intraspecific hybridization and as sources of clones with traits comparable with those of interspecific clones. These new P. nigra clones can replace allochthonous clones in areas where autochthonous P. nigra populations are threatened by introgression.

Differences in Populus nigra L. clone resistance to the rust fungus Melampsora larici-populina Kleb. (MLP) were studied in field trials where infected trees were compared with fungicide-protected trees. MLP rust infections were assessed using a 6-point scale. Four parameters of poplar growth were also measured to gauge host response to infection: shoot thickness, shoot number at the end of the growing season, individual plant dry weight, and dry matter yield per unit area. Five of eight known pathogen virulence types were detected. Cumulative growth in shoot thickness in sprayed and unsprayed plots was similar in clones with high rust pathogen resistance, but significantly different in clones with low resistance. Clones with low resistance also exhibited delayed growth initiation in the year following infection, an effect attributed to lower food storage accumulated during the previous year, reflected in a reduction in stem diameter. Based on stem thickness measurements, it was confirmed growth ceased at the end of August. Average rust severity symptoms ranged from 2.75 to 4.22 on the 6-point scale. The percentage reduction for the various growth parameters resulting from rust infection ranged as follows: individual plant dry weight 5-64%; dry matter yield 21-66%; shoot number 17-46%; and stem diameter 1-35%. Exclusive of stem diameter, these reductions correlated with severity in MLP rust infection. The one exception was tolerance to rust infection displayed by one of the clones. Clones with the lowest growth reductions were 97/152 and 97/157. Growth and yield parameter variation as a result MLP resistance difference was observed among tested P. nigra clones. This variation can be viewed as confirmation that resistance observed in this study and P. nigra clones is a suite of quantitative traits. These findings have important implications for MLP resistance breeding programs.

Three clones of black poplar and a hybrid poplar clone, “NE-42”, were trialled in a short rotation coppice system. The trial was replicated in three sites located in the Czech Republic with distinctly different soils and climates which were judged to be respectively favorable, unfavorable and marginal for growing black poplar. In the marginal and unfavorable sites the planting density was 2222 trees ha-1 and in optimal conditions 7407 trees ha-1. The aim of the trial was: (1) to test the performance of black poplar clones as a possible replacement for commercial hybrid poplars in areas where the genetic integrity of wild black poplar populations is under threat; (2) to test the range of conditions in which it is possible to grow black poplar and its suitability for utilizing marginal agricultural land; and (3) to measure the potential yield of black poplar clones grown in these conditions. During four harvests at three-year intervals, the following parameters were measured: plant mortality, number of shoots, thickness of shoots, the total cross-sectional area (TCA) of all shoots, the dry matter weight of individual plants (DMIP) and the dry matter yields per hectare. The differences observed between “NE-42” and the best black poplar clone decreased as conditions became more favorable. During the fourth harvest at the unfavorable site for growing poplars, the yield of dry biomass was 11.7 t ha-1 yr-1 for “NE-42” compared to 3.7 t ha-1 yr-1 for the best black poplar clone. In marginal conditions the yields were 11.8 and 9.9 t ha-1 yr-1 respectively, and in the favorable conditions there was no statistically significant difference, being 15.9 and 13.2 t ha-1 yr-1, respectively. The higher yield of “NE-42” was due to the higher proportion of thicker shoots or, alternatively, lower plant mortality. The observed TCA was highly correlated with DMIP (rs = 0.87) and dry biomass yield (rs = 0.48). It was demonstrated that black poplar can be successfully grown in marginal conditions on land which otherwise would not be especially suitable for agricultural production, and also in areas where the genetic purity of native populations of black poplar is threatened by the spread of commercially grown hybrid poplars.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear, naturally occurring polysaccharide of high molecular weight. It is part of a number of bio logical processes, especially regulatory, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive or antiproliferative. It significantly binds water and participates in the maintenance of tissue viscoelasticity, in the supramolecular spatial arrangement of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix and in the regulation of osmotic pressure, which significantly affects tissue homogeneity and its homeostatic integrity. Due to these properties, non-immunogenic HA can be used in many clinical applications. In otorhinolaryngology, the possibilities of its use are wide, especially in otology, laryngology, rhinology or in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and keloid scars. Some potential areas of use are still in the experimental stage (gene therapy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Diagnosis and outcome of orofacial clefts in the Gennet screening centre 2018–2023," examines the diagnosis and outcome of facial cleft defects during pregnancy. The study found that over a five-year period, 81 facial clefts were diagnosed, with 26% diagnosed in the first trimester and 74% in the second trimester. Genetic syndromes were present in 32% of cases, and an additional structural defect was associated in 5% of cases. Of the 81 families, 56% chose to undergo termination of pregnancy, while 36 pregnancies continued. The study also found a high concordance between ultrasound diagnosis and clinical findings, with a rate of 94%. The authors emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation between gynecologists, geneticists, and plastic surgeons in providing families with sufficient information. [Extracted from the article]

This review article summarizes the results from rehabilitation and physiotherapeutic clinical studies with balance intervention in people with MS. The databases of medical literature PubMed and PEDro were searched using a combination of these [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balance and gait impairment are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This disabling deficit can be present even in people with mild neurological disability. People with MS are encouraged to perform some regular physical activity for improving fitness and muscle strength. Pilates is popular exercise system focusing upon controlled movement, activation of core muscles and breathing. The aim of the study was compare effect of short-term Pilates exercise on balance and gait performance in group of people with mild MS. Methods: Participants received 10 weeks of training sessions of Pilates exercise (supervised by physiotherapist with experience in Mat Pilates exercise), control group has no change of lifestyle regimen. Balance was evaluated using Berg Balance Scale, MiniBest test, Timed Up and Go test, Single leg stance and Step test on baseline and after completing of training. Gait performance was assessed using Timed 25 Foot Walk test, The 2-minute walk test and by GAITRite instrument. Results: Thirty-three participants completed the study: 21 people in Pilates group (21 women, mean age 38.5 y, mean disease duration 6 y, mean EDSS 2.5) and 11 people in control group (1 man, mean age 43 y, mean disease duration 9 y, mean EDSS 2.9). After completing 10 weeks of Pilates exercise participant significantly improved in balance (MiniBest test p=0.025, TUG p=0.041) and walking endurance (the 2-minute walk test p=0.002). Gait performance in normal walk measured by GAITRite was improved in both groups. Conclusion: Pilates could be offered as possible exercise to people with mild MS to improve balance. However, for treatment serious balance deficit individual physiotherapy should be prescribed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review article sum-marizes results from studies with functional electrical stimulation (FES) in neurorehabilitation. In neurorehabilitation, FES is used mostly for therapeutic improvement of the sw--ing phase of the gait cycle by stimulation of dorsal flexor muscles. For this review article, 510 papers were screened and 42 papers were eligible for a more detailed analysis. Based on the available studies, it seems that FES may constitute an enrichment of traditional therapeutic practice (such as exercise based on neurophysiological principles, gait and balance training). In some patients, FES may result in improved functional status rather than conventional ther-apy. The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manu-script met the ICMJE "uniform requirements" for biomedical papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balance and gait impairment are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This disabling deficit can be present even in people with mild neurological disability. People with MS are encouraged to perform some regular physical activity for improving fitness and muscle strength. Pilates is popular exercise system focusing upon controlled movement, activation of core muscles and breathing. The aim of the study was compare effect of short-term Pilates exercise on balance and gait performance in group of people with mild MS. Methods: Participants received 10 weeks of training sessions of Pilates exercise (supervised by physiotherapist with experience in Mat Pilates exercise), control group has no change of lifestyle regimen. Balance was evaluated using Berg Balance Scale, MiniBest test, Timed Up and Go test, Single leg stance and Step test on baseline and after completing of training. Gait performance was assessed using Timed 25 Foot Walk test, The 2-minute walk test and by GAITRite instrument. Results: Thirty-three participants completed the study: 21 people in Pilates group (21 women, mean age 38.5 y, mean disease duration 6 y, mean EDSS 2.5) and 11 people in control group (1 man, mean age 43 y, mean disease duration 9 y, mean EDSS 2.9). After completing 10 weeks of Pilates exercise participant significantly improved in balance (MiniBest test p=0.025, TUG p=0.041) and walking endurance (the 2-minute walk test p=0.002). Gait performance in normal walk measured by GAITRite was improved in both groups. Conclusion: Pilates could be offered as possible exercise to people with mild MS to improve balance. However, for treatment serious balance deficit individual physiotherapy should be prescribed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Cognitive deficit is common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be present up to 70% of people with MS. Therefore cognitive rehabilitation is very important. Aim of our pilot study was to assess feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation using new rehabilitation tool developed Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering of Czech Technical University and First Faculty of Medicine Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Methods: Participants with MS and subjective perceived cognitive deficit performed 6 weeks of cognitive rehabilitation training, each training sessions lasting 30 minutes supervised by occupational therapist. Results: Four people with MS (3 females, age 28-52 years, EDSS 5-6,5, duration of education 12-15 years). They underwent cognitive assessment from neuropsychologist before and after 6 weeks of cognitive training. All participants perceived cognitive training with this new application easy to perform and were interested in further rehabilitation training. Conclusion: Cognitive rehabilitation with our new tool is feasible and good accepted among people with MS. Next step will be adaptation of this cognitive rehabilitation tool according to participant´s feedback. Then is planned study with larger sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive rehabilitation should be an important component of multiple sclerosis treatment. Unfortunately, it is often neglected despite its undoubtable importance. The article covers contemporary views of rehabilitation possibilities and aims, appropriate locomotion programs, neurophysiological techniques and modern trends of treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolution of plant diversity goals with the agricultural demands placed on grasslands may result in conflict between farmers and conservationists. To investigate options for reconciling these important issues implementable in the short-term within agro-environmental schemes, we analysed the impact of four years' management with grazing replaced by mowing on coordination of agricultural objectives, i.e. herbage yield, plant functional groups, nutrient contents and removal, forage value and plant diversity, i.e. species richness, Shannon-Wiener index, Ellenberg N indicator value. The study was carried out in three hillslope highland pasture sites (S1-S3) in the Šumava Mountains, Czech Republic, differing in soil properties and animal stocking rates, which were 0.92 in S1, 0.34 in S2, combined with mowing in some years and 0.73 in S3 LU ha-1. Some sections of each pasture site were twice yearly mowed. Our findings related to grazing combined or replaced with mowing were relevant to farmers' priorities acceptable for dairy cattle nutrition. Across sites, the herbage dry matter yield, herbage P, K and Mg contents and removal, proportion of graminoids and Ellenberg N values decreased with mowing, but forage value and herbage Ca removal remained identical under both managements. Species richness, Shannon-Wiener index and herbage Ca content increased with mowing via spread of forbs and/or legumes. However, to achieve a merit, short-term grazing exclusion with mowing has to take into account site-specific soil nutrient conditions. Very high soil P availability prevented from the increase in species richness with mowing (S3). Contrarily, in sites with lower soil P availability, but different availability of other nutrients (S1, S2), mowing fostered number and/or proportions of forbs and/or legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of ash dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus on 17 provenances of Fraxinus excelsior and one provenance of Fraxinus angustifolia was studied in an extensive field trial established in the Czech Republic prior to the H. fraxineus invasion in 1999. A difference in the level of resistance to ash dieback between the species was found: F. angustifolia was significantly less affected by the disease than F. excelsior. Moreover, particular provenances of F. excelsior showed important differences in the level of resistance to H. fraxineus. A relationship between the impact of ash dieback and altitude was also discovered - the provenances from altitudes above 600 m a.s.l. were less affected by the pathogen than were the provenances from lower areas. No difference in the impact of the disease among provenances of F. excelsior from different ecotopes (ravine, calcareous ravine and alluvial) was found. Substantial among-tree variability in resistance to H. fraxineus was observed throughout the trial - promising genotypes (with crown defoliation up to 5%) were identified in all 18 tested provenances. In regard to this finding, it appears that the main source of resistance to the pathogen is probably at the individual genotype level in the trial. A secondary but massive attack by Hylesinus fraxini was identified in the trees that had been greatly damaged by ash dieback, and the beetle caused their health to deteriorate significantly. A significant negative effect of the presence of collar necroses caused by H. fraxineus and browse damage was also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in natural susceptibility of the black alder population to Phytophthora ×alni ( PA), the oomycete pathogen causing a devastating disease of alder, and its possible relationship to geographic origin, was studied in vitro using branch inoculation tests. Ninety black alder genotypes from different regions of the Czech Republic and two isolates of PA were employed. Host susceptibility varied significantly. After 1 week of infection, the lesion surface areas ranged from 254 to 2051 mm2 and from 19 to 970 mm2 for the two isolates, respectively. The differences were also dependent on the geographical origin and altitude of the sites from which particular host genotypes were taken. These findings have important implications for restoration plantings and for PA resistance breeding programmes, as there is potential to make selections from natural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]