The ability to plan for future events is one of the defining features of human intelligence. Whether non-human animals can plan for specific future situations remains contentious: despite a sustained research effort over the last two decades, there is still no consensus on this question. Here, we show that New Caledonian crows can use tools to plan for specific future events. Crows learned a temporal sequence where they were (a) shown a baited apparatus, (b) 5 min later given a choice of five objects and (c) 10 min later given access to the apparatus. At test, these crows were presented with one of two tool-apparatus combinations. For each combination, the crows chose the right tool for the right future task, while ignoring previously useful tools and a low-value food item. This study establishes that planning for specific future tool use can evolve via convergent evolution, given that corvids and humans shared a common ancestor over 300 million years ago, and offers a route to mapping the planning capacities of animals.

• Klíčová slova
• New Caledonian crows, comparative cognition, future reward, planning, spoon test,
• MeSH
• chování při používání nástrojů * MeSH
• vrány * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Nová Kaledonie MeSH

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) and Leptospira interrogans sensu lato (Lisl) and their possible concurrence in domestic cats living in variable conditions in South Moravia in the district of Brno and its environs. Additional objectives were to discover possible differences in seroprevalence between groups of cats living in different living conditions, and to determine the spectrum of Leptospira serogroups in cats in the same places. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 360 blood sera from domestic cats of 3 different sets were collected during the period 2013-2015. All samples were examined using ELISA for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against Bbsl, and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the detection of antibodies against 8 serogroups of Lisl. RESULTS: The ELISA method determined 15.8%, 4.8% and 10.3% IgM anti-Borrelia antibodies in the patient group, shelter cats and street cats, respectively. IgG anti-Borrelia antibodies were found in 6.2%, 9.5%, 5.2%, respectively. Antibodies specific for 5 Leptospira serogroups were detected by the use of MAT in 8.8%, 9.5% and 10.3% of cats from the investigated groups. The total positivity of all examined cats for anti-Borrelia antibodies was 18.0% and for anti-Leptospira - 9.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Cats can be infected with both Bbsl and Lisl. The obtained results are exclusive to the city of Brno and its environs, and are comparable to the limited previous studies. There is a need for further studies of clinical signs of both infections and the possible transmission of Leptospira by ticks.

• Klíčová slova
• ELISA, Leptospirosis, Lyme borreliosis, Microscopic agglutination test, feline,
• MeSH
• Borrelia burgdorferi komplex izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• kočky MeSH
• Leptospira interrogans izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• leptospiróza epidemiologie   mikrobiologie   veterinární   MeSH
• lymeská nemoc epidemiologie   mikrobiologie   veterinární   MeSH
• nemoci koček epidemiologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• protilátky bakteriální krev   MeSH
• séroepidemiologické studie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• kočky MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH
• Názvy látek
• protilátky bakteriální MeSH

BACKGROUND: Exercise capacity is well known to be an important prognostic factor in patients with cardiovascular disease and among healthy persons. AIM: To determine if there are any differences between the peak exercise response during exercise treadmill testing with the individualized ramp protocol and the modified Bruce protocol in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients (both male and female), aged 70 years and older, who had not had a baseline history of the confirmed coronary artery disease or heart failure diagnoses. All patients underwent exercise treadmill testing using modified Bruce protocol and individualized ramp protocol for 2 consecutive days. Peak heart rate, peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure, peak pressure-rate double product, exercise duration, and peak metabolic equivalents were recorded in both tests. Perceived level of exertion was evaluated using the Borg 10-point scale. RESULTS: The average duration of exercise was longer for the ramp protocol than for the modified Bruce protocol. When the modified Bruce protocol was used, patients achieved a lower workload than they did in using the ramp protocol. The rating of perceived exertion using the revised Borg scale (0 to 10) was 5.6±1.4 for the ramp protocol and 8.7±1.4 for the modified Bruce protocol, which indicates that the patients found the ramp protocol easier. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients the individualized ramp treadmill protocol allows to achieve the optimal test duration with higher degrees of workload and greater patient comfort during the test more often than does the modified Bruce protocol.

• Klíčová slova
• elderly adults, exercise capacity, exercise treadmill testing, individualized ramp protocol, modified Bruce protocol,
• MeSH
• krevní tlak * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metabolický ekvivalent MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• spotřeba kyslíku * MeSH
• srdeční frekvence * MeSH
• tělesná námaha MeSH
• tolerance zátěže * MeSH
• zátěžový test metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Choosing the appropriate animal model for development of novel technologies requires an understanding of anatomy and physiology of these different models. There are little data about the characteristics of different animal models for the study of technologies used for epicardial ablation. We aimed to compare the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias during epicardial radiofrequency ablation between swine and canine models using novel epicardial ablation catheters. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using data obtained from epicardial ablation experiments performed on swine (Sus Scrofa) and canine (Canis familiaris) models. We compared the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias during ablation between swine and canine using multivariate regression analysis. Six swine and six canine animals underwent successful epicardial radiofrequency ablation. A total of 103 ablation applications were recorded. RESULTS: Ventricular arrhythmias requiring cardioversion occurred in 13.11% of radiofrequency ablation applications in swine and 9.75% in canine (relative risk: 117.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 83.97-164.69, animal-based odds ratio [OR]: .55, 95% CI: .23-61.33; P = .184). When adjusting for application position, duration of ablation and power, the odds of developing potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmia in swine increased significantly compared to canine (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.35-9.55; P = .010). CONCLUSIONS: The swine myocardium is more susceptible to developing ventricular arrhythmias compared to canine model during epicardial ablation. This issue should be carefully considered in future studies.

• Klíčová slova
• animal model electrophysiology, cardiovascular devices, preclinical cardiology, radiofrequency catheter ablation, ventricular arrhythmia,
• MeSH
• incidence MeSH
• katetrizační ablace metody   MeSH
• komorová tachykardie etiologie   MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech * MeSH
• perikard chirurgie   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• psi MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 91 meat handlers by using structured questionnaire to determine the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices in abattoir and retail meat shops of Jigjiga Town. The result shows that majority of the meat handlers were illiterate (30.8%) and primary school leaver (52.7%), and no one went through any food safety training except one meat inspector. The food-handlers' knowledge and safety practices were below acceptable level with the mean score of 13.12 ± 2.33 and 7.7 ± 2.1 respectively. Only few respondents knew about Staphylococcus aureus (3.3% correct answer), hepatitis A virus (19.8% correct answer), and E. coli (5.5% correct answer) as food borne pathogens. About 64% of meat handlers have good attitude about safety of food with mean of total score 14.4 ± 2. All respondents answer correctly questions about proper meat handling and hand washing but they did not translate into strict food hygiene practices. Chi2 analysis testing for the association between knowledge, attitude and practices did not show any significant association. It may be due to meat handlers' below acceptable level safety practices regardless of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude. However, there was strong association between level of education and knowledge, and knowledge and hand washing (p < 0.05). There was also association between age and knowledge though it was not statistically significant. Thus, continuous education and hands on training for meat handlers that can enhance good safety practices through better understanding and positive attitude.

• Klíčová slova
• Food borne disease, Food safety, Food-handlers, Hygienic practices, Meat hygiene, Personal hygiene,
• MeSH
• bezpečnost potravin * MeSH
• dezinfekce rukou * MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• Escherichia coli MeSH
• jatka normy   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• manipulace s potravinami normy   MeSH
• maso * MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• nemoci přenášené potravou mikrobiologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus MeSH
• virus hepatitidy A MeSH
• zdraví - znalosti, postoje, praxe * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Etiopie MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Epicardial defibrillation systems currently require surgical access. We aimed to develop a percutaneous defibrillation system with partially-insulated epicardial coils to focus electrical energy on the myocardium and prevent or minimize extra-cardiac stimulation. METHODS: We tested 2 prototypes created for percutaneous introduction into the pericardial space via a steerable sheath. This included a partially-insulated defibrillation coil and a defibrillation mesh with a urethane balloon acting as an insulator to the face of the mesh not in contact with the epicardium. The average energy associated with a chance of successful defibrillation 75% of the time (ED75) was calculated for each experiment. RESULTS: Of 16 animal experiments, 3 pig experiments had malfunctioning mesh prototypes such that results were unreliable; these were excluded. Therefore, 13 animal experiments were analyzed - 6 canines (29.8±4.0kg); 7 pigs (41.1±4.4kg). The overall ED75 was 12.8±6.7J (10.9±9.1J for canines; 14.4±3.9J in pigs [P=0.37]). The lowest ED75 obtained in canines was 2.5J while in pigs it was 9.5J. The lowest energy resulting in successful defibrillation was 2J in canines and 5J in pigs. There was no evidence of coronary vessel injury or trauma to extra-pericardial structures. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous, epicardial defibrillation using a partially insulated coil is feasible and appears to be associated with low defibrillation thresholds. Focusing insulation may limit extra-cardiac stimulation and potentially lower energy requirements for efficient defibrillation.

• Klíčová slova
• ICD, arrhythmia, defibrillation, epicardial, insulation, percutaneous,
• MeSH
• defibrilátory * MeSH
• elektrická defibrilace přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• perikard MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• psi MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Caspases are key molecules of apoptosis and the inflammatory response. Up-regulation of the caspase cascade contributes to human pathologies such as neurodegenerative and immune disorders. Thus, blocking the excessive apoptosis by pharmacological inhibitors seems promising for therapeutic interventions in such diseases. Caspase inhibitors, both natural and artificial, have been used as research tools and have helped to define the role of the individual caspases in apoptosis and in non-apoptotic processes. Moreover, some caspase inhibitors have demonstrated their therapeutic efficiency in the reduction of cell death and inflammation in animal models of human diseases. However, no drug based on caspase inhibition has been approved on the market until now. Thus, the development of therapeutic approaches that specifically target caspases remains a great challenge and is now the focus of intense biological and clinical interest. Here, we provide a brief review of recent knowledge about pharmacological caspase inhibitors with special focus on their proposed clinical applications.

• MeSH
• apoptóza účinky léků   MeSH
• inhibitory kaspas farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• kaspasy metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• zánět farmakoterapie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• inhibitory kaspas MeSH
• kaspasy MeSH

International trade with ornamental fish is gradually recognized as an important source of a wide range of different antibiotic resistant bacteria. In this study we therefore characterized the prevalence of selected antibiotic resistance genes in the microbiota found in the carriage water of ornamental fish originating from 3 different continents. Real-time PCR quantification showed that the sul1 gene was present in 11 out of 100 bacteria. tet(A) was present in 6 out of 100 bacteria and strA, tet(G), sul2 and aadA were present in 1-2 copies per 100 bacteria. Class I integrons were quite common in carriage water microbiota, however, pyrosequencing showed that only 12 different antibiotic gene cassettes were present in class I integrons. The microbiota characterized by pyrosequencing of the V3/V4 variable region of 16S rRNA genes consisted of Proteobacteria (48%), Bacteroidetes (29.5%), Firmicutes (17.8%), Actinobacteria (2.1%) and Fusobacteria (1.6%). Correlation analysis between antibiotic resistance gene prevalence and microbiota composition verified by bacterial culture showed that major reservoirs of sul1 sul2, tet(A), tet(B) tet(G), cat, cml, bla, strA, aacA, aph and aadA could be found among Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria with representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Rhizobiaceae and Comamonadaceae being those most positively associated with the tested antibiotic resistance genes.

• MeSH
• Actinobacteria účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• antibakteriální látky farmakologie   MeSH
• Bacteria účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• Bacteroidetes účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• Fusobacteria účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• integrony genetika   MeSH
• kvantitativní polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
• mikrobiologie vody MeSH
• mikrobiota účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• mnohočetná bakteriální léková rezistence MeSH
• Proteobacteria účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• RNA ribozomální 16S genetika   MeSH
• ryby MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky MeSH
• RNA ribozomální 16S MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Atrazine and its chloro-s-triazine metabolites are found in surface water and groundwater of the Czech Republic, although their use has been banned since 2005. The objective of the study was to determine the toxic effects of atrazine at an environmentally relevant concentration of atrazine, 0.3 μg.L-1 and at concentrations of 30, 100, and 300 μg.L-1 on morphometric and condition characteristics, development of early life stages, and antioxidant defense enzymes of common carp. METHODS: The embryo-larval toxicity test was performed according to the OECD Guidelines 210 (Fish, Early-life Stage Toxicity Test). RESULTS: Atrazine exposure showed no effect on morphometric and condition characteristics or histology. Exposure at 0.3 μg.L-1 was associated with significantly increased activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase compared to control. Activity of glutathione reductase was slightly higher at a concentration of 0.3 μg.L-1, with significantly lower (p<0.05) activity observed in groups exposed to 30, 100, and 300 μg.L-1 compared to the group exposed to 0.3 μg.L-1. The level of oxidized lipids was slightly higher in groups exposed to atrazine at 100 and 300 μg.L-1 compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Atrazine has a significant influence on the biotransformation enzyme and oxidative defense enzymes of early life stages of common carp. The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) was 0.3 μg.L-1.

• MeSH
• atrazin toxicita   MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu toxicita   MeSH
• glutathionperoxidasa metabolismus   MeSH
• glutathionreduktasa metabolismus   MeSH
• herbicidy toxicita   MeSH
• kapři růst a vývoj   metabolismus   MeSH
• katalasa metabolismus   MeSH
• látky reagující s kyselinou thiobarbiturovou metabolismus   MeSH
• mortalita MeSH
• peroxidace lipidů účinky léků   MeSH
• stadia vývoje účinky léků   MeSH
• testy toxicity MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• atrazin MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
• glutathionperoxidasa MeSH
• glutathionreduktasa MeSH
• herbicidy MeSH
• katalasa MeSH
• látky reagující s kyselinou thiobarbiturovou MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Malathion is generally not classified as toxic. However, the toxicity seems to be species-dependent. Local and systemic toxicity data for birds are rare, but a decrease of wild bird densities in areas where malathion was applied was reported. Aim of the study was to extend knowledge on malathion toxicity on cellular and organ level and to evaluate embryotoxicity and genotoxicity for birds using the chick embryo model HET-CAM. METHODS: Skin and eye irritation was determined using reconstructed skin and eye cornea tissues and the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryo to simulate conjunctiva. Cytotoxicity in 3T3 Balb/c fibroblast culture was determined to estimate acute systemic toxicity. Chick embryo model was further employed to evaluate acute embryotoxicity for birds (mortality and genotoxicity). Data were analysed by means of general linear models. RESULTS: Malathion is not a skin and eye irritant. Cytotoxicity in vitro test provided LD50 value of 616 mg/kg suggesting higher toxic potential than is generally published based on in vivo tests on laboratory rodents. Embryotoxicity studies revealed dose and age dependent mortality of chick embryos. Genotoxicity was identified by means of micronucleus test in erythroid cells isolated from chorioallantois vascular system of chick embryos. CONCLUSIONS: Using in vitro alternative toxicological methods, a higher toxic potential of malathion was demonstrated than is generally declared. An increased health and environmental hazard may occur in areas with intensive agricultural production. The environmental consequences of delayed effects and embryotoxicity for bird populations in areas exposed to organophosphate insecticides, such as malathion, are obvious.

• MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• buňky BALB 3T3 cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• chorioalantoická membrána cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• dráždivé látky toxicita   MeSH
• druhová specificita MeSH
• embryo nesavčí cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• insekticidy toxicita   MeSH
• kur domácí MeSH
• kuřecí embryo MeSH
• lineární modely MeSH
• malathion toxicita   MeSH
• mitóza účinky léků   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• rohovka cytologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• techniky in vitro MeSH
• testy akutní toxicity MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• kuřecí embryo MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dráždivé látky MeSH
• insekticidy MeSH
• malathion MeSH