Probable neuroimmunological link between Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus infections and personality changes in the human host

BACKGROUND: Recently, a negative association between Toxoplasma-infection and novelty seeking was reported. The authors suggested that changes of personality trait were caused by manipulation activity of the parasite, aimed at increasing the probability of transmission of the parasite from an intermediate to a definitive host. They also suggested that low novelty seeking indicated an increased level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain of infected subjects, a phenomenon already observed in experimentally infected rodents. However, the changes in personality can also be just a byproduct of any neurotropic infection. Moreover, the association between a personality trait and the toxoplasmosis can even be caused by an independent correlation of both the probability of Toxoplasma-infection and the personality trait with the third factor, namely with the size of living place of a subject. To test these two alternative hypotheses, we studied the influence of another neurotropic pathogen, the cytomegalovirus, on the personality of infected subjects, and reanalyzed the original data after the effect of the potential confounder, the size of living place, was controlled. METHODS: In the case-control study, 533 conscripts were tested for toxoplasmosis and presence of anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies and their novelty seeking was examined with Cloninger's TCI questionnaire. Possible association between the two infections and TCI dimensions was analyzed. RESULTS: The decrease of novelty seeking is associated also with cytomegalovirus infection. After the size of living place was controlled, the effect of toxoplasmosis on novelty seeking increased. Significant difference in novelty seeking was observed only in the largest city, Prague. CONCLUSION: Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus probably induce a decrease of novelty seeking. As the cytomegalovirus spreads in population by direct contact (not by predation as with Toxoplasma), the observed changes are the byproduct of brain infections rather than the result of manipulation activity of a parasite. Four independent lines of indirect evidence, namely direct measurement of neurotransmitter concentration in mice, the nature of behavioral changes in rodents, the nature of personality changes in humans, and the observed association between schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis, suggest that the changes of dopamine concentration in brain could play a role in behavioral changes of infected hosts

The influence of water stress on germination and growth of grasses and legumes

The negative impact of climate change on agricultural production is consistently increasing all over the world. As a result of these changes, the yields of some crops have been decreasing. The main problems include frequent weather changes, especially long periods of drought accompanied by high temperatures. The aim of this diploma thesis was to assess the effect of water deficit on offshoot germination and longevity of selected species of grasses and clovers. The evaluation of resistance to water deficit was carried out using both laboratory and pot experiments. The results of these experiments were used to evaluate the drought resistance of the tested species of grasses and legumes. Based on the proven drought resistance, appropriate species and varieties have been recommended for cultivation in conditions of water deficit. The issue of drought resistance is to be paid more and more attention in the future. According to most forecasts, increasingly long periods of drought are likely to occur. For this reason, there will be the need for crops and varieties that best resist to various abiotic stresses

Design of radiographic arrangement.

The subject of this diploma thesis is design of X-ray apparatus for medical intention – an angiographic set which consists of a C-Arm and an angiographic table. The elaboration deals particularly with an attractive organic design, that is aimed to have a positive psychological effect, and with an innovation in construction of apparatus in order to be as various-purpose as possible, to conform to the most exacting requirements and procedures, and to advance diagnostic possibilities in the given category. In the thesis diagnostic procedures, which along with technical and ergonomical factors influence the shape and also the total set conception, are considered. This thesis does not contain a separate display system which is not a part of project

The influence of water deficiency on selected fodder crops

The aim of this thesis was to assess the effect of the water deficit on selected species of perennial fodder crops ? grass and clover, as well as annual fodder crops, by comparing different species in conditions of changing climate and increasing extreme weather events, especially drought. Assesssment was based on comparing different literature and Internet data. Among the clover the following were evaluated as prospective for growing in dry weather - Onobrychis viciifolia, Lotus corniculatus, Medicago lupulina and Melilotus albus. Among the grass Festuca arundinacea and Bromus inermis proved to resist drought the best. Among the annual fodder crops Sorghum vulgare best resisted drought. In dry weather using grass and clover mixtures, which reach more balanced yields than some monocultures, proved to be more suitable. More attention should be paid to the issue of drought resistance because in the future such crops and species will be required that prove higher abiotic stress resistance, especially drought resistance

CASOVY MANAZMENT - NEODDELITEL'NA SUCAST MANAZERSKEJ KOMPETENTNOSTI

The results of the paper show the reality of time management in a group of managers. This image, made by the method of self-assessment, is not always truthful enough. It is because of the fact that many managers do not feel inner need to look at the effectiveness of using their personal working techniques. Those who honestly answered the questions in the questionnaire could realize their strengths and weaknesses in using their working lime. They found out what kind of managerial personality they really are. II forced them to think how they want to proceed - if they want to be active or they want to be only the object of someone else's manipulation