A new marsh plant community of Eleocharito palustris-Alismatetum lanceolati (Eleocharito palustris-Sagittarion sagittifoliae alliance) in Slovakia

Open and species-poor stands with a dominance of Alisma lanceolatum were recorded in periodically flooded habitats of the southern part of central Slovakia (Ipeľ River catchment area) during the summer of 2013. Phytosociological relevés correspond to the association Eleocharito palustris-Alismatetum lanceolati (alliance Eleocharito palustris-Sagittarion sagittifoliae), which is reported and documented here for the first time from the territory of Slovakia. It inhabits predominantly temporarily flooded depressions on agricultural land – wet arable fields and extensively used pastures. Detrended correspondence analysis showed that the variability in species composition was most significantly influenced by water depth, the presence of arable fields in the contact area and water conductivity. Special attention was paid to a detailed description of the floristic composition, habitat requirements, distribution patterns and nomenclature of the community

Distributions of vascular plants in the Czech Republic. Part 2

The second part of the publication series on the istributions of vascular plants in the Czech Republic includes grid maps of 87 taxa of the genera Antennaria, Aposeris, Astragalus, Avenula, Bidens, Carex, Cenchrus, Centunculus, Convallaria, Crocus, Cryptogramma, Cyperus, Dryopteris, Gladiolus, Gratiola, Helictochloa, Hierochloë, Lindernia, Maianthemum, Myriophyllum, Notholaena, Nymphoides, Radiola, Schoenoplectus, Sisyrinchium, Spergularia, Tillaea, Veratrum and Veronica. The maps were produced by taxonomic experts based on all available herbarium, literature and field records. The plants studied include 56 taxa registered in the Red List of vascular plants of the Czech Republic, some of which showed remarkable declines. Spatial and temporal dynamics of individual species are shown in maps and documented by records included in the Pladias database and available in Electronic appendices. The maps are accompanied by comments, which include additional information on distribution, habitats, taxonomy and biology of the species

Distributions of vascular plants in the Czech Republic. Part 1

Despite a long history of botanical research on the Czech flora and the large amount of data on plant distribution that has been collected, there is still no comprehensive piece of work with distribution maps in this country and no distribution maps are available for more than a half of plant taxa. This paper is the first part of a series of publications prepared within the PLADIAS project, intended as the first step towards a complete atlas of the distribution of both native and alien vascular plants in the Czech Republic. It contains grid distribution maps of 75 taxa of the genera Achillea, Aegilops, Aira, Alopecurus, Avena, Bolboschoenus, Carex, Cladium, Elatine, Eleocharis, Eriophorum, Glyceria, Polypogon, Sclerochloa, Scheuchzeria, Sparganium, Tofieldia, Tragus and Viola. The maps are based on all available herbarium, literature and field records, which were stored at the CzechDistrib database, checked geographically and evaluated taxonomically, and shown inmaps using the Central European mapping grid template derived from quadrants of 5 × 3 arc minutes (corresponding to approximately 5.5 × 5.9 km). Many of these maps resulted from detailed revisions carried out during the work on the Flora of the Czech Republic. Maps of taxonomically difficult groups are based solely or mainly on herbarium specimens revised by taxonomic experts. If useful, recent versus old records, native versus alien occurrences, or records based on revised herbarium specimens versus all other records are distinguished using different symbols. Records used for producing maps are listed in electronic appendices. The maps are accompanied by texts that include an outline of general distribution, information on habitats and specific details on the distribution in the country. Where appropriate, comments on taxonomy, biology or spatial and temporal dynamics in distribution are given

Artificial ponds in Central Europe do not fall behind the natural ponds in terms of macrophyte diversity

We studied macrophyte composition and 24 environmental variables in 69 ponds of both natural and artificial origin in Slovakia. We tested differences in α and γ diversity and β similarity between natural and artificial ponds for helophytes, hydrophytes, red list species and all species. We also assessed effects of environmental variables on species richness of studied ponds by generalised linear models (GLM). For local diversity, the significant difference was obtained only in case of helophytes. Beta similarity significantly differed for all the species groups. Total species numbers (gamma diversity) of all the groups were higher in natural ponds with the exception of hydrophytes. A randomization test of γ diversity yielded significant differences for helophytes and all species groups; richness and diversity of hydrophytes and red list species were not significantly different. Thus, we can conclude that even though natural ponds have a significantly higher regional diversity, local diversity is comparable not only for common species but also endangered red-listed macrophytes and thus artificial ponds could serve as proper secondary habitats for macrophytes. GLM showed different effect of environmental predictors on richness of studied species and pond groups and a slightly higher explained variability in natural (40%) compared to artificial (37%) ponds

Vegetation of Europe: hierarchical floristic classification system of vascular plant, bryophyte, lichen, and algal communities

Vegetation classification consistent with the Braun-Blanquet approach is widely used in Europe for applied vegetation science, conservation planning and land management. During the long history of syntaxonomy, many concepts and names of vegetation units have been proposed, but there has been no single classification system integrating these units. Here we (1) present a comprehensive, hierarchical, syntaxonomic system of alliances, orders and classes of Braun-Blanquet syntaxonomy for vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen, and algal communities of Europe; (2) briefly characterize in ecological and geographic terms accepted syntaxonomic concepts; (3) link available synonyms to these accepted concepts; and (4) provide a list of diagnostic species for all classes. Location: European mainland, Greenland, Arctic archipelagos (including Iceland, Svalbard, Novaya Zemlya), Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, Caucasus, Cyprus. Methods: We evaluated approximately 10 000 bibliographic sources to create a comprehensive list of previously proposed syntaxonomic units. These units were evaluated by experts for their floristic and ecological distinctness, clarity of geographic distribution and compliance with the nomenclature code. Accepted units were compiled into three systems of classes, orders and alliances (EuroVegChecklist, EVC) for communities dominated by vascular plants (EVC1), bryophytes and lichens (EVC2) and algae (EVC3). Results: EVC1 includes 109 classes, 300 orders and 1108 alliances; EVC2 includes 27 classes, 53 orders and 137 alliances, and EVC3 includes 13 classes, 24 orders and 53 alliances. In total 13 448 taxa were assigned as indicator species to classes of EVC1, 2087 to classes of EVC2 and 368 to classes of EVC3. Accepted syntaxonomic concepts are summarized in a series of appendices, and detailed information on each is accessible through the software tool EuroVegBrowser. Conclusions: This paper features the first comprehensive and critical account of European syntaxa and synthesizes more than 100 yr of classification effort by European phytosociologists. It aims to document and stabilize the concepts and nomenclature of syntaxa for practical uses, such as calibration of habitat classification used by the European Union, standardization of terminology for environmental assessment, management and conservation of nature areas, landscape planning and education. The presented classification systems provide a baseline for future development and revision of European syntaxonomy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Distribution maps of vegetation alliances in Europe

Aim: The first comprehensive checklist of European phytosociological alliances, orders and classes (EuroVegChecklist) was published by Mucina et al. (2016, Applied Vegetation Science, 19 (Suppl. 1), 3–264). However, this checklist did not contain detailed information on the distribution of individual vegetation types. Here we provide the first maps of all alliances in Europe. Location: Europe, Greenland, Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, Cyprus and the Caucasus countries. Methods: We collected data on the occurrence of phytosociological alliances in European countries and regions from literature and vegetation-plot databases. We interpreted and complemented these data using the expert knowledge of an international team of vegetation scientists and matched all the previously reported alliance names and concepts with those of the EuroVegChecklist. We then mapped the occurrence of the EuroVegChecklist alliances in 82 territorial units corresponding to countries, large islands, archipelagos and peninsulas. We subdivided the mainland parts of large or biogeographically heterogeneous countries based on the European biogeographical regions. Specialized alliances of coastal habitats were mapped only for the coastal section of each territorial unit. Results: Distribution maps were prepared for 1,105 alliances of vascular-plant dominated vegetation reported in the EuroVegChecklist. For each territorial unit, three levels of occurrence probability were plotted on the maps: (a) verified occurrence; (b) uncertain occurrence; and (c) absence. The maps of individual alliances were complemented by summary maps of the number of alliances and the alliance–area relationship. Distribution data are also provided in a spreadsheet. Conclusions: The new map series represents the first attempt to characterize the distribution of all vegetation types at the alliance level across Europe. There are still many knowledge gaps, partly due to a lack of data for some regions and partly due to uncertainties in the definition of some alliances. The maps presented here provide a basis for future research aimed at filling these gaps

Influence of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 and endoglin on atherogenesis.

Author: Kateřina Šumberová Title of diploma thesis: Význam transformujícího růstového faktoru beta 1 a endoglinu v aterogenezi Diplomová práce Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Field: Pharmacy Abstract Background: Objective of this diploma thesis is background research using available knowledge about atherosclerosis, TGF - β1 (Transforming growth factor - β1) and endoglin and about their roles in atherogenesis. Main findings: TGF - β1 promotes atherosclerotic plaque stability, acts as antiinflammatory agent and prevents from development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, at the same time TGF - β1 restricts endothelial regeneration, lowers production of vasodilators whereas TGF - β1 promotes production of vasoconstrictors in blood vessel wall. TGF - β1 supports initiation and progression of hypertension contributing to more progressive atherogenesis. Endoglin is a transmembrane protein, a component of the TGF - β receptor komplex and modulates its signalisation. According to recent studies is considered antiatherogenic action of endoglin to blood-vessel endothelium. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the role of TGF - β1 and endoglin in atherogenesis remains still unclear. Further investigation is neccesary for determination of exact mechanisms and roles of..

Effect of sunitinib on the expression of P-selectin in normotensive and hypertensive rats

Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Candidate: Mgr. Kateřina Šumberová Consultant: Doc. PharmDr. Petr Nachtigal, Ph.D. Title of Thesis: Effect of sunitinib on the expression of P-selectin in normotensive and hypertensive rats Background: The objective of this thesis was to prove the P-selectin expression as a potential predictive marker of ongoing endothelial dysfunction. The experiments based on the application of cytostatic sunitinib were carried out on the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as well as normotensive rats (WKY). Methods: Two groups of rats were subject of testing in this experiment - male SHR and WKY rats - both groups were divided into two subgroups. While the first subgroup of rats was fed by sunitinib from the beginning of the experiment, the second subgroup (a control group) was fed by placebo. The scheme of application of sunitinib to the SHR strain consisted of 8 weeks of application - 5 days without application - 8 weeks of application. In the case of WKY rats, the last stage of the scheme was shortened due to toxicity, thus 8 weeks of application - 5 days without application - 2 weeks of application. We applied imunohistological analysis ABC of the aortic endothels using DAB as a chromogen...

Influence of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 and endoglin on atherogenesis.

Author: Kateřina Šumberová Title of diploma thesis: Význam transformujícího růstového faktoru beta 1 a endoglinu v aterogenezi Diplomová práce Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Field: Pharmacy Abstract Background: Objective of this diploma thesis is background research using available knowledge about atherosclerosis, TGF - β1 (Transforming growth factor - β1) and endoglin and about their roles in atherogenesis. Main findings: TGF - β1 promotes atherosclerotic plaque stability, acts as antiinflammatory agent and prevents from development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, at the same time TGF - β1 restricts endothelial regeneration, lowers production of vasodilators whereas TGF - β1 promotes production of vasoconstrictors in blood vessel wall. TGF - β1 supports initiation and progression of hypertension contributing to more progressive atherogenesis. Endoglin is a transmembrane protein, a component of the TGF - β receptor komplex and modulates its signalisation. According to recent studies is considered antiatherogenic action of endoglin to blood-vessel endothelium. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the role of TGF - β1 and endoglin in atherogenesis remains still unclear. Further investigation is neccesary for determination of exact mechanisms and roles of..

The importance of field wetlands in agricultural landscapes

Field wetlands represent an extremely valuable biotope in agricultural landscapes, not only in terms of water management, but also in terms of biodiversity of various groups of organisms. Species living in these habitats survive adverse periods in the form of seeds, spores and eggs in the soil, many of them belonging to endangered groups of organisms. Our research has yielded in new findings of rare vascular plant species, as well as interesting findings of diverse species of micro- and macroscopic algae. Among the most important findings are some thermophilic and slightly halophilic vascular and algae species, whose occurrence in our country is mainly linked to southern Moravia. Seventeen plant species from the current Red List were found, three species in the critically endangered category (C1: Hibiscus trionum, Pulicaria dysenterica, P vulgaris), six species in the severely endangered category (C2: Lythrum hyssopifolia, Malva pusilla, Rumex tenophyllus, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Veronica anagalloides), five species in the endangered category (C3: Centaurium pulchellum, Cyperus fuscus, Lemna trisulca, Lotus tenuis, Veronica catenata) and five rarer species requiring attention (C4: Bolboschoenus laticarpus, B planiculmis, Butomus umbellatus, Limosella aquatica, Schoenoplectus lacustris). The vegetation at the study sites could be classified into five syntaxonomic classes: Lemnetea, Potametea, Isoëto-Nanojuncetea, Bidentetea tripartitae and Phragmito-Magnocaricetea. Vascular plants were represented by several ecological groups: annual wetland plants, perennial species of reed beds and wet disturbed grasslands, hydrophilous weeds and ruderal species, and aquatic plants. Macroscopic algae were represented primarily by filamentous green algae of the genera Cladophora, Spirogyra and Oedogonium, and to a lesser extent by the genus Vaucheria spp., and by cyanobacteria (Nostoc spp.). The representatives of the genus Chara inhabited wetlands with longer periods of inundation. Diatoms (Achnanthidium, Amphora, Gomphonema, Navicula, Nitzschia, Pinnularia, Surirella and Tryblionella) were the most quantitatively represented and species-rich group of microalgae in the studied wetlands, followed by the genera Colacium, Euglena and Trachelomonas, by green algae (Desmodesmus), and by cyanobacteria (Homoeothrix and Phormidium).There was a high variability in the number of vascular plants and overall species composition, as well as in the representation of different algal groups and their species richness. Large changes were evident between and within years