Isolation of human pathogen Escherichia albertii from faeces of seals (Leptonychotes weddelli) in James Ross Island, Antarctica

A set of nine gram-negative fermenting rods biochemically identified as Escherichia coli was isolated from faeces of seals. These bacteria were characterized by phenotypic classification, 16S rDNA sequence analyses, automated ribotyping, study of whole-cell protein profiles by SDS-PAGE and finally by bacteriocin production. The results of our polyphasic taxonomic study supported the recognition of P4652, P4653 and P4740 isolates as true members of Escherichia albertii species – probably a major enteric human pathogen. To our best knowledge, this is the first evidence showing that E. albertii produces bacteriocin, colicin D. Obtained data unambiguously showed incon-venience of commercial identification systems to distinguish both Escherichia species due to missing data of E. albertii in the commercial databases. The results of Escherichia isolates taxonomy suggest seals as a novel source of human and animal pathogen,E. albertii in the Antarctic region

Clinical and Laboratory Parameters of Carp Edema Virus Disease: A Case Report

In the present study, we describe a natural outbreak of carp edema virus disease (CEVD) in koi carp, concentrating on clinical manifestation, gross and microscopic pathology, immunological parameters, viral diagnostics, and phylogenetic analysis. Examination of white blood cell parameters showed increased monocyte and decreased lymphocyte counts in CEV-affected fish compared to healthy control fish. Regarding immune system functioning, the present work shows, for the first time, enhanced phagocytic activity in CEV-affected fish. Respiratory burst of phagocytes was strongly increased in diseased fish, the increase being attributed to an increased phagocyte count rather than enhancement of their metabolic activity. The present work also newly shows histopathological changes in the pancreatic tissue of diseased koi.O

Ageing Processes and Family Functions Evolution

This work summarizes the third period of the human life. The changes arising during the period and relationships between elderly and the rest of the family are described. The care about independent old people is divided into two groups: provided by a family member or a professional assistant. The theoretical part is supported by the survey of health and long-term care in European Union. Knowledge and attitudes of a population of ten European countries with significant differences in social and economical markers are compared. The preferred type of the care, financial issues, insufficient care and a prevention of abusive behavior are investigated too. The results of the survey allege that the quality of the care in Czech Republic is satisfactory but still incomparable with standard in countries in Northern or Western Europe

Educated religious: How they defend their belief against science?

Department of SociologyKatedra sociologieFaculty of Social SciencesFakulta sociálních vě

Body Art - Tattoo and Piercing in Their Functional and Symbolic Meaning.

The diploma thesis "Body art - the functional and symbolic meanings of tatoo and piercing" focuses on body modifications that are used as body art and which have become fashionable as a cultural and social phenomenon in the contemporary society. First part of the thesis introduces a basic theoretical framework and sets the subject into the context, which the author presents in such a way that even a laic can benefit from the paper. Theoretical part defines the terms and introduces first archeological findings connected with this cultural phenomenon. Further on the paper introduces examples of body art from selected traditional cultures and describes the way, which this phenomenon undertook to the contemporary western society. At the end of the theoretical part categories of functional and symbolic meaning, which the body art can acquire, are introduced. Second part presents qualitative research that focuses on functional and symbolic meanings, that the body art in contemporary society acquires. Statements of twenty-two people who talk about their body art can be found here. At the end of the paper you will find out which functional and symbolic meanings of body art are the same among the contemporary society and the primitve one, how do they differ or which functional and symbolic meanings have vanised..

Analysis of the Possibilities of Establishment and Running of Centre for Motherhood and Children

Cílem práce je podnikatelské rozhodnutí na základě vypracování analýzy trhu a následné zpracování podnikatelského plánu pro získání investice na založení a provozování centra pro matky a děti, jež by svou činností vyplnilo mezeru na trhu a pokrylo poptávku po chybějících službách. Zjistíme tedy, jestli je prostředí nakloněno a čemu a následně zpracujeme podnikatelský plán, který budeme financovat z vlastních a cizích zdrojů. Práce zahrnuje i teoretické znalosti a podrobně popisuje služby tohoto centra.In my diploma thesis I focus on strategic analysis of a company and its possible implementation to use in a centre for mothers and children as well as on analysis of internal and external environment. Beside the analysis of internal and external environment the theoretical part of the thesis deals with marketing and choice of the legal form of business. In the practical part I apply theoretical knowledge and analyse possibilities of mother centre foundation on specific elements

Immunohistochemical investigation of epithelial, mesenchymal, neuroectodermal, immune and endocrine markers in sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a laboratory method widely used to characterize tissue and cell origin, both in human and veterinary medicine. In fish, however, little is known about staining characteristics of most tissue types, and especially for less studied chondrostean fish. The aim of this study was to examine the specificity of various immunohistochemical markers in tissues of chondrostean and teleostean fish and to validate diagnostic tests. Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.), shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were examined. Markers were chosen as representatives of epithelial (cytokeratin AE1/AE3), mesenchymal (vimentin), neuroectodermal (S-100 protein), lymphoid (leukocyte common antigen, LCA) and endocrine (thyroglobulin, thyroxin) tissues and organs. Applied antibodies were of monoclonal or polyclonal mammalian origin and primarily intended for human medicine research or diagnostic application. No species differences were obvious while examining sterlet, shortnose sturgeon and carp. Cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, S-100 protein and thyroxin were positive on targeted tissues and structures. Leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and thyroglobulin were negative on targeted structures, however, and with clear cross-reactivity on non-targeted tissues (vascular wall, granulocytes). Conclusive results were obtained when using polyclonal antibodies with dilution adjusted to laboratory practice, while application of ready-to-use (RTU) kits with pre-diluted antibodies or monoclonal antibodies often showed conflicting or inconclusive results

Magnetic Resonance Tracking of Transplanted Bone Marrow and Embryonic Stem Cells Labeled by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Rat Brain and Spinal Cord

Nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides a noninvasive method for studying the fate of transplanted cells in vivo. We studied, in animals with a cortical photochemical lesion or with a balloon-induced spinal cord compression lesion, the fate of implanted rat bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Endorem). MSCs were colabeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and ESCs were transfected with pEGFP-C1 (eGFP ESCs). Cells were either grafted intracerebrally into the contralateral hemisphere of the adult rat brain or injected intravenously. In vivo MR imaging was used to track their fate; Prussian blue staining and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles inside the cells. During the first week postimplantation, grafted cell