Eva Jánová - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Eva Jánová

Community Ecology, 2018

The dominant rodent species in Central European agricultural landscapes are granivorous mouse spe... more The dominant rodent species in Central European agricultural landscapes are granivorous mouse species and herbivorous common voles. Although our knowledge of European wood mice is relatively good, there is a distinct lack of information on pygmy field mice inhabiting Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In this study, we examine the food quality of pygmy field mice in relation to environmental and population factors, and compare the food quality of related mouse species and common voles living in the same study plots. The dietary quality of the pygmy field mouse is similar to that of other mouse species; however, the food quality of pygmy field mice and common voles differed substantially, with mice having lower and more variable nitrogen content. For both rodent species, factors such as body size, age and sex had no influence on diet quality. Pygmy field mouse diet was mainly dependent on season, while total abundance had greatest influence on common vole diet.

Molecular Biology Reports, 2019

The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing meningoencephalitis in humans an... more The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing meningoencephalitis in humans and animals. Due to their particular susceptibility to WNV infection, horses serve as a sentinel species. In a population of Romanian semi-feral horses living in the Danube delta region, we have analyzed the distribution of candidate polymorphic genetic markers between anti WNV-IgG seropositive and seronegative horses. Thirty-six SNPs located in 28 immunity-related genes and 26 microsatellites located in the MHC and LY49 complex genomic regions were genotyped in 57 seropositive and 32 seronegative horses. The most significant association (pcorr < 0.0002) was found for genotypes composed of markers of the SLC11A1 and TLR4 genes. Markers of five other candidate genes (ADAM17, CXCR3, IL12A, MAVS, TNFA), along with 5 MHC class I and LY49-linked microsatellites were also associated with the WNV antibody status in this model horse population. The OAS1 gene, previously associated with WNV-induced clinical disease, was not associated with the presence of anti-WNV antibodies.

Immunogenetics, 2016

Immunity-related genes are a suitable model for studying effects of selection at the genomic leve... more Immunity-related genes are a suitable model for studying effects of selection at the genomic level. Some of them are highly conserved due to functional constraints and purifying selection, while others are variable and change quickly to cope with the variation of pathogens. The SLC11A1 gene encodes a transporter protein mediating antimicrobial activity of macrophages. Little is known about the patterns of selection shaping this gene during evolution. Although it is a typical evolutionarily conserved gene, functionally important polymorphisms associated with various diseases were identified in humans and other species. We analyzed the genomic organization, genetic variation, and evolution of the SLC11A1 gene in the family Equidae to identify patterns of selection within this important gene. Nucleotide SLC11A1 sequences were shown to be highly conserved in ten equid species, with more than 97 % sequence identity across the family. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the coding and noncoding regions of the gene. Seven codon sites were identified to be under strong purifying selection. Codons located in three regions, including the glycosylated extracellular loop, were shown to be under diversifying selection. A 3-bp indel resulting in a deletion of the amino acid 321 in the predicted protein was observed in all horses, while it has been maintained in all other equid species. This codon comprised in an N-glycosylation site was found to be under positive selection. Interspecific variation in the presence of predicted N-glycosylation sites was observed.

Molecular Biology Reports, 2012

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic dermatitis of horses caused by bites of insects... more Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic dermatitis of horses caused by bites of insects. IBH is a multifactorial disease with contribution of genetic and environmental factors. Candidate gene association analysis of IBH was performed in a group of 89 Icelandic horses all born in Iceland and imported to Europe. Horses were classified in IBH-affected and non-affected based on clinical signs and history of recurrent dermatitis, and on the results of an in vitro sulfidoleukotriene (sLT)-release assay with Culicoides nubeculosus and Simulium vittatum extract. Different genetic markers were tested for association with IBH by the Fisher's exact test. The effect of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene region was studied by genotyping five microsatellites spanning the MHC region (COR112, COR113, COR114, UM011 and UMN-JH34-2), and exon 2 polymorphisms of the class II Eqca-DRA gene. Associations with Eqca-DRA and COR113 were identified (p \ 0.05). In addition, a panel of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17 candidate allergy-related genes was tested. During the initial screen, no marker from the panel was significantly (p \ 0.05) associated with IBH. Five SNPs associated with IBH at p \ 0.10 were therefore used for analysis of combined genotypes. Out of them, SNPs located in the genes coding for the CD14 receptor (CD14), interleukin 23 receptor (IL23R), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFB3) molecules were associated with IBH as parts of complex genotypes. These results are supported by similar associations and by expression data from different horse populations and from human studies.

Association of increased erythrocyte osmotic resistance with haematological and histopathological... more Association of increased erythrocyte osmotic resistance with haematological and histopathological findings in dogs with a congenital

Impact of small rodents on mountain forest regeneration was studied in National Nature Reserve in... more Impact of small rodents on mountain forest regeneration was studied in National Nature Reserve in the Beskydy Mountains (Czech Republic). A considerable amount of bark damage was found on young trees (20%) in spring after the peak abundance of field voles (Microtus agrestis) in combination with long winter with heavy snowfall. In contrast, little damage to young trees was noted under high densities of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with a lower snow cover the following winter. The bark of deciduous trees was more attractive to voles (22% damaged) than conifers (8%). Young trees growing in open and grassy localities suffered more damage from voles than those under canopy of forest stands (χ 2 = 44.04, P < 0.001). Natural regeneration in Nature Reserve was less damaged compared to planted trees (χ 2 = 55.89, P < 0.001). The main factors influencing the impact of rodent species on tree regeneration were open, grassy habitat conditions, higher abundance of vole species, tree specie...

Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur colo... more Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur color in sub-adult wild Nomascus females is associated with the onset of puberty and the time of their dispersing. The fact about the more observed reproductive suppression in monogamous species is known, particularly in females. The variability in color change may be therefore influenced by social factors. In this study, we determined whether captive Nomascus females establish reproductive maturity prior to dispersing with an association to their fur color. We collected 287 fecal extracts to analyze pregnandiol -3- glucuronide and 17β estradiol profiles of 4 sub-adult females (Nomascus leucogenys and Nomascus gabriellae) and 183 samples from their mothers, using enzyme immunoassays. The sub-adult females were monitored aging from 4 years old. Their hormone profiles showed the onset of ovulatory cycling between ages of 4.6-5.8 years. Based on the information about the estrogen influence to the secondary sex characteristic (color of female) the positive link between estrogen concentration and age of the sub-adult females was found. However, the amount of the estrogen can apparently determinate the presence of the mother. If the mother was presented, the level of estrogen was higher than if the mother was missing. Our findings suggest that the probability to the beige color of the sub-adult females increased with increased age and if they were without mother. Due to a small number of females in this study, we can only assume a certain degree of maternal influence to the fur color change of their daughters.

Hystrix-italian Journal of Mammalogy, 2011

Efficacia di due metodi di trappolaggio per lo studio della demografia dell’arvicola campestre. P... more Efficacia di due metodi di trappolaggio per lo studio della demografia dell’arvicola campestre. Per valutare l'efficacia di due tipi di trappole, trappole “killer” e trappole “a vivo” tipo Rodl, sono stati confrontati i risultati della rimozione completa di una popolazione di arvicola campestre Microtus arvalis in merito a eta, sesso, status riproduttivo e peso degli individui trappolati tramite ciascun metodo. Le trappole Rodl hanno catturato, in media, animali di eta maggiore e piu femmine riproduttive, mentre non sono state rilevate differenze significative in termini sia di rapporto sessi sia di peso medio. I risultati ottenuti suggeriscono di utilizzare almeno due metodi di cattura e che il confronto dei parametri demografici di popolazioni differenti puo essere considerato valido solo quando siano stati utilizzati gli stessi metodi di trappolaggio.

Remote. Sens., 2021

The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using t... more The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using the NIRS method. The importance and role of rodents in ecosystems and the specifics associated with their research using the NIRS method are briefly mentioned. The results of previous partial studies are mentioned and discussed. The NIRS method proved to be a useful tool to determine the amount of a particular food ingredient in the diet from faeces or chyme and to estimate the food quality (i.e., diversity of nitrogenous substances in chyme). On this basis, other possible directions of research using the NIRS method in wild rodents are proposed. These could help to better understand both the relationship between rodents and their environment and practical management in sectors where rodents interfere with human interests, especially in agriculture and forestry.

HLA, 2020

Natural killer cells play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as in the repr... more Natural killer cells play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as in the reproduction of placental mammals. Ly49 (KLRA) molecules represent a lectin-like type of NK cell receptor encoded within a complex genomic region, the natural killer cell complex. In rodents and horses, an expansion of the genes encoding Ly49 receptors leading to the formation of a gene family was observed. High sequence similarities and frequent high polymorphism of multiple family members represent an obstacle both for their individual identification and for annotation in the reference genomes of the respective species. Here, we focused on resolving complex variation of the KLRA gene family observed in domestic and Przewalski's horses. The KLRA (LY49) genomic region contains six genes (KLRA2 to KLRA7) and one putative pseudogene, KLRA1. Two types of polymorphism were observed in the horses analyzed. Copy number variation between haplotypes was documented for the gene KLRA7 by PCR. As expected, the major source of variation of all KLRA genes, including KLRA7, is due to single nucleotide polymorphisms, many of them being non-synonymous substitutions. Extensive allelic variability of the expanded KLRA (LY49) genes was observed. For four out of the six functional KLRA, high numbers of novel allelic amino acid sequence variants were identified in the genes studied, suggesting that this variation might be of functional importance, especially in the context of high polymorphism of their presumed ligands encoded by MHC class I genes. In fact, polymorphic amino acid sites were mostly found in the ligand-binding C-type lectin-like domain of the putative receptor molecule. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Acta Veterinaria Brno, 2019

Evaluation of selected components of seminal plasma as markers of ejaculate quality may be of int... more Evaluation of selected components of seminal plasma as markers of ejaculate quality may be of interest when assessing the quality of semen. The aim of the study was to evaluate some biochemical parameters of seminal plasma in donkeys and compare them with the volume, concentration and motility of the ejaculate. A total of 11 ejaculates were collected from five donkey stallions (between one and three from each animal). Each ejaculate was assessed for volume, concentration and motility, and the seminal plasma biochemically examined after centrifugation. Total protein, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine-amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate-amino-transferase, creatine kinase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), sodium, potassium (K+), calcium, phosphate, chloride, copper (Cu), cholesterol, vitamin E (Vit E), magnesium (Mg2+), seminal plasma selenium (Se SP) and seminal plasma zinc (Zn SP) were identified. Biochemical analysis of the seminal plasma w...

General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2019

Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur colo... more Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur color in sub-adult wild Nomascus females is associated with the onset of puberty and the time of their dispersal. The variability in fur change may be influenced by social factors. In this study, we determined whether in captive females of crested gibbons begin reproductive maturity prior to dispersing and with association to their fur color. We collected 287 fecal extracts to analyze pregnandiol -3- glucuronide and 17β estradiol profiles of 4 sub-adult females (Nomascus leucogenys and Nomascus gabriellae) and 183 samples from their mothers, using enzyme immunoassays. The sub-adult females were monitored from 4 years of age. Their hormone profiles showed the onset of ovulatory cycling between 4.6 and 5.8 years. Based on the information about the estrogen influence to the secondary sex characteristic (fur color of female) the positive link between estrogen concentration and age of the sub-adult females was found. However, the amount of the estrogen can apparently be influenced by the presence of mother. If the mother was presented, the level of estrogen was higher than if the mother was missing. Our findings suggest that the probability of changing to beige fur color by the sub-adult females increased with increased age and if they were without mother. This initial study presents the maternal influence as a possible social factor affecting the fur color change of female offspring.

Pathogens and Global Health, 2019

ABSTRACT Climatic changes, landscape management, massive human, animal and commodity transportati... more ABSTRACT Climatic changes, landscape management, massive human, animal and commodity transportation represent important factors which are contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases. The environmental and socioeconomic factors affecting the incidence of vector-borne zoonoses and possibilities for the reduction of disease impacts are discussed in the article. The most important zoonoses with expanding area of incidence and/or increasing occurrence are summarized, with special emphasis on the European region. While some diseases and their respective pathogens are indigenous to Europe (e.g. Lyme disease), others have been introduced to Europe from tropical areas (e.g. chikungunya or dengue fever). These emerging diseases may represent a serious threat in near future and better understanding of their spreading mechanisms, pathogenesis and consequent treatment is very important.

PLOS ONE, 2018

The village and street dogs represent a unique model of canine populations. In the absence of sel... more The village and street dogs represent a unique model of canine populations. In the absence of selective breeding and veterinary care, they are subject mostly to natural selection. Their analyses contribute to understanding general mechanisms governing the genetic diversity, evolution and adaptation. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of African village dogs living in villages in three different geographical areas in Northern Kenya. Data obtained for neutral microsatellite molecular markers were compared with those computed for potentially non-neutral markers of candidate immunity-related genes. The neutral genetic diversity was similar to other comparable village dog populations studied so far. The overall genetic diversity in microsatellites was higher than the diversity of European pure breeds, but it was similar to the range of diversity observed in a group composed of many European breeds, indicating that the African population has maintained a large proportion of the genetic diversity of the canine species as a whole. Microsatellite marker diversity indicated that the entire population is subdivided into three genetically distinct, although closely related subpopulations. This genetical partitioning corresponded to their geographical separation and the observed gene flow well correlated with the communication patterns among the three localities. In contrast to neutral microsatellites, the genetic diversity in immunity-related candidate SNP markers was similar across all three subpopulations and to the European group. It seems that the genetic structure of this particular population of Kenyan village dogs is mostly determined by geographical and anthropogenic factors influencing the gene flow between various subpopulations rather than by biological factors, such as genetic contribution of original migrating populations and/or the pathogenmediated selection. On the other hand, the study of oldest surviving dogs suggested a

Plant, Soil and Environment, 2011

Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy fie... more Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy field mouse (Apodemus microps). In autumn, the common vole is dominant in this habitat (D = 75%) and reproduces in it (17% of population). This species also dominates the small mammal community of winter rape in early spring (D = 87%), and its reproduction begins in this habitat early; under suitable meteorological conditions 44% of the population of common vole reproduce in March. Analyses of the spring and autumn diet of M. arvalis in winter rape have shown that green leaves of this species form the dominant component of its diet. During the period when the rape crop is ripening, the population abundance of the common vole decreases as green food at ground level decreases. The pygmy field mouse (A. microps) has a contrasting response to winter rape, and it is almost absent from the rape crop from autumn to late spring. However, when winter rapeseeds begun to ripen, the pygmy field mouse c...

Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 2016

Abstract The Central European agricultural landscape has undergone a number of changes over recen... more Abstract The Central European agricultural landscape has undergone a number of changes over recent decades, with overall field area decreasing and adjacent habitats increasing. Here, we document changes in small mammal communities associated with crop fields and adjacent fallow land in a highly agriculture landscape of the Czech Republic. The most numerous species overall were wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and common voles (Microtus arvalis). Highest diversity, species richness and abundance were observed in fallow habitats and in crops providing long-term vegetation cover. Community composition and abundance were dependent on crop and season. Mice used all habitats depending on instantaneous vegetation stage, though some habitats only for a short period during seeding or harvest. Common voles reached highest densities in habitats providing a stable food supply. Mice and voles both preferred perennial “non-crop” plots during winter as they provided a diverse food supply and undisturbed nesting opportunities. Overall, fallow habitats supported the most abundant, diverse and stable small mammal communities and, as such, they have high biodiversity value.

Acta Veterinaria Brno, 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of taking into account the age and sex of th... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of taking into account the age and sex of the donkeys while assessing individual haematological and biochemical variables. Material used for the study were blood samples collected from 112 clinically healthy donkeys (37 males and 75 females) aged from 05 to 30 years old. Selected haematological and biochemical variables were examined and the influence of sex and age was analyzed by multivariate analysis. Significant differences were found in some of biochemical and haematological variables between groups. The results of this study can be useful for appropriate clinical interpretation of laboratory results in donkeys.

Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 2017

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a highly promising method for estimating food quality i... more Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a highly promising method for estimating food quality in small mammals. The method used to prepare rodent stomach content samples, however, may influence nitrogenous substance results. In this study, we focus on comparing methods of preparation of samples and finding the optimal preparation method, which means saving time and costs as well as maintenance of reliability and precision of estimation. We examined 1497 stomachs of the following species: Apodemus flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, Clethrionomys glareolus and Microtus arvalis. We used two preparation methods (grinding and abrasion). Where possible, cardiac and pyloric stomach sections were also examined separately. We found no significant difference between these data, hence only financial, time and equipment factors need determine the processing method in future studies.

We examined the changes in the amount of nitrogenous substances in 1497 stomachs of four small fo... more We examined the changes in the amount of nitrogenous substances in 1497 stomachs of four small forest rodent species [yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), and common vole (Microtus arvalis)] using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The amount of nitrogenous substances varied from 9.31% to 65.39% of dry matter. Significant differences were observed between species, with both Apodemus species displaying higher variability and higher mean nitrogenous substance content in the diet compared with M. arvalis. Results for C. glareolus were intermediate for both variability and mean value. In general, concentrations of nitrogenous substances were higher in the diet of juveniles. Differences in diet composition (or ratio of nitrogenous substance) in different biotopes were only demonstrated for C. glareolus. Moreover, C. glareolus diet varied within the same biotope over different years. Clethrionomys gl...

Community Ecology, 2018

The dominant rodent species in Central European agricultural landscapes are granivorous mouse spe... more The dominant rodent species in Central European agricultural landscapes are granivorous mouse species and herbivorous common voles. Although our knowledge of European wood mice is relatively good, there is a distinct lack of information on pygmy field mice inhabiting Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In this study, we examine the food quality of pygmy field mice in relation to environmental and population factors, and compare the food quality of related mouse species and common voles living in the same study plots. The dietary quality of the pygmy field mouse is similar to that of other mouse species; however, the food quality of pygmy field mice and common voles differed substantially, with mice having lower and more variable nitrogen content. For both rodent species, factors such as body size, age and sex had no influence on diet quality. Pygmy field mouse diet was mainly dependent on season, while total abundance had greatest influence on common vole diet.

Molecular Biology Reports, 2019

The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing meningoencephalitis in humans an... more The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing meningoencephalitis in humans and animals. Due to their particular susceptibility to WNV infection, horses serve as a sentinel species. In a population of Romanian semi-feral horses living in the Danube delta region, we have analyzed the distribution of candidate polymorphic genetic markers between anti WNV-IgG seropositive and seronegative horses. Thirty-six SNPs located in 28 immunity-related genes and 26 microsatellites located in the MHC and LY49 complex genomic regions were genotyped in 57 seropositive and 32 seronegative horses. The most significant association (pcorr < 0.0002) was found for genotypes composed of markers of the SLC11A1 and TLR4 genes. Markers of five other candidate genes (ADAM17, CXCR3, IL12A, MAVS, TNFA), along with 5 MHC class I and LY49-linked microsatellites were also associated with the WNV antibody status in this model horse population. The OAS1 gene, previously associated with WNV-induced clinical disease, was not associated with the presence of anti-WNV antibodies.

Immunogenetics, 2016

Immunity-related genes are a suitable model for studying effects of selection at the genomic leve... more Immunity-related genes are a suitable model for studying effects of selection at the genomic level. Some of them are highly conserved due to functional constraints and purifying selection, while others are variable and change quickly to cope with the variation of pathogens. The SLC11A1 gene encodes a transporter protein mediating antimicrobial activity of macrophages. Little is known about the patterns of selection shaping this gene during evolution. Although it is a typical evolutionarily conserved gene, functionally important polymorphisms associated with various diseases were identified in humans and other species. We analyzed the genomic organization, genetic variation, and evolution of the SLC11A1 gene in the family Equidae to identify patterns of selection within this important gene. Nucleotide SLC11A1 sequences were shown to be highly conserved in ten equid species, with more than 97 % sequence identity across the family. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the coding and noncoding regions of the gene. Seven codon sites were identified to be under strong purifying selection. Codons located in three regions, including the glycosylated extracellular loop, were shown to be under diversifying selection. A 3-bp indel resulting in a deletion of the amino acid 321 in the predicted protein was observed in all horses, while it has been maintained in all other equid species. This codon comprised in an N-glycosylation site was found to be under positive selection. Interspecific variation in the presence of predicted N-glycosylation sites was observed.

Molecular Biology Reports, 2012

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic dermatitis of horses caused by bites of insects... more Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an allergic dermatitis of horses caused by bites of insects. IBH is a multifactorial disease with contribution of genetic and environmental factors. Candidate gene association analysis of IBH was performed in a group of 89 Icelandic horses all born in Iceland and imported to Europe. Horses were classified in IBH-affected and non-affected based on clinical signs and history of recurrent dermatitis, and on the results of an in vitro sulfidoleukotriene (sLT)-release assay with Culicoides nubeculosus and Simulium vittatum extract. Different genetic markers were tested for association with IBH by the Fisher's exact test. The effect of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene region was studied by genotyping five microsatellites spanning the MHC region (COR112, COR113, COR114, UM011 and UMN-JH34-2), and exon 2 polymorphisms of the class II Eqca-DRA gene. Associations with Eqca-DRA and COR113 were identified (p \ 0.05). In addition, a panel of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17 candidate allergy-related genes was tested. During the initial screen, no marker from the panel was significantly (p \ 0.05) associated with IBH. Five SNPs associated with IBH at p \ 0.10 were therefore used for analysis of combined genotypes. Out of them, SNPs located in the genes coding for the CD14 receptor (CD14), interleukin 23 receptor (IL23R), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFB3) molecules were associated with IBH as parts of complex genotypes. These results are supported by similar associations and by expression data from different horse populations and from human studies.

Association of increased erythrocyte osmotic resistance with haematological and histopathological... more Association of increased erythrocyte osmotic resistance with haematological and histopathological findings in dogs with a congenital

Impact of small rodents on mountain forest regeneration was studied in National Nature Reserve in... more Impact of small rodents on mountain forest regeneration was studied in National Nature Reserve in the Beskydy Mountains (Czech Republic). A considerable amount of bark damage was found on young trees (20%) in spring after the peak abundance of field voles (Microtus agrestis) in combination with long winter with heavy snowfall. In contrast, little damage to young trees was noted under high densities of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with a lower snow cover the following winter. The bark of deciduous trees was more attractive to voles (22% damaged) than conifers (8%). Young trees growing in open and grassy localities suffered more damage from voles than those under canopy of forest stands (χ 2 = 44.04, P < 0.001). Natural regeneration in Nature Reserve was less damaged compared to planted trees (χ 2 = 55.89, P < 0.001). The main factors influencing the impact of rodent species on tree regeneration were open, grassy habitat conditions, higher abundance of vole species, tree specie...

Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur colo... more Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur color in sub-adult wild Nomascus females is associated with the onset of puberty and the time of their dispersing. The fact about the more observed reproductive suppression in monogamous species is known, particularly in females. The variability in color change may be therefore influenced by social factors. In this study, we determined whether captive Nomascus females establish reproductive maturity prior to dispersing with an association to their fur color. We collected 287 fecal extracts to analyze pregnandiol -3- glucuronide and 17β estradiol profiles of 4 sub-adult females (Nomascus leucogenys and Nomascus gabriellae) and 183 samples from their mothers, using enzyme immunoassays. The sub-adult females were monitored aging from 4 years old. Their hormone profiles showed the onset of ovulatory cycling between ages of 4.6-5.8 years. Based on the information about the estrogen influence to the secondary sex characteristic (color of female) the positive link between estrogen concentration and age of the sub-adult females was found. However, the amount of the estrogen can apparently determinate the presence of the mother. If the mother was presented, the level of estrogen was higher than if the mother was missing. Our findings suggest that the probability to the beige color of the sub-adult females increased with increased age and if they were without mother. Due to a small number of females in this study, we can only assume a certain degree of maternal influence to the fur color change of their daughters.

Hystrix-italian Journal of Mammalogy, 2011

Efficacia di due metodi di trappolaggio per lo studio della demografia dell’arvicola campestre. P... more Efficacia di due metodi di trappolaggio per lo studio della demografia dell’arvicola campestre. Per valutare l'efficacia di due tipi di trappole, trappole “killer” e trappole “a vivo” tipo Rodl, sono stati confrontati i risultati della rimozione completa di una popolazione di arvicola campestre Microtus arvalis in merito a eta, sesso, status riproduttivo e peso degli individui trappolati tramite ciascun metodo. Le trappole Rodl hanno catturato, in media, animali di eta maggiore e piu femmine riproduttive, mentre non sono state rilevate differenze significative in termini sia di rapporto sessi sia di peso medio. I risultati ottenuti suggeriscono di utilizzare almeno due metodi di cattura e che il confronto dei parametri demografici di popolazioni differenti puo essere considerato valido solo quando siano stati utilizzati gli stessi metodi di trappolaggio.

Remote. Sens., 2021

The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using t... more The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using the NIRS method. The importance and role of rodents in ecosystems and the specifics associated with their research using the NIRS method are briefly mentioned. The results of previous partial studies are mentioned and discussed. The NIRS method proved to be a useful tool to determine the amount of a particular food ingredient in the diet from faeces or chyme and to estimate the food quality (i.e., diversity of nitrogenous substances in chyme). On this basis, other possible directions of research using the NIRS method in wild rodents are proposed. These could help to better understand both the relationship between rodents and their environment and practical management in sectors where rodents interfere with human interests, especially in agriculture and forestry.

HLA, 2020

Natural killer cells play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as in the repr... more Natural killer cells play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as in the reproduction of placental mammals. Ly49 (KLRA) molecules represent a lectin-like type of NK cell receptor encoded within a complex genomic region, the natural killer cell complex. In rodents and horses, an expansion of the genes encoding Ly49 receptors leading to the formation of a gene family was observed. High sequence similarities and frequent high polymorphism of multiple family members represent an obstacle both for their individual identification and for annotation in the reference genomes of the respective species. Here, we focused on resolving complex variation of the KLRA gene family observed in domestic and Przewalski's horses. The KLRA (LY49) genomic region contains six genes (KLRA2 to KLRA7) and one putative pseudogene, KLRA1. Two types of polymorphism were observed in the horses analyzed. Copy number variation between haplotypes was documented for the gene KLRA7 by PCR. As expected, the major source of variation of all KLRA genes, including KLRA7, is due to single nucleotide polymorphisms, many of them being non-synonymous substitutions. Extensive allelic variability of the expanded KLRA (LY49) genes was observed. For four out of the six functional KLRA, high numbers of novel allelic amino acid sequence variants were identified in the genes studied, suggesting that this variation might be of functional importance, especially in the context of high polymorphism of their presumed ligands encoded by MHC class I genes. In fact, polymorphic amino acid sites were mostly found in the ligand-binding C-type lectin-like domain of the putative receptor molecule. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Acta Veterinaria Brno, 2019

Evaluation of selected components of seminal plasma as markers of ejaculate quality may be of int... more Evaluation of selected components of seminal plasma as markers of ejaculate quality may be of interest when assessing the quality of semen. The aim of the study was to evaluate some biochemical parameters of seminal plasma in donkeys and compare them with the volume, concentration and motility of the ejaculate. A total of 11 ejaculates were collected from five donkey stallions (between one and three from each animal). Each ejaculate was assessed for volume, concentration and motility, and the seminal plasma biochemically examined after centrifugation. Total protein, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine-amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate-amino-transferase, creatine kinase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), sodium, potassium (K+), calcium, phosphate, chloride, copper (Cu), cholesterol, vitamin E (Vit E), magnesium (Mg2+), seminal plasma selenium (Se SP) and seminal plasma zinc (Zn SP) were identified. Biochemical analysis of the seminal plasma w...

General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2019

Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur colo... more Gibbons of the genus Nomascus exhibit strong sexual dichromatism in fur color. Change of fur color in sub-adult wild Nomascus females is associated with the onset of puberty and the time of their dispersal. The variability in fur change may be influenced by social factors. In this study, we determined whether in captive females of crested gibbons begin reproductive maturity prior to dispersing and with association to their fur color. We collected 287 fecal extracts to analyze pregnandiol -3- glucuronide and 17β estradiol profiles of 4 sub-adult females (Nomascus leucogenys and Nomascus gabriellae) and 183 samples from their mothers, using enzyme immunoassays. The sub-adult females were monitored from 4 years of age. Their hormone profiles showed the onset of ovulatory cycling between 4.6 and 5.8 years. Based on the information about the estrogen influence to the secondary sex characteristic (fur color of female) the positive link between estrogen concentration and age of the sub-adult females was found. However, the amount of the estrogen can apparently be influenced by the presence of mother. If the mother was presented, the level of estrogen was higher than if the mother was missing. Our findings suggest that the probability of changing to beige fur color by the sub-adult females increased with increased age and if they were without mother. This initial study presents the maternal influence as a possible social factor affecting the fur color change of female offspring.

Pathogens and Global Health, 2019

ABSTRACT Climatic changes, landscape management, massive human, animal and commodity transportati... more ABSTRACT Climatic changes, landscape management, massive human, animal and commodity transportation represent important factors which are contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases. The environmental and socioeconomic factors affecting the incidence of vector-borne zoonoses and possibilities for the reduction of disease impacts are discussed in the article. The most important zoonoses with expanding area of incidence and/or increasing occurrence are summarized, with special emphasis on the European region. While some diseases and their respective pathogens are indigenous to Europe (e.g. Lyme disease), others have been introduced to Europe from tropical areas (e.g. chikungunya or dengue fever). These emerging diseases may represent a serious threat in near future and better understanding of their spreading mechanisms, pathogenesis and consequent treatment is very important.

PLOS ONE, 2018

The village and street dogs represent a unique model of canine populations. In the absence of sel... more The village and street dogs represent a unique model of canine populations. In the absence of selective breeding and veterinary care, they are subject mostly to natural selection. Their analyses contribute to understanding general mechanisms governing the genetic diversity, evolution and adaptation. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of African village dogs living in villages in three different geographical areas in Northern Kenya. Data obtained for neutral microsatellite molecular markers were compared with those computed for potentially non-neutral markers of candidate immunity-related genes. The neutral genetic diversity was similar to other comparable village dog populations studied so far. The overall genetic diversity in microsatellites was higher than the diversity of European pure breeds, but it was similar to the range of diversity observed in a group composed of many European breeds, indicating that the African population has maintained a large proportion of the genetic diversity of the canine species as a whole. Microsatellite marker diversity indicated that the entire population is subdivided into three genetically distinct, although closely related subpopulations. This genetical partitioning corresponded to their geographical separation and the observed gene flow well correlated with the communication patterns among the three localities. In contrast to neutral microsatellites, the genetic diversity in immunity-related candidate SNP markers was similar across all three subpopulations and to the European group. It seems that the genetic structure of this particular population of Kenyan village dogs is mostly determined by geographical and anthropogenic factors influencing the gene flow between various subpopulations rather than by biological factors, such as genetic contribution of original migrating populations and/or the pathogenmediated selection. On the other hand, the study of oldest surviving dogs suggested a

Plant, Soil and Environment, 2011

Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy fie... more Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy field mouse (Apodemus microps). In autumn, the common vole is dominant in this habitat (D = 75%) and reproduces in it (17% of population). This species also dominates the small mammal community of winter rape in early spring (D = 87%), and its reproduction begins in this habitat early; under suitable meteorological conditions 44% of the population of common vole reproduce in March. Analyses of the spring and autumn diet of M. arvalis in winter rape have shown that green leaves of this species form the dominant component of its diet. During the period when the rape crop is ripening, the population abundance of the common vole decreases as green food at ground level decreases. The pygmy field mouse (A. microps) has a contrasting response to winter rape, and it is almost absent from the rape crop from autumn to late spring. However, when winter rapeseeds begun to ripen, the pygmy field mouse c...

Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 2016

Abstract The Central European agricultural landscape has undergone a number of changes over recen... more Abstract The Central European agricultural landscape has undergone a number of changes over recent decades, with overall field area decreasing and adjacent habitats increasing. Here, we document changes in small mammal communities associated with crop fields and adjacent fallow land in a highly agriculture landscape of the Czech Republic. The most numerous species overall were wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and common voles (Microtus arvalis). Highest diversity, species richness and abundance were observed in fallow habitats and in crops providing long-term vegetation cover. Community composition and abundance were dependent on crop and season. Mice used all habitats depending on instantaneous vegetation stage, though some habitats only for a short period during seeding or harvest. Common voles reached highest densities in habitats providing a stable food supply. Mice and voles both preferred perennial “non-crop” plots during winter as they provided a diverse food supply and undisturbed nesting opportunities. Overall, fallow habitats supported the most abundant, diverse and stable small mammal communities and, as such, they have high biodiversity value.

Acta Veterinaria Brno, 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of taking into account the age and sex of th... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of taking into account the age and sex of the donkeys while assessing individual haematological and biochemical variables. Material used for the study were blood samples collected from 112 clinically healthy donkeys (37 males and 75 females) aged from 05 to 30 years old. Selected haematological and biochemical variables were examined and the influence of sex and age was analyzed by multivariate analysis. Significant differences were found in some of biochemical and haematological variables between groups. The results of this study can be useful for appropriate clinical interpretation of laboratory results in donkeys.

Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 2017

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a highly promising method for estimating food quality i... more Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a highly promising method for estimating food quality in small mammals. The method used to prepare rodent stomach content samples, however, may influence nitrogenous substance results. In this study, we focus on comparing methods of preparation of samples and finding the optimal preparation method, which means saving time and costs as well as maintenance of reliability and precision of estimation. We examined 1497 stomachs of the following species: Apodemus flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, Clethrionomys glareolus and Microtus arvalis. We used two preparation methods (grinding and abrasion). Where possible, cardiac and pyloric stomach sections were also examined separately. We found no significant difference between these data, hence only financial, time and equipment factors need determine the processing method in future studies.

We examined the changes in the amount of nitrogenous substances in 1497 stomachs of four small fo... more We examined the changes in the amount of nitrogenous substances in 1497 stomachs of four small forest rodent species [yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), and common vole (Microtus arvalis)] using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The amount of nitrogenous substances varied from 9.31% to 65.39% of dry matter. Significant differences were observed between species, with both Apodemus species displaying higher variability and higher mean nitrogenous substance content in the diet compared with M. arvalis. Results for C. glareolus were intermediate for both variability and mean value. In general, concentrations of nitrogenous substances were higher in the diet of juveniles. Differences in diet composition (or ratio of nitrogenous substance) in different biotopes were only demonstrated for C. glareolus. Moreover, C. glareolus diet varied within the same biotope over different years. Clethrionomys gl...