The legacy of past droughts induces water-sparingly behaviour in Grüner Veltliner grapevines.

Drought is becoming more frequent and severe in numerous wine-growing regions. Nevertheless, limited research has examined the legacy of recurrent droughts, focusing on leaf physiology and anatomy over consecutive seasons. We investigated drought legacies (after 2 years of drought exposure) in potted grapevines, focusing on stomatal behaviour under well-watered conditions during the third year. Vines were subjected for two consecutive years to short- (SD) or long-term (LD) seasonal droughts, or well-watered conditions (WW). In the third year, all plants were grown without water limitation. Water potential and gas exchange were monitored throughout the three seasons, while leaf morpho-anatomical traits were measured at the end of the third year. During droughts (1st and 2nd year), stem water potential of SD and LD plants fell below -1.1 MPa, with a consequent 75% reduction in stomatal conductance (gs ) compared to WW. In the 3rd year, when all vines were daily irrigated to soil capacity (midday stem water potential ~ -0.3 MPa), 45% lower values of gs were observed in the ex-LD group compared to both ex-SD and ex-WW. Reduced midrib vessel diameter, lower leaf theoretical hydraulic conductivity, and smaller stomata were measured in ex-LD leaves compared to ex-SD and ex-WW, likely contributing to the reduced gas exchange. Our findings suggest that grapevines exposed to drought may adopt a more water-conserving strategy in subsequent seasons, irrespective of current soil water availability, with the degree of change influenced by the intensity and duration of past drought events.

Design of modular multi-channel electron spectrometers for application in laser matter interaction experiments at Prague Asterix Laser System.

This paper describes design, development, and implementation of a multi-channel magnetic electron spectrometer for the application in laser-plasma interaction experiments carried out at the Prague Asterix Laser System. Modular design of the spectrometer allows the setup in variable configurations to evaluate the angular distribution of hot electron emission. The angular array configuration of the electron spectrometers consists of 16 channels mounted around the target. The modules incorporate a plastic electron collimator designed to suppress the secondary radiation by absorbing the wide angle scattered electrons and photons inside the collimator. The compact model of the spectrometer measures electron energies in the range from 50 keV to 1.5MeV using ferrite magnets and from 250 keV to 5MeV using stronger neodymium magnets. An extended model of the spectrometer increases the measured energy range up to 21MeV or 35MeV using ferrite or neodymium magnets, respectively. Position to energy calibration was obtained using the particle tracking simulations. The experimental results show the measured angularly resolved electron energy distribution functions from interaction with solid targets. The angular distribution of hot electron temperature, the total flux, and the maximum electron energy show a directional dependence. The measured values of these quantities increase toward the target normal. For a copper target, the average amount of measured electron flux is 1.36 × 1011, which corresponds to the total charge of about 21 nC.

The risk of thromboembolism in relation to in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: Summary of available literature concerning recommendation of antithrombotic prophylaxis in the infertility treatment by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in pregnancies after IVF. DESIGN: Review article. SETTINGS: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc; Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc. METHODS: Analysis of literary sources and databases Medline, Web of Science, Scholar Google, 2010-2018. CONCLUSION: The incidence of thromboembolism in the first trimester of pregnancy after IVF is 0.2% e. g. 10-times higher compared to normal pregnant population. Pregnancies after IVF are complicated in 6-7% by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), they then have the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) 1.7% in the first trimester, what is 100-times higher as compared to the general population. Women after IVF without OHSS have a 5-times higher risk of VTE compared to the general population. To lower the risk of thromboembolism during treatment, use of low dose gonadotrophin (mild) stimulation protocols, prioritization of antagonistic stimulation protocols, avoidance of OHSS using GnRH agonists instead of hCG, cryo embryotransfer in natural cycles, reduction of incidence of multiple pregnancy by single embryo transfer, use of prophylactic and therapeutic low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is recommended. These strategies can reduce the risk of thromboembolism. The LMWH application is suitable in pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy after IVF where OHSS was present.

Mapping of exciton-exciton annihilation in a molecular dimer via fifth-order femtosecond two-dimensional spectroscopy.

We present a theoretical study on exciton-exciton annihilation (EEA) in a molecular dimer. This process is monitored using a fifth-order coherent two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy as was recently proposed by Dostál et al. [Nat. Commun. 9, 2466 (2018)]. Using an electronic three-level system for each monomer, we analyze the different paths which contribute to the 2D spectrum. The spectrum is determined by two entangled relaxation processes, namely, the EEA and the direct relaxation of higher lying excited states. It is shown that the change of the spectrum as a function of a pulse delay can be linked directly to the presence of the EEA process.

Magnetized plasma implosion in a snail target driven by a moderate-intensity laser pulse.

Optical generation of compact magnetized plasma structures is studied in the moderate intensity domain. A sub-ns laser beam irradiated snail-shaped targets with the intensity of about 1016 W/cm2. With a neat optical diagnostics, a sub-megagauss magnetized plasmoid is traced inside the target. On the observed hydrodynamic time scale, the hot plasma formation achieves a theta-pinch-like density and magnetic field distribution, which implodes into the target interior. This simple and elegant plasma magnetization scheme in the moderate-intensity domain is of particular interest for fundamental astrophysical-related studies and for development of future technologies.

Implantation and diagnostics of endometrial receptivity.

OBJECTIVE: Literature review of endometrial receptivity in embryo implantation and its diagnostic possibilities. DESIGN: Literature review. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc. RESULTS: Endometrial tissue is very dynamic, undergoing cyclic proliferation, differentiation and cell transportation, especially of immune system cells under the influence of circulating estradiol and progesterone. Endometrial remodelling during embryo implantation is controlled by decidual cells senescence and effectivity of their immunologic destruction. Endometrial receptivity can be assessed by transcriptomic profiling of endometrial biopsy using ERA system or proteomic analysis of either endometrial secretome or cervical mucus by gel electrophoresis (DIGE) or mass spectrometry (MS). CONCLUSION: With respect to recent discoveries in endometrial physiology and molecular biology, clinical application of proteomic approaches in research of potential biomarkers of endometrial receptivity could be of interest.

[Various approaches of endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer]. / Moznosti prípravy endometria ke kryoembryotransferu.

OBJECTIVE: Various approaches of endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Department of Obstetric and Gyneacology, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, University Hospital Olomouc. METHODS: Effectivity of frozen-thawed embryo transfers was carried out between January and August 2017 in the IVF unit at the University Hospital Olomouc. Results were compared among groups A, B, C with various approaches of endometrial preparation. Group A - natural ovulating cycle, group B - artificial cycle with oral estrogen, vaginal gestagen and group C - artificial cycle with transdermal estrogen and vaginal gestagen. One blastocyst (two blastocyst in five cycles) was transferred on day 6 post ovulation (group A) or after 6 days of using gestagens (group B, C). RESULTS: The highest pregnancy rate was observed in group C (56%), similar pregnancy rate was found in group B (52%) and the lowest was seen in group A (22%). All pregnancies in group A continued over 12 weeks, in group B continued 57 percent and in group C continued 56 percent of pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Frozen-thawed embryotransfers in natural cycles are highly time-consuming. Our study has demonstrated the lowest effectivity of frozen-embryotransfer in natural cycles. Artificial cycles managed by oral or transdermal form of estrogen have shown better results.

Synchronizing single-shot high-energy iodine photodissociation laser PALS and high-repetition-rate femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser system.

A system of precise pulse synchronization between a single-shot large-scale laser exploiting an acousto-optical modulator and a femtosecond high repetition rate laser is reported in this article. This opto-electronical system has been developed for synchronization of the sub-nanosecond kJ-class iodine photodissociation laser system (Prague Asterix Laser System-PALS) with the femtosecond 25-TW Ti:sapphire (Ti:Sa) laser operating at a repetition rate 1 kHz or 10 Hz depending on the required energy level of output pulses. At 1 kHz synchronization regime, a single femtosecond pulse of duration about 45 fs and a small energy less than 1 mJ are exploited as a probe beam for irradiation of a three-frame interferometer, while at 10 Hz repetition rate a single femtosecond pulse with higher energy about 7-10 mJ is exploited as a probe beam for irradiation of a two-channel polaro-interferometer. The synchronization accuracy ±100 ps between the PALS and the Ti:Sa laser pulses has been achieved in both regimes of synchronization. The femtosecond interferograms of laser-produced plasmas obtained by the three-frame interferometer and the femtosecond polarimetric images obtained by the two-frame polaro-interferometer confirm the full usefulness and correct functionality of the proposed method of synchronization.

[Comparison of vaginal use of micronized progesterone for the luteal support. Randomized study comparison of Utrogestan and Crinone 8]. / Srovnání vaginálního uzití mikronizovaného progesteronu k luteální podpore. Randomizovaná studie porovnávající Utrogestan a Crinone 8.

OBJECTIVE: The study was focused on comparison of efficiency, safety and tolerance of vaginal use of micronized progesterone in preparations Utrogestan and Crinone 8%. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, University Hospital, Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Into a prospective randomized study was, after calculation of 80% of the power of the study, α = 0,05, included 111 women in age between 18-40 with a basal value FSH < 10 IU/l and a normal finding in uteral cavity. After evaluation of efficiency of both preparations there was selected a fertilization rate, an implantation rate, a pregnancy rate and a take-home baby rate. Comparison of tolerance was made from evaluation of 21 parameters which were obtained through a questionnaire. RESULTS: There were not been proven any significant differences in efficiency between both preparations. Crinone 8% was in patients better tolerated. CONCLUSION: Luteal support within the IVF/ICSI-ET remains an integral part of the treatment. According to the outcomes of the study it seems to be more suitable to use a vaginal gel for the luteal support with micronized progesterone.

[Recurrent implantation failure and thrombophilia]. / Opakované selhání implantace embrya a trombofilie.

OBJECTIVE: Bring a comprehensive overview of the available knowledge about the importance of thrombophilic mutations in patients with recurrent implantation failure and summary of therapeutic options. DESIGN: Overview study. SETTING: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, University Hospital Olomouc. METHODS: Analysis of literary sources and databases Ovid, Medline. CONCLUSION: Failure of implantation in the context of assisted reproduction is associated with impaired endometrial receptivity. In women with normal anatomy may affect the implantation of embryos during stimulation hormonal changes, immunological factors or thrombophilic mutations. Recurrent implantation failure patients should be tested for the presence of thrombophilic mutations. Subsequently, these patients should be individually consulted and low molecular weight heparin should be used only in indicated cases. According to the available data treatment is recommended only in patients with known acquired or inherited thrombophilic disorder.

Low-level 45,X/46,XX mosaicism is not associated with congenital heart disease and thoracic aorta dilatation:prospective magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of risk factors for aortic dissection, such as bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation and ascending aorta dilatation, in women with low-level 45,X/46,XX mosaicism undergoing an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. METHODS: The study group comprised 25 women with low-level 45,X/46,XX mosaicism (ranging from 3.3% to 10.0%) who were referred to two reproductive medicine units between 2009 and 2013 because of infertility and who underwent subsequent karyotyping. In accordance with the recommendation of the Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for patients with Turner syndrome (TS), prior to the IVF procedure, all women underwent careful cardiovascular screening for congenital heart disease and thoracic aorta dilatation, including standard cardiac examination, echocardiography and non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Aortic size index (ASI, diameter of the ascending aorta normalized to body surface area) and the prevalence of coarctation of the aorta and of bicuspid aortic valve were compared with findings previously reported in women with TS and the general population. RESULTS: Bicuspid aortic valve without any stenosis or regurgitation was found in one woman in the study group with low-level 45,X/46,XX mosaicism, a statistically significantly lower prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve than that reported in women with TS. Aortic coarctation was not identified in any individual. The ASI was below the 95th percentile in all cases and the mean value was significantly lower than the mean reference values for both the general population and women with TS. CONCLUSION: Compared with the general population, the prevalence of risk factors for aortic dissection was not found to be higher in women with low-level 45,X/46,XX mosaicism without any noticeable features except infertility.

[Regional migrating osteoporosis - a case report]. / Regionální migrující osteoporóza -  diferenciálne dia-gnostický problém.

Regional migrating osteoporosis (RMO) was observed in young man with episodes of bone pain in bearing joints, which migrated from hip to leg and subsequently to knee on the unilateral side. Dynamic scintigraphy (SPECT) carried out during relapse of pain demonstrated increased accumulation of radioizotope in Lisfrank joint, distal epiphysis of femur and proximal epiphysis of tibia on the unilateral side due to hyperperfusion and high metabolic turnover in these regions of the skeleton. Dia-gnosis of RMO was confirmed by magnetic resonance (MRI), which showed bone marrow edema of corresponding regions. Although RMO is relatively benign disease with spontaneous remissions, infection etiology or the more serious avascular necrosis should be taken into account.

[Determination of anti-Müllerian hormone in women]. / Stanovení anti-Müllerova hormonu u zen.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein and belongs to the TGF-ß growth factors family. Our review describes the method of AMH determination in serum and follicular fluid. The reference values and changes in AMH levels during a womans life are also discussed. In addition, it is also presented the relationship between AMH, obesity, smoking and use of hormonal contraceptives. The focus of the work is the importance of the determination of AMH in clinical practice. In assisted reproduction has become its determination one of the tools to detect ovarian reserve. It helps not only predict reduced response to stimulation with gonadotropins but also the risk of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Benefits of the ovarian reserve detection using AMH serum levels are discussed in comparison with the antral follicle count (AFC) determined by ultrasound. Several clinical indications of AMH determination are mentioned in the next section. These are primarily the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a great challenge not only for the AMH testing, but there is an open space for further interdisciplinary cooperation. Endometriosis has no direct effect on ovarian reserve and AMH levels in serum. AMH is very sensitive tumor marker in the diagnostics and monitoring of ovarian granulosa cells tumors. Treatment of cancer disease burdens entire body, including healthy cells. Ovarian follicles are very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation. AMH is a good predictor of ovarian reserve damage during radio- and chemotherapy.

[Luteal support in the IVF/ET programme]. / Luteální podpora v programu IVF/ET.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to review the recent information about luteal support in the IVF/ET programme. DESIGN: Review article. CONCLUSIONS: The luteal phase support is a necessary part of treatment in stimulated cycles for IVF/ET.

[Muir-Torre syndrome--a phenotypic variant of Lynch syndrome]. / Muir-Torre syndrom--fenotypická varianta Lynchova syndromu.

Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) represents an autosomal dominantly inherited condition and is considered a phenotypic variant of the more common hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC), or Lynch syndrome. MTS combines at least one cutaneous neoplasm with sebaceous differentiation (e.g. sebaceoma, sebaceous adenoma, and sebaceous carcinoma), and at least one visceral malignancy. MTS is a genetic disorder caused by a germline mutation in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Tumors in MTS patients are characteristically associated with the loss of MMR protein expression and/or microsatellite instability (70%). Patients who are suspected to have MTS/Lynch syndrome are often identified by dermatologists, dermatopathologists/pathologists, gastroenterologists and gynecologists. If MTS is suspected on a clinicopathological ground, necessary additional laboratory investigations should be performed only in specialized pathological departments providing immunohistochemistry and molecular biologic analysis service.

[EmbryoGlue the transfer medium with hyaluronan in the IVF+ET program]. / Transferové médium s hyaluronanem embryoGlue v programu IVF+ET.

OBJECTIVE: To assess, if the replacement of serum albumin by recombinant human albumin and hyaluronan in EmbryoGlue transfer medium effects embryo implantation within IVF+ET programme. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, University Hospital, Olomouc. METHODS: 297 IVF cycles with the embryotransfer (ET) were evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of transfer medium (culture medium; G2.2, n = 112 and the transfer medium EmbyoGlue (EG) n = 185) and to three subgroups according to the age of the patients (< 30, 30-38, > 38). In both groups the following entry parameters were compared: average age, number of oocytes obtained, fertilization rate (FR), number of frozen embryos, number of transferred embryos. The outcome parameters compared were: pregnancy rate (PR), implantation rate (IR), abortions (AB) and the number of multiple pregnancies. RESULTS: In the group of patients up to 30 (EG = 72 vs. G2.2 = 51) and over 38 years of age EG = 18 vs. G2.2 = 18) no differences in input and output parameters have been discovered, while in the group of patients between 30 and 38 years of age (EG = 94 vs. G2.2 = 44) the results of EG group embryo implantation have been improved significantly (IR 27.7% vs. 153%, p < 0.01). No differences in any other output parameters have been encountered (PR 43.6% vs. 39.5%, AB 7.3% vs. 11.7%). CONCLUSION: Human serum albumin can be replaced by hyaluronan as a sole macromolecule in a human embryo transfer medium and by recombinant human albumin, without reduction of pregnancy rate (PR) and implantation rate (IR). Not only similar results were achieved in EG medium compared to currently used G2.2 medium, but in the group of 30-38 year old patients a statistically significant positive influence of EG on the implantation of embryos has been observed.

[Embryo quality evaluation according to the speed of the first cleavage after IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)]. / Kvalita embryí po ICSI v závislosti na rychlosti nástupu prvního bunecného delení.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morphological parameters of embryos obtained in the process of ICSI. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palacký University Medical School, Olomouc. METHODS: In the present study 1116 embryos developing after ICSI (IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure in the period of 2001-2004 were evaluated. The beginning of the mitotic cleavage was assessed within the interval of 22-27 hours after insemination. The embryos were divided into three groups according to the speed of their division as Early Cleavage (EC) embryos, where two blastomeres were present at the time of assessment, Break Down ProNuclei stage (BDPN) where the pronuclei had already disappeared, and ProNuclei (PN) embryos, where both pronuclei were still present. In these groups the degree of fragmentation was evaluated on day two of cultivation and embryos were divided into four categories as: A--regular blastomeres, without fragmentation, B--irregular blastomeres or fragmentation below 30%, C--fragmentation 30-50%, D--fragmentation above 50%. The speed of further cleavage and average number of blastomeres were evaluated on day two and three of cultivation. Statistical analysis was preformed at the Palacky University Computer Centre. The chi2 test and t-test for independent samples were used. RESULTS: EC embryos were found in 37.4%, BDPN in 33.1% and PN in 29.5%. The degree of fragmentation between evaluated groups of embryos were statistically significant (p = 0.000). EC embryos were less fragmented (p = 0.000), had more blastomeres at the time of evaluation (p = 0.000) and their speed of cleavage was faster (p = 0.000). The cleavage of EC embryos was faster in comparison with the PN group (p = 0.000), but there were no significant differences between the EC and BDPN groups on day two of cultivation. On day three significant differences were found also between the EC and BDPN groups (p = 0.000). The embryonic developmental arrest was found only in PN embryos. CONCLUSION: The speed of the first cell cleavage is a useful additional criterion for the embryo selection for embryotransfer. EC embryos usually have better morphology and more blastomeres than the BPDN and PN ones.

[Our experience with sub-Tenon's anesthesia in ophthalmic surgery]. / Nase zkusenosti s ocní chirurgií v sub-Tenonské anestezii.

The goal of the paper is to refer to and to inform about our own experiences with the Sub-Tenon's anesthesia in the surgery of the anterior as well as posterior segment of the eye. In cataract surgery it is equally efficient as the retrobulbar, peribulbar or topic anesthesia, and it is safer because no sharp needle is used. We operate on the posterior segment in sub-Tenon's anesthesia in patients with contraindicated general anesthesia because of their advanced age, decompensated diabetes mellitus or hypertension, in whom the pars plana vitrectomy is the only possibility to improve the patients' vision. Using the sub-Tenon's anesthesia, about 13.000 cataract surgeries and 127 pars plana vitrectomies without complications were performed. The simple pars plana vitrectomy may be realized at the outpatient basis as well.

[Prevention of multiple pregnancy after IVF/ICSI by elective single embryo transfer--pilot study]. / Prevence vícecetného tehotenství po metodé IVF/ICSI elektivním transferem jednoho embrya--pilotní studie.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the number of multiple pregnancies after IVF/ICSI treatment by an elective single embryo transfer, without significant reduction of pregnancy rate (PR). DESIGN: A pilot study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Olomouc. METHODS: The patients were devided into the three groups according to number and quality of transferred embryos: elective Single EmbryoTransfer (eSET, n = 14), Single EmbryoTransfer (SET, n = 21), and Double EmbryoTransfer--control group (DET, n = 85). After 3 days of cultivation the embryos were transferred. In all groups the following parameters were compared: age of the patient, number of oocytes obtained, fertilization rate, number of frozen embryos, pregnancy rate (PR), implantation rate (IR), abortions (AB) and the number of multiple pregnancy. RESULTS: In eSET group PR and (or IR) was 42.8%, in SET group PR and (or IR) was 19%. There were no monozygotic twins in these groups. In DET group PR was 40.7% and IR 25.9%. Nine of these 33 pregnancies were twins (27%). Because of small number of the patients detailed statistical analyses were not performed. CONCLUSION: An elective transfer of one "TOP" embryo can reduce the number of multiple pregnancies without significant decrease of pregnancy rate.

Post-mortem sperm retrieval in new European Union countries: case report.

This paper describes post-mortem sperm retrieval from a man who had given prior written consent to the retrieval and use of his sperm in assisted reproduction before his accidental death. The case illustrates some of the complex ethical and legal issues occurring in a new European Union (EU) country and the need for prior preparation by the medical teams involved. We also discuss a questionnaire sent to Centres of Assisted Reproduction in other new EU countries, which reveals a dearth of both legislation and guidelines for post-mortem sperm retrieval. If this method becomes more requested in these culturally diverse countries in the future, the situation demands public debate first of all at the national level.