1
Questionnaire
Summary of the main activities of a scientific Organisation
of the Slovak Academy of Sciences
Period: January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2006
I. Formal information on the assessed Organisation:
1. Legal name and address Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, 040 01
Košice, Slovakia
2. Executive body of the Organisation and its composition
Directoriat name age years in the position
director Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Juraj Koppel,DrSc. 52 1990-
deputy director Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Peter Javorský,DrSc. 56 1990-
scientific secretary Prof. MVDr. Vladimír Kmeť, DrSc. 55 2001-
3. Head of the Scientific Board
Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Štefan Faix, CSc.
4. Basic information about the research personnel i. Number of employees with a university degree (PhD students excluded)
engaged in research and development and their full time equivalent work capacity (FTE) in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and average number during the assessment period
2
ii. Organisation units/departments and their FTE employees with the university degree engaged in research and development
No. FTE No. FTE No. FTE No. FTE No. FTE
organisation in whole 28 26,09 30 27,22 30 27,88 27 26,18 28,75 26,843
unit 1 ###### ######
unit 2 ... ###### ######
###### ######
###### ######
###### ######
###### ######
###### ######
###### ######
###### ######
###### ######
Research staff2003 average200620052004
5. Basic information on the funding
i. Total salary budget1 of the Organisation allocated from the institutional resources of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and average amount for the assessment period
Salary budget 2003 2004 2005 2006 average
total salary budget (millions of SKK) 9,292 9,192 9,586 10,320 9,598 6. URL of the Organisation’s web site
http://www2.saske.sk/iap/
1 Sum of the brutto salaries without the fund contributions.
3
II. General information on the research and development activity of
the Organisation: 1. Mission Statement of the Organisation as presented in its Foundation
Charter The Institute was founded in 1964 as the Department of Animal Physiology of the
Institute of Experimental Biology and it has become an independent Institute since 1969. The
Institute is dealing with the basic research of animal physiology as the only one in Slovakia.
According the foundation charter the main function and the role of the Institute is the research
and development in veterinary, chemical, biological and agricultural-forestry sciences.
Another important mission of the Institute is the education of PhD students in veterinary
physiology, animal physiology and biochemistry. The Institute has a wide cooperation
network with universities and other research institutes in Slovakia and abroad.
2. Summary of R&D activity pursued by the Organisation during the assessed period, from both national and international aspects and its incorporation in the European Research Area (max. 10 pages)
During the assessed period (2003-2006) the scientific activities of Institute were
focused on research into animal digestive physiology, molecular microbial diagnostics and
GMO, functional foods, selenium metabolism, preimplantation embryo and apoptosis.
The approach oriented to the relationship “nutrition – microorganism – digestion –
host organism” is based on complex problem solving. As the experimental model the rumen
simulating system (Rusitec) was used, and experiments with animals were also performed.
The major aim was to obtain new information about host - microorganism interactions and
about the possibilities of manipulating the physiology of digestion using probiotics,
antimicrobial substances of plant origin, bacteriocines and polyunsaturated fatty acids with
respect to enzyme activities in enterocytes, antioxidant enzymes and to the production of
cytokines and about the role of microorganisms in enteritis. An important part of the research
investigated the possible replacement of feed antibiotics with essential oils (their
antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory effects) as well as the research of
selenium metabolism and excretion in relation to functional foods.
4
Essential oils and probiotics in projects of the State Program, APVV and VEGA
The most recent results of in vivo experiments (mice and chicken) reveal that the most
effective essential oils with anti-inflammatory effects are mainly cinnamon and rosemary, and
borneol (active compound of Salvia). The results show that administration of cinnamon as a
feed additive could reduce colon damage in TNBS-induced colitis. The decrease of E. coli
translocation from intestine to mesenteric lymphatic nodes was observed after peroral
administration of various cinnamon concentrations in mice. TNBS-induced colitis significantly increased the expression of pro-inflammatory
cytokines IL-1b and IL6, whereas treatment of animals with a combination of thyme and
oregano essential oils significantly decreased the level of cytokines.
The changes of bacterial adherence to intestinal surfaces were also studied in in vitro
experiments on Caco-2 cell lines. Decrease of E. coli adherence to Caco-2 cells after
application of various cinnamon and thyme concentrations was measured. Oregano and
cinnamon also in laboratory conditions had strong antimicrobial activities and represent
selection pressure similar to feed antibiotics. We observed statistically-significant increase in
MIC of commensal E. coli in amikacin, apramycin, streptomycin and neomycin in feces of
chicken fed with cinnamon-added feed in comparison to the control group of chicken.
The probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium EF2019 produces enterocin allotted to the
II. group of bacteriocins (thermo-stable substances) i.e. small peptides with a broad
antimicrobial inhibitory spectrum possessing molecular mass of about 3-10 kDa and with
optimal production in pH range 4-7. This strain also possesses structural genes for the
production of already-known enterocins, e.g. ent A, B and L50B.
Molecular diagnostics of microorganisms and GMO in projects of the State
Program, APVV, FP5 and VEGA
Within the frame of the State Program of Science and Development project
“Alternative ways for replacement of antibiotic–influencing of animal digestion physiology”,
our institute collaborated with the State Veterinary and Food Institute in Nitra using Real-
Time PCR to develop a method for quantification of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in
cattle feces samples suspected of paratuberculosis, whereever IS 900 sequence was confirmed
in cow feces samples.
5
Several rare isoschisomers were identified from rumen treponemas. Modification
methyltransferases show dual functionality, when some of them participate in regulation of
other cellular processes. However, the dual functionality is exclusive, as methylases of
restriction-modification systems never use the same sequence compared to enzymes with
regulatory functions. For the first time we observed the concurrent presence of adenine
methylation, probably with regulatory function; and cytosine methylation, a part of the
restriction-modification system, recognizing identical GATC sequences in Mitsuokella
multiacida. The presence of two methyl groups in close proximity sterically interferes with
binding of DNA interacting proteins. Statistical analysis of available plasmid sequences, a
natural restriction-modification system target, indicates that there is significant
underrepresentation of GATC sequences in plasmid genomes.
To evaluate the safety of GMO, the potential risk of natural gene transfer from
modified corn (Zea mays) to environmental microorganisms was analyzed. A set of “marker
rescue” vectors was developed for application in bacterial species Erwinia stuartii. The results
obtained indicate that while easily transformable under in vitro conditions, no transfer was
detected from modified Bt176 corn to phytopatogenetic E. stuartii strain during long-term
experiment trials. Based on this observation natural gene transfer from modified corn to
environmental microorganisms does not contribute any measurable risks.
In the framework of the FP5 ERCULE project the first European rumen ciliate
collection was established. A rapid molecular method for identification of rumen protozoa
was developed based on ARDRA analysis. Using DGGE analysis the variability of rumen
protozoa was analyzed. We have characterized archaebacteria symbiotically living with ciliate
cells.
In the subsequent FP5 CIMES project, a unique ciliate genome organization was used
for studying the safety of genetically-modified organisms. We have shown that rumen ciliate
possesses a unique genome organization with macronuclear “midi”chromosomes ranging in
size from 25 -100 kbp. Analysis of bacterial populations associated with protozoa indicated
that even a single protozoal cell is very complex microbial ecosystem, and that changes in
associated bacterial populations help protozoa deal with environmental stress. The most
important finding was that despite the existence of horizontal gene transfer on a historical
scale, transfer frequencies in the real world and gene transfer associated risks are negligible.
6
Functional foods (starter culture, PUFA and selenium)
In the framework of the FP5 project “Tradisausage”, decarboxylase-negative strain
Staphylococcus xylosus S03/1M/1/2 was selected with sufficient adhesive ability to human
mucosa. This strain was applied as a new protective additive during fermented sausage
processing. Sufficient counts of the strain S03/1M/1/2 were enumerated in the final product
even after 4 weeks of ripening. Moreover, the sensoric properties as well as technological
quality of the final product were well maintained, and in addition spoilage bacteria were
reduced.
The supplementation (5%, wt.wt-1) of microbial oil (MO), borage oil (BO) and
evening primrose oil (EPO) to the diet consisting of 60% hay and 40% barley on lipid
metabolism in artificial rumen (Rusitec) was studied. All oils contained gamma- linolenic acid
(GLA) – MO (8.4%), BO (23.7%) and EPO (9.2%) respectively. The supplementation of the
oils increased the concentrations of trans C18:1 isomers and stearic acid. CLA concentration
increased 2.3, 1.2, and 2.1 times with MO, EPO and BO respectively. Moreover, TVA
concentration in effluent was increased by the oil supplements. Finally, the supplementation
of the oils MO, EPO and BO to mixed diet in vitro caused incomplete biohydrogenation of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and was characterized by higher TVA concentration
and higher TVA/C18:0 ratio in experimental diets.
Experiments on chickens fed with diets enriched with various forms of selenium
showed that intake of organic Se (selenized yeast) resulted in significantly higher retention of
Se in body deposits (mainly in striated muscle) than the inorganic form of this essential
microelement. The major contribution of using selenized yeast in animal feedstuffs is the
increased transfer of this essential element via the food chain to the human population. In
cooperation with the companies Novogal a. s. Dvory nad Žitavou and PG Trade s.r.o.
Komárno, we contributed to the development of selenized egg production as functional food.
The eggs of size L from laying hens fed diets enriched with selenized yeast reached a total Se
content per egg of 18-20 µg after only 6 weeks of treatment. The integration of organic
selenium into the food chain could aid in improving the health of the human population,
which is subject to widespread selenium deficiency in Slovakia as well as in the majority of
EU countries.
7
Intestinal physiology in VEGA projects and FP5
Within the project focusing on investigation of functional maturation of the small
intestine in relation to early nutritional events, it was found that postnatal nutritional
experiences (overnutrition or undernutrition) might be a predisposing factor involved in long-
term alteration of the small intestine function and energetic metabolisms, as well as in somatic
development. After high-fat diet feeding in the subsequent periods of these animals’ life,
permanently increased small intestinal alkaline phosphatase, hypertrophy of intestinal mucose
(increased protein/DNA ratio) as well as atendency to increased body fat accretion were
observed. These long-term biochemical and functional changes of the small intestine
associated with alterations in efficiency of food digestion could be considered as a significant
factor in the development of obesity. From this point of view the obtained results on early
nutrition may be important for better understanding the function of the small intestine in the
etiology of obesity and the occurrence of susceptibility or resistance to diet-induced obesity in
later life.
Selenium metabolism in VEGA projects
Experiments on laying hen hybrid Shaver Starcross 288 showed that dietary
supplementation with selenized yeast is more effective in maintenance of both antioxidant and
selenium status of birds than with selenite. The positive consequence of the body formation of
selenomethionine deposits in chickens appears to be a high mobility of selenium during stress
and/or diseases of birds. Effects of selenium on chicken immunocompetent cells assessed by
immunohistochemical analysis of differentiation of T lymphocytes CD3+, CD4+ and CD8 in
duodenal lamina propria, caecal tonsils and bursa of Fabricius showed positive correlation
with Se intake.
The excretion routes of selenium were investigated in sheep after intravenous selenite
loading. The most quantitatively significant Se excretion was by found in urine, but the
increase in Se fecal concentration suggested also secretion of some unidentified Se-
metabolites into the digestive tract. The delayed peak of selenium urinary excretion (3 hours
after the end of selenite infusion) suggests unspecific bindings of dihydrogen selenide and/or
other Se metabolites to plasma albumin with their later release and subsequent excretion.
8
The principal characteristics of renal selenium excretion in sheep after selenite
infusion were established in standard clearance experiments. Despite extremely rapid
selenium excretion due to 7-fold increased Se level in plasma, the factor limiting its
glomerular filtration appears to be some unspecific bindings of intermediate selenite
metabolites on plasma proteins. Nevertheless, the rapid Se elimination after selenite
administration suggests low bioavailability of this inorganic source of selenium for farm
animals.
Apoptosis and preimplantation embryo in VEGA and APVV projects
In our study on G protein-coupled receptors, we were the first to show that several
types of adrenergic receptors are expressed in mouse preimplantation embryos and ovulated
oocytes. The results of our in vitro experiments showed that stimulation of the identified
adrenergic receptors by specific ligands can influence cell-proliferative activity in the
preimplantation embryo. Epinephrine and norepinephrine can then, via these receptors,
directly affect the embryo development in very early pregnancy – before embryo implantation
into the uterus.
The complete profile of the occurrence of spontaneous and induced apoptosis was
compiled at all stages of preimplantation development of mouse and rabbit embryos.
Apoptotic processes evaluated in blastocysts generally displayed similar characteristics as
apoptotic processes described in fully-differentiated somatic cells. A relatively high portion of
blastocysts derived in vivo or produced in vitro showed the presence of at least one apoptotic
cell. The observed apoptotic cells showed the typical morphological and biochemical features
of apoptosis, but their incidence was species-specific – rabbit blastocysts showed significantly
lower frequency of spontaneous apoptosis than mouse blastocysts. Nevertheless, blastocysts
of both species were able to respond to the presence of an apoptotic inductor, and showed
significantly higher incidence of apoptotic cells. During early development, preceding the
blastocyst stage, the appearance of spontaneous apopotosis was sporadic and its presence was
observed only at stages following embryonic genome activation (EGA). The susceptibility of
embryos to the apoptotic inductor in the early stages was much lower – the inductor did not
increase the incidence of apoptotic embryos or apoptotic cells. However, it had a negative
effect on embryo growth and triggered earlier appearance of some apoptotic features.
9
We were also the first to show that DNA helicase II synthesis (controls nucleic acids
metabolism) drop to 40% level at the end of the growing stage, immediately before meiosis
resumption. During the growing period DNA helicase II is localized in the nucleolus, but at
the end of that stage it is re-localized to the nucleolus periphery. We showed for the first time
that DNA helicase II location is different when comparing growing oocytes with somatic cells
in the analogical cell cycle stage. During resumption of meiosis, the oocyte nucleus breaks
down and chromatin condenses. These events bear direct relation to activation of cyclin-
dependent kinase CDK1. Our results showed that Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) plays a key role
in the pathway downward to CDK1 to be activated immediately before meiosis resumption.
These primary results of basic science could be used later for a new biotechnology strategy of
assisted reproduction.
During the assessed period (2003-2006) the cited original results confirm the leading
role of Institute on national and international level in the research of animal digestive
physiology and related molecular microbial diagnostics, as well as in the research of
functional foods, selenium metabolism, preimplantation embryo and apoptosis.
III. Partial indicators of the main activities: 1. Research output
i. List of the selected publications documenting the most important results of basic research. Total number of publications in the whole assessed period should not exceed the average number of the research employees
[1] LENG, L. - BOBCEK, R. - KURICOVA, S. - BOLDIZAROVA, K. -
GRESAKOVA, L. - SEVCIKOVA, Z. - REVAJOVA, V. - LEVKUTOVA, M. -
LEVKUT, M. Comparative metabolic and immune responses of chickens fed diets
containing inorganic selenium and Sel-PlexTM organic selenium. In Lyons, T. P. and
Jacques, K. A. Nutritional Biotechnology in the Feed and Food Industries.
Notingham: Nottingham University Press, Nottingham 2003. ISBN 1-897676-40-9. p.
131-145.
[2] BOLDIZAROVA, K. - GRESAKOVA, L. - FAIX, S. - LEVKUT, M. - LENG, L.
Urinary selenium excretion in selenite-loaded sheep and subsequent Se dynamics in
10
blood constituents. In: Reproduction, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 43, 2003, p.
385-393.
[3] FABIAN, D. – REHAK, P. – CZIKKOVA, S. - ILKOVA, G. – BARAN, V. –
KOPPEL, J. Induced cell death of preimplantation mouse embryos cultured in vitro
evaluated by comet assay. In Theriogenology. Vol. 60, 2003, p. 691-706.
[4] STYRIAK, I. - LJUNGH, Å. Binding of extracellular matrix molecules by enterococci.
In Current Microbiology. Vol. 46, no. 6, 2003, p. 435-442.
[5] BARAN, V. - PAVLOK, A. - BJERREGAARD, B. - WRENZYCKI, C. -
HERMANN, D. - PHILIMONENKO, VV. - LAPATHITIS, G. - HOZAK, P. -
NIEMANN, H. - MOTLIK, J. Immunolocalization of upstream binding factor and
pocket protein p130 during final stages of bovine oocyte growth. In Biology of
Reproduction. Vol. 70, no. 4 (2004), p. 877-86.
[6] FABIAN, D. - ILKOVA, G. - REHAK, P. - CZIKKOVA, S. - BARAN, V. -
KOPPEL, J. Inhibitory effect of IGF-I on induced apoptosis in mouse preimplantation
embryos cultured in vitro. In Theriogenology. Vol. 61, no. 4 (2004), p. 745-55.
[7] KISIDAYOVA, S. - VARADYOVA, Z. Potential of galvanotaxis to separation and
cleaning of rumen ciliates. Journal of Microbiological Methods. Vol. 57, (2004), p.
65-68.
[8] MOZES, S. - SEFCIKOVA, Z. - LENHARDT, L. - RACEK, L. Effect of
adrenalectomy on the activity of small intestine enzymes in monosodium glutamate
obese rats. In Physiological Research. Vol. 53, no. 4 (2004), p. 415-22.
[9] MOZES, S. - SEFCIKOVA, Z. - LENHARDT, L. - RACEK, L. Obesity and changes
of alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestine of 40- and 80-day-old rats
subjected to early postnatal overfeeding or monosodium glutamate. In Physiological
Research. Vol. 53, no. 2 (2004), p.177-86.
[10] PIKNOVA, M. - FILOVA, M. - JAVORSKY, P. - PRISTAS, P. Different
restriction and modification phenotypes in ruminal lactate-utilizing bacteria. In FEMS
Microbiology Letters. Vol. 236, no. 1 (2004), p. 91-5
[11] STROMPFOVA, V. - LAUKOVA, A. - OUWEHAND, A. C. Selection of
enterococci for potential canine probiotic additives. In Veterinary Microbiology. Vol.
100, no. 1-2 (2004), p. 107-114.
[12] CIKOS, S. - VESELA, J. - ILKOVA, G. - REHAK, P. - CZIKKOVA, S. -
KOPPEL, J. Expression of beta adrenergic receptors in mouse oocytes and
11
preimplantation embryos. In Molecular Reproduction and Development. Vol. 71,
(2005), p. 145-153.
[13] FABIAN, D. - KOPPEL, J. - MADDOX-HYTTEL, P. Apoptotic processes
during mammalian preimplantation development. In Theriogenology. Vol. 64, (2005),
p. 221-231.
[14] FAIX, S. - FAIXOVA, Z. - BOLDIZAROVA, K. - JAVORSKY, P. The effect
of long-term high heavy metal intake on lipid peroxidation of gastrointestinal tissue in
sheep. In Veterinary Medicine-Czech. Vol. 50, (2005), p. 401-405.
[15] JALC, D. - SZUMACHER - STRABEL, M. - POTKANSKI, A. - CIESLAK,
A. Effect of sunflower, linseed and fish oils on the production of trans fatty acids in
vitro. In Berliner und Munchener tierarztliche Wochenschrift. Vol. 118, (2005), p.
430-435
[16] JALC, D.- POTKANSKI, A. - SZUMACHER - STRABEL, M. - CIESLAK,
A. – CERTIK, M. Effect of microbial oil, evening primrose oil and borage oil on
rumen fermentation in vitro. In Veterinary Medicine –Czech. Vol. 50, (2005), p. 480-
486
[17] KISIDAYOVA, S. - VARADYOVA, Z. - MICHALOWSKI, T. -
NEWBOLD, C. J. Regeneration of cryoresistance of in vitro rumen ciliate cultures. In
Cryobiology. Vol. 51, (2005), p.76-84.
[18] PETROVIC, V. - BOLDIZAROVA, K. - FAIX, S. - KOWALCZYK, J. -
CZAUDERNA, M. - MELLEN, M. - LENG, L. Excretion routes and distribution of
selenium in sheep tissues after selenite loading. In Journal of Animal and Feed
Sciences. Vol. 14, (2005), p. 303-306.
[19] PIKNOVA, M. - JAVORSKY, P. - PRISTAS, P. Multiple restriction-
modification systems are present in rumen treponemes. In FEMS Microbiology Letters.
Vol. 251, no. 1 (2005), p. 99-103
[20] PRISTAS, P. - PIKNOVA, M. Underrepresentation of short palindromes in
Selenomonas ruminantium DNA: evidence for horizontal gene transfer of restriction and
modification systems. In Canadian Journal of Microbiology. Vol. 51, no. 4 (2005), p.
315-318
[21] SPRINCOVA, A. - JAVORSKY, P. - PRISTAS, P. pSRD191, a new member of
RepL replicating plasmid family from Selenomonas ruminantium. In Plasmid. Vol. 54,
no 1 (2005), p. 39-47.
12
[22] VARADYOVA, Z. - BARAN, M. - ZELENAK, I. Comparison of two in vitro
fermentation gas production methods using both rumen fluid and faecal inoculum
from sheep. In Animal Feed Science and Technology 123-124, 2005, 81-94.
[23] BARAN, V. - KOVAROVA, H. - KLIMA, J. - HOZAK, P. - MOTLIK, J.
Re-localization of nuclear DNA helicase II during the growth period of bovine
oocytes In Histochemistry and Cell Biology. Vol. 125, (2006), p.155-164.
[24] FABIAN, D. - SABOL, M. - DOMARACKA, K. - BUJNAKOVA, D.
Essential oils-their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and effect on
intestinal cell viability. In Toxicology in vitro. Vol. 20, no. 8 (2006), p. 1435-45.
[25] HOROSOVA, K. - BUJNAKOVA, D.- KMET, V. Effect of Lactobacilli on E.
coli Adhesion to Caco2 Cells in Vitro. In Folia Microbiologica. Vol. 51, no.4 (2006), p.
281–282.
[26] HOROSOVA,K. - BUJNAKOVA, D.- KMET, V. Effect of Oregano Essential
Oil on Chicken Lactobacilli and E. coli. In Folia Microbiologica. Vol. 51, no.4 (2006) p.
278–280.
[27] SIMONOVA, M. - STROMPFOVA, V. - MARCINAKOVA, M. -
LAUKOVA, A.-VESTERLUND, S. - MORATALLA, M.L. - BOVER-CID, S. -
VIDAL-CAROU, C. Characterization of Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus
carnosus isolated from Slovak meat products. In Meat Science. Vol. 73, no. 4 (2006),
p. 559-564.
[28] STROMPFOVA, V. - MARCINAKOVA, M. - SIMONOVA, M. - BOGOVIC-
MATIJASIC, B. - LAUKOVA, A. Application of potential probiotic Lactobacillus
fermentum AD1 strain in healthy dogs. In Anaerobe. Vol. 12 , no. 1 (2006), p. 75-79.
[29] VARADYOVA, Z. - KISIDAYOVA, S. - MIHALIKOVA, K. - BARAN, M.
Influence of natural magnesium sources on the in vitro fermentation and protozoan
population in the rumen fluid collected from sheep. In Small Ruminant Research, Vol.
61, (2006), p. 63-71.
ii. List of monographs/books published abroad
[1]
[2] …
iii. List of monographs/books published in Slovakia
13
[1] KACANIOVA, M. - BOBCEK, R. - KMET, V. - ANGELOVICOVA, M. Kŕmne doplnky
ako nahrada antibiotik a ďalsie aplikacie. Nitra: SPU, 2005, 78 s. ISBN 80-8069-589-
X.
iv. List of other scientific outputs specifically important for the Organisation
[1]
[2] …
v. Table of research outputs Table Research outputs shows research outputs in number of specified entries; these
entries are then divided by FTE employees with a university degree (from Tab. Research
staff) for all Organisation at the respective year; finally these entries are divided by the
total salary budget (from Tab. Salary budget).9
14
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
lary
bud
get
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
lary
bud
get
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
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get
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ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
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bud
get
num
ber
aver
aged
num
ber
per y
ear
av. N
o. /
FTE
av. N
o. /
sala
ry
budg
et
chapters in monographs, books published abroad 1 0,04 0,11 0 0,00 0,00 0 0,00 0,00 0 0,00 0,00 1 0,3 0,01 0,03
chapters in monographs, books published in Slovakia
0 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0 0,0 0,00 0,00
CC publications 31 1,19 3,34 37 1,36 4,03 36 1,29 3,76 42 1,60 4,07 146 36,5 1,36 3,80
scientific publications indexed by other databases (CAB)
4 0,15 0,43 7 0,26 0,76 4 0,14 0,42 4 0,15 0,39 19 4,8 0,18 0,49
scientific publications in other journals 1 0,04 0,11 0,00 0,00 2 0,07 0,21 0,00 0,00 3 1,5 0,06 0,16
publications in proc. of international scientific conferences
9 0,34 0,97 16 0,59 1,74 22 0,79 2,30 22 0,84 2,13 69 17,3 0,64 1,80
publications in proc. of nat. scientific conferences 2 0,08 0,22 1 0,04 0,11 0,00 0,00 7 0,27 0,68 10 3,3 0,12 0,35
active participations at international conferences 30 1,15 3,23 25 0,92 2,72 39 1,40 4,07 41 1,57 3,97 135 33,8 1,26 3,52
active participations at national conferences 1 0,04 0,11 10 0,37 1,09 10 0,36 1,04 13 0,50 1,26 34 8,5 0,32 0,89
total
Research outputs
2003 2004 2005 2006
15
vi. Renormalized publications2 Renormalized publications = number of CC publications in the given year times
authorship’s portion of the Organisation times the journal impact factor in 2005 divided by
the median impact factor in the research field
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
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get
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No.
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No.
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get
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ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
lary
bud
get
Renormalized publications 15,6 0,60 1,68 20,3 0,74 2,21 17,8 0,64 1,86 12,9 0,49 1,25
2006
Renormalised publications
2003 2004 2005
vii. Standard manuscript page count3
num
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No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
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get
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ber
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No.
/ sa
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page count 0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0
2006
Standard manuscript page count
2003 2004 2005
viii. List of patents and patent applications The World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO
[1] Gregor P, Harris N, Koppel J: Methods of screening for anti-inflammatory drugs and
use thereof. Publication number: WO2004059278, Publication date: 2004-07-15.
[2] Gregor P; Harris N; Koppel J; Zhuk R. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising
thieno[2,3-c]pyridine derivatives and use thereof. Publication number:
WO2004069149, Publication date: 2004-08-19.
2 This information is required only from the Organisations of the Section 2 of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. 3 This information is required only from the Organisations of the Section 3 of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
16
[3] Gregor P; Harris N; Koppel J; Zhuk R. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising anti-
inflammatory quinazolinecarboxamide derivatives. Publication number:
WO2005089068, Publication date: 2005-09-29.
ix. Supplementary information and/or comments on the scientific output of the
Organisation
2. Responses to the scientific output Table Citations shows specified responses to the scientific outputs; these entries are
then divided by the FTE employees with a university degree (from Tab. Research staff)
for all Organisation at the respective year; finally these entries are divided by the total
salary budget (from Tab. Salary budget).
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
lary
bud
get
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
lary
bud
get
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
lary
bud
get
num
ber
No.
/ FT
E
No.
/ sa
lary
bud
get
num
ber
aver
aged
num
ber
per y
ear
av. N
o. /
FTE
av. N
o. /
sala
ry
budg
et
Web of Science 85 3,3 9,1 111 4,1 12,1 91 3,3 9,5 94 3,6 9,1 381 95,3 3,5 39,7
Scopus 0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0 6 0,2 0,6 3 0,1 0,3 9 2,3 0,1 0,9
ProQuest 0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0 13 0,5 1,3 13 3,3 0,1 1,4
in monographs, conf. proceedings and other publications abroad
3 0,1 0,3 1 0,0 0,1 5 0,2 0,5 10 0,4 1,0 19 4,8 0,2 2,0
in monographs, conf. proceedings and other publications in Slovakia
0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0 0 0,0 0,0 5 0,2 0,5 5 1,3 0,0 0,5
Citations
total2002 2003 2004 2005
17
i. List of 10 top-cited publications and number of their citations in the assessment period
1. PAMPFER S., - VANDERHEYDEN I., - MCCRACKEN J., - VESELA J., - DE HERTOGH R.: Increased cell death in rat blastocysts exposed to maternal diabetes in utero and to high glucose or tumor necrosis factor-α in vitro. Development 124, 1997, 4827-4836. Cited 28 times
2. LUCCHINI F., - KMET V., - CESENA C. COPPI L, BOTTAZZI V, MORELLI L. : Specific detection of a probiotic Lactobacillus strain in faecal samples by using multiplex PCR. FEMS Microbiol. Letters 158, 1998, 273-278 Cited 13 times
3. MOROVSKY, M., PRISTAS, P., CZIKKOVA, S., JAVORSKY, P.: A bacteriocin-mediated antagonism by Enterococcus faecium BC25 against ruminal Streptococcus bovis. Microbiol. Res., 153, 1998, 1-5. Cited 11 times
4. LAUKOVA, A. - MAREKOVA, M.-JAVORSKY, P: Detection and antimicrobial spectrum of a bacteriocin-like substance produced by Enterococcus faecium CCM4231. In Letters in Applied Microbiology, V16, no. 5, 1993, p.257-260. Cited 10 times
5. MOROVSKY, M. - PRISTAS, P. - JAVORSKY, P. Bacteriocins of ruminal bacteria. FOLIA MICROBIOLOGICA 46 (1): 61-62 2001 Cited 10 times
6. LAUKOVA, A.-MAREKOVA, M. Production of bacteriocins by different enterococcal isolates. In: Folia Microbiologica. Vol.46, no.1, 2001, p.49-52. Cited 10 times
7. LAUKOVA, A. - CZIKKOVA, S. The use of enterocin CCM4231 in soy milk to control the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. In Journal of Applied Microbiology (1999), vol. 87, p. 182-186. Cited 9 times
8. KMET, V. – LUCCHINI, F.: Aggregation-promoting factor in human vaginal Lactobacillus strains. FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 19, 111-114, 1997 Cited 9 times
9. LAUKOVA A.- VLAEMYNCK G.-CZIKKOVA S. Effect of enterocin CCM4231 on Listeria monocytogenes in Saint-Paulin cheese. In: Folia Microbiologica. Vol. 46, no. 2, 2001, p. 157-160. Cited 8 times
10. JALC,D.- NERUD,F.- ZITNAN,R.- SIROKA,P.: The effect of white-rot basidomycetes on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of wheat straw. In: Folia Microbiologica, 41(1),1996, 73-75 Cited 8 times
11. List of top-cited authors from the Organisation (at most 10 % of the research
employees) and their number of citations in the assessment period
[1] MVDr. Andrea Lauková , PhD – 118 citations
[2] Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Juraj Koppel, DrSc. – 68 citations
[3] Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Peter Javorský, DrSc. – 60 citations
12. Supplementary information and/or comments on responses to the scientific output of the Organisation
The scientific output of the Institute during assessed period (2003-2006) comprises 146 CC
publications. The significant proportion (76 from 146) of these papers was published in
veterinary (43 papers, field median - 0,53), agricultural (30 papers, field median – 0,788) and
food sciences (3 papers, field median – 0,708). This distribution corresponds well to the
18
framework of the Institute foundation charter but it explains also why the number of citations
is apparently low.
3. Research status of the Organisation in the international and national context
• International/European position of the Organisation i. List of the most important research activities documenting international
importance of the research performed by the Organisation, incl. major projects (details of projects should be supplied under Indicator 4). Collective membership in the international research organisations, in particular within the European Research Area
[4] Participation in FP5 5 RTD projects: QLK1-CT-1999-00226 Food PCR, QLRI-CT-
2000-01455 Ercule, QLK3-CT-2002-02151 CIMES, QLK1-CT-2002-02240
Tradisausage, QLK1-CT-2002-02240 Diet and Obesity
[5] Participation in FP5 CA - QLK2-CT-2001-01267 Genus Clostridium
[6] Associated partner in FP5 RTD project EVK2 – 2002 – 000538 Lake Baikal
ii. List of international conferences (co-) organised by the Organisation
[1] ISAM 2003, International Symposium on Anaerobic Microbiology, June 2003, Košice
[2] XXIst Conference on Animal Physiology, September 2004, Košice
iii. List of international journals edited/published by the Organisation
[1]
[2] …
iv. List of edited proceedings from international scientific conferences and other
proceedings
[1] Proceedings of the ISAM 2003, International Symposium on Anaerobic Microbiology,
June 2003, Košice
[2] Proceedings of the International scientific conference – XXIst Conference on Animal
Physiology, September 2004, Košice
19
• National position of the Organisation i. List of selected most important national projects (Centres of Excellence,
National Reference Laboratories, Agency for the Promotion of Research and Development (APVV/APVT), National Research Programmes, Scientific Grant Agency of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Education
(VEGA), and others) [1] Principal investigators of 5 RTD APVT/APVV projects: APVT-51-012602 Microbial
genetic ecology of digestive tract, APVT-51-006204, Analysis of apoptotic processes
in preimplantation embryo, APVT-51-015404 Plant extracts - antiinflammatory,
immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and antimutagenic effects in animals, APVT-51-
007604 Environmental risks associated with DNA transfer from genetically modified
plants to microorganisms, APVT-51-004804 Effects of subtoxic concentrations of
mycotoxins in feed components produced in Slovak Republic on immunity and
antioxidant status of poultry
[2] Participations in 3 RTD APVT/APVV projects: APVT-51-036102 Advanced coal
materials on the base of Slovak raw materials for sustainable development, APVT-
51-006304 Modification of conditions for bacterial activity optimalization in processes
of non-metallic raw materials treatments, APVV-20-041605 The complex solving of
salmonelosis prevention with immunomodulators in poultry
[3] Principal investigator in one RTD project in the framework of State Program of
Science and Development SP 51/028 09 00/028 09 06 - Alternative ways of
antibiotic replacement – influencing of digestion physiology in animals
[4] Principal investigators in 9 VEGA projects
ii. List of national scientific conferences (co)-organised by the Organisation
[1] Scientific conference “New trends in veterinary physiology”, October 2006, Košice
[2] …
iii. List of national journals published by the Organisation
[1]
[2] …
20
iv. List of edited proceedings of national scientific conferences/events
[1] Fabian, D. Proceedings of Scientific conference “New trends in veterinary
physiology”, October 2006, Košice: Institute of Animal Physiology SAS, 2006. 75 p.
ISBN 80-968618-1-6.
[2] …
• International/European position of the individual researchers i. List of invited/keynote presentations at international conferences, documented
by an invitation letter or programme
[1] Pristas P.: How many rumen bacteria are there: lessons from Selenomonas
ruminantium. International Symposium on Anaerobic Microbiology, Jablonna near
Warsaw, Poland, September 2005. Opening plenary lecture.
[2] Lauková, A., Burdová, O., Strompfová, V., Marcinaková, M, Mareková, M. Kuzmová,
R. Bacteriocins, enterocins and their antimicrobial effect in dairy products. European
Dairy Congress-Milk and dairy products, Portorož, Slovenia, November, 2003. Invited
lecture.
ii. List of employees who served as members of the organising and/or programme committees for international conferences
[1] Javorsky P. International symposium on anaerobe microbiology ISAM-2005-
Warsaw, Poland
[2] Javorsky,P Structure and stability of proteins SSP-2003, Kosice, Slovakia;
[3] Javorsky,P Structure and stability of biomacromulecules SSB-2005, Kosice, Slovakia
iii. List of employees who served as members of important international scientific
bodies (e.g. boards, committees, editorial boards of scientific journals)
[1] Dr. J. Koppel – evaluator – rapporteur in evaluation panels for FP6 projects 2003-
2006
[2] Dr. L. Leng – member of Panel on additives and products or substances used in
animal feed [FEEDAP] – European Food Safety Authority
[3] Dr. L. Leng – member – rapporteur of Standing Working Group on “Trace Elements”
FEEDAP – European Food Safety Authority
21
[4] Dr. M. Baran – member of editorial boards - Electronic Journal of Agricultural Polish
Universities, Acta Scientiarum Polonarum
[5] Dr. A. Lauková – member of editorial board – International Journal of Probiotics and
Prebiotics
iv. List of international scientific awards and distinctions
[1]
[2] …
• National position of the individual researchers i. List of invited/keynote presentations at national conferences documented by
an invitation letter or programme
[1] Kmet V., Ohlasova D.: Metalobetalaktamazy ako pricina multirezistencie
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Molekularna charakteristika a moznosti fenotypickej
identifikacie. VIII. Odborna konferencia sekcie klinickej mikrobiologie SLK,
Bobrovecka dolina 19-21.5. 2006.
ii. List of employees who served as members of organising and programme committees of national conferences
[1]
iii. List of employees serving in important national scientific bodies (e.g. boards, committees, editorial boards of scientific journals)
[1] Dr. Koppel - Member of Slovak Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Member of
Learned Society of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Member of Council of Slovak
Academy of Sciences for the Centres of Excellence, Member of the Council of
Agricultural and Forestry Sciences of Slovak Research and Development Agency
[2] Dr. Kmet – Member of Working group: biology of Council of Natural Sciences of
Slovak Research and Development Agency
[3] Dr. Koppel, Dr. Javorský – members of working groups of the Assessment
Commission of the Ministry of Education.
[4] Dr. Javorský – Head of East Slovakian branch of Slovak Society of Biochemistry
22
[5] Dr. Pristas, Dr. Lauková, Dr. Mozes – members of councils of VEGA agency
iv. List of national awards and distinctions
[1] Dr. J. Koppel – Honour Medal for the Development of Research in Biology – 2004,
Slovak Academy of Sciences
[2] Dr. P. Pristas, Dr. P. Javorsky – Award of Slovak Academy of Sciences for the
Research Results in 2005
Supplementary information and/or comments documenting international and national status of the Organisation
4. Project structure, research grants and other funding resources
• International projects and funding i. List of major projects within the European Research Area – 5th and 6th
Framework Programme of the EU, European Science Foundation, NATO, COST, INTAS, CERN, etc. (here and in items below please specify: type of project, title, grant number, duration, funding, responsible person in the Organisation and his/her status in the project, e.g. coordinator, principal investigator, investigator)
[1] FP5 RTD project QLK1-CT-1999-00226 Validation and standardization of diagnostic
Polymerase Chain Reaction for detection of foodborne pathogens (FOOD-PCR)
principal investigator: Doc. MVDr. Vladimir Kmet, DrSc., 1.3.2000 - 30.6.2003, EC -
60 720 Euro
[2] FP5 RTD project QLRI-CT-2000-01455 European rumen ciliate culture collection.
Principal investigator: Doc. RNDr. Peter Javorsky, DrSc. 1.9.2000 – 31.8.2003, EC –
89 520 Euro
[3] FP5 CA QLK2-CT-2001-01267 Pathology and Ecology of the Genus Clostridium in
Humans, Animals and Foodstuffs: Identification, Epidemiology and Prophylaxis.
Principal investigator: Doc. MVDr. Vladimir Kmet, DrSc. 1.10.2001 – 30.9.2004, EC
3 000 Euro
23
[4] FP5 RTD project QLK3-CT-2002-02151Ciliates as Monitors for Environmental Safety
of GMO. Principal investigator RNDr. Peter Pristas, PhD 1.10.2002 – 30.12.2005, EC
144 960 Euro
[5] FP5 RTD QLK1-CT-2002-02240 Assessment and improvement of safety of
traditional dry sausages from producers to consumers. Principal investigator: MVDr.
Andrea Laukova, PhD 1.1.2003 – 31.12.2005, EC – 100 800 Euro
[6] FP5 RTD QLK1-CT-2002-02240 Dietary and genetic influences on susceptibility or
resistance to weight gain on a high fat diet. Principal investigator: MVDr. Stefan
Mozes, PhD 15.2.2002 – 30.6.2004, EC – 54 000 Euro
[7] FP5 RTD EVK2 – 2002 – 000538 – Extension to High–resolution CONTINENTal
paleoclimate record in the Lake Baikal, subcontractor of the Institute of Geotechnics,
Kosice, investigator RNDr. Peter Pristas, PhD 21.7.2003 – 15.5.2004, EC -2 000
Euro
ii. List of other international projects incl. funding
[1] Project SMIAG - Rimonyx, Ltd., Izrael Small molecular inhibitors of adhesion on
glycosoaminoglycans. Coordinator MVDr. Juraj Koppel, DrSc.1.7.2002 – running, 5
millions SKK (2003-2006).
[2] Czech Republic - GAČR 524/06/0264 Ciliates of the genus Troglodytella: pathogens
or endosymbionts? A novel approach towards the veterinary care and understanding
the digestion in great apes. Investigator: RNDr. Svetlana Kišidayová, PhD, 2006-
2008. Grant Agency of Czech Republic. 60 000 SKK
[3] Italy - Molecular diagnostics of microbial interactions in the health gut. Principal
investigator: Prof. MVDr. Vladimir Kmeť, DrSc. 2004-2007, Ministry of Education of
Slovak Republic. 300 000 SKK
[4] Czech Republic - Effects of natural compounds on bacteria in animal digestive tract.
Principal investigator: Prof. MVDr. Vladimir Kmeť, DrSc. 2006-2007, APVV 72 000
SKK
[5] Czech Republic - Affecting of the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids – PUFA
and their isomers in rumen fluid and milk of ruminants with different diets and oilseed
supplements. Principal investigator: MVDr. Dusan Jalc, PhD, 2006-2007, APVV
72 000 SKK
[6] Slovenia - Selection of bakteriocinogenic and probiotic lactic acid bacteria from
traditional slovak and slovene cheeses with the aspect to improve their hygienic
24
quality. Principal investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova, PhD, 2006-2008, APVV
130 000 SKK
[7] Czech Republic - Role of bifidobacteria and lactobacili in poultry digestive tract.
Principal investigator: Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Vladimir Kmeť, DrSc. 2004-2005, Ministry
of Education of Slovak Republic 68 000 SKK
[8] Czech Republic - Molecular biology diagnostic of animals digestive tract microflora
focused on bifidobacteria. Principal investigator: Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Vladimir Kmeť,
DrSc. 2002-2003, Ministry of Education of Slovak Republic 26 000 SKK
[9] Czech Republic - Characterization of bacteriocin producing environmental
Enteroccoci and Staphyloccoci strains for their utilization for waste biological
decontamination. Principal investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova, PhD, 2002-2003,
Ministry of Education of Slovak Republic 26 000 SKK
iii. List of other important projects and collaborations without direct funding
[1] Effects of probiotics and prebiotics on Escherichia coli in conditions in vitro and in
vivo in rabbits. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetic, Academy of Sciences of
Czech Republic, Prague. Principal investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova, PhD
[2] Influence of conjugated linoleic acid (cis 9, trans 11 C18:2, CLA) in cow milk and
trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) and CLA in rumen. Agricultural University, Poznan,
Poland. Principal investigator: MVDr. Dusan Jalc, PhD
[3] Role of key phosphatases and proteinkinases at enter of oocyte into maturation
stage during oogenesis. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetic, Academy of
Sciences of Czech Republic, Libechov. Principal investigator: MVDr. Vladimir Baran,
PhD
[4] Characterization of lactic acid bacteria from the traditional fermented Portugal
saussage chourico. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Lisbon, Portugal. Principal
investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova, PhD
[5] ECONET- Mycotoxin impact on animal nutrition. INRA, Laboratory of Pharmacology
and Toxicology, Toulouse, France. Principal investigator: MVDr. Lubomir Leng, DrSc.
• National projects and funding i. List of projects supported by the Agency for the Promotion of Research and
Development (APVV/APVT), National Research Programmes, and their funding
25
[1] APVT-51-012602 Microbial genetic ecology of digestive tract, coordinator: Assoc.
prof. RNDr. Peter Javorsky, DrSc.: 2002-2005, APVT 2,328 mil. SKK
[2] APVT-51-006204, Analysis of apoptotic processes in preimplantation embryo,
coordinator: MVDr. Dusan Fabian, PhD, 2005-2007, APVT 2 mil. SKK
[3] APVT-51-015404 Plant extracts - antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and
antimutagenic effects in animals, coordinator: Assoc. prof. MVDr. Juraj Koppel,
DrSc., 2005-2007, APVT 5,536 mil. SKK
[4] APVT-51- 007604 Environmental risks associated with DNA transfer from genetically
modified plants to microorganisms, coordinator: Assoc. prof. RNDr. Peter Javorsky,
DrSc, 2005-2007, APVT 2,85 mil. SKK
[5] APVT-51-004804 Effects of subtoxic concentrations of mycotoxins in feed
components produced in Slovak Republic on immunity and antioxidant status of
poultry, coordinator: MVDr. Lubomir Leng, DrSc., 2005-2007, APVT 3,529 mil. SKK
[6] APVT-51-036102 Advanced coal materials on the base of Slovak raw materials for
sustainable development, investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova, 2004-2005, APVT
0,23 mil. SKK
[7] APVT-51-006304 Modification of conditions for bacterial activity optimalization in
processes of non-metallic raw materials treatments, investigator: MVDr. Igor Styriak,
2005-2007, APVT 0,1 mil. SKK
[8] APVV-20-041605 The complex solving of salmonelosis prevention with
immunomodulators in poultry, investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova, 2006-2008,
APVV 0,18 mil. SKK
[9] RTD project in the framework of State Program of Science and Development SP
51/028 09 00/028 09 06 - Alternative ways of antibiotic replacement – influencing of
digestion physiology in animals, coordinator: RNDr. Dobroslava Bujnakova, PhD,
2003-2005, SAS 4,843 mil. SKK
ii. Number of projects supported by the Scientific Grant Agency of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Education (VEGA) for each year, and their funding
VEGA 2003 2004 2005 2006
number 9 8 10 9
funding (millions of SKK) 1,237 1,332 1,352 1,386
26
• Summary of funding from external resources
External resources 2003 2004 2005 2006 total average
external resources (millions of SKK) 10,314 6,299 12,309 11,967 40,889 10,222
external resources transfered to coooperating research organisations (millions of SKK)
0,000 0,000 0,233 0,435 0,668 0,167
ratio between external resources and total salary budget 1,110 0,685 1,284 1,160 4,239 1,060
overall expenditures (millions of SKK) 27,458 25,180 29,490 29,346 111,474 27,869
Supplementary information and/or comments on research projects and funding resources
5. Organisation of PhD studies, other pedagogical activities i. List of accredited programmes of doctoral studies (as stipulated in the
previously effective legislation as well as in the recently amended Act on the Universities)
Previous legislation - 3: Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry, Animal Physiology Recent legislation – 4: Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Animal Physiology, Microbiology
ii. Summary table on doctoral studies (number of internal/external PhD students; number of students who completed their study by a successful thesis defence; number of PhD students who quitted the programme)
27
PhD study
number of potential PhD supervisors
PhD students
num
ber
defe
nded
thes
is
stud
ents
qui
tted
num
ber
defe
nded
thes
is
stud
ents
qui
tted
num
ber
defe
nded
thes
is
stud
ents
qui
tted
num
ber
defe
nded
thes
is
stud
ents
qui
tted
internal 16 1 2 13 2 14 3 10 4 1
external 4 1 2 2 1 3
supervised at external institution by the research employees of the assessed organisation
1 1 1 1 1
16 16 16 16
31.12.200531.12.2003 31.12.2004 31.12.2006
iii. Postdoctoral positions supported by a) external funding (specify the source)
2004 – 2005 EU FP5 project CIMES – RNDr. Mária Piknová, PhD
2006-2007 – RNDr. Mária Piknová, PhD, Dalhousie University, Halifax (Canada),
funded by Dalhousie University
2005-2007 – RNDr. Adriana Šprincová, PhD, Dubna (Russia) – funded by Ministry of
Education, Slovak Republic
b) internal funding - the Slovak Academy of Sciences Supporting Fund of Stefan
Schwarz
2003 – RNDr. Dobroslava Bujňáková, PhD
2005 – MVDr. Viola Strompfová, PhD
2006 – RNDr. Mária Piknová, PhD
iv. Summary table on pedagogical activities in undergraduate programmes for each year
28
Teaching 2003 2004 2005 2006
lectures (hours/year) 123 101 84 114
practicum courses (hours/year) 256 283 72 96
supervised diploma works (in total) 10 6 7 12
members in PhD committees (in total) 5 5 5 7
members in DrSc. committees (in total) 3 4 4 3
members in university/faculty councils (in total) 2 1 1 1
members in habilitation/inauguration committees (in total) 3 3 3 6
v. List of published university textbooks
[1] ANGELOVICOVA, M. - NIKOLAJCUK, V. I. - TURIANICA, I., KMET, V. - MASSANYI,
P. Dietetika a hygiena krmiv. Uzhorod: vyd. V.Paďaka, 2005, 224 s., ISBN 966-7838-
78-1.
[2] FAIX, S. Peripheral circulatory failure. In: FAIXOVA, Z. (Ed.), General veterinary
pathophysiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice, 2005, p. 43-57 ISBN 80-
8077-018-2.
[3] FAIX, S. Fever. In: Faixova, Z. (Ed.), General veterinary pathophysiology, University
of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice, 2005, p. 150-154 ISBN 80-8077-018-2.
[4] TANCINOVA, D.- MAKOVA, J. - FELSÖCIOVA, S. - KACANIOVA, M. - KMET, V.
Mikrobiologia potravin. Nitra: SPU, 2005 150 s. ISBN 80-8069-568-7.
[5] MARACEK, I – HALAGAN, J. – STANIKOVA, A. – PASTOROVA, B. – SOPKOVA, D.
– KOPPEL, J., - KOSTECKA, Z. – VLCKOVA, R. Basis of Physiology for Cynologists.
University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice, 2006, p. 222 p. ISBN 80-8077-046-8
vi. Number of published academic course books
vii. List of joint research laboratories/facilities with the universities
[1]
29
[2] ...
viii. Supplementary information and/or comments on doctoral studies and pedagogical activities
6. Direct output to the society (applications of results, popularisation and outreach activities) i. List of the most important results of applied research projects
[1] Development of functional food – eggs enriched with the natural form of selenium
(collaboration with Novogal a.s. and PG Trade)
[2] Real time PCR method for detection and quantification of M. paratuberculosis IS 900
gene in cow’s faeces (collaboration with State Veterinary and Food Institute Nitra)
[3] VET MIC Kit for the investigation of minimal inhibitory concentrations in gramnegative
animal enterobacteria (performed by Miditech Bratislava)
[4] New starter culture for fermented meat products with protective effects (MasoSpis,
subdivision Kosice).
ii. List of the most important studies commissioned for the decision-making authorities, the government and NGOs, international and foreign organisations
[1]
[2] …
iii. List of the most important popularisation activities
[1]
[2] …
iv. List of patents issued abroad, incl. revenues
[1]
[2] …
30
v. List of the patents issued in Slovakia, incl. revenues
[1]
[2] …
vi. List of licences sold abroad, incl. revenues
[1]
[2] …
vii. List of licences sold in Slovakia, incl. revenues
[1]
[2] …
viii. List of contracts with industrial partners, incl. revenues
[1]
[2] …
ix. List of research projects with industrial partners, incl. revenues
[1] Project SMIAG- Small molecular inhibitors of adhesion on glycosoaminoglycans
(collaboration with Rimonyx Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Rehovot, Israel) - the development
of new antiinflammatory compounds. (2003-2006 5 millions SKK)
[2] …
x. Summary of outreach activities
31
Outreach activities 2003 2004 2005 2006 total
studies for the decision sphere, government and NGOs, international and foreign organisations 0
articles in press media/internet popularising results of science, in particular those achieved by the Organization 5 3 3 1 12
appearances in telecommunication media popularising results of science, in particular those achieved by the Organization
1 5 4 10
public popularisation lectures 1 1
xi. Supplementary information and/or comments on applications and popularisation activities
Each year the Institute is organizing “The day of open doors” focused on students of
high schools and university students.
7. Background and management. Staffing policy and implementation of findings from previous assessments
i. Summary table of personnel Personnel 2003 2004 2005 2006
all personel 46 47 47 43
research employees from Tab. Research staff 28 30 30 27
FTE from Tab. Research staff 26,09 27,22 27,88 26,18
averaged age of research employees with university degree 47,8 47,08 45,18 46,18
ii. Professional qualification structure
32
Number of 2003 2004 2005 2006
DrSc. 6 6 6 6
PhD / CSc. 17 17 23 22
Prof. 1 1
Doc./Assoc. Prof. 3 3 2 4
iii. Status and development of research infrastructure incl. experimental, computing and technical base (description of the present infrastructure, premises, and material and technical resources. Infrastructure, instrumentation and major technical equipment necessary for the achievement of the objectives specified in the research Concept)
The research infrastructure of the Institute corresponds to the budget available in recent years.
Generally speaking it is appropriate mainly at the level of small and medium laboratory
equipment (including bench centrifuges, pH meters, PCR and RT PCR, equipment for
molecular biology, spectrophotometers, small microscopes, Perkin-Elmer Clarus 500 gas
chromatograph). However the Institute has certain disadvantages at the level of large and
expensive equipment (e.g. microarray, confocal microscope, spectrofluorometer), which are
either obsolete or unavailable. This situation should be radically corrected due to foreseen
financing from structural funds for research institutions in the coming years. Furthermore
these funds should help to reshape laboratories and animal facilities in accordance with recent
legislation and modern research trends.
iv. Status and development of bibliographic resources, activities of the Organisation’s library and/or information centre
The library of the Institute comprises 2660 resource items. Nowadays the main source of
research information is based on available internet databases (ScienceDirect, Web of Science,
Scopus and others administered by the Central Library of SAS, Bratislava), which are fully
available to all researchers and PhD students. Computers with high-speed access to the
internet are provided in all Institute premises for all researchers and students.
33
v. Describe how the results and suggestions of the previous assessment were taken into account
The last “Evaluation report” recommended the introduction of molecular biology methods in
each research branch. Evaluators also recommended the procurement of new equipment, and
to improve the age composition of researchers at the Institute.
Since the last evaluation the Institute has purchased Real Time PCR equipment Mx 3000P
(Stratagene) as well as PCR cyclers. The use of molecular biology methods has increased
considerably in almost all research groups. During the last four years some finishing PhD
students have been employed in postdoctoral positions at the Institute, thus improving the age
profile and ensuring a promising balance among the research staff.
vi. Supplementary information and/or comments on management, research infrastructure, and trends in personnel development
The Institute strictly adheres to the principles of Good Scientific Practice (published
by the Science and Technology Assistance Agency) as well as to the national legislation
relevant to animal welfare and ethics of animal research. The Institute has all necessary
authorizations for research in restricted areas, e.g. animal research, GMO, infectious agents
and hazardous chemical and biological substances.
The Institute has a long-term plan for human resources management based on the
inevitably important age balance of research personnel, and has adopted an optimal strategy
for increasing the proportion of PhD students and young postdoctoral scientists. These efforts
are limited only by budgetary restrictions, and moreover they have been partly overcome
through our active search for other financial resources (see above).
All researchers are regularly evaluated at yearly intervals and the evaluation results are
reflected also in the variable part of their remuneration. This individual evaluation
(established more than 15 years ago) is based mainly on the quality of CC publications
(assessed on similar principles as the current assessment of the Institute) as well as their
involvement in PhD students mentoring and teaching of university students.
The organizational structure of the Institute is flexible on principle, based on the
financed research projects. The research groups cooperate intensively together as well as with
the other research institutions in Slovakia and abroad, and their high level of fruitful
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collaboration is also reflected in the list of publications. The active policy of the Institute
management is based on universal support focused mainly on international projects and large
national projects in all stages, starting at the proposal stage, through negotiation of contract,
implementation and execution of the project, management of financial aspects, assistance with
reports, intellectual property, copyrights, patents, licenses, and technology transfer. All major
research projects are consulted and approved by the Research Council of the Institute. All
project leaders periodically (at least once per year) present and discuss their results with other
researchers and PhD students in the framework of the scientific seminars. Every month the
PhD students have an informal meeting with the head of the Institute, where they present their
achievements and progress in their study. Every year the PhD students present their results as
part of the PhD seminar. Starting in 2006 this seminar was integrated into the research
workshop “New trends in veterinary physiology”, organized jointly with the University of
Veterinary Medicine in Kosice.
The head of the Institute is in permanent contact with the project leaders, and
exchange is based not only on formal/informal meetings but also on electronic
communications (email, phone) because the Institute is based at two separated locations in
Kosice. Broadband internet connection is assured in both locations, including VoIP facilities.
Other information relevant to the assessment