OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in nursing home residents across eight countries and investigate differences between residents with and without cognitive impairment, as well as those with and without life expectancy of six months or less. METHODS AND DEIGN: The study utilized the second edition of the STOPP-Frail criteria to operationalize PIMs in the baseline assessment of nursing home residents participating in the Services and Health for Elderly in Long TERm care (SHELTER) project. The data were collected between 2009 and 2012. The project was conducted in eight countries: Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Israel. Cognitive impairment was measured by the cognitive performance scale (CPS). The presence of end-stage disease with a life expectancy of six months or less was recorded. The study included residents aged 60 years or older who underwent a valid medication assessment. RESULTS: Among the 3,832 eligible residents, 87.9% had at least one PIM. Specifically, 24.3%, 23.5%, 18.8%, and 19.3% of residents had one, two, three, and four or more PIMs, respectively. On average, each person was prescribed 2.16 PIMs. Cognitively impaired residents (n = 1999) had an average of 1.96 PIMs (SD 1.49) per person, while residents with a low CPS score (n = 1783) had an average of 2.40 PIMs (SD 1.57) per person, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Similarly, NH residents with life expectancy of six months or less had an average of 1.66 PIMs (SD 1.30), whereas those without had an average of 2.17 PIMs (SD 1.55) (p < 0.001). The average number of PIMs varied across countries, ranging from 3.23 in Finland to 2.15 in the UK (P < 0.001). Anti-platelets and aspirin were the most prescribed PIMs, accounting for over 38.0% of prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the high prevalence of PIMs among nursing home residents. However, PIMs were somewhat lower in residents with cognitive impairment and life expectancy of six months or less. Efforts must continue to improve the rationale behind prescribing practices in nursing homes.
- MeSH
- domovy pro seniory MeSH
- křehký senior MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nevhodné předepisování statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- pečovatelské domovy * MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- seznam potenciálně nevhodných léčiv * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Německo MeSH
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is often seen as an important period for further personality development. In today's world, it is therefore important to keep track of current trends in adolescents. One of them is addictive behaviour in the context of the online environment. Spending too much time online can have a negative impact on the quality of life of adolescents. It is therefore important to pay increased attention to this phenomenon and to respond adequately to the current situation. METHODS: Our study focuses on the prevalence of Internet addiction among Czech and Slovak adolescents. In total, 3,741 respondents participated in the project (N = 2,642 CZ; N = 1,099 SK); their ages ranged from 11 to 19 years (M = 14.38; SD ± 2.27). The research addressed differences among individual types of schools and between sexes in relation to Internet addiction. The research focused on adolescents attending secondary schools (ISCED 2 and 3) between the ages of 11 and 19 in the Czech and Slovak Republics. A questionnaire battery consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: In relation to the category of Internet use, girls did not score higher than boys either in the Czech group F(1, 2112) = .089, p = .765, or in the Slovak group F(1, 927) < .001 p = .994. There is a significant effect of school type both in the Czech group F(4, 2100) = 11.483, p < .001, and in the Slovak group F(4, 859) = 2.859, p = .023. CONCLUSIONS: Our research indicates that some adolescents, particularly boys, face issues with excessive Internet use, affecting social interactions. Further studies in the Czech Republic could explore the link between psychosocial factors and adolescent Internet use. This highlights the need to raise awareness among professionals about Internet addiction in Czech and Slovak adolescents.
- MeSH
- chování mladistvých psychologie MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- internet statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- návykové chování epidemiologie psychologie MeSH
- netholismus * epidemiologie psychologie MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- sexuální faktory MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Slovenská republika MeSH
Synovial sarcoma is a relatively common soft tissue tumor characterized by highly specific t(X;18)(p11;q11) translocation resulting in the fusion of SS18 with members of SSX gene family. Typically, detection of SS18 locus rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization or SS18 :: SSX fusion transcripts confirms the diagnosis. More recently, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for SS18-SSX chimeric protein (E9X9V) and C-terminus of SSX (E5A2C) showed high specificity and sensitivity for synovial sarcoma. This study screened a cohort of >1000 soft tissue and melanocytic tumors using IHC and E9X9V and E5A2C antibodies. Three percent (6/212) of synovial sarcomas were either negative for SS18-SSX or had scattered positive tumor cells (n=1). In these cases, targeted RNA next-generation sequencing detected variants of SS18 :: SSX chimeric transcripts. DNA methylation profiles of 2 such tumors matched with synovial sarcoma. A few nonsynovial sarcoma tumors (n=6) revealed either focal SS18-SSX positivity (n=1) or scattered positive tumor cells. However, targeted RNA next-generation sequencing failed to detect SS18 :: SSX transcripts in these cases. The nature of this immunopositivity remains elusive and may require single cell sequencing studies. All synovial sarcomas showed positive SSX IHC. However, a mosaic staining pattern or focal loss of expression was noticed in a few cases. Strong and diffuse SSX immunoreactivity was also seen in epithelioid sclerosing osteosarcoma harboring EWSR1 :: SSX1 fusion, while several sarcomas and melanocytic tumors including cellular blue nevus (5/7, 71%) revealed focal to diffuse, mostly weak to intermediate SSX staining. The SS18-SSX and SSX IHC is a useful tool for synovial sarcoma differential diagnosis, but unusual immunophenotype should trigger molecular genetic testing.
- MeSH
- diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
- fúzní onkogenní proteiny genetika metabolismus MeSH
- hybridizace in situ fluorescenční MeSH
- imunohistochemie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory měkkých tkání * diagnóza genetika MeSH
- rekombinantní fúzní proteiny genetika MeSH
- RNA MeSH
- synoviom * diagnóza genetika patologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Love is a phenomenon that occurs across the world and affects many aspects of human life, including the choice of, and process of bonding with, a romantic partner. Thus, developing a reliable and valid measure of love experiences is crucial. One of the most popular tools to quantify love is Sternberg's 45-item Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45), which measures three love components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. However, our literature review reveals that most studies (64%) use a broad variety of shortened versions of the TLS-45. Here, aiming to achieve scientific consensus and improve the reliability, comparability, and generalizability of results across studies, we developed a short version of the scale-the TLS-15-comprised of 15 items with 5-point, rather than 9-point, response scales. In Study 1 (N = 7,332), we re-analyzed secondary data from a large-scale multinational study that validated the original TLS-45 to establish whether the scale could be truncated. In Study 2 (N = 307), we provided evidence for the three-factor structure of the TLS-15 and its reliability. Study 3 (N = 413) confirmed convergent validity and test-retest stability of the TLS-15. Study 4 (N = 60,311) presented a large-scale validation across 37 linguistic versions of the TLS-15 on a cross-cultural sample spanning every continent of the globe. The overall results provide support for the reliability, validity, and cross-cultural invariance of the TLS-15, which can be used as a measure of love components-either separately or jointly as a three-factor measure.
BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) plays a major diagnostic role in acute myocarditis (AM) in children as biopsy is rarely performed in this age group. Contribution of standard echocardiography (ECHO) is limited in AM, but speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) quantitatively characterizes myocardial function, with good sensitivity for detecting subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and regional kinetics disorders beyond the site of inflammation. This work aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of STE as compared with CMR findings in pediatric patients with AM. METHODS: The study was conducted during 2022-2023. Troponin, electrocardiography, ECHO with STE, and CMR with early and late enhancement were performed on each patient. Affected heart segments were analyzed by both STE and CMR, and the correlation of the two methods was assessed. RESULTS: During the study period, 20 children were diagnosed with AM [14 boys, 6 girls; mean age 12 years (median 14)]. On ECHO, three patients had a deviation in LV biometry, and four patients had a mild systolic function disorder. STE showed at least one affected cardiac segment in all patients, most often the inferolateral segment (16/20; 80%). Of the 20 patients, STE showed a reduction in LV global longitudinal strain in 13 (65%) patients. In all patients, CMR identified an inflammatory focus, most frequently inferolateral (15/20; 75%). The strongest accordance between STE and CMR was observed for the involvement of anterolateral segments (k = 0.88) and the weakest for inferoseptal damage (k = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: STE can provide important diagnostic information in pediatric patients with AM. This modality supports the detection of early regional edema and subclinical myocardial dysfunction and can determine the impairment severity. STE is non-invasive and repeatable without the need for special patient preparation or for general anesthesia.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
There is a well-established link between abnormal sperm chromatin states and poor motility, however, how these two processes are interdependent is unknown. Here, we identified a possible mechanistic insight by showing that Protamine 2, a nuclear DNA packaging protein in sperm, directly interacts with cytoskeletal protein Septin 12, which is associated with sperm motility. Septin 12 has several isoforms, and we show, that in the Prm2-/- sperm, the short one (Mw 36 kDa) is mis-localized, while two long isoforms (Mw 40 and 41 kDa) are unexpectedly lost in Prm2-/- sperm chromatin-bound protein fractions. Septin 12 co-immunoprecipitated with Protamine 2 in the testicular cell lysate of WT mice and with Lamin B1/2/3 in co-transfected HEK cells despite we did not observe changes in Lamin B2/B3 proteins or SUN4 expression in Prm2-/- testes. Furthermore, the Prm2-/- sperm have on average a smaller sperm nucleus and aberrant acrosome biogenesis. In humans, patients with low sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) have imbalanced histone-protamine 1/2 ratio, modified levels of cytoskeletal proteins and we detected retained Septin 12 isoforms (Mw 40 and 41 kDa) in the sperm membrane, chromatin-bound and tubulin/mitochondria protein fractions. In conclusion, our findings present potential interaction between Septin 12 and Protamine 2 or Lamin B2/3 and describe a new connection between their expression and localization, contributing likely to low sperm motility and morphological abnormalities.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: Quercetin is a promising phytochemical in treating abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to explore the morphometric, metabolic, transcriptomic, and nutrigenetic responses to quercetin supplementation using two genetically distinct MetS models that only differ in the variant of the MetS-related Zbtb16 gene (Zinc Finger And BTB Domain Containing 16). RESULTS: Quercetin supplementation led to a significant reduction in the relative weight of retroperitoneal adipose tissue in both investigated strains. A decrease in visceral (epididymal) fat mass, accompanied by an increase in brown fat mass after quercetin treatment, was observed exclusively in the SHR strain. While the levels of serum triglycerides decreased within both strains, the free fatty acids levels decreased in SHR-Zbtb16-Q rats only. The total serum cholesterol levels were not affected by quercetin in either of the two tested strains. While there were no significant changes in brown adipose tissue transcriptome, quercetin supplementation led to a pronounced gene expression shift in white retroperitoneal adipose tissue, particularly in SHR-Zbtb16-Q. CONCLUSION: Quercetin administration ameliorates certain MetS-related features; however, the efficacy of the treatment exhibits subtle variations depending on the specific variant of the Zbtb16 gene.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The intestinal epithelium, a rapidly renewing tissue, is characterized by a continuous cell turnover that occurs through a well-coordinated process of cell proliferation and differentiation. This dynamic is crucial for the long-term function of the gastrointestinal tract. Disruption of this process can lead to colorectal carcinoma, a common malignancy worldwide. The first part of the review focuses on the cellular composition of the epithelium and the molecular mechanisms that control its functions, and describes the pathways that lead to epithelial transformation and tumor progression. This forms the basis for understanding the development and progression of advanced colorectal cancer. The second part deals with current therapeutic approaches and presents the latest treatment options, ongoing clinical trials and new drugs. In addition, the biological and medical perspectives of the adverse effects of therapies and models of regeneration of the intestinal epithelium are highlighted and, finally, future treatment options are discussed.
- MeSH
- kolorektální nádory * terapie patologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádorová transformace buněk MeSH
- onkologové MeSH
- střevní sliznice patologie účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate relationships between cholesterol profile, brain volumetric MRI, and clinical measures in a large observational cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 1.505 patients with 4.966 time points including complete lipid, clinical, and imaging data. The time among lipid, brain MRI and clinical measures was under 90 days. Cross-sectional statistical analysis at baseline was performed using an adjusted linear regression and analysis of longitudinal lipid and MRI measures data was performed using adjusted linear mixed models. RESULTS: We found associations between higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lower brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) at cross-sectional analysis at baseline (B = -0.43, CI 95%: -0.73, -0.12, p = 0.005), as well as in longitudinal analysis over follow-up (B = -0.32 ± 0.072, χ2 = 36.6; p = < 0.001). Higher HDL-C was also associated with higher T2-lesion volume in longitudinal analysis (B = 0.11 ± 0.023; χ2 = 23.04; p = < 0.001). We observed a weak negative association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and BPF at baseline (B = -0.26, CI 95%: -0.4, -0.11, p = < 0.001) as well as in longitudinal analysis (B = -0.06 ± 0.03, χ2 = 4.46; p = 0.03). T2-LV did not show an association with LDL-C. We did not find any association between lipid measures and disability. The effect of lipid levels on MRI measures and disability was minimal (Cohen f2 < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our results contradict the previously described exclusively positive effect of HDL-C on brain atrophy in patients with MS. Higher LDL-C was weakly associated with higher brain atrophy but not with higher lesion burden.
- MeSH
- cholesterol krev MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- HDL-cholesterol * krev MeSH
- kohortové studie MeSH
- LDL-cholesterol krev MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- longitudinální studie MeSH
- magnetická rezonanční tomografie * MeSH
- mozek * diagnostické zobrazování patologie MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- roztroušená skleróza * diagnostické zobrazování krev patologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- pozorovací studie MeSH
This study aimed to evaluate the ability of selected microRNAs as biomarkers of atrial fibrillation (AF) in ischemic stroke patients in comparison with other established biochemical biomarkers. A prospective case-control study of consecutive ischemic stroke patients with AF admitted to a comprehensive stroke center was conducted. The control group consisted of patients with ischemic stroke with no AF detected on prolonged (at least 3 weeks) Holter ECG monitoring. As potential biomarkers of AF, we analyzed the plasma levels of microRNAs (miR-21, miR-29b, miR-133b, miR-142-5p, miR-150, miR-499, and miR-223-3p) and 13 biochemical biomarkers at admission. The predictive accuracy of biomarkers was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The data of 117 patients were analyzed (61 with AF, 56 with no AF, 46% men, median age 73 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 6). Biochemical biomarkers (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, eGFR, and total triglycerides) were significantly associated with AF. NT-proBNP had the best diagnostic performance for AF with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.92 (95%, CI 0.86-0.98); a cutoff value of >528 ng/L had a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 97%. None of the other biomarkers, including microRNAs, was associated with AF. Conventional biochemical biomarkers (NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, eGFR, and triglycerides), but not microRNAs (miR-21, miR-29b, miR-133b, miR-142-5p, miR-150, miR-499, and miR-223-3p) were significantly associated with AF in our ischemic stroke cohort.
- MeSH
- biologické markery * krev MeSH
- C-reaktivní protein analýza MeSH
- fibrilace síní * krev diagnóza genetika MeSH
- ischemická cévní mozková příhoda * krev diagnóza MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikro RNA * krev MeSH
- natriuretický peptid typu B krev MeSH
- peptidové fragmenty krev MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- ROC křivka MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- studie případů a kontrol MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- pozorovací studie MeSH
