The curvature of the lumbar spine plays a critical role in maintaining spinal function, stability, weight distribution, and load transfer. We have developed a mathematical model of the lumbar spine curve by introducing a novel mechanism: minimization of the elastic bending energy of the spine with respect to two biomechanical parameters: dimensionless lumbosacral spinal curvature cLS and dimensionless curvature increment along the spine CI. While most of the biomechanical studies focus on a particular segment of the spine, the distinction of the presented model is that it describes the shape of the thoracolumbar spine by considering it as a whole (non-locally) and thus includes interactions between the different spinal levels in a holistic approach. From radiographs, we have assessed standard geometrical parameters: lumbar lordosis LL, pelvic incidence PI, pelvic tilt PT, sacral slope ψ0 and sagittal balance parameter SB = sagittal vertical axis (SVA)/sacrum-bicoxofemoral distance (SFD) of 42 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (SS) or degenerative spondylolisthesis (SL) and 21 radiologically normal subjects. SB statistically significantly correlated with model parameters cL5 (r = -0.34, p = 0.009) and -CI (r = 0.33, p = 0.012) but not with standard geometrical parameters. A statistically significant difference with sufficient statistical power between the patients and the normal groups was obtained for cLS, CI, and SB but not for standard geometrical parameters. The model provides a possibility to predict changes in the thoracolumbar spine shape in surgery planning and in assessment of different spine pathologies.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Francisella is a highly infectious gram-negative bacterium that causes tularemia in humans and animals. It can survive and multiply in a variety of cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, amoebae, and arthropod-derived cells. However, the intracellular life cycle of a bacterium varies depending on the cell type. Shortly after the infection of mammalian cells, the bacterium escapes the phagosome into the cytosol, where it replicates. In contrast, in the amoebae Acanthamoeba castellanii and Hartmannella vermiformis, the bacterium replicates within the membrane-bound vacuole. In recent years, the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has emerged as a powerful model to study the intracellular cycle and virulence of many pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we used D. discoideum as a model for the infection and isolation of Francisella novicida-containing vacuoles (FCVs) formed after bacteria invade the amoeba. Our results showed that F. novicida localized in a vacuole after invading D. discoideum. Here, we developed a method to isolate FCV and determined its composition by proteomic analyses. Proteomic analyses revealed 689 proteins, including 13 small GTPases of the Rab family. This is the first evidence of F. novicida-containing vacuoles within amoeba, and this approach will contribute to our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and the process of pathogen vacuole formation, as vacuoles containing bacteria represent direct contact between pathogens and their hosts. Furthermore, this method can be translocated on other amoeba models.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Prenatal mental health problems are associated with morbidity for the pregnant person, and their infants are at long-term risk for poor health outcomes. We aim to explore how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected the mental health of pregnant people in the United Kingdom (UK), and to further identify resilience factors which may have contributed to varying mental health outcomes. We also aim to examine the quality of antenatal care provided during the pandemic in the UK and to identify potential inadequacies to enhance preparedness for future events. METHODS: During June-November 2020, we recruited 3666 individuals in the UK for the EPPOCH pregnancy cohort (Maternal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effect of the Pandemic on Pregnancy Outcomes and Childhood Health). Participants were assessed for depression, anxiety, anger and pregnancy-related anxiety using validated scales. Additionally, physical activity, social support, individualized support and personal coping ability of the respondents were assessed as potential resilience factors. RESULTS: Participants reported high levels of depression (57.05%), anxiety (58.04%) and anger (58.05%). Higher levels of social and individualized support and personal coping ability were associated with lower mental health challenges. Additionally, pregnant individuals in the UK experienced higher depression during the pandemic than that reported in Canada. Finally, qualitative analysis revealed that restrictions for partners and support persons during medical appointments as well as poor public health communication led to increased mental health adversities and hindered ability to make medical decisions. DISCUSSION: This study revealed increased mental health challenges among pregnant individuals in the UK during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These results highlight the need for reassessing the mental health support measures available to pregnant people in the UK, both during times of crisis and in general.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are increasingly recognized as an MRI detectable feature of neuroinflammatory processes and age-related neurodegenerative changes. Understanding perivascular characteristics in healthy individuals is crucial for their applicability as a reference for pathological changes. Limited data exists on the EPVS load and interhemispheric asymmetry in distribution among young healthy subjects. Despite the known impact of hydration on brain morphometric studies, blood plasma osmolality's effect on EPVS remains unexplored. This study investigated the influence of age, total intracranial volume (TIV), and blood plasma osmolality on EPVS characteristics in 59 healthy adults, each undergoing MRI and osmolality assessment twice within 14.8 months (mean ± 4 months). EPVS analysis was conducted in the centrum semiovale using high-resolution automated segmentation, followed by an optimization algorithm to enhance EPVS segmentation accuracy. Linear Mixed Effects model was used for the statistical analysis, which unveiled significant inter-individual variability in EPVS load and inter-hemispheric asymmetry. EPVS volume increased with age, higher TIV and lower blood plasma osmolality levels. Our findings offer valuable insights into EPVS characteristics among the healthy population, establishing a foundation to further explore age-related and pathological changes.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- glymfatický systém * diagnostické zobrazování patologie MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- longitudinální studie MeSH
- magnetická rezonanční tomografie * metody MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mozek * diagnostické zobrazování patologie MeSH
- osmolární koncentrace MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Autentizace rybích výrobků s využitím analýzy DNA vyžaduje zisk kvalitní DNA bez přítomnosti inhibitorů. V současné době jsou dostupné různé metody pro izolaci nukleových kyselin; pro svou rychlost a nenáročnost extrakčního postupu se staly velmi oblíbenými zejména silikátové centrifugační kolonky. Jejich nevýhodou však může být princip využívající záporný náboj DNA, který může být ovlivněn složením potravin, nebo jejich ucpání v důsledku špatné předúpravy vzorků. Cílem této práce bylo porovnat tři metody izolace DNA využívající různé principy (silikátové centrifugační kolonky, modifikované magnetické kuličky, cetyltrimethylamonium-bromid (CTAB) a chloroformová extrakce) a zhodnotit jejich vhodnost pro izolaci DNA z rybí svaloviny. Posuzovanými kritérii byla výtěžnost, čistota a amplifikovatelnost izolované DNA. Analyzována byla tkáň makrely obecné bez a s přídavkem přídatných látek běžně používaných při výrobě rybích produktů, konkrétně difosforečnanů (E 450) a barviv (E 110 a E 124), a následně byla vybraná metoda aplikována i na komerčně nabízené výrobky z ryb. Jako nejvhodnější se ukázala upravená metoda využívající detergent CTAB.
Authentication of fish products by DNA analysis requires the extraction of high quality DNA without the presence of inhibitors. Many nucleic acid isolation methods are currently available; silicate centrifugal columns have become very popular due to their speed and ease of extraction. However, their disadvantage may be the principle based on DNA charge, which may be affected by food composition, or clogging due to a poor sample pretreatment. The aim of this work was to compare three DNA isolation methods using different principles (silicate centrifugal columns, modified magnetic beads, Cetrimonium bromide and chloroform extraction) and to evaluate their suitability for DNA isolation from fish muscle. The criteria assessed were the recovery, purity and amplifiability of the isolated DNA. Mackerel tissue was analysed without and with the addition of additives commonly used in the manufacture of fish products, namely diphosphates (E 450) and colorants (E 110 and E 124), and the selected method was subsequently applied to commercial fish products. The modified method using the detergent CTAB proved to be the most suitable.
- MeSH
- analýza potravin metody MeSH
- DNA analýza izolace a purifikace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
- potrava z moře (živočišná) analýza MeSH
- potravinářské přísady analýza MeSH
- rybí výrobky * analýza MeSH
- ryby MeSH
- techniky amplifikace nukleových kyselin metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Identifikace buněčných cílů aktivních látek má zásadní význam pro optimalizaci léčiv a minimalizaci jejich nežádoucích vedlejších účinků. Komplexní povaha biologických systémů ztěžuje tuto identifikaci, ale mikroskopické metody, zejména fenotypové testování, reprezentované metodou „Cell Painting“, představují cenný nástroj pro pochopení vlivu látek na úrovni buněk a organel. Tyto metody umožňují rychlé testování rozsáhlých knihoven látek a nabízejí unikátní pohled na mechanismus jejich účinku pozorováním chování buněk, pomocí hodnocení jejich morfologie, pohyblivosti, dělení a migrace. Mikroskopie živých buněk čelí výzvám, jako je fototoxicita, což vyžaduje pečlivý výběr fluorescenčních značek a optimalizaci podmínek. Mezi syntetickými fluorescenčními sondami pro mikroskopii živých buněk vynikají BODIPY barviva se svou syntetickou univerzálností a fotofyzikálními vlastnostmi, které zajišťují minimální poškození vzorku během biozobrazování.
Target identification of active substances is critical in optimizing drugs and minimizing side effects. The complex nature of biological systems presents challenges; to meet them, however, microscopic methods, particularly phenotypic screening, represented by "Cell Painting" method and fluorescent probes, can be used as valuable tools for understanding the impact of various substances at the cellular and organelle levels. These methods enable rapid testing of large libraries of compounds and offer unique insights into their mechanism of action by observing cell behavior, assessing cell morphology, motility, division, and migration. However, live cell microscopy faces challenges like phototoxicity, requiring a careful selection of fluorescent labels and optimized conditions. Among synthetic probes for live cell microscopy, BODIPY dyes stand out for their synthetic versatility and photophysical properties, providing minimal sample damage during bioimaging.
Ochrana člověka za mimořádných událostí je povinný vzdělávací obsah volně navazující na bývalou brannou výchovu, o jejímž obnovení se v kontextu událostí poslední doby opět diskutuje. Nabízí velmi širokou paletu témat, která lze zařadit nejen do výuky chemie, ale i jiných (nejen) přírodních věd. Velmi vhodné je např. zařazení do výuky jako (krátko či střednědobý) projekt zaměřený na téma radioaktivita a jaderné zbraně, které je pro žáky zajímavé. Pro realizaci projektu byla autory článku vytvořena pojmová mapa a návodné otázky, a také seznam doporučených zdrojů informací, které mohou učitelé a jejich žáci využít. Cílem projektu je nejen nabýt nové znalosti a vědomosti v souvislosti s tématem jaderných zbraní a radioaktivity, ale také získat ucelený přehled díky mezipředmětovému uspořádání.
Human protection in emergencies is a compulsory educational content in the Czech Republic loosely related to the former military education. It offers a very wide range of topics that can be included not only in chemistry education, but also in other (not only) natural sciences. For example, it is very suitable to include it as a (short- or medium-term) project focused on radioactivity and nuclear weapons, which is of interest to the students. For this purpose, we have created a concept map and guiding questions, as well as a list of recommended sources of information that teachers and their pupils can use. The aim of the project is not only to gain new knowledge and understanding, but also to gain holistic insight into the topic through cross-curricular educational approach.
Článek se zabývá problematikou nebezpečných chemických látek v souvislosti s využitím české databáze nebezpečných látek Medis-Alarm. Databáze Medis-Alarm je v tomto příspěvku charakterizována a jsou naznačeny možnosti jejího využití na vysokých školách při výuce studentů. Dalším cílem je vyvolat diskusi o nutném zvýšení bezpečnosti jak obyvatel, tak záchranářů a zlepšení ochrany životního prostředí v České republice.
This article deals with the security of the population and the fire brigade, which uses the Czech database of hazardous substances, Medis-Alarm. This database is connected with the long-term operation of the proven safety transport system TRINS (transport, information and accident system) in the Czech Republic. The Medis-Alarm database is the most widespread one used in the Czech Republic. In this paper, this database is therefore characterized and described in detail, and various possibilities of its use at universities are indicated. The article also aims to provoke a public professional discussion on the necessary increase of the safety of both the population and rescuers and the improvement of environmental protection in the Czech Republic.
- MeSH
- chemické databáze MeSH
- first responder výchova MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- materiálové bezpečnostní listy MeSH
- nebezpečné látky * klasifikace toxicita MeSH
- řízení bezpečnosti MeSH
- studium vysokoškolské MeSH
- únik nebezpečných chemických látek prevence a kontrola MeSH
- výchova a vzdělávání MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
The strike force in combat sports strongly depends on the protective material's mechanical properties and energy absorption capacity. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the effect of the protective layer thickness and repeated loading on the net force in a falling weight impact test. A falling 8-kg weight dropped from 15 cm, 25 cm, and 50 cm was used to simulate impact peak forces in an upper limb strike. Transfer linear regression functions were identified for three layers of different thickness (1.8 cm, 3.6 cm, and 5.4 cm) between the measured force and undamped force that would be measured if no protective layer was used. A decrease in damping performance under repetitive loading was assessed for the same amount of energy (30 J) absorbed by the specimens. There were 36 specimens examined in 126 tests. When the measuring apparatus was covered with one, two or three layers of Trocellen foam, the undamped force was approximately 2.8, 6.1, and 11.1 times higher, respectively (p < 0.05, R2 ≥ 0.95), than the force measured in the kinetic design. This allows researchers to select the number of layers according to the individual needs in terms of safety and injury prevention. A single layer of Trocellen foam used in this study may be insufficient to ensure the safety of athletes in upper limb strike experiments due to possible compaction of the foam structure for deformations exceeding 80% compression and forces exceeding 5 kN, although no injury was previously observed.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
