The main aim of this article is to present a graphical approach to robust stability analysis for families of fractional order (quasi-)polynomials with complicated uncertainty structure. More specifically, the work emphasizes the multilinear, polynomial and general structures of uncertainty and, moreover, the retarded quasi-polynomials with parametric uncertainty are studied. Since the families with these complex uncertainty structures suffer from the lack of analytical tools, their robust stability is investigated by numerical calculation and depiction of the value sets and subsequent application of the zero exclusion condition.

• MeSH
• Algorithms MeSH
• Uncertainty * MeSH
• Models, Theoretical * MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

INTRODUCTION: This work focuses on the Dengue-viremia ABC (Atangana-Baleanu Caputo) fractional-order differential equations, accounting for both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected cases. Symptomatic cases are characterized by higher viremia levels, whereas asymptomatic cases exhibit lower viremia levels. The fractional-order model highlights memory effects and other advantages over traditional models, offering a more comprehensive representation of dengue dynamics. METHODS: The total population is divided into four compartments: susceptible, asymptomatic infected, symptomatic infected, and recovered. The model incorporates an immune-boosting factor for asymptomatic infected individuals and clinical treatment for symptomatic cases. Positivity and boundedness of the model are validated, and both local and global stability analyses are performed. The novel Adams-Bash numerical scheme is utilized for simulations to rigorously assess the impact of optimal control interventions. RESULTS: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies. The reproduction numbers must be reduced based on specific optimal control conditions to effectively mitigate disease outbreaks. Numerical simulations confirm that the optimal control measures can significantly reduce the spread of the disease. DISCUSSION: This research advances the understanding of Dengue-viremia dynamics and provides valuable insights into the application of ABC fractional-order analysis. By incorporating immune-boosting and clinical treatment into the model, the study offers practical guidelines for implementing successful disease control strategies. The findings highlight the potential of using optimal control techniques in public health interventions to manage disease outbreaks more effectively.

• MeSH
• Dengue * MeSH
• Disease Outbreaks MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Viremia * MeSH
• Dengue Virus immunology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

• MeSH
• Physiology MeSH
• Mathematics MeSH
• Models, Theoretical MeSH

PURPOSE: To present a new model for describing drug dissolution. On the basis of the new model to characterize the dissolution profile by the distribution function of the random dissolution time of a drug molecule, which generalizes the classical first order model. METHODS: Instead of assuming a constant fractional dissolution rate, as in the classical model, it is considered that the fractional dissolution rate is a decreasing function of the dissolved amount controlled by the dose-solubility ratio. The differential equation derived from this assumption is solved and the distribution measures (half-dissolution time, mean dissolution time, relative dispersion of the dissolution time, dissolution time density, and fractional dissolution rate) are calculated. Finally, instead of monotonically decreasing the fractional dissolution rate, a generalization resulting in zero dissolution rate at time origin is introduced. RESULTS: The behavior of the model is divided into two regions defined by q, the ratio of the dose to the solubility level: q < 1 (complete dissolution of the dose, dissolution time) and q > 1 (saturation of the solution, saturation time). The singular case q = 1 is also treated and in this situation the mean as well as the relative dispersion of the dissolution time increase to infinity. The model was successfully fitted to data (1). CONCLUSIONS: This empirical model is descriptive without detailed physical reasoning behind its derivation. According to the model, the mean dissolution time is affected by the dose-solubility ratio. Although this prediction appears to be in accordance with preliminary application, further validation based on more suitable experimental data is required.

• MeSH
• Models, Chemical * MeSH
• Pharmaceutical Preparations * administration & dosage   chemistry   MeSH
• Solubility MeSH
• Capsules MeSH
• Water chemistry   MeSH
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

• MeSH
• Mathematical Computing MeSH
• Mathematics MeSH
• Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted * MeSH
• Publication type
• Monograph MeSH

• Conspectus
• Počítačová věda. Výpočetní technika. Informační technologie
• NML Fields
• přírodní vědy
• přírodní vědy

Background Previous functional and structural imaging studies have revealed that subcortical structures play a key a role in pain processing. The recurring painful episodes might trigger maladaptive plasticity or alternatively degenerative processes that might be detected by MRI as changes in size or microstructure. In the current investigation, we aimed to identify the macro- and microstructural alterations of the subcortical structures in episodic cluster headache. Methods High-resolution T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI images with 60 gradient directions were acquired from 22 patients with cluster headache and 94 healthy controls. Surface-based segmentation analysis was used to measure the volume of the subcortical nuclei, and mean diffusion parameters (fractional anisotropy, mean, radial and axial diffusivity) were determined for these structures. In order to understand whether the size and diffusion parameters could be investigated in a headache lateralised manner, first the asymmetry of the size and diffusion parameters of the subcortical structures was analysed. Volumes and diffusion parameters were compared between groups and correlated with the cumulative number of headache days. To account for the different size of the patient and control group, a bootstrap approach was used to investigate the stability of the findings. Results A significant lateralisation of the size (caudate, putamen and thalamus) and the diffusion parameters of the subcortical structures were found in normal controls. In cluster headache patients, the mean fractional anisotropy of the right amygdalae, the mean axial and mean diffusivity of the right caudate nucleus and the radial diffusivity of the right pallidum were higher. The mean anisotropy of the right pallidum was lower in patients. Conclusion The analysis of the pathology in the subcortical structures in episodic cluster headache reveals important features of the disease, which might allow a deeper insight into the pathomechanism of the pain processing in this headache condition.

• MeSH
• Cluster Headache diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Brain diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

In this study, we optimized a method for the determination of free amino acids in Nicotiana tabacum leaves. Capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detector was used for the separation of 20 proteinogenic amino acids in acidic background electrolyte. Subsequently, the conditions of extraction with HCl were optimized for the highest extraction yield of the amino acids because sample treatment of plant materials brings some specific challenges. Central composite face-centered design with fractional factorial design was used in order to evaluate the significance of selected factors (HCl volume, HCl concentration, sonication, shaking) on the extraction process. In addition, the composite design helped us to find the optimal values for each factor using the response surface method. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the 20 proteinogenic amino acids were found to be in the order of 10-5and 10-4 mol l-1, respectively. Addition of acetonitrile to the sample was tested as a method commonly used to decrease limits of detection. Ambiguous results of this experiment pointed out some features of plant extract samples, which often required specific approaches. Suitability of the method for metabolomic studies was tested by analysis of a real sample, in which all amino acids, except for L-methionine and L-cysteine, were successfully detected. The optimized extraction process together with the capillary electrophoresis method can be used for the determination of proteinogenic amino acids in plant materials. The resulting inexpensive, simple, and robust method is well suited for various metabolomic studies in plants. As such, the method represents a valuable tool for research and practical application in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and agriculture.

• MeSH
• Amino Acids isolation & purification   MeSH
• Electrophoresis, Capillary methods   MeSH
• Plant Leaves chemistry   MeSH
• Nicotiana chemistry   MeSH
• Models, Theoretical MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Validation Study MeSH

Audio-visual integration has been shown to be present in a wide range of different conditions, some of which are processed through the dorsal, and others through the ventral visual pathway. Whereas neuroimaging studies have revealed integration-related activity in the brain, there has been no imaging study of the possible role of segregated visual streams in audio-visual integration. We set out to determine how the different visual pathways participate in this communication. We investigated how audio-visual integration can be supported through the dorsal and ventral visual pathways during the double flash illusion. Low-contrast and chromatic isoluminant stimuli were used to drive preferably the dorsal and ventral pathways, respectively. In order to identify the anatomical substrates of the audio-visual interaction in the two conditions, the psychophysical results were correlated with the white matter integrity as measured by diffusion tensor imaging.The psychophysiological data revealed a robust double flash illusion in both conditions. A correlation between the psychophysical results and local fractional anisotropy was found in the occipito-parietal white matter in the low-contrast condition, while a similar correlation was found in the infero-temporal white matter in the chromatic isoluminant condition. Our results indicate that both of the parallel visual pathways may play a role in the audio-visual interaction.

• MeSH
• Acoustic Stimulation MeSH
• Anisotropy MeSH
• White Matter physiology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Brain Mapping MeSH
• Auditory Perception physiology   MeSH
• Photic Stimulation MeSH
• Signal Detection, Psychological physiology   MeSH
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional MeSH
• Visual Perception physiology   MeSH
• Visual Pathways physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

The atherogenic impact and functional capacity of LCAT was studied and discussed over a half century. This review aims to clarify the key points that may affect the final decision on whether LCAT is an anti-atherogenic or atherogenic factor. There are three main processes involving the efflux of free cholesterol from peripheral cells, LCAT action in intravascular pool where cholesterol esterification rate is under the control of HDL, LDL and VLDL subpopulations, and finally the destination of newly produced cholesteryl esters either to the catabolism in liver or to a futile cycle with apoB lipoproteins. The functionality of LCAT substantially depends on its mass together with the composition of the phospholipid bilayer as well as the saturation and the length of fatty acyls and other effectors about which we know yet nothing. Over the years, LCAT puzzle has been significantly supplemented but yet not so satisfactory as to enable how to manipulate LCAT in order to prevent cardiometabolic events. It reminds the butterfly effect when only a moderate change in the process of transformation free cholesterol to cholesteryl esters may cause a crucial turn in the intended target. On the other hand, two biomarkers - FER(HDL) (fractional esterification rate in HDL) and AIP [log(TG/HDL-C)] can offer a benefit to identify the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). They both reflect the rate of cholesterol esterification by LCAT and the composition of lipoprotein subpopulations that controls this rate. In clinical practice, AIP can be calculated from the routine lipid profile with help of AIP calculator www.biomed.cas.cz/fgu/aip/calculator.php.

• MeSH
• Atherosclerosis blood   metabolism   MeSH
• Biomarkers metabolism   MeSH
• Cholesterol metabolism   MeSH
• Esterification MeSH
• Phosphatidylcholine-Sterol O-Acyltransferase metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lipoproteins, HDL metabolism   MeSH
• Fatty Acids metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

U jedinců podstupujících kardiochirurgický výkon je hodnocení systolické funkce pravé komory (PK) velmi důležité jak v časném perioperačním období, tak v rámci dlouhodobého sledování. Základní metodu hodnocení systolické funkce PK v rutinní klinické praxi představuje v současnosti stále echokardiografie. Kontrakce PK je dominantně určována longitudinálně orientovanými myokardiálními vlákny ve stěně komory, konkrétně v oblasti vtokové části PK, a proto ukazatele longitudinálního zkracování volné stěny PK – amplituda pohybu (TAPSE) a vrcholová systolická rychlost (St) trikuspidálního prstence – jsou doporučovanými parametry pro hodnocení systolické funkce PK vzhledem k obtížnosti stanovení objemů a ejekční frakce (EF) PK pomocí dvourozměrné echokardiografie v důsledku komplexního tvaru PK. Po kardiochirurgickém výkonu však u většiny jedinců dochází k vývoji 2 fenoménů: poklesu TAPSE, resp. St a abnormálnímu pohybu septa komor. Tyto jevy ovšem a priori nevedou ke globální systolické dysfunkci PK. K echokardiografickému hodnocení systolické funkce PK po kardiochirurgickém výkonu je tak nutné využít jiných parametrů, jako je stanovení frakční změny plochy PK či výpočet objemů a EF PK pomocí trojrozměrné echokardiografie. U špatně echokardiograficky vyšetřitelných jedinců je pak metodou volby hodnocení systolické funkce PK magnetická rezonance; v přítomnosti kontraindikací pro toto vyšetření je možné k posouzení objemů a EF PK využít počítačovou tomografii.

The assessment of right ventricular systolic function is extremely important in all patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in both perioperative period and in long term follow up. The gold standard for routine assessment of right ventricle (RV) remains transthoracic echocardiography. Contraction of the RV is predominantly determined by longitudinal myocardial fibres of the ventricular wall, particularly by those present in the inflow tract. Therefore parameters reflecting longitudinal shortening of the RV free wall, namely tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus (St), are recommended parameters for evaluation of RV systolic function; assessment of ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (EF) by 2D echocardiography do not seem convenient for evaluation of RV function because of its morphology. Interestingly, following cardiothoracic surgery two phenomena tend to appear: decline in TAPSE and St, respectively, and abnormal motion of the interventricular septum. However, these features do not result into global RV systolic dysfunction. Therefore, in order to echocardiographically assess RV systolic function, other parameters need to be evaluated: fractional area change (FAC) or RV volumes and EF using 3D echocardiography. Patients who are difficult to be examined by transthoracic echocardiography should be referred to MRI for assessment of RV function. In case of contraindication to MRI, multislice computed tomography may be used to evaluate RV volumes and EF, respectively.

• MeSH
• Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular utilization   MeSH
• Ventricular Dysfunction, Right * diagnosis   etiology   MeSH
• Echocardiography methods   utilization   MeSH
• Cardiac Surgical Procedures * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   utilization   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed methods   utilization   MeSH
• Heart Ventricles physiopathology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH