INTRODUCTION: The use of signal dogs for cancer detection is not yet routinely performed,but dogs and their powerful olfactory system have proven to be a unique and valuable tool for many lineages and are beginning to be incorporated into medical practice. This method has great advantages; the dog can detect a tumour in the human body already in preclinical stages, when the patient has no symptoms yet. The identification of cancer biomarkers to enable early diagnosis is a need for many types of cancer, whose prognosis is strongly dependent on the stage of the disease. However, this method also has its various pitfalls that must be taken into account. AIM: The aim of the study was to identify and highlight the factors that affect the level of detection accuracy, but also the conditions associated with olfactometric diagnosis. METHODS: The study included 48 dogs and 48 handlers, that were part of the training between 2016 and 2023.All those who started olfactometry training and remained in training for at least one year were included in the study. The dogs ranged in age from 8 months to 12 years and were of different races and sexes. After long-term observation, a qualitative analysis was performed and factors that may play a role in the early detection of the disease were listed. RESULTS: The results of the search for the different factors have been compiled into two groups, focussing on the actual handling of the patient biological sample from collection, processing, storage until transport, preparation of the sample,and detection. Focus on the actual work and behaviour of the dog and handler. CONCLUSION: There are many factors; however, it is worth addressing them because the canine sense of smell is one of the possible uses as a diagnostic method.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe aortic stenosis present frequently (∼50%) with concomitant obstructive coronary artery disease. Current guidelines recommend combined surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as the preferred treatment. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) represent a valid treatment alternative. We aimed to test the non-inferiority of FFR-guided PCI plus TAVI versus SAVR plus CABG in patients with severe aortic stenosis and complex coronary artery disease. METHODS: This international, multicentre, prospective, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial was conducted at 18 tertiary medical centres across Europe. Patients (aged ≥70 years) with severe aortic stenosis and complex coronary artery disease, deemed feasible for percutaneous or surgical treatment according to the on-site Heart Team, were randomly assigned (1:1) to FFR-guided PCI plus TAVI or SAVR plus CABG according to a computer-generated sequence with random permuted blocks sizes stratified by site. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, disabling stroke, clinically driven target-vessel revascularisation, valve reintervention, and life-threatening or disabling bleeding at 1 year post-treatment. The trial was powered for non-inferiority (with a margin of 15%) and if met, for superiority. The primary and safety analyses were done per an intention-to-treat principle. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03424941) and is closed. FINDINGS: Between May 31, 2018, and June 30, 2023, 172 patients were enrolled, of whom 91 were assigned to the FFR-guided PCI plus TAVI group and 81 to the SAVR plus CABG group. The mean age of patients was 76·5 years (SD 3·9). 118 (69%) of 172 patients were male and 54 (31%) patients were female. FFR-guided PCI plus TAVI resulted in favourable outcomes for the primary endpoint (four [4%] of 91 patients) versus SAVR plus CABG (17 [23%] of 77 patients; risk difference -18·5 [90% CI -27·8 to -9·7]), which was below the 15% prespecified non-inferiority margin (pnon-inferiority<0·001). FFR-guided PCI plus TAVI was superior to SAVR plus CABG (hazard ratio 0·17 [95% CI 0·06-0·51]; psuperiority<0·001), which was driven mainly by all-cause mortality (none [0%] of 91 patients vs seven (10%) of 77 patients; p=0·0025) and life-threatening bleeding (two [2%] vs nine [12%]; p=0·010). INTERPRETATION: The TCW trial is the first trial to compare percutaneous treatment versus surgical treatment in patients with severe aortic stenosis and complex coronary artery disease, showing favourable primary endpoint and mortality outcomes with percutaneous treatment. FUNDING: Isala Heart Centre and Medtronic.

• MeSH
• Aortic Valve Stenosis * surgery   complications   MeSH
• Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation methods   MeSH
• Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial * MeSH
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention * methods   MeSH
• Coronary Artery Bypass * methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Coronary Artery Disease * surgery   complications   therapy   MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement * methods   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Equivalence Trial MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A critical evaluation of contemporary literature regarding the role of big data, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies in precision cardio-oncology care and survivorship, emphasizing innovative and groundbreaking endeavors. RECENT FINDINGS: Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm models can automate the risk assessment process and augment current subjective clinical decision tools. AI, particularly machine learning (ML), can identify medically significant patterns in large data sets. Machine learning in cardio-oncology care has great potential in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and managing cancer therapy-related cardiovascular complications. To this end, large-scale imaging data and clinical information are being leveraged in training efficient AI algorithms that may lead to effective clinical tools for caring for this vulnerable population. Telemedicine may benefit cardio-oncology patients by enhancing healthcare delivery through lowering costs, improving quality, and personalizing care. Similarly, the utilization of wearable biosensors and mobile health technology for remote monitoring holds the potential to improve cardio-oncology outcomes through early intervention and deeper clinical insight. Investigations are ongoing regarding the application of digital health tools such as telemedicine and remote monitoring devices in enhancing the functional status and recovery of cancer patients, particularly those with limited access to centralized services, by increasing physical activity levels and providing access to rehabilitation services. SUMMARY: In recent years, advances in cancer survival have increased the prevalence of patients experiencing cancer therapy-related cardiovascular complications. Traditional cardio-oncology risk categorization largely relies on basic clinical features and physician assessment, necessitating advancements in machine learning to create objective prediction models using diverse data sources. Healthcare disparities may be perpetuated through AI algorithms in digital health technologies. In turn, this may have a detrimental effect on minority populations by limiting resource allocation. Several AI-powered innovative health tools could be leveraged to bridge the digital divide and improve access to equitable care.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Across the globe, significant inequities in brain tumor treatment, care, and support perpetuate. Identifying and addressing these unmet needs in the context of patients' rights is crucial to reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for people living with brain tumors. Brain tumor patient advocacy addresses and influences gaps in healthcare provision, ensuring optimal treatment, care, and support for patients, their caregivers, and families. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight the variety of challenges faced by brain tumor patients, caregivers, and advocates in various parts of the world and set a benchmark for improvements. Twenty-eight leading brain tumor patient/caregiver advocates from 18 countries in Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, North America, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe collaborated to explore unmet and met needs in their countries. Virtual meetings were held with the 5 geographic groupings. Through a process of discussion based on a combination of patient advocates' informed expert opinion, published references, a survey (Asia Pacific) and the informal completion of a matrix of challenges by some of the advocacy organizations involved, agreement within the groupings was also reached regarding what rights within The Brain Tumor Patients' Charter of Rights they felt were being met and where there are still gaps. Acknowledging that some rights in The Brain Tumor Patients' Charter of Rights are aspirational, there still remain many areas of the world where even basic patient rights are not yet attainable. Patient advocacy organizations stand ready to help change this to achieve the best possible health and quality of life outcomes for adults and children living with brain tumors.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

This study aimed to determine the effect of complex training (CT) on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect magnitude, 5- and 30-m linear sprint, 5-0-5 change-of-direction (COD), back squat (BS) and hip thrust (HT) one-repetition maximum [1RM], and jumping performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jump [DJ], and broad jump [BJ]). The PAPE effect was elicited before and after each intervention by 3 BS repetitions at 90% 1RM and verified by CMJ performance. Twenty-four soccer players were randomly and equally assigned to 6 weeks of either medium (MED; [65-70%1RM]) or high-intensity (HIGH; [80-85%1RM]) CT performed twice a week. The HIGH group significantly improved their 5-m time (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.91), 30-m time (p = 0.001; ES = 0.66), BS 1RM (p = 0.019; ES = 0.19) and HT 1RM (p = 0.035; ES = 0.26), BJ length (p = 0.012; ES = 0.62) and DJ height (p = 0.002; ES = 0.57) from pre- to post-intervention. The MED group significantly improved their 5-m time (p = 0.004; ES = 0.52), BS 1RM (p = 0.019; ES = 0.36) and BJ length (p = 0.012; ES = 0.7). Significantly shorter 5-m sprint time (p = 0.001; ES = 1.63) and greater DJ height percentage increase (p < 0.001; ES = 1.81) were found in the HIGH group compared to the MED group. Moreover, a significant main effect of the group, indicating a higher PAPE response in the MED group compared to the HIGH group for CMJ peak power output, was observed at both pre- and post-CT intervention (p = 0.045; η2 = 0.171). Six weeks of either medium or high-intensity CT could be used to enhance jumping performance, linear speed and lower-body maximum strength among soccer players. Superior improvements in acceleration and DJ might be expected after high-intensity CT than medium intensity. Medium-intensity CT can improve PAPE response.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Krevní tlak (TK) je velmi variabilní parametr. Jeho variabilitu můžeme studovat pomocí ambulantního monitorování TK, standardizovaného domácího měření pacientem nebo vyhodnocením TK měřeného při opakovaných návštěvách ordi- nace. Všechny způsoby mají prognostickou hodnotu, tj. vysoká variabilita TK zvyšuje výskyt kardiovaskulárních příhod; variabilita měřená pomocí ambulantního monitorování má větší prognostický význam u mladších jedinců do 50 let. Va- riabilita TK v ordinaci může být vyjádřena pomocí procenta návštěv ordinace s dosaženým cílovým TK; ideální je alespoň 75 % návštěv. Antihypertenzní léky mají rozdílný vliv na variabilitu TK, snižují ji blokátory kalciového kanálu a thiazidová a thiazidům podobná diuretika. Proto tyto léky mají být zařazovány do kombinační léčby s ostatními antihypertenzivy, které variabilitu spíše zvyšují.

Blood pressure (BP) displays a large variability. It can be studied by ambulatory BP monitoring, standardized home BP self measurement or by evaluation of BP measured during repeated office visits. All types of measurement predict future cardiovascular events; variability measured by ambulatory BP monitoring has the strongest predictive power in subjects below 50 years of age. Variability of office BP can be expressed as percentage of visits with achieved target BP; it is ideal to have at least 75%. Antihypertensive drugs have different impact on BP variability; it is decreased by calcium channel blockers, thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics. Therefore, they should make part of combination therapy with other antihypertensives which have rather opposite effects.

The objective of our in vitro study was to quantify the biochemical profile where the total polyphenol, flavonoid and phenolic acid content was determined. The antioxidant potential of microgreen extract from Trigonella foenum-graecum L., was measured molybdenum reducing power assay. Specifically, the study assessed parameters such as metabolic activity (AlamarBlueTM assay), membrane integrity (CFDA-AM assay), mitochondrial potential (JC-1 assay), as well as reactive oxygen species generation (NBT assay). In addition, the steroid hormone release in TM3 murine Leydig cells after 12 h and 24 h exposures were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gained results indicate the highest value in total flavonoid content (182.59+/-2.13 mg QE) determination, supported by a significant (108.25+/-1.27 mg TE) antioxidant activity. The effects on metabolic activity, cell membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were found to be both time- and dose-dependent. Notably, a significant suppression in reactive oxygen species generation was confirmed at 150, 200 and 250 microg/ml after 24 h exposure. In addition, progesterone and testosterone release was stimulated up to 250 microg/ml dose of Trigonella, followed by a decline in both steroid production at 300 and 1000 microg/ml. Our results indicate, that Trigonella at lower experimental doses (up to 250 microg/ml) may positively affect majority of monitored cell parameters in TM3 Leydig cells. Overleaf, increasing experimental doses may negatively affect the intracellular parameters already after 12 h of in vitro exposure. Key words Microgreens, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Fenugreek, Leydig cells, Male reproduction.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants pharmacology   MeSH
• Cell Line MeSH
• Phytochemicals pharmacology   MeSH
• Leydig Cells * drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial drug effects   MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism   MeSH
• Plant Extracts * pharmacology   MeSH
• Testosterone metabolism   MeSH
• Trigonella * chemistry   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

This study aimed to directly compare electroencephalography (EEG) whole-brain patterns of neural dynamics with concurrently measured fMRI BOLD data. To achieve this, we aim to derive EEG patterns based on a spatio-spectral decomposition of band-limited EEG power in the source-reconstructed space. In a large dataset of 72 subjects undergoing resting-state hdEEG-fMRI, we demonstrated that the proposed approach is reliable in terms of both the extracted patterns as well as their spatial BOLD signatures. The five most robust EEG spatio-spectral patterns not only include the well-known occipital alpha power dynamics, ensuring consistency with established findings, but also reveal additional patterns, uncovering new insights into brain activity. We report and interpret the most reproducible source-space EEG-fMRI patterns, along with the corresponding EEG electrode-space patterns, which are better known from the literature. The EEG spatio-spectral patterns show weak, yet statistically significant spatial similarity to their functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signatures, particularly in the patterns that exhibit stronger temporal synchronization with BOLD. However, we did not observe a statistically significant relationship between the EEG spatio-spectral patterns and the classical fMRI BOLD resting-state networks (as identified through independent component analysis), tested as the similarity between their temporal synchronization and spatial overlap. This provides evidence that both EEG (frequency-specific) power and the BOLD signal capture reproducible spatio-temporal patterns of neural dynamics. Instead of being mutually redundant, these only partially overlap, providing largely complementary information regarding the underlying low-frequency dynamics.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

INTRODUCTION: This review focuses exclusively on field-based critical speed (CS) tests for runners, aiming to evaluate key testing conditions to optimize field-based assessments and their practical applications. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases in July 2024 using terms like "critical power," "critical speed," "testing," and "field condition" along with related keywords. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, studies were systematically identified, screened, assessed for eligibility, and evaluated for the validity, reliability, and applicability of field-based methods for determining CS in runners. RESULTS: From an initial pool of 450 studies, 19 met the inclusion criteria. The time trial (TT) test and the 3-minute all-out test (3MT) emerged as the most frequently used field-based methods, demonstrating high reliability when conducted under specific conditions. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that while field-based CS testing is a practical alternative to lab-based assessments, obtaining reliable results relies on following recommended testing settings, particularly for TT tests. By outlining the practical applications and conditions necessary for accurate CS assessment, this review supports athletes and coaches in applying CS testing effectively to enhance training strategies and performance.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Systematic Review MeSH

UNLABELLED: Potassium chlorate has long been utilized as an excellent oxidizing agent in pyrotechnics and explosives. As mixtures of potassium chlorate and any type of combustible material can be explosive, there is a potential risk of misuse in homemade explosives. Unlike commercial explosives, homemade chlorate and oil mixtures do not have a constant composition, which limits their understanding. This study reports the effects of two types of oil (motor oil and cooking oil) and their ratios (ranging from 2.5% to 40.0% (w/w)) on the explosive properties of such mixtures. The impact sensitivity was highest at a motor oil ratio of 5%. The friction sensitivity increased with an increasing oil ratio, reaching a maximum at an oil ratio of ~22.5%, and was close to those of primary explosives. The motor oil mixtures exhibited higher sensitivity than the cooking oil mixtures at oil ratios of 25.0% or less. A 10% oil mixture, which was close to the ratio of oxygen balance equal to zero, detonated in weak confinement, such as a paper cylinder. The highest detonation velocities in a polypropylene tube were ~2 300 and 2 550 m/s at a 10% ratio of motor oil and cooking oil, respectively. The velocities of the metal case wall, measured by photonic Doppler velocimetry, reached ~1 100 m/s near the end of acceleration. These results show that homemade chlorate and oil mixtures are capable of detonation and quite sensitive over a wide range of oil ratios, with sufficient power to cause damage in the vicinity. KEY POINTS: Simple mixtures of potassium chlorate and oil can be used as a homemade explosives.Oil types and ratios considerably affect the sensitivity and detonation velocity.Mixtures are sufficiently potent to generate hazardous fragments.Long-term storage causes an internal oil gradient.Mixtures with wide-ranging oil ratios can have highly sensitive points.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH