Východiska: Rakovina prsu představuje v České republice nejčastěji se vyskytující maligní onemocnění u ženské populace. V důsledku zvyšující se incidence a stagnující až klesající mortality přibývá počet žen, které překonaly toto onemocnění a musí se vypořádat s nežádoucími vedlejšími účinky onkologické léčby. Jednou z možných nemedikamentózních intervencí, s cílem ovlivnit tyto negativní dopady, je pohybová aktivita. Materiál a metody: Hlavním cílem předkládané studie bylo posoudit vliv 12týdenního intervenčního pohybového programu na vybrané parametry, konkrétně na fyzickou zdatnost, hustotu kostní tkáně a kvalitu života u pacientek po ukončené kurativní léčbě rakoviny prsu. Dílčím cílem bylo vyhodnotit míru adherence k navrhovanému pohybovému programu. Do výzkumu bylo zařazeno 33 žen, které byly nerandomizovaným způsobem rozděleny do tří skupin – skupina SAPA podstupující řízené supervizované cvičení, skupina HAPA absolvující řízený domácí pohybový program a kontrolní skupina bez řízeného pohybového programu. Výsledky: Vstupní měření absolvovalo 28 žen (55,18 ± 11,46 roku, 165,32 ± 6,22 cm, 75,21 ± 15,93 kg, BMI 27,61 ± 5,78). VO2peak se zvýšilo u skupiny SAPA o 1,66 %, u skupiny HAPA o 1,29 %, zatímco u kontrolní skupiny došlo k poklesu o 15,10 % (p = 0,043; d = 0,908; common language effect size (CLES) = 73,97 %). Kostní hustota se v průměru nejvíce snížila u kontrolní skupiny (− 1,1 %; p = 0,028; d = 0,956, CLES = 75,05 %). Dotazníky kvality života nezaznamenaly statistický ani věcně významný výsledek. Průměrná adherence u skupiny SAPA byla 74,59 %, u skupiny HAPA 74,79 %. Závěr: Naše výsledky naznačují pozitivní přínos pohybového programu na fyzickou zdatnost a hustotu kostí bez rozdílu, zda se jednalo o supervizované nebo domácí cvičení. Naopak nemůžeme jednoznačně potvrdit přínos našeho pohybového programu na kvalitu života přeživších pacientek s rakovinou prsu. Adherence k programu byla průměrná u obou skupin.
Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring malignant disease in the female population in the Czech Republic. As a result of the increasing incidence and stagnant to decreasing mortality, the number of women who have overcome this disease and have to deal with the unwanted side effects of oncological treatment is increasing. One of the possible non-drug interventions to influence these negative effects is physical activity. Materials and methods: The main aim of the presented study was to assess the effect of a twelve-week interventional exercise program on selected parameters, specifically on physical fitness, bone tissue density and quality of life, in patients after completion of curative treatment for breast cancer. A partial goal was to evaluate the degree of adherence to the proposed exercise program. Thirty-three women were included in the research, and they were divided into three groups in a non-randomized way – the SAPA group undergoing controlled supervised exercise, the HAPA group completing a controlled home exercise program and a control group without a controlled exercise program. Results: Twenty-eight women completed the initial measurement (55.18 ± 11.46 years, 165.32 ± 6.22 cm, 75.21 ± 15.93 kg, BMI 27.61 ± 5,78). VO2peak increased by 1.66% in the SAPA group, by 1.29% in the HAPA group, and decreased by 15.10% in the control group (P = 0.043; d = 0.908; CLES = 73.97%). On average, bone density decreased most in the control group (−1.1%; P = 0.028; d = 0.956, CLES = 75.05%). The quality of life questionnaires did not record a statistically or objectively significant result. Average adherence in the SAPA group was 74.59%, and in the HAPA group, 74.79%. Conclusion: Our results indicate a positive benefit of an exercise program on physical fitness and bone density, whether for supervised or home exercise. On the contrary, we cannot unequivocally confirm the benefit of our exercise program on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. The adherence to the program was average for both groups.
- MeSH
- Treatment Adherence and Compliance statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Bone Density MeSH
- Quality of Life MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Breast Neoplasms * diagnosis therapy MeSH
- Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic MeSH
- Cancer Survivors psychology MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Physical Fitness psychology MeSH
- Exercise Therapy * methods psychology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Capillary and microchip electrophoresis plays an important role in the analysis of the chemical composition of plants and nutrient soils, which finds applications in plant physiology, agrochemistry, medicine, toxicology and food science. Electrophoretic methods are used to determine minerals such as nutrients, heavy metal ions, primary and secondary metabolites, herbicides, phytohormones, peptides, proteins and extracellular vesicles. Progress is particularly evident in the following topics: i) development of mobile electrophoretic analysers for field-based monitoring of soil mineral supply, ii) direct analysis of xylem sap without sample treatment, iii) coupling of capillary and microchip electrophoresis with mass spectrometry for comprehensive metabolome and proteome characterization, iv) determination of secondary metabolites as biologically active compounds with a range of therapeutic and toxicological effects, v) monitoring of herbicides and their degradation dynamics, vi) research on plant exudates, extracellular vesicles and specific protein interactions.
- MeSH
- Electrophoresis, Capillary methods MeSH
- Herbicides analysis MeSH
- Mass Spectrometry MeSH
- Plants * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with metabolic disorders, hypocalcemia, and multiple organ failure. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in thyroid ultrastructure and function in rats with SAP and to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of thyroid injury in patients with SAP. 64 male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into the SAP group and the control group. Pancreatic enzymatic indicators and thyroid hormones were detected, pathology scores were evaluated, and morphological changes were observed under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in both groups. The serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) and Ca2+ were significantly lower in the SAP group than in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the level of calcitonin (CT) was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The thyroid structure (pathology and electron microscopy) of the SAP rats was seriously damaged and worsened over time. SAP can cause thyroid injury through a variety of mechanisms, which can also retroact to pancreatitis to aggravate the inflammatory response. This study may have theoretical significance for basic research on SAP. Key words Severe acute pancreatitis, Thyroid, Structure and functional changes, Transmission electron microscopy.
- MeSH
- Acute Disease MeSH
- Thyroid Hormones blood MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Disease Models, Animal MeSH
- Pancreatitis * pathology MeSH
- Rats, Wistar * MeSH
- Thyroid Gland * pathology ultrastructure metabolism MeSH
- Severity of Illness Index MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) in cardiac surgery significantly impact patient outcomes. This study examines cardiac antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines in Czech and Slovak hospitals, crucial for reducing SSI incidence. METHODS: An electronic survey was conducted across cardiac surgery departments in both countries, focusing on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) protocols, antibiotic choices, dosages, timing and postoperative infection rates. Responses were collected over three months, ensuring a comprehensive overview. FINDINGS: Most surveyed hospitals (79%) implement SAP, but guidelines exhibit notable variability. Cefazolin dominates as the primary prophylactic choice, with varying dosing regimens. Challenges include timing inconsistencies and prolonged prophylaxis durations, particularly in implant-related procedures. Regular guideline revisions are reported in 18% of hospitals within the last year, emphasizing the need for updated practices. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the importance of standardizing SAP practices, aligning them with evolving evidence, and implementing regular guideline revisions. The observed variations highlight opportunities for enhanced SSI prevention strategies in cardiac surgery, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * therapeutic use administration & dosage MeSH
- Antibiotic Prophylaxis * standards statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Surgical Wound Infection * prevention & control MeSH
- Cardiac Surgical Procedures * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Hospitals statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Practice Guidelines as Topic MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
- Slovakia MeSH
Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by IgG antibodies targeting NMDAR. The prevalence is remarkably higher in women and some develop the condition during pregnancy. While immunotherapies have shown good outcomes for pregnant mothers and their infants, the impact on early neurodevelopment remains elusive. This study investigates the effects of anti-NMDAR antibody on the development of primary cortical cultures. Anti-NMDAR antibody was administered to the cultures at day in vitro 5 for the following 5 days to assess dendritic branching and arbor complexity, and at day in vitro 14 for measuring the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptic proteins. Immature cultured neurons treated with anti-NMDAR antibody exhibited impaired dendritic branching and arbor complexity. Interestingly, BDNF expression was unaffected in mature neurons. Additionally, GluN1 expression, a mandatory NMDAR subunit, was significantly reduced, while no significant alterations were observed in PSD-95, gephyrin and synaptophysin expression. These findings shed light on the structural and synaptic impacts of anti-NMDAR antibody on immature neurons, providing evidence for their consequences in early neuronal development.
- MeSH
- Dendrites * drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Cells, Cultured MeSH
- Membrane Proteins metabolism immunology MeSH
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor * metabolism MeSH
- Neurons * metabolism drug effects MeSH
- Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein metabolism MeSH
- Nerve Tissue Proteins immunology metabolism MeSH
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate * immunology MeSH
- Synaptophysin metabolism MeSH
- Carrier Proteins MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Východiská: Jednou z možností kontroly efektívnosti modelu pregraduálneho vzdelávania v odbore ošetrovateľstvo je jeho hodnotenie absolventmi. Schopnosť kriticky posúdiť a zaujať objektívne stanovisko k obsahu a forme vzdelávania sa s odstupom času zvyšuje. Dôvodom sú postupne nadobudnuté praktické skúsenosti absolventov, pracovné podmienky, možnosti ďalšieho vzdelávania a i. Ošetrovateľstvo je profesijne orientovaný študijný program. Jadrom úspechu výkonu profesie je harmonizácia teórie a praxe. V minulosti veľa štúdií malo za cieľ prioritne analyzovať iba výučbu v klinických podmienkach. Sme toho názoru, že prediktorom autonómnej praxe v klinických podmienkach sú teoretické vedomosti, kvalitné vzdelávanie v laboratórnych podmienkach a vedenie mentorom. Je nesprávne tento vzťah podceniť. Cieľ: retrospektívne hodnotiť vybrané zložky modelu pregraduálneho vzdelávania v odbore ošetrovateľstvo. Súbor a metódy: Do výskumu bolo zapojených 176 absolventov – bakalárov v odbore ošetrovateľstvo. 38 (21,6 %) respondentov absolvovalo štúdium na odbornej vysokej škole a 138 (78,4 %) respondentov absolvovalo toto štúdium na univerzite. Dáta boli získané vybranými sekciami štandardizovaného dotazníka The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale (CLES+T test). Vnútornú konzistenciu dotazníka sme zisťovali pomocou Cronbachovej alfy. Respondenti svoj názor vyjadrili na 5 stupňovej Likertovej škále. Dotazník bol sprístupnený online za spolupráci Slovenskej komory sestier a pôrodných asistentiek (SK SaPA). Obdobie zberu dát: február-máj 2021. Výsledky boli spracované deskriptívnou štatistikou. Výsledky: Absolventi pozitívnejšie hodnotili teoretickú výučbu (skóre 3,88). Hodnotenie klinickej výučby absolventmi univerzít bolo skoro identické s absolventmi odborných vysokých škôl. Z analýzy dát klinickej výučby vyplynulo zistenie, že mentori neboli zdrojom spätnej väzby pre študenta, študenti sa nepovažovali za členov tímu. Výsledky preukázali vysokú prioritu roly mentora. Pozitívny interpersonálny vzťah medzi mentorom a študentom má podľa absolventov silný motivačný význam. Názory absolventov univerzít na pregraduálne vzdelávanie je porovnateľná s názormi absolventov odborných vysokých škôl. Celkove hodnotenie pregraduálneho vzdelávania dosahovalo priemerné skóre 3,56. Záver: Výsledky hodnotenia slovenských absolventov je porovnateľná s hodnotením študentov a absolventov ostatných európskych krajín patriacich k signatárom Európskeho vysokoškolského priestoru - European Higher Education Area (EHEA). To potvrdzuje vysoký štandard slovenských vysokých škôl, porov
Background: One way of checking the ef fectiveness of the undergraduate nursing education model is through its evaluation by graduates. The ability to critically assess and take an objective stance on the content and form of education increases with the passage of time. This is due to the graduates' practical experience, working conditions, opportunities for further education, etc. Nursing is a professionally oriented study programme. The harmonisation of theory and practice is at the heart of the success of the profession. In the past, many studies have had the priority of analysing only teaching in clinical settings. We believe that the predictors of autonomous practice in clinical settings are theoretical knowledge, quality education in laboratory settings, and mentor guidance. It is wrong to underestimate this relationship. Objective: to retrospectively evaluate selected components of the undergraduate nursing education model. Set and Methods: 176 undergraduate nursing students were included in the study. 38 (21.6%) of the respondents had completed their studies at a vocational college and 138 (78.4%) of the respondents had completed their studies at a university. Data were collected by selected sections of the standardized questionnaire The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale (CLES+T test). Internal consistency of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Respondents expressed their opinion on a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was made available online with the cooperation of the Slovak Chamber of Nurses and Midwives (SK SaPA). Data collection period: February- -May 2021.The results were processed by descriptive statistics. Results: Graduates rated theoretical teaching more positively (score 3.88). The evaluation of clinical teaching by university graduates was almost identical to that of graduates of professional colleges. Analysis of the clinical teaching data 3/202464Suplementum revealed the finding that mentors were not a source of feedback for the student; students did not consider themselves as team members. The results demonstrated the high priority of the mentor role. The positive interpersonal relationship between mentor and student is considered by the alumni to have a strong motivational significance. The views of university graduates on undergraduate education is comparable to those of graduates of vocational colleges. The overall rating of undergraduate education achieved a mean score of 3. 56. Conclusion: the results of the evaluation of Slovak graduates is comparable to the evaluation of students and graduates of other European countries belonging to the signatories of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This confirms the high standard of Slovak higher education institutions, comparable
In preovulatory follicles, after the endogenous gonadotropin surge, the oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) produce hyaluronan (HA) in a process called "cumulus expansion". During this process, the heavy chains (HCs) of the serum-derived inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) family bind covalently to synthesized HA and form a unique structure of the expanded cumulus HA-rich extracellular matrix. Understanding the biochemical mechanism of the covalent linkage between HA and the HCs of the IαI family is one of the most significant discoveries in reproductive biology, since it explains basis of the cumulus expansion process running in parallel with the oocyte maturation, both essential for ovulation. Two recent studies have supported the above-mentioned findings: in the first, seven components of the extracellular matrix were detected by proteomic, evolutionary, and experimental analyses, and in the second, the essential role of serum in the process of cumulus expansion in vitro was confirmed. We have previously demonstrated the formation of unique structure of the covalent linkage of HA to HCs of IαI in the expanded gonadotropin-stimulated OCC, as well as interactions with several proteins produced by the cumulus cells: tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 6, pentraxin 3, and versican. Importantly, deletion of these genes in the mice produces female infertility due to defects in the oocyte-cumulus structure.
- MeSH
- Alpha-Globulins metabolism MeSH
- C-Reactive Protein metabolism MeSH
- Extracellular Matrix * metabolism MeSH
- Cumulus Cells * metabolism MeSH
- Hyaluronic Acid * metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Oocytes * metabolism MeSH
- Ovarian Follicle * metabolism MeSH
- Serum Amyloid P-Component metabolism genetics MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
In preovulatory follicles, after the endogenous gonadotropin surge, the oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) produce hyaluronan (HA) in a process called “cumulus expansion”. During this process, the heavy chains (HCs) of the serum-derived inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) family bind covalently to synthesized HA and form a unique structure of the expanded cumulus HA-rich extracellular matrix. Understanding the biochemical mechanism of the covalent linkage between HA and the HCs of the IαI family is one of the most significant discoveries in reproductive biology, since it explains basis of the cumulus expansion process running in parallel with the oocyte maturation, both essential for ovulation. Two recent studies have supported the above-mentioned findings: in the first, seven components of the extracellular matrix were detected by proteomic, evolutionary, and experimental analyses, and in the second, the essential role of serum in the process of cumulus expansion in vitro was confirmed. We have previously demonstrated the formation of unique structure of the covalent linkage of HA to HCs of IαI in the expanded gonadotropin-stimulated OCC, as well as interactions with several proteins produced by the cumulus cells: tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 6, pentraxin 3, and versican. Importantly, deletion of these genes in the mice produces female infertility due to defects in the oocyte-cumulus structure.
- MeSH
- Alpha-Globulins metabolism MeSH
- C-Reactive Protein metabolism MeSH
- Extracellular Matrix metabolism MeSH
- Cumulus Cells metabolism MeSH
- Hyaluronic Acid * metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Oocytes * metabolism MeSH
- Ovarian Follicle metabolism MeSH
- Serum Amyloid P-Component genetics metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
BACKGROUND: The current obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnostic uses polysomnography or limited polygraphy and requires specialized personnel and technical equipment. Glycoprotein biomarkers and microRNAs are being explored as a possible new method for screening. We aimed to evaluate whether certain biomarkers and microRNA, previously identified as related to OSA, could be influenced by factors such as gender, age, and obesity level in patients with OSA. METHODS: In this retrospective analytical study, patients with moderate to severe OSA (n = 130) were compared with the control group. Serum levels of selected biomarkers and microRNA were taken from both groups. The group of OSA patients was then stratified by gender, obesity level, and age to see the possible influence of those variables on biomarker levels. RESULTS: Levels of all studied biomarkers - C-reactive protein (CRP), high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), and microRNA-499 were significantly higher in patients with OSA compared to the control group. In the OSA group only hsTnI showed a statistically significant relationship with gender. Levels of CRP and hsTnI showed a significant dependence on the level of obesity. Dependency on age was proven for hsTnI. CRP, PTX-3, and microRNA-499 did not have any statistically significant relationship with age. CONCLUSION: We found that serum levels of pentraxin-3 and microRNA-499 in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea are independent of gender, obesity, and age. CRP was affected by the level of obesity and hsTnI was influenced by all 3 variables. We consider these findings important for further research of OSA biomarkers.
- MeSH
- Biomarkers * blood MeSH
- C-Reactive Protein * analysis metabolism MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Glycoproteins blood genetics MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- MicroRNAs * blood MeSH
- Obesity * blood genetics MeSH
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive * blood genetics MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Serum Amyloid P-Component metabolism analysis genetics MeSH
- Sex Factors MeSH
- Troponin I blood MeSH
- Age Factors MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Cíl studie: Zmapovat chování oftalmologů v České republice stran ochranných pomůcek v době pandemie COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), a to jak v době povinných restriktivních opatření, tak po jejich rozvolnění. Vyhodnotit informovanost o možném vlivu ochrany nosu a úst (roušek, respirátorů) na kvalitu očního vyšetření, zejména na výsledek počítačového perimetru (PP) a měření nitroočního tlaku (NOT). Materiál a metoda: V rámci dvou odborných oftalmologických akcí v České republice, které se konaly v roce 2022, jsme pomocí dotazníku získali data od přítomných očních lékařů. Vyhodnotili jsme získané demografické parametry, frekvenci užívání a typ ochranných prostředků nosu a úst i zkušenosti oftalmologů s kvalitou oftalmologického vyšetření při použití ochranných pomůcek. Cíleně jsme se zaměřili také na informovanost oftalmologů o možném vlivu ochranných pomůcek na výsledek PP a měření NOT. Výsledky: Získali jsme data celkem od 212 respondentů (148 žen, 44 mužů, ve 20 případech nebylo pohlaví uvedeno). V 91,5 % se lékaři shodli, že použití respirátorů a roušek činí oftalmologické vyšetření obtížnější, přičemž mezi nejčastější potíže patřilo zamlžování okulárů (85,8 %), zamlžování vyšetřovací čočky (85,8 %), zamlžování čoček při předpisu brýlové korekce (79,2 %). S těmito problémy lékaři nejčastěji bojovali buď úplným odložením respirátoru (24,1 %), či minimálně jeho stažením pod nos (39,2 %). V době rozvolnění opatření pak signifikantně více mužů neužívalo při oftalmologickém vyšetření vůbec žádnou ochranu nosu a úst (15,8 % muži vs. 4,2 % ženy; p = 0,032). Důležitým zjištěním byl fakt, že 35,6 % respondentů nevědělo, zda sestra provádí perimetrické vyšetření u pacienta s nasazeným respirátorem/rouškou, či bez ochranných pomůcek, tedy si nebyli vědomi možného vzniku artefaktů. Možných obtíží s měřením NOT s nasazeným respirátorem si bylo vědomo pouze 21,2 %, celých 59,9 % respondentů si toto riziko neuvědomovalo (39,6 % se nad tímto problémem nikdy nezamýšlelo, 20,3 % respondentů bylo přesvědčeno, že nasazený respirátor na měření NOT vliv mít nemůže). Závěr: Používání ochranných pomůcek nosu a úst jednoznačně ovlivňuje oftalmologické vyšetření a činí jej obtížnějším. Přestože oftalmologové patří ke skupině ve vysokém riziku pro možný přenos infekce při výkonu svého povolání, často ochranu nosu a úst odkládali ve snaze eliminovat zamlžování okulárů a vyšetřovacích čoček. Informovanost oftalmologů o možném ovlivnění výsledků PP a měření NOT s nasazeným respirátorem byla v našem dotazníkovém šetření malá. Je tedy vhodné o této problematice více diskutovat a lékaře na tato rizika upozornit.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to map the behavior of ophthalmologists regarding protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic (coronavirus disease 2019), both during the time of the mandatory restrictive measures and after their relaxation. Another aim was to evaluate the awareness of ophthalmologists in the Czech Republic about the possible impact of nose and mouth protective measures (masks, respirators) on the quality of eye examinations, especially on the results of standard automated perimetry (SAP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Materials and Methods: As part of two professional ophthalmological events in the Czech Republic, which took place in 2022, we obtained and evaluated data from the ophthalmologists in attendance using a questionnaire. We evaluated demographic parameters, frequency of use and type of nose and mouth protective equipment and their influence on the quality of ophthalmological examination as well as the awareness of ophthalmologists about their possible influence on the outcome of SAP and IOP measurements. Results: We obtained data from a total of 212 respondents (148 women, 44 men, in 20 cases gender was not stated). In 91.5% of cases, ophthalmologists agreed that the use of respirators and masks makes ophthalmological examination more difficult. The most common problems were eyepiece fogging (85.8%), examination lens fogging (85.8%), and lens fogging when spectacles correction was prescribed (79.2%). The respondents most often combated these problems either by completely removing the respirator (24.1%) or at least by pulling it under the nose (39.2%). At the time when the measures were relaxed, significantly more men did not use any nose and mouth protection at all during ophthalmological examinations (15.8% of men vs. 4.2% of women; p = 0.032). An alarming finding was the fact that 35.6% of respondents did not know whatsoever whether the nurse was performing a perimetry examination on a patient with a respirator/mask or without protective equipment, i.e. they were not aware whatsoever of the possible formation of artifacts. Only 21.2% of respondents were aware of the possible difficulties of measuring IOP while wearing a respirator, while 59.9% of respondents were not aware of this risk (39.6% had never considered this problem, 20.3% of respondents were convinced that a respirator could not have an effect on the measurement of IOP). Conclusion: The use of nose and mouth protective equipment clearly affects the ophthalmological examination and makes it more difficult. Although ophthalmologists belong to a group at high risk for the possible transmission of infection in the performance of their profession, they often removed nose and mouth protection in an effort to eliminate fogging of eyepieces and examination lenses. The awareness of ophthalmologists regarding the possible influence on the results of SAP and IOP measurement by wearing a respirator was low in our questionnaire survey. It is therefore advisable to discuss this issue more widely and warn doctors about these risks.
- MeSH
- Ambulatory Care * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- COVID-19 * psychology MeSH
- Quality of Health Care MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Protective Devices classification MeSH
- Ophthalmology statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Delivery of Health Care statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Clinical Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH