OBJECTIVES: To re-evaluate cut-offs for disease activity states according to the Axial Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and study the impact of sex, age, calendar time, disease and symptom duration on ASDAS and ASDAS cut-offs in a large contemporary cohort. METHODS: Data from 2939 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) starting their first tumour necrosis factor inhibitor in nine European registries were pooled and analysed. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to identify cut-offs against external criteria. Six-month data including patient and physician global assessments, both ≤1 (0-10 integer scale), and Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society partial remission were used for separation of inactive disease (ID) from low disease activity (LDA), while patient and physician global ≤3 were applied as external criteria to separate LDA from high disease activity (HDA). Patient and physician global ≥6 were applied to separate HDA from very high disease activity in baseline data. RESULTS: The three ASDAS cut-offs identified to separate the four disease activity states in the overall patient population were <1.3, <2.0 and >3.5. Cut-offs for ID and LDA in women were higher (<1.5 and <2.0, respectively) than in men (<1.3 and <1.9), as were cut-offs in patients ≥45 years (<1.5 and <2.2) versus ≤34 years (<1.2 and <1.9) and 35-44 years (<1.3 and <1.8). Cut-offs were independent of calendar time and disease duration. CONCLUSIONS: Re-evaluation of ASDAS cut-offs for disease activity states in a large multi-national axSpA cohort resulted in cut-offs similar to those currently endorsed. Differences in cut-offs between sex and age groups for ID and LDA were observed, but the differences were minor.

• MeSH
• axiální spondyloartritida * diagnóza   epidemiologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• inhibitory TNF terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• registrace * MeSH
• revmatologie normy   MeSH
• ROC křivka MeSH
• sexuální faktory MeSH
• stupeň závažnosti nemoci * MeSH
• věkové faktory MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Cíl: Hlavním cílem studie je zjistit změny v prevalenci obezity u reprezentativního souboru české mládeže mezi lety 2018 a 2022 a její aktuální koreláty s ohledem na socioekonomický status (SES) rodin adolescentů. Metodika: Národně reprezentativní soubor 24535 adolescentů ve věku 11–15 let (n = 11629/129062018/2022; chlapci: 50,4/50,6 %2018/2022) byl sestaven z posledních dvou cyklů online dotazníkového šetření realizovaného v letech 2018 a 2022. SES rodin zúčastněných adolescentů byl kategorizován pomocí Škály rodinného blahobytu. Obezitu reprezentuje interval > 97 % v percentilovém grafu Body Mass Indexu Světové zdravotnické organizace diferencovaný dle pohlaví a věku adolescentů. Rozdíly v prevalenci obezity adolescentů ze všech SES kategorií rodin byly testovány pomocí χ2-testu. Míra vlivu korelátů obezity adolescentů v roce 2022 byla analyzována pomocí vícenásobné logistické regresní analýzy. Výsledky: Mezi lety 2018 a 2022 nebyl u dívek ani chlapců v žádné kategorii SES rodin zjištěn signifikantní přírůstek v prevalenci obezity. U adolescentů z rodin s nízkým SES byla zaznamenána signifikantně nejvyšší (p < 0,001) prevalence obezity (11 %CHLAPCI a 5,8 %DÍVKY) ve srovnání s ostatními SES kategoriemi adolescentů. Mezi adolescenty z rodin s nízkým SES mají signifikantně nižší šanci výskytu obezity jedinci každodenně realizující pohybovou aktivitu (PA) střední až vysoké intenzity (p < 0,005) či 3krát týdně vysoce intenzivní PA (p < 0,05) než jejich méně aktivní vrstevníci. Vynechávání snídaní významně (p < 0,05) zvyšuje šanci výskytu obezity, ale pouze u adolescentů z rodin s nízkým SES. Kratší „screen time“ významně snižuje (p < 0,05) šanci výskytu obezity u všech SES kategorií adolescentů. Závěry: Obezita, jako výsledek dlouhodobé pozitivní energetické bilance zprostředkované nevyváženým chováním, je nejvýrazněji zastoupena u adolescentů z rodin s nízkým SES. Potvrdilo se, že významně nižší šance výskytu obezity adolescentů z rodin s nízkým SES je asociována s pravidelným prováděním doporučované PA, kratší dobou ST a nevynecháváním pravidelného snídání.

Objective: The main objective of the study is to determine changes in the prevalence of obesity in a representative cohort of Czech adolescents between 2018 and 2022 and its current correlates with respect to the socioeconomic status (SES) of adolescents’ families. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 24535 adolescents aged 11–15 years (n = 11629/129062018/2022; boys: 50.4/50.6%2018/2022) was drawn from last two cycles of an online questionnaire survey conducted in 2018 and 2022. The SES of the families of the participating adolescents was categorised using the Family Affluence Scale. Obesity was represented by > 97% on the age-differentiated World Health Organization Percentile Body Mass Index charts differentiated by gender and age of adolescents. The chi-square tests (χ2) were performed to assess differences in prevalence of obesity in each gender and SES categories of adolescents between 2018 and 2022. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship between different correlates and obesity in adolescents in 2022 separately for boys and girls. Results: There was no significant increase in the prevalence of obesity among girls or boys in any SES family category between 2018 and 2022. Adolescents from low SES families had the significantly highest (p < 0.001) prevalence of obesity (11%BOYS and 5.8%GIRLS) compared to other SES categories of adolescents. Among adolescents from low SES families, individuals who engaged in daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) (p < 0.005) or 3 times per week vigorous PA (p < 0.05) had significantly lower odds of obesity than their less active peers. Skipping breakfast significantly (p < 0.05) increased the odds of obesity, but only in adolescents from low SES families. Shorter screen time significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the odds of obesity in all SES categories of adolescents. Conclusions: Obesity, because of long-term positive energy balance mediated by imbalanced behaviour, is most pronounced in adolescents from low SES families. It was confirmed that significantly lower odds of obesity in adolescents from low SES families are associated with regular practice of recommended PA, shorter ST duration and not skipping regular breakfast.

• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• epidemiologické studie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• obezita * epidemiologie   MeSH
• pohybová aktivita MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• snídaně MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• spánek MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

"Genetics and Genomics in Medicine is a new textbook written for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as medical researchers, which explains the science behind the uses of genetics and genomics in medicine today. It is not just about rare inherited and chromosomal disorders, but how genetics affects the whole spectrum of human health and disease. DNA technologies are explained, with emphasis on the modern techniques that have revolutionized the use of genetic information in medicine and are indicating the role of genetics in common complex diseases. The detailed, integrative coverage of genetic approaches to treatment and prevention includes pharmacogenomics and the prospects for personalized medicine. Cancers are essentially genetic diseases and are given a dedicated chapter that includes new insights from cancer genome sequencing. Clinical disorders are covered throughout and there are extensive end-of-chapter questions and problems"--Provided by publisher.

The knowledge of the effects of organophosphate flame retardants on children's neurodevelopment is limited. The purpose of the present research is to evaluate the association between exposure to organophosphate flame retardants and children's neurodevelopment in two European cohorts involved in the Human Biomonitoring Initiative Aligned Studies. The participants were school-aged children belonging to the Odense Child Cohort (Denmark) and the PCB cohort (Slovakia). In each cohort, the children's neurodevelopment was assessed through the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient score of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, using two different editions. The children's urine samples, collected at one point in time, were analyzed for several metabolites of organophosphate flame retardants. The association between neurodevelopment and each organophosphate flame retardant metabolite was explored by applying separate multiple linear regressions based on the approach of MM-estimation in each cohort. In the Danish cohort, the mean ± standard deviation for the neurodevelopment score was 98 ± 12; the geometric mean (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) of bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) standardized by creatinine (crt) was 0.52 μg/g crt (95% CI = 0.49; 0.60), while that of diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) standardized by crt was 1.44 μg/g crt (95% CI = 1.31; 1.58). The neurodevelopment score showed a small, negative, statistically imprecise trend with BDCIPP standardized by crt (β = -1.30; 95%CI = -2.72; 0.11; p-value = 0.07) and no clear association with DPHP standardized by crt (β = -0.98; 95%CI = -2.96; 0.99; p-value = 0.33). The neurodevelopment score showed a negative trend with BDCIPP (β = -1.42; 95% CI = -2.70; -0.06; p-value = 0.04) and no clear association with DPHP (β = -1.09; 95% CI = -2.87; 0.68; p-value = 0.23). In the Slovakian cohort, the mean ± standard deviation for the neurodevelopment score was 81 ± 15; the geometric mean of BDCIPP standardized by crt was 0.18 μg/g crt (95% CI = 0.16; 0.20), while that of DPHP standardized by crt was 2.24 μg/g crt (95% CI = 2.00; 3.52). The association of the neurodevelopment score with BDCIPP standardized by crt was -0.49 (95%CI = -1.85; 0.87; p-value = 0.48), and with DPHP standardized by crt it was -0.35 (95%CI = -1.90; 1.20; p-value = 0.66). No clear associations were observed between the neurodevelopment score and BDCIPP/DPHP concentrations that were not standardized by crt. No clear associations were observed with bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP) in either cohort, due to the low detection frequency of this compound. In conclusion, this study provides only limited evidence of an inverse association between neurodevelopment and exposure to BDCIPP and DPHP. The timing of exposure and effect modification of other organophosphate flame retardant metabolites and other substances should be the subject of further investigations that address this scientific hypothesis.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The distribution of time that people spend in physical activity of various intensities has important health implications. Physical activity (commonly categorised by the intensity into light, moderate and vigorous physical activity), sedentary behaviour and sleep, should not be analysed separately, because they are parts of a time-use composition with a natural constraint of 24 h/day. To find out how are relative reallocations of time between physical activity of various intensities associated with health, herewith we describe compositional scalar-on-function regression and a newly developed compositional functional isotemporal substitution analysis. Physical activity intensity data can be considered as probability density functions, which better reflects the continuous character of their measurement using accelerometers. These probability density functions are characterised by specific properties, such as scale invariance and relative scale, and they are geometrically represented using Bayes spaces with the Hilbert space structure. This makes possible to process them using standard methods of functional data analysis in the L2 space, via centred logratio (clr) transformation. The scalar-on-function regression with clr transformation of the explanatory probability density functions and compositional functional isotemporal substitution analysis were applied to a dataset from a cross-sectional study on adiposity conducted among school-aged children in the Czech Republic. Theoretical reallocations of time to physical activity of higher intensities were found to be associated with larger and more progressive expected decreases in adiposity. We obtained a detailed insight into the dose-response relationship between physical activity intensity and adiposity, which was enabled by using the compositional functional approach.

• MeSH
• adipozita * MeSH
• Bayesova věta MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• cvičení * fyziologie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• obezita * MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Úvod: Dosavadní protokoly hodnocení laryngoskopie se většinou zaměřovaly na hodnocení stavu glottis a morfologického popisu tvaru a kmitů hlasivek. K základním projevům funkční činnosti hrtanu podle nových protokolů patří i popis supraglotické hrtanové aktivity. Metody: Hodnocení laryngoskopického vyšetření probíhalo v podobě percepčního testu prováděného online pomocí webové aplikace. Hodnoceny byly parametry: míra a typ insuficience glottis a míra anteriorní, posteriorní komprese a laterálně-mediální (L-M) komprese samostatně pro každou stranu. Celkově bylo hodnoceno 26 videozáznamů laryngoskopických vyšetření, které hodnotilo celkem 15 respondentů. Dále byly sledovány vzájemné vztahy mezi percepčním hodnocením hlasu pomocí modifikovaných GRBAS škál a parametry hlasového pole. Výsledky: Hodnocení laryngoskopických škál mělo dobrou až výbornou shodu. Shoda u typu insuficience byla jen mírná. Vzájemné korelace prokázala jen související hodnocení L-M komprese vpravo a vlevo. U percepčního hodnocení byla nalezena souvislost mezi L-M kompresí a vjemem napětí habituálního hlasu, napětím a nestabilitou v oblasti přechodu rejstříků u zpěvního hlasu. Míra insuficience predikovala obecně menší plnost habituálního hlasu, ale také souvisela s hlasovou dyšností a slabostí při volání. Současně stála ve velké míře za zhoršením vlastností kvality zpěvního hlasu. L-M komprese systematicky zmenšovala výškový rozsah a plochu hlasového pole. Závěr: Výsledky percepčního hodnocení lze využít v dalším vzdělávání. Na jejich základě byl připraven didaktický materiál pro nácvik hodnocení supraglotické aktivity hrtanu, který byl publikován v podobě online výukového testu. Míra insuficience obecně ovlivňuje různé vlastnosti mluvního i zpěvního hlasu. Laterálně-mediální komprese systematicky ovlivňuje jen napětí mluvního hlasu, ve zpěvním hlase zvýrazňuje napětí a nestabilitu přechodové oblasti a zhoršuje tvorbu vysokých tónů.

Introduction: Previous laryngoscopy evaluation protocols have mostly focused on assessment of glottal status and morphological description of vocal folds’ shape and oscillations. The basic functional manifestations of laryngeal use, according to new protocols, include a description of supraglottic laryngeal activity. Methods: Laryngoscopic evaluation was performed as a perceptual test, performed online, using a web-based application. The degree and type of glottal insufficiency and the degree of anterior, posterior compression and lateral-medial (L-M) compression separately for each side were evaluated by a total of 15 respondents in a total of 26 video recordings of laryngoscopic examinations. In addition, the correlations between listening evaluations of the voice using modified GRBAS scales and voice range profile parameters were investigated. Results: The ratings of the laryngoscopic scales had well to excellent agreement. Agreement for type of insufficiency was just moderate. The associated ratings of L-M compression on the right and left sides showed correlations. For listening evaluation, medial compression was found to be related to the perception of habitual voice strain, and to strain and instability in the pitch range of the change of registers of the singing voice. Degree of insufficiency predicted less fullness of habitual voice in general but was also related to vocal dyspnea and weakness when calling. At the same time, it was largely responsible for the deterioration of the quality of the singing voice. Medial compression systematically reduced pitch range and the area of the voice range profile. Conclusion: The results of the perceptual evaluation can be used in further education. On their basis, didactic material for training the assessment of supraglottic laryngeal activity was prepared and published in the form of an online tutorial. The degree of insufficiency generally affects various characteristics of the speaking and singing voice. Medial compression systematically affects only the strain of the speaking voice, while in the singing voice it accentuates the strain and instability of the transitional region between registers and impairs the production of high pitches.

• Klíčová slova
• vizuální hodnocení, hlasové pole,
• MeSH
• klinická studie jako téma MeSH
• laryngoskopie * metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Objectives. Understanding the relationship between the time perspectives and the Dark Tetrad can shed light on some of the mechanisms underlying these personality traits, and exploring potential sex differences in these relationships can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the Dark Tetrad and its implications for both males and females. The previous studies produced valuable knowledge on the relationships between different time perspectives and the Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism), but they mainly neglected sex differences and have not considered sadism. This study aimed to explore Dark Tetrad and time perspectives association in males and females separately. Sample and settings. The sample included 350 participants (170 males and 180 females, aged 18 to 69) who completed the Short Dark Triad, the direct sadism scale from Varieties of Sadistic Tendencies, and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. Hypotheses. It was assumed that Dark Tetrad traits would relate positively with the present-time perspectives in both sexes but stronger in males. Statistical analyses. After exploring the correlations at the baseline level, sex differences were examined by moderation analysis, followed by separate multiple regressions for both sexes. Results. The Dark Tetrad traits were mainly associated with present orientation in both sexes, with differences based on participants’ sex. Narcissism was more strongly related to the present hedonistic perspective in females, and psychopathy more strongly to the present fatalistic in males. Notably, sadism exhibited striking differences. In males, sadism was only related to the present fatalistic perspective, whereas in females, it was associated with present-hedonistic and past negative perspectives. This study provided initial insights into the time perspective of sadism, highlighting a potentially greater role of negative early-life experiences in females. Limitations. Sample characteristics, correlational design, single-measure dark traits assessment, and the lack of early-life events measure were discussed.

Production of amylases by fungi under solid-state fermentation is considered the best methodology for commercial scaling that addresses the ever-escalating needs of the worldwide enzyme market. Here response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of process variables for α-amylase enzyme production from Trichoderma virens using watermelon rinds (WMR) under solid-state fermentation (SSF). The statistical model included four variables, each detected at two levels, followed by model development with partial purification and characterization of α-amylase. The partially purified α-amylase was characterized with regard to optimum pH, temperature, kinetic constant, and substrate specificity. The results indicated that both pH and moisture content had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on α-amylase production (880 U/g) under optimized process conditions at a 3-day incubation time, moisture content of 50%, 30 °C, and pH 6.98. Statistical optimization using RSM showed R2 values of 0.9934, demonstrating the validity of the model. Five α-amylases were separated by using DEAE-Sepharose and characterized with a wide range of optimized pH values (pH 4.5-9.0), temperature optima (40-60 °C), low Km values (2.27-3.3 mg/mL), and high substrate specificity toward large substrates. In conclusion, this study presents an efficient and green approach for utilization of agro-waste for production of the valuable α-amylase enzyme using RSM under SSF. RSM was particularly beneficial for the optimization and analysis of the effective process parameters.

• MeSH
• alfa-amylasy chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• amylasy MeSH
• Citrullus * metabolismus   MeSH
• fermentace MeSH
• Hypocrea * metabolismus   MeSH
• koncentrace vodíkových iontů MeSH
• průmyslová mikrobiologie metody   MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Pediatric cancer can be considered an event potentially leading to posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) as well as posttraumatic growth (PTG). While clinically significant levels of PTSS are rare in childhood cancer survivors, PTG is common in this population. However, the relationship of PTG to overall adaptation and quality of life (QOL) in pediatric cancer patients is not clear. Therefore, our study aims to analyse the relationships of PTSS and PTG with QOL in childhood cancer survivors. In this study, 172 childhood cancer survivors completed measures of quality of life (Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life Scale; child and adolescent version), posttraumatic stress (UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DMS-IV) and posttraumatic growth (Benefit Finding Scale for Children). Correlation analyses were carried out separately for the child (up to 13 years, N = 47) and adolescent (more than 13 years, N = 125) groups and each QOL dimension. In the adolescent group, the relationship of PTSS and PTG with QOL was further verified by regression analyses while controlling for age, gender, and time off treatment. In children, negative relationships between PTSS and QOL were found, but the relationships between QOL and PTG were not significant. In adolescents, significant relationships were found for all dimensions of QOL and PTSS and also for several dimensions of QOL and PTG. The relationships between PTSS and QOL dimensions were negative in both groups, and the relationships between PTG and QOL in the adolescent group were weakly positive. In adolescents, regression analyses controlling for age, gender and time off treatment were performed and confirmed a negative relationship of PTSS with all QOL dimensions except for social functioning. For PTG, regression analyses revealed a significant positive relationship with QOL dimensions of social functioning, outlook on life and intimate relations. While the relationship between PTSS and QOL is negative for almost all QOL dimensions in children and adolescents, the nature of the relationship between PTG and QOL appears to be more complex and changing over time. PTG in children may reflect different processes with different outcomes than PTG in adolescents.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Human health is fundamentally connected with the ecology of microbial communities living on and in our bodies, according to microbiome studies. This raises problems about the categorical separation of organisms from their environments, which has been important to biomedicine. The field of biomedicine now faces an empirical challenge: determining causal linkages between host health, microbiome, and environment. To think about this topic, we recommend using the concept of environmentality. Environmentality is a fully perspectival notion that describes the state or characteristic of being an environment for something else in a specific context. Its strength stems in part from what Isabelle Stengers refers to as the efficacy of the term itself, in contrast to the prevailing understanding of the word environment as both external and fixed. We suggest that environmentality can assist think about the causality of microbiota on host health in a processual, relational, and situated manner, spanning scales and temporalities, using three case studies. We place this intervention in the context of biomedical thinking history, emphasising on the difficulty that microbiome research provides to an aperspectival body. We believe that tackling entanglements between microbial and human lives necessitates bringing the environment into the clinic, hence reducing the time spent there.