BACKGROUND: Exposure to benzophenone-1 (BP-1) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), widely used as UV filters in personal care products, has been associated with adverse health effects. However, epidemiological evidence is limited and inconclusive, particularly in vulnerable populations such as teenagers. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation between BP-1 and BP-3 concentrations and obesity, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and asthma/allergy outcomes in European teenagers, including possible sex-specific associations. METHODS: A multi-country cross-sectional study was conducted using pooled data from six aligned studies from the Human Biomonitoring for Europe Initiative (HBM4EU). Sociodemographic data, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and asthma/allergy outcomes were collected through questionnaires. Anthropometric data and BMI z-scores were calculated (n = 1339). Plasma/serum cardiometabolic biomarkers and asthma/allergy outcomes were available for a subsample (n = 173-594). Urinary BP-1 and BP-3 concentrations were adjusted for creatinine dilution using the traditional standardization (trad.) and the covariate-adjusted creatinine standardization (CAS) method. Generalized additive models, linear, logistic, and multinomial mixed models were applied, and sex-interaction terms were tested. RESULTS: Each natural log-unit increase in urinary BP-3 (CAS) concentrations was associated with higher odds of obesity in the whole population (OR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.04-1.38). Sex-specific associations were also found with BP-1 (CAS) and BP-3 (CAS) concentrations, which were associated with higher odds of obesity in male teenagers (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01-1.55; OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.09-1.65, respectively). Linear mixed models showed consistent findings toward higher BMI z-scores. A negative association was found between BP-1 (CAS) concentration and serum adiponectin levels in females (% change per loge-unit increase: -3.73, 95%CI: -7.32, -0.10). BP-3 (CAS) concentrations were also associated with higher odds of non-food allergies in males (OR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.00-1.63). Traditional creatinine adjustment showed similar or slightly attenuated estimates compared to the CAS method. CONCLUSIONS: BP-1 and BP-3 exposure was cross-sectionally associated with higher odds of obesity in European male teenagers, highlighting the need to update regulations and keep exposure levels as low as practically achievable. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.

• MeSH
• alergie * epidemiologie   MeSH
• benzofenony * toxicita   moč   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• biologické markery krev   MeSH
• biologický monitoring MeSH
• bronchiální astma * epidemiologie   chemicky indukované   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• obezita * epidemiologie   chemicky indukované   MeSH
• přípravky chránící proti slunci * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Poruchy srdečního rytmu jsou velmi častým projevem transthyretinové srdeční amyloidózy. Přehledový článek se zabývá mechanismy, které vedou ke vzniku fibrilace síní, převodních poruch srdečních a komorových tachykardií, jejich incidencí a prevalencí. Je zaměřen na možnosti využití externích a implantabilních monitorovacích zařízení v detekci arytmií. Shrnuje moderní možnosti v terapii s důrazem na radiofrekvenční katetrizační ablaci a využití přímých perorálních antikoagulancií u pacientů s fibrilací a flutterem síní. Zmíněna jsou úskalí přístrojové terapie bradykardií a prevence náhlé srdeční smrti.

Arrhythmias are a very common manifestation of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. The review article focuses on the mechanisms that lead to the development of atrial fibrillation, cardiac conduction disorders, and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as their incidence and prevalence. It emphasizes the possibilities of using external and implantable monitoring devices in the detection of arrhythmias. It summarizes modern therapeutic approaches with particular attention to radiofrequency catheter ablation and the use of direct oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation and flutter. It mentions the challenges of cardiac pacing and prevention of sudden cardiac death.

• MeSH
• amyloidóza * diagnóza   etiologie   patologie   MeSH
• biologický monitoring metody   přístrojové vybavení   MeSH
• fibrilace síní epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• flutter síní epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• komorová tachykardie epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nemoci převodního systému srdečního etiologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• prealbumin škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• srdeční arytmie * diagnóza   etiologie   patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH

Rare diseases may affect the quality of life of patients and be life-threatening. Therapeutic opportunities are often limited, in part because of the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. This can be ascribed to the low prevalence of rare diseases and therefore the lower sample sizes available for research. A way to overcome this is to integrate experimental rare disease data with prior knowledge using network-based methods. Taking this one step further, we hypothesized that combining and analyzing the results from multiple network-based methods could provide data-driven hypotheses of pathogenic mechanisms from multiple perspectives.We analyzed a Huntington's disease transcriptomics dataset using six network-based methods in a collaborative way. These methods either inherently reported enriched annotation terms or their results were fed into enrichment analyses. The resulting significantly enriched Reactome pathways were then summarized using the ontological hierarchy which allowed the integration and interpretation of outputs from multiple methods. Among the resulting enriched pathways, there are pathways that have been shown previously to be involved in Huntington's disease and pathways whose direct contribution to disease pathogenesis remains unclear and requires further investigation.In summary, our study shows that collaborative network analysis approaches are well-suited to study rare diseases, as they provide hypotheses for pathogenic mechanisms from multiple perspectives. Applying different methods to the same case study can uncover different disease mechanisms that would not be apparent with the application of a single method.

• MeSH
• genové regulační sítě MeSH
• Huntingtonova nemoc * genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese * metody   MeSH
• transkriptom * MeSH
• výpočetní biologie metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Upper limb (UL) impairment is common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), and functional recovery of the UL is a key rehabilitation goal. Technology-based approaches, like virtual reality (VR), are increasingly promising. While most VR environments are task-oriented, our clinical approach integrates neuroproprioceptive 'facilitation and inhibition' (NFI) principles. To advance this, we developed immersive VR software based on NFI principles targeting UL function and sit-to-stand ability. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this VR therapy compared with conventional NFI-based physical therapy in pwMS. Our study uniquely applies advanced imaging techniques, along with biological molecular assessments, to explore adaptive processes induced by VR rehabilitation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This double-arm, randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled trial runs over 2 months (1 hour, 2 times per week). PwMS with mild to severe disability will receive either VR therapy or real-world physical therapy. Primary outcomes include the nine-hole peg test, box and block test, handgrip strength, tremor and five times sit-to-stand test. Secondary measures include the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, the 5-level EQ-5D questionnaire and kinematic analysis. Adaptive processes will be monitored using imaging techniques (functional MRI and tractography), molecular genetic methods (long non-coding RNAs) and immune system markers (leukocytes, dendritic cells). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health brief set for MS will map the bio-psycho-social context of participants. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This project and its amendments were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Thomayer Hospital (1983/21+4772/21 (G-21-02) and the Ethics Committee of Kralovske Vinohrady University Hospital (EK-VP/38/0/2021) in Prague, Czechia (with single enrolment). The findings of this project will be disseminated through scientific publications, conferences, professional networks, public engagement, educational materials and stakeholder briefings to ensure a broad impact across clinical, academic and public domains. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04807738).

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• dvojitá slepá metoda MeSH
• horní končetina * patofyziologie   MeSH
• kvalita života * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie * metody   MeSH
• postura těla MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
• roztroušená skleróza * diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• síla ruky MeSH
• techniky fyzikální terapie * MeSH
• terapie pomocí virtuální reality metody   MeSH
• virtuální realita MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• protokol klinické studie MeSH

INTRODUCTION: The identification of type 1 diabetes at an early presymptomatic stage has clinical benefits. These include a reduced risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the clinical manifestation of the disease and a significant reduction in clinical symptoms. The European action for the Diagnosis of Early Non-clinical Type 1 diabetes For disease Interception (EDENT1FI) represents a pioneering effort to advance early detection of type 1 diabetes through public health screening. With the EDENT1FI Master Protocol, the project aims to harmonise and standardise screening for early-stage type 1 diabetes and care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Public health islet autoantibody screening is conducted in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and the UK. Between November 2023 (start date) and October 2028 (planned end date), an estimated number of 200 000 children and adolescents aged 1-17 years are expected to be screened. Screening is performed in capillary blood, examining different islet autoantibodies (autoantibodies against insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65, insulinoma-associated antigen-2 and/or zinc transporter-8). Positive screening results undergo confirmation through a second antibody method. A second (venous) blood sample is requested if at least two autoantibodies are detected, to confirm the autoantibody status. Children and adolescents with confirmed two or more autoantibodies are invited to metabolic staging (oral glucose tolerance test, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), random glucose, optionally continuous glucose monitoring); an educational programme and recommendations for monitoring are provided. The feasibility and acceptability of screening are evaluated by feedback questionnaires. Pseudonymised data is collated in the EDENT1FI Registry. Study outcomes include country-specific screening rates, prevalences of stage 1 and stage 2 type 1 diabetes, number in EDENT1FI Registry, proportion with DKA and symptoms at clinical diagnosis and median HbA1c. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Following the EDENT1FI Master Protocol, site-specific protocols are developed and approved by local ethics committees (Technical University of Munich, Medical Faculty, Nr. 70/14; Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Nr. 9588_BO_S_2021; Technische Universität Dresden, Nr. BO-EK-356082020; Center for Sundhed Region Hovedstaden, Nr. H-22053116; Swedish Ethical Review Authority, Nr. 2023-00312-01; National Health Service Health Research Authority and Health Care Research Wales, IRAS (Integrated Research Application System) project ID 309252; Italian National Institute of Health, National ethics committee for clinical trials of public research bodies (EPR) and other national public institutions, Prot. PRE BIO CE Nr. 0059835; Charles University in Prague, Ethics Committee for Multi-Centric Clinical Trials of the University Hopital Motol and 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Nr. 1271/23; Bioethics Committee at the Medical University of Warsaw, Nr. 21/2024 and KB/6/R/2024; Associação Protectora dos Diabéticos de Portugal, Nr. 211/2024). Results are disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations and will be shared openly.

• MeSH
• autoprotilátky * krev   MeSH
• časná diagnóza * MeSH
• diabetes mellitus 1. typu * diagnóza   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• plošný screening * metody   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

• MeSH
• biologický monitoring * MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• odběr biologického vzorku MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

OBJECTIVE: Prepregnancy optimization of cardiovascular function may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. We aimed to assess the feasibility and effect of preconception cardiovascular monitoring, exercise, and beetroot juice on cardiovascular parameters in women planning to conceive. DESIGN AND METHOD: Prospective single-site, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two women, aged 18-45 years, were allocated into one of four arms (1 : 1 : 1 : 1): exercise, beetroot juice, exercise plus beetroot juice and no intervention for 12 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at home daily. Cardiac output ( CO ) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were assessed via bio-impedance. RESULTS: Twenty-nine out of 32 (91%) participants completed the study. Adherence to daily BP and weight measurements were 81% and 78%, respectively ( n = 29). Eight out of 15 (53%) of participants did not drink all the provided beetroot juice because of forgetfulness and taste. After 12 weeks, exercise was associated with a reduction in standing TPR (-278 ± 0.272 dynes s cm -5 , P < 0.05), and an increase in standing CO (+0.88 ± 0.71 l/min, P < 0.05). Exercise and beetroot juice together was associated with a reduction in standing DBP ( 7 ± 6 mmHg, P < 0.05), and an increase in standing CO (+0.49 ± 0.66 l/min, P < 0.05). The control group showed a reduction in standing TPR ( 313 ± 387 dynes s cm -5 ) and standing DBP ( 8 ± 5mmHg). All groups gained weight. CONCLUSION: Exercise and beetroot juice in combination showed a signal towards improving cardiovascular parameters. The control group showed improvements, indicating that home measurement devices and regular recording of parameters are interventions in themselves. Nevertheless, interventions before pregnancy to improve cardiovascular parameters may alter the occurrence of hypertensive conditions during pregnancy and require further investigation in adequately powered studies.

• MeSH
• cvičení fyziologie   MeSH
• dusičnany * MeSH
• dvojitá slepá metoda MeSH
• hypertenze * MeSH
• krevní tlak MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• potravní doplňky MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

V roce 2024 uplynulo 30 let od zahájení systematického sběru a hodnocení údajů o expozici českého obyvatelstva toxickým chemickým látkám a škodlivým faktorům, včetně charakterizace vyplývajících zdravotních rizik. V rámci Systému monitorování pravidelně hodnotíme zdravotní rizika z expozice kontaminantům městského ovzduší, pitné vody z veřejných vodovodů a celého spotřebního koše potravin, realizujeme program lidského biomonitoringu běžné populace, zkoumáme účinky komunálního hluku, sledujeme dopady expozice v pracovním prostředí a organizujeme národní šetření zdravotního stavu obyvatelstva. Článek přináší přehled činnosti monitoringu s ilustracemi jeho výstupů.

In 2024, 30 years have passed since the introduction of the systematic collection and evaluation of data on the exposure of the Czech population to toxic chemical substances and harmful factors, including the characterization of related health risks. Within the monitoring System, we regularly assess health risks related to exposure to urban air pollutants, contaminants in drinking water from public water supply systems and in the entire consumption food basket, we perform human biomonitoring of the general population, investigate the effects of community noise, monitor the effects of exposure in the work environment, and we organise national survey of the population's health status. The article provides an overview of monitoring activities and output illustrations.

• MeSH
• biologický monitoring MeSH
• dietární expozice analýza   MeSH
• environmentální zdraví MeSH
• hluk škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• nemoci z povolání MeSH
• ochrana veřejného zdraví MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí analýza   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• znečištění životního prostředí analýza   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

Globin adducts of various chemicals, persisting in organism over the whole lifetime of erythrocytes, have been used as biomarkers of cumulative exposures to parent compounds. After removal of aged erythrocytes from the bloodstream, cleavage products of these adducts are excreted with urine as alternative, non-invasively accessible biomarkers. In our biomonitoring studies on workers exposed to ethylene oxide, its adduct with globin, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)valine, and the related urinary cleavage product N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-valyl-L-leucine have been determined. To describe a toxicokinetic relationship between the above types of biomarkers, a general compartmental model for simulation of formation and removal of globin adducts has been constructed in the form of code in R statistical computing environment. The essential input variables include lifetime of erythrocytes, extent of adduct formation following a single defined exposure, and parameters of exposure scenario, while other possible variables are optional. It was shown that both biomarkers reflect the past exposures differently as the adduct level in globin is a mean value of adduct levels across all compartments (subpopulations of erythrocytes of the same age) while excretion of cleavage products reflects the adduct level in the oldest compartment. Application of the model to various scenarios of continuous exposure demonstrated its usefulness for human biomonitoring data interpretation.

• MeSH
• biologické markery * moč   krev   MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• biologický monitoring * MeSH
• erytrocyty * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• ethylenoxid toxicita   farmakokinetika   moč   MeSH
• globiny metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• počítačová simulace MeSH
• pracovní expozice * MeSH
• toxikokinetika MeSH
• valin analogy a deriváty   farmakokinetika   moč   krev   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Spatial transcriptomics is revolutionizing modern biology, offering researchers an unprecedented ability to unravel intricate gene expression patterns within tissues. From pioneering techniques to newly commercialized platforms, the field of spatial transcriptomics has evolved rapidly, ushering in a new era of understanding across various disciplines, from developmental biology to disease research. This dynamic expansion is reflected in the rapidly growing number of technologies and data analysis techniques developed and introduced. However, the expanding landscape presents a considerable challenge for researchers, especially newcomers to the field, as staying informed about these advancements becomes increasingly complex. To address this challenge, we have prepared an updated review with a particular focus on technologies that have reached commercialization and are, therefore, accessible to a broad spectrum of potential new users. In this review, we present the fundamental principles of spatial transcriptomic methods, discuss the challenges in data analysis, provide insights into experimental considerations, offer information about available resources for spatial transcriptomics, and conclude with a guide for method selection and a forward-looking perspective. Our aim is to serve as a guiding resource for both experienced users and newcomers navigating the complex realm of spatial transcriptomics in this era of rapid development. We intend to equip researchers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions and contribute to the cutting-edge research that spatial transcriptomics offers.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese * metody   MeSH
• transkriptom * MeSH
• výpočetní biologie metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH