BACKGROUND: As the healthcare sector evolves, Artificial Intelligence's (AI's) potential to enhance laboratory medicine is increasingly recognized. However, the adoption rates and attitudes towards AI across European laboratories have not been comprehensively analyzed. This study aims to fill this gap by surveying European laboratory professionals to assess their current use of AI, the digital infrastructure available, and their attitudes towards future implementations. METHODS: We conducted a methodical survey during October 2023, distributed via EFLM mailing lists. The survey explored six key areas: general characteristics, digital equipment, access to health data, data management, AI advancements, and personal perspectives. We analyzed responses to quantify AI integration and identify barriers to its adoption. RESULTS: From 426 initial responses, 195 were considered after excluding incomplete and non-European entries. The findings revealed limited AI engagement, with significant gaps in necessary digital infrastructure and training. Only 25.6 % of laboratories reported ongoing AI projects. Major barriers included inadequate digital tools, restricted access to comprehensive data, and a lack of AI-related skills among personnel. Notably, a substantial interest in AI training was expressed, indicating a demand for educational initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the recognized potential of AI to revolutionize laboratory medicine by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, European laboratories face substantial challenges. This survey highlights a critical need for strategic investments in educational programs and infrastructure improvements to support AI integration in laboratory medicine across Europe. Future efforts should focus on enhancing data accessibility, upgrading technological tools, and expanding AI training and literacy among professionals. In response, our working group plans to develop and make available online training materials to meet this growing educational demand.

• MeSH
• klinické laboratoře MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• umělá inteligence * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Rare and unknown actinobacteria from unexplored environments have the potential to produce new bioactive molecules. This study aimed to use 16 s rRNA metabarcoding to determine the composition of the actinobacterial community, particularly focusing on rare and undescribed species, in a nature reserve within the Brazilian Cerrado called Sete Cidades National Park. Since this is an inaccessible area without due legal authorization, it is understudied, and, therefore, its diversity and biotechnological potential are not yet fully understood, and it may harbor species with groundbreaking genetic potential. In total, 543 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across 14 phyla were detected, with Actinobacteria (41.2%), Proteobacteria (26.5%), and Acidobacteria (14.3%) being the most abundant. Within Actinobacteria, 107 OTUs were found, primarily from the families Mycobacteriaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, and Streptomycetaceae. Mycobacterium and Streptomyces were the predominant genera across all samples. Seventeen rare OTUs with relative abundance < 0.1% were identified, with 82.3% found in only one sample yet 25.5% detected in all units. Notable rare and transient genera included Salinibacterium, Nocardia, Actinomycetospora_01, Saccharopolyspora, Sporichthya, and Nonomuraea. The high diversity and distribution of Actinobacteria OTUs indicate the area's potential for discovering new rare species. Intensified prospection on underexplored environments and characterization of their actinobacterial diversity could lead to the discovery of new species capable of generating innovative natural products.

• MeSH
• Actinobacteria * chemie   klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• biodiverzita MeSH
• metagenom MeSH
• půda chemie   MeSH
• půdní mikrobiologie * MeSH
• RNA ribozomální 16S analýza   MeSH
• taxonomické DNA čárové kódování MeSH
• veřejné parky MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Brazílie MeSH

Cílem sdílení genomických dat je umožnit bezpečný přístup k těmto údajům především za účelem výzkumu, personalizované zdravotní péče a tvorby zdravotních politik. Sdílení dat má potenciál urychlit výzkum a přinést významný pokrok v chápání zdraví a nemocí, avšak naráží na právní a etické problémy spojené s ochranou soukromí a důvěrnosti informací. Kromě mnohdy neintuitivní evropské legislativy vedoucí k různým právním interpretacím, existují v jednotlivých zemích Evropské unie další národní pravidla, která mohou nakládání s genomickými daty dále specifikovat. Tato různorodost komplikuje mezinárodní spolupráci a sdílení dat, a to nejenom v genetice, ale i v jiných oblastech biomedicínského výzkumu. Tato práce analyzuje základní právní rámec a jeho aplikaci umožňující sdílení genomických dat a objasňuje pojmy dalšího zpracování, sekundárního využití a účelu zpracování dat. Dále zdůrazňuje význam souhlasu subjektů údajů a specifických výjimek z obecného zákazu zpracování citlivých dat. Pro efektivní sdílení genomických dat je nezbytné dodržovat evropské a národní právní předpisy, včetně jasného stanovení účelu a právního základu zpracování. Mezinárodní spolupráce vyžaduje harmonizaci právních předpisů a důkladnou správu dat. Tento článek analyzuje základní dynamiku a zákonnost sdílení dat v oblasti genomického výzkumu.

The aim of genomic data sharing is to enable secure access to this data, primarily for research, personalized healthcare and health policy-making. Data sharing has the potential to accelerate research and bring about significant advances in the understanding of health and disease, but it faces legal and ethical issues related to the protection of privacy and confidentiality of information. In addition to the often counterintuitive European legislation leading to different legal interpretations, there are other national rules in individual European Union countries that can further specify the handling of genomic data. This diversity complicates international cooperation and data sharing, not only in genetics but also in other areas of biomedical research. This thesis analyzes the basic legal framework and its application enabling the sharing of genomic data and clarifies the concepts of further processing, secondary use and purpose of data processing. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of data subjects' consent and specific exceptions to the general ban on processing sensitive data. For effective sharing of genomic data, it is essential to comply with European and national legislation, including a clear definition of the purpose and legal basis of processing. International cooperation requires regulatory harmonization and robust data management. This paper analyzes the fundamental dynamics and legality of data sharing in the field of genomic research.

• MeSH
• automatizované zpracování dat etika   zákonodárství a právo   MeSH
• genomika * zákonodárství a právo   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• právní odpovědnost MeSH
• šíření informací zákonodárství a právo   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of generating pseudo-normal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data from potentially abnormal images. These pseudo-normal images are primarily intended for use in an on-the-fly data harmonization technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methodology was tested on brain SPECT with [123I]Ioflupane. The proposed model for generating a pseudo-normal image was based on a variational autoencoder (VAE) designed to process 2D sinograms of the brain [123I]-FP-CIT SPECT, potentially exhibiting abnormal uptake. The model aimed to predict SPECT sinograms with corresponding normal uptake. Training, validation, and testing datasets were created by SPECT simulator from 45 brain masks segmented from real patient's magnetic resonance (MR) scans, using various uptake levels. The training and validation datasets each comprised 612 and 360 samples, respectively, drawn from 36 brain masks. The testing dataset contained 153 samples based on 9 brain masks. VAE performance was evaluated through brain dimensions, Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and specific binding ratio. RESULTS: Mean DSC was 80% for left basal ganglia and 84% for right basal ganglia. The proposed VAE demonstrated excellent consistency in predicting basal ganglia shape, with a coefficient of variation of DSC being less than 1.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that VAE can effectively estimate an individualized pseudo-normal distribution of the radiotracer [123I]-FP-CIT SPECT from abnormal SPECT images. The main limitations of this preliminary research are the limited availability of real brain MR data, used as input for the SPECT data simulator, and the simplified simulation setup employed to create the synthetic dataset.

• MeSH
• jednofotonová emisní výpočetní tomografie * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mozek * diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• počítačové zpracování obrazu * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) worldwide. The subgenus Adlerius is taxonomically challenging and currently comprises about 20 species with a wide geographic distribution from eastern Asia to southeastern Europe. Some species are confirmed or suspected vectors of Leishmania donovani/infantum, L. major, and L. tropica, and are thus of high medical and veterinary relevance. A single record of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) simici in Austria from 2018 marks its sporadic northernmost and westernmost occurrence, with the origin of its appearance remaining unclear. To better understand Adlerius diversification and particularly post-glacial spread of Ph. simici to northern parts of Europe, we combined phylogenetic analyses with climatic suitability modelling. Divergence time estimates well supported the currently observed geographic distribution of the studied species and revealed several taxonomic challenges in the subgenus. We clearly delineated three distinct genetic and geographic Ph. simici lineages and phylogeographically assessed diversification that were well supported by climatic models. This study provides a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the subgenus Adlerius, enhancing our understanding of the diversification in relation to changing climate of this understudied group, and we present new insights into the post-glacial spread of Ph. simici, a suspected vector of L. infantum.

• MeSH
• fylogeneze * MeSH
• fylogeografie * MeSH
• hmyz - vektory genetika   klasifikace   MeSH
• Phlebotomus * klasifikace   genetika   MeSH
• podnebí MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

The development of canine immunotolerant monoclonal antibodies can accelerate the invention of new medicines for both canine and human diseases. We develop a methodology to clone the naive, somatically mutated variable domain repertoire from canine B cell mRNA using 5'RACE PCR. A set of degenerate primers were then designed and used to clone variable domain genes into archival "holding" plasmid libraries. These archived variable domain genes were then combinatorially ligated to produce a scFv M13 phage library. Next-generation long-read and short-read DNA sequencing methodologies were developed to annotate features of the cloned library including CDR diversity and IGHV/IGKV/IGLV subfamily distribution. A synthetic immunoglobulin G was developed from this scFv library to the canine immune checkpoint receptor PD-1. This synthetic platform can be used to clone and annotate archived antibody variable domain genes for use in perpetuity in order to develop improved preclinical models for the treatment of complex human diseases.

• MeSH
• antigeny CD279 imunologie   MeSH
• jednořetězcové protilátky * imunologie   genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monoklonální protilátky imunologie   genetika   MeSH
• nádory imunologie   terapie   MeSH
• peptidová knihovna MeSH
• psi MeSH
• rekombinantní proteiny imunologie   genetika   MeSH
• translační biomedicínský výzkum MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The effects of a large arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on pulmonary perfusion remains to be elucidated. We aimed to study, for the first time, the real-time acute effects of a large AVF on regional distribution of pulmonary perfusion in a novel porcine model. Ten healthy swine under general anesthesia were studied. AVF was created by the connection of femoral artery and femoral vein using high-diameter perfusion cannulas. The AVF was closed and after 30 min of stabilization the first values were recorded. The fistula was then opened, and new data were collected after reaching stable state. Continuous hemodynamic monitoring was performed throughout the protocol. The following functional images were analyzed by electrical impedance tomography (EIT): perfusion and ventilation distributions. We found an increased cardiac output and right ventricular work, which was strongly correlated to an increased pulmonary artery mean pressure (r=0.878, P=0.001). The ventral/dorsal ratio of pulmonary perfusion decreased from 1.9+/-1.0 to 1.5+/-0.7 (P=0.025). The percentage of total pulmonary blood flow through the dorsal lung region increased from 38.6+/-11.7 to 42.2+/-10.4 (P=0.016). In conclusion, we have used EIT for the first time for studying the acute effects of a large AVF on regional distribution of pulmonary perfusion in a novel porcine model. In this new experimental model of hyperkinetic circulation caused by AVF, we documented an increased percentage of total pulmonary blood flow through the dorsal lung region and a more homogeneous perfusion distribution. Key words Arteriovenous fistula, Hyperkinetic circulation, Tissue perfusion, Animal model, Pulmonary blood flow.

• MeSH
• arteria pulmonalis diagnostické zobrazování   patofyziologie   MeSH
• arteriovenózní píštěl patofyziologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• arteriovenózní zkrat MeSH
• plíce krevní zásobení   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• plicní oběh * fyziologie   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• vena femoralis diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Person-centred care (PCC) is a fundamental principle in general practice, emphasising practices tailored to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. Despite the importance of PCC, general practitioners (GPs) face obstacles in effectively implementing it, with associated factors remaining unclear. OBJECTIVES: The PACE GP/FP study aims to explore GPs' attitudes towards PCC and the factors facilitating or hindering its implementation in daily practice across European countries. This paper outlines the PACE GP/FP study protocol. METHODS: The cross-sectional design with data collection via an online survey distribution to GPs in 24 European countries. Study instruments include two validated questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Patient Physician Orientation Scale (PPOS)) and additional items covering general information about the doctor and their practice, as well as facilitators and barriers to PCC. These additional items were specifically developed for the study, translated using the forward-backward method, evaluated through cognitive debriefing, and integrated into the REDCap platform to create language and country-specific survey links. The STROBE checklist guides the reporting of the manuscript. CONCLUSION: The PACE GP/FP study will provide a comprehensive exploration of GPs' attitudes towards PCC and the factors shaping its practice in Europe. The findings from the PACE GP/FP study will provide evidence for designing future implementation strategies and guide targeted interventions to promote PCC in primary care across Europe.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• péče orientovaná na pacienta * MeSH
• postoj zdravotnického personálu * MeSH
• praktické lékařství organizace a řízení   MeSH
• praktičtí lékaři * psychologie   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Úvod: Zdraví žen je často přehlíženo a nedostatečně zkoumáno v minulosti i současnosti. Dysmenorea, známá jako bolestivá menstruace, je běžný gynekologický stav způsobující intenzivní bolest a dysfunkci u žen v reprodukčním věku. Cíl: Obecným cílem studie bylo určit prevalenci dysmenorey u žen ve věku 18–50 let v Malajsii. Zkoumali jsme dysmenoreu, její vliv na každodenní aktivity ve srovnání se ženami bez dysmenorey, faktory, které bolest při menstruaci zhoršují, příznaky, životní návyky a způsoby zvládání dysmenorey. Metody: Průřezová studie byla provedena během roku 2024 po dobu tří měsíců. Cílovou skupinou byly ženy ve věku 18–50 let žijící v Malajsii. Použito bylo nepravděpodobnostní výběrové šetření (non-probability convenient sampling), přičemž dotazníky byly distribuovány prostřednictvím Google formulářů za účelem sběru dat. Ke statistické analýze a měření asociací byl využit software SPSS a chí-kvadrát test. Výsledky: Studie ukázala, že prevalence dysmenorey činila 92,8 %. Byl zjištěn významný vztah mezi závažností dysmenorey a různými sociodemografickými faktory, zejména věkem a indexem tělesné hmotnosti (BMI) s hodnotou p < 0,05. Nebyl však nalezen žádný významný vztah mezi věkovými skupinami a intenzitou dysmenorey, což naznačuje, že věk silně neovlivňuje závažnost dysmenorey. Situace, jako bolest při stolici nebo při chůzi, byly spojeny se zvýšenou závažností dysmenorey (p < 0,001). Mezi strategie zvládání patřilo časté užívání analgetik u žen s těžkou dysmenoreou (p < 0,001). Závěr: Studie ukázala, že dysmenorea má významný dopad na kvalitu života většiny žen, které zažívají střední až silné bolesti trvající 1 až 3 dny. Implementace účinných strategií, jako je úprava životního stylu, poskytování informací a činnost podpůrných skupin, může ženám pomoci zvládat dysmenoreu. Tyto strategie mají potenciál výrazně zlepšit celkovou pohodu postižených žen a snížit zátěž, kterou tento stav představuje.

Background: Women‘s health is often overlooked and under-studied in the past and present. Dysmenorrhea is known as painful menstruation which is a common gynaecological condition that causes intense pain and dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Objective: The general objective is to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among females aged 18 to 50 years old in Malaysia. We studied dysmenorrhea and how it affects daily activities compared to females without dysmenorrhea, factors that aggravate the menstrual pain, symptoms, lifestyle habits and coping mechanisms associated with dysmenorrhea. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted during 2024 for a period of 3 months. Our targeted population was females aged 18-50 years old in Malaysia. Non-probability convenient sampling was used and distributed via google form questionnaires to collect data. Statistical software SPSS and chi-square test was used to analyse the data to measure the associations. Results: The study showed that prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 92.8% and there was a significant relationship between dysmenorrhea severity and various sociodemographic factors, particularly age and body mass index (BMI) with p < 0.05. There was no significant association between age groups and dysmenorrhea intensity, thus indicating that age does not strongly influence severity of dysmenorrhea. Situational factors such as pain during bowel movements or while walking are associated with increased severity of dysmenorrhea (p < 0.001). Coping strategies show analgesic use is common among women with severe dysmenorrhea (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that dysmenorrhea has a significant impact on the quality of life of the majority of women experiencing moderate to severe pain lasting 1 to 3 days. The implementation of effective strategies such as lifestyle modification, providing information and support groups can empower individuals to manage dysmenorrhea should be done as they have the potential to significantly enhance the overall well-being of those affected, ultimately reducing the burden of this condition on women.

Arterial compliance (AC) is an important cardiovascular parameter characterizing mechanical properties of arteries. AC is significantly influenced by arterial wall structure and vasomotion, and it markedly influences cardiac load. A new method, based on a two-element Windkessel model, has been recently proposed for estimating AC as the ratio of the time constant T of the diastolic blood pressure decay and peripheral vascular resistance derived from clinically available stroke volume measurements and selected peripheral blood pressure parameters which are less prone to peripheral distortions. The aim of this study was to validate AC estimation using a virtual population generated by in silico model of the systemic arterial tree. In the second part of study, we analysed causal coupling between AC oscillations and variability of its potential determinants - systolic blood pressure and heart rate in healthy young human subjects. The pool of virtual subjects (n=3818) represented an extensive AC distribution. AC was estimated from the peripheral blood pressure curve and by the standard method from the aortic blood pressure curve. The proposed method slightly overestimated AC set in the model but both ACs were strongly correlated (r=0.94, p<0.001). In real data, we observed that AC dynamics was coupled with basic cardiovascular parameters variability independently of the autonomic nervous system state. In silico analysis suggests that AC can be reliably estimated by noninvasive method. The analysis of short-term AC variability together with its determinants could improve our understanding of factors involved in AC dynamics potentially improving assessment of AC changes associated with atherosclerosis process. Key words Arterial compliance, Cardiovascular model, Arterial blood pressure, Causal analysis, Volume-clamp photoplethysmography.

• MeSH
• arterie * fyziologie   MeSH
• cévní rezistence fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• krevní tlak * fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• modely kardiovaskulární * MeSH
• počítačová simulace * MeSH
• poddajnost MeSH
• srdeční frekvence fyziologie   MeSH
• tuhost cévní stěny fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• validační studie MeSH