BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cognitive impairment (CI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with bidirectional changes in resting-state centrality measures. However, practicable functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) biomarkers of CI are still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the graph-theory-based degree rank order disruption index (kD) and its association with cognitive processing speed as a marker of CI in patients with MS (PwMS) in a secondary cross-sectional fMRI analysis. METHODS: Differentiation between PwMS and healthy controls (HCs) using kD and its correlation with CI (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) was compared to established imaging biomarkers (regional degree, volumetry, diffusion-weighted imaging, lesion mapping). Additional associations were assessed for fatigue (Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions), gait and global disability. RESULTS: Analysis in 56 PwMS and 58 HCs (35/27 women, median age 45.1/40.5 years) showed lower kD in PwMS than in HCs (median -0.30/-0.06, interquartile range 0.55/0.54; p = 0.009, Mann-Whitney U test), yielding acceptable yet non-superior differentiation (area under curve 0.64). kD and degree in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) correlated with CI (kD/MPFC Spearman's ρ = 0.32/-0.45, p = 0.019/0.001, n = 55). kD also explained fatigue (ρ = -0.34, p = 0.010, n = 56) but neither gait nor disability. CONCLUSIONS: kD is a potential biomarker of CI and fatigue warranting further validation.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction etiology   physiopathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Multiple Sclerosis * complications   diagnostic imaging   physiopathology   MeSH
• Processing Speed MeSH
• Fatigue * physiopathology   etiology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The global rise in obesity has emerged as a significant health concern, amplifying susceptibility to various diseases, including asthma. Epidemiological evidence demonstrates a higher prevalence of asthma among obese individuals, with obesity exacerbating asthma severity and control. This review aims to explore the interplay between asthma and obesity assessed by objective imaging methods and discusses the consistency between anthropometric and imaging methods. A literature search was conducted with the main keywords "asthma", "obesity", and "imaging techniques" using databases such as PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus for the relevant articles published up to January 2024. The consistency between Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), and results from imaging techniques is uncertain. Unlike anthropometric methods, imaging methods provide us with the exact location of adipose tissue as well as fat and lean mass distinction, which can be further correlated with different airway parameters and respiratory system functions and dysfunctions. Studies indicate that the relationship between lung functions and obesity is more complex in females. Abdominal visceral fat is supposed to be the major asthma predictor already in the pediatric population. The connection between obesity and asthma is already evident in children and adolescents. Imaging methods can measure visceral and subcutaneous fat mass and both contribute to the association between obesity and lung functions. These methods are more accurate and reproducible but require more time and expertise. Key words Asthma, Obesity, Magnetic resonance imaging, Dual-energy, X-ray absorptiometry, Bioimpedance analysis.

• MeSH
• Asthma * diagnostic imaging   epidemiology   physiopathology   MeSH
• Body Mass Index MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   MeSH
• Obesity * diagnostic imaging   complications   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review 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
• Pulmonary Artery diagnostic imaging   physiopathology   MeSH
• Arteriovenous Fistula physiopathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical MeSH
• Lung blood supply   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Pulmonary Circulation * physiology   MeSH
• Swine MeSH
• Femoral Vein diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Patients with schizophrenia frequently encounter challenges related to sexuality and intimacy; however, the underlying causes of these difficulties remain unknown and unexplored. AIM: This narrative review aims to explore how the biological/hormonal and psychological/behavioral developmental trajectories in schizophrenia patients deviate from the normal course and to examine their connection to difficulties in sexual and romantic functioning. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with key terms related to schizophrenia and sexual development without restriction on publication year. Articles discussing behavioral, sexual, or psychological/behavioral development before the onset of schizophrenia were included. Articles were divided into biological/hormonal and psychological/behavioral precursor categories. Additional searches were conducted to explore the broader sociocognitive context of schizophrenia, such as deficits in empathy, emotional processing, and theory of mind. OUTCOMES: The review highlights deviations in both biological/hormonal and psychological/behavioral development in schizophrenia that contribute to difficulties in romantic and sexual relationships. RESULTS: This narrative review addresses the extent to which biological, psychological, and social factors in schizophrenia may be closely intertwined. Abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes have been documented in individuals with schizophrenia, potentially impairing sociosexual competencies and leading to behavioral challenges in forming sexual relationships. Deficits in theory of mind, emotional processing, and empathy may further hinder the ability to form and sustain intimate relationships, amplifying the social difficulties associated with schizophrenia. Additionally, early life traumas, especially sexual abuse, can contribute to sexual difficulties and worsen the disorder. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Understanding the deviations from the normal developmental course in schizophrenia patients may offer valuable insights for potential intervention strategies and remediation approaches and contribute to improvements in sexual/romantic functioning and overall sexual health in schizophrenia patients. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This review provides an overview of the developmental precursors of schizophrenia-related sexual/romantic difficulties. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these difficulties, particularly in determining the emotional and motivational salience of sexual stimuli and the capacity to engage in and maintain communication of sexual interest. The reader should bear in mind that narrative reviews lack systematic methods for selecting and evaluating studies, which can lead to author bias in choosing or interpreting sources. CONCLUSION: The narrative review identified deviations in the biological/hormonal and psychological/behavioral developmental trajectories of schizophrenia patients, linking these abnormalities to difficulties in sexual and romantic functioning, and highlighting the need for sexological remediation strategies to improve sociosexual competencies and overall sexual health.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Although the heart atria have a lesser functional importance than the ventricles, atria play an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure and supraventricular arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. In addition, knowledge of atrial morphology recently became more relevant as cardiac electrophysiology and interventional procedures in the atria gained an increasingly significant role in the clinical management of patients with heart disease. The atrial chambers are thin-walled, and several vessels enter at the level of the atria. The left and right atrium have different structures and shape. In general, both atrial chambers have the venous part, the appendage, and the vestibule; different aspects of each part allow us to distinguish morphologically between the left and right atrium. The human atrial conduction system consists of the sinus node and the atrioventricular node with no histologically specialized conduction pathways in the atrial chamber and an interatrial connection. The data show that the propagation of the impulse depends mainly on the myocardial architecture in the atria and the orientation of the myocytes plays a significant role in conduction. To complete the picture, it is also important to know how the atria develop and what is the embryonic origin of its different structures, as this may play a role in the development of some pathological conditions such as atrial fibrillation or certain types of congenital heart defects. Functional impairment of the atria can in some situations severely compromise heart pumping function, and conversely, can support it if other areas are damaged, balancing the blood flow to the body for some time. Key words Morphology of atrial chambers, Pectinate muscles, Atrial function.

• MeSH
• Atrial Fibrillation physiopathology   pathology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Heart Conduction System physiopathology   MeSH
• Atrial Function physiology   MeSH
• Heart Atria * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

STUDY QUESTION: Can oocyte functionality be assessed by observing changes in their intracytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) profiles? SUMMARY ANSWER: Lipid profile changes can reliably be detected in human oocytes; lipid changes are linked with maternal age and impaired developmental competence in a mouse model. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In all cellular components, lipid damage is the earliest manifestation of oxidative stress (OS), which leads to a cascade of negative consequences for organelles and DNA. Lipid damage is marked by the accumulation of LDs. We hypothesized that impaired oocyte functionality resulting from aging and associated OS could be assessed by changes in LDs profile, hereafter called lipid fingerprint (LF). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: To investigate if it is possible to detect differences in oocyte LF, we subjected human GV-stage oocytes to spectroscopic examinations. For this, a total of 48 oocytes derived from 26 young healthy women (under 33 years of age) with no history of infertility, enrolled in an oocyte donation program, were analyzed. Furthermore, 30 GV human oocytes from 12 women were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To evaluate the effect of oocytes' lipid profile changes on embryo development, a total of 52 C57BL/6 wild-type mice and 125 Gnpat+/- mice were also used. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Human oocytes were assessed by label-free cell imaging via coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS). Further confirmation of LF changes was conducted using spontaneous Raman followed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies and TEM. Additionally, to evaluate whether LF changes are associated with developmental competence, mouse oocytes and blastocysts were evaluated using TEM and the lipid dyes BODIPY and Nile Red. Mouse embryonic exosomes were evaluated using flow cytometry, FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopies. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Here we demonstrated progressive changes in the LF of oocytes associated with the woman's age consisting of increased LDs size, area, and number. LF variations in oocytes were detectable also within individual donors. This finding makes LF assessment a promising tool to grade oocytes of the same patient, based on their quality. We next demonstrated age-associated changes in oocytes reflected by lipid peroxidation and composition changes; the accumulation of carotenoids; and alterations of structural properties of lipid bilayers. Finally, using a mouse model, we showed that LF changes in oocytes are negatively associated with the secretion of embryonic exosomes prior to implantation. Deficient exosome secretion disrupts communication between the embryo and the uterus and thus may explain recurrent implantation failures in advanced-age patients. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Due to differences in lipid content between different species' oocytes, the developmental impact of lipid oxidation and consequent LF changes may differ across mammalian oocytes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings open the possibility to develop an innovative tool for oocyte assessment and highlight likely functional connections between oocyte LDs and embryonic exosome secretion. By recognizing the role of oocyte LF in shaping the embryo's ability to implant, our original work points to future directions of research relevant to developmental biology and reproductive medicine. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This research was funded by National Science Centre of Poland, Grants: 2021/41/B/NZ3/03507 and 2019/35/B/NZ4/03547 (to G.E.P.); 2022/44/C/NZ4/00076 (to M.F.H.) and 2019/35/N/NZ3/03213 (to Ł.G.). M.F.H. is a National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) fellow (GA ULM/2019/1/00097/U/00001). K.F. is a Diamond Grant fellow (Ministry of Education and Science GA 0175/DIA/2019/28). The open-access publication of this article was funded by the Priority Research Area BioS under the program "Excellence Initiative - Research University" at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. The authors declare no competing interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Embryonic Development physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lipid Droplets metabolism   MeSH
• Lipid Metabolism MeSH
• Mice, Inbred C57BL * MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Oocytes * metabolism   MeSH
• Oxidative Stress MeSH
• Spectrum Analysis, Raman MeSH
• Aging metabolism   MeSH
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission MeSH
• Maternal Age MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Buněčná terapie neurologických onemocnění je založena na transplantaci nezralých buněk do nervového systému, v němž mohou léčebně působit několika mechanismy. Optimální by byla rekonstrukce nemocí poškozených nervových okruhů. Dalšími možnostmi jsou záchrana degenerujících neuronů příjemce a podpora funkce zbytkové tkáně poškozené nervové struktury. Buněčná terapie onemocnění mozečku se pro jeho nízký neurogenní potenciál a složitost synaptických zapojení zdá být obzvláště obtížným úkolem. Přes několik desetiletí výzkumu se neurotransplantace dosud nestaly běžnou léčbou a stále panují pochybnosti, ač pokusy na zvířatech ukazují v některých případech funkční zlepšení. Úkolem budoucího výzkumu je pokrok v oblasti kultivace a diferenciace vhodných typů kmenových buněk, nalezení faktorů, které rozhodují o vývoji a funkci transplantátu, a ověření bezpečnosti neurotransplantační terapie.

Cell therapy on neurological diseases is based on the transplantation of immature cells into the nervous system, where they are expected to have a therapeutic effect mediated by several possible mechanisms. Reconstruction of nerve circuits damaged by the disease would be optimal. Other possibilities are rescuing degenerating neurons of the host or supporting the function of the residual tissue of the disea sed nerve structure. Cell therapy for cerebellar diseases appears to be a difficult task due to low neurogenic potential and complexity of synaptic connection of the cerebellum. Despite several decades of research, neurotransplantation has not yet become a common treatment, and doubts remain, although animal experiments show functional improvement in some cases. The task of future research is to advance the cultivation and differentiation of appropriate types of stem cells, to find the factors that determine the development and function of the graft, and to verify the safety of neurotransplantation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Loneliness, a major public health concern, could be alleviated through social interventions with nature contact as a primary component. "Friends in Nature" is a complex nature-based social intervention designed to be implemented as part of "Reimagining Environments for Connection and Engagement: Testing Actions for Social Prescribing in Natural Spaces" (RECETAS). This project aims to alleviate loneliness and promote health-related quality of life in six different geographic areas worldwide. Feasibility studies are crucial to assess the viability of complex interventions and study procedures before conducting definitive studies. This paper aims to describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of the six-related feasibility studies on the "Friends in Nature" intervention. These studies specifically evaluate feasibility of recruitment and study procedures, intervention implementation, and data collection and distribution. METHODS: We defined a comprehensive set of indicators to assess the feasibility of "Friends in Nature." For the first domain, recruitment procedures were assessed to determine their adequacy, while attrition rates were examined to assess participant retention. For the second domain, the implementation of interventions was evaluated, along with the study design's ability to adapt to unexpected situations and participant adherence to the intervention. Finally, for the third domain, completion rates and the acceptability of the study activities were also analyzed. The feasibility of using specific scales to assess loneliness and well-being was also explored. RESULTS: The feasibility indicators defined for this study were useful to assess the feasibility of "Friends in Nature." Recruitment procedures were generally found to be adequate, and the number of dropouts was low. Interventions were implemented with minor adjustments, and facilitators played a vital role in the well-functioning of the interventions. Although some unexpected situations occurred during the study, adaptations were made, and participants were generally satisfied with the activities proposed. Scales used to assess loneliness and quality of life showed potential for measuring the effects of nature-based social prescribing in the full trial. CONCLUSION: This paper offers valuable insights into the design and execution of feasibility studies for complex interventions like "Friends in Nature." Findings from these assessments explore the feasibility of "Friends in Nature" and will inform the main RECETAS studies, which are designed to strengthen the evidence base to support the use of nature-based social prescribing to reduce loneliness and promote quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Barcelona trial: NCT05488496, Prague trial: NCT05522140, and Helsinki trial: NCT05507684.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Ve spojení se stárnutím člověka se progresivně rozvíjí pokles svalových funkcí. S tím je spojená na věku závislá deplece svalové hmoty zvaná sarkopenie. Existuje obvyklá představa, že primární je pokles svalové hmoty, ale v drtivém počtu případů je tomu naopak. Nejprve vlivem zevních, ale také endogenních důvodů se snižuje svalová aktivita, rozvíjí se svalová slabost a ta je následována progresivním úbytkem svalové hmoty – sarkopenií. Výjimku tvoří některé typy primárního poškození svalové hmoty, sarkopenie vznikající v důsledku malnutrice a nedostatečného přívodu proteinu, vlivem toxických látek v zevním prostředí. Svalová dynamopenie a sarkopenie se stává globálním problémem, který kulminuje zejména v industriálně a ekonomicky rozvinutých státech. Prevence svalové dynamopenie a sarkopenie je zásadním trendem, který je nezbytný zejména v kontextu se stoupajícím věkem a počtem obyvatel. Podpořeno MZ ČR – RVO (FNHK, 00179906). Korespondenční adresa: prof. MUDr. Zdeněk Zadák, CSc. III. interní gerontometabolická klinika LF UK a FN Sokolská 581, 500 05 Hradec Králové e-mail: zadak@fnhk.cz

In connection with human aging, a decline in muscle function develops progressively. This is associated with an age-dependent depletion of muscle mass called sarcopenia. There is a common opinion that the decrease in muscle mass is primary, but in the overwhelming number of cases it is the opposite. First, due to external but also endogenous reasons, muscle activity decreases, muscle weakness develops and this is followed by a progressive loss of muscle mass – sarcopenia. The exception is some types of primary damage to muscle mass, sarcopenia arising as a result of malnutrition and insufficient protein intake, due to the influence of toxic substances in the external environment. Muscle dynamopenia and sarcopenia is becoming a global problem, which culminates especially in industrially and economically developed countries. Prevention of muscle dynamopenia and sarcopenia is a fundamental trend, which is necessary especially in the context of increasing age and increased population.

• Keywords
• dynamopenie,
• MeSH
• Anthropometry methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Obesity etiology   physiopathology   MeSH
• Sarcopenia * diagnosis   etiology   drug therapy   therapy   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Muscular Atrophy * diagnosis   etiology   drug therapy   therapy   MeSH
• Muscle Strength Dynamometer MeSH
• Muscle Strength physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

Female sexual behaviors in rodents (lordosis and appetitive or "proceptive" behaviors) are induced through a genomic mechanism by the sequential actions of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P), or E2 and testosterone (T) at their respective receptors. However, non-steroidal agents, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), noradrenaline, dopamine, oxytocin, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone, nitric oxide, leptin, apelin, and others, facilitate different aspects of female sexual behavior through their cellular and intracellular effects at the membrane and genomic levels in ovariectomized rats primed with E2. These neurotransmitters often act as intermediaries of E2 and P (or T). The classical model of steroid hormone action through intracellular receptor binding has been complemented by an alternative scenario wherein the steroid functions as a transcription factor after binding the receptor protein to DNA. Another possible mechanism occurs through the activation of second messenger systems (cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, calcium), which subsequently initiate phosphorylation events via diverse kinase systems (protein kinases A, G, or C). These kinases target the progesterone receptor (PR) or associated effector proteins that connect the PR to the trans-activation machinery. This may also happen to the androgen receptor (AR). In addition, other cellular mechanisms could be involved since the chemical structure of these non-steroidal agents causes a change in their lipophobicity that prevents them from penetrating the cell and exerting direct transcriptional effects; however, they can exert effects on different components of the cell membrane activating a cross-talk between the cell membrane and the regulation of the transcriptional mechanisms.

• MeSH
• Rodentia MeSH
• Gonadal Steroid Hormones metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Progesterone pharmacology   metabolism   MeSH
• Sexual Behavior, Animal * drug effects   physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH