Introduction: The study of smoking and alcohol consumption habits is one of the most relevant and common elements of health behaviour assessment. According to European Health Interview Survey data, 27% of women aged 18-34 years and 35% of men smoke daily. According to the WHO, alcohol consumption also presents a negative picture and is responsible for 3 million deaths worldwide each year. Objective: Our primary objective was to examine how university students' health values relate to smoking and alcohol consumption habits. Methods: Our data collection method was interviewing, and our questionnaire consisted of nearly 30 questions that could be divided into several main groups. For data collection, we used a validated questionnaire, the IRVS Values Importance and Achievement Scale. For the assessment of smoking habits, we used the questionnaire from the National Population Survey (2003), compiled by the National Center for Epidemiology. A total of 380 university students completed the questionnaire. Data were processed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: Using principal component analysis, we obtained the eight-item variable, 'Importance of health value', with the highest loading of the value 'Health importance' (0.711 points). Our results showed a significant negative association between the health value and the number of cigarettes smoked per day, rs = -0.089, p = 0.041 (1-tailed), using Spearman correlation. Conclusion: Promoting a healthier lifestyle among university-aged individuals should be encouraged and prioritized. We believe that it is important to develop a preventive approach and create an inclusive educational environment.
INTRODUCTION: Risk assessment and management in companies plays a significant role in the prevention section of any field. In the field of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), its inconsistent or incorrect application has a direct impact on the life and health of employees. In some companies, even today, it is not properly implemented and adequate procedures and methods are not used. The article discusses the development of a step-by-step procedure for risk assessment in industrial environments in the area of OHS. METHODS: Main parts of the model and its steps present the partial results of a survey conducted on a sample of 500 small and micro enterprises in the field of risk assessment and the systematic procedure developed following the main survey results. The survey covered only enterprises located in the construction, manufacturing, transport and storage and agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors, which is also a significant statistical feature. Within the structure of respondents, statistical features such as: size of enterprise, sector, region by work are identified. Only enterprises with size by number of employees - micro enterprises from 1 to 9 employees and small enterprises from 10 to 49 employees - were included for the survey. RESULTS: New elements of the methods were integrated into the developed systematic procedure, which was subsequently validated in 7 plants of the one company on the same position. The application of the developed model was verified by an expert group consisting of 7 members, an odd number, and the developed checklists and risk register were applied. On the basis of the verification, the model, checklist and risk register were corrected. In addition, the scoring method and the risk matrix were also used, but they did not contain new elements. DISCUSION: The procedure is still in use today and employees have been trained to use it. On the basis of the developed methodology and the Checklist, the procedure has been transposed into the European OiRA tool and can be used by companies throughout the European Union.
- MeSH
- Risk Assessment methods MeSH
- Occupational Health * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Industry * MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
INTRODUCTION: This study explores the emotional impact of virtual forest therapy delivered through audio-visual recordings shown to patients in the oncology waiting rooms, focusing on whether simulated forest walks can positively influence patients' emotional states compared to traditional waiting room stimuli. METHODS: The study involved 117 participants from a diverse group of oncology patients in the outpatient clinic waiting room at the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute. Using a partially randomized controlled trial design, the study assessed basic emotional dimensions-valence and arousal-as well as specific psychological states such as thought control, sadness, anxiety, and pain. This assessment used the Self-Assessment Manikin and the modified Emotional Thermometer before and after participants watched three video types (forest, sea, news). Baseline stress levels were measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). RESULTS: Participants exposed to forest and sea videos reported significant improvements in emotional valence and reduced arousal, suggesting a calming and uplifting effect. No significant changes were observed in the control and news groups. Secondary outcomes related to anxiety, sadness, and pain showed no significant interaction effects, though small but significant main effects of time on these variables were noted. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that videos of forest and sea can be a beneficial intervention in the oncology waiting rooms by enhancing patients' emotional well-being. This pilot study underscores the potential for integrating virtual mental health support elements into healthcare settings to improve patient care experience.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Hlavním cílem tohoto článku je prezentovat výsledky syntézy nových alkylových derivátů 5-(2-brom-4-fluorfenyl)-4-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiolu a molekulárního dokování studie proti COX-1 a COX-2. Předchozí studie prokázaly široký rozsah biologické aktivity 1,2,4-triazolových derivátů. Proto bylo důležité zjistit, jak nová řada 1,2,4-triazolových derivátů poskytne potenciální protizánětlivou aktivitu. K dosažení cíle byly připraveny alkylové deriváty 5-(2-brom-4-fluorfenyl)-4-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiolů (2a-2i) z 5-(2Byl získán brom-4-fluorfenyl)-4-ethyl-4H-l,2,4-triazol-3-thiol (1e). Struktura syntetizovaných sloučenin byla potvrzena 1H-NMR elementární analýzou. Totožnost a čistota sloučenin byla potvrzena metodou kapalinové chromatografie-hmotnostní spektrometrie. Tyto sloučeniny mají relativně jednoduché schéma syntézy, což jim dává výhodu v procesu tvorby potenciálního léčiva a výskyt alkylových radikálů v molekule by měl mít pozitivní vliv na farmakokinetické ukazatele, stabilitu, selektivitu a biologickou dostupnost. U syntetizovaných sloučenin byla provedena studie in silico, konkrétně molekulární dokování týkající se interakce s COX-1 a COX-2. Na základě indexů selektivity vazebných režimů pozorovaných pro vybrané sloučeniny (2e, 2g) s aktivními místy COX1 bylo zjištěno, že sloučeniny mohou pravděpodobně uplatňovat svůj protizánětlivý účinek cestou biosyntézy prostaglandinů, inhibicí COX-1 místo COX-2. Rovněž byl prokázán vliv hydrofobních interakcí alkylových skupin 1,2,4-triazolových derivátů na změnu afinity a selektivity k COX-1 nebo COX-2. Proto jsou deriváty 1,2,4 slibnými kandidáty na zlepšení, další studium a budoucí vývoj nových, účinnějších protizánětlivých léčiv pro terapeutické použití.
The main goal of this article is to present the results of the synthesis of new alkyl derivatives of 5-(2-bromo4-fluorophenyl)-4-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol and molecular docking studies against COX-1 and COX-2. Previous studies have established a wide range of biological activity of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives. Therefore, it was essential to determine how a new series of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives would provide potential anti-inflammatory activity. To reach the goal, raw alkyl derivatives of 5-(2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-4-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols (2a-2i) from 5-(2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-4-ethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole3-thiol (1e) were obtained. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by 1H-NMR elemental analyses. The individuality and purity of compounds were confirmed by the method of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. These compounds have a relatively simple synthesis scheme, which gives them an advantage in creating a potential drug, and the appearance of alkyl radicals in the molecule should positively affect pharmacokinetic indicators, stability, selectivity, and bioavailability. An in silico study was conducted for the synthesized compounds, namely molecular docking, in relation to the interaction with COX-1 and COX-2. Based on the selectivity indexes of binding modes observed for the selected compounds (2e, 2g) with active COX-1 centers, it was found that compounds can reliably exhibit their anti-inflammatory effect through the prostaglandin biosynthesis pathway, inhibiting COX-1 instead of COX-2. The effect of hydrophobic interactions of alkyl groups of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives on changes in affinity and selectivity to COX-1 or COX-2 has also been proven. Therefore, derivatives of 1,2,4 are promising candidates for improvement, further study, and future development of new, more powerful antiinflammatory drugs for therapeutic use.
Plasmids are the main mobile elements responsible for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in microorganisms. These replicons extend the metabolic spectrum of their host cells by carrying functional genes. However, it is still unknown to what extent plasmids carry biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) related to the production of secondary or specialized metabolites (SMs). Here, we analyzed 9,183 microbial plasmids to unveil their potential to produce SMs, finding a large diversity of cryptic BGCs in a few varieties of prokaryotic host taxa. Some of these plasmids harbored 15 or more BGCs, and many others were exclusively dedicated to mobilizing BGCs. We found an occurrence pattern of BGCs within groups of homologous plasmids shared by a common taxon, mainly in host-associated microbes (e.g., Rhizobiales, Enterobacteriaceae members). Our results add to the knowledge of the ecological functions and potential industrial uses of plasmids and shed light on the dynamics and evolution of SMs in prokaryotes. IMPORTANCE Plasmids are mobile DNA elements that can be shared among microbial cells, and they are useful for bringing to fruition some microbial ecological traits. However, it is not known to what extent plasmids harbor genes related to the production of specialized/secondary metabolites (SMs). In microbes, these metabolites are frequently useful for defense purposes, signaling, etc. In addition, these molecules usually have biotechnological and clinical applications. Here, we analyzed the content, dynamics, and evolution of genes related to the production of SMs in >9,000 microbial plasmids. Our results confirm that some plasmids act as a reservoir of SMs. We also found that some families of biosynthetic gene clusters are exclusively present in some groups of plasmids shared among closely related microbes. Host-associated bacteria (e.g., plant and human microbes) harbor the majority of specialized metabolites encoded in plasmids. These results provide new knowledge about microbial ecological traits and might enable the discovery of novel metabolites.
- MeSH
- Bacteria * genetics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Multigene Family * MeSH
- Plasmids genetics MeSH
- Secondary Metabolism genetics MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
This paper describes the role of the totalitarian state in changing ethnic identity. To solve the question of nationality, the Soviet Union drew upon the ideologies of ultra-radical theorists of the 19th century, whose goal was to change society by removing several major institutions - for example, through the liquidation of family or private property, in addition to creating a national group. Numerous paradoxes emerged when putting these initial theories into practice because they were full of internal contradictions. The example of the Dungans shows how the state created a new ethnic group, which it supported in every possible way, and then, in the next phase, it clearly persecuted this ethnic group. In the implementation of state interventions, it is clear that the main declared elements of ethnic identity are extremely volatile and their meaning varies considerably. Whereas earlier Soviet ideology sought to present the Dungans as a group vastly different from its ancestors in China, contemporary Chinese ideology emphasises the similarities between the two groups.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
BACKGROUND: Acquired calcified aortic valve stenosis is the most common valve disease in adulthood. In the etiopathogenesis of this complex pathology, the importance of inflammation is mentioned, in which non-infectious influences represented by the biological effects of metal pollutants may participate. The main goal of the study was to determine the concentration of 21 metals and trace elements-aluminium (Al), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), calcium (Ca), chrome (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), gold (Au), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), sulfur (S), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn)-in the tissue of calcified aortic valves and to compare them with the concentrations of the same elements in the tissue of healthy aortic valves in the control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 49 patients (25 men, mean age: 74) with acquired, severe, calcified aortic valve stenosis with indicated heart surgery. The control group included 34 deceased (20 men, median age: 53) with no evidence of heart disease. Calcified valves were explanted during cardiac surgery and deep frozen. Similarly, the valves of the control group were removed. All valves were lyophilized and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations of selected elements were compared by means of standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Calcified aortic valves contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Mg, P, Pb, Se, Sn, Sr and Zn and-in contrast-lower concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mo, S and V than valves of the control group. Significant positive correlations of concentrations between the pairs Ca-P, Cu-S and Se-S and strong negative correlations between the elements Mg-Se, P-S and Ca-S were found in the affected valves. CONCLUSION: Aortic valve calcification is associated with increased tissue accumulation of the majority of the analyzed elements, including metal pollutants. Some exposure factors may increase their accumulation in the valve tissue. A relationship between exposure to environmental burden and the aortic valve calcification process cannot be ruled out. Advances in histochemical and imaging techniques allowing imaging of metal pollutants directly in valve tissue may represent an important future perspective.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
While there are hundreds of synthetic steroids conjugates with acids, sugars, proteins and other molecules, only two types of conjugates occur in living organisms, namely sulfates and glucuronides. Steroid glucuronidation in the human liver is the main mechanism controlling the levels and biological activity of unconjugated hormones, and glucuronides are their main excretion products. This process is generally irreversible. On the other hand, sulfates possess their own biological activity that differs from that of the unconjugated steroid, emphasizing the importance of steroid sulfatases and sulfotransferases. Due to their negative charge, steroid sulfates cannot cross the blood-cell barrier and have to use transporters. Their efflux is mediated by specific transporters of the ATP binding cassette protein group, which thus are further factors controlling their physiological effects. Steroid sulfates, especially dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are neuroactive steroids, with well-known effects as allosteric modulators of some neurotransmitter receptors, functioning as ion channels, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, type A (GABAA) receptors or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. In this minireview, we highlight some recent findings of non-genomic steroid sulfate actions through specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), which we believe show the way of further research. A few studies have even indicated that sulfates such as DHEAS may even indirectly regulate gene expression via ligand binding to the membrane receptor and, through G-protein and second messenger formation, activate proteins like cAMP Regulated Elements Binding protein (CREB), which then binds to regulated DNA elements of the expressed gene, in a "classical" genomic effect.
- MeSH
- Biological Transport MeSH
- Phosphorylation MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Signal Transduction * MeSH
- Sulfates * metabolism MeSH
- Steroids metabolism MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Technology-critical elements (TCEs) include most rare earth elements (REEs), the platinum group elements (PGEs), and Ga, Ge, In, Nb, Ta, Te, and Tl. Despite increasing recognition of their prolific release into the environment, their soil to plant transfer remains largely unknown. This paper provides an approximation of the potential for plant uptake by calculating bioconcentration factors (BCFs), defined as the concentration in edible vegetable tissues relative to that in cultivation soil. Here data were obtained from an indoor cultivation experiment growing lettuce, chard, and carrot on 22 different European urban soils. Values of BCFs were determined from concentrations of TCEs in vegetable samples after digestion with concentrated HNO3, and from concentrations in soil determined after 1) Aqua Regia digestion and, 2) diluted (0.1 M) HNO3 leaching. For comparison, BCFs were also determined for 5 traditional metal contaminants (TMCs; As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn). The main conclusions of the study were that: 1)BCF values for the REEs were consistently low in the studied vegetables;2)the BCFs for Ga and Nb were low as well;3) the BCFs for Tl were high relative to the other measured TCEs and the traditional metal contaminants; and 4) mean BCF values for the investigated TCEs were generally highest in chard and lowest in carrot. These findings provide initial evidence that there are likely to be real and present soil-plant transfer of TCEs, especially in the case of Tl. Improvements in analytical methods and detection limits will allow this to be further investigated in a wider variety of edible plants so that a risk profile may be developed.
Úvod a cíl: Krátká podjazyková uzdička nebo také ankyloglosie je vrozená vada charakterizovaná krátkým jazykovým frenulem, které lze definovat omezením pohybu jazyka, a tím ovlivněním jeho funkce. Přesná příčina ankyloglosie není známa. Prevalence se pohybuje kolem 7 % u mužů a 4 % u žen. Ankyloglosie je uváděna jako příčina obtíží při kojení. Dále způsobuje řečové a artikulační obtíže, může být jednou z příčin špatné ústní hygieny a často nedovoluje pacientovi hrát na dechové nástroje. Cílem studie bylo v klinickém, anatomickém i histologickém obrazu posoudit indikaci k výkonu, chirurgický pracovní postup i jeho možnou invazivitu vzhledem k rehabilitaci vazivové jizvy. Materiál a metodika: Soubor obsahoval 13 celkově zdravých pacientů s ankyloglosií – sedm dívek a šest chlapců s průměrným věkem v době chirurgického výkonu 8,3 let. Byl podepsán informovaný souhlas o účasti v naší studii v souladu s Helsinskou deklarací. Anonymita získaných údajů byla přísně dodržována. Souhlas ke studii byl získán od etické komise 2. lékařské fakulty UK a Fakultní nemocnice Motol. Pro vlastní provedení výkonu byla vždy použita jazyková frenulektomie pomocí skalpelu. Pacienti i jejich rodiče byli poučeni o typu a charakteru operačního výkonu tak, aby byla docílena co nejlepší spolupráce. Byla aplikována lokální anestezie, 1–2 ml Supracainu. Poté bylo podjazykové frenulum proťato skalpelem, aby došlo k uvolnění špičky jazyka. Následně byly uvolněny a mobilizovány měkké tkáně v okolí podjazykové uzdičky a zkontrolována pohyblivost jazyka. Po revizi a toaletě rány byla provedena sutura vstřebatelným materiálem. Výsledky: Histologické vyšetření bylo prováděno pomocí optického mikroskopu Olympus CH30. Hodnocen byl typ povrchového krycího epitelu, jeho tloušťka (zvětšení 100×), zastoupení fibrózy, cévních a nervových struktur, zánětlivých elementů, a zejména přítomnost příčně pruhované svaloviny, kde v případě její přítomnosti byl posuzován její procentuální podíl z celého vzorku. Závěr: Ve studii bylo klinicky prokázáno, že hlavní indikací k výkonu byly u starších dětí fonační a artikulační obtíže. Jazyková frenulektomie pomocí skalpelu byla podle klinického i histologického obrazu metodou velmi šetrnou, optimální byl předškolní věk dítěte, který již umožňoval snadnou rehabilitaci vazivové jizvy. Optimem je tedy včasný chirurgický zákrok, po kterém následuje funkční rehabilitace jazyka následovaná logopedií. Při histologickém vyšetření podjazykového frenula jsme prokázali přítomnost dlaždicového epitelu s povrchovou parakeratózou nebo bez ní, fibrózní tkáně, příčně pruhované svaloviny, nervů a cév.
Introduction and aim: Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly characterized by a short lingual frenulum which can be defined as restriction of tongue movement and thus impact on function. The exact cause of ankyloglossia is unknown. Prevalence varies in 7% of men and 4% of women. Tongue-tie is reported to be the cause of breastfeeding difficulties. It also causes speech and articulation problems, can be one of the causes of poor oral hygiene and often does not allow the patient to play wind instruments. The aim of the study was to assess in the clinical, anatomical and histological image, the indication for the surgical procedure, and the possible invasiveness with respect to the following rehabilitation of tongue movement. Material and methods: The group included 13 generally healthy patients with ankyloglossia – seven girls, and six boys – with mean age at the time of surgery of 8.3 years. An informed consent to participate in our study was signed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The anonymity of the data obtained was strictly observed. Approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the 2nd Medical Faculty of Charles University and the Motol University Hospital. Tongue frenulectomy using a scalpel was always used for the procedure itself. Patients and parents were instructed on the type and nature of surgery in order to achieve the greatest possible cooperation. Local anesthesia was applied, 1–2 ml of Supracain. The sublingual frenulum was then cut with a scalpel to release the tip of the tongue. Soft tissues around the sublingual bridle were loosened and mobilized, and tongue mobility was checked. After wound revision and toilet, suturing was performed with absorbable material. Results: Histological evaluation was performed using an optical microscope Olympus CH30. The type of superficial covering epithelium, its thickness (magnification 100×), the proportion of fibrosis, vascular and nerve structures, inflammatory elements and especially the presence of striated muscle were evaluated and calculated. Conclusion: In the study it was clinically proven that the main indication for treatment were speech and articulation difficulties of older children. Tongue frenulectomy using a scalpel was clinically and histologically a very gentle method, the preschool age of the child was optimal, which already allowed easy rehabilitation of the fibrous scar. As we have shown, the optimum is early surgery, followed by functional rehabilitation of the tongue and then by speech therapy. During the histological examination of a lingual frenulum we proved a presence of the squamous epithelium which can be also parakeratotic, fibrous tissue, striated muscle, nerves and blood vessels.
