Sepse je hlavní příčinou úmrtí na infekční choroby. Jedná se o jedno z nejčastějších příčin úmrtí. Je velmi důležité rozpoznání pacientů s vysokým rizikem rozvoje sepse, kteří nejsou v době příjmu ještě kriticky nemocní. Vedle klasických biomarkerů, jako jsou C-reaktivní protein nebo prokalcitonin, se hledají biomarkery nové. Jedním z nich je distribuční šíře monocytů (MDW). V periferní krvi byly charakterizovány tři subpopulace monocytů a dendritických buněk. Během sepse dochází k funkčnímu přeprogramování mezi monocyty a makrofágy, což vyvolává také morfologické změny včetně změny v objemu buněk. Tyto změny reflektuje tzv. distribuční šíře monocytů, která může být potenciální biomarker, případně doplňující biomarker, pro včasnou diagnostiku sepse na odděleních urgentního příjmu. Jedná se o parametr stanovovaný rutinně s diferenciálním rozpočtem leukocytů. Podle dostupné literatury je vhodným rozhodovacím limitem MDW pro sepsi přibližně hodnota 23,0 pro vzorky s K3EDTA (event. 20,5 pro K2EDTA).
Sepsis is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases. This is one of the most common causes of death. Time is a key factor in starting treatment early, and therefore recognizing patients with a high risk of development of sepsis who are not recognized as critical at the time of admission. In addition to the established biomarkers such as C-reactive protein or procalcitonin, new biomarkers are emerging that reflect their cell in the immune response. One of these biomarkers is Monocytic Distribution Width (MDW). Three subpopulations of monocytes and dendritic cells were characterized in peripheral blood. During sepsis, functional reprogramming occurs between monocytes and macrophages, which causes not only morphological changes but also changes in cell volume. These changes are reflected in the so-called monocytic distribution width, which can be a potential biomarker, or a complementary biomarker, for early diagnosis of sepsis at emergency departments. This is a parameter routinely determined with a differential leukocyte count. According to the recent literature, a suitable MDW cut-off value for sepsis is approximately 23.0 for samples with K3EDTA (respectively 20.5 for K2EDTA).
Bilateral asymmetry is presumed to reveal the developmental variability of the fish in polluted aquatic environments. In these habitats, high-level asymmetry develops, and these fish expend more energy to balance their growth than fish that are not under an impact. A total of 210 specimens of Acanthopagrus bifasciatus, A. latus and Sparidentex hasta were collected from the marine waters of Iraq in the northwest part of the Arabian Gulf. The asymmetry was calculated for the sagittal otolith characters of length and width. Otolith width has lower asymmetry than otolith length for the three sparid fish species investigated. An increase in the value of fluctuating asymmetry with fish length was observed. This could be a pertinent indicator of pollution in the habitat.
- MeSH
- Ecosystem MeSH
- Otolithic Membrane * MeSH
- Perciformes * MeSH
- Fishes MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Symbiosis plays a fundamental role in nature. Lichens are among the best known, globally distributed symbiotic systems whose ecology is shaped by the requirements of all symbionts forming the holobiont. The widespread lichen-forming fungal genus Stereocaulon provides a suitable model to study the ecology of microscopic green algal symbionts (i.e., phycobionts) within the lichen symbiosis. We analysed 282 Stereocaulon specimens, collected in diverse habitats worldwide, using the algal ITS rDNA and actin gene sequences and fungal ITS rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a great diversity among the predominant phycobionts. The algal genus Asterochloris (Trebouxiophyceae) was recovered in most sampled thalli, but two additional genera, Vulcanochloris and Chloroidium, were also found. We used variation-partitioning analyses to investigate the effects of climatic conditions, substrate/habitat characteristic, spatial distribution and mycobionts on phycobiont distribution. Based on an analogy, we examined the effects of climate, substrate/habitat, spatial distribution and phycobionts on mycobiont distribution. According to our analyses, the distribution of phycobionts is primarily driven by mycobionts and vice versa. Specificity and selectivity of both partners, as well as their ecological requirements and the width of their niches, vary significantly among the species-level lineages. We demonstrated that species-level lineages, which accept more symbiotic partners, have wider climatic niches, overlapping with the niches of their partners. Furthermore, the survival of lichens on substrates with high concentrations of heavy metals appears to be supported by their association with toxicity-tolerant phycobionts. In general, low specificity towards phycobionts allows the host to associate with ecologically diversified algae, thereby broadening its ecological amplitude.
- MeSH
- Ascomycota genetics growth & development MeSH
- Biological Evolution MeSH
- Chlorophyta genetics growth & development MeSH
- Ecology MeSH
- Ecosystem MeSH
- Genetic Variation MeSH
- Lichens genetics growth & development microbiology MeSH
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer genetics MeSH
- Symbiosis genetics MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
The coexistence of phylogenetically related species is an attractive topic because of the potentially intense interspecific competition. The most often investigated mechanisms mediating coexistence of these species are environmental filtering and niche partitioning. However, the role of other factors, such as species-specific parasites, is still poorly understood. Along the riparian understory of a tropical forest, we explored niche occupation and coexistence between Chrysso intervales and Helvibis longicauda, two related syntopic web-building spiders. We also investigated the effect of H. longicauda mortality induced by a specific fungus parasite, Gibellula pulchra, on the dynamic of C. intervales spatial distribution. Coexistence was mediated mainly by a fine-scale horizontal spatial segregation. H. longicauda built webs almost exclusively close to the river, while C. intervales occupied adjacent areas (10-20 m away from margins). We also found differentiation in other niche dimensions that might allow coexistence, such as in plants occupied, height of web placement, width of leaves used for thread attachment and phenology. H. longicauda mortality caused by fungi was higher during winter than in summer. Consequently, the abundance of C. intervales increased at distances close to the river, indicating competitive release through a density-mediated indirect effect. This demonstrates how non-competitive specific-antagonists can indirectly affect other non-hosts competing community members and influence their spatial distribution in fine-scale ranges. We suggest that environmental filtering restricts H. longicauda to cooler regions; niche partitioning leads populations to occupy different vertical strata and competitive exclusion precludes C. intervales to reach river margins, generating an unusual horizontal zonation pattern.
- MeSH
- Species Specificity MeSH
- Forests MeSH
- Parasites * MeSH
- Plants MeSH
- Occupations MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Apex predators play a key role in ecosystem stability across environments but their numbers in general are decreasing. By contrast, European catfish (Silurus glanis), the European freshwater apex predator, is on the increase. However, studies concerning apex predators in freshwaters are scarce in comparison to those in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The present study combines stomach content and stable isotope analyses with diet preferences of catfish to reveal its impact on the ecosystem since stocking. Catfish niche width is extremely wide in comparison to the typical model predator, Northern pike (Esox lucius). Catfish and pike have different individual dietary specialization that results in different functional roles in coupling or compartmentalizing distinct food webs. The role of both species in the ecosystem is irreplaceable due to multiple predator effects. The impact of catfish is apparent across the entire aquatic ecosystem, but herbivores are the most affected ecological group. The key feature of catfish, and probably a common feature of apex predators in general, is utilization of several dietary strategies by individuals within a population: long-term generalism or specialization and also short-term specialization. Catfish, similar to other large-bodied apex predators, have two typical features: enormous generalism and adaptability to new prey sources.
- MeSH
- Biomass MeSH
- Diet * MeSH
- Ecosystem * MeSH
- Esocidae physiology MeSH
- Adaptation, Physiological * MeSH
- Nitrogen Isotopes MeSH
- Carbon Isotopes MeSH
- Lakes MeSH
- Food Chain MeSH
- Predatory Behavior physiology MeSH
- Food Preferences MeSH
- Seasons MeSH
- Fresh Water * MeSH
- Catfishes physiology MeSH
- Stomach physiology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
So far, perch egg strands have been considered unpalatable biological material. However, we repeatedly found egg strands of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the diet of European catfish (Silurus glanis) caught by longlines in Milada and Most Lakes, Czech Republic. The finding proves that perch egg strands compose a standard food source for this large freshwater predatory fish. It extends the present knowledge on catfish foraging plasticity, showing it as an even more opportunistic feeder. Utilization of perch egg strands broadens the catfish diet niche width and represents an advantage against other fish predators. Comparison of datasets from extensive gillnet and SCUBA diver sampling campaigns gave the evidence that at least in localities where food sources are limited, multilevel predation by catfish may have an important impact on the perch population.
- MeSH
- Gastrointestinal Contents MeSH
- Lakes MeSH
- Perches * MeSH
- Predatory Behavior * MeSH
- Fresh Water * MeSH
- Catfishes * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Úvod: Aponeurosis plantaris je důležitou strukturou v oblasti předonoží. Prostorové uspořádání jednotlivých jejích částí je důležité pro udržování stability nohy. V dostupné anatomické literatuře je zejména v grafickém znázornění množství chyb a nepřesností. V našem článku jsme se rozhodli poukázat na některé důležité aspekty týkající se anatomie plantární aponeurózy a z nich vyplývající biomechaniky. Materiál a metoda: Ve studii bylo použito celkem 20 preparátů prvních metatarzofalangových skloubení 12 kadáverů v Anatomickém ústavu 1. lékařské fakulty Univerzity Karlovy v Praze. Do studie byly zařazeny pouze končetiny, které nevykazovaly deformitu předonoží a proběhlé operace. Zvláštní pozornost jsme pak věnovali uspořádání distální části plantární aponeurózy, sagitálním septům, která se upínají do plantárních plotének (fibrocartilago art. metatarsophalangeae) jednotlivých metatarzofalangových skloubení. Výsledky: Ve studii bylo vyhodnoceno 20 plantárních aponeuróz u 12 kadáverů. V souboru preparátů bylo 8 žen a 4 muži. U všech preparátů byly vždy přítomny a plně vyvinuty pruhy centrální části, mediální i laterální části. Ve všech případech byly vyvinuty distální pruhy centrální části v podkoží stáčející se do meziprstních prostor. Pruhy distální části byly značně variabilní a jejich okraje se vytrácely do podkoží okolní tkáně. Průměrná šíře byla 7 mm (2–13 mm). Sumací jednotlivých šířek a směrů těchto distálních pruhů vznikla rekonstrukce a schéma, které jsou součástí této publikace. Diskuze: Komplex aponeurosis plantaris a na ní napojených struktur tvoří důležitou funkční jednotku, která je základem pro fungování stabilizačního mechanismu nohy, takzvaného navijákového (windlass) mechanismu. Mnoho autorů se ve svých pracích zabývá úlohou plantární aponeurózy při rozvoji některých patologií prvního paprsku nohy. Napříč literaturou pak panuje shoda ohledně důležitosti obnovení fyziologických poměrů při chirurgické léčbě nejčastějších deformit prvního paprsku, jako jsou hallux valgus a hallux rigidus. Distální část plantární aponeurózy tvoří prostorovou síť, která slouží nejenom pro udržování správného postavení skeletu nohy, ale rovněž pro ukotvení nášlapných polštářů. Při poruchách funkce aponeurosis plantaris vznikají deformity nohy typu hallux valgus anebo hallux rigidus.
Introduction: Aponeurosis plantaris is an important structure in the forefoot. The spatial arrangement of its parts is important in maintaining the stability of the foot. The anatomical literature available often contains many number of errors and inaccuracies, mainly in the graphical representation. In this article, we decided to highlight some important aspects relating to the anatomy of plantar aponeurosis and biomechanics resulting from them. Materials and methods: In this study, a total of 20 specimens of metatarsophalangeal articulation in 12 cadavers at the Department of Anatomy, 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University in Prague. The study included only limbs that did not show deformity of the forefoot and or any surgery to it. Special attention was then devoted to the arrangement of the distal part of the plantar aponeurosis, sagittal septum that was clamped into the plantar discs (fibrocartilage art. Metatarsophalangeae) and each individual metatarsophalangeal articulation. Results: The study evaluated 20 plantar aponeurosis in 12 cadavers. The samples came from 8 women and 4 men. All samples always had present and fully developed streaks in the central portion, medial and lateral parts. In all cases, distal stripes on the central part in the dermis were developed, curving into the interdigital spaces. Stripes on the distal part were highly variable and their edges faded into the hypodermic tissue. The average width was 7 mm (2-13 mm). By summarising the various widths and orientations of the distal bands a reconstruction and a scheme were constructed, which are included in this publication. Discussion: The complex aponeurosis plantaris and its associated structures form an important functional unit, which is the basis for the functioning of the stabilization mechanism of the legs, the so-called windlass mechanism. Many authors in their papers deal with the role of plantar aponeurosis in the development of some pathologies of the first ray of the foot. Across the literature, there is a consensus on the importance of restoring physiological conditions during surgical treatment of the most common deformities of the first ray, such as hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. The distal part of the plantar aponeurosis creates a spatial network, which serves not only to maintain the correct position of the bones of the legs, but also as an anchor for the sole of the foot. Malfunctions to the aponeurosis plantaris lead to foot deformities such as hallux valgus or hallux rigidus.
- MeSH
- Biomechanical Phenomena * MeSH
- Fascia anatomy & histology pathology MeSH
- Fasciotomy MeSH
- Hallux Rigidus etiology MeSH
- Hallux Valgus etiology MeSH
- Ligaments, Articular anatomy & histology pathology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Stress, Mechanical MeSH
- Metatarsalgia etiology MeSH
- Metatarsophalangeal Joint anatomy & histology MeSH
- Metatarsus anatomy & histology pathology MeSH
- Cadaver MeSH
- Plantar Plate anatomy & histology MeSH
- Flatfoot etiology MeSH
- Forefoot, Human * anatomy & histology pathology MeSH
- Weight-Bearing MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
The morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits of organisms are often used as surrogates for actual ecological functions. However, differences in these traits do not necessarily lead to functional differences and/or can be context-dependent. Therefore, it is necessary to explicitly test whether the surrogates have general ecological relevance. To investigate the relationship between the hunting strategies of predators (i.e., how, where, and when they hunt) and their function, we used euryphagous spiders as a model group. We used published data on the diet composition of 76 spider species based on natural prey and laboratory prey acceptance experiments. We computed differences in the position and width of trophic niches among pairs of sympatrically occurring species. Pairs were made at different classification levels, ranked according to the dissimilarity in their hunting strategies: congeners, confamiliars (as phylogenetic proxies for similarity in hunting strategy), species from the same main class of hunting strategy, from the same supra-class, and from different supra-classes. As for niche position computed from the natural prey analyses, species from the same class differed less than species from different classes. A similar pattern was obtained from the laboratory studies, but the congeners differed less than the species from the same classes. Niche widths were most similar among congeners and dissimilar among species from different supra-classes. Functional differences among euryphagous spiders increased continuously with increasing difference in their hunting strategy. The relative frequency of hunting strategies within spider assemblages can, therefore, influence the food webs through hunting strategy-specific predator-prey interactions.
- MeSH
- Phylogeny * MeSH
- Spiders MeSH
- Food Chain MeSH
- Predatory Behavior * MeSH
- Feeding Behavior MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The causes of biodiversity patterns are controversial and elusive due to complex environmental variation, covarying changes in communities, and lack of baseline and null theories to differentiate straightforward causes from more complex mechanisms. To address these limitations, we developed general diversity theory integrating metabolic principles with niche-based community assembly. We evaluated this theory by investigating patterns in the diversity and distribution of soil bacteria taxa across four orders of magnitude variation in spatial scale on an Antarctic mountainside in low complexity, highly oligotrophic soils. Our theory predicts that lower temperatures should reduce taxon niche widths along environmental gradients due to decreasing growth rates, and the changing niche widths should lead to contrasting α- and β-diversity patterns. In accord with the predictions, α-diversity, niche widths and occupancies decreased while β-diversity increased with increasing elevation and decreasing temperature. The theory also successfully predicts a hump-shaped relationship between α-diversity and pH and a negative relationship between α-diversity and salinity. Thus, a few simple principles explained systematic microbial diversity variation along multiple gradients. Such general theory can be used to disentangle baseline effects from more complex effects of temperature and other variables on biodiversity patterns in a variety of ecosystems and organisms.
- MeSH
- Bacteria metabolism MeSH
- Ecosystem MeSH
- Microbiota * MeSH
- Soil Microbiology * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
- Geographicals
- Antarctic Regions MeSH
Práce se snaží odpovědět na otázky, jaký je vliv diastematu o různé šířce a tvaru na hodnocení atraktivity úsměvu, zda jsou rozdíly podle věku a pohlaví hodnotitelů a mezi laiky a profesionály v oboru a zda se hodnocení liší na fotografii obličeje a detailu úsměvu. Digitální fotografie obličeje s úsměvem mladé ženy s drobným diastematem byla upravována tak, že bylo diastema uzavřeno, rozšiřováno a měněn jeho tvar. Vzniklo 10 variant stejněho obličeje s úsměvem, z nich byly následně vytvořeny výřezy detailu úsměvu. Fotografie byly zařazeny do webového dotazníku. Atraktivita byla hodnocena na každé z nich pomocí bodové škály celkem 273 respondenty rozdělenými dle pohlaví věku a povolání. Nebyly prokázány signifikantní rozdíly v hodnocení mezi laiky a profesionály. Na fotografii obličeje bylo diastema vnímáno signifikantně méně mšivě než na fotografii detailu úsměvu. Úsměv s diastematem 0,5 mm byl hodnocen ještě jako atraktivní, ale kritičtěji než úsměv bez diastematu, s narůstající šířkou diastematu byli hodnotitelé kritičtější. V rámci ortodontické léčby je vhodné v zájmu vylepšení atraktivity úsměvu pacienta pokusit se diastema větší než 1 mm uzavřít.
The present work strives to answer the questions about the impact of diastema of different width and shape on the evaluation of smile attractiveness, and whether there are differences related to age and gender of evaluators, and differences between lay public and experts, and whether there are different perceptions of a face photograph and a smile detail. A digital photo of a smiling young woman with a minor diastema was adjusted so that the diastema was closed, widened, and of different shapes. Thus there were made 10 variants of the same smiling face, out of which details of smile were cut. Photographs became a part of web questionnaire. 273 respondents evaluated attractiveness on the scale; respondents were subdivided according to gender, age and profession. The diastema was significantly better evaluated in the photograph of a face, in comparison with a smile detail. The smile with diastema of 0.5 mm was still seen as attractive. However, it was evaluated less positively than the smile without diastema. The evaluation was stricter with wider diastema. To improve patient's smile attractiveness, it is recommended to close diastema over 1 mm during orthodontic treatment.
