BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has increased rapidly, with considerable variation between European countries. The study examined the relationship between air pollutants, greenspace, and MetS and its components in the Czech and Swiss populations. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Czech Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) (n = 4,931) and the Swiss cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults (SAPALDIA) (n = 4,422) cohorts included participants aged 44-73 years. MetS was defined as abdominal obesity plus two additional components (hypertension, diabetes, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides). Annual mean concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and greenspace (defined as the annual mean of normalized difference vegetation index within 500 m) were assigned to the individual residential level. We estimated odds ratios (OR) using multivariable logistic regressions with cluster-robust standard error, controlling for multiple confounders. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in the Czech (51.1%) compared with Swiss (35.8%) population as were the concentration means of PM10 and PM2.5. In HAPIEE, a 5 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with 14% higher odds of MetS (OR = 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01, 1.28). In SAPALDIA, no evidence was found for the associations between air pollutants and MetS (e.g. OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.90, 1.13 for PM2.5). No protective effects of normalized difference vegetation index on MetS were observed. Upon inspection of MetS components, PM2.5 and PM10 exposures were associated with higher odds of hypertension and elevated triglycerides in HAPIEE only, while PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were associated with higher odds of diabetes in SAPALDIA only. CONCLUSION: Individuals with higher exposures to PM2.5 may be at higher risk of MetS. The differential associations with MetS components between the cohorts deserve further investigation.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The incidence of tick-borne diseases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. has been rising in Europe in recent decades. Early pre-assessment of acarological hazard still represents a complex challenge. The aim of this study was to model Ixodes ricinus questing nymph density and its infection rate with B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in five European countries (Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary) in various land cover types differing in use and anthropisation (agricultural, urban and natural) with climatic and environmental factors (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Land Surface Temperature (LST) and precipitation). We show that the relative abundance of questing nymphs was significantly associated with climatic conditions, such as higher values of NDVI recorded in the sampling period, while no differences were observed among land use categories. However, the density of infected nymphs (DIN) also depended on the pathogen considered and land use. These results contribute to a better understanding of the variation in acarological hazard for Ixodes ricinus transmitted pathogens in Central Europe and provide the basis for more focused ecological studies aimed at assessing the effect of land use in different sites on tick-host pathogens interaction.

• MeSH
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum growth & development   MeSH
• Borrelia burgdorferi growth & development   MeSH
• Spatio-Temporal Analysis * MeSH
• Gram-Negative Bacteria growth & development   MeSH
• Ixodes microbiology   MeSH
• Nymph MeSH
• Climate * MeSH
• Rickettsia growth & development   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

Spectropolarimetry of intact plant leaves allows to probe the molecular architecture of vegetation photosynthesis in a non-invasive and non-destructive way and, as such, can offer a wealth of physiological information. In addition to the molecular signals due to the photosynthetic machinery, the cell structure and its arrangement within a leaf can create and modify polarization signals. Using Mueller matrix polarimetry with rotating retarder modulation, we have visualized spatial variations in polarization in transmission around the chlorophyll a absorbance band from 650 nm to 710 nm. We show linear and circular polarization measurements of maple leaves and cultivated maize leaves and discuss the corresponding Mueller matrices and the Mueller matrix decompositions, which show distinct features in diattenuation, polarizance, retardance and depolarization. Importantly, while normal leaf tissue shows a typical split signal with both a negative and a positive peak in the induced fractional circular polarization and circular dichroism, the signals close to the veins only display a negative band. The results are similar to the negative band as reported earlier for single macrodomains. We discuss the possible role of the chloroplast orientation around the veins as a cause of this phenomenon. Systematic artefacts are ruled out as three independent measurements by different instruments gave similar results. These results provide better insight into circular polarization measurements on whole leaves and options for vegetation remote sensing using circular polarization.

• MeSH
• Algorithms * MeSH
• Photosynthesis * MeSH
• Zea mays growth & development   metabolism   MeSH
• Plant Leaves growth & development   metabolism   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Microscopy, Polarization methods   MeSH
• Refractometry methods   MeSH
• Light MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Cíl: Hlavním cílem této studie bylo popsat vývojové trendy šesti stravovacích návyků u českých adolescentů vzhledem k jejich tělesné hmotnosti v letech 2002–2014. Dílčím cílem bylo sledovat rozdíly ve stravovacích návycích mezi adolescenty s normální hmotností a obezitou v letech 2002, 2006, 2010 a 2014. Metodika: Data byla získána z dotazníkového šetření české HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children) studie, která se uskutečnila v letech 2002, 2006, 2010 a 2014. Úroveň tělesné hmotnosti byla odvozena pomocí body mass indexu (BMI) a stravovací návyky byly zjišťovány pomocí dotazníku, který byl vyplněn 11, 13 a 15 letými školáky. Trendy vývoje stravovacích návyků pro každou váhovou kategorii byly zjišťovány pomocí logistické regrese (Enter method) (poměr šancí – OR a 95% konfidenční interval – CI) a rozdíly mezi adolescenty s normální váhou a obezitou byly vypočítány pomocí chí kvadrátu. Výsledky: V letech 2002–2014 došlo u všech váhových kategorií k významnému poklesu konzumace slazených nápojů (normální hmotnost OR: 0,47; CI = 0,42–0,52; nadváha OR: 0,47; CI = 0,36–0,63; obezita OR: 0,47; CI = 0,29–0,75). Navíc byly zaznamenány významné změny u denní konzumace sladkostí (OR: 0,81; CI = 0,74–0,90), ovoce (OR: 0,81; CI = 0,74–0,88) a snídání ve všedních dnech (OR: 1,28; CI = 1,17–1,39), ale statisticky významná změna byla pouze u adolescentů s normální hmotností. Konzumace zeleniny a snídání o víkendech zůstala v tomto období nezměněna. Nižší výskyt konzumace sladkostí (všechny sledované roky), slazených nápojů (pouze 2006) a snídání ve všedních dnech/o víkendech (pouze 2006) byl pozorován u obézních adolescentů. Závěry: Zjišťování trendů ve výživě českých adolescentů pro jednotlivé váhové kategorie je nezbytné pro evaluaci současných projektů a pro vytvoření nových programů zaměřených na snížení rozdílů mezi váhovými kategoriemi adolescentů.

Objective: The main aim of the present study was to evaluate trends in six eating behaviours of Czech adolescents in relation to their body weight between 2002–2014. The partial aim was to monitor the differences in eating behaviours between adolescents with normal body weight and obesity in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Methods: The data was obtained from the Czech HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children) survey in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Body weight category was determined by body mass index (BMI) and eating behaviours were obtained from a questionnaire filled by 11-, 13- and 15-year-old adolescents. Logistic regression (Enter method) (odds ratio – OR and 95% confidence interval – CI) was used to analyse changes in eating behaviours and the differences between body weight categories were calculated by chi-square test. Results: From 2002 to 2014, the data showed a significant decrease in consumption of soft drinks (normal body weight OR: 0.47; CI = 0.42–0.52; overweight OR: 0.47; CI = 0.36–0.63, and obesity OR: 0.47; CI = 0.29–0.75). In addition, the changes in trends were seen in daily consumption of sweets (OR: 0.81; CI = 0.74–0.90), fruit (OR: 0.81; CI = 0.74–0.88) and breakfast on weekdays (OR: 1.28; CI = 1.17–1.39), however, significant change was only in adolescents with normal body weight. There was no change in consumption of vegetable or breakfast on weekends. Lower prevalence was reported in consumption of sweets (all survey years), soft drinks (only in 2006) and breakfast on weekdays/weekends (only in 2006) in obese adolescents. Conclusions: Monitoring dietary trends in Czech adolescents in relation to body weight category is important for evaluation of current projects and development of new programmes targeted to decrease differences between body weight categories in adolescents.

• MeSH
• Data Interpretation, Statistical MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent * MeSH
• Pediatric Obesity MeSH
• General Practitioners MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Feeding Behavior * MeSH
• Body Weight MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent * MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

BACKGROUND: Type-D personality, defined as a combination of high negative affect and high social isolation, has been associated with poor health outcomes. However, pathways underlying this association are largely unknown. We investigated the relationship between Type-D personality and several biological and behavioral pathways including the autonomic nervous system, the immune system, glucose regulation and sleep in a large, apparently healthy sample. METHODS: Data from a total of 646 respondents (age 41.6±11.5, 12,2% women) were available for analysis. Persons with Type-D (negative affect and social isolation score ≥10) were contrasted with those without Type-D. Measures of plasma fibrinogen levels, white blood cell count, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, triglycerides, and albumin were derived from fasting blood samples. Urine norepinephrine and free cortisol were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Time-domain heart rate variability (HRV) measures were calculated for the 24hr recording period and for nighttime separately. RESULTS: Persons with Type-D had higher HbA1c, FPG, and fibrinogen, and lower nighttime HRV than those without Type-D, suggesting worse glycemic control, systemic inflammation and poorer autonomic nervous system modulation in Type-D persons. In addition, those with Type-D reported less social support and greater sleep difficulties while no group differences were observed for alcohol and cigarette consumption, physical activity and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide some of the first evidence for multiple possible biological and behavioral pathways between Type-D personality and increased morbidity and mortality.

• MeSH
• Autonomic Nervous System physiology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Glucose metabolism   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Type D Personality * MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Sleep MeSH
• Health Behavior MeSH
• Health * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Spodoptera litura (F.), one of the most devastating pests in many Asian countries, is normally controlled by relying on chemical insecticides. To encourage an integrated pest management approach, we determined the economic injury level (EIL) for S. litura on peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., by larval infestation with late instars at different crop growth stages. The cumulative consumption rate of the fifth- and sixth-instars was used as the relative unit for the "Spodoptera injury equivalent" (SIE). The yield of marketable pods significantly decreased from 6.19 to 1.63 g.plant-1 as larval infestation intensity increased throughout the entire cropping season. When supplemented with timely applications of the insecticide, indoxacarb, an oxadiazine insecticide, the EIL values obtained in the larval infestation trial ranged from 3.26 to 13.47 SIE per 20 plants depending on the timing of initial infestation. The economic threshold (ET) for late instars, i.e., multiplying the EIL by 0.75, could not be utilized as a control timing index for the outbreak of injurious larvae population because of the time-lag. When the occurrence of natural mortality in the egg to pupal stage was considered, the ETs were adjusted to reflect the average survivorship. ETs of 27.3, 55.9, 51.3, and 112.6 eggs.m-2 were recommended at the early vegetative growth, blooming/pegging, pod-setting, and pod-filling stages, respectively, for initiating control measures. By simulating the pest population with the program, Timing-MSChart, we integrated the stage-specific EILs and ETs with the life-table data of S. litura on peanut and then proposed a demography-based control timing.

• MeSH
• Arachis * growth & development   MeSH
• Herbivory * MeSH
• Insect Control methods   MeSH
• Insecticides MeSH
• Pupa growth & development   physiology   MeSH
• Larva growth & development   physiology   MeSH
• Oxazines MeSH
• Population Dynamics MeSH
• Spodoptera growth & development   physiology   MeSH
• Life Tables MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

In this study, we present a method for the detection of n-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) signals using MRS in adipose tissue in vivo. This method (called oMEGA-PRESS) is based on the selective detection of the CH3 signal of n-3 FA using the MEGA-PRESS (MEshcher-GArwood Point-RESolved Spectroscopy) J-difference editing technique. We optimized the envelope shape and frequency of spectral editing pulses to minimize the spurious co-editing and incomplete subtraction of the CH3 signal of other FAs, which normally obscure the n-3 FA CH3 signal in MR spectra acquired using standard PRESS techniques. The post-processing of the individual data scans with the phase and frequency correction before data subtraction and averaging was implemented to further improve the quality of in vivo spectra. The technique was optimized in vitro on lipid phantoms using various concentrations of n-3 FA and examined in vivo at 3 T on 15 healthy volunteers. The proportion of n-3 FA estimated by the oMEGA-PRESS method in phantoms showed a highly significant linear correlation with the n-3 FA content determined by gas chromatography. The signal attributed to n-3 FA was observed in all subjects. Comparisons with the standard PRESS technique revealed an enhanced identification of the n-3 FA signal using oMEGA-PRESS. The presented method may be useful for the non-invasive quantification of n-3 FA in adipose tissue, and could aid in obtaining a better understanding of various aspects of n-3 FA metabolism.

• MeSH
• Chromatography, Gas MeSH
• Phantoms, Imaging MeSH
• Body Mass Index MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Linseed Oil chemistry   MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy methods   MeSH
• Plant Oils chemistry   MeSH
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3 analysis   MeSH
• Subcutaneous Fat chemistry   MeSH
• Adipose Tissue chemistry   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Cíl: Cílem šetření bylo zmapovat životní styl aktivních dárců krve a porovnat vybrané aspekty životního stylu mezi muži a ženami. Metodika: Dotazníkové šetření realizované v listopadu 2009 na Hematologicko-transfuzním oddělení Nemocnice s poliklinikou Karviná - Ráj. Do souboru byli zařazeni 624 respondenti (86 žen, 538 mužů). Ke sběru dat byl použit nestandardizovaný dotazník sestavený pro účel šetření. Jednotlivé položky byly zaměřeny na vybrané dílčí aspekty životního stylu dárců krve. Výsledky: Hodnoty BMI byly u mužů významně vyšší než u žen. Respondenti nepatřili do skupiny osob s rizikovým sexuálním chováním. Přibližně srovnatelné výsledky mezi muži a ženami byly v oblasti stravování, konzumaci ovoce, zeleniny, sladkostí a kávy. Ženy uváděly vyšší konzumaci nízkotučných výrobků, muži vypili větší množství tekutin denně včetně alkoholických nápojů. V kouření tabákových výrobků byly obě skupiny srovnatelné. Rekreačnímu sportování se věnovali delší dobu a s větší frekvencí více muži než ženy, téměř čtvrtina dárců však neprovozovala žádný sport. Delší spánek i odpočinek uváděly více ženy, téměř všichni dárci absolvovali pravidelné preventivní prohlídky. Závěr: Z šetření vyplynulo, že životní styl většiny oslovených respondentů – aktivních dárců krve se výrazně neliší od běžného způsobu života obyvatel regionu. V souladu se Světovým šetřením o zdraví v České republice (2004) bylo potvrzeno, že rozšířeným rizikovým faktorem byla nadváha, nedostatečná konzumace ovoce a zeleniny, nedostatek pohybové aktivity, kouření a nadměrná konzumace alkoholu.

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the lifestyle of active blood donors and to compare selected aspects of life style between men and women. Methods: A questionnaire survey was undertaken in November 2009 on hematology-transfusion department of Hospital with the policlinics Karvina – Raj. The group included 624 respondents (86 women, 538 men). Data were collected by using nonstandard questionnaire established for the purpose of the inquiry. Individual items were focused on selected aspects of individual lifestyle of blood donors. Results: BMI values were significantly higher in men than in women. Respondents did not belong to a group of people with risky sexual behavior. Approximately equivalent results between men and women were in the areas of dietary, consuming fruits, vegetables, sweets and coffee. Women reported higher consumption of low fat products, men drank larger amounts of fluid daily, including alcoholic beverages. In smoking of tobacco products were both groups comparable. More men have devoted recreational sport more time and with greater frequency than women, nearly a quarter of donors, however, does not engage in any sport. Longer sleep and rest was reported by more women, almost all donors have underwent regular preventive examinations. Conclusion: From the research resulted that the lifestyle of the majority of respondents - active blood donors did not differ significantly from the normal way of life of people in the region. In accordance with World survey about health in the Czech Republic (2004) it was confirmed that the widespread risk factor was being overweight, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Keywords
• hematologicko-transfuzní oddělení, dotazník,
• MeSH
• Exercise MeSH
• Blood Donors statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Body Mass Index MeSH
• Smoking MeSH
• Quality of Life MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Food Preferences MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Feeding Behavior MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH

Pre zachovanie optimálneho zdravia je potrebná optimálna hladina každého antioxidanta. Kombinovaný efekt neenzymatickej ochrany (ferric reducing ability of plasma - FRAP) je indexom schopnosti odolávať oxidačnému poškodeniu. Plazmatické hladiny vitamínov C, E, A, β-karotén ako aj molámy pomer vitamín E/cholesterol a vitamín C/vitamín E sú signifikantne vyššie v alternatívnej nutričnej skupine (vegetariáni) v porovnaní s kontrolnou skupinou tradičnej výživy. Nadprahové hodnoty esenciálnych antioxidantov (z potravy) znamenitú redukované riziko voľnoradikálových ochorení. Priemerné hodnoty vitamínu C, vitamínu E, vitamínu E/cholesterol, vitamínu C/vitamínu E, vitamínu A a β-kuroténu V skupine vegetariánov sú nadprahové s vysokým percentom individuálnych hodnôt nad limitom (92 % vs 42 % - vitamín C, 88 % vs 50 % - vitamín E/cholesterol, 100 % vs 79 % - vitamín C/vitamín E, 75 % vs 38 % - vitamín A, 67 % vs 17 % - β-karotén). V kontrolnej skupine má nadprahovú hodnotu len vitamín C/vitamín E. Typickým rozdielom alternatívneho stravovania v porovnaní s tradičným je vyššia konzumácia ovocia a zeleniny (vyšší príjem vitamínu C a β-karoténu), ďalej konzumácia celozmných produktov, klíčkov, semien a netradičných rastlinných tukov (tiež vyšší príjem vitamínov E a A). Hladiny exogénnych antioxidantov u zdravej populácie s normálnou absorpciou živín sú plne závislé na skladbe potravy. Hodnoty FRAP sú vyrovnané pre obidve sledované skupiny. Podiel aktivity jednotlivých antioxidantov na celkovej hodnote FRAP je vyšší pre vitamín C a vitamín E u vegetariánov a pre kyselinu močovú v kontrolnej skupine. V prípade celkových bielkovín podiel aktivity je rovnaký vo vegetariánskej aj kontrolnej skupine.

Optimal level of each antioxidant is required for maintenance of optimal health. Combined antioxidant effect of nonenzymatic defenses (ferric reducing ability of plasma - FRAP) is useful as index of ability to resist oxidative damage. Plasma values of vitamins C, E, A, β-carotene as well as molar ratios vitamin E/cholesterol and vitamin C/vitamin E are significantly higher in alternative nutrition group (vegetarians) vs. subjects on traditional nutrition (control group). Overthreshold plasma values of essential antioxidants (from food) mean a reduced risk of freeradical diseases. Average values of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin E/cholesterol, vitamin C/vitamin E, vitamin A and β-carotene in vegetarian group are overthreshold with high percent of individual values over limit (92 % vs. 42 % - vitamin C, 88 % vs. 50 % - vitamin E/cholesterol, 100 % vs. 79 % - vitamin C/vitamin E, 75 % vs. 38 % - vitamin A, 67 % vs. 17 % - β-carotene). In control group, overthreshold in only ratio vitamin C/vitamin E. A typical difference of alternative nutrition in comparison to traditional nutrition is higher consumption of fruit and vegetables (higher intake of vitamin C and β-carotene), further consumption of whole grain products, sprouts, seeds and nontraditional plant fats (also higher intake of vitamin E and A). Levels of exogenous antioxidants in healthy population with normal nutrient absorption are fully influenced by food composition. The values of FRAP are equal in both investigated groups. Activity contribution of individual antioxidants to total FRAP is higher for vitamins C and E in vegetarian group and for uric acid in control group. In case of total proteins, the activity contribution is similar in vegetarian group as well as in control group.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants blood   MeSH
• Diet, Vegetarian MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Nutritional Physiological Phenomena MeSH
• Ascorbic Acid blood   MeSH
• Uric Acid blood   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Vitamin E blood   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH

• MeSH
• Behavior MeSH
• Molecular Biology MeSH
• Nervous System Diseases MeSH
• Nervous System MeSH
• Neurochemistry MeSH
• Neurophysiology MeSH
• Neurons MeSH
• Neurosciences MeSH
• Publication type
• Monograph MeSH

• Conspectus
• Fyziologie člověka a srovnávací fyziologie
• NML Fields
• neurovědy
• biologie