Oral microorganisms are closely related to oral health, the occurrence of some oral diseases is associated with changes in the oral microbiota, and many studies have demonstrated that traditional smoking can affect the oral microbial community. However, due to the short time since the emergence of e-cigarettes, fewer studies are comparing oral microorganisms for users of e-cigarettes versus cigarettes. We collected saliva from 40 non-smokers (NS), 46 traditional cigarette smokers (TS), and 27 e-cigarette consumers (EC), aged between 18 and 35 years. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the saliva samples collected to study the effects of e-cigarettes versus traditional cigarettes on the oral microbiome. The results showed that compared with the NS group, the alpha diversity of oral flora in saliva was altered in the TS group, with no significant change in the e-cigarette group. Compared with the NS and EC groups, the relative abundance of Actinomyces and Prevotella was increased in the TS group. However, compared with the NS and TS groups, the relative abundance of Veillonella was increased, and the relative abundance of Porphyromonas and Peptostreptococcus was decreased in the EC group. These results showed that both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes could alter the structure and composition of oral microbiota. The use of traditional cigarettes promotes the growth of some anaerobic bacteria, which may contribute to dental decay and bad breath over time. E-cigarettes have a different effect on the structure and composition of the oral microbial community compared to conventional cigarettes. In order to better understand the effects of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes on users' mouths, future studies will investigate the relationship between diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis and changes in oral microbial species levels.
- MeSH
- Bacteria * klasifikace izolace a purifikace genetika MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- kuřáci * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiota * MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S * genetika MeSH
- sliny * mikrobiologie MeSH
- systémy dodávající nikotin elektronicky MeSH
- tabákové výrobky škodlivé účinky MeSH
- ústa * mikrobiologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
INTRODUCTION: This was a single-center pilot study that sought to describe an innovative use of 4DryField® PH (premix) for preventing the recurrence of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in patients with Asherman's syndrome (AS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with AS were enrolled and 20 were randomized (1:1 ratio) to intrauterine application of 4DryField® PH (n = 10) or Hyalobarrier® gel (n = 10) in a single-blind manner. We evaluated IUAs (American Fertility Society [AFS] score) during initial hysteroscopy and second-look hysteroscopy one month later. Patients completed a follow-up symptoms questionnaire three and reproductive outcomes questionnaire six months later. RESULTS: The demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as severity of IUAs, were comparable in both groups. The mean initial AFS score was 9 and 8.5 in the 4DryField® PH and Hyalobarrier® gel groups, respectively (p = .476). There were no between-group differences in AFS progress (5.9 vs. 5.6, p = .675), need for secondary adhesiolysis (7 vs. 7 patients, p = 1), and the follow-up outcomes. CONCLUSION: 4DryField® PH could be a promising antiadhesive agent for preventing the recurrence of IUAs, showing similar effectiveness and safety to Hyalobarrier® gel. Our findings warrant prospective validation in a larger clinical trial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: ISRCTN15630617.
- MeSH
- adheze tkání prevence a kontrola MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- gely * MeSH
- gynatrézie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- hysteroskopie * metody MeSH
- jednoduchá slepá metoda MeSH
- kyselina hyaluronová aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemoci dělohy prevence a kontrola chirurgie MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- recidiva MeSH
- sekundární prevence metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
Předčasná ejakulace je jednou z běžných sexuálních poruch mužů. V naší studii jsme se zaměřili na předčasnou ejakulaci jako možný problém celého sexuálního páru. Hodnotili jsme možný vliv předčasné ejakulace mužů na vznik sexuální dysfunkce u jejich partnerek a následné odstranění této ženské dysfunkce pouze léčbou mužů. Z 95 párů bylo do pilotní studie zařazeno 50 párů, které splnily daná kritéria na základě diagnostických nástrojů. U mužů byla potvrzena předčasná ejakulace, u žen sexuální dysfunkce, jejímž zdrojem byla pouze předčasná ejakulace. Výsledky škály Arizona Sexual Experience Scale-Male a Female vykazují Spearmanovu korelaci před léčbou (R = 0,68) a po 6 měsících léčby (R = 0,90). Dále jsme potvrdili vztah mezi Arizona Sexual Experience Scale-Female a Female Sexual Function Index před léčbou (R = 0,42) a po léčbě (R = 0,59). Všechna data byla potvrzena Mannovým-Whitneyovým testem. Výsledky naší pilotní studie poukazují na málo prozkoumaný fakt, že předčasná ejakulace není pouze problémem mužů, ale může se stát následným sexuálním problémem celého páru. Výsledky této pilotní studie představují důležité zjištění o pozitivním účinku léčby mužů s předčasnou ejakulací na následnou sexuální dysfunkci jejich sexuálních partnerek.
Premature ejaculation is one of the common sexual disorders of men. In our study we focused on premature ejaculation as a possible problem for the entire sexual couple. We evaluated the possible effect of men premature ejaculation on the development of sexual dysfunction in their wives and the subsequent elimination of this female dysfunction if only men are treated. Out of 95 couples, 50 couples who met the given criteria based on the diagnostic tools were included in the pilot study. In men, premature ejaculation was confirmed, in women, sexual dysfunction, the source of which was only premature ejaculation. Results of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale-Male and Female relationship are characterized by Spearman’s correlation before treatment (R = 0.68), after 6 months of treatment (R = 0.90). Furthermore, we confirmed the relationship between Arizona Sexual Experience Scale-Female and Female Sexual Function Index before treatment (R = 0.42) and after treatment (R = 0.59). All data were confirmed by the Mann-Whitney test. The results of our pilot study point to the little-explored fact that premature ejaculation is not only a problem for men, but can also form a subsequent sexual problem for the couple as a whole. The results of this pilot study represent important findings regarding the positive effect of treatment of men with premature ejaculation on the resulting sexual dysfunction in their sexual partners.
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- paroxetin aplikace a dávkování terapeutické užití MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- předčasná ejakulace * diagnóza farmakoterapie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- selektivní inhibitory zpětného vychytávání serotoninu MeSH
- sexuální dysfunkce fyziologická diagnóza MeSH
- sexuální dysfunkce psychické diagnóza MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
BACKGROUND/AIM: Low levels of vitamin D are a widespread global issue. This study aimed to determine the optimal vitamin D3 supplementation dose for healthy young adults by comparing the effectiveness of gradually increasing cholecalciferol doses over two years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five volunteers participated in a two-season pilot study conducted from October to April to avoid sunlight-induced vitamin D3 synthesis. The participants used oil-based drops of cholecalciferol, increasing their dose from 1,000 to 2,000, 4,000, and then 8,000 IU daily for 60 days with a 30-day break. RESULTS: Supplementing with 1,000 IU/day raised vitamin D levels to the recommended range (above 75 nmol/l), but levels dropped below this range after a 30-day break. A dose of 2,000 IU/day maintained vitamin D levels within the recommended range, even after the break. Increasing the dose to 4,000 IU/day produced a rapid rise, though levels dropped more significantly after stopping supplementation. With 8,000 IU/day, both the rise and subsequent decline in vitamin D levels were more pronounced. CONCLUSION: Effective vitamin D supplementation in healthy young adults can be achieved with a daily dose of 2,000 IU during winter. However, 4,000 IU/day was more effective for maintaining levels above 100 nmol/l, supporting broader health benefits. Regular monitoring of [25(OH)D], calcium, and phosphorus levels is essential.
- MeSH
- cholekalciferol * aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- nedostatek vitaminu D farmakoterapie krev MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- potravní doplňky * MeSH
- roční období MeSH
- vitamin D * aplikace a dávkování krev MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- zdraví dobrovolníci pro lékařské studie * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
Úvod: V důsledku metabolických dějů dochází v živých strukturách k endogenní produkci chemiluminiscence, kterou také označujeme jako biologickou autochemiluminiscenci (BAL). Generování BAL je úzce spojeno s oxidačními procesy, tvorbou volných radikálů a obecně oxidačně-redukční homeostázou zkoumaného biologického materiálu. BAL byla již dříve studována v savčích buněčných modelech a tkáních. Doposud ovšem nebyl tento jev popsán v případě struktur zubní tkáně. Kromě endogenně generované BAL lze BAL indukovat i exogenně, a to jak fyzikálními (UV záření, mechanické poškození, teplo), tak i chemickými (oxidační činidla, např. H2O2) a biotickými (patogeny) faktory. Metodika: V předložené práci byla zkoumána endogenně produkovaná i exogenně indukovaná BAL v povrchových a vnitřních strukturách semiretinovaných a retinovaných třetích molárů, které byly indikovány k extrakci zubním lékařem pro jejich nevhodné uložení v čelisti u dvou pacientů (žena, 21 let, muž, 22 let). Detekce BAL byla provedena po mechanickém odstranění zubního plaku rotačním kartáčkem. Pomocí piezoelektrické pily byly připraveny podélné řezy vedené tak, aby došlo k odhalení všech vnitřních částí zubu. Takto připravené vzorky – celého vnitřního řezu a vnější části celého zubu – byly podrobeny detekci BAL ve světlotěsné komoře za použití fotonásobičového modulu. Následně byly vzorky ošetřeny roztokem oxidačního činidla 3% H2O2 a redukčního činidla 10 mM TCEP (tris(karboxyethyl)fosfin). Výsledky: U obou vzorků zubu bylo prokázáno, že produkují BAL. Produkce endogenní chemiluminiscence byla pozorována ve vnitřních strukturách zubu (18 600 pulzů/600 s), která byla přibližně 2,7krát vyšší než BAL detekovaná na povrchových strukturách zubu (6 900 pulzů/600 s). Po ošetření H2O2 došlo k významnému (až 14násobnému) nárůstu BAL pro vnitřní struktury zubu ve srovnání s bazální intenzitou endogenně produkované BAL. Aplikace TCEP (negativní kontrola) vedla k mírnému potlačení produkce BAL. Závěr: Výsledky této pilotní studie ukazují, že BAL může být produkována nejenom měkkými tkáněmi, ale i tvrdou zubní tkání. Získané výsledky by mohly být využity k výzkumu metabolické aktivity a reaktivity vnitřních i vnějších částí zubu, a to především v kontextu výzkumu oxidačněredukční homeostázy. Detekce BAL by také mohla být aplikována pro vývoj nových zobrazovacích technik.
Introduction: As a result of metabolic processes, the endogenous production of chemiluminescence occurs in living biological structures, which we also refer to as biological autochemiluminescence (BAL). The generation of BAL is closely connected with oxidation processes, the formation of free radicals, and in general the redox homeostasis of the investigated biological material. BAL has previously been studied in mammalian cells and tissues. So far, however, this phenomenon has not been described in dental tissue structures. In addition to endogenously generated BAL, BAL can be exogenously induced by physical (UV radiation, mechanical damage, heat), chemical (oxidizing agents, e.g. H2O2) or biotic (pathogens) factors. Methods: Endogenously and exogenously induced BAL were investigated on the surface and internal structures of semi-impacted and impacted third molars, which were indicated for extraction by a dentist due to their inappropriate placement in the jaw in two patients (a 21-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man). BAL detection was performed with samples after dental plaque was mechanically removed with a rotating brush. Using a piezosurgery unit with a saw headpiece, longitudinal sections were made to reveal all internal parts of the tooth. The samples prepared in this way – the entire internal section and the external part of the entire tooth – were subjected to BAL detection in a dark chamber using H7360-01 PMT photomultiplier. Subsequently, the samples were treated with a solution of the oxidizing agent 3% H2O2 or the reducing agent 10 mM TCEP (tris(carboxyethyl)phosphine). Results: Both tooth samples were shown to produce BAL. Endogenous chemiluminescence production was observed in the internal structures of the tooth (18,600 counts/600 s), which was 2.7-fold higher than the BAL detected on the tooth outer surfaces (6,900 counts/600 s). After H2O2 treatment, there was a significant (up to 14-fold) increase in BAL for internal tooth structures compared to the basal intensity of endogenously produced BAL. The application of TCEP (negative control) resulted in a residual suppression of BAL production. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study show that BAL can be produced not only by soft tissues but also by hard dental tissue. The obtained results could be used for further research of the metabolic activity and reactivity of the inner and outer parts of the tooth, especially in the context of redox biology research. BAL detection could also be applied in the development of new imaging techniques.
BACKGROUND: This intervention pilot case series assessed 40-Gy stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) neuromodulation applied to the bilateral stellate ganglion (SG) as a bailout procedure for patients with refractory angina pectoris (RAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The local institutional review board approved this feasibility study. In three patients with RAP, after repeated good response, symptoms were temporarily relieved after anaesthetic blockade of the left SG under ultrasound guidance. Radiosurgical neuromodulation with a dose of 40 Gy in one fraction was used for more permanent pain control. When RAP recurred after the initial SRS, right-sided procedures were considered after a confirmed positive response to right SG anesthetic block. RESULTS: No acute or late radiation-related toxicities were observed. Two patients (67%) responded to bilateral SRS (follow-up: 60 and 48 months, respectively). From baseline to 24 months, their average prescribed nitrate package count decreased from 5.5 to 0 and remained low. Daily emergency nitrates declined from 20 to 30 to 1-2 applications, and walking distance improved from 10 to 20 m to 200-400 m and remained stable. Quality of life as measured with the EQ-5D and all domains of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire improved. The third patient received only unilateral SRS, had a temporary improvement for 6 months before a return to baseline, and died after 42 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral radiosurgical neuromodulation at 40 Gy appears to be feasible, safe, and effective as a bailout procedure for RAP.
- MeSH
- angina pectoris * terapie MeSH
- ganglion stellatum MeSH
- kvalita života MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- radiochirurgie * metody MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- studie proveditelnosti MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- kazuistiky MeSH
OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is a major pregnancy complication that results in significant maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, yet difficulties remain in the diagnosis of preeclampsia based on clinical parameters alone. The objective was to assess the performance of a hand-held point-of-care (POC) immunoassay in a clinical environment for glycosylated fibronectin (GlyFn) for the prediction of preeclampsia within 4 weeks of sampling. METHODS: Multinational European prospective observational pilot study of predominantly high-risk patients in the second half of pregnancy to assess a point-of-care immunoassay for GlyFn in predicting preeclampsia within 4 weeks of sampling. GlyFn was measured using a second generation hand held POC immunoassay. Results were considered normal for GlyFn concentrations of < 350 μg/mL, positive for GlyFn concentrations of 351-600 μg/mL, and high-positive for GlyFn concentrations > 600 μg/mL. RESULTS: Preeclampsia developed in 16 (19%) of 84 subjects and was associated with a shorter gestational age at delivery 35.3 weeks vs. 37.3 weeks for non-preeclamptics, n = 82; p = 0.001), a higher risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR; 31.2% vs. 10.3% for non-preeclamptics, p = 0.046), and an increased risk of preterm birth < 37 weeks gestation (83.3% vs. 33.3% for non-preeclamptics, (n = 78; p = 0.003). GlyFn positive or high positive was seen in 13/16 (81%) and in 35/68 (51.5%), yielding a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 49%, a positive predictive value of 27%, and a negative predictive value of 92%. GlyFn positive or high positive was also associated with preterm birth < 37 weeks in singleton pregnancy non-preeclamptic patients. Preterm birth occurred in 4.8% of those with normal GlyFn, in 26.7% with positive GlyFn, and in 50% of those with high GlyFn in singleton gestations without preeclampsia (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The ability to use this test in a POC format provides a method for practitioners to quickly determine risk for preeclampsia in their pregnant patients and offers an affordable alternative, as a single analyte to other diagnostic or screening tests that require laboratory-based testing or ultrasound equipment. Independent of preeclampsia, an elevated GlyFn was also correlated with preterm delivery and requires further study.
- MeSH
- biologické markery analýza MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- fibronektiny * analýza MeSH
- gestační stáří MeSH
- glykované proteiny MeSH
- imunoanalýza metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- point of care testing MeSH
- prediktivní hodnota testů MeSH
- preeklampsie * diagnóza MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- vyšetření u lůžka MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- pozorovací studie MeSH
According to recent research, many family caregivers lack the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective care for individuals who have survived a stroke. Interventions such as psychoeducational training have demonstrated the potential to enhance caregiver competence and patient outcomes. Utilizing virtual reality to deliver educational content to family caregivers represents a novel approach to addressing the challenges encountered by caregivers of post-stroke survivors. In a quasi-experimental study employing a one-group, pre-test and post-test design, we recruited a cohort of 30 family caregivers responsible for providing care to stroke survivors within their homes. The study sample was drawn from a hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia. Participating family caregivers of stroke survivors completed a four-week psychoeducational program, following which data on effectiveness and feasibility were collected. The findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in the DASS-42 score after the program (t = 31.22, p < 0.001), indicating that the psychoeducational program was perceived as beneficial for family caregivers of stroke patients. Subsequently, the next phase will involve the implementation of the psychoeducational program with a broader group of family caregivers of stroke survivors.
- Klíčová slova
- psychoedukace,
- MeSH
- cévní mozková příhoda ošetřování MeSH
- duševní zdraví MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- osoby pečující o pacienty * psychologie výchova MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- rodina psychologie MeSH
- virtuální realita * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
BACKGROUND: Preventing type 2 diabetes during humanitarian crises is under-researched. In Venezuela, a third of adults have prediabetes amid a prolonged crisis. AIM: This study assessed the effectiveness of an intensive weight reduction strategy aimed at achieving a 7% weight loss in Venezuelan individuals with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A six-month pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted at a Community Health Center. Participants were assigned to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) or a low-calorie liquid diet followed by DPP (LD-DPP). The LD-DPP group underwent a two-month liquid diet, followed by food reintroduction and DPP content. The DPP group received a transculturally adapted Group Lifestyle Balance curriculum through 16 group sessions. Both Intention to Treat and Per-Protocol analyses with Inverse Probability Weighting were conducted. RESULTS: Of 127 adults (64 LD-DPP, 63 DPP), 70 (55.1%) completed the intervention. In the ITT analysis, 32.9% achieved the 7% weight loss goal, significantly higher in the LD-DPP arm (54.8%) compared to DPP (15.4%). CONCLUSION: Initiating the DPP with intensive low-calorie restriction led to greater weight loss and improved chances of meeting weight loss goals during a humanitarian crisis.
- MeSH
- diabetes mellitus 2. typu * prevence a kontrola dietoterapie epidemiologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- hmotnostní úbytek * fyziologie MeSH
- kalorická restrikce * metody MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- obezita prevence a kontrola dietoterapie MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- prediabetes dietoterapie terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- pragmatická klinická studie MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Venezuela MeSH
OBJECTIVES: Hearing impairment can have major impacts on behavior, educational attainment, social status, and quality of life. In congenital hypothyroidism, the incidence of hearing impairment reaches 35-50%, while in acquired hypothyroidism there is a reported incidence of 25%. Despite this, knowledge of the pathogenesis, incidence and severity of hearing impairment remains greatly lacking. The aim of our study was to evaluate hearing in patients with acquired hypothyroidism. METHODS: 30 patients with untreated and newly diagnosed peripheral hypothyroidism (H) and a control group of 30 healthy probands (C) were enrolled in the study. Biochemical markers were measured, including median iodine urine concentrations (IUC) μg/L. The hearing examination included a subjective complaint assessment, otomicroscopy, tympanometry, transitory otoacoustic emission (TOAE), tone audiometry, and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BERA) examinations. The Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's Exact test and multivariate regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The H and C groups had significantly different thyroid hormone levels (medians with 95% CI) TSH mU/L 13.3 (8.1, 19.3) vs. 1.97 (1.21, 2.25) p = 0 and fT4 pmol/L 10.4 (9.51, 11.1) vs. 15 (13.8, 16.7) p = 0. The groups did not significantly differ in age 39 (34, 43) vs. 41 (36,44) p = 0.767 and IUC 142 (113, 159) vs. 123 (101, 157) p = 0.814. None of the hearing examinations showed differences between the H and C groups: otomicroscopy (p = 1), tympanometry (p = 1), TOAE (p = 1), audiometry (p = 0.179), and BERA (p = 0.505). CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe any hearing impairment in adults with acquired hypothyroidism, and there were no associations found between hearing impairment and the severity of hypothyroidism or iodine status. However, some forms of hearing impairment, mostly mild, were very common in both studied groups.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- hypotyreóza * komplikace patofyziologie MeSH
- jod * moč MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nedoslýchavost * MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- studie případů a kontrol MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH