BACKGROUND: Biological aging is a physiological process that can be altered by various factors. The presence of a chronic metabolic disease can accelerate aging and increase the risk of further chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to determine whether the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects levels of markers that are associated with, among other things, aging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 169 subjects (58 with MetS, and 111 without metabolic syndrome, i.e., non-MetS) participated in the study. Levels of telomerase, GDF11/15, sirtuin 1, follistatin, NLRP3, AGEs, klotho, DNA/RNA damage, NAD+, vitamin D, and blood lipids were assessed from blood samples using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. RESULTS: Telomerase (p < 0.01), DNA/RNA damage (p < 0.006) and GDF15 (p < 0.02) were higher in MetS group compared to non-MetS group. Only vitamin D levels were higher in the non-MetS group (p < 0.0002). Differences between MetS and non-MetS persons were also detected in groups divided according to age: in under 35-year-olds and those aged 35-50 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that people with MetS compared to those without MetS have higher levels of some of the measured markers of biological aging. Thus, the presence of MetS may accelerate biological aging, which may be associated with an increased risk of chronic comorbidities that accompany MetS (cardiovascular, inflammatory, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, metabolic, or cancer diseases) and risk of premature death from all causes.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Despite positive prior results obtained by using event-related potentials (ERPs) in psychiatric patients, they are not routinely used in the clinical setting. This may in part be due to problems regarding a lack of transportable equipment availability. It can be difficult for these patients to repeatedly visit electrophysiological laboratories. To address this issue, we propose using a new, fully portable device for visually evoked potentials (VEP) and cognitive function assessment, that can be used for quick examinations (https://www.veppeak.com). Our device, called "VEPpeak", is built into a headset with a color LED visual stimulator. It weighs 390 g and is connected to a notebook (PC) with evaluation software via USB. In this pilot study, we verified the device's usability in 31 patients with schizophrenia. We used the oddball paradigm with the recognition of colors for the P300 wave and choice reaction time evaluation. The examination lasted only about ten minutes. The results indicated good reproducibility of large cognitive potentials (P300) with prolonged P300 latencies and reduced amplitudes in patients compared to 15 control subjects. The P300 latency and reaction time prolongation in patients correlated with their age and the sedative effect of the pharmacotherapy.
INTRODUCTION: We developed a new portable device called "VEPpeak" for the examination of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to extend VEP examination beyond specialized electrophysiological laboratories and to simplify the use of this objective, noninvasive, and low-cost method for diagnostics of visual and central nervous system dysfunctions. METHODS: VEPpeak consists of a plastic headset with a total weight of 390 g containing four EEG amplifiers, an A/D converter, a control unit, and a visual LED stimulator built in the front, vertically adjustable peak. The device is powered and controlled via USB connection from a standard PC/notebook using custom software for visual stimuli generation and for VEP recording and processing. Up to four electrodes can be placed at any scalp location or in combination with two dry electrodes incorporated into the headset. External visual stimulators, such as a tablet, can be used with synchronization. Feasibility and validation studies were conducted with 86 healthy subjects and 76 neuro-ophthalmological patients including 67 who were during the same session also tested with a conventional VEP system. RESULTS: VEPpeak recordings to standard (pattern-reversal) and non-standard (motion-onset, red-green alternation) were robust and repeatable and obtained also in immobilized patients. Good comparability of results was achieved between VEPpeak and standard examination. Some systematic differences in peak latencies and amplitudes are consistent with differences in stimulus characteristics of the two compared systems. DISCUSSION: VEPpeak provides an inexpensive system for clinical use requiring portability. In addition to ISCEV standard VEP protocols, free choice of stimuli and bio-signal recordings make the device universal for many electrophysiological purposes.
BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris involves changes in DNA molecules, genomic instability, telomere attrition, and epigenetic alterations among them. These changes are also considered important mechanisms of aging in cells and tissues. OBJECTIVE: This study dealt with oxidation damage, telomere length and methylation status in DNA originating from peripheral blood of 41 psoriatic patients and 30 healthy controls. METHODS: Oxidative damage of serum DNA/RNA was determined immunochemically. Real-time PCR was used for the analysis of the telomere length. ELISA technique determined levels of 5-methylcytosine in blood cells' DNA. RESULTS: Oxidative damage of serum DNA/RNA was higher in patients than in controls (median, 3758 vs. 2286pg/mL, p<0.001). A higher length of telomeres per chromosome was found in patients whole-cell DNA than in controls (3.57 vs. 3.04 kilobases, p=0.011). A negative correlation of the length of telomeres with an age of the control subjects was revealed (Spearman's rho=-0.420, p=0.028). Insignificantly different levels of 5-methylcytosine in patients and controls were observed (33.20 vs. 23.35%, p=0.234). No influences of sex, smoking, BMI, PASI score, and metabolic syndrome on the methylation status were found. STUDY LIMITATIONS: i) A relatively small number of the participants, particularly for reliable subgroup analyses, ii) the Caucasian origin of the participants possibly influencing the results of the parameters determined, and iii) Telomerase activity was not directly measured in serum or blood cells. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated increased levels of oxidized DNA/RNA molecules in the serum of patients with exacerbated psoriasis vulgaris. The results were minimally influenced by sex, the presence of metabolic syndrome, or cigarette smoking. In the psoriatic blood cells' DNA, the authors observed longer telomeres compared to healthy controls, particularly in females. Insignificantly higher global DNA methylation in psoriasis cases compared to the controls indicated marginal clinical importance of this epigenetic test performed in the blood cells' DNA.
- MeSH
- 5-methylcytosin MeSH
- DNA metabolismus MeSH
- epigeneze genetická MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metabolický syndrom * MeSH
- oxidační stres genetika MeSH
- psoriáza * genetika MeSH
- RNA metabolismus MeSH
- telomery genetika metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Cíl: Zrakové evokované potenciály (visual evoked potentials; VEP) představují objektivní, neinvazivní a levnou diagnostickou metodu, zejména v neurooftalmologii. Mnoho diagnostických aplikací je však limitováno tím, že k jejich vyšetření se dosud používá robustní, obtížně transportovatelné zařízení, přičemž imobilní nebo jinak handicapovaní pacienti nemohou navštěvovat specializované laboratoře. Cílem naší práce bylo vyvinout snadno přenosný, levný VEP přístroj použitelný prakticky kdekoliv. Metodika: Všechny části posledního prototypu přístroje (vestavěný zrakový stimulátor, snímací elektrody, čtyřkanálový EEG zesilovač, analogově-číslicový převodník a řídicí jednotka) s celkovou hmotností 390 g jsou uloženy v náhlavním nosiči (umělohmotný „kšilt“ s upínacím páskem). Snímací a vyhodnocovací software pro natáčení a vyhodnocení VEP je použitelný na standardním notebooku (PC). Parametry přístroje splňují doporučení mezinárodních společností pro klinickou elektrofyziologii zraku a klinickou neurofyziologii, ale také umožňují nové aplikace dosud běžně nepoužívaných variant evokovaných potenciálů. Testování přístroje zatím proběhlo u 91 kontrolních osob a 135 neurooftalmologických pacientů. Výsledky: Pilotní studie prokázaly srovnatelné parametry VEP a diagnostickou senzitivitu jako u standardního zařízení (shoda nálezů v 93 % případů). Byla ověřena možnost použití přístroje v různých prostředích, u lůžka pacienta i pro laické samovyšetření. Závěr: Přenosný přístroj pro VEP výrazně zvyšuje dostupnost vyšetření, a tím umožňuje daleko širší diagnostické aplikace této metody.
Aim: Visual evoked potentials (VEP) represent an objective non-invasive and inexpensive diagnostic method, particularly in neuro-ophthalmology. A lot of possible diagnostic applications are limited because they are only examined with the use of robust equipment which is hardly transportable and immobile and handicapped patients cannot visit the specialized labs. The aim of our research work was the development of a portable inexpensive VEP device that could be used almost anywhere. Methods: All parts of the last prototype of the device (built-in visual stimulator, recording electrodes, 4-channel EEG amplifier, analog-digital converter, and control unit) with a total weight of 390 g are placed in a headset (plastic “shield” with an adjustable strap). The software for VEP recording and evaluation is used on a standard notebook (PC). The parameters of the device fulfill recommendations of the international societies for clinical electrophysiology of vision and clinical neurophysiology also enabling new applications of so far not routinely used variants of evoked potentials. Testing of the device was done so far in 91 control subjects and 135 neuroophthalmological patients. Results: Pilot studies proved comparable parameters of VEP and diagnostic sensitivity as in standard devices (equal results in 93% of cases). It was verified that the device is usable in various environments, at the patient’s bedside, and also for basic self-examination. Conclusion: The portable device for VEP significantly increases the availability of their examination and thus enables much broader diagnostic applications of this method.
- MeSH
- diagnostické techniky neurologické přístrojové vybavení statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- diagnostické techniky oftalmologické přístrojové vybavení statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- zrakové evokované potenciály * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- klinická studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
INTRODUCTION: The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of intraocular macular lens implantation and visual rehabilitation on the quality of life of patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Patients with bilaterally decreased near vision (not better than 0.3 logMAR with the best correction), pseudophakia, were included in the project. The Scharioth macula lens (SML) was implanted into the patients' better-seeing eye. Intensive visual rehabilitation of the ability to perform nearby activities was performed for 20 consecutive postoperative days. All subjects were examined before and after SML implantation ophthalmologically. The National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was administered before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty eligible patients with mean age 81 years (63 to 92 years) were included in the project: 7 males and 13 females. Nineteen of them completed the 6-month follow-up. Near uncorrected visual acuity was 1.321 ± 0.208 logMAR before SML implantation and improved to 0.547 ± 0.210 logMAR after 6 months (dz = - 2.846, p < 0.001, BF10 = 3.29E + 07). In the composite score of the NEI VFQ-25, there was an improvement in the general score and the specific domains related to the implantation. Participants reported fewer difficulties in performing near activities (dz = 0.91, p = 0.001, BF10 = 39.718) and upturns in mental health symptoms related to vision (dz = 0.62, p = .014, BF10 = 3.937). CONCLUSION: SML implantation, followed by appropriate rehabilitation, improved near vision and increased the quality of life of visually handicapped patients with AMD in our project.
- MeSH
- geografická atrofie * diagnóza etiologie MeSH
- kvalita života MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- makulární degenerace * komplikace diagnóza MeSH
- nitrooční čočky * MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Aging is a natural process of gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity. Biological age (accumulation of changes and damage) and chronological age (years lived) may differ. Biological age reflects the risk of various types of disease and death from any cause. We selected potential biomarkers of aging - telomerase, AGEs, GDF11 and 15 (growth differentiation factor 11/15), sirtuin 1, NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), inflammasome NLRP3, DNA/RNA damage, and klotho to investigate changes in their levels depending on age and sex. We included 169 healthy volunteers and divided them into groups according to age (under 35; 35-50; over 50) and sex (male, female; male and female under 35; 35-50, over 50). Markers were analyzed using commercial ELISA kits. We found differences in values depending on age and gender. GDF15 increased with age (under 30 and 35-50 p < 0.002; 35-50 and over 50; p < 0.001; under 35 and over 50; p < 0.001) as well as GDF11 (35-50 and over 50; p < 0.03; under 35 and over 50; p < 0.02), AGEs (under 30 and 35-50; p < 0.005), NLRP3 (under 35 over 50; p < 0.03), sirtuin 1 (35-50 and over 50; p < 0.0001; under 35 and over 50; p < 0.004). AGEs and GDF11 differed between males and females. Correlations were identified between individual markers, markers and age, and markers and sex. Markers that reflect the progression of biological aging vary with age (GDF15, GDF11, AGEs, NLRP3, sirtuin) and sex (AGEs, GDF11). Their levels could be used in clinical practice, determining biological age, risk of age-related diseases and death of all-causes, and initiating or contraindicating a therapy in the elderly based on the patient's health status.
- MeSH
- biologické markery MeSH
- DNA MeSH
- kostní morfogenetické proteiny MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- NAD * MeSH
- produkty pokročilé glykace MeSH
- protein NLRP3 MeSH
- růstové diferenciační faktory metabolismus MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- sirtuin 1 MeSH
- stárnutí genetika MeSH
- telomerasa * MeSH
- zdravotní stav MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
BACKGROUND: In severe conditions of limited motor abilities, frequent position changes for work or passive and active rest are essential bedside activities to prevent further health complications. We aimed to develop a system using eye movements for bed positioning and to verify its functionality in a control group and a group of patients with significant motor limitation caused by multiple sclerosis. METHODS: The eye-tracking system utilized an innovative digital-to-analog converter module to control the positioning bed via a novel graphical user interface. We verified the ergonomics and usability of the system by performing a fixed sequence of positioning tasks, in which the leg and head support was repeatedly raised and then lowered. Fifteen women and eleven men aged 42.7 ± 15.9 years in the control group and nine women and eight men aged 60.3 ± 9.14 years in the patient group participated in the experiment. The degree of disability, according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), ranged from 7 to 9.5 points in the patients. We assessed the speed and efficiency of the bed control and the improvement during testing. In a questionnaire, we evaluated satisfaction with the system. RESULTS: The control group mastered the task in 40.2 s (median) with an interquartile interval from 34.5 to 45.5 s, and patients mastered the task in in 56.5 (median) with an interquartile interval from 46.5 to 64.9 s. The efficiency of solving the task (100% corresponds to an optimal performance) was 86.3 (81.6; 91.0) % for the control group and 72.1 (63.0; 75.2) % for the patient group. Throughout testing, the patients learned to communicate with the system, and their efficiency and task time improved. A correlation analysis showed a negative relationship (rho = - 0.587) between efficiency improvement and the degree of impairment (EDSS). In the control group, the learning was not significant. On the questionnaire survey, sixteen patients reported gaining confidence in bed control. Seven patients preferred the offered form of bed control, and in six cases, they would choose another form of interface. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed system and communication through eye movements are reliable for positioning the bed in people affected by advanced multiple sclerosis. Seven of 17 patients indicated that they would choose this system for bed control and wished to extend it for another application.
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- pohyby očí MeSH
- postižení * MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- roztroušená skleróza * MeSH
- technologie sledování pohybu očí MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to first monitor the changes in the capture threshold of endovascularly placed leads for left ventricle pacing, second to compare the pacing configurations, and third to verify the effect of Steroid elution for endovascular leads. SAMPLE AND METHOD: The study included 202 consecutive single centre patients implanted with the QuartetTM lead (St. Jude Medical). The capture threshold and related lead parameters were tested during implantation, on the day of the patient's discharge, and 3, 9, and 15 months after implantation. The electrical energy corresponding to the threshold values for inducing ventricular contraction was recorded for subgroups of patients with bipolar and pseudo-unipolar pacing vectors and electrodes equipped with and without a slow-eluting steroids. The best setting for the resynchronization effect was generally chosen. Capture threshold was taken as a selection criterion only if there were multiple options with (expected) similar resynchronization effect. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The measurements showed that the ratio of threshold energies of UNI vs. BI was 5× higher (p < 0.001) at implantation. At the end of the follow-up, it dropped to 2.6 (p = 0.012). The steroid effect in BI vectors was caused by a double capture threshold in the NSE group compared to the SE group (p < 0.001), increased by approximately 2.5 times (p < 0.001). The study concludes that after a larger initial increase in the capture threshold, the leads showed a gradual increase in the entire set. As a result, the bipolar threshold energies increase, and the pseudo-unipolar energies decrease. Since bipolar vectors require a significantly lower pacing energy, battery life of the implanted device would improve. When evaluating the steroid elution of bipolar vectors, we observe a significant positive effect of a gradual increase of the threshold energy.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
