BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a state-of-the-art diagnostic method of nuclear medicine, used for diagnostics of many pathological states in the organism, first and foremost in oncological issues. The first analysis of utilization and potential utilization of PET in the Czech Republic was published in 2013. In the following years, there was a sharp increase in a number of PET/CT and PET/MRI scanners in the country; in 2013-2021, it doubled. Simultaneously with the increase in scans performed, the range of available radiopharmaceuticals also broadened. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study analyses the numbers and structure of PET, PET/CT and PET/MRI scans in the 2013-2021 period, using the pseudonymized data acquired from the General Health Insurance Company of the Czech Republic. The data was evaluated through a series of qualitative and quantitative indicators (number of scans performed, structure of diagnoses, use of different tracers, and availability of a scan for a patient). RESULTS: In the observed interval of time, the number of scans performed practically doubled, both thanks to more scanners installed and more radiopharmaceuticals available. The percentage of oncological and non-oncological scans remains more or less the same. Nevertheless, the regional differences in a number of scans performed persist, as does the availability of the scan for patients. CONCLUSION: PET is still a dynamically developing molecular imaging method in the Czech Republic. The analysis of a number and structure of scans performed offers a priceless overview of the development of the method over the years, in regard to diagnoses, utilization of individual radiopharmaceuticals or geographic distribution of scans performed. The observed findings are a motivation for further analyses.

• Keywords
• radiopharmaceuticals, Positron emission tomography, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography, radiopharmaceuticals,
• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography * methods   MeSH
• Positron-Emission Tomography * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Radiopharmaceuticals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Radiopharmaceuticals MeSH

We report a measurement of exclusive J/ψ and ψ(2s) photoproduction in Au+Au ultraperipheral collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV using the STAR detector. For the first time, (i) the ψ(2s) photoproduction in midrapidity at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider has been experimentally measured; (ii) nuclear suppression factors are measured for both the coherent and incoherent J/ψ production. At average photon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 25.0 GeV, the coherent and incoherent J/ψ cross sections of Au nuclei are found to be 71±10% and 36±7%, respectively, of that of free protons. The stronger suppression observed in the incoherent production provides a new experimental handle to study the initial-state parton density in heavy nuclei. Data are compared with theoretical models quantitatively.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) represents the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Czech Republic. Over the past decade, there have been notable advancements in LC treatment based on findings from controlled clinical trials (CTs). However, patients enrolled in CTs may not fully represent the diversity of real-world patient populations from routine clinical practice. To address this gap, we designed an observational retrospective study to describe the real-world evidence of LC treatment from a single-center registry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present data from an observational, retrospective study based on electronic medical records of adults with LC registered at Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute between 2018 and 2022. The primary objective was to set up a registry including patient attributes, clinical characteristics, pathological data, treatments, survival outcomes, and adverse events. The patients were identified based on ICD-10 code C34. The study population was further limited to those with verified histological subtypes - non-small cell LC (NSCLC) and small cell LC (SCLC). The primary treatment cohort included patients diagnosed or initiated on primary treatment during the study period. The non-curative systemic therapy cohort consisted of patients who received any systemic anti-cancer therapy with non-curative intent even if being diagnosed before 2018. RESULTS: A total of 1,382 patients were identified with the ICD-10 code C34. The eligible cohort included 1,172 LC patients, of whom 877 (75%) were diagnosed during the study period. Out of 827 LC patients included in the primary treatment cohort, 723 (87%) were diagnosed with NSCLC. At LC diagnosis, 56% of patients had stage IV disease. The median follow-up of the primary treatment cohort was 40.4 months, and the five-year overall survival rate was 20% for NSCLC patients and 8.2% for SCLC patients. A total of 495 NSCLC and 79 SCLC patients received systemic anti-cancer therapy at any line of treatment. In NSCLC patients, 61 (12%) received next generation sequencing mutation testing, 106 (30%) were identified with PD-L1 ≥ 50%, and 170 patients had evidence of particular driver oncogene mutation. Based on the testing, a total of 154 NSCLC patients received target therapy, and 86 NSCLC patients received immunotherapy as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy in the first line. CONCLUSION: The presented descriptive study of a consecutive cohort of LC patients from one cancer center over a five-year period (2018-2022) indicates the potential of LC patient registry. The LC registry, with its prospective development including an entire-country extension, provides a tool for real-world evidence that complements data from the registration and post-registration CTs, offering invaluable insights derived from clinical practice.

• Keywords
• lung cancer, patient registry, real-world evidence,
• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Small Cell Lung Carcinoma * therapy   pathology   mortality   MeSH
• Lung Neoplasms * therapy   mortality   pathology   drug therapy   MeSH
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung * therapy   pathology   mortality   drug therapy   MeSH
• Registries * MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Observational Study MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic epidemiology   MeSH

Despite the rapid progress in the field of personalized medicine and the efforts to apply specific treatment strategies to patients based on the presence of pathogenic variants in one, two, or three genes, patient response to the treatment in terms of positive benefit and overall survival remains heterogeneous. However, advances in sequencing and bioinformatics technologies have facilitated the simultaneous examination of somatic variants in tens to thousands of genes in tumor tissue, enabling the determination of personalized management based on the patient's comprehensive genomic profile (CGP). CGP has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making and personalize innovative treatments for individual patients, by providing oncologists with a more comprehensive molecular characterization of tumors. This study aimed to highlight the utility of CGP in routine clinical practice. Here we present three patient cases with various advanced cancer indicated for CGP analysis using a combination of SOPHiA Solid Tumor Solution (STS, 42 genes) for DNA and SOPHiA RNAtarget Oncology Solution (ROS, 45 genes and 17 gene fusions with any random partners) for RNA. We were able to identify actionable genomic alterations in all three cases, thereby presenting valuable information for future management of these patients. This approach has the potential to transform clinical practice and greatly improve patient outcomes in the field of oncology.

• MeSH
• Genomics MeSH
• Precision Medicine MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neoplasms * diagnosis   genetics   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

In this study, gold nanoparticles produced by eukaryotic cell waste (AuNP), were analyzed as a transfection tool. AuNP were produced by Fusarium oxysporum and analyzed by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used before and after conjugation with different nucleic acid (NA) types. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS) was used to determine the AuNP concentration. Conjugation was detected by electrophoresis. Confocal microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to assess transfection. TEM, SEM, and EDS showed 25 nm AuNP with round shape. The amount of AuNP was 3.75 ± 0.2 µg/µL and FTIR proved conjugation of all NA types to AuNP. All the samples had a negative charge of - 36 to - 46 mV. Confocal microscopy confirmed internalization of the ssRNA-AuNP into eukaryotic cells and qPCR confirmed release and activity of carried RNA.

• MeSH
• Chemical Phenomena MeSH
• Metal Nanoparticles * MeSH
• Nucleic Acids * MeSH
• RNA MeSH
• Gold MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Nucleic Acids * MeSH
• RNA MeSH
• Gold MeSH

Diverticulitis of the ileum is an inflammatory complication of diverticulosis. It is an uncommon cause of acute abdomen that can have a very serious course, leading, for example, to intestinal perforation or bleeding. Imaging findings are very often negative and the true cause of the condition is only revealed peroperatively. In this case report, we present a case of perforated ileal diverticulitis in a patient with bilateral pulmonary embolism. This was the main reason for conservative management in the first period of time. After resolution of the pulmonary embolism, resection of the affected bowel segment was performed at the time of the next attack.

• Keywords
• Pulmonary embolism, computed tomography, ileal diverticulitis, intestine perforation, perforation, pulmonary embolism, ultrasonography, ultrasound,
• MeSH
• Abdomen, Acute * complications   MeSH
• Diagnosis, Differential MeSH
• Diverticulitis * diagnosis   MeSH
• Ileum surgery   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Intestinal Perforation * etiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Laboratory methods are central to prosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis. Most research teams focus on detection of specific inflammatory markers, causative pathogens, or on assessment of the tissue response. This study sought to determine the optimal cut-off values and diagnostic performance of selected synovial markers in relation to the diagnosis of hip or knee PJI. The studied markers were synovial level of glucose, lactate, coefficient of energy balance (CEB) and NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin). MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective study includes 89 patients who underwent revision total knee or hip arthroplasty for septic or aseptic reasons in the period from 2014 to 2017. Among these 89 patients, there are 2 cases of prosthetic hip infection, 22 cases of prosthetic knee infection, 31 aseptic revision total hip arthroplasties and 34 aseptic revision total knee arthroplasties. The diagnostic characteristics of the studied methods were set in relation to the reference standard, the 2013 MSIS (Musculoskeletal Infection Society) criteria. The cut-off values were calculated using the ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis. RESULTS The synovial glucose test is considered positive if the glucose level drops below 2.65 mmol/L. The area under the curve is 0.813, sensitivity 75.0%, specificity 83.1%. The synovial lactate test is considered positive if lactate level rises above 8.87 mmol/L. The area under the curve is 0.882, sensitivity 70.8%, specificity 95.4%. Synovial NGAL is considered positive if its level exceeds 998 μg/L. The area under the curve is 1.000, sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 100.0%. CEB is considered positive if its value is lower than +4.665. The area under the curve is 0.883, sensitivity 91.7% and specificity 69.8%. Combining of these tests with other synovial markers does not improve the diagnostic performance of the studied tests. CONCLUSIONS The glucose and lactate levels and CEB undoubtedly reflect the presence of an inflammatory process in a prosthetic joint. However, the diagnostic characteristics of these tests are not better than those of other modern diagnostic techniques. As opposed to these tests, synovial NGAL shows excellent diagnostic performance. Nonetheless, the potential of this method shall be verified on larger cohorts of patients. Key words: prosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic infection, total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, diagnosis, glucose, lactate, CEB, NGAL.

• MeSH
• Biomarkers analysis   MeSH
• C-Reactive Protein analysis   MeSH
• Glucose MeSH
• Prosthesis-Related Infections * diagnosis   etiology   MeSH
• Lactic Acid MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lipocalin-2 analysis   MeSH
• Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip * adverse effects   MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Knee Prosthesis * adverse effects   MeSH
• Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
• Synovial Fluid chemistry   MeSH
• Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee * adverse effects   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Biomarkers MeSH
• C-Reactive Protein MeSH
• Glucose MeSH
• Lactic Acid MeSH
• Lipocalin-2 MeSH

Appendiceal mucocele is an obstructive dilatation of the appendix, which results from the filling of its lumen with mucus. This is a rare condition that is asymptomatic in half of the patients. Its severity depends on the cause of appendiceal dilatation. In a small percentage of cases, the dilated appendix ruptures, leading to the development of serious complication; this is termed as pseudomyxoma peritonei. Due to the possibility of malignant etiology of the mucocele, surgical resection remains an essential part of the treatment.

• Keywords
• appendiceal mucocele − pseudomyxoma peritonei − appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, ultrasonography − computed tomography,
• MeSH
• Appendix * diagnostic imaging   surgery   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mucocele * diagnostic imaging   surgery   MeSH
• Appendiceal Neoplasms * diagnostic imaging   surgery   MeSH
• Peritoneal Neoplasms * MeSH
• Pseudomyxoma Peritonei * MeSH
• Radiologists MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) after transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) are very important factors in the evaluation of TaTME in comparison with other approaches to TME. The most common functional problems after resection of the rectum include bowel, urologic and sexual dysfunctions. In this study, we present our experience with QoL after TaTME; the results are compared with worldwide literature in the discussion. METHODS: QoL was assessed by a questionnaire. The total of 54 patients were analysed. A general questionnaire for oncological diseases was used - European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ-C30, together with EORTC-QLQ-CR29 - a specific questionnaire for colorectal cancer. The Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score was also obtained in all patients. Mean follow-up was 42.65 months (range 9-91 months). RESULTS: The mean LARS score in patients undergoing TaTME was 30.7 while a major LARS was observed in 64.2% of those with LARS. Of all of the symptoms in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 survey, the most serious problems which affected patients undergoing TaTME were diarrhoea (30.25), fatigue (23.87) and insomnia (20.37). In the QLQ-CR29 survey the problems included flatulence (50.94), faecal incontinence (45.06) and stool frequency (35.19). The results of EORTC-QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 are quite heterogeneous. CONCLUSION: In this study the QoL of patients with advanced rectal tumours (of whom 81.5% received neoadjuvant therapy) undergoing TaTME is comparable to results in the current literature. The most severe symptoms affecting QoL after TaTME are flatulence, faecal incontinence, and stool frequency. Other serious symptoms include fatigue and insomnia. LARS was recorded in 73.6% of patients undergoing TaTME, mostly a major LARS.

• Keywords
• transanal total mesorectal excision − quality of life − functional outcomes − low anterior resection syndrome − EORTC,
• MeSH
• Quality of Life MeSH
• Laparoscopy * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Rectal Neoplasms * surgery   MeSH
• Postoperative Complications MeSH
• Rectum surgery   MeSH
• Syndrome MeSH
• Transanal Endoscopic Surgery * adverse effects   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVES: HIV-infected individuals are at higher risk of non-AIDS diseases associated with procoagulant status. Microparticles are elevated in disorders associated with thrombosis (e.g., cardiovascular diseases). We investigated the association between microparticle levels in untreated and treated HIV-infected subjects, and determined the association with immune status, viral replication, and duration of antiretroviral therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 144 HIV-infected subjects, including 123 on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 21 before treatment initiation. A control group of 40 HIV-negative healthy adults matched for age and sex was used for comparison of microparticle levels. Treated subjects were divided into five groups depending on the period of antiretroviral exposure. Statistically significant differences were determined by Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi2 test. The relation between microparticles and other parameters was assessed using Spearman's coefficient of correlation. RESULTS: Microparticle levels were significantly higher in treated and untreated HIV-infected subjects than in non-HIV-infected controls (P<0.001). The microparticle level was similar between the groups on treatment (P=0.913). No association between the microparticle level and CD4+ count, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, number of HIV-1 RNA copies, or duration of exposure to antiretroviral treatment was observed. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of microparticles may be due to processes independent of viral replication and CD4+ cell count, and microparticle release might persist even during viral suppression by antiretroviral treatment. Elevated microparticle levels might occur in response to other triggers.

• Keywords
• Antiretroviral therapy, Coagulation, HIV, Maladies non liées au SIDA, Microparticles, Microparticules, Non-AIDS diseases, Traitement antirétroviral, VIH,
• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Blood Coagulation * MeSH
• HIV Infections blood   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cell-Derived Microparticles * MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH