BACKGROUND: The increasing complexity of mass casualty incidents (MCIs) necessitates highly effective training for emergency responders. Traditional training methods, while effective in teaching core skills, often fail to replicate the dynamic, high-pressure environments responders face in real-world crises. Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel approach to emergency training, providing an immersive, controlled setting that can simulate real-life scenarios. This study explores the effectiveness of VR in training paramedic students for MCIs and compares the outcomes to those from conventional training methods. METHODS: A comparative study was conducted with 37 paramedic students who underwent either VR-based training or conventional training using mannequins and real-world equipment. The VR application simulated a mass casualty car accident, focusing on triage and patient management. Both groups were assessed based on their performance in key areas, including the accuracy of situational reporting (METHANE), patient triage, heart rate monitoring, and perceived demand using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). RESULTS: The VR group demonstrated significantly lower mental demand (p < 0.001) and frustration levels (p = 0.021) compared to traditional training. However, task completion times were slower in the VR setting (p < 0.001), likely due to the interface's unfamiliarity. Accuracy in situational reporting was higher in VR (p = 0.002), while heart rate monitoring did not reveal a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.516). Although VR did not reduce temporal demand (p = 0.057), it showed potential for improving focus and precision in training. Error rates in triage were similar across both training methods (p = 0.882), indicating comparable performance levels in patient classification. CONCLUSIONS: VR presents a promising tool for training emergency responders, particularly in situations that require rapid upskilling, such as crises or wars. The ability to simulate realistic, high-pressure scenarios in a controlled environment can enhance both cognitive and emotional preparedness. Further research is necessary to optimize VR systems and interfaces, making them more efficient for real-time decision-making. As VR technology advances, it holds potential as a key component in future emergency preparedness strategies.

• Klíčová slova
• Crisis simulation, Emergency preparedness, Mass casualty incidents, Paramedic training, Virtual reality training,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• first responder * výchova   psychologie   MeSH
• hromadné neštěstí * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plánování postupu v případě katastrof metody   MeSH
• třídění pacientů metody   MeSH
• virtuální realita * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that adversely affect human health, mainly through their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Monitoring the exposure to PAHs of the inhabitants of air polluted regions is important because of the impact of these pollutants on human health. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to PAHs of municipal police officers (non-smokers) living in three localities in the Czech Republic (strategically selected according to the level of air pollution) and determine how air pollution impacts personal exposure to PAHs via inhalation. Twenty PAHs were determined in the inhaled air collected from personal air samplers. Simultaneously, the total exposure to PAHs was investigated by evaluating the concentrations of 11 monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) in urine samples. Despite the observed differences in the concentrations of PAHs in the air from the personal samplers between the three locations, no statistically significant differences were found in the concentrations of OH-PAHs in the urine samples. Outcomes of this study indicate that inhalation exposure is not the primary source of PAHs exposure for Czech municipal police officers, but that diet may also be an important contributor to total body burden. The levels of OH-PAHs found in urine of Czech municipal police officers were very similar to those found in the urine of the Czech mothers from our previous study. This study provided the data about the body burden of potentially occupationally exposed group that has not yet been studied in the Czech Republic.

• Klíčová slova
• Air pollution, Biomonitoring, Czech Republic, GC–MS/MS, PAHs, Personal air samplers, UHPLC − MS/MS, Urine analysis,
• MeSH
• biologické markery moč   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• inhalační expozice * analýza   MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * moč   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• policie * MeSH
• polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky * moč   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• biologické markery MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
• polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky * MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Although the effects of carrying loads on gait biomechanics have been well-documented, to date, little evidence has been provided whether such loads may impact spatial and temporal gait asymmetries under the different foot regions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to examine the effects of carrying a standardized police equipment on spatiotemporal gait parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this population-based study, participants were 845 first-year police recruits (age: 21.2 ± 2.3 years; height: 178.1 ± 10.2 cm; weight: 78.4 ± 11.3 kg; body mass index: 24.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2; 609 men and 236 women; 72.1% men and 27.9% women) measured in 2 conditions: (i) "no load" and (ii) "a 3.5 kg load." Spatiotemporal gait parameters were derived from the FDM Zebris pressure platform. Asymmetry was calculated as (xright-xleft)/0.5*(xright + xleft)*100%, where "x" represented a given parameter being calculated and a value closer to 0 denoted greater symmetry. RESULTS: When compared to "no load" condition, a standardized 3.5 kg/7.7 lb load significantly increased asymmetries in spatial gait parameters as follows: gait phases of stance (mean diff. = 1.05), load response (mean diff. = 0.31), single limb support (mean diff. = 0.56), pre-swing (mean diff. = 0.22), and swing (mean diff. = 0.90) phase, while no significant asymmetries in foot rotation, step, and stride length were observed. For temporal gait parameters, we observed significant asymmetries in step time (mean diff. = -0.01), while no differences in cadence and gait speed were shown. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that the additional load of 3.5 kg/7.7 lb is more likely to increase asymmetries in spatial gait cycle components, opposed to temporal parameters. Thus, external police load may have hazardous effects in increasing overall body asymmetry, which may lead to a higher injury risk and a decreased performance for completing specific everyday tasks.

• MeSH
• biomechanika fyziologie   MeSH
• chůze (způsob) * fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• policie * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zatížení muskuloskeletálního systému * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Patients are the most common source of violence against EMS personnel. This study aims at elucidating specific clinical features in patients with mental alteration and aggressive behaviour increasing risk of violence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This consecutive cross-sectional retrospective study analysed consecutive patients treated for prespecified list of primary diagnoses by one EMS provider in the Czech Republic between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023. The effect of individual features of medical history and present symptoms on the occurrence of violence, need for the Police assistance and use of restraints was evaluated, using linear regression model. RESULTS: 410 patients were evaluated. Verbal and brachial violence was present in 21.5 and 12.9 %, respectively. Police assistance was needed in 48.3 %, restraints were used in 4.6 %. The most significant predictor for violence, need for Police or restraints was agitation (OR 7.02, CI 4.14 - 11.90; OR 2.60, CI 1.60 - 4.24, OR 11.02, CI 3.49 - 34.80 respectively). Other predictors of violence included history of acute psychotic attacks and psychotic disorders, or outpatient psychiatry care. Among other predictors for Police assistance was presence of delusions, paranoia and history of outpatient psychiatry care. CONCLUSION: Prehospital care for patients with mental status alteration and aggressive behaviour is complex. Some clinical features seem to increase the risk of violence. Future research in the evaluation of agitated and violent patients is warranted to find strategies of risk mitigation for EMS personnel.

• MeSH
• agrese * psychologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• duševní poruchy epidemiologie   terapie   MeSH
• fyzické omezení statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• násilí statistika a číselné údaje   psychologie   MeSH
• policie MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• urgentní zdravotnické služby * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Persons living in industrial environments are exposed to levels of air pollution that can affect their health and fertility. The Czech capital city, Prague, and the Ostrava industrial agglomeration differ in their major sources of air pollution. In Prague, heavy traffic produces high levels of nitrogen oxides throughout the year. In the Ostrava region, an iron industry and local heating are sources of particulate matter (PM) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), especially in the winter. We evaluated the effects of air pollution on human sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Using real-time PCR, we analysed sperm mtDNA copy number and deletion rate in Prague city policemen in two seasons (spring and autumn) and compared the results with those from Ostrava. In Prague, the sperm mtDNA deletion rate was significantly higher in autumn than in spring, which is the opposite of the results from Ostrava. The sperm mtDNA copy number did not show any seasonal differences in either of the cities; it was correlated negatively with sperm concentration, motility, and viability, and with sperm chromatin integrity (assessed with the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay). The comparison between the two cities showed that the sperm mtDNA deletion rate in spring and the sperm mtDNA copy number in autumn were significantly lower in Prague vs. Ostrava. Our study supports the hypothesis that sperm mtDNA deletion rate is affected by the composition of air pollution. Sperm mtDNA abundance is closely associated with chromatin damage and standard semen characteristics.

• Klíčová slova
• Exposure, Industry, MtDNA, Policemen, Semen, Traffic,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch toxicita   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA * genetika   MeSH
• motilita spermií účinky léků   MeSH
• pevné částice toxicita   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• policie MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• spermie * účinky léků   MeSH
• variabilita počtu kopií segmentů DNA * MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA * MeSH
• pevné částice MeSH

Environmental exposure is associated with increased incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and reduced fertility. Exposure to air pollution can influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. In this study, we analysed gene-specific CpG methylation in spermatozoa of city policemen occupationally exposed to air pollution in two Czech cities differing by sources and composition of the air pollution. In Prague, the pollution is mainly formed by NO2 from heavy traffic. Ostrava is a hotspot of industrial air pollution with high concentrations of particular matter (PM) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). We performed genome-wide methylation sequencing using the SureSelectXT Human Methyl-Seq system (Agilent Technologies) and next-generation sequencing to reveal differentially methylated CpG sites and regions. We identified differential methylation in the region chr5:662169 - 663376 annotated to genes CEP72 and TPPP. The region was then analysed in sperm DNA from 117 policemen using targeted methylation sequencing, which proved its hypermethylation in sperm of Ostrava policemen.

• Klíčová slova
• Air pollution, DNA methylation, spermatozoa,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metylace DNA * účinky léků   MeSH
• pevné částice analýza   toxicita   MeSH
• policie MeSH
• pracovní expozice MeSH
• spermie * účinky léků   MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší * škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
• pevné částice MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Benzotriazoles and benzothiazoles (BTs) are high-production volume chemicals as well as widely distributed emerging pollutants with potential health risk. However, information about human exposure to BTs and associated health outcomes is limited. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterise exposure to BTs among Czech men, including possible occupational exposure among firefighters, its predictors, and its associations with liver function, serum lipids and oxidative stress. METHODS: 165 participants (including 110 firefighters) provided urine and blood samples that were used to quantify the urinary levels of 8 BTs (high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), and 4 liver enzymes, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. Linear regression was used to assess associations with population characteristics and biomarkers of liver function, serum lipids and oxidative stress. Regression models were adjusted for potential confounding variables and false discovery rate procedure was applied to account for multiplicity. RESULTS: The BTs ranged from undetected up to 46.8 ng/mL. 2-hydroxy-benzothiazole was the most predominant compound (detection frequency 83%; median 1.95 ng/mL). 1-methyl-benzotriazole (1M-BTR) was measured in human samples for the first time, with a detection frequency 77% and median 1.75 ng/mL. Professional firefighters had lower urinary 1M-BTR compared to non-firefighters. Urinary 1M-BTR was associated with levels of γ-glutamyl transferase (β = - 17.54%; 95% CI: - 26.127, - 7.962). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to investigate BT exposure in Central Europe, including potentially exposed firefighters. The findings showed a high prevalence of BTs in the study population, the relevance of 1M-BTR as a new biomarker of exposure, and an urgent need for further research into associated adverse health outcomes.

• Klíčová slova
• Benzothiazole, Benzotriazole, Human biomonitoring, Liver function, Oxidative stress, Serum lipids,
• MeSH
• 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosin moč   krev   MeSH
• benzothiazoly * MeSH
• biologické markery * krev   moč   MeSH
• cholesterol krev   MeSH
• deoxyguanosin analogy a deriváty   moč   krev   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hasiči MeSH
• játra účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lipidy krev   MeSH
• oxidační stres * účinky léků   MeSH
• pracovní expozice * analýza   MeSH
• triazoly * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosin MeSH
• benzothiazoly * MeSH
• benzotriazole MeSH Prohlížeč
• biologické markery * MeSH
• cholesterol MeSH
• deoxyguanosin MeSH
• lipidy MeSH
• triazoly * MeSH

This study aimed to investigate the effects of shift work on sleep quality, cardiovascular function, and physical activity (PA) levels in Taiwanese police officers. Twenty-one male police officers aged 26.9 ± 4.1 years old located in Taipei voluntarily participated in this study. The participants completed the resting heart rate (HR) and hemodynamic variables (e.g. blood pressure, BP) before and after day-time (DTW) and night-time (NTW) shift work phases (5 working days and 2 resting days for each phase). Additionally, an actigraphy was administered to measure PA and sleep patterns in the last 3 working days. The average total sleep time and sleep efficiency were 278.5 ± 79. 6 min and 72.9 ± 10%, respectively, in the NTW phases, which were significantly lower than that in the DTW phases. A comparison of the PA characteristics between the two phases revealed that a lower proportion of moderate-vigorous PA (1.2 ± 0.8%) and a greater proportion of sedentary behaviour PA (74.8 ± 6.4%) was found in the NTW phases. The results of hemodynamic measures demonstrated that the police officers have significantly elevated systolic BP by 3.3% and diastolic BP by 3.9% after the NTW phases. Furthermore, the NTW phases exhibited a significantly higher percentage change ratio of systolic BP and diastolic BP compared to the DTW phases. Compared with the DTW phases, the NTW phase was significantly more likely to report higher decreasing parasympathetic-related HR variability with a range of -5.9% to -7.8%. In conclusion, night-time shift work resulted in negative physiological changes leading to adverse effects on the health and well-being of Taiwanese police officers.

• Klíčová slova
• Circadian, heart rate variability, occupational health, physical activity, sleep,
• MeSH
• aktigrafie MeSH
• cirkadiánní rytmus * fyziologie   MeSH
• cvičení fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• krevní tlak * fyziologie   MeSH
• kvalita spánku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• policie * MeSH
• práce na směny MeSH
• spánek fyziologie   MeSH
• srdeční frekvence * fyziologie   MeSH
• vliv směnného provozu na zdraví * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Taiwan MeSH

• Klíčová slova
• Asthma comorbidities, Asthma diagnosis, Asthma management, Asthma treatment algorithm,
• MeSH
• bronchiální astma * diagnóza   terapie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pacienti MeSH
• praktičtí lékaři * MeSH
• stupeň vzdělání MeSH
• zdravotničtí záchranáři MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

• MeSH
• hasiči * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• poranění oka * diagnóza   MeSH
• sportovní úrazy * diagnóza   MeSH
• sporty * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• kazuistiky MeSH