The aim of the current study was to evaluate the incidence of soy allergy in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and to evaluate the results of specific IgE against molecular components of soy. Altogether, 100 AD patients were examined. Soy allergy was confirmed in an open exposure test (history), and the presence of specific IgE against molecular components of soy (Gly m 4, Gly m 5, Gly m 6, Gly m 8) was evaluated using an ALEX2 Allergy Explorer test. The results for the measures of specific IgE against molecular components of soy (Gly m 4, Gly m 5, Gly m 6, Gly m 8) and clinical reactions in the open exposure test were then compared. Soy allergy was confirmed in 12% of patients. The sensitivity of specific IgE against Gly m 4 was 50.0% (21.1-78.9%). In another 29% of patients we recorded the positive results for specific IgE against Gly m 4 without any clinical reaction to soy. Compared to results from a previous study in 2013, there was an increase in the incidence of soy allergy in AD patients. An elimination diet and an exposure test are recommended to detect a reaction to soy. ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer test gives us a comprehensive picture of sensitization and the possibility of evaluation of cross-reacting allergens.
- Keywords
- ALEX2 Allergy Explorer, Soy allergy, atopic dermatitis, specific IgE,
- MeSH
- Allergens * immunology MeSH
- Antigens, Plant immunology MeSH
- Dermatitis, Atopic * immunology epidemiology diagnosis MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Glycine max * immunology MeSH
- Immunoglobulin E blood immunology MeSH
- Incidence MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Food Hypersensitivity * diagnosis epidemiology immunology MeSH
- Soybean Proteins * immunology MeSH
- Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
- Cross Reactions MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Allergens * MeSH
- Antigens, Plant MeSH
- Immunoglobulin E MeSH
- Soybean Proteins * MeSH
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global healthcare systems, leading to challenges in managing Long COVID. Variations in definitions and diagnostic criteria across Europe hinder recognition and treatment efforts. This study aims to analyse and compare the definitions of Long COVID used in 34 European countries. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted involving key informants from 34 European countries, utilising an online questionnaire to gather data on Long COVID definitions. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed to assess the variability of definitions and challenges in managing Long COVID. RESULTS: The study found significant variation in Long COVID definitions among the participating countries; the most frequent definition was the other definition (n: 17, 50.0%), followed by the World Health Organisation's definition (n: 16, 47.0%) and the CDC definition (n: 11, 32.3%). Half of the countries reported using multiple definitions simultaneously, indicating a lack of standardisation. Qualitative analyses highlighted challenges such as difficulties in standardising terminology, variability in clinical criteria, and issues with implementing diagnostic codes. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the need for a unified, yet adaptable, definition of Long COVID. Such a definition would support general practitioners (GPs) by simplifying diagnostic processes, improving continuity of care, and facilitating equitable patient access to multidisciplinary resources. The current lack of consensus complicates patient care, data collection, and resource allocation, impacting health policy development. Future efforts should focus on achieving agreement on definitions to ensure equitable treatment and effective healthcare responses to Long COVID.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, Europe, Primary health care, clinical coding, diagnosis, post-acute COVID-19 syndrome,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * therapy diagnosis epidemiology MeSH
- Consensus MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Terminology as Topic * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe epidemiology MeSH
Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge, particularly during pandemics when high immunization rates are crucial. While individual psychological antecedents of vaccine hesitancy have been extensively studied, limited empirical evidence exists on how contextual determinants, such as socioeconomic status, political trust, and digital literacy, collectively shape vaccine-related behaviors, particularly in Central European populations. This study explores the key determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Czech adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 48th wave of the Czech national panel survey Život během pandemie [Life During Pandemic], carried out in March 2023. The data were obtained via an online questionnaire administered to a nationally representative sample of Czech adults (n = 1,708). Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and anamnestic variables were examined alongside political attitudes. Psychological antecedents of vaccination were assessed using the 5C model (confidence, complacency, constraints, risk calculation, and collective responsibility), and digital vaccine literacy was measured using seven items covering trust in official sources, trust in social media, and the ability to evaluate and apply vaccine information. Statistical analyses included bivariate tests and multivariable regression models to identify vaccine uptake and intent determinants. Higher trust in constitutional institutions, including the president (OR = 1.55; 95/ CI: 1.38-1.74), government (1.60; 1.38-1.85), Chamber of Deputies (1.73; 1.48-2.02), and Senate (1.47; 1.29-1.69), was significantly associated with higher vaccine uptake. Similarly, positive attitudes toward the integration of Ukrainian refugees into Czech society - across domains such as work (1.63; 1.39-1.90), housing (1.59; 1.36-1.86), school (1.64; 1.41-1.92), language (1.57; 1.34-1.84), and culture (1.74; 1.50-2.03) - were positively associated with uptake. Greater confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness was also a significant predictor (1.51; 1.44-1.58). In contrast, lower education (0.64; 0.56-0.73), lower income (0.91; 0.86-0.95), female sex (0.60; 0.47-0.76), and higher complacency (0.76; 0.73-0.80) were associated with reduced uptake. Respondents with better digital vaccine literacy, particularly those more adept at identifying misinformation, showed significantly greater vaccine confidence (mean score: 3.62 vs. 3.30, p < .001). Beyond psychological antecedents, institutional trust, political orientation, and digital vaccine literacy significantly shape COVID-19 vaccination behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions that address political and digital influences on vaccine hesitancy, and they highlight the need for future research to examine the causal pathways and longitudinal dynamics underlying these associations, particularly within Central and Eastern European contexts.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, Czech Republic, refugees, social determinants of health, vaccination hesitancy,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * prevention & control psychology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Trust * psychology MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Vaccination Hesitancy * psychology statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Politics MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Social Media MeSH
- Socioeconomic Factors MeSH
- Vaccination * psychology MeSH
- COVID-19 Vaccines * administration & dosage MeSH
- Health Literacy * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic epidemiology MeSH
- Names of Substances
- COVID-19 Vaccines * MeSH
AIMS: To assess perceptions, motivations and barriers to treatment adherence depending on emotional, lifestyle, medical and non-adherence risk profiles in hypertensive patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional data were obtained using an online anonymous survey. Four distinct global risk scores (medical, lifestyle, emotional and quality of life (QoL) and non-adherence risk scores) were calculated based on the responses to specific groups of questions. A total of 2615 treated hypertensive patients (≥18 years of age) from 5 European countries completed the questionnaire. Mean (SD) age was 69.6 years (5.8); 54% males. Overall, antihypertensive therapy represented a low burden in patients' daily life (2.9/10 in the Likert scale). Perfect self-reported adherence was claimed by 59.8% of participants. Reporting of non-adherence episodes to physicians was low (13% always/often). Participants with a high non-adherence risk score had a greater number of associated diseases (obesity, sleep disturbances, depression and cardiac complications), a higher treatment-associated burden on daily life, a greater stress level and more antihypertensive pills per day (p < 0.001 for all). No correlation was found between the clinical and lifestyle risk scores and the risk of non-adherence. The emotional score correlated significantly with the non-adherence risk score (p < 0.001). Comparing patients with a low/middle risk to those with a high risk of non-adherence, female gender and age >65 years were associated with a lower odd ratio of non-adherence whereas depression, stress, family hardships, negative information on drugs and poor information were associated with higher odds of non-adherence. CONCLUSIONS: This large survey reveals several underestimated issues regarding patients' perspective in hypertension. It highlights the impact of emotions, exposure to family hardships, and stress on the risk of non-adherence. Non-adherence is underreported by patients; hence it remains mostly unrecognised.
A good knowledge of patients’ perception, beliefs, motivations and barriers to antihypertensive treatment adherence is essential to improve blood pressure (BP) control in the population.In this large survey conducted in five European countries, we assessed patients according to their medical, emotional, lifestyle and non-adherence risk profiles.Results show that emotional aspects and exposure to family hardships have a significant impact on the risk of non-adherence.Moreover, a poor adherence to medications remains often unknown because patients do not report their difficulties to their physicians.
- Keywords
- Adherence, emotion, medication, patient perspective, quality of life, stress,
- MeSH
- Medication Adherence * psychology MeSH
- Antihypertensive Agents * therapeutic use MeSH
- Hypertension * drug therapy psychology epidemiology MeSH
- Quality of Life MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Motivation * MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Life Style MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Antihypertensive Agents * MeSH
BACKGROUND: Person-centred care (PCC) is a fundamental principle in general practice, emphasising practices tailored to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. Despite the importance of PCC, general practitioners (GPs) face obstacles in effectively implementing it, with associated factors remaining unclear. OBJECTIVES: The PACE GP/FP study aims to explore GPs' attitudes towards PCC and the factors facilitating or hindering its implementation in daily practice across European countries. This paper outlines the PACE GP/FP study protocol. METHODS: The cross-sectional design with data collection via an online survey distribution to GPs in 24 European countries. Study instruments include two validated questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Patient Physician Orientation Scale (PPOS)) and additional items covering general information about the doctor and their practice, as well as facilitators and barriers to PCC. These additional items were specifically developed for the study, translated using the forward-backward method, evaluated through cognitive debriefing, and integrated into the REDCap platform to create language and country-specific survey links. The STROBE checklist guides the reporting of the manuscript. CONCLUSION: The PACE GP/FP study will provide a comprehensive exploration of GPs' attitudes towards PCC and the factors shaping its practice in Europe. The findings from the PACE GP/FP study will provide evidence for designing future implementation strategies and guide targeted interventions to promote PCC in primary care across Europe.
- Keywords
- Primary health care, general practice, person-centred care,
- MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Patient-Centered Care * organization & administration MeSH
- Attitude of Health Personnel * MeSH
- General Practice * MeSH
- General Practitioners * psychology MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional analysis from the CZecking Heart Failure in patients with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease trial (ISRCTN18275480) examined pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The aims of this analysis were: 1. To analyze relations between pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling with dialysis access flow and current hydration; 2. To analyze structural heart changes associated with right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling; 3. To reveal the prevalence, etiology and severity of pulmonary hypertension in the Czech hemodialysis population. METHODS: We performed expert echocardiography, vascular access flow measurements, bioimpedance analysis, and laboratory testing in 336 hemodialysis patients. RESULTS: Pulmonary hypertension was present in 34% (114/336) patients and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling was present in 25% of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Only weak associations between the flow of the dialysis arteriovenous access and estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling was proved. There was a strong association between hydration status assessed by estimated central venous pressure with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (Rho 0.6, p < 0.0001) and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling (Rho -0.52, p < 0.0001) and association between overhydration to extracellular water ratio with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (Rho 0.31, p = 0.0001) and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling (Rho -0.29, p = 0.002). The prevalence of heart failure was significantly higher in patients with right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling (88% vs. 52%, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that optimizing volume status and treating heart failure should be prioritized in hemodialysis patients to prevent pulmonary hypertension progression and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling.
- Keywords
- Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling, arteriovenous access flow, chronic hemodialysis, fluid overload, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension,
- MeSH
- Pulmonary Artery * physiopathology diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Kidney Failure, Chronic * therapy complications MeSH
- Renal Dialysis * adverse effects MeSH
- Echocardiography MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Hypertension, Pulmonary * physiopathology epidemiology etiology MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Heart Ventricles * physiopathology diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic epidemiology MeSH
ABSTRACTBackground: European health care workers recently experienced serious challenges to their mental health. Following the extremely stressful experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine caused a humanitarian influx of refugees in need of social and healthcare. We aimed to explore: (1) how working with refugees has affected the mental well-being of health care workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the nature of health care workers' emotional strain related to the refugee situation and the war in Ukraine.Methods: We used a combination of quantitative regression analyses and qualitative content analysis to assess data collected by an online questionnaire in 2022. The study included 1121 health care workers from the Czech arm of the international HEROES Study.Results: Quantitative findings did not indicate that working with Ukrainian refugees was reliably associated with a greater occurrence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, distress, or burnout. Qualitative analysis revealed five categories of emotional strain: impacts on working conditions, emotional reactions to refugees and the war, comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic, and coping strategies.Conclusions: This study highlights the resilience of health care workers but also points to the need for ongoing support to address the complex emotional challenges they face during health crises.
Although we did not find a significant association between working with refugees and mental health issues, health professionals encountered emotionally challenging situations.Emotionally challenging situations involved reactions to the war and refugees, worsening working conditions, and higher subjective strain than during the COVID-19 pandemic.When comparing health workers caring for with refugees and COVID-19 patients, we found differences in their mental health issues.
- Keywords
- COVID-19 pandemic, Migración, Migration, Russian-Ukrainian war, emotional strain, guerra ruso-ucraniana, malestar psicológico, pandemia de COVID-19, psychological distress,
- MeSH
- Adaptation, Psychological MeSH
- COVID-19 * psychology epidemiology MeSH
- Depression psychology epidemiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Mental Health * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- Burnout, Professional * psychology epidemiology MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Stress, Psychological * psychology MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Refugees * psychology MeSH
- Anxiety psychology epidemiology MeSH
- Health Personnel * psychology statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic epidemiology MeSH
- Ukraine ethnology MeSH
In this multicentric real-world observational retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis in children <6 years of age who underwent a minimum of 16 weeks of therapy. The analysis focused on EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), CDLQI (Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index), and Itch NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) changes from baseline to 4, 16, 24, 48, 72, and 96 weeks of follow-up (when available). Overall 24 children were included, with a mean age of 4.4 years. The baseline mean EASI among these patients was 26.7 (range 11.2-42.5). Since week 16 of therapy, all patients achieved and sustained at least 50% (EASI-50) atopic dermatitis improvement from baseline for the remainder of the follow-up period. At week 16, the mean EASI was 4.6 (0.8-13.1), EASI-75 reached 75% and EASI-90 38% of the patients. Within the initial 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment, 50% of patients experienced at least one adverse event, none of which were deemed severe. Conjunctivitis was among the most common adverse events (8.3%). In conclusion, dupilumab exhibited favorable tolerability, efficacy, and safety in children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis who were below the age of 6.
- Keywords
- Atopic dermatitis, biologics, children, dupilumab, efficacy, safety,
- MeSH
- Dermatitis, Atopic * drug therapy diagnosis MeSH
- Dermatologic Agents * adverse effects therapeutic use administration & dosage MeSH
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized * adverse effects therapeutic use administration & dosage MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Quality of Life MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Severity of Illness Index MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Infant MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Child, Preschool MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Observational Study MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Dermatologic Agents * MeSH
- dupilumab MeSH Browser
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized * MeSH
BACKGROUND: The current negative trend in the physical behavior and lifestyle of the population therefore requires adequate changes in the professional training of physiotherapists. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the structure and differences in the weekly physical activity (PA) of Czech physiotherapy students, the use of wearables in physiotherapy professional training, and the attitude of physiotherapy students toward PA and the use of wearables in physiotherapy practice. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2022, 412 physiotherapy students participated in a PA-monitoring study using questonnaires International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form, Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revise, pedometers, Garmin Vívofit and Axivity AX3 accelerometers. RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of physiotherapy students PA drew attention to insufficient weekly PA and insufficient achievement of the PA recommendation of at least 60 min five times a week (55% of men and 41% of women). Instrumental PA monitoring allowed analyzing individual daily PA and structure of weekly PA. Highest PA indicated men (14,102 steps/day) and women (12,724 steps/day) of the 1st study year on Tuesday. The lowest PA (9,488 steps/day for men and 8,815 steps/day for women), were observed in the 4th study year on Sundays. The recommended target of 11,000 steps per day was achieved by 40% of the men and 46% of the women. Wearables enhanced participants PA motivation (51%). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of weekly PA monitoring in the professional training of physiotherapists ensured a deeper insight into the possibilities of PA monitoring in physiotherapy practice . Students are prepared to use wearables more widely to improve physical therapy practice.
The study demonstrated the need for greater support for physical activity (PA) of physiotherapy students during their studies.Incorporating comprehensive weekly PA monitoring into physiotherapy education is essential, especially with the rapid development of wearable technology.Monitoring PA using different methods enabled students to better assess the possibilities of using wearables in physiotherapy practice.
- Keywords
- Physical activity, lifestyle, monitoring, professional education, wearables,
- MeSH
- Exercise * physiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Physical Therapists * education MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Motivation MeSH
- Attitude of Health Personnel MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
OBJECTIVES: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for persons with dementia (PwD) have yielded mixed results, possibly attributable to the fact that little is known about the validity and reliability of trait mindfulness self-report measures in PwD. This narrative review sought to identify studies involving self-reported trait mindfulness and other clinical measures that may hold information on the convergent validity and reliability of these measures in PwD. METHODS: Scientific databases were searched for studies involving PwD and mindfulness assessments. RESULTS: N = 426 studies from PubMed and N = 156 from PsychInfo databases were reviewed. Four cross-sectional studies were identified that allowed inferences about the validity of mindfulness measures. A qualitative review indicated that convergent validity with other measures varied with sample heterogeneity and cognitive impairment. Merely one MBI included self-reported trait mindfulness, however without reporting sample-specific validity or reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Despite efforts to implement MBIs in PwD, information on basic methodological psychometric issues is minimal. Future studies ought to address the validity and reliability of self-reported mindfulness in detail across different stages of dementia. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results of MBIs need to be considered cautiously. Basic information about psychometric properties of mindfulness self-report measures is required and these measures need to be included systematically in MBIs.
- Keywords
- Dementia, depression, mindfulness, mindfulness-based interventions, rumination, validity,
- MeSH
- Dementia * psychology therapy MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Psychometrics methods MeSH
- Reproducibility of Results MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Mindfulness * methods MeSH
- Self Report * standards MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH