OBJECTIVES: The General University Hospital in Prague (GUH) is one of the largest hospitals in the Czech Republic. The prevalence of smoking among hospital staff is monitored as part of its Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH) network membership. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing anonymous questionnaires distributed to all hospital employees in the years 2012 and 2023 through the hospital's electronic system (response rates 25% and 28%, respectively). Data were analysed using chi-square tests to compare smoking prevalence across time and among subgroups based on profession, sex and age group. RESULTS: The total prevalence of smoking decreased from 38.4% in 2012 to 14.5% in 2023. Among all doctors, the rates fell from 15.86% to 6.75% (p < 0.001). For male doctors, the figures changed from 17.05% to 9.27% (p = 0.012), while for female doctors, the rates decreased from 15.22% to 5.24% (p = 0.001). Among nurses, the smoking prevalence declined from 44.59% to 17.64% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The statistically significant reduction in smoking rates (p < 0.05) among both doctors and nurses is encouraging; however, there remains room for improvement. An increase in the use of other tobacco products was observed, particularly among nurses.
- Klíčová slova
- healthcare professionals, nurses, physicians, smoking, tobacco and nicotine addiction,
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- kouření * epidemiologie MeSH
- lékaři statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lékařský personál nemocniční * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- personál nemocniční * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- užívání tabáku * epidemiologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika epidemiologie MeSH
Buddhist meditation practices, including Samadhi meditation, which forms the basis for mindfulness practice, are broadly promoted as pathways to wellbeing, but evidence of their adverse effects is emerging. In a single-group observational study with assessments of autonomic system before, during, and after Samadhi meditation, we explore the relationship between post-meditation nausea symptoms and the degree of change in autonomic system activity during meditation as compared to before and after in 57 university students (42 women; mean age = 22.6) without any previous experience in meditation or yoga practices. We hypothesize that nauseous feelings in meditation are connected to a rapid increase of activity in the sympathetic nervous system, as indicated by decreased heart-rate variability (HRV). We additionally explore links between meditation-induced nausea and two markers of parasympathetic activity: increased HRV and vasovagal syncope. Engaging in meditation and increased nausea during meditation were both associated with increased markers of HRV parasympathetic activity, but 12 individuals with markedly higher nausea demonstrated increased HRV markers of sympathetic activity during meditation. Vasovagal syncope was observed but found to be unrelated to nausea levels. Drivers of adverse effects of meditation in some individuals require further investigation.
- Klíčová slova
- Autonomic nervous system, Heart rate variability, Meditation, Nausea, Samadhi, Vasovagal syncope,
- MeSH
- autonomní nervový systém * fyziologie patofyziologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- meditace * psychologie MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- nauzea * psychologie MeSH
- srdeční frekvence * fyziologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- pozorovací studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
History and main activities of the Society for the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence (SLZT) over its 30 years of activity are aimed at pre/postgraduate education of physicians, nurses and pharmacists, it has been involved in the publication of first smoking cessation recommendations, then in 2005, 2015 and 2022 guidelines for treatment of tobacco dependence, has supported payment codes for medical interventions for tobacco dependence treatment and at least minimal contributions from health insurance companies for tobacco dependence medications, and was at the birth of the smoking cessation helpline. SLZT has published and disseminated dozens of patient leaflets focusing on different clinical areas of the impact of smoking, lobbied for better tobacco control legislation, and is involved in the international smoke-free hospitals project (GNTH - The Global Network for Tobacco Free Healthcare Services). It annually awards the SLZT Prize for the dissemination of tobacco dependence treatment in the field. It collaborates with other clinically oriented professional societies as well as the Working Group on Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence of the Czech Medical Association of J. E. Purkyně.
- Klíčová slova
- Society for Treatment of Tobacco Dependence, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, education,
- MeSH
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- dějiny 21. století MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- odvykání kouření * MeSH
- poruchy vyvolané užíváním tabáku * terapie MeSH
- společnosti lékařské * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- dějiny 21. století MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- historické články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
Background and Objectives: There is little information on changes in the process and outcomes of intensive tobacco dependence treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following characteristics were evaluated: interest in treatment, the number of face-to-face or telephone follow-ups, the duration of pharmacotherapy use, and the success rate. The aim of our study was to compare the number of patients who entered tobacco dependence treatment programmes and evaluate the one-year success rate in patients three years before and three years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A single-site retrospective cohort study using data from patients treated at the Centre for Tobacco Dependence in Prague, Czech Republic, between 2017 and 2022 (n = 2039) was performed. The one-year abstinence rate was validated by measuring carbon monoxide in exhaled air (6 ppm cut-off). Patients were divided into two groups: the group for which treatment was initiated in 2017-2019 (i.e., before the COVID-19 pandemic, BC; n= 1221) and the group for which treatment was initiated in 2020-2022 (i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic, DC; n = 818). Results: No significant differences in the success rate of tobacco dependence treatment were found between the two groups (BC group, 40.5% (494/1221) vs. DC group, 42.2% (345/818)) (χ2 (1, N = 2.039) = 0.6, p = 0.440). Furthermore, differences were not found in sex, education level, age at first cigarette, the duration of pharmacotherapy use, or the number of in-person visits. In contrast, there was an increase in the number of telephone contacts between the groups (18.7% (SD = 17.5%) vs. 32.9% (SD = 18.2%), p < 0.001). Conclusions: The number of patients who started treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased by one-third compared to that during the 3-year period before the pandemic. The overall treatment success rate did not change significantly even with the increase in the number of telephone visits with the therapist.
- Klíčová slova
- COVID-19 pandemic, tobacco dependence, treatment,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * epidemiologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- odvykání kouření metody statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- pandemie MeSH
- poruchy vyvolané užíváním tabáku * terapie epidemiologie MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika epidemiologie MeSH
While endophytic fungi offer promising avenues for bolstering plant resilience against abiotic stressors, the molecular mechanisms behind this biofortification remain largely unknown. This study employed a multifaceted approach, combining plant physiology, proteomic, metabolomic, and targeted hormonal analyses to illuminate the early response of Brassica napus to Acremonium alternatum during the nascent stages of their interaction. Notably, under optimal growth conditions, the initial reaction to fungus was relatively subtle, with no visible alterations in plant phenotype and only minor impacts on the proteome and metabolome. Interestingly, the identified proteins associated with the Acremonium response included TUDOR 1, Annexin D4, and a plastidic K+ efflux antiporter, hinting at potential processes that could counter abiotic stressors, particularly salt stress. Subsequent experiments validated this hypothesis, showcasing significantly enhanced growth in Acremonium-inoculated plants under salt stress. Molecular analyses revealed a profound impact on the plant's proteome, with over 50% of salt stress response proteins remaining unaffected in inoculated plants. Acremonium modulated ribosomal proteins, increased abundance of photosynthetic proteins, enhanced ROS metabolism, accumulation of V-ATPase, altered abundances of various metabolic enzymes, and possibly promoted abscisic acid signaling. Subsequent analyses validated the accumulation of this hormone and its enhanced signaling. Collectively, these findings indicate that Acremonium promotes salt tolerance by orchestrating abscisic acid signaling, priming the plant's antioxidant system, as evidenced by the accumulation of ROS-scavenging metabolites and alterations in ROS metabolism, leading to lowered ROS levels and enhanced photosynthesis. Additionally, it modulates ion sequestration through V-ATPase accumulation, potentially contributing to the observed decrease in chloride content.
- MeSH
- Acremonium * metabolismus fyziologie MeSH
- Brassica napus mikrobiologie metabolismus fyziologie účinky léků MeSH
- fotosyntéza MeSH
- homeostáza * MeSH
- kyselina abscisová metabolismus MeSH
- oxidace-redukce * MeSH
- regulátory růstu rostlin * metabolismus MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny metabolismus genetika MeSH
- signální transdukce * MeSH
- solný stres fyziologie MeSH
- tolerance k soli * fyziologie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- kyselina abscisová MeSH
- regulátory růstu rostlin * MeSH
- rostlinné proteiny MeSH
BACKGROUND: There has been a noticeable relative increase in psychiatric comorbidities among smokers as opposed to the general population. This is likely due to comparatively slower decrease in smoking prevalence among individuals with mental health conditions. This study aims to assess the prevalence trend of past or current mental health disorders in individuals seeking specialized smoking cessation assistance. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-centre observational study to assess the presence of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar affective disorder, or schizophrenia in personal history of 6,546 smokers who sought treatment at the Centre for Treatment of Tobacco Dependence in Prague, Czech Republic between 2006 and 2019. The study examined the impact of gender, age, and the effect of successive years on the prevalence of the mental disorders using Poisson distribution regression. RESULTS: In the studied cohort, 1,743 patients (26.6%) reported having one or more mental disorders. Compared to patients without a psychiatric disorder, they exhibited similar levels of carbon monoxide in expired air (mean 17 ppm, SD 11 ppm) and scored one point higher on the Fagerström Test of Cigarette Dependence. Among smokers with a mental disorder, women were more prevalent (62%) than men (38%). The prevalence of mental disorders increased on average by 4% every year, rising from 23% in 2006 to 35% in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with the observation that the prevalence of smoking among people with any mental disorder is higher and declining at a slower rate than in the general population, there is a steadily increasing percentage of these patients seeking specialized treatment over time. Professionals who offer tobacco dependence treatment should be aware of the upward trend in psychiatric disorders among smokers, as more intensive treatment may be needed. Similarly, psychiatric care should pay attention to smoking of their patients.
- Klíčová slova
- Comorbidity, Prevalence, Psychiatric disorders, Smoking cessation, Tobacco dependence, Treatment,
- MeSH
- duševní poruchy * epidemiologie MeSH
- kuřáci MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- poruchy vyvolané užíváním tabáku * epidemiologie terapie MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- pozorovací studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Objectives: Our aim was to examine the relationship between weight concerns (WC) and smoking cessation. Methods: WC was assessed before smoking cessation treatment in 671 adult patients who completed a 12-month follow-up visit at the Centre for Tobacco-Dependent, Prague, Czech Republic, from 2013 through 2019. We evaluated the abstinence rate at 12-month follow-up. Results: Among 669 patients with baseline WC (mean age, 43.4 years), 47% were women (145/306) and 21% were men (78/363). No association existed between WC and abstinence at 12 months. Smokers with obesity had increased fear of gaining weight (34% versus 24% of overweight and 23% of healthy-weight smokers) (p=.034) and were less confident in their ability to maintain their current weight (36% versus 55% of overweight smokers and 59% of healthy- weight smokers) (p<.001). Conclusions: Many smokers are concerned about gaining weight after stopping smoking, but in this cohort of patients, having WC was not associated with 12-month abstinence, but obesity or overweight was related to being afraid of postcessation weight-gain and low confidence for maintaining weight. Practitioners should be aware of the prevalence of WC in those stopping smoking and should address concerns, such as poor motivation and low confidence about managing their weight.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- hmotnostní přírůstek MeSH
- index tělesné hmotnosti MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nadváha * MeSH
- obezita MeSH
- tělesná hmotnost MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Most smokers are addicted to tobacco or nicotine not only psychosocially but also physically, what results in withdrawal symptoms after they miss their dose. These are one of the major barriers to quitting. In the treatment of tobacco dependence, the evaluation of the degree of withdrawal symptoms helps to guide psychobehavioral intervention and, above all, the choice of the type, dose, and duration of pharmacotherapy. The Minnesota Withdrawal Symptoms Scale is one of the most widely used for this purpose, revised in 2020. We present a validated translation of this update.
- Klíčová slova
- questionnaire, scale, tobacco and nicotine dependence, translating, validation, withdrawal symptoms,
- MeSH
- abstinenční syndrom * diagnóza MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- odvykání kouření * metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Minnesota MeSH
The presented study examines the question of colour categorization in relation to the hypothesis of linguistic relativity. The study is based on research conducted by Gilbert et al. (2006) and their claim that linguistic colour categorization in a particular language helps colour recognition and speeds the process of colour discrimination for colours from different linguistic categories but only for the right visual field. Our study approached the research question differently. We used the same methodology as Gilbert's team et al. (2006), but we used different colour categories in the Czech language and significantly enlarged the number of participants to 106 undergraduate psychology students. Our results show that the fastest reaction times were in trials when the target was located in the left visual field, quite opposite from the Gilbert's et al. (2006) study. We argue that this finding is based on different processes than simple colour linguistic categorisation and attentional processes actually play an important role in the task.
- Klíčová slova
- Colour categorization, Language, The hypothesis of linguistic relativity,
- MeSH
- barva MeSH
- jazyk (prostředek komunikace) * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lingvistika MeSH
- pozornost MeSH
- vnímání barev * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
