Game meat production represents a unique opportunity to align ecological sustainability with the growing consumer demand for sustainable agri-food products. This study focuses on the perspectives of processors and landowners in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, examining their views on market trends, customer behaviours, barriers, and sustainability challenges. Focusing on these key stakeholders, the study highlights their central role as key drivers in shaping and sustaining the game meat value chain. This research combines secondary data analysis and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to provide a comprehensive understanding of the game meat sector. Findings highlight that, while game meat is valued for its organic and sustainable qualities, barriers such as limited consumer awareness, high costs, and regulatory constraints hinder its market potential. The study reveals the vital role of consumer education, branding, and the development of value-added products in bridging the gap between ecological management and sustainable market growth. Moreover, the research underscores the need for tailored policies to address structural inefficiencies, promote collaboration across the value chain, and enhance accessibility to sustainable game meat products. By aligning production and marketing strategies with consumer preferences, the sector can contribute significantly to sustainable agri-food systems while supporting rural economies and biodiversity conservation. This study provides actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders and policymakers aiming to foster sustainable practices and consumer engagement in the game meat market.
- Klíčová slova
- Czech Republic, Slovakia, consumer perceptions, game meat production, sustainability, sustainable agri-food systems,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Masticatory muscle hypertrophy (MMH) is a rare clinical phenomenon of uncertain etiology, characterized by a soft swelling near the angle of the jaw. This abnormal enlargement of the masseter muscle can alter the facial profile, leading to aesthetic concerns. Moreover, MMH may also have significant functional repercussions, including pain in the masseter region, often associated with temporomandibular disorders, fatigue, and discomfort during mastication. Non-conservative approaches offer an effective and minimally invasive solution by inducing localized muscle relaxation and reducing hypertrophy. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) represents a therapeutic option for managing MMH, considering that injections can effectively reduce the masseter muscle volume, improving both facial aesthetics and related symptoms. Currently, the standard non-surgical management of MMH is BoNT/A injections, although consensus on the average dosage has not been definitely reached; on the other hand, there are data available in the literature about the injection technique of BoNT/A for lower face contouring. Therefore, the present comprehensive review aimed at exploring in detail the role of BoNT/A in the treatment of masseter muscle hypertrophy, describing its mechanism of action, the administration protocols, the clinical effects, and any side effects.
- Klíčová slova
- botulinum toxin type A, lower face contouring, masseter muscle hypertrophy,
- MeSH
- botulotoxiny typu A * terapeutické užití škodlivé účinky aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- hypertrofie * farmakoterapie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- musculus masseter * účinky léků patologie abnormality MeSH
- nervosvalové látky * terapeutické užití škodlivé účinky MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- botulotoxiny typu A * MeSH
- nervosvalové látky * MeSH
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is intricately linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and the presence of neurotoxins in the gut, integrating α-syn pathologic alterations and subsequent neurodegeneration into the brain. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the enduring impact of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-mediated colitis on the vulnerability of central dopaminergic neurons to subsequent rotenone exposure. Methods: To induce chronic colitis, 10-month-old C57BL/6 mice were pre-exposed to 3 cycles of 1 week of 1% (w/v) DSS administration in drinking water followed by 2 weeks of regular drinking water. After colitis induction, animals received a low dose of intragastric rotenone for the next 8 weeks, followed by testing for Parkinsonian behavior and GI phenotypes of inflammation. At the end of the 17th week, colon, brain stem, and midbrain tissue were isolated and analyzed for α-syn, inflammatory markers, and dopaminergic neuronal loss. Gut microbial composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Results: We found that chronic rotenone administration in the presence of preexisting colitis led to a further increase in colonic pro-inflammatory mediator expressions, α-syn expression, and reduced colonic tight junction protein expressions. We also found early impairment of GI functions and worsened grip strength in rotenone-exposed colitic mice. Furthermore, α-syn pathology specific to the colitic mice exposed to rotenone showed dopaminergic neurons degeneration and astroglial activation in substantia nigra and striatum, including regions of the brain stem, i.e., dorsal motor of the vagus and locus coeruleus. Finally, the result of 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis indicated that colitic mice, after being exposed to rotenone, exhibited a discernible trend in their microbiota composition (Catenibacterium, Turicibactor, and clostridium sensue stricto 1), linking it to the development of PD. Conclusions: These findings indicate that prolonged low-dose rotenone exposure, combined with an early inflammatory intestinal milieu, provides a preconditioning effect on α-syn pathology and exerts neurodegeneration in the intragastric rotenone PD mouse model.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
OBJECTIVES: To develop consensus-based recommendations for physician's global assessment of disease activity (PhGA) scoring and to standardise definitions of disease activity. METHODS: An international task force of 34 members was assembled, and recommendations were developed in 3 phases: (1) 2 preliminary surveys of paediatric rheumatologists and a literature review; (2) 14 videoconference meetings, informed by multicriteria decision analysis and formal anonymous voting; and (3) a 2-day in-person consensus conference using structured nominal group technique discussions and formal voting. The threshold for achieving consensus was ≥78% of voting task force members. Agreement with the final statements was rated using a numerical rating scale from 0, strongly disagree, to 10, strongly agree. RESULTS: Eighteen points to consider were agreed upon. All statements achieved consensus (≥78%), with a level of agreement ≥9.2. Points included the definition of disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), factors to assess in nonsystemic JIA and systemic JIA, consideration of available imaging and laboratory tests, the role of extra-articular manifestations, the evaluation of treatment, and the timing of PhGA scoring. CONCLUSIONS: The task force developed consensus-based recommendations when scoring the PhGA in nonsystemic and systemic JIA. These recommendations will lead to more reliable scoring of disease activity in patients with JIA.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Musculoskeletal disorders, affecting as many as 1.3 billion people worldwide, are the leading cause of disability and impose a substantial health and socioeconomic burden. Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, translational research in this field is far from optimal, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between basic and clinical scientists. This paper, authored by members of the basic and clinical action groups of the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) and endorsed by the Board of the ECTS, examines the key barriers to effective translational research in musculoskeletal diseases, including clinician workload, differences in professional language and culture, physical distance between research sites, and insufficient interdisciplinary funding. Through interviews with eight institutional managers across five European countries, we observed that in some institutions, the collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians was regarded as no concern (but with room for improvement), and in most institutions it was recognised as a serious issue. We found consensus on the importance of collaboration yet identified discrepancies in the provision of structural and financial support. Based on these findings, we propose strategic initiatives to bridge the gap between basic and clinical research. Suggested measures include dedicated translational funding, integrated research facilities, collaborative scientific forums, strategic collaborations, establishment of physician-scientists, and, finally, bringing basic and clinical researchers together in the same building or even in a combined department. Notable successes, such as the development of the anti-osteoporotic drugs, romosozumab and denosumab, underscore the value of a coordinated approach and exemplify how shared insights between laboratory research and clinical practice can lead to impactful therapeutic advances. Moving forward, we advocate for institutional commitments to foster a robust translational research environment, as well as tailored funding initiatives to support such efforts. This paper serves as a call for discussion and action to enhance interdisciplinary cooperation to advance musculoskeletal medicine and improve outcomes for patients with debilitating musculoskeletal diseases.
- Klíčová slova
- Barriers, Basic scientist, Clinical scientist, Culture, Organisation, Systems medicine,
- MeSH
- biomedicínský výzkum * MeSH
- kooperační chování MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- muskuloskeletální nemoci * terapie MeSH
- translační biomedicínský výzkum * MeSH
- výzkumní pracovníci * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH
This paper focuses on the dynamical analysis of the advection-diffusion-reaction equation under various conditions that highlight the system's sensitivity and potential for chaotic behavior. Traveling wave solutions for the underlying equation are derived using a novel modified [Formula: see text] expansion method based on the traveling wave transformation. A broad spectrum of exact traveling wave solutions, including solitons, kinks, periodic solutions, and rational solutions, is obtained. These solutions are recognized as having significant potential applications in fields such as engineering and plasma physics. The proposed method is demonstrated to successfully generate various exponential solutions, such as bright, dark, single, rational, and periodic solitary wave solutions. MATLAB simulations were carried out to visualize the results, producing 3D, 2D, and contour graphs that emphasize the impact of the advection-diffusion-reaction equation. Furthermore, the Galilean transformation is applied to derive the corresponding planar dynamical system, enabling deeper insights into its dynamical behavior. Sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the system's response to different initial conditions, with symmetrical properties and equilibrium points being represented through phase portraits. The chaotic behavior of the planar dynamical system under the influence of an external force is also examined. It is revealed that the system exhibits periodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic processes, with significant increases in intensity and frequency being observed. Additionally, we apply Poincaré maps and Lyapunov exponent to analyze the behavior of the dynamical system by different initial conditions.
This study presents the fabrication of highly photosensitive undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films for vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation detection, covering the wavelength range of 100-200 nm. ZnO films were deposited using hybrid pulsed reactive magnetron sputtering, assisted by ECWR (electron cyclotron wave resonance) plasma. Control of the ECWR power (PECWR), ranging from 0 to 380 W, played a crucial role in enhancing the films' photoconductive properties. At PECWR = 200 W, the photosensitivity increased by 8 orders of magnitude compared to films deposited without ECWR assistance. This improvement was attributed to a sharp reduction in dark current due to lower defect density. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectra revealed a significant reduction in defect-related emissions for films deposited at PECWR = 200 W, confirming fewer intrinsic defects. Raman spectroscopy also showed a decrease in defect-related vibrational modes in the same films. Time-Resolved Microwave Conductivity (TRMC) measurements further supported these findings, demonstrating rapid recombination of charge carriers at 200 W, indicative of low trap densities. These results suggest that precise control of ECWR power allows for optimization of the defect concentration and crystallinity in ZnO films, paving the way for the development of high-sensitivity VUV photodetectors.
- Klíčová slova
- Electron cyclotron wave resonance, Medium-frequency range magnetron sputtering, Photoconductive detector, Thin film, Vacuum ultraviolet, Zinc oxide,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
