Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumour in men worldwide. To treat this condition, prognostic markers to distinguish indolent from aggressive disease, and biomarkers for metastatic forms are needed. From a pathologist's perspective, despite the plethora of emerging biomarkers, none to date has made its way into clinical practice. The need for prognostic and predictive markers following histological evaluation remains. This overview of some putative immunohistochemical and genetic markers reveals the pitfalls of biomarker research, notably verifiability, validity and interlaboratory comparison. Meta-analyses and extensive cooperation between pathology departments are a sine qua non. Codes of Best Practice such as the REMARK guidelines have been advocated as a path forward. Currently, the most widely used and validated prognostic marker remains the Gleason score. Ki67 along with PTEN are the most promising prognostic markers.
- Klíčová slova
- Gleason score, immunohistochemistry, prognostic and predictive markers, prostate adenocarcinoma, prostate biopsy, radical prostatectomy,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Research has shown that external focus (EF) instructions-directing attention to intended movement effects (e.g., ball's or dart's path)-are more effective for enhancing motor performance and learning than internal focus (IF) instructions, which focus on body movements (e.g., arm or foot motion). Nonetheless, the impact of visuospatial working memory capacity (WMC) in this context, especially among children, has been less investigated. This research sought to examine the effects of EF compared to IF on the skill acquisition and motor learning of a dart-throwing task among children with both high and low visuospatial WMC. Forty-eight boys aged 9-11 (Mage: 9.67 ± 0.76 years) were grouped by high or low WMC based on spatial span and memory tests, then assigned to receive either EF or IF instructions. The experiment comprised three stages: practice, retention, and two transfer tests, including throwing from a longer distance and a dual-task scenario with added cognitive load (tone counting). Results showed that EF outperformed IF at all stages. While WMC did not affect performance during practice and retention, children with low WMC performed better than those with high WMC during the longer distance test. In dual-task conditions, an EF continued to surpass an IF, whilst the WMC exerted no significant impact. The present findings suggest that an EF relative to an IF promotes more automatic movement and enhanced multitasking, while the impact of visuospatial WMC was less than expected, highlighting the benefits of EF in teaching motor skills to children, regardless of visuospatial WMC.
- Klíčová slova
- Children, External focus, Internal focus, Motor learning, Working memory capacity,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
OBJECTIVES: To provide a contemporary statement on focal therapy (FT) for localised prostate cancer (PCa) from an international and diverse group of physicians treating localised PCa, with the aim of overcoming the limitations of previous consensus statements, which were restricted to early adopters, and to offer direction regarding the various aspects of FT application that are currently not well defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FocAL therapy CONsensus (FALCON) project began with a 154-item online survey, developed following a steering committee discussion and literature search. Invitations to participate were extended to a large, diverse group of professionals experienced in PCa management. From 2022 to 2023, a Delphi consensus study consisting of three online rounds was conducted using the Modified Delphi method. A 1-9 Likert scale was used for the survey, which was followed by an in-person expert meeting. The threshold for achieving consensus was set at 70% agreement/disagreement. Six main aspects of FT were covered: (i) patient selection; (ii) energy source selection; (iii) treatment approach; (iv) treatment evaluation and follow-up; (v) treatment cost and accessibility; and (vi) future perspectives. RESULTS: Of 246 initial participants, 148 (60%) completed all three rounds. Based on participant feedback, 27 new statements were added in the second round, and 33 questions related to personal expertise, for which consensus was not necessary, were excluded. After the third and final round, consensus had not been reached for 69 items. These items were discussed at the in-person meeting, resulting in a consensus of 57 additional items. Consensus was finally not reached on 12 items. Given the volume of data, the voting outcomes are summarised in this article, with a detailed breakdown presented in the form of figures and tables. CONCLUSIONS: The FALCON project delivered a significant consensus on the approach to FT for localised PCa. Additionally, it highlighted gaps in our knowledge that may provide guidance for future research.
- Klíčová slova
- Delphi study, ablation techniques, consensus, energy source selection, patient selection, prostate cancer, treatment evaluation,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
After centuries of decline and protracted bottlenecks, the peninsular Italian wolf population has naturally recovered. However, an exhaustive comprehension of the effects of such a conservation success is still limited by the reduced availability of historical data. Therefore, in this study, we morphologically and genetically analyzed historical and contemporary wolf samples, also exploiting the optimization of an innovative bone DNA extraction method, to describe the morphological variability of the subspecies and its genetic diversity during the last 30 years. We obtained high amplification and genotyping success rates for tissue, blood and also petrous bone DNA samples. Multivariate, clustering and variability analyses confirmed that the Apennine wolf population is genetically and morphologically well-distinguishable from both European wolves and dogs, with no natural immigration from other populations, while its genetic variability has remained low across the last three decades, without significant changes between historical and contemporary specimens. This study highlights the scientific value of well-maintained museum collections, demonstrates that petrous bones represent reliable DNA sources, and emphasizes the need to genetically long-term monitor the dynamics of peculiar wolf populations to ensure appropriate conservation management actions.
- Klíčová slova
- Canis lupus italicus, Apennine Italian wolves, Conservation management, Genetic variability patterns, Historical biological samples, Multilocus genetic profiles, Museomics, Museum collections, Population genetics,
- MeSH
- fylogeneze MeSH
- genetická variace MeSH
- muzea * MeSH
- vlci * genetika MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Itálie MeSH
AIMS/BACKGROUND: Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (JBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by pathogenic variants in the UBR1 gene. JBS is usually suspected based on characteristic anomalies, but only genetic testing provides a definitive diagnosis. Since most variants are inherited from the parents, we aimed to identify the causal variants in a Czech proband with clinically suspected JBS and perform segregation analysis. METHODS: A proband with clinically suspected JBS underwent clinical exome sequencing (CES). Sanger sequencing was used for the validation, characterization, and segregation of variants in the family. The variants were also characterized using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and in silico analysis. RESULTS: Using CES in the proband, we identified two novel causal variants in the UBR1 gene, c.3482A>C and c.3509+6T>C. Although the variants were found in trans, neither was detected in the parents. Sanger sequencing of the cDNA revealed that the novel variant c.3509+6T>C caused activation of the non-canonical GC donor splice site. The inclusion of 70 bp of the intronic sequence generated a frameshift and a premature termination codon leading to nonsense-mediated decay, as detected by qPCR. In silico protein structural analysis showed that the novel missense variant c.3482A>C in the zinc-stabilized domain RING-H2 altered a highly conserved zinc-coordinating histidine by proline. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, we report the first molecular confirmation of JBS in the Czech Republic and the first identification of two de novo causal variants in two alleles. Our findings also expand the spectrum of pathogenic variants in the UBR1 gene.
- Klíčová slova
- Johanson-Blizzard syndrome, UBR1 gene, de novo, novel variant,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are highly prevalent sexually transmitted infections, notably associated with various cancers. This study analyses the health and economic impacts of HPV-associated diseases in the Czech Republic and evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a catch-up vaccination program. METHODS: Utilizing a Markov multistate model, the study assesses the lifetime impacts and costs related to HPV infections. Cohorts of ages 15-21 were simulated to assess the impact of catch-up vaccination outside the 11-year-old age group. RESULTS: The total quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the female and male cohorts (together 119,362 individuals) were higher in the vaccination scenario compared to the non-vaccination scenario. The increase in QALYs was 122,246 and 200,852 respectively, when considering the actual vaccination rates. Across both cohorts, 329 cancer-related deaths were prevented. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis for the female population, vaccination was the dominant strategy in 99.3% of iterations. In the male population, vaccination was the dominant strategy in 80.3% of iterations. The implementation of catch-up vaccination for the 15-21 age group significantly increased QALY gains and reduced life-years-lost (LYLs). In the female cohort, all analysed rates of catch-up vaccination were the dominant strategy, while in the male cohort, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) remained consistently below 42,000 CZK/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: The catch-up vaccination program for 15-21-year-olds is cost-effective and can prevent a significant number of HPV-related cancers in both men and women.
- Klíčová slova
- Cost effectiveness, Human papillomavirus, QALYs, Vaccination program,
- MeSH
- analýza nákladové efektivity MeSH
- analýza nákladů a výnosů * MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- infekce papilomavirem * prevence a kontrola ekonomika MeSH
- kvalitativně upravené roky života * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Markovovy řetězce * MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- očkovací programy ekonomika MeSH
- osobní újma zaviněná nemocí MeSH
- vakcíny proti papilomavirům * ekonomika aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika epidemiologie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- vakcíny proti papilomavirům * MeSH
BACKGROUND: The global decline in physical activity (PA) among the youth has been exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on their lifestyles. Addressing these adverse effects post-pandemic by supporting preferred physical activities among young individuals is crucial. The aim of the study is to investigate and compare the long-term trends in PA preferences among individuals in Poland and the Czech Republic, exploring the impact of global lifestyle challenges over the past 14 years, including the pandemic, on PA behaviors and choices. METHODS: The study design is cross-sectional and data gathering was in the period between 2007 and 2020, this research encompassed 19,235 participants aged 15 to 26. PA preferences were gauged using the Questionnaire on Physical Activity Preferences, while actual PA levels were measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Crossing table, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, binary logistic regression and effect size coefficients were conducted. RESULTS: Among the participants, individual physical activities were favoured by 24% of Czech and 25% of Polish boys, and 23% of Czech and 25% of Polish girls. A positive correlation was found between the preference for running and higher levels of recreational, vigorous, and overall weekly PA. Additionally, an increased preference for running was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting weekly PA recommendations for both girls (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.62-2.04, p < 0.001) and boys (OR = 1.61, CI = 1.44-1.82, p < 0.001) in both countries. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 14-year period, swimming, cycling, and running emerged as the most preferred PA across both Czech and Polish youth, with a notable increase in running, especially among Czech boys. Polish boys and girls also showed a growing preference for running, while Polish girls demonstrated a notable increase in badminton and ice-skating. The preference for running was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting PA recommendations, especially among Polish boys and Czech girls. Notably, activities like running, swimming, and cycling exhibited resilience to both pandemic-related restrictions and broader global lifestyle challenges, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring of PA preferences for effective health promotion.
- Klíčová slova
- Health, IPAQ-long, Pandemic, Physical activity, Recommendation, Youth,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 epidemiologie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- cvičení * MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- sexuální faktory MeSH
- životní styl * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Polsko MeSH
BACKGROUND: Identification of real-time adverse drug reactions [ADRs] (as opposed to the risk of ADRs) in older poly-medicated people in primary care is a challenging task, often undertaken without an explicit strategy. This systematic review aims to evaluate replicable instruments and methods for identifying and addressing ADRs. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane library, using controlled vocabulary (MeSH) and free-text terms. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) implementing strategies to identify or resolve ADRs experienced by patients in primary care were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. RESULTS: From 2,182 unique records, 49 studies were identified for full review. Eight papers reporting results from 6 RCTs were included. All six trials utilised a list of medicine-related unwanted symptoms to identify ADRs. Two of three studies using adverse drug reaction questionnaires reported statistically significant increased rates of ADR reporting. Two of three studies that combined symptom questionnaires with prescriber consultations reported reductions in the number of health problems. Overall, results suggest that the three studies that described multidisciplinary collaborations using lists of ADRs plus prescriber reviews enhanced patient safety. However, the RCTs were unblinded and reported suboptimal retention. When considered as a whole, findings are equivocal and the data are too heterogenous to warrant any firm conclusions, beyond the need for more research to optimise strategies to safeguard patient wellbeing. IMPLICATIONS: Adaptable and scalable instruments with decision support are needed in primary care to identify and mitigate medicine-related harm in older poly-medicated people. The effectiveness of adverse drug reaction identification instruments, the value of comprehensive instruments, and the optimum method of delivery should be explored in multicentre trials.
Co-pyrolysis reactions of B2Br4 with S2Br2 at 350 °C in vacuo yielded the brominated thiaboranes closo-SB5Br5 (1), closo-1-SB9Br9 (2) and closo-SB11Br11 (3), confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry, experimental and computational 11B NMR spectroscopy. The strong Brδ+(σ-hole)⋯Brδ-(ring) attraction has been the decisive energy contribution in the crystal of 1.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early diagnosis and management of the ever-increasing global consequences of diabetes is of concern to all nations. The populations of developing countries in particular, account for about 75% of the estimated total number of those afflicted. The Middle East and North Africa Region have around 35.4 (24.3-47.4) million diabetics with a prevalence of around 10.5% in the Middle East. A high proportion of these are undiagnosed. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of and knowledge about the ocular impacts of diabetes as diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Jordanians by comparing those with and those without diabetes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, diabetic and non-diabetic patients attending different clinics at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics (NCDEG) were interviewed face-to-face using a questionnaire, to assess the level of knowledge about diabetic retinopathy (DR). The questionnaire was assessed beforehand by ophthalmologists from the School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, in Amman Results: A total of 214 subjects participated in this study (108 males:106 females). The mean age was 58.2 ± 10.6 years; (28 to 88 years) ~70% were diabetic. More than 98% were aware that diabetes can have ocular consequences. Only 17.3% however, had an adequate knowledge of DR. Around 40% did not know the treatment options although 75.7% of the diabetics carried out regular blood sugar checks in <6 months, and 73.4% had their last eye checkups in
- Klíčová slova
- Jordan, awareness, blindness, complication, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, knowledge, ocular consequences,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
