High-salt diets (HSDs) are known to impact blood pressure and cardiovascular health, but their effects on glucose metabolism, liver function, and gut microbiota remain poorly understood. This study investigates how long-term HSD affects these physiological processes and evaluates the potential therapeutic effects of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal salt diet (0.3% NaCl), a moderate salt diet (2% NaCl), or a high-salt diet (8% NaCl) for 12 wk. Two subgroups in the HSD condition received telmisartan or enalapril. We assessed blood pressure, glucose homeostasis, liver inflammation, pancreatic function, and gut microbiota composition. HSD rats exhibited significantly higher blood pressure [130 ± 2 mmHg in normal diet (ND) vs. 144 ± 4 mmHg in HSD; P < 0.01], reduced fasting insulin (1.33 ± 0.14 ng/mL in ND vs. 0.60 ± 0.05 ng/mL in HSD; P < 0.01), and gut microbiota dysbiosis, with a 71% reduction in Ruminococcus species (P = 0.018). Liver inflammation, indicated by an increase in CD68+ macrophages, was also observed in the HSD group. Telmisartan treatment significantly reduced liver inflammation but did not fully restore metabolic homeostasis. HSD disrupts multiple physiological systems, including glucose metabolism and liver function, partly through gut microbiota alterations. ACEIs and ARBs provided partial protection, highlighting the need for multitargeted interventions to mitigate high-salt diet effects.NEW & NOTEWORTHY High-salt diet induces multisystem disruptions, including liver inflammation, reduced insulin levels, and gut microbiota imbalance. ACEIs and ARBs showed limited efficacy, highlighting the need for comprehensive therapeutic approaches.

• Klíčová slova
• ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, high-salt diet, rat physiology,
• MeSH
• antagonisté receptorů pro angiotenzin * farmakologie   MeSH
• enalapril farmakologie   MeSH
• glukosa * metabolismus   MeSH
• inhibitory ACE * farmakologie   MeSH
• játra * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• krevní glukóza metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• krevní tlak účinky léků   MeSH
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• kuchyňská sůl * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• potkani Sprague-Dawley MeSH
• střevní mikroflóra * účinky léků   MeSH
• telmisartan farmakologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antagonisté receptorů pro angiotenzin * MeSH
• enalapril MeSH
• glukosa * MeSH
• inhibitory ACE * MeSH
• krevní glukóza MeSH
• kuchyňská sůl * MeSH
• telmisartan MeSH

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional anatomy is a challenging yet a vital foundation to clinical practice. The traditional teachings of gross anatomy cadaveric dissections do not cover adequate training of recognizing anatomical structures on CT, MRI and sonographic cross-sections. New modern technologies are emerging as teaching tools in anatomy aiming to deliver visual interactive experience. The Visible Human Project provides a library of cross-sectional images compiled from cryosectioned body donors that was utilized by modern technologies such as the virtual dissection table (Anatomage) in constructing 3D software applications visualizing the internal composition of the human body virtually. Hereby, this article explores an integrative approach utilizing the Visible Human Project based applications and basic radiological modalities. PURPOSE: The purpose of our newly implemented teaching approach was to test and assure technology fitness to the medical curriculum and its potential influence on students' performance in learning gross as well as cross-sectional anatomy in much depth. BASIC PROCEDURES: A three years (2021-2024) observational study was conducted by implanting a practical cross-sectional anatomy optional course by selectively utilizing Anatmage interactively beside CT, MRI and ultrasound practice. The performance of 50 participants was evaluated in the form of a written test comprised of labeling of ten cross-sectional images and drawing of two cross-section schemes. Their optional course test scores were compared to their obligatory anatomy subject test scores; and to a non-participants control group of 50 retrospective obligatory anatomy subject test scores. In addition, the participants' attitude toward the training lessons was assessed through a survey focused on satisfaction level, competence and ability to recognize structures on radiological images. MAIN FINDINGS: The participants reported a high level of practical engagement. The test scores in the anatomy obligatory subject were positively influenced by this implemented practical course. Students showed improved test scores in the standardized labeling keyword questions, while the scheme questions showed discrepancy. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: Integrating Visible Human Project based applications with radiological modalities showed positive efficacy on the students' engagement and learning performance. Inevitably, cadaveric dissection and prosection remain the cornerstone of gross anatomy education. Integrating both modalities of teaching would excel students' practical skills in applied clinical anatomy.

• Klíčová slova
• Anatomage, Anatomy education, Cross-sectional anatomy, Radiological anatomy, Ultrasound education, Virtual anatomy, Visible Human Project,
• MeSH
• anatomie průřezová * výchova   MeSH
• anatomie výchova   MeSH
• disekce výchova   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kurikulum * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mrtvola MeSH
• projekty vizualizace člověka * MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• školy lékařské MeSH
• studenti lékařství MeSH
• studium lékařství pregraduální metody   MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• pozorovací studie MeSH

Rising atmospheric temperature and CO2 impact all freshwater systems. In groundwater, one such impact is CO2- and temperature-induced weathering, which leads to more intense weathering of silicate rocks. Here, we tested whether the increased CO2 levels, the weathering, or rather the increasing temperature, impacted on fauna and prokaryotes in the groundwater ecosystem. We also conducted the analyses separately for two groups of wells, one of which contained wells that were secluded from the surface (and often rather deep), and wells tapping the quaternary aquifers (often rather shallow) which exchange with the surface more intensely. Organism abundances and relative composition did not correlate with temperature or CO2 levels. While many organisms rely on silica, in contrast, we found negative correlations between silica concentrations and fauna. The increases in silica concentrations over time, i.e. temporal trends, also partly correlated negatively with organisms. We hypothesize that the unexpected negative correlations are not direct effects, but indirectly indicate that groundwater communities do not adapt rapidly enough to changes in silica concentrations, but also more generally to changes for which silica might only be a proxy. Groundwater fauna take part in the ecosystem service of water self-cleaning and are thus considered beneficial for sustainable raw water for drinking water production. The propensity of groundwater fauna to decrease with increases in silica, jeopardizes future drinking water production.

• Klíčová slova
• Earth's critical zone, Fauna, Geological thermostat, Groundwater ecosystem, Prokaryotes, Weathering,
• MeSH
• atmosféra chemie   MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   MeSH
• klimatické změny MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• oxid křemičitý * MeSH
• oxid uhličitý * analýza   MeSH
• podzemní voda * chemie   MeSH
• teplota * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
• oxid křemičitý * MeSH
• oxid uhličitý * MeSH

BACKGROUND: Venotonics are a class of therapeutically active molecules that have vaso-protective effects. They are used to alleviate venous diseases and disorders, particularly venous insufficiency. We compared the composition of prescription versus over-the-counter (OTC) venotonics using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-DAD) and simulating their digestion using a static digestive model. METHODS: From each drug, five tablets were weighed. A homogenate was prepared, and 25 mg of crushed homogenized tablets were weighed into 25 ml volumetric flasks. Dissolved in MeOH and added two drops of saturated NaOH solution. The samples were filtered into vials (Teflon, 0.45 μm) and used for analysis. An Ultimate 3000 HPLC system (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) consisting of a quaternization pump, autosampler, column thermostat and DAD (UV/VIS detector) was used. The composition of the mobile phase proceeded in a linear gradient from 30% methanol and 70% phosphoric acid (0.15%) in water at time t=0 min. to 80% methanol and 20% phosphoric acid (0.15%) at time t=15 min., at a constant mobile phase flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. Detection was performed using a DAD detector in the 190-450 nm wavelength range. The content of monitored flavonoids was calculated from peaks at a wavelength of 277 nm, in which both flavonoids have their absorption maxima. The static digestive model was used to simulate the digestive phase from the oral cavity to the corresponding intestinal phase. RESULTS: The content of diosmin and hesperidin (mg per table) for a prescription drug: Detralex: 480 mg, 26 mg. The content of diosmin and hesperidin (mg per tablet) for OTC drugs: Venostop: 502 mg, 48 mg, Diosminol: 520 mg, 50 mg, Devenal: 496 mg, 49 mg, Diohes: 493 mg, 46 mg. Digestion did not affect the solubility of all tested drugs. The active substances could not be determined in the non-alkalized sample. After alkalization, part of the insoluble matter was visibly dissolved and converted to a yellow flavonoid complex. Neither diosmin nor hesperidin could be identified afterwards. CONCLUSIONS: Our experimental results show that the contents of both listed active substances, diosmin and hesperidin, met the declared amounts in all tested medicaments. Digestion simulation showed identical behaviour in prescription and OTC venotonics. The active substances could not be determined in the non-alkalized sample. Digestion did not affect the solubility of the tested drugs.

• MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• diosmin analýza   MeSH
• hesperidin analýza   MeSH
• léky bez předpisu * chemie   MeSH
• léky na předpis analýza   chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• tablety MeSH
• vysokoúčinná kapalinová chromatografie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• diosmin MeSH
• hesperidin MeSH
• léky bez předpisu * MeSH
• léky na předpis MeSH
• tablety MeSH

The deep terrestrial subsurface (DTS) harbours a striking diversity of microorganisms. However, systematic research on microbial metabolism, and how varying groundwater composition affects the bacterial communities and metabolites in these environments is lacking. In this study, DTS groundwater bacterial consortia from two Fennoscandian Shield sites were enriched and studied. We found that the enriched communities from the two sites consisted of distinct bacterial taxa, and alterations in the growth medium composition induced changes in cell counts. The lack of an exogenous organic carbon source (ECS) caused a notable increase in lipid metabolism in one community, while in the other, carbon starvation resulted in low overall metabolism, suggesting a dormant state. ECS supplementation increased CO2 production and SO4 2- utilisation, suggesting activation of a dissimilatory sulphate reduction pathway and sulphate-reducer-dominated total metabolism. However, both communities shared common universal metabolic features, most probably involving pathways needed for the maintenance of cell homeostasis (e.g., mevalonic acid pathway). Collectively, our findings indicate that the most important metabolites related to microbial reactions under varying growth conditions in enriched DTS communities include, but are not limited to, those linked to cell homeostasis, osmoregulation, lipid biosynthesis and degradation, dissimilatory sulphate reduction and isoprenoid production.

• MeSH
• Bacteria * MeSH
• podzemní voda * mikrobiologie   MeSH
• sírany metabolismus   MeSH
• uhlík metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• sírany MeSH
• uhlík MeSH

Understanding large-scale drivers of biodiversity in palustrine wetlands is challenging due to the combined effects of macroclimate and local edaphic conditions. In boreal and temperate fen ecosystems, the influence of macroclimate on biodiversity is modulated by hydrological settings across habitats, making it difficult to assess their vulnerability to climate change. Here, we investigate the influence of macroclimate and edaphic factors on three Essential Biodiversity Variables across eight ecologically defined habitats that align with ecosystem classifications and red lists. We used 27,555 vegetation plot samples from European fens to assess the influence of macroclimate and groundwater pH predictors on the geographic distribution of each habitat type. Additionally, we modeled the relative influence of macroclimate, water pH, and water table depth on community species richness and composition, focusing on 309 plant specialists. Our models reveal strong effects of mean annual temperature, diurnal thermal range, and summer temperature on biodiversity variables, with contrasting differences among habitats. While macroclimatic factors primarily shape geographic distributions and species richness, edaphic factors emerge as the primary drivers of composition for vascular plants and bryophytes. Annual precipitation exhibits non-linear effects on fen biodiversity, with varying impact across habitats with different hydrological characteristics, suggesting a minimum requirement of 600 mm of annual precipitation for the occurrence of fen ecosystems. Our results anticipate potential impacts of climate warming on European fens, with predictable changes among habitat types and geographic regions. Moreover, we provide evidence that the drivers of biodiversity in boreal and temperate fens are closely tied to the ecological characteristics of each habitat type and the dispersal abilities of bryophytes and vascular plants. Given that the influence of macroclimate and edaphic factors on fen ecosystems is habitat specific, climate change research and conservation actions should consider ecological differentiation within functional IUCN ecosystems at continental and regional scales.

• Klíčová slova
• climate change, edaphic factors, fens, habitat types, peatlands,
• MeSH
• biodiverzita MeSH
• Bryophyta * MeSH
• cévnaté rostliny * MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• mokřady MeSH
• rostliny MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Compositional data are commonly known as multivariate observations carrying relative information. Even though the case of vector or even two-factorial compositional data (compositional tables) is already well described in the literature, there is still a need for a comprehensive approach to the analysis of multi-factorial relative-valued data. Therefore, this contribution builds around the current knowledge about compositional data a general theoretical framework for k-factorial compositional data. As a main finding it turns out that, similar to the case of compositional tables, also the multi-factorial structures can be orthogonally decomposed into an independent and several interactive parts and, moreover, a coordinate representation allowing for their separate analysis by standard analytical methods can be constructed. For the sake of simplicity, these features are explained in detail for the case of three-factorial compositions (compositional cubes), followed by an outline covering the general case. The three-dimensional structure is analyzed in depth in two practical examples, dealing with systems of spatial and time dependent compositional cubes. The methodology is implemented in the R package robCompositions.

• Klíčová slova
• Analysis of independence, Compositional data, Coordinate representation, Orthogonal decomposition,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Plasma sulfur amino acids (SAAs), i.e., methionine, total cysteine (tCys), total homocysteine (tHcy), cystathionine, total glutathione (tGSH), and taurine, are potential risk factors for obesity and cardiometabolic disorders. However, except for plasma tHcy, little is known about how dietary intake modifies plasma SAA concentrations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the intake of SAAs and proteins or diet quality is associated with plasma SAAs. METHODS: Data from a cross-sectional subset of The Maastricht Study (n = 1145, 50.5% men, 61 interquartile range: [55, 66] y, 22.5% with prediabetes and 34.3% with type 2 diabetes) were investigated. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The intake of SAAs (total, methionine, and cysteine) and proteins (total, animal, and plant) was estimated from the Dutch and Danish food composition tables. Diet quality was assessed using the Dutch Healthy Diet Index, the Mediterranean Diet Score, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score. Fasting plasma SAAs were measured by liquid chromatography (LC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS) (LC/MS-MS). Associations were investigated with multiple linear regressions with tertiles of dietary intake measures (main exposures) and z-standardized plasma SAAs (outcomes). RESULTS: Intake of total SAAs and total proteins was positively associated with plasma tCys and cystathionine. Associations were stronger in women and in those with normal body weight. Higher intake of cysteine and plant proteins was associated with lower plasma tHcy and higher cystathionine. Higher methionine intake was associated with lower plasma tGSH, whereas cysteine intake was positively associated with tGSH. Higher intake of methionine and animal proteins was associated with higher plasma taurine. Better diet quality was consistently related to lower plasma tHcy concentrations, but it was not associated with the other SAAs. CONCLUSION: Targeted dietary modifications might be effective in modifying plasma concentrations of tCys, tHcy, and cystathionine, which have been associated with obesity and cardiometabolic disorders.

• Klíčová slova
• diet quality, habitual dietary intake, plasma concentrations, proteins, sulfur amino acids,
• MeSH
• aminokyseliny sírové * MeSH
• cystathionin MeSH
• cystein MeSH
• diabetes mellitus 2. typu * MeSH
• dieta MeSH
• homocystein MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• methionin MeSH
• obezita MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• taurin MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• aminokyseliny sírové * MeSH
• cystathionin MeSH
• cystein MeSH
• homocystein MeSH
• methionin MeSH
• taurin MeSH

The Atalanti basin is an intensively cultivated area in central Greece, facing groundwater quality deterioration threats due to natural and anthropogenic-related contamination sources. A combination of statistical and hydrogeochemical techniques, and stable isotope compositions (δ2H-H2O and δ18Ο-Η2Ο, δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- and δ18Ο-ΝΟ3-, δ34S-SO42- and δ18O-SO42-) were applied to elucidate the origin of salinity and nitrate contamination, and shed light on the potential associations between geogenic Cr(VI) and NO3- sources and transformations. Nitrate and Cr(VI) concentrations reached up to 337 mg L-1 and 76.1 μg L-1, respectively, exceeding WHO threshold values in places. The cluster of samples with the high salinity was mostly influenced by irrigation return flow and marine aerosols, and less by seawater intrusion, as evidenced by the ionic ratios (e.g., Na+/Cl-) and the stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen in water, and sulphur and oxygen in sulphates. The δ15Ν-ΝΟ3- and δ18O-NO3- values ranged from +2.0 ‰ to +14.5 ‰ and + 0.3 ‰ to +11.0 ‰, respectively. We found that the dominant sources of NO3- in groundwater were fertilizers in the central part of the area and sewage waste in the northern part around the residential area of Livanates. The occurrence of denitrification was evident in the northern part of the basin, where the DO levels were lowest (≤ 2.2 mg L-1), whereas nitrification of NH4+-fertilizers prevailed in the central part. Elevated Cr(VI) values (≥ 20 μg/l) were associated with the lowest deviation of the measured from the theoretical nitrification δ18Ο-NO3- values, whereas the lowest Cr(VI) values were observed in the denitrified water samples. Our isotope findings revealed the strong influence of redox conditions on the biogeochemical transformations of N species and the mobilization of Cr(VI) that will help improve the understanding of the fate of these contaminants from the unsaturated zone to the groundwater in areas of agricultural and urban land use.

• Klíčová slova
• Groundwater, Hexavalent chromium, Nitrate isotopes, Nitrification, Nitrogen transformations, Sulphate isotopes,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza   MeSH
• dusičnany analýza   MeSH
• izotopy dusíku analýza   MeSH
• kyslík MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• podzemní voda * chemie   MeSH
• průmyslová hnojiva MeSH
• voda MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• chromium hexavalent ion MeSH Prohlížeč
• dusičnany MeSH
• izotopy dusíku MeSH
• kyslík MeSH
• průmyslová hnojiva MeSH
• voda MeSH

An undesired succession of rich fens leads to the formation of dense Sphagnum carpets that outcompete brown mosses and some vascular plants, resulting in biodiversity loss in fen habitats of high conservation importance. Small-scale Sphagnum removal is a rarely implemented conservational measure, whose success may depend on soil alkalinity and fertility (i.e., nutrient availability). Therefore, characterizing the effects of pH and fertility levels would potentially allow for the development of better Sphagnum removal strategies. Two experiments were conducted across 24 rich fens of different alkalinity and fertility located in an area of ~32,000 km2 spanning from the Bohemian Massif to the Western Carpathians (Europe). We hypothesized that high alkalinity and low fertility support the restoration of rich fen vegetation after Sphagnum removal. Our study focused on four different Sphagnum groups. In Experiment 1, the treatment plots remained unfenced. In Experiment 2, the treatment plots were fenced off and target brown mosses were transplanted from the surroundings to overcome dispersal limitations. A repeated-measures design was used, with vegetation composition recorded over a 5-year period. High alkalinity rather than fertility facilitated species richness and the appearance of target brown mosses. High alkalinity generally hindered Sphagnum recovery, whereas high fertility supported the recurrence of S. teres and S. recurvum agg. Under high pH conditions, enhanced fertility further correlated with the spread of nonsphagnaceous generalist bryophytes of low conservation value. Despite sustaining a significant overall reduction, all Sphagnum taxa began to recover throughout the experiment, albeit less obviously in fens with S. warnstorfii. Sphagnum removal may reverse biodiversity loss and allow for the restoration of brown mosses in rich fens where Sphagnum cover had increased due to slight eutrophication, acidification, or a decrease in the water table. In alkaline and nutrient-poor conditions (e.g., S. warnstorfii fens), the effect is evident and long lasting and the intervention may not be extensive. In fens dominated by S. teres or S. recurvum agg., repeated or large-scale removal may be needed if high nutrient availability (potassium, phosphorus) or low alkalinity supports Sphagnum recolonization. Treatment plots with S. subgenus Sphagnum exhibited the least promising brown-moss restoration prospects.

• Klíčová slova
• Sphagnum removal, brown moss, fertility, field experiment, moss transfer, rich fen conservation, rich fen restoration, undesired succession,
• MeSH
• biodiverzita MeSH
• Bryophyta * MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• fertilita MeSH
• rašeliníky * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH