Differently substituted pyrrole-azo-benzene molecular photoswitches were prepared in a straightforward synthetic way. Their fundamental properties were investigated by XRD analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Hyper-Rayleigh Scattering, and NMR spectroscopy; the experimental results were further corroborated by DFT calculations. Thermal robustness, the HOMO/LUMO levels, and the absorption properties were altered mostly by substituting the N-methylpyrrole moiety and further fine-tuned by modifying the benzene substituents. The pyrrole substituent also proved crucial for the second-order non-linear optical (NLO) response as well as the photoswitching performance. Both fast and slow molecular switches can be designed with the half-life of the (Z) -isomer ranging from 48 seconds to 23.28 hours and the E/Z molar ratio up to 12/88. This comprehensive study allowed elucidation of the fundamental structure-property relationships and subsequently addresses the key aspects of the property tuning via substitution in molecular azo-photoswitches.
- Keywords
- Azo-compounds, Hyper–rayleigh scattering, Non–linear optics, Photoswitch, Pyrrole,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial diseases both in communities and in hospitalized patients, and at the same, time they are one of the most common indications for the use of antibiotics. UTI guidelines are generally available nationally or internationally, but they do not address all aspects of UTI treatment for different patient cohorts, age, gender, or comorbidities. The aim of the study was to point out the importance of stratified cumulative antibiograms at the level of individual health care facilities and the significant differences between epidemiological data, not only at the national level, but also at the local level. Our study analyses data from 383 patients with UTIs from a hospital department, General University Hospital (GUH), and 272 patients from an outpatient medical facility, Urocentrum (UC). This analysis focuses on the most common UTI causative agent, Escherichia coli, its representation as the causative agent of UTI in patients with complicated acute cystitis (N30), and its representation in complicated acute cystitis in patients with prostate cancer (C61). In addition to the frequency of occurrence, a sub-analysis of the incidence of resistance of E. coli to commonly used antibiotics by age, gender, diagnosis, and medical facility was performed. Results: The most common causative agent of UTI was E. coli. In patients with N30, it was 70% in GUH and 54% in UC, but in oncological patients with UTI, it was only 39% and 35%, respectively. In patients with UTI in C61, there was a significant difference in susceptibility of E. coli between individual health care facilities. Lower resistance was found in UC opposite to GUH isolates in ampicillin, with 29.8% vs. 65%, p = 0.001; amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, with 8.5% vs. 30%, p = 0.01; with 2.1% vs. 17.5% in pivmecillinam, p = 0.01; with 10.6% vs. 37.5% in co-trimoxazole, p = 0.003; and ciprofloxacin, with 10.6% vs. 30%, p = 0.04. The study shows significant differences in the sensitivity of urinary E. coli isolates in patients in relation to age, gender, medical devices, and the presence of comorbidities.
- Keywords
- Escherichia coli, antibiotics+, resistance, stratified cumulative antibiograms, urinary tract infections,
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * therapeutic use pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Escherichia coli drug effects isolation & purification MeSH
- Urinary Tract Infections * drug therapy microbiology epidemiology MeSH
- Escherichia coli Infections drug therapy microbiology MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * MeSH
Introduction: The e-STROKE study is a prospective, multicenter observational study designed to assess the impact of various CT parameters (including e-ASPECT, CT perfusion (CTP), collateral flow status, and the size and location of the ischemic lesion) on the clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke, as evaluated by the modified Rankins Scale (mRS) three months post-stroke. This study also aims to investigate whether the use of multimodal CT imaging increases the number of patients eligible for recanalization therapy. The analysis will integrate data from the RES-Q registry and radiological data from the e-STROKE system provided by Brainomix Ltd. Aims: The primary aim is to determine the predictive value of CT parameters (e-ASPECTS, CTP, collateral vessel status, and ischemic lesion volume and location) on three-month functional outcomes, as defined by the mRS, in patients with non-lacunar stroke following recanalization treatment (IVT and/or MT). The secondary aim is to evaluate whether multimodal CT examination leads to an increase in the number of patients eligible for recanalization therapy. Additionally, this study seeks to assess the specificity and sensitivity of multimodal CT in distinguishing stroke mimics from actual strokes. Methods: This multicenter observational study involves patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke and a premorbid mRS ≤ 4, who are treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), or managed conservatively in stroke centers within the Czech Stroke Research Network (STROCZECH), which is part of the Czech Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (CZECRIN). Data collection includes demographic, clinical, and imaging data variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, risk factors, treatment times (OTT, DNT, and OGT), TICI scores, post-treatment hemorrhage (ECAS II), mRS outcome, stroke etiology, e-ASPECTS, acute ischemic volume (AIV), thrombus length on NCCT, CTA collateral score and collateral vessel density, location of large vessel occlusion, ischemic core, hypoperfusion volume, mismatch ratio and volume, final infarct volume, hemorrhage volume, and MRI in case of negative follow-up NCCT. Conclusions: We anticipate collecting robust clinical and radiological data from approximately 2000 patients across 22 centers over a 12-month period. The results are expected to enhance the precision of diagnostic and prognostic radiological markers in managing acute stroke.
- Keywords
- CT imaging, CT perfusion, multimodal CT, predictive value, stroke, stroke mimics,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Ion channels represent a druggable family of transmembrane pore-forming proteins with important (patho)physiological functions. While electrophysiological measurement (manual patch clamp) remains the only direct method for detection of ion currents, it is a labor-intensive technique. Although automated patch clamp instruments have become available to date, their high costs limit their use to large pharma companies or commercial screening facilities. Therefore, fluorescence-based assays are particularly important for initial screening of compound libraries. Despite their numerous disadvantages, they are highly amenable to high-throughput screening and in many cases, no sophisticated instrumentation or materials are required. These features predispose them for implementation in early phases of drug discovery pipelines (hit identification), even in an academic environment. This review summarizes the advantages and pitfalls of individual methodological approaches for identification of ion channel modulators employing fluorescent probes (i. e., membrane potential and ion flux assays) with emphasis on practical aspects of their adaptation to high-throughput format.
- Keywords
- Fluorescence-based assay, Fluorescent probes, High-throughput screening, Ion channels,
- MeSH
- Fluorescence MeSH
- Fluorescent Dyes * chemistry pharmacology chemical synthesis MeSH
- Ion Channels * metabolism antagonists & inhibitors MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Drug Discovery * MeSH
- High-Throughput Screening Assays * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Fluorescent Dyes * MeSH
- Ion Channels * MeSH
BACKGROUND: eHealth was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much attention was given to the technical aspects of eHealth, such as infrastructure and cost, while the soft skill of compassion remained underexplored. The wide belief in compassionate care is more compatible with in-person interactions but difficult to deliver via e-platforms where personal and environmental clues were lacking urges studying this topic. PURPOSE: to explore the experience of delivering compassionate care via an eHealth platform among healthcare professionals working to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study design with an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used. Twenty healthcare professionals (fifteen nurses and five physicians) who provided care using technology platforms, such as telephone hotlines, mobile apps, and social media, were interviewed individually. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Participants stated that "eHealth enabled compassionate care during the pandemic" by ensuring patient care availability and accessibility. They shared experiences of "communicating compassionate care via eHealth" with suggestions of addressing patients' needs with empathy, adopting a structured protocol to guide eHealth communication, and using more advanced visual-media methods to promote human-to-human interaction. They recommended "setting realistic mutual expectations" considering the limitations of eHealth in handling complex health situations and staffing shortages. Participants considered "low eHealth literacy hinders compassion." Additionally, they recommended the need for "institutional/system-level support to foster compassionate care." CONCLUSION: Participants recognized the importance of integrating compassion into eHealth services. Promotion of compassionate care requires standardization of eHealth services with institutional and system-level support. This also includes preparing adequate staffing who can communicate compassionate care via eHealth, set realistic expectation, and adjust communication to eHealth literacy level while meeting the needs of their patients.
- Keywords
- Compassion, compassionate care, eHealth, healthcare professionals, nurse,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Empathy * MeSH
- Qualitative Research * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Telemedicine * ethics MeSH
- Health Personnel psychology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
In this paper, we present a novel polylactic-acid/flax-composite substrate and the implementation of a demonstrator: a microcontroller board based on commercial design. The substrate is developed for printed circuit board (PCB) applications. The pre-preg is biodegradable, reinforced, and flame-retarded. The novel material was developed to counter the increasing amount of e-waste and to improve the sustainability of the microelectronics sector. The motivation was to present a working circuit in commercial complexity that can be implemented on a rigid substrate made of natural, bio-based materials with a structure very similar to the widely used Flame Retardant Class 4 (FR4) substrate at an early technological readiness level (2-3). The circuit design is based on the Arduino Nano open-source microcontroller board design so that the demonstration could be programmable and easy to fit into education, IoT applications, and embedded designs. During the work, the design was optimized at the level of layout. The copper-clad pre-preg was then prepared and processed with subtractive printed wiring technology and through hole plating. The traditional surface mounting methodology was applied for assembly. The resulting yield of PCB production was around 50%. Signal analysis was successful with analogue data acquisition (voltage) and low-frequency (4 kHz) tests, indistinguishable from sample FR4 boards. Eventually, the samples were subjected to highly accelerated stress test (HAST). HAST tests revealed limitations compared to traditional FR4 printed circuit materials. After six cycles, the weight loss was around 30% in the case of PLA/Flax, and as three-point bending tests showed, the possible ultimate strength (25 MPa at a flexural state) was reduced by 80%. Finally, the sustainability aspect was assessed, where we found that ∼95 vol% and ∼90 wt% of the traditional substrate can be substituted, significantly easing the load of waste on the environment.
- Keywords
- Arduino Nano, PCB, PLA composite, biodegradable, commercial electronics, educational electronics, single-board microcontroller,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Telemedicine, defined as the practice of delivering healthcare services remotely using information and communications technologies, raises a plethora of ethical considerations. As telemedicine evolves, its ethical dimensions play an increasingly pivotal role in balancing the benefits of advanced technologies, ensuring responsible healthcare practices within telemedicine environments, and safeguarding patient rights. Healthcare providers, patients, policymakers, and technology developers involved in telemedicine encounter numerous ethical challenges that need to be addressed. Key ethical topics include prioritizing the protection of patient rights and privacy, which entails ensuring equitable access to remote healthcare services and maintaining the doctor-patient relationship in virtual settings. Additional areas of focus encompass data security concerns and the quality of healthcare delivery, underscoring the importance of upholding ethical standards in the digital realm. A critical examination of these ethical dimensions highlights the necessity of establishing binding ethical guidelines and legal regulations. These measures could assist stakeholders in formulating effective strategies and methodologies to navigate the complex telemedicine landscape, ensuring adherence to the highest ethical standards and promoting patient welfare. A balanced approach to telemedicine ethics should integrate the benefits of telemedicine with proactive measures to address emerging ethical challenges and should be grounded in a well-prepared and respected ethical framework.
- Keywords
- data security, ethical aspects, ethical guidelines, patient privacy, patient welfare, regulations in telemedicine, telemedicine,
- MeSH
- Confidentiality ethics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Patient Rights ethics MeSH
- Telemedicine * ethics MeSH
- Physician-Patient Relations ethics MeSH
- Computer Security ethics MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Since its discovery, the Julia-Kocienski olefination reaction has over past 30 years become one of the key C-C connective methods that is used in late-stage natural product synthesis. The reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions, with a wide substrate scope and functional group tolerance range and with high (E) selectivity. In this focused review, we discuss the reaction from a mechanistic point of view and disclose key features that play an important role in reaction selectivity. Finally, the mechanistic aspects of the newly developed modification of the Julia-Kocienski reaction, which allows the formation of both (E) and (Z) olefins from the same reaction partners, are discussed.
- Keywords
- Julia–Kocienski reaction, olefination, reaction mechanism, reaction selectivity,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Biological complexity is challenging to define, but can be considered through one or more features, including overall genome size, number of genes, morphological features, multicellularity, number of life cycle stages and the ability to adapt to different environments. Euglena gracilis meets several of these criteria, with a large genome of ∼38,000 protein coding genes and a considerable ability to survive under many different conditions, some of which can be described as challenging or harsh. Potential molecular exemplars of complexity tying these aspects together are signalling pathways, including GTPases, kinases and ubiquitylation, which increase the functionality of the gene-encoded proteome manyfold. Each of these examples can modulate both protein activity and gene expression. To address the connection between genome size and complexity I have undertaken a brief, and somewhat qualitative, survey of the small ras-like GTPase superfamily of E. gracilis. Unexpectedly, apart from Rab-GTPases which control intracellular transport and organelle identify, the size of the GTPase cohort is modest, and, for example, has not scaled with gene number when compared to the close relatives, trypanosomatids. I suggest that understanding the functions of this protein family will be vital to uncovering the complexity of E. gracilis biology.
- Keywords
- Biological complexity, Diversity, Euglena, Ras, Signal transduction, Small GTPases,
- MeSH
- Euglena gracilis * genetics MeSH
- Genome MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Proteome genetics MeSH
- ras Proteins * genetics MeSH
- Signal Transduction genetics MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Proteome MeSH
- ras Proteins * MeSH
Andjelkovic, Marija, Peter Paal, Susi Kriemler, Kaste Mateikaite-Pipiriene, Alison Rosier, Beth Beidleman, Mia Derstine, Jacqueline Pichler Hefti, David Hillebrandt, Lenka Horakova, Dominique Jean, and Linda E. Keyes. Nutrition in women at high altitude: a scoping review-UIAA Medical Commission recommendations. High Alt Med Biol. 25:9-15, 2024. Background: Nutritional concerns such as food composition, energy intake, and nutrient absorption are essential for performance at high altitude and may differ between men and women. We performed a scoping review to summarize what is currently known on nutrition for women during short-term, high-altitude, physically active sojourns. Methods: The UIAA Medical Commission convened an international team to review women's health issues at high altitude and to publish updated recommendations. Pertinent literature from PubMed and Cochrane was identified by keyword search combinations (including nutrition, metabolism, energy composition, micronutrients) with additional publications found by hand search. Results: We found 7,165 articles, of which 13 original articles assessed nutritional aspects in physically active women on short-term high-altitude sojourns, with other articles found by hand search. We summarize the main findings. Conclusions: Data on women's nutrition at altitude are very limited. Reduction in energy intake plus increased energy expenditure at high altitude can lead to unbalanced nutrition, negatively influencing high-altitude adaptation and physical performance. Therefore, adequate dietary and fluid intake is essential to maintaining energy balance and hydration at high altitude in women as in men. Iron supplementation should be considered for women with iron depletion before travel.
