Colorectal cancer remains a major health burden, and its early detection is crucial for effective treatment. This study investigates the use of a handheld Raman spectrometer in combination with machine learning to classify colorectal tissue samples collected during colonoscopy. A dataset of 330 spectra from 155 participants was preprocessed using a standardized pipeline, and multiple classification models were trained to distinguish between healthy and pathological tissue. Due to the strong class imbalance and limited data size, a custom grid search approach was implemented to optimize both model hyperparameters and preprocessing parameters. Unlike standard GridSearchCV, our method prioritized balanced accuracy on the test set to reduce bias toward the dominant class. Among the tested classifiers, the Decision Tree (DT) and Support Vector Classifier (SVC) achieved the highest balanced accuracy (71.77% for DT and 70.77% for SVC), outperforming models trained using traditional methods. These results demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive screening tool and highlight the importance of tailored model selection strategies in biomedical applications. While this study is based on a limited dataset, it serves as a promising step toward more robust classification models and supports the feasibility of this approach for future clinical validation.

• Klíčová slova
• Balanced accuracy, Colorectal cancer, Machine learning, Preprocessing pipeline, Raman spectroscopy, Spectral classification,
• MeSH
• kolorektální nádory * diagnóza   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Ramanova spektroskopie * metody   MeSH
• rozhodovací stromy MeSH
• strojové učení * MeSH
• support vector machine MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Sexual compatibility in the Basidiomycota is governed by genetic identity at one or two loci, resulting in compatibility systems called bipolar and tetrapolar. The loci are known as HD and P/R, encoding homeodomain transcription factors and pheromone precursors and receptors, respectively. Bipolarity is known to evolve either by linkage of the two loci or by loss of mating-type determination of either the HD or the P/R locus. The ancestor to basidiomycete fungi is thought to have been tetrapolar, and many transitions to bipolarity have been described in different lineages. In the diverse genus Marasmius (Agaricales), both compatibility systems are found, and the system has been shown to follow the infrageneric sections of the genus, suggesting a single origin of bipolarity. Here, we tested this hypothesis using a comprehensive phylogenetic framework and investigated the mode by which bipolarity has evolved in this group. We utilized available genomic data and marker sequences to investigate evolution of sexual compatibility in Marasmius and allied genera. By generating a concatenated multilocus phylogeny, we found support for a single transition to known bipolarity within Marasmius. Furthermore, utilizing genomic data of the bipolar species Marasmius oreades, we found that the HD and P/R loci likely have remained unlinked through this transition. By comparing nucleotide diversity at the HD and P/R loci in Ma. oreades, we show that the HD locus has retained high diversity, and thus likely the function of determining sexual identity, as similarly in other bipolar mushroom-forming fungi. Finally, we describe the genomic architecture of the MAT loci of species of both sexual compatibility systems in Marasmiaceae and related families.

• Klíčová slova
• Homeodomain, MAT, mating system, mating type, mushroom, pheromone receptor,
• MeSH
• Agaricales genetika   klasifikace   MeSH
• biologická evoluce MeSH
• fungální geny pro párovací typ * genetika   MeSH
• fylogeneze * MeSH
• molekulární evoluce MeSH
• receptory pro feromony genetika   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• receptory pro feromony MeSH

Phytic acid is the main storage of phosphate in grains of staple crops. As phytic acid is hardly digestible for non-ruminants microbial phytases are used to supplement animal feed to enhance phosphate digestibility. A fungal phytase gene was introduced into barley with the aim of enhancing phosphate digestibility. Transgenic homozygous barley over-expressing fungal phytase phyA showed a 3.3fold increase in mature grain phytase activity. Field trials at two locations in the Czech Republic were conducted in a five-year experiment to test transgene stability and activity under field conditions. Increased phytase activity gradually decreased over the generations showing the most significant drop in the initial years of field trials. Molecular analysis revealed methylation in the coding sequence of the phyA transgene, suggesting transcription gene silencing. On the other hand, herbicide resistance used for selection of transgenic plants was functional over all generations. The feasibility of crossing the transgene into the feeding cultivar Azit was demonstrated with subsequent stabilization of hybrid progeny through androgenesis. Our results indicate that the Azit genetic background tended to reduce phytase activity in mature grains of hybrids. Grain-specific over-expression of fungal phytase driven by an amylase promoter improved phosphate levels during germination. Unfortunately, a malting experiment revealed that phytase over-expression did not significantly improve malting parameters. In fact, the higher nitrogen content in unmalted grain negatively affected the quality of the malt produced from them.

• Klíčová slova
• Transgenic barley, androgenesis, field trials, hybridization, phytase,
• MeSH
• 6-fytasa * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Aspergillus niger * enzymologie   genetika   MeSH
• fosfáty metabolismus   MeSH
• fungální proteiny * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• geneticky modifikované rostliny * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• ječmen (rod) * genetika   enzymologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• kyselina fytová metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• 6-fytasa * MeSH
• fosfáty MeSH
• fungální proteiny * MeSH
• kyselina fytová MeSH

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the incidence of soy allergy in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and to evaluate the results of specific IgE against molecular components of soy. Altogether, 100 AD patients were examined. Soy allergy was confirmed in an open exposure test (history), and the presence of specific IgE against molecular components of soy (Gly m 4, Gly m 5, Gly m 6, Gly m 8) was evaluated using an ALEX2 Allergy Explorer test. The results for the measures of specific IgE against molecular components of soy (Gly m 4, Gly m 5, Gly m 6, Gly m 8) and clinical reactions in the open exposure test were then compared. Soy allergy was confirmed in 12% of patients. The sensitivity of specific IgE against Gly m 4 was 50.0% (21.1-78.9%). In another 29% of patients we recorded the positive results for specific IgE against Gly m 4 without any clinical reaction to soy. Compared to results from a previous study in 2013, there was an increase in the incidence of soy allergy in AD patients. An elimination diet and an exposure test are recommended to detect a reaction to soy. ALEX2 Allergy Xplorer test gives us a comprehensive picture of sensitization and the possibility of evaluation of cross-reacting allergens.

• Klíčová slova
• ALEX2 Allergy Explorer, Soy allergy, atopic dermatitis, specific IgE,
• MeSH
• alergeny * imunologie   MeSH
• antigeny rostlinné imunologie   MeSH
• atopická dermatitida * imunologie   epidemiologie   diagnóza   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• Glycine max * imunologie   MeSH
• imunoglobulin E krev   imunologie   MeSH
• incidence MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• potravinová alergie * diagnóza   epidemiologie   imunologie   MeSH
• proteiny ze sójových bobů * imunologie   MeSH
• senzitivita a specificita MeSH
• zkřížené reakce MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alergeny * MeSH
• antigeny rostlinné MeSH
• imunoglobulin E MeSH
• proteiny ze sójových bobů * MeSH

We designed and synthesised a series of thiazolidinediones and related analogues and evaluated their antiparasitic activity. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study focused on modifications of specific parts of the molecule revealed derivatives that displayed significant activity against Trypanosoma brucei species. Notably, the analogue 6i exhibited exceptional activity, with an EC50 value of 30 nM and a selectivity index of >2000, against the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, which causes human African trypanosomiasis. Additionally, compounds 6a, 6k, 7e, and 18 demonstrated antitrypanosomal activities in the less than 5 μM range. Our most active analogue 6i represents a promising candidate for further preclinical development.

• Klíčová slova
• Animal African trypanosomiasis, Antiparasitic agents, Human sleeping sickness, Protozoan diseases, Thiazolidinediones, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosomiasis,
• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• parazitické testy citlivosti MeSH
• thiazolidindiony * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• trypanocidální látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• Trypanosoma brucei brucei účinky léků   MeSH
• Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense * účinky léků   MeSH
• trypanozomóza africká farmakoterapie   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• thiazolidindiony * MeSH
• trypanocidální látky * MeSH

OBJECTIVES: To analyse characteristics of Clostridioides difficile PCR ribotype 176 clinical isolates from Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia with regard to the differences in its epidemiology. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing were performed on a selected group of 22 clonally related isolates as determined by multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (n = 509). Heterologous expression and functional analysis of the newly identified methyltransferase were performed. RESULTS: Core genome multilocus sequence typing found 10-37 allele differences. All isolates were resistant to fluoroquinolones (gyrA_p. T82I), aminoglycosides with aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia in six isolates. Erythromycin resistance was detected in 21/22 isolates and 15 were also resistant to clindamycin with ermB gene. Fourteen isolates were resistant to rifampicin with rpoB_p. R505K or p. R505K/H502N, and five to imipenem with pbp1_p. P491L and pbp3_p. N537K. PnimBG together with nimB_p. L155I were detected in all isolates but only five were resistant to metronidazole on chocolate agar. The cfrE, vanZ1 and cat-like genes were not associated with linezolid, teicoplanin and chloramphenicol resistance, respectively. The genome comparison identified six transposons carrying antimicrobial resistance genes. The ermB gene was carried by new Tn7808, Tn6189 and Tn6218-like. The aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia were carried by Tn6218-like and new Tn7806 together with cfrE gene. New Tn7807 carried a cat-like gene. Tn6110 and new Tn7806 contained an RlmN-type 23S rRNA methyltransferase, designated MrmA, associated with high-level macrolide resistance in isolates without ermB gene. CONCLUSIONS: Multidrug-resistant C. difficile PCR ribotype 176 isolates carry already described and unique transposons. A novel mechanism for erythromycin resistance in C. difficile was identified.

• Klíčová slova
• Clostridioides difficile infection, epidemiology, macrolide resistance methyltransferase, whole genome sequencing,
• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky * farmakologie   MeSH
• bakteriální léková rezistence * MeSH
• bakteriální proteiny genetika   MeSH
• Clostridioides difficile * genetika   účinky léků   izolace a purifikace   klasifikace   MeSH
• genomové ostrovy * MeSH
• klostridiové infekce * mikrobiologie   epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• methyltransferasy genetika   MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
• mnohočetná bakteriální léková rezistence * genetika   MeSH
• multilokusová sekvenční typizace MeSH
• ribotypizace MeSH
• sekvenování celého genomu MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH
• Polsko epidemiologie   MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky * MeSH
• bakteriální proteiny MeSH
• methyltransferasy MeSH

A series of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) half-sandwich complexes was synthesized and characterized for its potential as a new class of anticancer agents. The complexes feature polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-substituted Schiff bases and were rationally designed to combine the redox-modulating MoA of half-sandwich Ru, Rh, Os and Ir complexes, connected with their ability to induce the formation of various reactive oxygen species (ROS), with the ability of PAH-substituents to target and disrupt DNA. The complexes [Ru(η6-pcym)Cl(L)]PF6 (1-4) and [Os(η6-pcym)Cl(L)]PF6 (5-8) were stable in aqueous environments, in contrast to the rapid degradation observed for the co-studied rhodium(III) (9-12) and iridium(III) (13-16) [M(η5-Cp∗)Cl(L)]PF6 complexes; L = ethane-1,2-diamine-based Schiff bases (L1-L4) bearing two terminal PAH substituents 2-naphtyl (for L1), 9-anthracenyl (for L2), 9-phenanthrenyl (L3) or 1-pyrenyl (L4); pcym = 1-methyl-4-(propan-2-yl)benzene (p-cymene), Cp∗ = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl. Biological testing demonstrated that 1-8 possess significant antiproliferative activity against various lung cancer cell lines, including those resistant to cisplatin, with Os(II) complex 5 showing the highest cytotoxicity. Treatment with these complexes led to the activation of stress-related gene pathways, including unconventional endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptotic signalling, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Activation of p21/GADD45A pathway indicates DNA-damage response, as well. Notably, these complexes did not induce significant inflammatory responses, a notable advantage over cisplatin. The results highlight the potential of Ru and Os half-sandwich complexes as alternative metallodrugs, capable of overcoming platinum resistance and minimizing inflammatory side effects. This study suggests that these compounds could serve as a promising class of anticancer agents for future clinical development.

• Klíčová slova
• Antiproliferative activity, Endoplasmic reticulum, Mitochondria, Osmium, Ruthenium, Stress gene expression,
• MeSH
• komplexní sloučeniny * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• organokovové sloučeniny * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• osmium * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• protinádorové látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• ruthenium * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• screeningové testy protinádorových léčiv MeSH
• stres endoplazmatického retikula * účinky léků   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• komplexní sloučeniny * MeSH
• organokovové sloučeniny * MeSH
• osmium * MeSH
• protinádorové látky * MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku MeSH
• ruthenium * MeSH

Chirality is a fundamental feature involved in most biological processes. While it can be rather readily observed on the molecular or microscopic level, enantioselective interactions on the macroscopic level are not as well understood. We chemically synthesized l-cellulose, the enantiomer of native cellulose with chains of different length by polymerizing an l-glucose-based precursor. A sufficiently high degree of polymerization was crucial for the successful application of this material as a chiral selector. After derivatization, coating onto silica, and packing into columns, the functionalized material was tested in a chiral high-performance liquid chromatography setup to investigate the enantioselective interplay between the modified cellulose mirror images and chiral molecules. We report the first-ever application of synthetic l-cellulose instead of the common column materials based on the natural d-polysaccharide counterparts. An inversion of the analyte elution order of (R) and (S) enantiomers due to reversed interaction strength with the stationary phase was observed for all tested analytes.

• Klíčová slova
• Cellulose, Chiral recognition, Chiral stationary phase, Chirality, Enantiomer separation, HPLC, Polysaccharide-based chiral selectors, l-Cellulose,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Porodaedalea is one of the core genera of Hymenochaetaceae, comprising 19 species widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. Its members grow on conifers and cause white pocket rot. Nevertheless, the origin, evolution and dispersal of Porodaedalea have remained unclear. In this study, a robust phylogeny of the genus is reconstructed using molecular sequences from four loci (ITS + LSU rDNA + rpb2 + tef1α). Molecular clock analyses suggest that the ancestor of Porodaedalea probably occurred at the Late Cretaceous (80 millions of years ago (Mya) with a 95 % highest posterior density (HPD) of 112-51 Mya), and diverse species mainly emerged between Pliocene and Miocene of Neogene (20-4 Mya of mean stem age). Biogeographic analyses propose that Porodaedalea originated in Asia and diversified in the Northern Hemisphere. After that, the genus evolved with ten global dispersal events and five global vicariance events. Finally, geographic separation and host tree preference provided niches for Porodaedalea species.

• Klíčová slova
• Biogeographic pattens, Evolution, Fungal pathogens, Hymenochaetaceae, Pinaceae white rot fungi, Polypores,
• MeSH
• Basidiomycota * genetika   klasifikace   MeSH
• Bayesova věta MeSH
• cévnaté rostliny * mikrobiologie   MeSH
• DNA fungální genetika   MeSH
• fylogeneze * MeSH
• fylogeografie MeSH
• mezerníky ribozomální DNA genetika   MeSH
• modely genetické MeSH
• molekulární evoluce * MeSH
• pravděpodobnostní funkce MeSH
• sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA fungální MeSH
• mezerníky ribozomální DNA MeSH

Insertion of a heterocyclic ring into the steroid core could enhance bioactivity, improve selectivity and reduce side effects in potential drugs for cancer therapy. The present study describes the synthesis of new thiazoline, thiadiazoline and thiazolidinone steroid compounds combined with lactone, lactam or pyridine moieties. These steroid hybrid molecules may be potential candidates for drug design, with improved biological activity and bioavailability. The starting androstenedione or dehydroepiandrosterone were modified by multiphase synthesis into thiosemicarbazone androstane derivatives, direct precursors for the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds. Their cytotoxicity was tested against five cancer cell lines: breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF-CEM), cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), hormone-independent (DU 145) and hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cells (LNCaP), as well as against normal skin fibroblasts (BJ). Compounds 5 and 16 were found to be the most selective, with both inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells. New compounds were also evaluated for their relative binding affinities for the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), androgen receptor (AR) or glucocorticoid receptor (GR) using a fluorescent assay in yeast cells, where thiazole derivative 13 exhibited the highest binding affinity for ERα, while thiazolidinone 7 showed strong selective affinity for ERβ. Furthermore, inhibition potential against human aldo-keto reductase 1C3 and 1C4 (AKR1C3 and AKR1C4) was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy, with acetamido thiadiazoline 21 displaying an IC50 value for AKR1C3 slightly higher than the reference inhibitor ibuprofen. Molecular docking studies were used to propose protein-ligand binding models for compounds showing the strongest affinity toward specific proteins based on in vitro experiments. In summary, our results suggest that the tested heterocyclic derivatives are active against hormone-dependent cancer cells and represent promising leads for the development of novel therapeutics.

• Klíčová slova
• Androstane, Cytotoxic activity, Hormone receptors, Molecular docking, Molecular hybridization, Thiadiazoline, Thiazolidinone, Thiazoline,
• MeSH
• androgenní receptory metabolismus   MeSH
• androstany * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• apoptóza účinky léků   MeSH
• heterocyklické sloučeniny * chemie   farmakologie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• protinádorové látky * farmakologie   chemická syntéza   chemie   MeSH
• screeningové testy protinádorových léčiv MeSH
• simulace molekulového dockingu * MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• androgenní receptory MeSH
• androstane MeSH Prohlížeč
• androstany * MeSH
• heterocyklické sloučeniny * MeSH
• protinádorové látky * MeSH