Land use is a predominant threat to the ecological integrity of streams and rivers. Understanding land use-water quality interactions is essential for the development and prioritization of management strategies and, thus, the improvement of water quality. Weighting schemes for land use have recently been employed as methods to advance the predictive power of empirical models, however, their performance has seldom been explored for various water quality parameters. In this work, multiple landscape composition metrics were applied within headwater catchments of Central Europe to investigate how weighting land use with certain combinations of spatial and topographic variables, while implementing alternate distance measures and functions, can influence predictions of water quality. The predictive ability of metrics was evaluated for eleven water quality parameters using linear regression. Results indicate that stream proximity, measured with Euclidean distance, in combination with slope or log-transformed flow accumulation were dominant factors affecting the concentrations of pH, total phosphorus, nitrite and orthophosphate phosphorus, whereas the unweighted land use composition was the most effective predictor of calcium, electrical conductivity, nitrates and total suspended solids. Therefore, both metrics are recommended when examining land use-water quality relationships in small, submontane catchments and should be applied according to individual water quality parameter.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rigorous and regular evaluation of defined quality indicators is crucial for further improvement of both technical and clinical results after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Following the recent international multi-society consensus quality indicators, we aimed to assess trend in these indicators on national level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective multicenter study (METRICS) was conducted in Czech Republic (CR) in year 2019. All participating centers collected technical and clinical data including defined quality indicators and results were subsequently compared with those from year 2016. RESULTS: In the 2019, 1375 MT were performed in the CR and 1178 (86%) patients (50.3% males, mean age 70.5 ± 13.0 years) were analyzed. Recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in 83.7% of patients and 46.2% of patients had good 3-month clinical outcome. Following time intervals were shortened in comparison to 2016: "hospital arrival - GP" (77 vs. 53 min; p<0.0001), "hospital arrival - maximal achieved recanalization" (122 vs. 93 min; p<0.0001), and "stroke onset - maximal achieved recanalization" (240 vs. 229 min; p p<0.0001). More patients with tandem occlusion were treated in 2019 (7.8 vs. 16.5%; p<0.0001) and more secondary transports were in 2019 (31.3 vs. 37.8%; p=0.002). No difference was found in 3-month clinical outcome and in the rate of periprocedural complications. Results of the METRICS study met all criteria of multi-society consensus quality indicators. CONCLUSION: Nationwide comparison between 2016 and 2019 showed improvement in the key time intervals, but without better overall clinical outcomes after MT.

• Klíčová slova
• Ischemic stroke, Mechanical thrombectomy, Metrics, Quality indicators,
• MeSH
• benchmarking MeSH
• cévní mozková příhoda * diagnostické zobrazování   terapie   MeSH
• ischemická cévní mozková příhoda * MeSH
• ischemie mozku * diagnostické zobrazování   terapie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• trombektomie škodlivé účinky   metody   MeSH
• ukazatele kvality zdravotní péče MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

IMPORTANCE: Cigarette smoking is a strong risk factor for mortality in patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, little evidence supports which smoking metric best models the association between smoking and survival in HNSCC. OBJECTIVE: To determine which smoking metric best models a linear association between smoking exposure and overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study of 6 clinical epidemiological studies was performed. Five were part of the Human Papillomavirus, Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Genomic Research (VOYAGER) consortium. Participants included patients 18 years and older with pathologically confirmed HNSCC. Data were collected from January 2002 to December 2019, and data were analyzed between January 2022 to November 2024. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was OS. The performance of 8 smoking metrics, including pack-years, duration, and log cig-years (calculated as log10[cigarettes smoked per day + 1] × number of years smoked) for modeling OS were compared. Metric performance was measured by the strength of association in Cox proportional hazard models, linearity based on P for linear trend, Akaike information criterion (AIC; lower value indicates better model fit), and visual assessment of spline curves. Secondary outcomes included modeling OS in clinicodemographic subgroups and HNSCC anatomic subsites. Exploratory outcomes included cancer-specific survival and noncancer survival. RESULTS: In total, 8875 patients with HNSCC (2114 [24%] female; median [IQR] age, 61 [54-69] years) were included. Of 8 smoking metrics evaluated, smoking duration (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.11 [95% CI, 1.03-1.19]) and log cig-years (aHR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.04-1.18]) had the highest aHRs; both had a statistically significant linear association with OS. Log cig-years had the lowest AIC linear value and the most visually linear spline curve when modeling OS. Duration and log cig-years outperformed pack-years for modeling OS regardless of age, smoking status, and cancer stage. Both performed well in lip and oral cavity, laryngeal (only duration was significant), and human papillomavirus-negative oropharyngeal subsites. In an exploratory analysis, duration had the highest aHR (1.15 [95% CI, 1.02-1.29]), and log cig-years had the lowest AIC linear value when modeling noncancer survival. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, smoking duration and log cig-years best modeled a linear relationship with OS for patients with HNSCC. Both metrics maintained robust performance within specific clinicodemographic subgroups and anatomic subsites. Although most HNSCC survival models control for smoking exposure using smoking status or pack-years, duration and log cig-years may be superior metrics to account for the effects of smoking on survival.

• MeSH
• dlaždicobuněčné karcinomy hlavy a krku * mortalita   MeSH
• kouření cigaret * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• kouření * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• míra přežití MeSH
• nádory hlavy a krku * mortalita   MeSH
• proporcionální rizikové modely MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

We investigated the convergent validity and intrasession reliability of force, velocity, and power (FVP) variables and the dynamic strength index (DSI) obtained from isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and squat jump (SJ) testing. Fifteen male combat sports athletes (27 ± 5 years, 77 ± 9 kg, 1.76 ± 0.1 m, 14 ± 6% body fat) participated in a 2-days study. The first day involved testing familiarization, while the second was dedicated to IMTP and SJ testing. Maximal isometric force (Fiso ) was obtained from IMTP, while mean force, mean velocity, jump height, and jump impulse (J) were gathered from SJ. To analyze the FVP, we calculated the linear relationship between force and velocity, which allowed us to obtain the slope of the relationship (SFV ), the theoretical velocity at zero force (V0 ), and the theoretical maximal power (Pmax ). DSI was obtained as a ratio from SJ peak force and Fiso . The convergent validity was investigated using Spearman's ρ coefficients to assess the relationships between jump height and J with Fiso , V0 , SFV , Pmax , and DSI. The intrasession reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficient of variations (CV). All variables demonstrated acceptable reliability scores. ICC ranged from moderate to excellent, and the mean CV was <10%. We found a "very large" correlation between jump J and Pmax , while jump height was not correlated with any variable. In conclusion, the IMTP and SJ combination is a practical way to determine FVP producing capacities that can be reliably measured (intrasession). The Pmax , derived from FVP, was correlated with jump performance, which might evidence the convergent validity of the method.

• Klíčová slova
• Assessment, Dynamic strength index, Isometric midthigh pull, Linear regression, Performance, Squat jump, Two-point method,
• MeSH
• biomechanika * MeSH
• cvičení * MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pohyb * MeSH
• reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
• stehno fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Increasing evidence shows that flaws in machine learning (ML) algorithm validation are an underestimated global problem. In biomedical image analysis, chosen performance metrics often do not reflect the domain interest, and thus fail to adequately measure scientific progress and hinder translation of ML techniques into practice. To overcome this, we created Metrics Reloaded, a comprehensive framework guiding researchers in the problem-aware selection of metrics. Developed by a large international consortium in a multistage Delphi process, it is based on the novel concept of a problem fingerprint-a structured representation of the given problem that captures all aspects that are relevant for metric selection, from the domain interest to the properties of the target structure(s), dataset and algorithm output. On the basis of the problem fingerprint, users are guided through the process of choosing and applying appropriate validation metrics while being made aware of potential pitfalls. Metrics Reloaded targets image analysis problems that can be interpreted as classification tasks at image, object or pixel level, namely image-level classification, object detection, semantic segmentation and instance segmentation tasks. To improve the user experience, we implemented the framework in the Metrics Reloaded online tool. Following the convergence of ML methodology across application domains, Metrics Reloaded fosters the convergence of validation methodology. Its applicability is demonstrated for various biomedical use cases.

• MeSH
• algoritmy * MeSH
• počítačové zpracování obrazu * MeSH
• sémantika MeSH
• strojové učení MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

The aim was to provide benchmarks and investigate contribution of start and turn performances in the European Short-Course Swimming Championship. Over all race distances, 932 individual races of male competitors were video captured and the start and turn performances were analysed. Start and turn performances contributed up to 26% and 56% of the total race time. Analysis of variance showed that the 15 m start times were faster for Freestyle and Butterfly (p < 0.001) compared to the other swimming strokes. In-water starts (Backstroke) were slower at the 5 m mark compare to on-block starts (p < 0.001). Tumble turns were faster than open turns (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis explained 82-97% of total variance in the race results with a decreasing effect of start performance for the longer distance races. Turn performance affected the results across all race distances (p < 0.001). The benchmarks and percentiles provide comparative data for swimmers of different performance levels. Considering the large contribution of start and turn performance to race time and the high effect in the regression model, training regimes that are mainly based on conditioning of free-swimming should be reconsidered.

• Klíčová slova
• Athlete, competition, key performance indicators, performance analysis, swimming,
• MeSH
• benchmarking * MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• kompetitivní chování MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plavání MeSH
• sportovní výkon * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Further research is required to explore the associations between 24-h movement behaviours and health outcomes in the paediatric population. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between novel data-driven 24-h activity metrics and adiposity among children and adolescents. METHODS: The sample included 382 children (8-13 years) and 338 adolescents (14-18 years). The average acceleration (AvAcc) of activity, intensity gradient (IG), and metrics representing the initial acceleration for the most active time periods of the 24-h cycle were calculated from raw acceleration data. Adiposity measures included body mass index z-score, fat mass percentage (FM%), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression adjusted for wear time, sex, maternal education level, and maternal overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Children demonstrated higher values in all 24-h activity metrics than did adolescents (p < 0.001 for all). For children, the initial acceleration for the most active 2, 5, 15, and 30 min of the 24-h cycle were negatively associated with FM% (p ≤ 0.043 for all) and VAT (p <0.001 for all), respectively. For adolescents, the IG was negatively associated with FM% (p = 0.002) and VAT (p = 0.007). Moreover, initial acceleration for the most active 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min were associated with FM% (p ≤ 0.007 for all) and with VAT (p ≤ 0.023 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The intensity distribution of activity and initial acceleration for the most active 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min within the 24-h cycle are beneficial for the prevention of excess adiposity in the paediatric population.

• Klíčová slova
• Accelerometer, Body composition, Health, Measurement, Youth,
• MeSH
• adipozita fyziologie   MeSH
• akcelerometrie MeSH
• cvičení fyziologie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Identification of active electrodes that record task-relevant neurophysiological activity is needed for clinical and industrial applications as well as for investigating brain functions. We developed an unsupervised, fully automated approach to classify active electrodes showing event-related intracranial EEG (iEEG) responses from 115 patients performing a free recall verbal memory task. Our approach employed new interpretable metrics that quantify spectral characteristics of the normalized iEEG signal based on power-in-band and synchrony measures. Unsupervised clustering of the metrics identified distinct sets of active electrodes across different subjects. In the total population of 11,869 electrodes, our method achieved 97% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity with the most efficient metric. We validated our results with anatomical localization revealing significantly greater distribution of active electrodes in brain regions that support verbal memory processing. We propose our machine-learning framework for objective and efficient classification and interpretation of electrophysiological signals of brain activities supporting memory and cognition.

• MeSH
• algoritmy MeSH
• biomedicínské inženýrství metody   trendy   MeSH
• datové soubory jako téma MeSH
• elektroencefalografie metody   MeSH
• elektrofyziologické jevy MeSH
• elektrokortikografie * metody   MeSH
• epilepsie diagnóza   patofyziologie   psychologie   MeSH
• evokované potenciály fyziologie   MeSH
• implantované elektrody * MeSH
• kognice fyziologie   MeSH
• krátkodobá paměť fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mapování mozku metody   MeSH
• mozek diagnostické zobrazování   fyziologie   MeSH
• plnění a analýza úkolů * MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senzitivita a specificita MeSH
• strojové učení bez učitele * MeSH
• verbální chování fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
• validační studie MeSH

BACKGROUND Post-communist health care reforms and the break-up of Czechoslovakia have been studied from various perspectives, but little research has addressed the impact on health system performance. This paper investigates the quality and performance of the Slovak and Czech health systems before and after 1989, including the year of separation in 1993, using the concept of 'avoidable' mortality. METHODS Age-standardized mortality rates for mortality from 'avoidable' and other (non-avoidable) causes have been calculated through indirect standardization to study national and regional trends between 1971 and 2008. RESULTS The paper shows that 'avoidable' mortality in both countries has been continuously decreasing while mortality from other causes has remained unchanged or increased slightly. For some 'avoidable' conditions, mortality rates of the two countries converge while for others divergence can be observed, with either the Czech Republic or Slovakia performing better. CONCLUSION Declines in overall 'avoidable' mortality suggest improvements in the health system's performance and quality of care in both countries, compared with mortality from other causes where factors outside the control of the health care system may be stronger determinants. For conditions where 'avoidable' mortality rates stagnate or increase, more in-depth research should be carried out to identify problems in the delivery of timely and effective prevention and treatment, and to establish steps that would reduce the numbers of unnecessary deaths.

• Klíčová slova
• Avoidable mortality, Communism, Czech Republic, Eastern Europe, Slovakia, health system performance,
• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• poskytování zdravotní péče normy   MeSH
• předčasná smrt trendy   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• příčina smrti MeSH
• ukazatele kvality zdravotní péče * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH
• Slovenská republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Orthogonality is a key parameter in the evaluation of the performance of a 2D chromatography-based separation system. Two different perspectives on orthogonality are determined: the extent of the separation space utilized (global orthogonality) and the uniformity of the coverage of the separation space (local orthogonality). This work aims to elucidate the impact of sample dimensionality (the number of separation processes involved) on orthogonality evaluation through the use of descriptors from seven different algorithms utilizing mutually different properties of a chromatogram: Pearson correlation, conditional entropy, asterisk equations, convex hull, arithmetic mean (AN) and harmonic mean of the nearest neighbor, and geometric surface coverage (SC). Artificial chromatograms generated in silico and real GC × GC separations of diesel, plasma, and urine were used for the evaluation of orthogonality. The sample dimensionality has a deep effect on the orthogonality results of all approaches. The SC algorithm emerged as the best descriptor of local orthogonality samples of both low and high dimensionality, the AN algorithm on the global orthogonality of low-dimensionality samples. However, in the case of samples of high dimensionality, AN consistently indicated just the exploitation of the whole separation space; therefore, only local orthogonality is optimized by means of SC. Since no approach was able to monitor both global and local orthogonality as a single value, a new descriptor, ASCA, was developed. It combines the best global (AN) and local (SC) orthogonality algorithms by averaging, giving the same importance to data spread and crowding. ASCA thus provides the best estimation of orthogonality.

• Klíčová slova
• Arithmetic mean of nearest neighbor, Combined descriptors, Geometric surface coverage, Global orthogonality, Local orthogonality, Required dimensionality,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH