Ultra-thin, densely packed polymer brushes (PBs) with ultra-low fouling properties play a crucial role in recent developments of surface modification strategies for biomedical and biosensing technologies. However, micro-defects within PB structures can significantly impair their ultra-low fouling performance, thereby reducing their effectiveness and the application potential. Reliable detection of these micro-defects is essential for further evaluation and optimization of brush-based surfaces. In this study, we present a straightforward spectroscopic method for detection of micro-defects in PBs using Raman mapping. We employed random copolymer brushes of carboxybetaine methacrylamide (CBMAA) and N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMAA) as examples of state-of-the-art ultra-low fouling PB systems prepared on a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active Ag nano-island layer fabricated on Au-coated glass substrates. Methylene blue, drop-deposited on the PB surface, is demonstrated as a suitable reporter molecule, providing spectroscopic information via both Raman and fluorescence signals. Analysis of the spectroscopic maps enabled not only the detection of micro-defects but also the differentiation between "shallow" and "deep" defects, providing detailed insights into the structural integrity of ultra-low fouling PBs.

• Klíčová slova
• Low-fouling coating, Micro-defects, Polymer brush, Surface-enhanced Raman scattering, Surface-enhanced fluorescence,
• 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

Current standards in vascular reconstruction imply the use of autologous or synthetic material. Despite being standard, autologous grafts are limited by pathologies already affecting the patient and possible complications at the site of explantation, while synthetic grafts carry increased infection risks. Decellularized tissues have gained significant attention due to their potential for improving integration and functionality. The decellularization process removes cellular components while retaining the extracellular matrix, providing a scaffold that supports endothelial cell growth and minimizes immune rejection. Porcine decellularized vena cava is a promising candidate for vascular graft applications due to its structural similarity to human blood vessels and biocompatibility. In this study, we decellularized porcine vena cava with a combination of Triton X-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate in four hours. We subsequently characterized the wall structure through histological stainings and proteomic analysis. Parameters such as wall thickness, intima-media layers thickness, collagen and elastin area fraction were quantified and compared. Moreover, decellularized veins were repopulated in vitro with human endothelial cells in static and dynamic conditions to verify the adhesion of human cells to the porcine scaffold and fully functionalize the lumen. An in-house-designed bioreactor was developed to seed endothelial cells on the lumen, mimicking the in vivo blood flow.

• Klíčová slova
• Bioreactor repopulation, Decellularization, Histological analysis, Porcine vena cava, Proteomics,
• MeSH
• bioreaktory MeSH
• decelularizovaná extracelulární matrix * chemie   MeSH
• endoteliální buňky pupečníkové žíly (lidské) cytologie   MeSH
• endoteliální buňky cytologie   MeSH
• extracelulární matrix chemie   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• tkáňové inženýrství metody   MeSH
• tkáňové podpůrné struktury * chemie   MeSH
• venae cavae * cytologie   chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• decelularizovaná extracelulární matrix * MeSH

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a widely used technique for elemental analysis. The analysis of the obtained LIBS spectra generally assumes plasma homogeneity. However, using focused laser beams for interrogation, LIBS probes materials on the microscale and is, thus, prone to artefacts from sample heterogeneities on the micrometre scale. An ablation at a material boundary of two matrices may result in a significant inhomogeneity in the plasma plume, which can severely impact the accuracy of quantitative analysis. Since this propagation of the surface morphology into the plasma plume is driven by the plasma expansion, its final impact is strongly pressure dependent. This study examines the influence of varying ambient pressures (7-1000 mbar) on plasma morphology, spectral characteristics, and key plasma properties such as electron number density at a well-defined Cu-Sn boundary, in comparison with the results obtained using homogeneous alloys. Several approaches of plasma imaging with bandpass filters, spectroscopy, and Radon transform-based 3D reconstruction were employed to analyse elemental distribution, signal-to-noise (SNR) and signal-to-background (SBR) ratios, as well as electron number densities. The 3D reconstructions revealed a pronounced plasma asymmetry for the ablation at the material boundary, in contrast to the near-axial symmetry observed for the ablation of homogeneous alloys. At lower pressures, this distinct elemental separation in plasma persisted, while higher pressures led to an increased collisional mixing and homogenization. SNR and SBR were consistently lower for ablation at the boundary compared to homogeneous samples. These findings highlight how boundary ablation contributes to plasma inhomogeneities in LIBS analysis of heterogeneous materials and emphasize the need to account for these effects when using LIBS for elemental mapping of fine heterogeneous structures.

• Klíčová slova
• Ambient pressure effects, Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, Material boundaries, Plasma inhomogeneity, Plasma tomography, Radon transform,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional analysis from the CZecking Heart Failure in patients with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease trial (ISRCTN18275480) examined pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The aims of this analysis were: 1. To analyze relations between pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling with dialysis access flow and current hydration; 2. To analyze structural heart changes associated with right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling; 3. To reveal the prevalence, etiology and severity of pulmonary hypertension in the Czech hemodialysis population. METHODS: We performed expert echocardiography, vascular access flow measurements, bioimpedance analysis, and laboratory testing in 336 hemodialysis patients. RESULTS: Pulmonary hypertension was present in 34% (114/336) patients and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling was present in 25% of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Only weak associations between the flow of the dialysis arteriovenous access and estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling was proved. There was a strong association between hydration status assessed by estimated central venous pressure with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (Rho 0.6, p < 0.0001) and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling (Rho -0.52, p < 0.0001) and association between overhydration to extracellular water ratio with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (Rho 0.31, p = 0.0001) and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling (Rho -0.29, p = 0.002). The prevalence of heart failure was significantly higher in patients with right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling (88% vs. 52%, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that optimizing volume status and treating heart failure should be prioritized in hemodialysis patients to prevent pulmonary hypertension progression and right ventricular-pulmonary arterial uncoupling.

• Klíčová slova
• Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling, arteriovenous access flow, chronic hemodialysis, fluid overload, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension,
• MeSH
• arteria pulmonalis * patofyziologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• chronické selhání ledvin * terapie   komplikace   MeSH
• dialýza ledvin * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• echokardiografie MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plicní hypertenze * patofyziologie   epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• srdeční komory * patofyziologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Viroids, small circular non-coding RNAs, act as infectious pathogens in higher plants, demonstrating high stability despite consisting solely of naked RNA. Their dependence of replication on host machinery poses the question of whether RNA modifications play a role in viroid biology. Here, we explore RNA modifications in the avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) and the citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), representative members of viroids replicating in chloroplasts and the nucleus, respectively, using LC - MS and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) direct RNA sequencing. Although no modification was detected in ASBVd, CEVd contained approximately one m6A per RNA molecule. ONT sequencing predicted three m6A positions. Employing orthogonal SELECT method, we confirmed m6A in two positions A353 and A360, which are highly conserved among CEVd variants. These positions are located in the left terminal region of the CEVd rod-like structure where likely RNA Pol II and and TFIIIA-7ZF bind, thus suggesting potential biological role of methylation in viroid replication.

• Klíčová slova
• 6-methyladenosine, LC-MS, m6A SELECT, RNA modification, Viroid, direct RNA-seq,
• MeSH
• konformace nukleové kyseliny MeSH
• kruhová RNA * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• nemoci rostlin virologie   MeSH
• posttranskripční úpravy RNA * MeSH
• replikace viru MeSH
• RNA virová * genetika   metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• sekvenční analýza RNA MeSH
• viroidy * genetika   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• kruhová RNA * MeSH
• RNA virová * MeSH

Cryptosporidium mortiferum, a parasite transmitted by squirrels, is beginning to spread in Europe. C. mortiferum was detected in a symptomatic human. A 44-year-old man from the Czech Republic suffered from gastroenteritis characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, and loose stools. Molecular analyses confirmed the XIVaA20G2T1 subtype in the patient's stool. At the same time, the same subtype of C. mortiferum was detected in three red squirrels and two ground squirrels in the area where the patient lived. The intensity of the infection was significantly higher in the red squirrels that died, while the ground squirrels showed no symptoms. The results of the study indicate that red squirrels and ground squirrels are the reservoirs for the infection.

• Klíčová slova
• Cryptosporidium mortiferum, human, infection, squirrels,
• MeSH
• Cryptosporidium * genetika   izolace a purifikace   klasifikace   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• feces parazitologie   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• gastroenteritida parazitologie   MeSH
• kryptosporidióza * parazitologie   přenos   epidemiologie   diagnóza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Sciuridae * parazitologie   MeSH
• zdroje nemoci parazitologie   MeSH
• zoonózy * parazitologie   přenos   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• kazuistiky MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Evropa MeSH

BACKGROUND: The current negative trend in the physical behavior and lifestyle of the population therefore requires adequate changes in the professional training of physiotherapists. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the structure and differences in the weekly physical activity (PA) of Czech physiotherapy students, the use of wearables in physiotherapy professional training, and the attitude of physiotherapy students toward PA and the use of wearables in physiotherapy practice. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2022, 412 physiotherapy students participated in a PA-monitoring study using questonnaires International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form, Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revise, pedometers, Garmin Vívofit and Axivity AX3 accelerometers. RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of physiotherapy students PA drew attention to insufficient weekly PA and insufficient achievement of the PA recommendation of at least 60 min five times a week (55% of men and 41% of women). Instrumental PA monitoring allowed analyzing individual daily PA and structure of weekly PA. Highest PA indicated men (14,102 steps/day) and women (12,724 steps/day) of the 1st study year on Tuesday. The lowest PA (9,488 steps/day for men and 8,815 steps/day for women), were observed in the 4th study year on Sundays. The recommended target of 11,000 steps per day was achieved by 40% of the men and 46% of the women. Wearables enhanced participants PA motivation (51%). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of weekly PA monitoring in the professional training of physiotherapists ensured a deeper insight into the possibilities of PA monitoring in physiotherapy practice . Students are prepared to use wearables more widely to improve physical therapy practice.

The study demonstrated the need for greater support for physical activity (PA) of physiotherapy students during their studies.Incorporating comprehensive weekly PA monitoring into physiotherapy education is essential, especially with the rapid development of wearable technology.Monitoring PA using different methods enabled students to better assess the possibilities of using wearables in physiotherapy practice.

• Klíčová slova
• Physical activity, lifestyle, monitoring, professional education, wearables,
• MeSH
• cvičení * fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• fyzioterapeuti * výchova   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• motivace MeSH
• postoj zdravotnického personálu MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Tailocins are nano-scale phage tail-like protein complexes that can mediate antagonistic interactions between closely related bacterial species. While the capacity to produce R-type tailocin was found widely across Gammaproteobacteria, the production of F-type tailocins seems comparatively rare. In this study, we examined the freshwater isolate, Pragia fontium 24613, which can produce both R- and F-type tailocins. We investigated their inhibition spectrum, focusing on clinically relevant enterobacteria, and identified the associated tailocin gene cluster. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that inactivation of the tape measure protein within the tailocin cluster disrupted R-tailocin production. Comparative analysis of Budviciaceae gene clusters showed high conservation of R-type tailocin genes, whereas F-type tailocin genes were found in only a few species, with little conservation. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of bacteriocin production among underexplored Enterobacteriales species. Detected tailocins showed potential as antimicrobials targeting clinically significant pathogens.

• Klíčová slova
• Antibiotics, Antimicrobial agent, Enterobacteria, Fonticin, Phage tail-like particle, Yersinia enterocolitica,
• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky farmakologie   biosyntéza   MeSH
• bakteriociny * genetika   farmakologie   MeSH
• bakteriofágy * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Enterobacteriaceae * genetika   metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• multigenová rodina MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky MeSH
• bakteriociny * MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Impulsivity and aggression are often interlinked behavioral traits that have major implications for our society. Therefore, the study of this phenomenon and derivative interventions that could lead to better control of impulsive aggression are of interest. METHODS: We analyzed the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial microbiome of 33 impulsively violent female convicts with dissocial personality disorder and 20 non-impulsive age-matched women. Further, levels of assorted neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed in serum and stool samples. We also assessed all participants using a battery of psychological questionnaires and tested possible correlations between the collected clinical data and the composition and diversity of their microbiomes and metabolites. RESULTS: We identified four bacterial amplicon sequencing variants that were differentially abundant in non-impulsive versus impulsive women - the genera Bacteroides, Barnesiella, and the order Rhodospirillales were more abundant in impulsive women. In contrast, the genus Catenisphaera was more abundant in non-impulsive women. Fecal tryptophan levels were significantly higher in impulsive women. Association analysis revealed a strong positive intercorrelation between most fecal SCFAs in the entire dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated possible associations between gut microbiomes and their metabolites and impulsive behavior in a unique cohort of prisoners convicted of violent assaults and a matched group of non-impulsive women from the same prison. Genus Bacteroides, which was differentially abundant in the two groups, encoded enzymes that affect serotonin pathways and could contribute to this maladaptive behavior. Similarly, increased fecal tryptophan levels in impulsive individuals could affect neuronal circuits in the brain. INTRODUCTION: Impulsivity and aggression are often interlinked behavioral traits that have major implications for our society. Therefore, the study of this phenomenon and derivative interventions that could lead to better control of impulsive aggression are of interest. METHODS: We analyzed the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial microbiome of 33 impulsively violent female convicts with dissocial personality disorder and 20 non-impulsive age-matched women. Further, levels of assorted neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed in serum and stool samples. We also assessed all participants using a battery of psychological questionnaires and tested possible correlations between the collected clinical data and the composition and diversity of their microbiomes and metabolites. RESULTS: We identified four bacterial amplicon sequencing variants that were differentially abundant in non-impulsive versus impulsive women - the genera Bacteroides, Barnesiella, and the order Rhodospirillales were more abundant in impulsive women. In contrast, the genus Catenisphaera was more abundant in non-impulsive women. Fecal tryptophan levels were significantly higher in impulsive women. Association analysis revealed a strong positive intercorrelation between most fecal SCFAs in the entire dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated possible associations between gut microbiomes and their metabolites and impulsive behavior in a unique cohort of prisoners convicted of violent assaults and a matched group of non-impulsive women from the same prison. Genus Bacteroides, which was differentially abundant in the two groups, encoded enzymes that affect serotonin pathways and could contribute to this maladaptive behavior. Similarly, increased fecal tryptophan levels in impulsive individuals could affect neuronal circuits in the brain.

• Klíčová slova
• Bacteroides, Dopamine, Metabolites, Serotonin, Tryptophan,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• feces mikrobiologie   chemie   MeSH
• impulzivní chování * fyziologie   MeSH
• kyseliny mastné těkavé metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• násilí * psychologie   MeSH
• neurotransmiterové látky metabolismus   krev   MeSH
• střevní mikroflóra * fyziologie   MeSH
• vězni * psychologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• kyseliny mastné těkavé MeSH
• neurotransmiterové látky MeSH