Objective. The Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire – Symptoms (CPAQ-S, 20 items) measures patients’ acceptance of their symptoms. The questionnaire was created by reframing the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire-20 (CPAQ-20). This study describes the Czech validation of the full and short CPAQ-S forms.Sample and settings. The final sample consisted of 368 patients (71% female) recruited at seven clinical sites in the Czech Republic. Hypotheses. A hypothesized two-dimensional factor structure (Activity Engagement and Symptom Willingness) was tested together with other theoretically relevant factor solutions.Statistical analyses. An ordinal confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis were employed. Results. None of the theory-driven factor structures were confirmed in the CPAQ-S-20, and exploratory factor analysis did not yield any satisfactory factor solution. However, an eightitem version (CPAQ-S-8) was derived based on the factor analysis that was characterized by good psychometric properties even when retaining important facets of the expected two-factor structure (i.e., Activity Engagement and Symptom Willingness).Limitations. While the sample heterogeneity was conceived as a strength of the study, an underlying noninvariance across different types of complaints could have caused unsatisfactory functioning of the scale. and Cíl. Škála Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (20položková verze) měřící přijetí chronické bolesti byla adaptována k měření přijetí obecných chronických obtíží pacientů klinických zařízení: Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire – Symptoms. Tato studie popisuje českou adaptaci plné a zkrácené (CPAQ-S) verze škály. Vzorek. Finální vzorek sestával z 368 pacientů (71 % žen) ze sedmi klinických zařízení v České republice. Hypotézy. Předpokládaná dvoufaktorová struktura (Zapojení do aktivit navzdory bolesti a Ochota snášet symptomy) byla testována společně s dalšími teoreticky relevantními modely. Statistické analýzy. Byla použita ordinální konfirmační a následná explorační faktorová analýza. Výsledky. Žádný z testovaných faktorových modelů CPAQ-S-20 nebyl podpořen daty. Využití explorační faktorové analýzy nepřineslo žádnou přidanou informační hodnotu. Empiricky odvozená osmi-položková verze škály (CPAQ-S-8) byla charakterizována poměrně dobrými psychometrickými vlastnostmi i po zachování očekávané dvoufaktorové struktury tj., Zapojení do aktivit navzdory bolesti a Ochota snášet symptomy. Limity. Zatímco heterogenitu vzorku je možné vnímat jako silnou stránku studie, heterogenita různých typů obtíží, jimiž pacienti ve vzorku trpěli, mohla způsobit neuspokojivé fungování škály.
Leptin-melanocortin pathway plays an essential role in the body weight regulation. Enhanced melanocortin signaling in the hypothalamus results in both decreased food intake and increased energy expenditure. The discovery of monogenic obesities with dysfunction of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) greatly contributed to understanding of energy balance regulation. This review presents phenotypical characterization and prevalence of the MC4R gene mutations. Genome-wide association studies revealed that MC4R gene is significantly related not only to monogenic obesities but also to common obesity. An interaction of variants in the MC4R gene with fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene significantly increases the risk for obesity, particularly in adolescence. On the other hand, about 15 % of the MC4R gene variants result in a gain of function that protects against obesity and is associated with favorable metabolic profile. Long-term attempts to activate the MC4R have recently been finalized by a discovery of setmelanotide, a novel specific MC4R agonist that is devoid of untoward cardiovascular side-effects. The employment of specific MC4R agonists may open new horizons not only in the treatment of rare monogenic obesities but also in some common obesities where stimulation of MC4R could be achieved., Vojtěch Hainer, Irena Aldhoon Hainerová, Marie Kunešová, Radka Taxová Braunerová, Hana Zamrazilová, Běla Bendlová., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Male reproductive functions are an important area affecting men´s overall health and well-being. However, during the last years, there has been observed increasing incidence of male reproductive issues. The radical growth has been recorded parallelly with a massive expanse of industrialization and agricultural chemigation. Many groups of experts have begun to identify several potential factors and substances that may have adverse effects on men´s reproductive health. Since then, xenobiotics have become a major concern of many scientific studies. There is evidence that most of them have multigenerational and transgenerational effects on reproductive health, which is a serious problem for our population. Bisphenol A could be considered as one of the most studied endocrine disruptors. Until now, several negative effects of bisphenol A were associated with reduced weight testes, histological alterations, impairment spermatogenesis, and steroidogenesis as well as with testes or prostate cancer. Due to convincing evidence, bisphenol A has been started to replace by its analogues such as bisphenol B, S, F, in order to eliminate and suppress the risk of exposure to bisphenol A. However, it seems that a lack of toxicological analyses allows using of these hazardous substances in daily life. Their harmful effect was confirmed by the animal in vitro and in vivo models, while the epidemiological studies monitoring the impact of bisphenol analogues on men's reproductive health are markedly limited. This review provides information about the effects of bisphenol on reproductive health in men. At the same time, it is focused on physiological aspects of sperm viability, steroid hormone secretion, sperm motility, or testes histology in relation to bisphenols exposure.
Východiska. Trenéři národního týmu vzpírání deklarují, že jejich svěřenci vykazují nedostatky v mentálních dovednostech, což vede k nevyrovnaným výkonům na vrcholných soutěžích. Na základě poznatků o efektivitě mentálního tréninku (MT) v jiných sportech je možné usoudit, že má MT potenciál ve vrcholovém vzpírání. Cíl. Cílem autorů bylo vytvořit a ověřit program založený na technikách mentálního tréninku implementovaných do sportovního tréninku vzpěračů juniorské kategorie České republiky a také reflektovat vliv temperamentových rysů závodníka na implementaci MT program v jeho sportovním tréninku. Metody. Byly provedeny polostrukturované rozhovory se vzpěračem a trenérem před a po realizaci programu mentálního tréninku. Byly použity psychodiagnostické testy – Test pozornosti d2 a TEZADO měřící pozornost resp. dimenze temperamentu, a to za účelem doplnění subjektivních výpovědí. Další metodou doplňující kvantitativní data byly sebehodnotící škály. Výsledky. Z výsledků vyplývá, že některé techniky mentálního tréninku měly pozitivní vliv na úroveň deficitních mentálních dovedností. Tyto mentální dovednosti jsou klíčové při přípravě reprezentanta vzpírání a mohou mít významný vliv na sportovní výkon. Nejvýznamnější rozdíl byl dosažen v dovednosti opětovného zaměření pozornosti a nejmenší v imaginaci. Podle probanda byl vliv temperamentových rysů na program mentálního tréninku významný v souvislosti s opětovným zaměřením pozornosti a zvládáním vzteku a agrese. Závěry. Techniky mentálního tréninku mohou pomoci špičkovým vzpěračům překonat nedostatky v mentálních dovednostech používaných ve sportovní přípravě, což může mít pozitivní vliv na výkonnost v tréninku i soutěžích. Aby byl program úspěšný, je důležité sebepoznání temperamentových rysů. and Background. According to the coaches, the weightlifters of the national team show deficiencies in mental skills, which leads to unbalanced performance at top competitions. Based on the knowledge of the efficacy of mental training (MT) from other sports, it is possible to conclude the potential of the MT in top weightlifting. Objective. The main aim of the authors was to create and verify a program based on mental training techniques implemented in sports training of weightlifter of the junior category of the Czech Republic, and also to reflect the influence of the competitor's temperamental dimensions on the implementation of the MT program in her sports training. Methods. Semi-structured interviews with the athlete and the coach before and after the implementation of the mental training program were conducted. A psychodiagnostic tests – Test of attention d2 and TEZADO measuring attention resp. temperamental dimensions were used in addition to subjective statements. Self-assessing scales were also used to obtain more quantitative data. Results. Results showed that some of the mental training techniques had a positive effect on deficient mental skills. These mental skills are crucial in the preparation of the weightlifting representative and can have a significant influence on a sports athlete's performance. The most significant difference was achieved in the skill of refocusing and the smallest difference in imagination. According to the subject, the influence of the temperamental dimensions on the mental training program had a significant impact in connection with the refocusing and anger coping. Conclusion. Mental training techniques can help top weightlifters to overcome the mental skills deficiencies used in their sports training, which may have a positive influence on performance in both training and competitions. Self-knowledge of the temperamental dimensions is significant to the success of the program.
Granulosa cells (GCs) are somatic cells essential for establishing and maintaining bi-directional communication with the oocytes. This connection has a profound importance for the delivery of energy substrates, structural components and ions to the maturing oocyte through gap junctions. Cumulus cells, group of closely associated GCs, surround the oocyte and can diminished the effect of harmful environmental insults. Both GCs and oocytes prefer different energy substrates in their cellular metabolism: GCs are more glycolytic, whereas oocytes rely more on oxidative phosphorylation pathway. The interconnection of these cells is emphasized by the fact that GCs supply oocytes with intermediates produced in glycolysis. The number of GCs surrounding the oocyte and their age affect the energy status of oocytes. This review summarises available studies collaboration of cellular types in the ovarian follicle from the point of view of energy metabolism, signaling and protection of toxic insults. A deeper knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is crucial for better methods to prevent and treat infertility and to improve the technology of in vitro fertilization.
The Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis is an invasive insect in Europe and the Americas and is a great threat to the environment in invaded areas. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that non native species are resistant to many groups of parasites that attack native insects. However, very little is known about the complex microbial community associated with this insect. This study based on sequencing 16S rRNA genes in extracted metagenomic DNA is the first research on the bacterial flora associated with H. axyridis. Lady beetles were collected during hibernation from wind turbines in Poland. A mean ± SD of 114 ± 35 species of bacteria were identified. The dominant phyla of bacteria recorded associated with H. axyridis were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Representatives of these phyla are common in the environment, e.g. in the soil, and are often identified as the dominant bacteria associated with arthropods. We also identified animal pathogenic bacteria, such as Burkholderia, Rhodococcus, Chlamydiae and Anaplasmataceae spp. (Neorickettsia helminthoeca and Ehrlichia ovina). We also identified Wolbachia pipientis in a single beetle. This bacterium is a causative agent of reproductive alterations in arthropods. These results support the enemy release hypothesis in the case of this ladybird invasion. Pathogenic bacteria were recorded in only a few samples. Moreover, male-killing bacteria such as Spiroplasma spp., Wolbachia spp. and Rickettsia spp. were only recorded in single insects so they cannot be responsible for the observed alterations in the sex-ratio of the ladybird population studied., Krzysztof Dudek, Kinga Humińska, Jacek Wojciechowicz, Piotr Tryjanowski., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Methamphetamine (MA), as a psychostimulant drug that crosses
the placental barrier, may disrupt the development of social play.
The present study aims to examine the effect of prenatal MA
(5 mg/kg) exposure during the first (gestational day (GD) 1-11)
or second (GD 12–22) halves of prenatal development of rats on
social play behavior. To investigate an acute effect of MA on
social play in adulthood, juvenile rats were exposed to a dose of
1 mg/kg MA or saline on the test day and tested for social play
for 15 min. Prenatal exposure to MA during GD 1–11 increased
social play behavior during 5-10 min interval of the test in males
but not females. Prenatal MA during GD 12–22 did not influence
social play in males nor females. However, social play occurred to
a greater extent in GD 12–22 groups compared with GD 1–11.
Acute exposure to MA eliminated playful behavior in all groups
and decreased social exploration in GD 1–11. Our results suggest
that manipulation of prenatal development during the first half of
the gestational period has a greater impact on social play
behavior than during the second half.
There is growing evidence that methamphetamine use during pregnancy may produce detrimental cardiovascular effects in the adult offspring. Prior work demonstrated that chronic methamphetamine exposure throughout the gestational period causes adult female offspring to become hypersensitive to myocardial ischemic injury. The goal of the present study was to determine whether this methamphetamine-induced effect occurs early or late in the gestational period. Pregnant female rats were divided into 4 experimental groups. Groups 1 and 2 received subcutaneous injections of saline (group 1) or methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) (group 2) throughout the gestational period. Group 3 received methamphetamine injections on days 1-11 and saline on days 12-22, and group 4 received saline on days 1-11 and methamphetamine on days 12-22. Hearts were isolated from adult (8 weeks) female offspring and subjected to 30 min ischemia and 2 hours reperfusion on a Langendorff isolated heart apparatus. Contractile function was measured via an intraventricular balloon, and infarct size was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Infarcts were significantly larger in methamphetamine exposed offspring regardless of whether they had been exposed to methamphetamine during the first half or the second half of the gestational period. Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine had no effect on preischemic contractile function or postischemic recovery of contractile function. These data indicate that methamphetamine use during either the first half or second half of pregnancy increases susceptibility to myocardial infarction in adult female offspring. These data provide further evidence that prenatal exposure to methamphetamine may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases during adulthood.
Methamphetamine (MA), as massively abused psychoactive stimulant, has been associated with many neurological diseases. It has various potent and neurotoxic properties. There are many mechanisms of action that contribute to its neurotoxic and degenerative effects, including excessive neurotransmitter (NEU) release, blockage of NEU uptake transporters, degeneration of NEU receptors, process of oxidative stress etc. MA intoxication is caused by blood-brain barrier disruption resulted from MA-induced oxidation stress. In our laboratory we constantly work on animal research of MA. Our current interest is to investigate processes of MA-induced alteration in neurotransmission, especially during development of laboratory rat. This review will describe current understanding in role of NEUs, which are affected by MA-induced neurotoxicity caused by altering the action of NEUs in the central nervous system (CNS). It also briefly brings information about NEUs development in critical periods of development.
Emotion has an essential effect on various cognitive processes in humans including attention, perception, learning, and memory. Long-term memories are affected not only by the emotion experienced during learning but also by the emotional state during retrieval. The term “emotional memory” is often associated with episodic memory and mental time-travel; however, emotion influences every aspect of memory (e.g., both declarative memory and non-declarative memory). Here the authors discuss the methodological advantages and limitations across the current methods in emotional memory research. Traditional neuropsychological methods use emotionally arousing stimuli; however, such stimuli are often reduced to a simple list of words or pictures. In comparison to these methods, virtual reality (VR) is a relatively new tool, but with growing importance in neuroscience research and clinical practice. VR allows to study human behavior, cognitive functions, and brain activity in ecologically valid situations even under laboratory conditions. Future directions and potential use of virtual reality in emotional memory testing are discussed. and Emoce mají zásadní vliv na různé kognitivní procesy u lidí, včetně pozornosti, vnímání, uče-ní a paměti. Dlouhodobé vzpomínky jsou ovliv-něny nejen emocemi prožitými při jejich učení, ale také emočním stavem při jejich vybavová-ní. Termín „emoční paměť“ je často spojován s epizodickou pamětí a s mentálním cestováním v čase, emoce však ovlivňují každý aspekt paměti (např. jak deklarativní paměť, tak nedeklarativ-ní paměť). V této přehledové studii autoři dis-kutují metodologické výhody a omezení napříč současnými metodami výzkumu emoční paměti. Tradiční neuropsychologické metody využívají podněty vzbuzující emoce; takové podněty se však často redukují na jednoduchý seznam slov nebo obrázků. Ve srovnání s těmito metodami je virtuální realita (VR) relativně novým nástro-jem s rostoucím významem v neurovědním vý-zkumu a klinické praxi. VR umožňuje studovat lidské chování, kognitivní funkce a mozkovou aktivitu v ekologicky validních situacích i v la-boratorních podmínkách. Ve studii jsou shrnuty budoucí cíle a potenciální využití virtuální reali-ty při testování emoční paměti.