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Introduction: Depressive disorder, as one of the most common mental illnesses, adversely affects the lives and health of many people around the world. It occurs at any age, but most commonly between the ages of 20 and 40. Worldwide, approximately 100 million people suffer from depressive disorders each year, with many individuals experiencing partial treatment response or treatment resistance, which continually increases the need to find effective prevention and treatment strategies, as well as to monitor and evaluate currently used approaches in routine clinical practice. Materials and methods: The more broadly conceived study, working title UMBRELLA, was a non-interventional, observational, multicentre study, the first phase of which focused on the so-called "real world evidence" of reasons for changing psychopharmacological treatment and its detailed nature in patients suffering from a depressive episode of periodic depressive disorder. The final evaluation included data from 267 patients treated in psychiatric outpatient clinics in the Czech Republic that participated in the probe into their own clinical practice. Results: Data from 74 men (27.7%) and 193 women (72.3%) with a mean age of 49 years were analysed. Changes in treatment were made by the physician based on an assessment of the residual symptoms present, with persistent depressed mood, fatigue and anhedonia being the most common problems. The most commonly used medications included antidepressants (e.g., escitalopram, venlafaxine, sertraline), atypical antipsychotics (e.g., quetiapine), and classic antipsychotics (e.g., chlorprothixene). Adjustments to pharmacological treatment were most commonly made by manipulating antidepressants, changing the active ingredient, or modifying their daily doses. Discussion and conclusion: The present naturalistic observational study mapped the reasons for the change in pharmacological approach and the actual nature of the newly chosen treatment strategy. The observed heterogeneity of pharmacological treatment manipulation patterns confirms that the treatment of depressive episodes in clinical practice follows an individualized approach for each individual patient. Here, we encounter a desire for the application of recommended practices in the treatment of this widespread mental illness, which very effectively describe the treatment of initial episodes and, in the case of recurrent episodes, should provide the basic principles of a therapeutic approach to the management of this problem. The finding that, even in the context of recurrent episodes of periodic depressive disorder, effective intervention can be achieved by increasing the dose of antidepressant medication or changing it, supports the drive to educate specialists and practitioners in these basic treatment approaches. Overall, the study provides information that reflects common clinical practice and underscores the importance of initiating a strategy to change the pharmacological approach in any patient, at any stage of the treatment of this mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Proper use of medicine is the mainstay in COPD pharmacotherapy. According to the studies, there is a lack of adherence to therapy for chronic diseases. One of the relevant reasons for poor adherence and treatment failure could be difficulty in drug administration. This review is focused on published literature on methods of checking adherence and also studies focused on adherence and proper handling of COPD medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study assessed the psychometric properties of Czech adaptation of the Suicidal Ideation Assessment Scale (SIDAS) developed to enable online administration and evaluates its use among LGBT+ people. Methods: Using confirmatory factor analysis, we examined factor structure and measurement invariance across LGBT+ subgroups within a sample consisting of 1 778 participants. Results: We found a consistent one-factor structure and partial measurement invariance, enabling comparisons. SIDAS showed strong convergent validity with loneliness, emotion dysregulation, stress, rumination, and life satisfaction. Discussion: The adapted SIDAS proves valuable for assessing suicidal ideation within the LGBT+ community and is suitable for online administration; as such, it may help guide and assess the effects of targeted interventions. Future research should explore temporal dynamics and additional variables for severity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using radiofrequency energy has been the gold standard until these days. Nevertheless, there are limitations associated with the application of thermal energy such as damage to collateral structures, time-consuming nature, and, in particular, frequent recurrences of both atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardias. Therefore, it was essential to find a brand new method with a better safety and efficiency profile. Promising results have been obtained with methods using pulsed field based on the principles of irreversible electroporation which, in comparison with the methods used so far that have a thermal effect and induce coagulation necrosis, predominantly cause disintegration of the cell membrane. This article deals with the principle of electroporation, pathophysiological background, and technical specification of the development of ablation systems using pulsed field energy. Also presented are the results of initial clinical trials with ablation treatment of all types of atrial fibrillation using the pulsed field method as well as the initial experience from the practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population pharmacokinetics is a field of pharmacology that aims to create a mathematical model describing the pharmacokinetics of a drug in a population, including its variability. This article provides an insight into this field and explains the terminology to better understand the studies. The method is introduced in the context of pharmacology as a whole, with an emphasis on pharmacokinetics and the use of statistical models for optimal dosing. The next section is a quick summary of the history of pharmacokinetics after the creation of NONMEM with a follow-up on computerized data processing today. The following section focuses on model building, various approaches to parameter estimation including the Bayesian method, and continues with validation methods, followed by a short section on parameter covariance. Finally, the benefits and positives of population pharmacokinetics are summarized and a discussion of its limitations and perspectives is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transsexualism concerns the form of found, not freely chosen sexual identity, which is characterized by the fact that biological sex is different from the psychological one. This gender dysphoria cannot be ultimately overcome, because a biological (i.e. genetical) sex cannot be changed, despite the possibility of matching the body phenotypically to psychological gender by hormone therapy or surgery. Therefore, the task of recognition and acceptance of their sexuality can be difficult for transsexuals. So, they needn't only prevention, but they also need support in the process of developing themselves in the corporeal and spiritual unity, so that they could find and develop their identity. This puts the issue in a fundamental debate on the relationship between biological, socio--cultural, and psychological gender identity. These different aspects of sexual identity cannot be separated from each other, but they must be distinguished. Within the right to sexual self-determination, the gender debate does not mean that anyone can freely choose and change their sexual identity, but that their right to recognize, accept and shape their gender identity given to them and conditioned by biological, socio-cultural factors is acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Předkládaná kazuistika by měla ukázat a zdůraznit, proč je důležité vyšetřovat pacienty s mozkovou příhodou ve vertebrobazilárním povodí. Relativně novou a efektivní vyšetřovací metodou je kvantitativní MR (magnetickorezonanční) angiografie (QMRA). Tato metoda je schopna detekovat a neinvazivně měřit tok v a. bazilaris (BA) a obou zadních mozkových tepnách (PCA). Průtok pod 120 ml/min v BA a nižší než 40 ml/min v PCA (arteria cerebri posterior) definuje „low flow“ pacienty, kteří jsou indikováni k revaskularizačnímu zákroku (endovaskulárně stentem nebo mikrochirurgicky bypassem) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing technology and simulation medicine have been both experiencing big boom recently. In this work we would like to demonstrate process of creation of training task models for establishing intraosseous access at several locations. We used 3D scanner and anatomical preparations (humerus and tibia) for creation of the models in the form of .stl file. The models were 3D printed. Students' feedback was assessed with use of structured questionnaire. Anatomical structures that are necessary for identification of the place of establishing intraosseous access are well-palpable in all models. When part of each model simulating cortical layer of bone was drilled through a significant feeling of give appeared as a sign of entrance into trabecular part of the bone. Several physicians working either in the field of emergency or anesthesiology confirmed fidelity of our models. Most of the students (88.97 %) reported that our models correspond better to real bones when compared to commercially available models. The models we created are realistic, easy to reproduce and very cheap. Simulation medicine and medical education may benefit from use of 3D printing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a selective overview of the most important methodological approaches and theoretical concepts relevant to the study of musical meaning which have emerged in the Anglo-American musicological tradition since the 1990s. It takes as its starting point the work of Lawrence Kramer, which represents the conceptual underpinnings of New Musicology, and continues with Michael Klein's study of musical intertextuality, which helps to further illustrate the implications of post-modern philosophy for the hermeneutical interpretation of music. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to Robert Hatten's work on markedness, correlation, gestures, topics, and tropes. The discussion of the topic theory also covers the contributions made by Raymond Monelle, Danuta Mirka, and others. The overview continues with Esti Sheinberg's theory of musical incongruities and her typology of modes of semantic ambiguity, including irony, satire, parody, and the grotesque. To complement the traditional text-based approach to musical meaning, this overview also considers meanings communicated through the movements of the human body, referencing Nicholas Cook's thoughts on embodied cognition and Robert Hatten's approach to interpreting musical gestures encoded in a musical text. Attention is also paid to the line of thinking leading from Edward T. Cone's ideas on the presence of different voices and personae in seemingly singular musical works, through Fred Maus's conception of music in terms of dramatic interaction of musical agents, to Hatten's theory of virtual agency. This is followed by the summary of Byron Almén's theory of musical narrative, i.e. the capacity of music to articulate a trajectory leading from one state to another, propelled by the dynamic forces of conflict and resolution. Subsequent chapters discuss the relevance of recent approaches to the study of musical form (William Caplin, James Hepokoski, Warren Darcy) and the possibilities/limits of musical narrative in music since 1900, in which the conventional principles of syntax (tonality, form, motivic/thematic structure) are often questioned. In the closing section, the author returns to Kramer's ideas, takes a stance with regard to the opposition of semiotic and hermeneutic approaches, and discusses ethical issues associated with the act of interpretation (and misinterpretation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are one of the mainstays of long-term treatment for schizophrenia. The production of the first classical long-acting injectable antipsychotics began in the 1970s and their use expanded, only to decline with the advent of second-generation oral antipsychotics with new properties. Taking advantage of the beneficial properties of second-generation antipsychotics, including their neuroprotective effect, with 100% certainty of adherence, is made possible by the current range of long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotics. In the Czech Republic, the first second-generation antipsychotic in this dosage form was registered in 2003, and four active substances are currently available, the prescription of which remains limited by reimbursement restrictions. The costs for health insurers have been gradually increasing over 20 years and have tripled when comparing 2014-2022. The first generic long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs are currently being marketed, the arrival of which will bring about a decline in reimbursement from public health insurance in this important segment of psychopharmacological treatment, theoretically allowing its further expansion towards appropriate patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the importance of long-term follow-up of patients after stent graft implantation for abdominal aortic aneurysm in terms of the incidence of late complications. Methods: From 1996 to 2021, 649 patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries were treated endovascularly at our institution. Sixty-nine patients were followed ten or more years after stent graft implantation, 61 men and 8 women aged 50 to 81 years, the average age was 67 years. Patients were followed up with CT angiography and an X-ray of the stent graft skeleton at one-year intervals. Follow-up duration was 10-22 years, mean follow-up was 14 years, median was 13 years. Results: During follow-up in a group of 69 patients, 29 complications (42%) were detected in 22 patients (31%), which were indicated for treatment. In 8 (11.5%) patients type II endoleak without enlargement of the aneurysm sac were diagnosed, i.e. without indication for therapy. Twenty-nine late complications occurred in 1 to 18 years after stent graft implantation, 6 in less than 5 years, 12 complications in 5-10 years. Eleven complications in more than 10 years (18%), of which 9 complications in 7 patients who had no complications in the first 5 years and reduced or stationary sac aneurysm. One patient had stent graft migration, 4 patients had migration and Ia endoleak, 3 had Ib endoleak, 8 patients had type III endoleak, 3 had type II endoleak with aneurysm sac growth, 5 had endotension, and two patients had iliac limb thrombosis, stent graft thrombosis in one, and abscess in the retroperitoneum in 2 patients. Most complications were indicated for endovascular treatment. Conclusion: Late complications after stent graft implantation for abdominal aortic aneurysm at risk of aortic rupture can occur at any time during follow-up, even in patients who had no complication in the first five years after implantation and even had a reduced aneurysm sac. Long-term follow-up of patients after endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm is therefore essential, and patients cannot be excluded from follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses a fragment of an early Gothic relief tile with an elephant motif which was found at Zvíkov Castle. Due to the location of the find (a modernera wall), the question of when and under what circumstances it got to the castle remains unanswered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to present a case report based on the Rorschach protocol of an adolescent patient with anorexia nervosa, demonstrating hypervigilant experiencing and distorted thinking patterns. Based on the psychological characteristics of adolescence and quantitative research on the monitoring of eating disorders with the Rorschach test, the key variables of the applied method and their expected configuration are defined. The case study presents anamnestic data of a seventeen-year-old patient with anorexia nervosa and information about the context of the psychological diagnosis performed. The protocol contains 37 responses collected according to the rules of the Comprehensive System. The scoring is done according to the Comprehe nsive System rules and includes the scales used in previous studies. The scoring system for barriers and penetrations is also newly used. In addition to assessing agreement with the expected configuration of variables (introversion; high PTI, Wsum6, Mp; low H and Hd; high dysphoric experiencing, aggression and S), particular attention is paid to the dynamics of the protocol and the importance of partial variables in the overall protocol picture, focusing on distorted thinking, body theme and aggression. The case study offers insight into the dynamics of hypervigilant and fantasy-distorted experiences of body themes. In addition to the limitations of the idiographic approach to personality, the limitation is the absence of other patient protocols reflecting the disease's development [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper publishes the first records of the occurrence of a native species Sonchus palustris and three alien species Eryngium giganteum, Inula ensifolia and Medicago orbicularis in South Bohemia. New localities of rare native or rare alien taxa and threatened or otherwise important taxa of the South Bohemian flora are reported and described: Carex otrubae, Ceratophyllum submersum, Cynodon dactylon, Dipsacus laciniatus, Erysimum cheiri, Erucastrum gallicum, Geranium macrorrhizum, Hieracium bifidum, Lathyrus nissolia subsp. pubescens, Rubus centrobohemicus, Sisymbrium orientale subsp. orientale, Sorghum bicolor, Thelypteris palustris and Trifolium fragiferum. For some of the species mentioned above, regional distribution or known localities are only updated or supplemented here. Particularly, the record of Verbena offi- cinalis near the village of Ratiborova Lhota in the Chvalšinské Předšumaví phytogeographical district was found to be wrong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Czech Republic lies on the historically fast changing western margin of the Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) distribution range. Population numbers of the Common Rosefinch in northwestern and central Europe have been declining in the last two decades and the occupied areas have been contracting. In 2022, census of the species took place in 11 regions of its predominant occurrence in the Czech Republic. Based on the census data and systematically collected data reported by local ornithologists, we estimated the Common Rosefinch abundance at 300-550 pairs for the period 2020-2022. It shows a decline of 60-85% compared to the population size in the 1990s. There are certain regional differences, though. The species has already disappeared from many localities in the foothills of east-Bohemian mountains, while in the Ostrava region its population appears to be stable during the recent few years. The decline in the Czech Republic is probably related to the same pattern observed in the neighbouring countries. The most likely reasons for the observed trend are climate change, deteriorating conditions at migration routes and wintering sites, or the natural population dynamics of the core population in eastern Europe and Asia. The decrease of suitable habitats probably accelerates the decline in the foothills of Czech borderland mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quarry is situated approx. 1 km Northeast from the Bohuslávky municipality in the cadastral area of Dolní Újezd, local part Skála. Extensive one level quarry was not so far well described. The quarry is situated on the very southern edge of the Moravice Formation of the Nízký Jeseník Culm basin. Sedimentological, paleontological and ichnological data were collected from the Lower Carboniferous Culm basin of Moravosilezian area within a field research by the geology staff of the Regional Museum in Olomouc. Trace fossils, fossil remnants of goniatites, fossil plant remnants, sole markings and microbial mats or biolamination were found. Tectonic analysis of the cracks and partial sedimentological analysis were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research article deals with the identification of positive externalities from road freight transport and their connection with economic growth. Data on the economic indicators of the Slovak Republic, its individual regions and the economic indicators of the European Union are processed and subsequently analysed. Examined positive externalities of road freight transport were selected based on the performed analysis. Most of the attention is paid to the negative effects of transport and the topic of positive externalities is rarely addressed, despite the fact that road transport and infrastructure have an undeniable positive impact on the economic growth of the country and the development of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the set of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) in Complex Cardiovascular Center (CCC) in Pilsen and evaluate changes in microbial spectrum and prognosis of patients. Methods: We used a retrospective analysis to identify 109 patients with the diagnosis of IE according to modified Duke criteria, who were hospitalised in CCC in Pilsen from May 2011 to April 2019. This eight-year time period was divided into two four-year intervals to compare the changes in the set of patients. Results: The study included 85 men and 24 women. 56 patients (51 %) had native valve endocarditis (NVE), 35 patients (32 %) had prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and 18 patients (17 %) had cardiac device related infective endocarditis (CDRIE). In the PVE group, 8 mechanical and 27 biological prosthesis (including 2 cases of IE after transcatheter aortic valve implantation – TAVI) were affected. When comparing the periods of May 2011 to April 2015 with May 2015 to April 2019, we found out a 14 % increase in the number of patients with IE. The number of patients with NVE decreased significantly (35 vs. 21, p = 0,001), while the number of patients with PVE (10 vs. 25, statistically significant, p = 0,0131) and CDRIE (6 vs. 12, statistically non-significant, p = 0,3017) increased. Staphylococcus aureus remains the dominant pathogen in NVE and CDRIE group (32 % and 33 %, respectively), while in PVE patients there were more often identified coagulase negative Staphylococci as a causative microbial agent (31 %). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 23 %, relatively lower in patients with NVE (16 %), on the contrary, significantly higher in patients with PVE (31 %) a CDRIE (28 %). Conclusion: This retrospective study confirms an increase of total incidence of infective endocarditis. The number of patients with NVE decreased significantly, while the number of patients with PVE and CDRIE increased. Patients with PVE and CDRIE also show higher mortality. The dominant pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative Staphylococci and Enterococcus faecalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of interventional cardiology has been going on for more than 50 years. During this time, great progress has been made not only in the materials used, but also in intravascular imaging (IVI). IVI plays a key role in the identification of vulnerable plaques (VP). The methods established and used in common clinical practice are mainly optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). NIRS (near infrared spectroscopy) is a modern method based on spectral analysis that evaluates the chemical composition of an artery. It can be used in identification of VP, the prediction of periprocedural infarctions, evaluation of the effect of hypolipidemic therapy or sizing of the implanted stent. Using combination of these methods, we obtain a morphologic and chemical analysis of atherosclerotic plaques. In the future, it could provide complete information about the evaluated coronary system. This could be the basis for determining the vulnerability of individual plaques and thus optimizing the therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kangrelor represents the only intravenous inhibitor of the platelet receptor P2Y12 with clinically proven effectiveness in reducing ischemic complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). According to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), Kangrelor is recommended for patients undergoing PCI who have not been treated with an oral P2Y12 inhibitor or for whom this therapy is not possible or suitable. In the following case study, a high-risk patient undergoing a complex interventional procedure using this preparation will be presented (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with a well-known Salesian looks at the term holiness with a bit of suspicion. He notes the great emptiness of the term and its lack of clarity for contemporary people. He deals with the connection between the idea of holiness and the image of God that man carries within himself. Heryan considers other ways of defining holiness, speaks about fullness of life and living out of God’s love. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the results of the application of the theories of D. Winnicott and K. Horney on historical data. The data was acquired by analysis of the book texts published in the range of 1918 and 1943 by Emanuel Moravec – a Czech collaborator in World War II. The total number of pages of the analyzed materials counts as 4062. The data was completed by the major life events of Moravec, as they were pictured in his biographies. Using the object-related and neo-psychoanalysis theories the paper outlines: a) possibilities of application of the depth theories on historical data; b) results acquired by application of the mentioned theories; c) possibilities of psychobiography to explain the behaviour of historical popular figures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Switching the treatment with antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs is often necessary and must be carried out effectively to minimize unjustified treatment interruptions. For these reasons, we have decided to create a simple assistance software tool the SwitchApp application. This application can serve as an “evidence-based” guide to determine the duration of administration and the dosing of individual medicinal products when switching between them, and thus substantially assist psychiatrists when switching respective therapy. Material and methods: Data for the Switch App were obtained from public sources (summaries of product characteristics, scientific literature, guidelines). The most frequently used antipsychotics and antidepressants in the Czech Republic have been selected. A website was first created based on wireframes, assignments and provided documentation (using ASP.NET Core and Angular frames), which has been internally tested by a user. When the final version of the website was approved, a mobile application was developed for Android and iOS devices (using the Apache Cordova framework). Results: The web application has a very simple intuitive interface, which can be accessed on http://www.switchapp.cz/. The application for mobile phones can be downloaded and installed under the name SwitchApp (TME solutions s.r.o. – medicine) on the Google Play (Android) and App Store (iOS) platforms. Antipsychotics and antidepressants are selected from the scrolling lists in the left part of the screen and therapeutic doses are entered in the right part of the screen. After entering the required data (active substances are mandatory, the dose does not have to be entered) and clicking on the box “evaluate”, a clear dosing chart and a text description in case of antipsychotics and a text description in case of antidepressants are displayed. Conclusion: SwitchApp is the first and the only Web portal and a mobile application in the Czech language assisting physicians to plan a schedule when switching medicinal products. The application contains a clear guide offering physicians evidence-based recommendations for the gradual change of dosing of antipsychotics or antidepressants they are discontinuing or initiating. The validity of the outcomes is confirmed by the professional guarantee of the Psychiatric Society of the Czech Medical Association of J. E. Purkyne. However, this is only a recommended proposal for the procedure when switching pharmacotherapy in such groups of patients, but the overall health status must always be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, cangrelor is still the only intravenous antiplatelet drug that belongs to the P2Y12 inhibitors family. Its unique charac‑ teristics are possibilities of intravenous application and rapid onset and offset of action. In this case, we would like to present a patient with acute myocardial infarction in whom percutaneous coronary intervention could be very dangerous without the use of cangrelor. The reason was very high ischemic risk during complex coronary intervention. In addition to this indication, cangrelor could be very useful in other situations, when intravenous administration is the only way to inhibit platelets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]