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The Picornavirales include viruses that infect vertebrates, insects, and plants. It was believed that they pack only their genomic mRNA in the particles; thus, we envisaged these viruses as excellent model systems for studies of mRNA modifications. We used LC-MS to analyze digested RNA isolated from particles of the sacbrood and deformed wing iflaviruses as well as of the echovirus 18 and rhinovirus 2 picornaviruses. Whereas in the picornavirus RNAs we detected only N

Titanium-containing zeolite-based catalysts have been synthesized and investigated as catalysts in methyl(phenyl)sulfide oxidation with hydrogen peroxide. A hierarchical TS-1 prepared by the secondary templating and a layered TS-1 without and with silica and silica-titania pillars have been studied. Conventional TS-1 was a benchmarking material. The study focuses on observation of the different catalytic performance with regard to textural properties; presence and volume of mesopores and different diffusion characteristics. Thus, a deficiency and excess of the oxidizing agent were used in the catalysed reactions and the progress of reaction and selectivity to products were studied. All tested catalysts have shown after 240 min almost total conversion of methyl(phenyl)sulfide with different selectivity (substrate/catalyst mass ratio 10). It was observed that the reactants ratio hydrogen peroxide/ methyl(phenyl)sulfide influences the selectivity to sulfoxide or sulfone over a particular catalyst. In the case of hydrogen peroxide deficiency experiments (H2O2/sulfide = 0.5 mol/mol) the catalysts exhibited different distributions of products. Lamellar catalyst provided 100% selectivity to sulfoxide, the others in range of 90–65% selectivity to sulfoxide; however, the selectivity was independent on the reaction time and substrate conversion. In the case of the excess of the oxidant, except for Ti-pillared TS-1, all the catalysts showed stabile selectivity of 65% towards methyl(phenyl)sulfoxide being independent of the catalyst. The Ti-pillared TS-1 has shown, during the reaction progress, a decrease in the selectivity to sulfoxide from initial 60% to final 20% of sulfoxide at almost total conversion. The only case when higher selectivity to sulfone was achieved was gradual dosing of hydrogen peroxide.

BACKGROUND: This study provides a summary of the 2010 European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry Annual Report (available at www.era-edta-reg.org). METHODS: This report includes data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) using data from the national and regional renal registries in 29 countries in Europe and bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Individual patient data were received from 27 registries, whereas 18 registries contributed data in aggregated form. We present incidence and prevalence of RRT, transplant rates, survival probabilities and expected remaining lifetimes. The latter two are solely based on individual patient records. RESULTS: In 2010, the overall incidence rate of RRT for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among all registries reporting to the ERA-EDTA Registry was 123 per million population (pmp) (n = 91 798). The highest incidence rate was reported by Turkey (252pmp) and the lowest reported by Montenegro (21 pmp). The overall prevalence of RRT for ESRD at 31 December 2010 among all registries reporting to the ERA-EDTA Registry was 741 pmp (n = 551 005). The prevalence varied from 124 pmp in Ukraine to 1580 pmp in Portugal. The overall number of renal transplantations performed in 2010 among all registries was 29.2 pmp (n = 21 740). The highest overall transplant rate was reported from Spain, Cantabria (73 pmp), whereas the highest transplant rate for living donor kidneys was reported from the Netherlands (28 pmp). For patients who started RRT between 2001 and 2005, the unadjusted 5-year patient survival on RRT was 46.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 46.0-46.3], and on dialysis 38.6% (95% CI 38.5-38.8). The unadjusted 5-year patient survival after the first renal transplantation performed between 2001 and 2005 was 86.6% (95% CI 86.1-87.1) for deceased donor kidneys and 94.1% (95% CI 93.4-94.8) for living donor kidneys.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased concentration of intracellular calcium, which is pathological and may lead to irreversible damage of cell functions and structures. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of 6 months vitamin D(3) supplementation (14 000 IU/week) on free cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and on the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) activity of patients with CKD stage 2-3. PMCA activity of patients was also compared to that of healthy volunteers. Vitamin D(3) supplementation of CKD patients resulted in the decrease of [Ca(2+)](i) (119.79+/-5.87 nmol/l vs. 105.36+/-3.59 nmol/l, n=14, P

Mini review summarizes the results of our studies focused on elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms of altered calcium homeostasis in nonexcitable cells from patients with early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as on determining the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on these mechanisms. The basic mechanisms of calcium entry to and removal of the cell are already changed in early stages of CKD. These disturbances cause an increased the concentration of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i), which may change a number of cellular processes, and the expression of various signaling molecules. Vitamin D3 supplementation is a standard procedure of vitamin D insufficiency/ deficiency correction in these patients. The pleiotropic effects of vitamin D may be involved in the modulation of cellular calcium homeostasis. Vitamin D3 supplementation resulted in a reduction in [Ca2+]i by affecting of specific transport systems of calcium cations entry to and removal of the cell. The normalization [Ca2+]i can have a beneficial effect on intracellular signalling, and thus positively influence the functioning of cells, tissues or organs.Key words: cellular calcium homeostasis - chronic kidney disease - intracellular calcium - vitamin D.

Current approaches of anthropogenic impact on the ecosystems and ecosystem services are within the scope of this master's thesis. The aim of the thesis is, on the basis of current landscape classifications, landscape typologies, and their combination with approaches of ecosystem services classification, to appoint socio-ecological units as functional socio-ecological types of the territory. In other words, on the basis of classification listed, this thesis attempts to prove, that socio-ecological units are functional socio-ecological types of the territory, which should be given proper attention. Socio-ecological landscapes are defined according to degree of anthropogenic impact, selected socioeconomic characteristics, and selected ecosystem services. The thesis focuses on three of four categories of ecosystem services defined in Millennium Ecosystem Assessment - provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services. As a methodology, the quantitative research was chosen. The research was carried out by data collection and the analysis of statistical data of Czech Statistical Office, Czech Office for Surveying, Mapping and Cadastre, and Statistical Yearbook of Soil Services. The thesis main finding is that social and ecological components of socio-ecological systems are in mutual...

Levels of conjugated dienes of fatty acids (first peroxidation product) in relation to their substrates and promotors (triacylglycerols, homocysteine, iron) as well as to their inhibitors (essential antioxidative vitamins) were assessed in a vegetarian group (n=24) and compared with subjects on a mixed diet (traditional nutrition, n=24). Positive significant linear correlation between conjugated dienes and triacylglycerols, homocysteine, iron as well as inverse relationship between conjugated dienes and vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene were observed in pooled groups. Lipid peroxidation risk in vegetarians seems to be caused predominantly by hyperhomocysteinemia, whereas in a mixed diet group this was due to a higher supply of substrates or risk iron values. The incidence of only 8 % of risk conjugated diene values in vegetarians in contrast to 42 % in the group with traditional diet indicates that vegetarians have a better antioxidative status as a consequence of regular consumption of protective food.

Enhanced oxidative stress is involved in the progression of renal disease. Since angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have been shown to improve the antioxidative defence, we investigated, in patients with nondiabetic nephropathy, the short-term effect of the ACEI ramipril on parameters of oxidative stress, such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), homocysteine (Hcy), and lipid peroxidation products. Ramipril (2.5-5.0 mg/day) was administered to 12 newly diagnosed patients for 2 months and data compared with a patient group under conventional therapy (diuretic/beta-blockers) and with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (CTRL). Patients had mild to moderate renal insufficiency and showed, in the plasma, higher fluorescent AGE and carboxymethyllysine (CML) levels, as well as elevated concentrations of AOPPs, lipofuscin and Hcy when compared with CTRL. Basal data of the patients on conventional therapy did not differ significantly from the ramipril group, except for higher Hcy levels in the latter. Administration of ramipril resulted in a drop in blood pressure and proteinuria, while creatinine clearance remained the same. The fluorescent AGEs exhibited a mild but significant decline, yet CML concentration was unchanged. The AOPP and malondialdehyde concentrations decreased, while a small rise in neopterin levels was evident after treatment. The mentioned parameters were not affected significantly in the conventionally treated patients. Evidence that ramipril administration results in a mild decline of fluorescent AGEs is herein presented for the first time. The underlying mechanism may be decreased oxidative stress, as indicated by a decline in AOPPs and malondialdehyde.

The relations among simulacrum, hyperreality, aesthetic codes and post-modern society are within the scope of my bachelor thesis. I primarily focuse on political apparatus and its relations to phenomena mentioned. As foundations, I have chosen philosophical reflections on simulacra and hyperreality - authors whom I cite are particularly Jean Baudrillard, Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault. Another writings are considered as well, for example writings which are occupied with changes in society, in language or writings which are occupied with media. My thesis attempts to describe chronological development of every single feature as regards contemporary society.

DNA damage of lymphocytes in experimental chronic renal failure: Beneficial effects of losartan.BackgroundKidney diseases are associated with the accumulation of various uremic toxins increasing the oxygen free radical (OFR) activity with a number of serious consequences. One of them could be the impairment of DNA stability with the increased formation of DNA breaks.MethodsThe study was performed in 4/6 kidney ablation rat nephropathy lasting for three months. The results of sham-operated (Sham), remnant kidney (Nx), and Nx treated by losartan (NxL) were compared.ResultsNx significantly increased blood pressure, plasma creatinine, urea, hippurate, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipofuscin (LF), and the number of DNA breaks of lymphocytes. Losartan decreased the rise of blood pressure and inhibited the rise of creatinine plasma concentration but not of other variables, while it markedly inhibited the number of DNA breaks (Sham 15.9 ± 1.1, Nx 54.5 ± 1.7,P < 0.001;Nx/Sham, NxL 23.3 ± 2.6P < 0.001, NxL/Sham andP < 0.001 NxL/Nx).ConclusionsThe 4/6 kidney ablation nephropathy increases the susceptibility of lymphocyte DNA to breaks, and losartan inhibits the number of breaks by a mechanism independent on glomerular filtration, accumulation of MDA or LF (markers of oxidative stress), and hippurate (marker of the accumulation of middle molecular substances). An independent mechanism, probably the interference with proliferation, is suggested.

Free intracellular calcium represents a critical signaling mediator in a number of biological systems. Calcium cations (Ca2+) are an important ubiquitous messenger, controlling a broad range of cellular processes. Free cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is controlled by mechanisms that regulate Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, and by the activity of ATP-dependent Ca2+ pumps and antiporters that move Ca2+ back into stores or out of cells. Chronic kidney disease is associated with a significant elevation in [Ca2+]i which is toxic to the cells and may be responsible for a multiple organ dysfunction. Disturbances in cellular calcium homeostasis in patients with chronic kidney disease represent a complex process. Our studies elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms of altered cellular calcium homeostasis in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells which represent the model of nonexcitable cells in patients with chronic kidney disease. The results demonstrate that [Ca2+]i is significantly increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells already in early stages of chronic kidney disease. The calcium concentration of intracellular stores and the capacitative calcium entry into the cells of these patients are significantly higher in comparison with healthy volunteers. Also the pore-forming P2X7 receptors participate in increased [Ca2+]i in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic kidney disease. An altered P2X7 receptor function and increased P2X7 receptor expression may contribute to the complex disturbances in intracellular calcium homeostasis in chronic kidney disease. On the other hand, the activity of plasmatic membrane Ca2+-ATPases which is responsible for removing excessive calcium out of the cell, was found to be decreased by 25 % when compared to healthy subjects. It means that not only the mechanisms of entry, but also of the removal are impaired by the disease. All these alterations in calcium signaling are contributing very likely to the elevated [Ca2+]i from early stages of chronic kidney disease.

The aim of the undergraduate thesis is to focus on the voluntary blood donation from the view of the public relations propagation. Public relations activities of certain subjects are being critically analysed. There are also other examples of voluntary blood donation promotion described, as there is actually not enough public relations activity in this sector. There are described various forms of blood donation such as full blood donation and the blood plasma one. Both forms of donations are promoted in certain ways. Considerate part of the work is dedicated to the campaign called The Spartan blood, which is the project of Czech hockey team Sparta Praha to promote voluntary blood donation. This seems to be effective thanks to its consistency and extensiveness, so a deeper research is conducted.

Thiazides inhibit calcium and magnesium excretion, the basic substrates of bone mineralization. Clinical investigations pointed already previously to their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis despite a relatively small effect on the balance. This aroused some distrust and prevented their acceptance among preparations with this indication. They were indicated mainly in patients with hypercalciuria. The results of recent research indicate however their direct inhibition of osteoclasts and in particular stimulation of osteoblasts. This confirms results of clinical investigations which could not be explained previously. It may be foreseen that within a short time thiazides will become an important member in the spectrum of drugs used for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Nitrogen oxide (NO) is one of the crucial modulators of the vascular tonus. Apart from its effect on the cardiovascular system it exerts an effect also on other types of cells and ensures their functions.Specially comprehensive is its synthesis and action in the kidneys: NO is formed in the endothelial cells due to the activity of constitutional endothelial synthase (eNOS), in mesangial cells of inductive synthase (iNOS), in smooth muscle cells (vsmNOS), in tubular cells neuronal NOS (nNOS) and iNOS and in the macula densa nNOS. By modulation of the v.afferens it influences the blood flow through the glomeruli and filtration pressure in the glomeruli. It participates in the tubuloglomerular feedback: the cells of the macula densa produce NO via nNOS, the genetic transcription and translation of which as well as the kationic translation system ensure the transport of the L-arginine precursor and regulate very sensitively NO formation. The latter diffuses via the extraglomerular mesangium into the iuxtaglomerular apparatus where renin is forned.NO reduces proteinuria and renal proliferation. During renal insufficiency NO production is inhibited and in diabetes NO production is increased. Diabetic hyperfiltration and hypertrophy are ascribed to produced NO. Experimental studies contributed substantially to the knowledge of renal effects of NO. At present intensive clinical research has been started which, no doubt, will influence medical practice.

The main source of vitamin D in a man is its synthesis in human skin. 7-Dehydrocholesterol converts into cholecalciferol--vitamin D3--as a result of UV radiation. Cholecalciferol hydroxylates in liver into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D, calcidiol], which concentration in blood is a relevant indicator of the total of vitamin D in a human body. 25(OH)D hydroxylates in kidneys into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D, calcitriol], which is considered an active metabolite of vitamin D. Epidemiological studies showed high prevalence of low concentrations of 25(OH)D especially in older population and people with chronic diseases. 25(OH)D concentrations were defined at which rise parathormone levels, increases bone conversion, impairs bone mineralization and develops osteomalacia. Based on these results a deficiency of vitamin D was defined. Patients with chronic renal disease experience development of serious bone impairments described as renal osteodystrophy. These disorders are caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism which develops as a result of mineral metabolism impairment, especially of hypocalemia, 25(OH)D deficiency, and insufficient synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D. Presently published guidelines K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluation, Classification and Stratification define processes of vitamin D supplementation, particularly 1,25(OH)2D according to a degree of renal disease. Early prevention and treatment of hypovitaminosis D is a treatment goal in order to reduce or stop development of secondary hyperparathyroidism with its consequences for bone metabolism.

Vitamin D deficiency is not possible to correct with the nutritional vitamin D doses in postmenopausal women with decreased bone mineral density. The aim of study was to evaluated the effectivity and safety of 15,000 IU/week vitamin D administrated in 52 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Patients were divided into two groups. Treated group was supplemented by calcium 0.5 g/d and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol 15,000 IU/week and control group was supplemented by calcium and placebo for two months. Plasma calcium concentration did not change in the vitamin D treated group while it decreased (p0.001) in the control group. Neither calciuria nor fractional excretion of calcium changed during the treatment period. Plasma inorganic phosphate concentration did not change in any group, but urinary inorganic phosphate excretion increased in the vitamin D treated group (p0.001). The starting 25-hydroxycholecalciferol plasma concentrations were almost at the deficiency range in both groups. The 25-hydroxycholecalciferol plasma concentration increased substantially (p0.001) in the treated group, but it remained at the starting level in control group during the treatment period. Similar plasma concentration increase (p0.001) was apparent also in 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Plasma intact parathormone concentration did not change in the vitamin D treated patients, while it increased (p0.01) in the control group. None of the vitamin D treated women suffered from hypercalcemia and mild hypercalciuria was observed in one patient. In conclusion, the study presents an evidence on the effectiveness and safety of 15,000 IU/week 25-hydroxycholecalciferol dosage schedule.

Metabolic acidosis is a major risk factor of kidney disease progression as a consequence of impaired H+ urinary excretion by the decreased kidney NH3 synthesis. Two key enzymes participate: a) Phosphate-dependent glutaminase under the genomic control of metabolic acidosis and b) Phosphate independent glutaminase localized on proximal tubule microvili under the nongenomic control. Two types of kidney disease metabolic acidoses are dominant: a) Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis usually on the basis of hereditary or toxic alterations, isolated or as a part of Fanconi syndrome. b) Hyperphosphatemic metabolic acidosis of renal insufficiency. Metabolic acidosis shares serious consequences: metabolic acidosis increases protein catabolism of amino acids, inhibits proteosynthesis (albumin!), accelerates renal osteodystrophy development, modulates calcidiol and parathormone plasma levels and evokes insulin resistance. The present therapy requires full correction of metabolic acidosis!

We investigated the potential role of magnesium (Mg) dysbalance in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with mildly-to-moderately decreased renal function (creatinine: 142.8+/-11.0 mmol/l). The data were compared to those of 8 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (CTRL). The standard oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) was performed in 61 patients. Twenty-two patients were classified as IR according to their values on fasting and after-load immunoreactive insulin concentrations. Serum and total erythrocyte Mg (tErMg) (atomic absorption spectro-photometry) and free erythrocyte Mg (fErMg) concentrations ((31) P NMR spectroscopy) were determined prior to and two hours after the glucose load. Ten out of 39 insulin-sensitive (IS) patients, but only one out of 22 insulin-resistant (IR) patients, had a low basal fErMg concentration (162.2 micromol/l, chi2, p0.01). IR patients had higher serum Mg, total erythrocyte Mg and bound erythrocyte Mg (bErMg) concentrations (both before and after glucose load) when compared with the IS group. Both groups responded to the glucose load with a significant decrease in serum Mg concentration (within the normal range), while the IR group also exhibited a decline in tErMg and bErMg. The mean sum of insulin needed to metabolize the same glucose load correlated positively with tErMg (r=0.545, p0.01) and bErMg (r=0.560, p0.01) in the IR patients. It is concluded that, at an early stage of renal dysfunction, IR is not associated with the decline in free erythrocyte Mg concentration, but the magnesium handling in red blood cells is altered.

The decreased oxidizability of plasma lipoproteins is related to the increased vitamin E intake and its association with a relatively lower incidence of coronary heart disease has been proposed. We investigated the effect of the in vivo vitamin E supplementation on the oxidizability of serum lipids in patients with ischemic heart disease and a moderate hypercholesterolemia. Thirty-two patients (16 males and 16 postmenopausal women) participated in this placebo-controlled, randomized trial. They were treated with 400 mg vitamin E/day for 6 weeks. The copper-induced serum lipid oxidizability ex vivo was assessed by measuring conjugated diene formation at 245 nm. We also measured vitamin E, malondialdehyde (MDA) and uric acid concentrations in the plasma. Because of observed significant differences in parameters of serum lipid oxidizability (lag time and maximal rate of oxidation), plasma alpha-tocopherol and MDA levels between male patients and postmenopausal women supplemented with vitamin E, the results were compared between both genders. Six weeks of vitamin E supplementation significantly increased plasma vitamin E levels (by 87 %) in male patients but in postmenopausal women only by 34 %. Concomitantly with increased plasma levels of vitamin E the decrease in plasma MDA levels was observed in male patients (decrease by 20 %; p=0.008), but in postmenopausal women the decrease did not attain statistical significance. Plasma uric acid levels were not apparently changed in placebo or vitamin E supplemented groups of patients. The changes in ex vivo serum lipid oxidizability after vitamin E, supplementation have shown a significantly prolonged lag time (by 11 %; p=0.048) and lowered rate of lipid oxidation (by 21 %; p=0.004) in male patients in comparison with postmenopausal women. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between plasma vitamin E levels and the lag time (r=0.77; p=0.03) and the maximal rate of serum lipid oxidation (r=-0.70; p=0.05) in male patients. However, in postmenopausal women the correlations were not significant. We conclude that 400 mg vitamin E/day supplementation in patients with ischemic heart disease and a moderate hypercholesterolemia influenced favorably ex vivo serum lipid oxidation of male patients when compared with postmenopausal women. The observed differences between both genders could be useful in the selection of the effective vitamin E doses in the prevention of coronary heart disease.