Influence of practice location on prescribing, diabetes care, and colorectal cancer screening among Czech general practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The provision of primary health care was not interrupted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Czechia, although the capacity and resources of providers changed. We examined how the pandemic affected individual general practices throughout 2017-2021, focusing on differences between urban and rural practices. METHODS: We analysed data from the largest health insurance company in Czechia, which provides care to 4.5 million people (60% of the population). We evaluated the prescription volume, diabetes care procedures, and faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in preventive care and new pandemic-related procedures (remote consultations, testing, and vaccinations). For the spatial distribution of practices, we adapted the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development typology. RESULTS: We observed minimal declines in 2020 in the rate of prescribing (-1.0%) and diabetes care (-5.1%), with a rapid resumption in 2021, but a substantial decline in FIT (-17.8% in 2020) with slow resumption. Remote consultations were used by 94% of all practices regardless of location, with testing and vaccinations more commonly performed by rural general practitioners (GPs). CONCLUSIONS: Primary care in Czechia rose to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, as shown by the finding that the volume of healthcare services provided through primary care did not decrease across most of the monitored parameters. This study also confirmed that rural GPs provide more care in-house, both in terms of prescribing and procedures performed in their practices. Future studies will need to focus on preventive care, which the pandemic has dampened in GP practices in Czechia.

Reversible Electrodeposition of Potassium-bridged Molecular Vanadium Oxides: A New Approach Towards Multi-Electron Storage.

Molecular metal oxides, so-called polyoxometalates (POMs), have shown outstanding performance as catalysts and lately attracted interest as materials in energy conversion and storage systems due to their capability of storing and exchanging multiple electrons. Here, we report the first example of redox-driven reversible electrodeposition of molecular vanadium oxide clusters, leading to the formation of thin films. The detailed investigation of the deposition mechanism reveals that the reversibility is dependent on the reduction potential. Correlating electrochemical quartz microbalance studies with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data gave insight into the redox chemistry and oxidation states of vanadium in the deposited films in dependence on the potential window. A multi-electron reduction of the polyoxovanadate cluster, which facilitates the potassium (K+ ) cation-assisted reversible formation of potassium vanadium oxide thin films was confirmed. At anodic potentials, re-oxidation of the polyoxovanadate and complete stripping of the thin film is observed for films deposited at potentials more positive than -500 mV vs. Ag/Ag+ , while electrodeposition at more negative cathodic potential reduces the electrochemical reversibility of the process and increases the stripping overpotential. As proof of principle, we demonstrate the electrochemical performance of the deposited films for potential use in potassium-ion batteries.

CD14 Polymorphism Is Not Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Central European Population.

A 2021 in silico study highlighted an association between the CD14 polymorphism rs2569190 and increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of our study was to confirm this finding. We analysed the CD14 polymorphism (C→T; rs2569190) in 516 individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with differing disease severity (164 asymptomatic, 245 symptomatic, and 107 hospitalized). We then compared these patients with a sample from the general population consisting of 3,037 individuals using a case-control study design. In comparison with carriers of the C allele, TT homozygotes accounted for 21.7 % of controls and 20.5 % in SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals (P = 0.48; OR; 95 % CI - 0.92; 0.73-1.16). No significant differences in the distribution of genotypes were found when considering co-dominant and recessive genetic models or various between-group comparisons. The CD14 polymorphism is unlikely to be an important predictor of COVID-19 in the Caucasian population in Central Europe.

Possible effect of OAS1 and TMPRSS6 but not DPP4 and ZNF335 polymorphisms on COVID-19 severity in the Czech population.

OBJECTIVES: The acute respiratory syndrome, known as COVID-19, is characterised by high morbidity and increased mortality. Genetic factors may partially explain the differences in susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. METHODS: We have analysed common functional polymorphisms within the OAS1 (rs4767027), TMPRSS6 (rs855791), DPP4 (rs3788979), and ZNF335 (rs3848719) genes in SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects (n = 521, different disease severity) and in population controls (n = 2,559 subjects, COVID-19 status unknown). RESULTS: Neither DPP4 nor ZNF335 were associated with disease susceptibility or severity in the Czech population in any of the models used for calculation. T allele carriers of the OAS1 polymorphism seem to be protective against symptomatic COVID-19 (p = 0.002 calculated for trend; asymptomatic, symptomatic, hospitalised). Similarly, within the TMPRSS6, minor TT homozygotes associated with lower plasma Fe concentrations were underrepresented in the overall patient group (p = 0.044; OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.59-0.99), and the difference was mainly driven by the severe COVID-19 subjects. In general, risky homozygotes of these two polymorphisms were less frequent than expected in the group of hospitalised COVID-19 survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Common variants within OAS1 (rs4767027) and TMPRSS6 (rs855791) play some role in COVID-19 pathology in the Czech Caucasian population. Whether the depletion of minor allele carriers of these two variants is associated with increased COVID-19 mortality, needs to be analysed in an external confirmatory study.

COMIRESTROKE-A clinical study protocol for monitoring clinical effect and molecular biological readouts of COMprehensive Intensive REhabilitation program after STROKE: A four-arm parallel-group randomized double blinded controlled trial with a longitudinal design.

Introduction: While the role of physiotherapy as part of a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation is indisputable, clear evidence concerning the effectiveness of different rehabilitation managements [interdisciplinary implementing the International Classification of Functioning, disability and health (ICF) vs. multidisciplinary model] and physiotherapy categories (neuroproprioceptive "facilitation, inhibition" vs. motor/skill acquisitions using technologies) are still lacking. In this study, four kinds of comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation with different management and content of physical therapy will be compared. Moreover, focus will be placed on the identification of novel biological molecules reflective of effective rehabilitation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts (>200 bps) of limited coding potential, which have recently been recognized as key factors in neuronal signaling pathways in ischemic stroke and as such, may provide a valuable readout of patient recovery and neuroprotection during therapeutic progression. Methods and analysis: Adults after the first ischemic stroke in an early sub-acute phase with motor disability will be randomly assigned to one of four groups and undergo a 3 weeks comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation of different types: interdisciplinary team work using ICF model as a guide; multidisciplinary teamwork implementing neuroproprioceptive "facilitation and inhibition" physiotherapy; multidisciplinary teamwork implementing technology-based physiotherapy; and standard multidisciplinary teamwork. Primary (the Goal Attainment Scale, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule) and secondary (motor, cognitive, psychological, speech and swallowing functions, functional independence) outcomes will be measured. A blood sample will be obtained upon consent (20 mls; representing pre-rehabilitation molecular) before and after the inpatient program. Primary outcomes will be followed up again 3 and 12 months after the end of the program. The overarching aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of various rehabilitation managements and physiotherapeutic categories implemented by patients post ischemic stroke via analysis of primary, secondary and long non-coding RNA readouts. This clinical trial will offer an innovative approach not previously tested and will provide new complex analysis along with public assessable molecular biological evidence of various rehabilitation methodology for the alleviation of the effects of ischemic stroke. Clinical trial registration: NCT05323916, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05323916.

Placental Expression of the Forelimb Patterning Transcription Factor MEIS2 in Trisomy 15.

BackgroundObservations of first trimester human trisomy 15 (T15) embryos have identified meromelic changes in the upper limbs. These changes are similar to those observed in animal studies investigating the effects of overexpression of Meis2, a signaling transcription factor expressed during forelimb development. Although it would be exceedingly difficult to assess MEIS2 expression in the human embryonic arm, MEIS2 has been reported as consistently expressed in first trimester placental villus stroma. Methods: This study addresses whether gene dosage effect might underlie meromelia in T15 by comparing MEIS2 expression in placentas from T15 and euploid spontaneous abortions employing manual and automated assessment of MEIS2 immunohistochemical scoring. Results: Average MEIS2 expression is increased in T15 first trimester placental tissue compared to euploid controls but that the difference is marginal. Manual and automated scoring showed moderately strong correlation. Conclusion: Extrapolation of these results suggests MEIS2 overexpression may not be required for meromelia in T15.

Morphology of early intrauterine deaths with full trisomy 15.

OBJECTIVE: The morphologic features of embryos with full trisomy 15 are described. METHOD: A total of 1195 pregnancy losses were examined embryoscopically and cytogenetically. RESULTS: Of 1173 successfully karyotyped specimens, full trisomy 15 was diagnosed cytogenetically in 59 cases (5%). All 59 trisomy 15 embryos were diagnosed cytogenetically in the group of 962 embryonic miscarriages (6%). Trisomy 15 was not registered in 171 anembryonic or yolk sac miscarriages, and no case of full trisomy 15 was observed in 62 fetal miscarriages. Fifty-eight embryos with full trisomy 15 showed structural defects on embryoscopic examination. The most common defects were craniofacial anomalies (n = 73), retarded development of the limbs (n = 39), and abnormally short umbilical cords closely attaching the embryo to the chorionic plate (n = 27). Seven embryos were classified as growth disorganized. Limb reduction defects with a prevalence of 5.6/10 000 births, all affecting upper limb development (10 terminal transverse limb reduction defects and 3 embryos with split hand), were registered in 13 (22%) trisomy 15 embryos. CONCLUSION: Limb reduction defects and craniofacial abnormalities are a typical feature of trisomy 15. Gene dosage imbalances related to trisomy 15 might be the main molecular mechanism underlying the developmental defects observed in the present study and require further investigation.

Frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in spontaneous abortions derived from intracytoplasmic sperm injection compared with those from in vitro fertilization.

No statistical difference was found for the total aneuploidy rate in the spontaneous abortions between intracytoplasmic sperm injection and IVF groups; however, differences in the distribution of chromosomal abnormalities between the two groups were seen.

Abnormal embryonic development diagnosed embryoscopically in early intrauterine deaths after in vitro fertilization: a preliminary report of 23 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To provide data about the phenotypic appearance of the embryo of early failed pregnancies after IVF. DESIGN: Clinical prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENT(S): Twenty-three women who had conceived by IVF and had a missed abortion before 12 weeks of gestation. INTERVENTION(S): Embryoscopic examination of the embryo before curettage. Cytogenetic analysis of the chorionic villi by standard G-banding cytogenetic techniques or by comparative genomic hybridization in combination with flow cytometry analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Embryonic phenotype and karyotype were determined. RESULT(S): Twenty-one of 23 IVF embryos showed structural defects on embryoscopic examination. Seventeen of 23 specimens had a chromosomal abnormality. The majority were numerical aberrations such as monosomy X (2 cases). Trisomies for chromosomes 18 (one case), 16 (three cases), 15 (one case), 14 (two cases), 13 (one case), 12 (one case), 11 (one case), 10 (one case), 9 (one case), 8 (one case), and 3 (one case) were observed. A structural chromosome anomaly leading to a chromosomal trisomy was observed in one case. Aneuploidy explained the grossly abnormal embryonic development documented by embryoscopy in 15 of 21 cases. CONCLUSION(S): Aneuploidy is the major factor affecting normal embryonic development in missed abortions after IVF. Further investigation is needed to elucidate mechanisms that might prevent normal embryogenesis but evade detection by the cytogenetic techniques used in the present study.

Morphology of the 45,X embryo: an embryoscopic study.

The morphology of monosomy X in embryos was documented by means of transcervical embryoscopy prior to evacuation in 24 cases of missed abortion. The embryos ranged in size from 13 mm to 26 mm CRL and were all developed beyond the sixth week of development. The embryonic phenotype varied from nearly normal to obviously abnormal with a combination of localized external developmental defects consisting of microcephaly, facial dysplasia, and retarded limb development. A single case of encephalocele was observed. The factors responsible for the wide range of developmental defects observed in monosomy X embryos are currently unknown. Transcervical embryoscopy can serve as a central component for further genetic studies elucidating these mechanisms which are needed for reaching a further understanding of the developmental effects of specific aneuploidy in human morphogenesis.

Generalized abnormal embryonic development in missed abortion: embryoscopic and cytogenetic findings.

A direct view of the embryo by means of transcervical embryoscopy prior to evacuation in 154 cases of missed abortion showed general embryonic maldevelopment in 48 cases (31%). A successful cytogenetic evaluation of these growth-disorganized embryos was performed in 37. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 26 cases (70%), with autosomal trisomies in 24 cases (92%). Trisomies involved chromosome 3 (one case), 6 (one case), 8 (two cases), 10 (one case), 12 (two cases), 14 (one case), 16 (11 cases), 20 (one case), and 22 (four cases). Most of these chromosome abnormalities represented nonviable defects, and their presence explained the minimal embryonic development observed embryoscopically. An apparently normal karyotype was observed in 11 growth-disorganized embryos whose maldevelopment was similar to that resulting from the trisomies listed above. The factors responsible for embryonic maldevelopment with a normal karyotype are presently unknown and require further study, including investigation of imprinting defects, subtelomeric abnormalities, and cryptic mosaicism.

Neural tube defects in missed abortions: embryoscopic and cytogenetic findings.

Transcervical embryoscopy, a new technique for direct visualization of the first trimester conceptus was carried out in 116 cases of missed abortion. Embryonic neural tube defects and other localized developmental defects, were diagnosed in 10 out of 99 cases in which a complete embryoscopic evaluation was possible. All eight successfully karyotyped cases had a numerical chromosomal abnormality. A ninth unkaryotyped embryo with open spina bifida showed, on embryoscopy, a malformation pattern highly suggestive of triploidy. Our embryoscopic and cytogenetic findings provide valuable information for genetic counseling in future pregnancies.