University of Trnava

The study addresses limitations of the 4-Component Thinking Styles Questionnaire (4-CTSQ) measuring actively open-minded thinking (AOT), close-minded thinking (CMT), preference for effortful thinking (PET), and preference for intuitive thinking (PIT). The aim was to validate the 4-CTSQ in a non-U.S./Canadian population, to explore the nomological networks of thinking styles, and to test whether the 4-CTSQ predicts unfounded beliefs over and beyond analytic thinking. The secondary aim was to address the issue of acquiescence linked with the one-directional wording of the items and to develop a balanced version of the 4-CTSQ (4-CTSQ-B). In two studies ( N 1 = 1,233, N 2 = 712), 4-factor models had an acceptable model fit, and both the 4-CTSQ and the 4-CTSQ-B predicted unfounded beliefs. Conceptual and psychometric issues with AOT and CMT were identified and possible solutions were discussed. The 4-CTSQ, and somewhat more so the 4-CTSQ-B, appear to be good scales sensitive to distinct thinking styles.

The study focuses on the analysis of the constitutional and legal limits of the exercise of freedom of speech. This freedom forms one of the pillars of a democratic and legal state. However, the Constitution of the Slovak Republic and the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms allow for its legitimate limitations. The authors therefore examine the limits of restrictions on freedom of expression under the conditions of Slovak legislation. The role of independence and autonomy of media are also emphasised, and a specific case demonstrates the interaction between the personality protection of a public figure and freedom of expression.

Language teaching in Slovakia is based on the concepts presented in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR) and CEFR Companion Volume. Despite efforts to align the learning outcomes in primary and secondary education to CEFR proficiency levels in the national curricula and significant changes in approaches to language teaching and learning in previous years, teachers’ familiarity with particular level descriptors is unbalanced. Their marking of students’ written performances does not explicitly reflect the different proficiency levels. To change this situation in the country, intensive training of student teachers became necessary.Assessing written performances requires systematic training based on marking criteria related to a particular reference level. To prepare future teachers of English to be able to distinguish between particular proficiency levels, several activities were designed to ensure that student teachers acquire a detailed knowledge of a targeted set of descriptors. Among other documents, a written assessment grid (Appendix 4, CEFR/CV) was introduced to sensitise student teachers to the need to familiarise themselves with the descriptors and apply them, specifying what is appropriate to expect at different levels of achievement. A new academic course on evaluation and testing in language education has been introduced in conjunction with a pre-service training course. The aim is to ensure that student teachers receive the necessary training to apply marking criteria when assessing written and oral performances. This study explores the approach adopted using a written assessment grid from the CEFR Companion Volume. Particular activities and data that were collected and analysed during the course of the present study are furthermore presented.

Over the past two decades, there has been a notable increase in the number of reactions that have been classified as chemoselective and/or regioselective. It is somewhat surprising that neither of these terms is clearly defined, as this often leads to conflicting and confusing designations and makes it challenging to report the results coherently. This perspective presents a brief overview of the origin and evolution of both of these appellations, with specific examples illustrating the problems arising from the current definitions recommended by IUPAC in 2021. It also proposes definitions for the terms chemoselectivity and regioselectivity that will allow an unambiguous description of the observed reaction selectivity. The proposed refinement of nomenclature is exemplified by a variety of chemical transformations.

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons provide a powerful platform for studying motor neuron diseases. These cells enable human-specific modeling of disease mechanisms and high-throughput drug screening. While commercially available iPSC-derived motor neurons offer a convenient alternative to time-intensive differentiation protocols, their electrophysiological properties and maturation require comprehensive evaluation to validate their utility for research and therapeutic applications. In this study, we characterized the electrophysiological properties of commercially available iPSC-derived motor neurons. Immunofluorescence confirmed the expression of motor neuron-specific biomarkers, indicating successful differentiation and maturation. Electrophysiological recordings revealed stable passive membrane properties, maturation-dependent improvements in action potential kinetics, and progressive increases in repetitive firing. Voltage-clamp analyses confirmed the functional expression of key ion channels, including high- and low-voltage-activated calcium channels, TTX-sensitive and TTX-insensitive sodium channels, and voltage-gated potassium channels. While the neurons exhibited hallmark features of motor neuron physiology, high input resistance, depolarized resting membrane potentials, and limited firing capacity suggest incomplete electrical maturation. Altogether, these findings underscore the potential of commercially available iPSC-derived motor neurons as a practical resource for MND research, while highlighting the need for optimized protocols to support prolonged culture and full maturation.

Mutations in CACNA1C, the gene encoding Cav1.2 voltage-gated calcium channels, are associated with a spectrum of disorders, including Timothy syndrome and other neurodevelopmental and cardiac conditions. In this study, we report a child with a de novo heterozygous missense variant (c.1973T > C; L658P) in CACNA1C, presenting with refractory epilepsy, global developmental delay, hypotonia, and multiple systemic abnormalities, but without overt cardiac dysfunction. Electrophysiological analysis of the recombinant Cav1.2 L658P variant revealed profound gating alterations, most notably a significant hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation. Additionally, molecular modeling suggested that the L658P mutation disrupts interactions within the IIS5 transmembrane segment, reducing the energy barrier for state transitions and facilitating channel opening at more negative voltages. These findings establish L658P as a pathogenic CACNA1C variant primarily associated with severe neurological dysfunction and expands the phenotypic spectrum of CACNA1C-related disorders. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13041-025-01195-w.

Language teaching in Slovakia is based on the concepts presented in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR) and CEFR Companion Volume. Despite efforts to align the learning outcomes in primary and secondary education to CEFR proficiency levels in the national curricula and significant changes in approaches to language teaching and learning in previous years, teachers’ familiarity with particular level descriptors is unbalanced. Their marking of students’ written performances does not explicitly reflect the different proficiency levels. To change this situation in the country, intensive training of student teachers became necessary.Assessing written performances requires systematic training based on marking criteria related to a particular reference level. To prepare future teachers of English to be able to distinguish between particular proficiency levels, several activities were designed to ensure that student teachers acquire a detailed knowledge of a targeted set of descriptors. Among other documents, a written assessment grid (Appendix 4, CEFR/CV) was introduced to sensitise student teachers to the need to familiarise themselves with the descriptors and apply them, specifying what is appropriate to expect at different levels of achievement. A new academic course on evaluation and testing in language education has been introduced in conjunction with a pre-service training course. The aim is to ensure that student teachers receive the necessary training to apply marking criteria when assessing written and oral performances. This study explores the approach adopted using a written assessment grid from the CEFR Companion Volume. Particular activities and data that were collected and analysed during the course of the present study are furthermore presented.

Introduction Digital health information sources are playing an increasingly prominent role in health promotion, public health and in healthcare systems. Consequently, digital health literacy skills are likewise becoming increasingly important. Methods Using a concept validation approach, the aim of the study was to validate a digital health literacy measure applied in the European Health Literacy Survey 2019–2021 (HLS19) of the WHO M-POHL Network, analyzing data from 28,057 respondents from 13 European countries. Results The scale displayed high internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) strengthened the hypothesized one-factor structure. In most countries, the data displayed acceptable fit to the unidimensional Rasch partial credit model (PCM). Pearson correlation with a measure of general health literacy showed sufficient discriminant validity, and a social gradient was found. Testing for predictive validity showed that the scale score predicts health-related outcomes. Discussion The study shows that considerable proportions of the general adult populations across countries in Europe have limited DHL skills. The level of DHL has direct potential consequences for some forms of health service utilization, in some countries. Implications of the study include recommendations for improving digital health literacy, promoting organizational health literacy and quality assurance for digital health information and resources.

Background Hypertension is an increasing health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Vietnam. Self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) is a crucial component of hypertension management in primary healthcare (PHC) and stimulated by healthcare providers. Yet, its adoption remains suboptimal. This study examines the application and contributing factors to adoption of SMBP among hypertensive patients in a PHC setting in Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 989 hypertensive patients managed at commune health stations (CHSs), part of PHC, in two provinces in Vietnam. Data were collected through structured interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors contributing to SMBP practices. Results The prevalence of SMBP among hypertensive patients was 43.1%. Among those who practiced SMBP, 42.3% monitored their blood pressure daily, while 57.7% measured it at least weekly. The majority (80.2%) used home sphygmomanometers, 12% relied on friends or relatives with BP monitoring devices, 7.8% went to a pharmacy of health worker’s home to measure BP. Multivariate analysis identified key factors associated with SMBP adoption. Higher educated persons were more engaged in SMBP (p < 0.001). Pensioners were more likely to engage in SMBP than unemployed individuals (OR = 2.2; p < 0.001). Higher knowledge of hypertension management (OR = 1.10; p < 0.001) and regular physical activity (OR = 1.54; p = 0.005) were also positively associated with SMBP practice. Persons living in Ninh Bing were also more likely to apply SMBP (OR = 1.58; p < 0.001). Conclusion Less than half of hypertensive patients practiced SMBP, highlighting a need for targeted interventions to promote self-monitoring. Key facilitators include better health knowledge, socioeconomic stability, and local healthcare service availability. Strategies to improve SMBP adoption should focus on increasing patient education, ensuring the affordability of BP monitoring devices, and strengthening the role of primary healthcare providers in coaching patients on SMBP. A patient-centred, community-based approach is necessary to enhance hypertension self-management and improve overall cardiovascular health outcomes in Vietnam.

Ailanthus altissima Mill. (Swingle), one of the worst invasive tree species in the world, represents an ecological burden on native forested ecosystems. In its management, numerous general removal procedures (including mechanical, chemical and biological) can be applied. Biological is one of the recent control strategies and the fungal strains are the most promising organisms in this field. Culturable fungal species from two wilting A. altissima stands in Slovakia were examined: a stand artificially treated with Verticillium nonalfalfae and a non-treated stand. The aim of this work was to a/ confirm the establishment of V. nonalfalfae in the treated stand, b/ investigate the fungi associated with symptomatic trees in the non-treated stand to determine if V. nonalfalfae spread may have occurred, and c/ consider the biological control potential of other isolated fungi identified. In stands, branches and leaves from wilting A. altissima were collected and cultured on agar. Resulting fungal colonies were sub-cultured for morphological and molecular identification. Eighteen fungal species were identified from 36 branch and 3 leaf samples from symptomatic trees within both stands. Verticillium nonalfalfae was isolated only from the treated stand while V. dahliae was isolated only from the non-treated stand. This confirms the establishment of V. nonalfalfae within the treated stand but does not confirm any additional spread. The isolation of V. dahliae , another known wilt-causing pathogen of A. altissima , from the non-treated stand indicates the natural presence of this pathogen. There have been no previous reports of Verticillium wilt caused by either species on A. altissima in Slovakia. A variety of other culturable fungal species were identified including a few species which were detected for the first time from A. altissima and five Diaporthe species, a genus that includes some known plant pathogens.

Given its simplicity, Caenorhabditis elegans appears to be a promising model for future research on endocrine disruptors, including bisphenol A and its supposedly safer alternatives. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of embryonic exposure of C. elegans to different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 5 µM) of bisphenol A and its analogs (bisphenol S, bisphenol F, and bisphenol AF) on selected biological characteristics of the nematode C. elegans and to compare them with an unexposed control group. Embryonal exposure of C. elegans to bisphenol A, as well as bisphenol S, F, and AF at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 5 µM resulted in a significant influence on the percentage of hatched eggs and habituation to anterior stimuli (with significant results ranging from p ≤ 0.05 to p ≤ 0.001). The growth of C. elegans was also significantly impaired by bisphenol A, S, and AF in some concentrations (with p-values ranging from p ≤ 0.05 to p ≤ 0.001). Our findings confirm prior research that bisphenol A and its supposedly safer analogs exert a detrimental effect on diverse biological processes. Therefore, bisphenol A analogs should be employed with caution, particularly until a comprehensive risk assessment has been conducted.

In this note, we study the convergence of functional sequences. A criterion for uniform distribution mod 1 is derived. Then we study the partitions, block sequences and the uniform distribution preserving mappings. In the last part, we prove that to each one to one sequence dense in [0, 1] a regular matrix summation method such that this sequence is uniformly distributed mod 1 with respect to this method exists.

Patients with treatment-refractory/relapsing germ cell tumors (GCTs) have a dismal prognosis due to a lack of any effective therapy. Moreover, the efficacy of newly approved targeted therapies remains unexplored for cisplatin-resistant GCTs. Previously, it was demonstrated that folate receptor α (FRα) is overexpressed in many tumor types and efficiently targeted by the antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV) in cisplatin-resistant cancers. We hypothesized that FRα represents an attractive target for treating treatment-refractory GCTs. We determined the expression of the FOLR1 gene in a broad range of GCT cell lines and tumor xenografts. We tested the antitumor efficacy of MIRV on cisplatin-resistant GCT cells in vitro and explored the ability of MIRV treatment to induce a bystander effect in the direct coculture of FRα-high and FRα-low cells. We found that the FOLR1 gene has significantly higher expression in testicular GCTs (TGCTs) than in normal testicular tissue. FOLR1 is highly expressed in the TCam2, JEG3, JAR, and NOY1 cell lines and their respective cisplatin-resistant variants. MIRV treatment induced apoptosis and a potent antiproliferative effect in cisplatin-resistant GCT cells in adherent and 3D spheroid cultures in vitro. A significant decrease in FRα-low 2102EP_R_NL cells was observed in the presence of FRα-high NOY1_R_SK in the presence of 12.5 nM MIRV, showing a potent bystander effect in the direct coculture. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed significantly higher Folr1 protein expression in patients with TGCTs postchemotherapy than in chemo-naïve patients, as well as in patients with an unfavorable prognosis. In this study, we present data suggesting that the FOLR1 gene is highly expressed in (T)GCT cells in vitro and in vivo, and anti-FRα-targeting therapies should be investigated as a treatment modality in a subset of patients with TGCTs. Moreover, MIRV induced significant antitumor and bystander effects, thus showing its potential in further preclinical exploration and drug repurposing for a salvage treatment regime in refractory (T)GCT disease.

Directive 2023/970 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms, represents an important step of the European Union toward equal pay for men and women for equal work. It aims to address the persistent gender pay gap, introduce gender gap reporting obligations for employers, and strengthen legal tools to combat discrimination. Implementing this Directive in the Slovak Republic will require amendments to several legal regulations and bring administrative and financial demands, especially for large companies. Successful implementation can improve working conditions and equal pay, supporting social and economic development.

Plants are an essential component of ecosystems; however, their significance is frequently underestimated, resulting in less effective conservation efforts. One approach to address plant blindness (PB) or plant awareness disparity (PAD) is to establish connections between plants and animals, as animals inherently attract more human attention. In this study, we employed an online questionnaire to manipulate visual materials featuring plant flowers alone, plant flowers accompanied by pollinators, and pollinators in isolation. We assessed participants’ willingness to protect (WTP) and the perceived attractiveness of both plants and their pollinators. Our findings revealed that pollinators presented alone received higher WTP scores than plants. Moreover, the visual association between pollinators and plants enhanced WTP plants. Conversely, plants were consistently perceived as more attractive than pollinators, irrespective of whether the flowers were displayed alone or alongside pollinators. The perceived attractiveness of both plants and pollinators was significantly correlated with WTP. Notably, colourful pollinators such as Selasphorus rufus, Vestiaria coccinea, and Danaus plexippus positively influenced WTP plants, while the remaining five species (predominantly invertebrates) did not exhibit a similar effect. We propose that establishing a connection between visually appealing pollinators and plants can help mitigate PB/PAD. These pollinators should be utilised as umbrella species to enhance human attention and interest in pollination processes and plant biology.

The paper focuses on the relations between hermeneutics, spirituality and imagination. The theoretical frame is formed by the notion of imaginative sets . These sets of dominant cultural images inscribe themselves into our understanding of the meanings of texts or spiritual contents. One such imaginative schema has undoubtedly been the image of reading as nourishment and the subsequent image of reading as pleasure or sweetness. The latter will be used here as an example of how from cultural images emerge metaphors by assigning certain meaning to them. The basis of these images goes back to early Christian times and to the metaphor of learning as eating. Medieval hermeneutics adopted these images according to its cultural forms. However, the use of the metaphor of sweetness in the Middle Ages differs from the use of the similar metaphors in the early Christianity because of the changed meaning attributed to the image. The imaginative set of sweetness reached their peak with Cusanus, but it appeared sporadically afterwards and is still active today when people say about nutritious reading or the savouring of texts. Imaginative sets thus not only have their history of petrified metaphors, but also the history of reactivations of images.

Ancient water structures, such as Roman aqueducts and Persian qanats, reflect past civilizations’ sophisticated engineering and resource management skills. Roman aqueducts supported urban, agricultural, and sanitary systems through precise design and extensive networks, while Persian qanats provided consistent access to groundwater in arid climates. Both structures, recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites, embody significant cultural, historical, and technical values. This study focuses on a selection of these ancient systems, chosen for their exemplary representation of diverse approaches to water management, to explore their sustainable principles, adaptive reuse, and integration into modern environments. The study highlights their continued relevance in landscape architecture and water management practices while acknowledging the limitations of the study’s scope to specific ancient examples.

The autoantibodies against the NR1 subunit are well known in the pathomechanism of NMDAR encephalitis. The dysfunction of the NR2 subunit could be a critical factor in this neurological disorder due to its important role in the postsynaptic pathways that direct synaptic plasticity. We report a case of paraneoplastic anti-NMDAR encephalitis presented alongside very severe illness. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain, as well as FLAIR and T2-weighted MRI, was performed to rule out any other acute brain processes. A semi-quantitative method was applied to detect the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies in the serum and CSF. A CT chest–abdomen–pelvis scan was performed that detected an ovarian teratoma. A histopathological examination was performed after a laparoscopic right-ovary cystectomy. Subsequent immunofluorescence immunohistochemical staining showed the expression of NMDA receptors of type NR2B. Treatment included first-line immunotherapy, second-line immunotherapy, tumor removal, and intrathecal injections with methotrexate and dexamethasone. The histological finding for our patient after tumor removal was ovarian teratoma. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining revealed a characteristic spectrum of elements, including stratified squamous epithelium and fat tissue accompanied by neuroglial cells. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining showed an expression of NMDA receptors of type NR2B in different structures of the teratoma, including the neuroglial cells. The first-line immunotherapy following the tumor removal was insufficient in our patient. The paraneoplastic anti-NMDAR encephalitis with a coexpressed NR2B subunit on the neural cells of the ovarian teratoma may suggest a different inflammation process and could be the key factor in the pathomechanism and treatment of the refractory anti-NMDAR encephalitis.