University of Ostrava

The health status (HS) of children is influenced by a variety of factors, including physical fitness (PF) or social and environmental characteristics. We present a 4-year longitudinal study carried out with 263 primary school children. PF was assessed yearly using the German Motor Performance Test 6-18. Demographic data, leisure time behavior and socioeconomic factors were collected using questionnaires for children and parents. Based on parents' ratings in year 4, children were categorized as either "very good health status" (VGHS) or "good health status or below" (GHSB). Children with VGHS (73%) showed a larger improvement of global PF (p < 0.001), a significantly higher proportion of being/playing outside (p < 0.001), significantly lower proportions of overweight (p < 0.001), of media availability in the bedroom (p = 0.011) and of daily media consumption > 2 h (p = 0.033) compared to children with GHSB. Regarding socioeconomic factors, children with VGHS revealed significantly fewer parents with lower education (p = 0.002), lower physical activity levels (p = 0.030) 2 AIMS Public Health Volume 11, Issue 1, 1-18. and lower migration background (p < 0.001). Physical fitness (p = 0.019) and outdoors exercising (p = 0.050) were the only variables to provide significantly higher chances of perceiving one's own health as very good when tested within a complex model including all the variables studied in this work. Considering the little focus on PF in the current Austrian physical education curriculum and the favorable environmental features of the Tyrolean region, more emphasis should be given to promoting didactical and pedagogical approaches that allow schoolers to be active in the nature.

Background In trypanosomatids, a group of unicellular eukaryotes that includes numerous important human parasites, cis-splicing has been previously reported for only two genes: a poly(A) polymerase and an RNA helicase. Conversely, trans-splicing, which involves the attachment of a spliced leader sequence, is observed for nearly every protein-coding transcript. So far, our understanding of splicing in this protistan group has stemmed from the analysis of only a few medically relevant species. In this study, we used an extensive dataset encompassing all described trypanosomatid genera to investigate the distribution of intron-containing genes and the evolution of splice sites. Results We identified a new conserved intron-containing gene encoding an RNA-binding protein that is universally present in Kinetoplastea. We show that Perkinsela sp., a kinetoplastid endosymbiont of Amoebozoa, represents the first eukaryote completely devoid of cis-splicing, yet still preserving trans-splicing. We also provided evidence for reverse transcriptase-mediated intron loss in Kinetoplastea, extensive conservation of 5′ splice sites, and the presence of non-coding RNAs within a subset of retained trypanosomatid introns. Conclusions All three intron-containing genes identified in Kinetoplastea encode RNA-interacting proteins, with a potential to fine-tune the expression of multiple genes, thus challenging the perception of cis-splicing in these protists as a mere evolutionary relic. We suggest that there is a selective pressure to retain cis-splicing in trypanosomatids and that this is likely associated with overall control of mRNA processing. Our study provides new insights into the evolution of introns and, consequently, the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.

Landslides on forested slopes, which often lack extensive documentary data and monitoring, can be evaluated using tree-ring records. This method is commonly employed for assessing hydrometeorological triggers similar to sites with documentary-based landslide catalogues. However, uncertainties arise in setting dendrogeomorphic thresholds and using diverse climate data sources for trigger identification. This paper reconstructs the activity of six landslides using tree-ring records in a region with well-documented landsliding and long-term climate data from rain gauges. The objective was to test different dendrogeomorphic approaches for identifying landslide event year and to analyse various rain, snow, and soil moisture parameters from meteorological stations and climate reanalyses to identify triggers. This involved examining how variations in each research step affect results and potentially enhancing the interpretation of landslide triggers. Documentary data indicated frequent landsliding during spring and summer, while tree-ring chronologies showed the strongest connection to increased winter and spring precipitation measured by rain gauges, suggesting an enhancement of winter precipitation as a potential climate preparatory factor. Furthermore, the results showed that combining tree-ring and documentary data yielded more statistically informative links than using tree-ring data alone. Additionally, integrating gridded data from ERA5-Land climate reanalyses enhanced the interpretation of explanatory factors. While increased winter and spring precipitation were most strongly linked to landslide initiation using precipitation data, volumetric soil water content derived from reanalysis data was crucial for identifying summer landslide occurrences. Incorporating soil water content into dendrogeomorphic research improved the interpretation of landslide initiation timing. Therefore, regional tree-ring-based chronologies with improved identification of landslide triggers can significantly reduce uncertainties in decision-making when it comes to landslide hazard management. Future research should explore the effectiveness of freely available satellite-based precipitation data with tree-ring chronologies, particularly in regions with limited information on precipitation intensity.

Article deals with the calculation issues of deflection and stress in the rail and pins, which are a part of the anchoring design for rack-railway tracks. The rack-railway track, is intended for the transport of excessively heavy loads and people inside mines. A longitudinal track dip can be up to ± 35deg. Practical application is focused on the calculations of pins and rails, for which a novel combination of analytical approaches and FEM is used, with dynamic loading and the theory of beams on an elastic foundation. The methodology is explained in details and the first results are listed. Everything stated in this article can be used to design transport systems not only in mining/underground constructions.

Self-assembling peptides remain persistently interesting objects for building nanostructures and further assemble into macroscopic structures, e.g. hydrogels, at sufficiently high concentrations. The modulation of self-assembling β-sheet-forming peptide sequences, with a selection from the full library of amino acids, offers unique possibility for rational tuning of the resulting nanostructured morphology and topology of the formed hydrogel networks. In the present work, we explored how a known β-sheet-disassembling amino acid, proline (P), affects the self-assembly and gelation properties of amphipathic peptides. For this purpose, we modified the backbone of a known β-sheet-forming peptide, FEFKFEFK (F8, F = phenylalanine, E = glutamic acid, and K = lysine), with P to form three sequences: FEFKPEFK (FP), FEFKPEFKF (KPE) and FEFEPKFKF (EPK). The replacement of F by P in the hydrophobic face resulted in the loss of the extended β-sheet conformation of the FP peptide and no gelation at concentration as high as 100 mg mL⁻¹, compared to typical 5 mg mL⁻¹ concentration corresponding to F8. However, by retaining four hydrophobic phenylalanine amino acids in the sequences, hydrogels containing a partial β-sheet structure were still formed at 30 mg mL⁻¹ for KPE (pH 4–10) and EPK (pH 2–5). TEM, AFM, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) revealed that KPE and EPK peptides self-assemble into nanoribbons and twisted nanofibers, respectively. Molecular dynamics confirmed that the single amino acid replacement of F by P prevented the assembly of the FP peptide with respect to the stable β-sheet-forming F8 variant. Moreover, additional prolongation by F in the KPE variant and shuffling of the polar amino acid sequence in the EPK peptide supported aggregation capabilities of both variants in forming distinct shapes of individual aggregates. Although the overall number of amino acids is the same in both KPE and EPK, their shifted charge density (i.e., the chemical environment in which ionic groups reside) drives self-assembly into distinct nanostructures. The investigated structural changes can contribute to new material designs for biomedical applications and provide better understanding in the area of protein folding.

This study provides an analysis of 37 ovarian Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors (SLCT), focusing on their morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. The cohort was comprised of 9 well-differentiated, 25 moderately differentiated, and 3 poorly differentiated tumors. The immunohistochemical analysis was performed with 28 markers, including diagnostic markers and markers with possible predictive significance. The results showed high expression of sex cord markers (FOXL2, SF1, inhibin A, CD99, calretinin, ER, PR, AR), and variable expression of other markers such as CKAE1/3 (83%), CAIX (14%), and MUC4 (1%). Loss of PTEN expression was present in 14% of cases, and CTLA4 expression was seen in 43% of cases. All tumors were MMR proficient and HER2 and PD-L1 negative. The molecular analysis showed DICER1 mutations in 54.5% of cases, and a FOXL2 mutation in 6% of tumors. In addition, we detected 2 cases with TERT promoter mutation. RNA NGS sequencing identified significant differences in mRNA expression between DICER1MUT and DICER1WT tumors. The DICER1WT tumors showed increased expression of PRKCA, HNF1A, LDLR, and MAP2K5. On the contrary, the DICER1MUT cases showed increased expression of CDK6, NOTCH2, and FGFR2. The results of our study show that SLCTs exhibit distinct molecular features based on their degree of differentiation. We have confirmed that DICER1 mutations are characteristic of moderately and poorly differentiated SLCTs, while well-differentiated SLCTs may represent a distinct entity. DICER1MUT and DICER1WT tumors showed different mRNA expression profiles. The FOXL2 mutation is less common in these tumors and is mutually exclusive with the DICER1 mutation.

Shallow water waves represent a significant and extensively employed wave type in coastal regions. The unconventional bidirectional transmission of extended waves across shallow water is elucidated through nonlinear fractional partial differential equations, specifically the space–time fractional-coupled Whitham–Broer–Kaup equation. The application of two distinct analytical methods, namely, the generalized logistic equation approach and unified approach, is employed to construct various solutions such as bright solitons, singular solitary waves, kink solitons, and dark solitons for the proposed equation. The physical behavior of calculated results is graphically represented through density, two- and three-dimensional plots. The obtained solutions could have significant implications across a range of fields including plasma physics, biology, quantum computing, fluid dynamics, optics, communication technology, hydrodynamics, environmental sciences, and ocean engineering. Furthermore, the qualitative assessment of the unperturbed planar system is conducted through the utilization of bifurcation theory. Subsequently, the model undergoes the introduction of an outward force with the aim of inducing disruption, resulting in the emergence of a perturbed dynamical system. The detection of chaotic trajectory in the perturbed system is accomplished through the utilization of a variety of tools designed for chaos detection. The execution of the Runge–Kutta method is employed to assess the sensitivity of the examined model. The results obtained serve to underscore the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed methodologies for the assessment of soliton structures within a broad spectrum of nonlinear models.

This paper is devoted to a description of the second‐order differential geometry of torsion‐free almost quaternionic skew‐Hermitian manifolds, that is, of quaternionic skew‐Hermitian manifolds (M,Q,ω)$(M, Q, \omega)$. We provide a curvature characterization of such integrable geometric structures, based on the holonomy theory of symplectic connections and we study qualitative properties of the induced Ricci tensor. Then, we proceed with bundle constructions over such a manifold (M,Q,ω)$(M, Q, \omega)$. In particular, we prove the existence of almost hypercomplex skew‐Hermitian structures on the Swann bundle over M and investigate their integrability.

Background The interaction between joint kinematics and kinetics is usually assessed by linear correlation analysis, which does not imply causality. Understanding the causal links between these variables may help develop landing interventions to improve technique and create joint-specific strengthening programs to reduce reaction forces and injury risk. Objective Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the causal interaction between lower limb sagittal kinematics and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during single-leg jump landing in children who are jumpers (volleyball and gymnastics) and non-jumpers, using the causal empirical decomposition method. Our hypothesis is that children who participate in jumping sports, compared to those who do not, employ a different joint strategy to regulate ground reaction forces during landing, particularly at the ankle level. Methods Two groups were compared: the jumpers group ( n = 14) and the non-jumpers (control group, n = 11). The causal interaction between sagittal kinematics and VGRF was assessed using ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and time series instantaneous phase dependence in bi-directional causality. The relative causal strength (RCS) between the time series was quantified as the relative ratio of absolute cause strength between kinematics and VGRF. Results A significant interaction between joint and group was found for RCS ( p = 0.035, η ² p = 0.14). The post-hoc analysis showed the jumpers group had higher ankle-to-VGRF RCS than the control group ( p = 0.017, d = 1.03), while in the control group the hip-to-VGRF RCS was higher than the ankle-to-VGRF RCS ( p = 0.004, d = 0.91). Conclusion Based on the causal decomposition approach, our results indicate that practicing jumping sports increases the causal effect of ankle kinematics on ground reaction forces in children. While non-jumper children rely more on the hip to modulate reaction forces, jumper children differ from non-jumpers by their greater use of the ankle joint. These findings could be used to develop specific training programs to improve landing techniques according to practice level, potentially helping to reduce the risk of injury in both athletes and non-athletes.

Background Percutaneous rhizotomy of the Gasserian ganglion is a well-established intervention for patients suffering from refractory trigeminal pain, not amenable to pharmacological management or microvascular decompression. Traditionally conducted under fluoroscopic guidance using Hartel’s technique, this study investigates a modified approach employing low-dose CT guidance to achieve maximal procedural precision and safety with the emphasis on minimizing radiation exposure. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing percutaneous rhizotomy of the Gasserian ganglion at our institution was undertaken. Procedures were divided into fluoroscopy and CT-guided foramen ovale (FO) cannulation cohorts. Radiation doses were assessed, excluding cases with incomplete data. The study included 32 procedures in the fluoroscopy group and 30 in the CT group. Results In the CT-guided group, the median effective dose was 0.21 mSv. The median number of CT scans per procedure was 4.5, and the median procedure time was 15 min. Successful FO cannulation was achieved in all 30 procedures (100%). In the fluoroscopy group, the median effective dose was 0.022 mSv, and the median procedure time was 15 min. Cannulation of FO was successful in 31 of 32 procedures (96.9%). The only complications in the CT-guided group were three minor cheek hematomas. Immediate pain relief in the CT-guided group was reported in 25 of 30 procedures (83.3%), 22 of 30 (73.3%) provided relief at one month, and 10 of 18 (55.6%) procedures resulting in pain relief at one month continued to provide relief after two years. Conclusion Low-dose CT-guided percutaneous rhizotomy conducted in the radiology suite carries negligible radiation exposure for patients and eliminates it for personnel. This method is fast, simple, precise, and carries a very low risk of complications.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP)‐sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) solid polymer electrolytes containing different weight ratios of ionic liquid (IL)—tributylmethylphosphonium iodide (TBMPI) were prepared using solution‐cast approach. Electrochemical impedance data indicates that increasing ionic liquid into polymer electrolyte matrix increases ionic conductivity and the maximum value of ionic conductivity was obtained at 150 wt% TBMPI, having conductivity value of 8.3 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹. The dielectric measurement supports our conductivity data. Ionic transference number measurement affirms this system to be predominantly ionic in nature, while electrochemical stability window (ESW) was found to be 3.4 V. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) along with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggest suitability of TBMPI as plasticizer, while infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms ion interaction, complexation, and composite nature. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows thermal stability of these ionic liquid‐doped polymer electrolytes (ILDPEs). Using maximum conducting ILDPE, a sandwiched supercapacitor has been fabricated which shows stable performance as high as 228 Fg⁻¹ using cyclic voltammetry (CV).

In the context of social changes associated with population ageing and the expected “social care deficit” in the Czech Republic and beyond, the presented paper deals with the possibilities for using social robots in social work practice. Future generations of social workers will encounter the use of social robots in practice. The aim of our research was to explore social work students’ perspectives on using social robots in social work practice. We formulated research question: how university students of social work think about the use of social robots for older adults in social work practice? In this research, we used the standardized Questionnaire for the Use of a Social Robot– UNRAQ (Tobis et al., 2021). This was distributed to undergraduate social work students (N = 140) who completed a gerontotechnology course. Subsequently, we organized a focus group with several of them (N = 14) to explore the benefits and barriers to the use of social robots in social work practice with older adults. The quantitative data obtained were evaluated using statistical processes, while the qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The research results showed that students evaluate the use of social robots in social work with older adults as beneficial, but at the same time point out the ethical risks associated with the use. The above confirms the need for education of future social workers in gerontotechnology and social robotics emphasizing ethics. The solution is the introduction of specialised study courses into curricula developed at both the national and international levels.

Background Large femoral defects after trauma, femoral non-unions, fractures complicated by osteomyelitis or defects after bone tumour resection present high burden and increased morbidity for patient and are challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Defects larger than 6 cm and smaller defects after failed spongioplasty are suitable for reconstruction using a free, eventually a pedicled vascularised bone flap. The free fibular flap is preferred but an iliac crest free flap or a pedicled medial femoral condyle flap can be also used. These vascularised flaps are ideal for bridging defects of long bones and can be also used as osteocutaneous or osteomuscular flaps for coverage of soft tissue defect if present. The patients and their families were informed that data will be submitted for publication and they gave their written informed consent prior to the submission. The study was approved by the institutional ethic committee. Methods We analysed a group of eight patients with large diaphyseal or distal metaphyseal femoral defects. A free fibular flap was used in six patients, a pedicled medial ipsilateral femoral condyle flap was used in two patients and a defect in one patient was reconstructed using an iliac crest free flap. Results All flaps healed completely in all patients and no fracture of the flap was detected during the study period. In one patient, a locking plate broke and was replaced by a compression plate. At the last check-up all patients were able to step on the reconstructed limb with full weight. Discussion Although our study comprises a heterogeneous group of cases, they all have been successfully treated by a similar technique, adapted in each case specifically to the needs of the patient. A major limitation parameter of reconstruction by a free vascularised flap is the size of bone defect needed to be reconstructed. In case of a bone defect longer than 6 cm and a concomitant soft tissue disruption, a vascularised double-barrel fibula is the preferred. Conclusion Large femoral defects can be successfully reconstructed with good long-term results using suitable free or pedicled vascularised bone flaps, especially preferring the free fibular flap.

Industrialisation has led to unprecedented levels of outdoor air pollution, posing a significant health risk to human beings. Consequently, there is an urgent need to replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources, thereby mitigating these risks and providing a safer outdoor and indoor environment. Titanium dioxide is a versatile transition metal oxide with applications ranging from energy conversion to environmental remediation. However, it faces limitations, particularly in its absorption spectrum and charge separation efficiency, and enhancing these properties remains a significant challenge. In this research work, we have decorated the surface of TiO2 hybridising it with noble‐metal and/or noble‐metal oxides (Ag and/or CuO) to improve the photocatalytic performances (monitoring the removal of nitrogen oxides and benzene, and hydrogen generation from water splitting) under simulated solar‐light irradiation. Our results showed that titania modified with an Ag : Cu molar ratio equal to 1 : 1, not only exhibited the most promising performance in terms of nitrogen oxides and benzene removal, it was the optimum amount for the light‐induced generation of hydrogen from water splitting.

Very low carbohydrate high fat (VLCHF) diet and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are widely utilized for weight reduction and cardiorespiratory fitness improvement, respectively. To assess the acceptability of these approaches, it is essential to examine mental health-related indicators. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial investigated the isolated and synergistic effects of VLCHF and HIIT on mental health-related indicators in individuals with excessive weight or obesity. Sixty-eight participants (age = 42 ± 10.2; 20–60 years; BMI = 29.8 ± 3.7) were analysed across four groups: HIIT (n = 15, 4 males, 11 females), VLCHF (n = 19, 4 males, 15 females), VLCHF + HIIT (n = 19, 4 males, 15 females), and control (n = 15, 4 males, 11 females). The 12-week intervention, involved VLCHF diet or HIIT sessions, depending on group affiliation and completing online questionnaires via Qualtrics software before and after the intervention. The questionnaires included the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) for mental (MHS) and physical health scores (PHS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Using the Kruskal–Wallis test, we found no significant differences in mental health-related indicators between groups after 12 weeks, except for SWLS (p = 0.031; ES = 0.133; medium), which improved significantly in the VLCHF + HIIT group compared to the HIIT group. Our findings indicate that HIIT and VLCHF, alone or combined, do not significantly affect mental health-related indicators.

Ammonia (NH₃) production is a critical industrial process, as ammonia is a key component in fertilizers, essential for global agriculture and food production. However, the current method of synthesizing ammonia, the Haber‐Bosch process, is highly energy‐intensive, and relies on fossil fuels, contributing substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the centralized nature of the Haber‐Bosch process limits its accessibility in remote or resource‐limited areas. Photochemical synthesis of ammonia, provides an alternate lower energy, carbon‐free pathway compared to the prevailing industrial methods. The photoconversion of nitrate anions, often present in wastewater, offers a greener, more sustainable, and energy‐efficient route for both ammonia‐generation and wastewater treatment. Photochemical and chemical synthesis of ammonia requires intensive mass‐transfer processes, which limits the efficiency of the method. To change the game, in this work, a key new technology of ammonia‐generation, a catalytic ammonia generation (AmmoGen) microrobot, which converts nitrate to ammonia using renewable light energy is reported. The magnetic propulsion of the AmmoGen microrobots significantly enhances mass‐transfer, and expedites the photosynthesis of ammonia. Overall, this “proof‐of‐concept” study demonstrates that microrobots can aid in catalytic small molecule activation and generation of value‐added products; and are envisaged to pave the way toward new sustainable technologies for catalysis.

Symbiotic relationships between eukaryotes and prokaryotes played pivotal roles in the evolution of life and drove the emergence of specialized symbiotic structures in animals, plants and fungi. The host-evolved symbiotic structures of microbial eukaryotes – the vast majority of such hosts in nature – remain largely unstudied. Here we describe highly structured symbiosomes within three free-living anaerobic protists (Anaeramoeba spp.). We dissect this symbiosis using complete genome sequencing and transcriptomics of host and symbiont cells coupled with fluorescence in situ hybridization, and 3D reconstruction using focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy. The emergence of the symbiosome is underpinned by expansion of gene families encoding regulators of membrane trafficking and phagosomal maturation and extensive bacteria-to-eukaryote lateral transfer. The symbionts reside deep within a symbiosomal membrane network that enables metabolic syntrophy by precisely positioning sulfate-reducing bacteria alongside host hydrogenosomes. Importantly, the symbionts maintain connections to the Anaeramoeba plasma membrane, blurring traditional boundaries between ecto- and endosymbiosis.

Objective : to substantiate the promising directions of legal regulation of relations in the use of artificial intelligence technologies in competitive (commercial and public) procurement. Methods : the study was conducted using induction, synthesis, analogy, decomposition of problems and generalization of conclusions. The reasoning was based on the experience of a complex procurement of high-tech equipment. This real-life example was considered as an experimental model for the study and subsequent prediction of the potential use of artificial intelligence technologies in competitive procurement procedures. Results : advantages and potential risks of using artificial intelligence technologies in procurement work were formulated; recommendations on regulating such use were given. The authors highlighted recommendations of general legal nature concerning the legal personality and delictual capacity of artificial intelligence and proposed the wordings for new norms and options for regulating the use of new procurement tools. It was proved that artificial intelligence technologies, if used thoughtfully, may not only improve the work quality and significantly reduce organizational costs, but also help to develop the basic principles of regulated procurement: transparency of procedures, development of competition for contracts between qualified suppliers, reasonableness of decisions, and economic efficiency of the customer’s expenditures. Scientific novelty : despite a large number of works devoted to both the problems of artificial intelligence in general and its use in procurement in particular, the article considers this topic on the basis of mainly inductive reasoning, built on handling a particular case and experience of complex procurement for knowledge-intensive research, refracted through the prism of essential correlation between the basic concepts of “digitalization”, “automation”, “robotization” and so on. Practical significance : the directions of using artificial intelligence described in this paper can be implemented by corporate and, in the future, by public customers to improve the quality of their procurement. At the same time, the recommendations on the normative regulation of such innovation seem to be in demand both at the legislative and local levels.