Regulators of aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation in two pristine temperate peatland types.

Despite covering <5% of Earth's terrestrial area, peatlands are crucial for global carbon storage and are hot spots of methane cycling. This study examined the dynamics of aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation in two undisturbed peatlands: a fen and a spruce swamp forest. Using microcosm incubations, we investigated the effect of ammonium addition, at a level similar to current N pollution processes, on aerobic methane oxidation.

Enzyme adaptation in Sphagnum peatlands questions the significance of dissolved organic matter in enzyme inhibition.

Peatlands store a large proportion of global soil carbon in the form of peat because decomposition of plant organic matter is slow. In Sphagnum-dominated peatlands, dissolved organic matter (DOM) is traditionally considered an important inhibitor of hydrolytic enzymes due to the polyphenolic polymers it contains. Interestingly, the acidic character of the polymers in such DOM has never been tested for its enzyme-inhibitory properties.

Revisiting the concept of 'enzymic latch' on carbon in peatlands.

Peatlands are long-term sinks of atmospheric carbon (C) largely due to water-saturated soil conditions, decay-resistant plant litter, and the presence of biochemical compounds such as soluble phenolics. As phenolics are known inhibitors of microbial enzymes in soils, the concept of the 'enzymic latch' on peat C was introduced, assuming that phenolics accumulate in peat water due to protection from degradation by oxidative enzymes as a result of anoxia. However, their inhibitory role in peat has not been unambiguously confirmed.

Modulation of the Immune Response by Deferasirox in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients.

Deferasirox (DFX) is an oral iron chelator used to reduce iron overload (IO) caused by frequent blood cell transfusions in anemic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. To study the molecular mechanisms by which DFX improves outcome in MDS, we analyzed the global gene expression in untreated MDS patients and those who were given DFX treatment. The gene expression profiles of bone marrow CD34 cells were assessed by whole-genome microarrays.

Genetic Variant Screening of DNA Repair Genes in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Identifies a Novel Mutation in the XRCC2 Gene.

Background: We aimed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mutations in DNA repair genes and their possible association with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Methods: Targeted enrichment resequencing of 84 DNA repair genes was initially performed on a screening cohort of MDS patients. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for genotyping selected SNPs in the validation cohort of patients.

[A summary of the EAS consensus concerning the causal relationship between low-density lipoproteins and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, prepared by the Board of the Czech Society for Atherosclerosis].

This article summarised opinion of the European Society for Atherosclerosis on the causal relationship between low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the development of atherosclerosis. The fact that there is a clear causal relationship between the LDL concentration and the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASKVO) is evidenced by congenital lipid metabolism disorders and results of prospective epidemiological studies, Mendelian randomized trials, and randomized controlled trials. It is documented that the effect of LDL exposure on ASKVO development is cumulative; the additive effect of other risk factors is also discussed.

[Hyperlipoproteinemia in children].

Hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) is one of the most common metabolic disorder in childhood. We assume that 20 % of children have a disorder of the lipid metabolism. Some HLP are very common in the population, and moderate, and some are very rare, but are very severe.

[PCSK9 inhibitors - new possibilities in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: For which patients will be indicated?Czech atherosclerosis society statement].

First line drug for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia are statins, which reduce LDL-cholesterol up to 50 %; such reduction is sufficient for most patients to achieve the target values. The exceptions are patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and patients with statin intolerance. To achieve target LDL-cholesterol in these two groups of patients will be possible with new drugs - PCSK9 inhibitors, which decrease LDL-cholesterol by an additional 50-60 %.

[Familial hypercholesterolemia - past and present. My experiences and findings in our group of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia].

Currently, the familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) rises the interest. The reason is that this genetic disorder is targeted by newly emerged and highly effective hypolipidemic agents, PCSK-9 inhibitors, lomitapid and mipomersen. Present paper discusses 2 patient study groups, before 50 years and nowadays.

[Non-pharmacological treatment - results from Poděbrady].

Objectives: The study was aimed to determine risk factors of atherosclerosis after one month lifestyle intervention in overweight/obese children and also FTO and MC4R gene variants associated with obesity.

Design And Methods: 350 non-diabetic Czech children (age 13.7 ± 2.

Microbial community composition and in silico predicted metabolic potential reflect biogeochemical gradients between distinct peatland types.

It is not well understood how the ecological status and microbial community composition of spruce swamp forests (SSF) relate to those found in bogs and fens. To clarify this, we investigated biogeochemical parameters and microbial community composition in a bog, a fen and two SSF using high throughput barcoded sequencing of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) variable region V4. The results demonstrated that the microbial community of SSF is positioned between those of bogs and fens, and this was confirmed by in silico predicted metabolic potentials.

Biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in obese/overweight children: effect of lifestyle intervention.

Obesity is a strong cardiometabolic (CM) risk factor in children. We tested potential CM risk in obese/overweight children and the effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention using newer CM markers: atherogenic index of plasma AIP [Log(TG/HDL-C)], apoB/apoAI ratio and a marker of insulin resistance HOMA-IR. The participants (194 girls, 115 boys, average age 13) were enrolled in an intensive, one-month, inpatient weight reduction program.

Early cardiac changes in children with anderson-fabry disease.

Objective: Limited evidence is available about the early cardiac manifestation of Fabry disease (FD) in children. We aimed to evaluate cardiac involvement in children with FD by analysing serial structural and electrocardiographic changes.

Methods: The data were acquired from 22 children with FD [11 males; median age 9.

[Opinion of the Czech Atherosclerosis Society's committee (CSAT) on the ESC/EAS guidelines related to the diagnostics and treatment of dyslipidemias issued in 2011].

This position statement of the Executive Committee of the Czech Society for Atherosclerosis (CSAT) summarizes the most important aspects and novelties of the latest European guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia. In particular the position statement comments on: cardiovascular risk stratification, indications for plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels assessment as well as target lipid values, evaluation of current options for both lifestyle and pharmacological treatment of lipid metabolism disorders and, also, recommendation for laboratory monitoring of patients treated with lipid lowering agents. The statement deals with actual concepts of management of dyslipiemia in everyday practice, e.

[Czech atherosclerosis society guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia in adults].

The present guidelines are based on the recommendations published in 2005 entitled "Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Adulthood" summarizing the conclusions of nine Czech medical societies and agree with them in the assessment of individual risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) according to SCORE tables. They reflect new research data in pathophysiology of dyslipidemias (DLP) and particularly the results of recent clinical trials of lipid-lowering therapy and their meta-analyses. They establish priorities for the screening and management of DLP, present suitable diagnostic methods, additional investigations of potential use in risk assessment, including some emerging risk factors and detection of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in persons in a moderate-risk category.

[Czech Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemias in adults].

The present guidelines are based on the recommendations published in 2005 entitled "Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Adulthood" summarizing the conclusions of nine Czech medical societies and agree with them in the assessment of individual risks of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) according to SCORE tables. They reflect new research data in pathophysiology of dyslipidemias (DLP) and particularly the results of recent clinical trials of lipid-lowering therapy and their meta-analyses. They establish priorities for the screening and management of DLP, present suitable diagnostic methods, additional investigations of potential use in risk assessment, including some emerging risk factors and detection of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in persons in a moderate-risk category.

Relations between particle size of HDL and LDL lipoproteins and cholesterol esterification rate.

Particle size of low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoproteins and cholesterol esterification rate in HDL plasma (FER(HDL)) are important independent predictors of coronary artery diseases (CAD). In this study we assessed the interrelations between these indicators and routinely examined plasma lipid parameters and plasma glucose concentrations. In 141 men, healthy volunteers, we examined plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL and LDL cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C) and HDL unesterified cholesterol (HDL-UC).

[Consumption of white wine retards development of atherosclerosis and affects anticoagulation].

Background: An inverse relationship between moderate alcohol use and coronary heart disease was found in various countries. Aims of the study were to find out whether drinking of moravian white wine will have the same effect on lipoproteins and fibrinogen as described in foreign wines. Blood pressure, body mass, blood glucose and a hepatic enzyme were also measured before and after drinking.

A 5-year randomized controlled, double-blind study of glycosaminoglycan polysulphuric acid complex (Rumalon) as a structure modifying therapy in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

Objective: To determine the structure (disease) modifying effect of a glycosaminoglycan polypeptide association complex (GP-C; Rumalon) in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled five-year study. Primary assessment criterion was change in radiographic joint space width between baseline and follow-up at 5 years.

[Total hip replacement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.].

The authors present their experience with total hip replacement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. In the period of 1985-1997 they performed in total 66 total hip replacements in 41 patients. Of the total number of the used implants 24 were fully cemented (the average follow-up - 13 years), 3 were hybrid and 39 cementless (the average follow-up - 6 years).

Nabumetone induces less gastrointestinal mucosal changes than diclofenac retard.

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and the effects on the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of nabumetone and diclofenac retard in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). An open, multicentre, randomised, comparative, endoscopy-blind parallel group study included 201 patients with nabumetone and 193 patients with diclofenac retard suffering from moderate to severe OA of the knee or hip joint. Twelve clinical efficacy variables were assessed and a portion of the population underwent gastroduodenoscopy.

High-density lipoprotein subclasses and esterification rate of cholesterol in children: effect of gender and age.

Since the development of coronary heart disease (CAD) is affected by a specific pattern of plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) effects it may be useful to know whether this occurs already in childhood. In this study we evaluated particle size distribution of HDL by gradient gel electrophoresis and the determination of cholesterol esterification rate (FER(HDL)) in plasma depleted of apo B lipoproteins in 221 children (108 boys and 113 girls) aged 4 months to 20 years. Total plasma- (TC), low-density lipoprotein- (LDL-C) and HDL- (HDL-C) cholesterol, HDL unesterified cholesterol (HDL-UC) and plasma triglycerides (TG) were also measured.