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Biomedical subjects

J Sulc

Publications and source records attributed to J Sulc.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Women infected with parasite Toxoplasma have more sons.

The boy-to-girl ratio at birth (secondary sex ratio) is around 0.51 in most populations. The sex ratio varies between societies and may be influenced by many factors, such as stress and immunosuppression, age, primiparity, the sex of the preceding siblings and the socioeconomic status of the parents. As parasite infection affects many immunological and physiological parameters of the host, we analyzed the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on sex ratios in humans. Clinical records of 1,803 infants born from 1996 to 2004 contained information regarding the mother's age, concentration of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, previous deliveries and abortions and the sex of the newborn. The results of our retrospective cohort study suggest that the presence of one of the most common parasites (with a worldwide prevalence from 20 to 80%), Toxoplasma gondii, can influence the secondary sex ratio in humans. Depending on the antibody concentration, the probability of the birth of a boy can increase up to a value of 0.72, C.I.95 = (0.636, 0.805), which means that for every 260 boys born, 100 girls are born to women with the highest concentration of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. The toxoplasmosis associated with immunosuppression or immunomodulation might be responsible for the enhanced survival of male embryos. In light of the high prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in most countries, the impact of toxoplasmosis on the human population might be considerable.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Th1/Th2 cytokine gene polymorphisms in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

We investigated 30 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 103 healthy volunteers for the cytokines polymorphisms of the IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1R, IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, transforming growth factor-beta, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-4RA genes. The strongest correlation of a genotype with the disease was found for gene polymorphisms at the promotor region of IL-4, where the CT genotypes at the positions (-590) and (-33) were more frequent in the IPF group (P < 0.0001, P(corr) < 0.0022; vs P < 0.0001, P(corr) < 0.0022). Our results support the idea of the pathogenic role of cytokine gene polymorphisms in the etiology and pathogenesis of IPF, with emphasize on the IL-4 promotor gene polymorphisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Flow limitation and dyspnoea in healthy supine subjects during methacholine challenge.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether during standard methacholine (Mch) challenge (concentration up to 128 mg x mL(-1)) healthy supine subjects a) develop tidal expiratory flow limitation (FL) and hyperinflation, and b) whether the onset of tidal FL is associated with dyspnoea. Eight healthy subjects were studied. Dyspnoea was assessed using the Borg scale, FL by the negative expiratory pressure (NEP) method and hyperinflation in terms of decrease in inspiratory capacity (IC). Seven patients became flow limited at Mch doses ranging 4-64 mg x mL(-1), with FL encompassing 34-84% of the control tidal volume. In six of them the onset of tidal FL was associated with little or no dyspnoea and a modest degree of hyperinflation (deltaIC <-0.4 L). In one subject, however, onset of FL was associated with a substantial reduction in IC (0.58 L) and moderately severe dyspnoea. In all of these seven subjects FL was transiently reversed after an IC manoeuvre. In conclusion, the results show that a) most healthy subjects may develop flow limitation and hyperinflation during methacholine challenge in supine position, and b) at onset of flow limitation there is little or no dyspnoea, suggesting that onset of dynamic airway compression per se does not elicit significant dyspnoea. Significant dyspnoea probably only occurs with marked dynamic hyperinflation.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Er:YAG and alexandrite laser radiation propagation in root canal and its effect on bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the bactericidal effect of the Er:YAG (wavelength 2.94 microm) and the Alexandrite (wavelength 0.75 microm) laser radiation. The spreading laser energy in the surrounding hard dental tissues round the root canal was evaluated and the bactericidal effect of both these different laser wavelengths was analyzed. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The use of a laser to clean and shape the root canal space is the latest method used for cleaning of root canals. The interest in laser endodontics was concentrated on the possibility to extirpate the contents of the root canal, to sterilize and to "melt" the walls of the root canals. The previous reports were performed with CO2, excimer, argon, Nd:YAG, Ho:YAG, and Er:YAG lasers. METHODS: Er:YAG laser system (2.94 microm, energy 100 mJ or 300 mJ, repetition rate 1 Hz, 30 pulses) and alexandrite laser system (0.75 microm, energy 250 mJ, repetition rate 1 Hz, 30 pulses) were prepared and three experimental arrangements were used during the measurements. First the energy transport through the tooth tissue was observed (frontal and side experimental setups) and then, the bactericidal effect was evaluated. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that due to the absorption in the hydroxyapatite and water content in the dentin, the Er:YAG laser radiation is fully absorbed in the root canal wall. This direct influence of the radiation could be expected only close to the sapphire tip. It was found that the tissue, which was not directly affected by the laser radiation, cannot be disinfected by the subablative effect of Er:YAG laser radiation. In the second part of the experiment the real bactericidal effect of Er:YAG ablative energy (300 mJ) could be observed. It was also shown that the alexandrite laser radiation with a wavelength of 0.75 microm spreads through the canal system space and leaks into the surrounding tooth tissues. Both lasers have bactericidal effect. CONCLUSIONS: The pulsed Er:YAG and alexandrite lasers can be efficiently used for killing dental bacteria but the spreading of their radiation in the tooth tissues are different.

Dental Pulp Cavity↗
PubMed1998

Pulmonary function in children with atrial septal defect before and after heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effect of heart disease and heart surgery on lung function. DESIGN: A pulmonary function study of children undergoing surgery for atrial septal defect (ASD). SETTINGS: University hospital. PATIENTS: 26 children tested before surgery (at mean (SD) age 11.8 (3.8) years) and 24 patients tested 1.8 (0.2) years after surgical correction. METHODS: Lung volumes, lung elasticity, and airway patency indices were measured using standard techniques. RESULTS: Before surgery: pulmonary function test abnormalities were found in 18 of the 26 patients. Stiff lung was found in 12, lung hyperinflation in five, and indices of decreased airway patency in four. Total lung capacity decreased in only two patients. After surgery: pulmonary function test abnormalities were found in 12 of the 24 patients (informed consent not given for two patients). Stiff lung was detected in nine and indices of peripheral airway obstruction in four. Mean values of specific airway conductance and peak expiratory flow were all normal. Lung hyperinflation was found only in one of 24 patients. No correlation between perioperative events and pulmonary function test data was found. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary function test abnormalities persist in half the patients almost two years after surgery for ASD. A decrease in the total frequency of pulmonary function test abnormalities (in 19% of the patients), with a decrease in stiff lung in 8% and lung hyperinflation in 15%, was not significant. Impairment of lung function related to ASD is associated with the disease itself rather than the surgical procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Good exercise tolerance and impaired lung function after atrial repair of transposition.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of long-term results of atrial correction of transposition of the great arteries (TGA), focusing on the relationship between pulmonary function and exercise tolerance. METHODS: A prospective population-based study-56 out of 60 survivors of Mustard/Senning repair, born in Bohemia in 1980-1984 (median age at surgery 0.85 years) were followed up over 13.4 +/- 1.2 years and studied by complete lung function and bicycle exercise testing. RESULTS: Maximum heart rate on exercise reached 181 +/- 14 bpm (Z-score: -1.06 +/- 1.66, range -6.7 to +1.6); VO2max: 40.6 +/- 6.7 ml/kg per min (Z-score: -0.97 +/- 1.4, range -5 to +1.8). A total of 73.6% had abnormal lung function, most frequently features of stiff lung (39.6%) and lung restriction (32.1%). Static recoil pressure of the lungs measured at 100, 90 and 60% of total lung capacity reached 137, 126 and 130%, respectively (Z-score: 1.93 +/- 2.33, 1.64 +/- 1.96, and 1.14 +/- 1.95, respectively). There was an inverse relationship between static recoil pressure of the lungs and VO2max (r = -0.306, P = 0.043), indicating the impact of lung function abnormalities on exercise tolerance. Comparison with lung function study of the group of 'pioneer' Mustard patients operated at the mean age of 4.4 years revealed a similar pattern and frequency (73.6% in current series vs. 88%, NS). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up has shown good exercise tolerance in the majority of patients after atrial correction of TGA performed in infancy. Many of them, however, have impaired lung function, especially stiff lung, although less frequently than original patients operated at a later age. The stiff lung can impair the exercise tolerance.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

A simple method to monitor performance of forced vital capacity.

The forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver is the most common lung function test. One of its major prerequisites is that it be performed with sufficient effort to achieve the maximal flows that are due to expiratory flow limitation. To verify this, in nine normal subjects, short (0.25-s) pulses of negative pressure (-5 to -20 cmH2O) were applied at the mouth at different times (0.25-1 s) after the onset of 1) FVC maneuvers and 2) vital capacity expirations with submaximal expiratory efforts (SVC). All subjects were experienced in FVC maneuvers. With FVC, the expiratory flow did not change with application and removal of negative-pressure pulses, apart from brief flow transients, mainly reflecting displacement of air from the compliant oral and neck structures. With SVC, flow increased throughout the application of the negative-pressure pulses. Thus application of pulses of negative pressure provides a simple method for on-line recognition of whether an FVC maneuver is performed with sufficient effort to achieve flow limitation.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Long-term follow-up of the quality of life in children after surgery for vascular compression of the respiratory tract].

The aim of this study is the analysis of long-term results of surgery for vascular airway compression. Out of those operated within last 14 years at our institution, thirty two have a longer than five years follow up, being now 9.1 +/- 3.0 years following surgery. All are in excellent clinical condition. One quarter of patients show occasional stridor and one third frequent respiratory infections. Eighty percent have some lung function abnormality, 72% features of central airways obstruction. Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy demonstrated in 19% asymmetric pulmonary blood flow. Magnetic resonance imaging showed relationship between vessels and airways. Although long-term outcome of surgery for vascular airway compression is excellent, high percentage of pathologic lung functions is of concern and substantiates the need for close long-term follow-up.

Aorta↗
PubMed1992

Lung function in atrial septal defect after heart surgery.

Lung volume, indices of lung elasticity and airway patency were measured in 74 patients, 9-21 yr old (15.0 +/- 2.5 yr) with atrial septal defect (secundum type) from 2-11 (5.1 +/- 2.5) yr after successful surgical correction. Clinical condition in all patients was classified as excellent. Heart surgery was performed at the age of 4-14.8 (9.9 +/- 3.0) yr. Lung function abnormalities were found in 35 (47.3%) patients. Lung recoil pressure was significantly increased in 24 (32.4%) patients. The mean value of lung recoil pressure at 100% of total lung capacity reached 123 +/- 31% of the predicted value (P < 0.0001). Specific static compliance was within normal limits. Specific airway conductance was significantly reduced in 13 (17.6%) patients. Maximum expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity was significantly reduced in 4 (5.4%) patients. Static lung volumes did not differ from reference values. Since various abnormalities of lung function tests (most frequently the tests suggested increased lung stiffness and obstruction of larger airways) were revealed in almost half of the studied children and adolescents after successful surgery for atrial septal defect, we propose to carry out lung function tests routinely as another criterion of health conditions in these patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Intermediate to late results of surgical relief of vascular tracheobronchial compression.

Since 1979, a total of 69 infants and children aged 0.1 to 11.9 (median 0.7) years required surgical intervention for: double aortic arch (26), anomalous origin of innominate artery (26), right aortic arch with left ligamentum arteriosum (9), pulmonary artery sling (5), retroesophageal right subclavian artery (3). Before operation, the morbidity was high: 84% of children were symptomatic in the first trimester of life with 24 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Seven children had an accompanying heart defect. Left thoracotomy was the preferred approach. There were 2 early (asphyxic brain damage, postoperative pneumonia) and 2 late (tracheomalacia, complex heart defect) deaths. Five patients (2 originally operated elsewhere) needed reoperation for persistent symptoms. All 65 survivors are well 1 month to 11.9 (mean 3.9 +/- 3.62) years after surgery. Tracheobronchoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and lung function testing were helpful for postoperative evaluation. Minor tracheal compression was revealed in 4 patients despite their good clinical condition.

Airway Obstruction↗
PubMed1991

[Submicroscopic structure of amniotic fluid cells].

Submicroscopic examination of amniotic fluid cells in the second trimester of pregnancy revealed that the cells are from the morphological aspect a very heterogeneous population, comprising vital and degenerated cells the ultrastructure of which rules out the possibility of cultivation of cells of foetal as well as of maternal origin. As to degenerated cells, the authors identified circular cells with a granular cytoplasm and nucleus originating from the urogenital or digestive tract of the foetus. Furthermore cells with a process and segmented or fragmented pycnotic nucleus derived from granulocytes and macrophages of maternal origin. Also circular cells of the periderm with short microvilli and advanced regressive changes of the nucleus and cytoplasm are degenerated. Among non-vital elements also anuclear completely keratinized cells of the stratum corneum originating from the skin of the maternal abdomen can be included. As to vital elements, the amniotic fluid contains cells of the amniotic ectoderm which are large, have numerous microvilli, a dense margin and a network of filaments in the cytoplasm. They are the most numerous cells. Other vital elements in amniotic fluid include granulocytes and macrophages with a typical ratio of lyzosomes. Both are considered elements of maternal origin. Maternal origin is assumed also in fibroblasts which along with collagen particles may penetrate into the aspirating needle. From the results ensues that the cells in amniotic fluid are not a homogeneous population of unequivocally foetal origin and that a better technique of collection of samples and cultivation must be developed.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1991

[Visual function requirements in modern aviation].

The authors describe aviation ophthalmology as a typical ergoophthalmic discipline as regards the sphere of interest as well as with regard to its preventive trend. The visual analyzer is a very exposed sense which can be modified by some dynamic effects of flight to such an extent that they may restrict the pilot's activities and consequently also the safety of the flight. Specific factors of flight which comprise also aerogenic hypoxia, hypobarism, overloading, vibrations and the consequences of impaired relations of the different senses may be manifested by changes of the perception of light, colour, visual acuity, perception of contrasts of the visual field etc. The most modern aviation technique puts some so far unusual demands on vision tested by means of complicated psychophysiological tests. Only the future will show which tests should be included among routine methods of aviation ophthalmology and which tests will be restricted only to experimental work.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1990

The influence of hydrogel functional groups on cell behavior.

This study provides information on the behavior of macrophages on the surface of the subcutaneously implanted hydrogel strips. Hydrogel containing -OH, -CO-NH-, and (CH3)2N- groups induced a spreading of macrophages on the implants. The materials containing -SO3H groups slightly, and materials containing -COOH groups more intensively, inhibited spreading of the macrophages. The fusion of macrophages into multinucleate cells was inhibited on the surface of materials containing acidic groups (-SO3H, -COOH) and increased on the hydrogels containing 30 mol% of alkaline (CH3)2N- groups in comparison with hydrogels containing -OH or -CO -NH- groups. The differences of the behavior of macrophages on the surface of individual types of hydrogels are probably independent on the adsorption of plasma fibronectin onto the hydrogels. The correlation between the macrophages spreading and fusion and surface charge of the hydrogel implant can be hypothetically explained by electrostatic interaction between macrophages cell membrane and implant.

Animals↗