COVID-19 associated Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) in children.

The clinical course of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection (COVID-19 disease) in paediatric patients is predominantly mild. However, in a small percentage of paediatric patients, the COVID-19 could lead to the development of with the Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) presenting as high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological symptomatology and even as multiorgan dysfunction. These three cases represent the first published report of critically ill paediatric patients with PIMS in the Czech Republic.

[Contribution of allergen immunotherapy using Phostal in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (two years of use)]. / Prínos alergenové imunoterapie Phostalem v lécbe sezonní alergické rýmy (dva roky aplikace).

Allergen immunotherapy consists in the administration of the appropriate allergen to which the patient is hypersensitive. The objective is to induce immunological tolerance of the organism. In the present study, the effect of the administration of Phostal on the occurrence of seasonal symptoms of pollinosis in a group of 35 outpatients was observed during two years. The substance was administered according to the regular dosage schedule, all year round. The results of the study have demonstrated a significant effect of the product on the decrease in the occurrence of observed objective symptoms of the disease, starting already from the first year of treatment. This is in correlation with changes in the spirometric functions, selected laboratory parameters and results of the prick tests in the treated group in comparison to the control group.

[Examination of the antioxidative and antidiabetic effect of pomiferin in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in an experiment (a pilot study)]. / Sledování antioxidacního a antidiabetického efektu pomiferinu u alloxanem navozeného diabetes mellitus v experimentu--pilotní studie.

The antioxidative and antidiabetic effect of pomiferin was monitored under the experimental conditions of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. The animals were divided by random selection into 2 groups (n=7). The treated group was administered pomiferin in peroral doses of 10 mg/kg in Avicel, the placebo group was given only a solution of Avicel, and the last group was intact. Selected laboratory parameters (glucose, urea, cholesterol, antioxidative enzymes, total antioxidative capacity, malondialdehyde in serum: diuresis, total glucose and protein losses through urine) were determined. Kidney tissue and pancreas samples were taken for histopathological analysis. The findings included a statistically significant decrease (p < or = 0.01) in blood glucose level, a significant increase (p < or = 0.01) in glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity (p < or = 0.05) and a significant decrease (p < or = 0.01) in malondialdehyde level in the treated group compared to the placebo group. A highly significant decrease (p < or = 0.01) in diuresis, glucose and protein losses through urine were identified in the treated group compared to the placebo group. The superoxide dismutase catalytic activity, urea and cholesterol levels involved nonsignificant changes. The results of biochemical examination show a protective antioxidative and antidiabetic effect of pomiferin. The results of histopathological examination correlate with them only partially.

[Experience with ciclesonide in patients with mild persistent bronchial asthma]. / Zkusenosti s ciclesonidem u dospelých pacientu s lehkou formou astma bronchiale.

Experience with ciclesonide in patients with mild persistent bronchial asthma The study aimed to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the treatment with ciclesonide, administered once a day in a 160 microg dose, over a 3-month period, to a group of 100 patients diagnosed with mild persistent bronchial asthma with deterioration of problems after exercise. The results of the study prove significant positive effects of the preparation used. A significant improvement of FEV1 and PEF values was observed, as well as a statistically significant remission of both day and nocturnal symptoms of the disease, a significantly lower consumption of short-acting beta2-sympathomimetics, and an improvement of all evaluated data relating to the quality of life of the asthmatic patients. No adverse effects were registered.

[Cardiovascular diseases and gene polymorphisms]. / Onemocnení kardiovaskulárního systému a genové polymorfizmy.

Cardiovascular diseases rank among the most important mortality causes in the Czech population. Although the unhealthy living style plays a key role in their development and progression, impacts of the hereditary predisposition can not be denied. This article characterizes the gene polymorphisms and results of mutations in general. An overview of the most important findings presented in papers published in the Czech Republic and worldwide follows. Issues of concrete gene polymorphism associations with such pathological conditions as acute or chronic heart failure, essential hypertension or heart rhythm disorders are discussed. Attention is paid to genes that participate on beta-adrenergic signalling, to genes for angiotensin, to ACE-gene and to angiotensin II receptor gene. A table summarizing the most important data is attached to the article.

[Protective effects of the flavonoids osajin and pomiferin on heart ischemia-reperfusion]. / Protektivní efekt flavonoidu osajinu a pomiferinu na ischémii-reperfuzi srdce.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of the flavonoids osajin and pomiferin against ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in rat hearts as a model of antioxidant-based composite therapy. Studies were performed with isolated, modified Langendorff-perfused rat hearts and ischemia of the heart was initiated by stopping the coronary flow for 30 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion (14 ml x min(-1)). Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The treated groups received osajin or pomiferin (5 mg/kg/day in 0.5% Avicel), the placebo group received only 0.5 Avicel; the intact group was left without any applications. Biochemical indicators of oxidative damage--malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant activity in serum and the myocardium have been evaluated. We also examined the effect of osajin and pomiferin on cardiac function: left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular pressure, and peak positive dP/dt. Our results demonstrate that the flavonoids osajin and pomiferin attenuate the myocardial dysfunction provoked by ischemia-reperfusion. This was confirmed by an increase in both the antioxidant enzyme values and the total antioxidant activity. The cardioprotection provided by osajin and pomiferin treatment results from the suppression of oxidative stress and correlates with the improved ventricular function.

[Study of a newly synthesized substance with a potential to stimulate beta3-adrenergic receptors]. / Testování nove syntetizované látky s potencionálním beta-adrenergne agonistickým úcinkem.

beta3-Adrenoreceptor agonists can stimulate lipolysis in the white adipose tissue and thermogenesis in the brown adipose tissue. These activities could be useful in the treatment of obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome. The effects of six-week oral administration of the newly synthesized substance B496 (methyl-4-[2-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-ethylcarbamoyl)phenoxyprophyl]amino]etyl)-phenoxyacetate hydrochloride) on serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and leptin levels were studied in male Wistar rats fed with a high-fat diet. The animals were divided into a group treated with B496 (5 mg dissolved in 1 litre of water) and a control group. The results indicated a significant reduction in serum glucose levels (-26 %, p<0,01), triacylglyceride levels (-21 %, p<0,05) and leptin levels (-43 %, p<0,01). Further the effect of a single intraperitoneal dose (1 mg/kg) of B496 and BRL-37344 on serum leptin levels in the C57Bl/6J mouse was investigated. Administration of BRL-37344 resulted in a significant decrease in serum leptin levels (-55 %, p<0,001). This reduction was not demonstrated by newly synthesized substance B496.

Protective effects of osajin in ischemia-reperfusion of laboratory rat kidney.

The aim of this study was to analyze the antioxidative effect of osajin during prophylactic administration. The pathological model for in vivo experiment was the unilateral ischemia-reperfusion of kidney of the laboratory rat. The animals were randomly divided into five groups. Osajin was administrated orally in doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg once a day to three premedicated groups. Placebo--0.5% solution of Avicel--was given to the fourth group and the fifth group was completely intact. The premedication lasted 15 days and subsequently the ischemia of the left kidney was incited in general anaesthesia for 60 min. The reperfusion lasted 10 min and it was finished by blood collection from the left ventricle and the reperfused kidney was recovered. Selected biochemical markers were assessed in blood: superoxide dismutase, glutathion peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity and malondialdehyde. The kidney tissue samples were used for histopathological examination. Laboratory and histopathological results confirmed supposed effects of osajine. The dependence between the effect and the applied dose of osajin was linear. The best biochemical results were reached after administration of osajin at the dose of 5 mg/kg. The best histopathological results were reached after administration of osajin at the dose of 10 mg/kg.

[Morin in the therapy of the ischemia-reperfusion damage model of the rat kidney]. / Morin v terapii ischemicko-reperfuzního poskození ledvinné tkáne laboratorního potkana.

The aim of this study was to analyze the protective effects of morin administered during the therapy of reperfusion injury of the laboratory rat kidney. Animals were randomly divided into five groups (n= 10). One group was left intact. Three medicated groups and one placebo group were subjected to ischemia (60 min) and reperfusion of the left kidney. Morin was suspended in a 2 ml of 0.5% Avicel solution and administered orally by a gastric probe at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg.kg(-1) once a day for 15 days. The placebo group was given only 2 ml of 0.5% Avicel in the same way. On the 15th day, all the animals were exsanguinated and the reperfused kidneys were recovered. Selected biochemical markers in blood were assessed: superoxide dismutase, glutathion peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity, malondialdehyde, creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Creatinine, urea, and total protein were analyzed in urine, and a 24-hour diuresis was recorded. The kidney tissue samples were used for histopathological examination. Morin supported the organism's own defensive reactions against free radicals and decreased lipid peroxidation in the cell membranes and contributed to the recovery of kidney functions. The histopathological results confirm 20 mg x kg(-1) as the most effective dose.

[Prophylactic administration of homoisoflavonoid in ischemic-reperfusion damage of the renal tissue in the laboratory rat]. / Profylaktické podávání homoizoflavonoidu u ischemicko- reperfuzního poskození ledvinné tkáne laboratorního potkana.

The study aimed to examine the antioxidizing effect of homoisoflavonoid in prophylactic administration under the conditions of renal ischemia-reperfusion in the laboratory rat. The pathological model for the in vivo experiment was unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion of the laboratory rat. The animals were randomized into 5 groups. Homoisoflavonoid was administered to treated groups orally in doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg once a day in 0.5% Avicel solution. The placebo group received Avicel only, and the intact group was without medication and intervention. On day 15 of the experiment, renal tissue ischemia/reperfusion (60/10 mins) was induced in the treated and placebo groups. Then the animals were exsanguinated, biochemical parameters in the blood (superoxidismutase, glutathionperoxidase, total antioxidizing capacity and malondialdehyde) were assayed, and renal samples were withdrawn for histopathological examination. A biochemical examination demonstrated a dependence of the effect of homoisoflavonoid on the dose administered. An obvious effect was demonstrated in the values of GSHPx, AOC, and MDA. On the other hand, a negative dependence was found between the dose of administered homoisoflavonoid and SOD and GSHPx values. The results of biochemical examination correlate with the histopathological pictures of the renal tissue and support the assumption about a protective effect of homoisoflavonoid under the conditions of artificially induced pathological state--renal tissue ischemia-reperfusion.

Echocardiographic volumetry of the right ventricle.

AIMS: The aim of our study was to define the optimal geometric model for two-dimensional volumetry of the right ventricle and its clinical validation. METHODS AND RESULTS: It has been shown in previous reports that an ellipsoidal shell model best reflects the complex right ventricular geometry. We investigated 82 patients without tricuspid regurgitation and intracardiac shunt. Measurements of right ventricular stroke volume were made in modified apical four chamber and parasternal short axis views both in end-diastole and end-systole. The following controls were used:stroke volume of right ventricle estimated by thermodilution in 22 patients, stroke volume of left ventricle calculated with Teichholz formula in 77 patients, stroke volume of left ventricle estimated by Doppler volumetry in 41 patients. The correlations between right ventricular stroke volume by echocardiography and thermodilution, left ventricular volumetry by Teichholz and Doppler were r=0.87, p<0.001; r=0.91, p<0.001; and r=0.83, p<0.001, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ellipsoidal shell model of the right ventricle is a good model for right ventricular volumetry.

Effects of carvedilol and BL-443 on kidney of rats with cyclosporine nephropathy.

Effects of cyclosporine A on kidneys of rats and the effects of carvedilol or BL-443 on kidneys of rats with cyclosporine nephropathy were studied. Male rats (Wistar) were divided into four groups (n = 7). Three groups of rats were treated in single oral daily doses of 45 mg cyclosporine A/kg body weight to cause cyclosporine nephropathy. Two of the treated groups were then medicated either with carvedilol or BL-443 in single daily doses of 10 mg/kg b.w., and 1 ml doses of saline were given daily i.p. to the third group of rats. Animals were treated and medicated for 17 days. The rats of intact group had no treatment and medication. L-lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes LD(1-4) in the kidney extracts were determined by polyacrylamide gel clectrophoresis. Significant differences of LD(1-4) pattern in kidneys between intact rats and each of the three groups of rats with cyclosporine nephropathy were found by F-test and t-test (p < 0.05). Treatment with cyclosporine A affected the LD(1-4) pattern in kidneys. On the other hand, no significant differences of LD(1-4) pattern in kidneys between rats with non-treated cyclosporine nephropathy and rats with cyclosporine nephropathy medicated with carvedilol or BL-443 were found.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of 30% or less.

BACKGROUND: The results of a merely pharmacological therapy in patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction are unsatisfactory. Coronary artery bypass grafting is frequently the only therapeutic option, but ventricular dysfunction is generally considered to be a risk factor. AIM: To find out the frequency of coronary artery bypass grafting and its outcome in patients with a ejection fraction of 30% or less who were operated on at a single institution. METHODS: Between January 1st, 1996 and October 30th, 1999, 90 patients (4.6% of all patients operated on due to of coronary artery disease) with EF of 30% or less underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. This group consisted of 12 women and 78 men at an average age of 60.2 +/- 9.4 years (range, 33 to 78 years); 75.6% patients were in functional class III or IV and 80.0% had three-vessel disease. On the average, 2.5 grafts per patient were implanted, the left internal mammary artery was used in 24.4% patients, and 10.0% of patients had cardiac surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 10%. The main cause of death was cardiac or multiorgan failure. Low cardiac output syndrome and supraventricular dysrrhythmias were the most common postoperative complications. Advanced age and low cardiac output syndrome were found to be risk factors of early mortality. Five other patients died during the follow-up (4 to 48 months). One- and three-year survival rate were 83.1% and 81.9%, respectively. Ejection fraction improved during the follow-up from 27.5% to 33.7%. The improvement was more pronounced in patients in whom preoperative end-diastolic diameter of the left ventricle was below 70 mm, and in patients with two and more hibernating segments on dobutamine stress echo. CONCLUSIONS: Successful results of surgical revascularization in patients with severe impairment of left ventricular function can be achieved by careful selection of patients (the presence of viable myocardium is necessary) and management. Early mortality and morbidity was higher than in patients with normal ventricular function. Age and low cardiac output syndrome were revealed as risk factors of early mortality. Long-term prognosis for hospital survivals was satisfactory. (Tab. 5, Fig. 1, Ref. 13.)

Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) pattern in serum of calves with a total artificial heart (TAH).

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LD) patterns of 16 calves with total artificial heart (TAH) were studied to identify a mean LD pattern in their serum (survival 51-293 days). Evaluations were made by the sum of vectors method (SV). The mean LD pattern was determined from serum LD patterns, interval days of 33 - 49 with TAH. Serum LD patterns of control and mean LD pattern differed significantly (n = 12, P < 0.05) in single isoenzymes and resultant vectors as the representatives of LD patterns. The different tissues with an increased risk of being affected were identified by evaluation of LD patterns in the serum of calves within term without perceptible acute damage and in the terminal stage of experiments. Such identified organs suggest that the organism under study is out of balance and specific treatment is needed.

[Prednicarbate and cetirizin dihydrochloride in the treatment of atopic eczema in the acute phase in children]. / Prednikarbat a cetirizin dihydrochlorid v terapii akutní fáze atopického ekzému u detí.

The aim of the study was to monitor the impact of local application of prednicarbat (Dermatop, Hoechst-Biotika) and oral administration of cetirizin (Zyrtec, UCB) on the development of the acute stage of atopic eczema (AE) or acute exacerbation of the chronic form of AE in two groups of patients. Effectiveness and safety of both preparations were being evaluated in 80 children undergoing an outpatient treatment. In the first group, only prednicarbat cream was applied to affected places twice a day for a maximum of 10 days, while in the other group also cetirizin was administered once a day in a dosage according to the patient's age. On the treated places, erythema, infiltrate and excoriation were evaluated with respect to the intensity of manifestation. The results of the study show favourable effects of both preparations on AE development, already during the first days of the therapy. In both groups there was a complete remission of the monitored symptoms in more than 80 per cent of the patients. There was no deterioration of the disease in any patient, and no cases of adverse reactions were registered.

[Experimental study of resveratrol and flavonoids in red wine with regard to their possible hypolipemic effects]. / Studium resveratrolu a flavonoidu prítomných v cerveném víne z pohledu mozného hypolipidemického úcinku v experimentu.

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilben) is a polyphenol (phytoalexin) naturally found in wine and different therapeutic plants. It is a substance with an antioxidant and estrogenic effect and the ability to inhibit the growth of some tumours. Some studies mention its possible antiaggregation, neuroprotective and antiallergic effect. In the submitted pilot study the authors investigated the effect of resveratrol and flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins) on serum lipid levels, in particular total cholesterol and liver enzymes in the laboratory rat. In the experiments healthy animals were used (fed a standard diet) as well as hypercholesterolemic animals (fed a special sugar diet) and treated animals. The investigated parameters were total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, aminotransferase aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The conclusions of the investigation indicate that resveratrol and flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins) found in red wine significantly reduce the total cholesterol level in the hypercholesterolemic rat. The resultant effect of resveratrol and flavonoids on liver enzymes in our experiment is not unequivocal.

[Effects of carvedilol, a sympatholytic, in experimental alloxan diabetes in laboratory rats]. / Studium úcinku sympatolytika carvedilolu v podmínkách experimentálního alloxanového diabetu u laboratorního potkana.

A possible effect of the sympatholytic carvedilol on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in the laboratory rat was examined in experiments. The animals were divided into a group treated with carvedilol in a single daily dose of 10mg/kg in 1 ml of diluting solution i.p and the control group which received only diluting solution in the pertinent amount. The values of malondialdehyde and glucose in the serum, diuresis and total losses of sugar in the urine within 24 hours were estimated and histopathological examination of the kidneys of the treated and control groups was performed. The results show an effect of the tested dose of the drug, primarily in the region the proximal renal tubule.

[The effects of Carvedilol, a beta-blocker, in experimental ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury]. / Studium úcinku beta-blokátoru Carvedilolu pri ischemicko-reperfuzním poskození ledviny v experimentu.

Carvedilol is a recently introduced drug with multiple action with a non-selective beta-antiadrenergic and selective alpha1-antiadrenergic action used for treatment of mild to medium severe hypertension. The authors investigated in their experiments the protective effect of carvedilol under conditions of ischaemia-reperfusion of the kidney in the laboratory rat. The animals were divided into four groups 1. the control group was fed a diet without carvedilol for a period of two weeks. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed for two weeks a diet containing carvedilol, 1-3-10 mg/kg/day resp. After completed medication in all animals ischaemia of the kidney was induced (60 min.) with subsequent reperfusion (10 min.) Then the animals were sacrificed, the kidney was removed for histopathological examination, in blood the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was assessed. The conclusions of the investigation indicate a marked protective effect of the administered preparation. Carvedilol prevents the disintegration of tubular epithelia, pycnosis of the nuclei, and reduced the development of oedematous changes. These findings correlate with MDA levels.

Instrumentation of ramus circumflexus compromises the innervation of coronary artery and myocardium.

A fine non-compressing methacrylate ring was implanted on the ramus circumflexus (RC) in 13 dogs. After the animals survived 7-14 days, the distribution and the rate of the Wallerian degeneration was studied in coronary arteries and myocardium by means of the formaldehyde induced fluorescence (FIF) technique and the transmission electron microscopy. The density of vasomotor innervation in the main arterial trunks was expressed as the number of transsected terminals per 1 mm2 of the transversally sectioned media; the density of adrenergic terminals in the myocardium was determined by the point-counting method. A compact scar encompassing the ring was found. The scar compressed some perivascular nerves. As a consequence, by about 40% of terminals degenerated in the RC. The innervation of the branching of this artery was compromised as well. Moreover, the density of nerve terminals in myocardium decreased around the whole circumference of the ventricles and in the septum, equally by 29%. The value was lower than that found after the instrumentation of ramus interventricularis anterior (50%). The results indicate (i) a compromise of the innervation of coronary artery and myocardium after the instrumentation of RC; (ii) the different decrease in density of nerve terminals in the myocardium suggests that majority of adrenergic nerve supply for ventricle myocardium is running along ramus interventricularis anterior.

Biochemical and immunological studies in calves living over three months with a total artificial heart.

Changes in serum proteins, enzymes and isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were compared in long-term surviving calves with a total artificial heart without influencing their central venous pressure (CVP) and calves in which CVP was lowered by antihypertensive drugs administered from day 60 to the end of the experiment. Antihypertensive drugs helped keep CVP within physiological levels for longer and aided liver function as well as evidenced by the different values for the parameters studied in the two groups.