Charles University Research Articles

Familial Short Stature - a Novel Phenotype of Growth Plate Collagenopathies

Backround: Collagens are the most abundant proteins in the human body. In a growth plate, collagen types II, IX, X and XI are present. Defects in collagen genes cause heterogeneous syndromic disorders frequently associated with asymmetric short stature (e.g. Kniest dysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia). Less is known about nonsyndromic collagenopathies - data about their frequency and subtle phenotypic signs are sparse, the information about their response to growth hormone (GH) treatment is lacking completely. Aim: To evaluate the frequency of collagenopathies in familial short stature (FSS) children and to describe their phenotype, including growth hormone (GH) treatment response. Methods: Out of 522 individuals treated in our center with GH from the indication of primary GH deficiency (GHD) or small for gestational age short stature (SGA-SS), 87 children with FSS fulfilled the inclusion criteria (pre-treatment height ≤-2 SD in both patient/their shorter parent, signed written informed consent) and were enrolled to the study. Next-generation sequencing was performed to search for variants in COL2A1, COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COL10A1, COL11A1 and COL11A2 genes. The results were evaluated using ACMG guidelines. The phenotype of children with (likely) pathogenic variants was described including the short-term GH treatment response (growth velocity and body-height SDS increase over three years of treatment). For statistical evaluation, parametric tests were used, p-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: A (likely) pathogenic variant in one of the collagen genes was found in 10/87 (11.5%) children. Their age was 12.5 years (median, range 6-17 years), their pre-treatment height was -3.1 SD (-2.4 to -4.3 SD). Their birth length (median -2.8 SD; range -0.7 to -4.1 SD) was more severely affected than birth weight (median -2.1 SD; range -1.0 to -2.7 SD). Eight children were treated with GH from SGA-SS indication, the remaining 2 were classified as mild GHD (maximal stimulated GH concentration 8.0 and 9.7 ug/l, normal brain MRI and examination of other pituitary hormones). Detailed anthropometric examination described mild asymmetry with shorter limbs and mild bone dysplasia signs (scoliosis, more pronounced lumbar lordosis, genua valga, limited elbow extension) in 2/10 and 4/10 affected children, respectively. Growth velocity improved from a median of 5.3 cm/year to 8.7 cm/year after one year of treatment (p<0.001, paired-sample T-test), height improved from a median of -3.1 SD to -2.2 SD after three years of therapy (p=0.001, ANOVA repeated measures analysis of variants). Conclusion: Nonsyndromic collagenopathies are a frequent cause of FSS. The short-term response to GH treatment is promising.Supported by the Ministry of Health, Czech Republic, grant number NV18- 07-00283 and by the research project of the Grant Agency of Charles University of Prague, GAUK 976718.

Implementing EU Interactive Teaching Methods at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University1

This article presents the effectiveness of multimedia tools and communication technologies usage in teaching electricity and magnetism course at al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan. The implementations are based on prepared multimedia packages within EU projects of Didactics of Physics Division at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruñ in earlier collaboration with University of Udine, Italy and Charles University, Prague. The implemented packages at KazNU are simple didactical objects (“Physics and Toys”) and “hands-on” experiment in electromagnetism. All implementations were positively evaluated by students, as they lead to an increased didactical efficiency and improve students’ motivation to in self-learning.

Textbook Review Cultural History of Russia. Praha: Univerzita Karlova, Pedagogická fakulta, 2020. 286 s

This review examines the book Cultural History of Russia published in 2020 by the publishing house of Charles University, Prague. This inquiry into the main areas of interest in both past and contemporary history of Russia has long been expected not only by students, specialists in Russian studies and in cultural studies, but also by a broad audience of those is interested in Russian cultural history. The authors seek to arrange the book according to the conceptual model; this innovative approach aims at underlining such cultural concepts that are basic and constitutive of the modern Russian culture. For these ends, facts, achievements and problems of the Russian cultural history are interpreted. The authors introduce students and readers to modern Russia, endowed with centurieslong heritage, multinationalism, large territory, but also with cultural contradictions and clashes. The book resolves a hard issue of presenting the real amalgam of views of the Russians on such disputes, and pays special attention to the Russian mass media and Runet. Therefore, suggests the book, modern Russians are in search of cultural identity, which is proved by heated discussions. The nine chapters help readers to get rid of the usual stereotypes in the image of Russians, invites the public to reflect on the achievements and contradictions of the cultural history of Russia. Discussion questions and tasks are what helps students that would read the book engage with the Russian realities and with each other. What is also beneficial for the use of this book in classes is that it is written according to the standards allowing a non-native speaker who has an A2-B1 level of Russian to understand all the information efficiently. To adapt the book to the needs and mental realities of European students, it is published in both print and digital format — the latter includes extra video and audio tapes. In the context of integrating the students with the material the authors should also be given the credit. They entangle the history and culture of medieval, modern and 21th century Russia with European history and the global cultural space. Overall, the book serves as an example in both fields: the cultural research and the textbook initiating and enhancing lingual and cultural understanding of Russian realities. The publication will remain a landmark among the educational achievements not only of the Charles University, but also of the community of European scholars specializing in Russian studies.

A stimulating life and career – an obituary for Professor Gerta Vrbová

A stimulating life and career – an obituary for Professor Gerta Vrbová

Spravedlnost pohledem forenzní psychologie a možnosti jejího měření v českém prostředí

This paper is based on the one of the author’s diploma thesis defended at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University in 2019. The main objective is to present forensic psychology research, especially the research focused on the perception of justice in legally regulated decision-making procedures. Due to the absence of domestic sources, the main attention is focused on foreign research. Finally, it is the ambition of the presented paper to contribute to the professional discussion on the relevant topic within the Czech psychological community. The empirical part presents the newly developed Questionnaire of Perceived Justice in Mediation (DVSM), it’s creating stages and limitations. Also, another research activity of the authors is presented, in which the limitation of DVSM are addressed.

Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague

Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague

156 Potentially Inappropriate Cardiovascular Medications in Czech Older Adults in Acute Care: Inomed and Euroageism H2020 Project

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular disorders (CVS) belong to the most frequent causes of deaths and cardiovascular medications among the most common drugs. Older patients are vulnerable to drug risks due to presence of pharmacological changes, polymorbidity, polypharmacy and geriatric syndromes. Thus, the effort to reduce prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) represents a substantial prevention strategy in this population. Methods This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in 288 patients (65+) admitted to acute care geriatric wards in the Czech Republic from Aug 2018 to Jan 2019. We aimed to investigate prevalence of CVS PIMs using relevant parts of STOPP/START 2015 criteria, the EU(7) PIM 2015 list and the Beers criteria 2019. Only patients with stable health conditions were included in our study. Results: Overall prevalence of CVS PIMs was 77.6%. Undertreatment of CVS problems, identified by START criteria, was found in 63.2% patients. Prevalence of CVS PIMs according to different criteria was 16.1%, 23.6% and 30.9%, using the Beers criteria 2012, STOPP criteria and the EU (7)-PIM list; respectively. The most prevalent problem of undertreatment was the absence of statins with documented history of coronary, cerebral and peripheral vascular disease (excluding patients at the end-of-life or at the age of &amp;gt;85 years) (27.3%). According to the EU (7)-PIM list, the most common CVS PIMs were the use of amiodarone in maintenance doses of &amp;gt;200 mg/48 hours and use of spironolactone in doses of &amp;gt;25 mg/day (9.0% and 5.6%; respectively). Conclusions This study confirmed high prevalence of CVS PIMs in older adults admitted to acute care hospitals in the Czech Republic. Detecting and identifying CVS PIMs is of high importance in order to prevent serious adverse drug events, higher mortality and increased frailty in vulnerable older population. Grant support: InoMed project (reg. No: CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_069/0010046, 2019–2022), H2020-MCSF-ITN-764632, PROGRESS Q42 FoP, Charles University, SVV 260417.

97 Prescribing of Hypnosedatives in Seniors in Ambulatory Care in the Czech Republic: Inomed and Euroageism Project Findings

Abstract Introduction Among psychotropic drugs, particularly hypnotics are often used by ambulatory seniors due to high prevalence of insomnia in higher age. This study focused on describing the prevalence of insomnia, prevalence of hypnosedative drug use and inappropriate patterns of their prescribing (nongeriatric doses, nongeriatric lenght of therapy) in ambulatory seniors in the Czech Republic. Methods There were 563 ambulatory geriatric patients (≥65 years) included in the study, from 4 geriatric ambulances (regionally different sites) in the Czech Republic. All patients have been assessed using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) using the EUROAGEISM H2020 study protocols. Prevalences of insomnia, hypnosedative drug use and use of drugs that may exacerbate insomnias were documented by descriptive statistics, as well as the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in older patients (PIMs, selectively for hypnosedatives, defined by 2019 Beers criteria and 2015 EU(7)-PIM list). Results 30.6% (N = 172) of ambulatory seniors suffered from insomnias and the majority of patients were treated pharmacologically (24.0%), nonpharmacologic procedures were used rarely (0.5%). Hypnosedatives in the evening or at night (e/n) were mostly prescribed in the age group of patients 84–94 years (42.8%) and most often these were Z-drugs (8.2%), benzodiazepines (BZDs, 7.6%) and from „off-label “hypnotics antipsychotics (17.8%,!17% of users 6 months) and sedative antidepressants (9.2%). In nongeriatric doses and nongeriatric duration of therapy (&amp;gt;4 weeks) there were most often prescribed Z-drugs (6.0% and 2,7%, respectively) and BZDs (2,7% and 11%). Conclusion In ambulatory Czech seniors we documented that one third suffered from insomnias and minimally were applied nonpharmacological treatment strategies. From nongeriatric procedures in hypnosetive drug use were most often described long-term use of antipsychotics e/n, non-geriatric dosing of Z-drugs and long-term use of BZDs e/n. Supported by: InoMed project (reg. No: CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_069/0010046, 2019–2022), EUROAGEISM H2020-MCSF-ITN-764632 project, PROGRESS Q42 Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, SVV 260417.

157 Prevalence and Patterns of Drug-Disease Interactions in Long-Term Residents in Nursing Home Facilities in the Czech Republic

Abstract Introduction Prescription of potentially inappropriate medications, non-geriatric doses and drug-disease interactions contribute to high prevalence of adverse drug events, geriatric syndromes and symptoms, and increased frailty in older adults. Despite serious health and socio-economic consequences, a very few studies have been published on phenomenon of prescribing of drug-disease interactions (DDI) in older patients in Central and Eastern Europe. Methods This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of DDI and differences across nursing home (NH) facilities applying relevant parts of Beers 2012 criteria, Czech national consensus 2012 (CNC), and STOPP/START criteria vers.1. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that analysed semi-implicitly InterRAI-LTC assessment protocols of 490 NH residents from 10 Czech NH facilities (N = 490, 65+) participating in the EU SHELTER project. Retrospective analyses were conducted in 2019 year. Results Prevalence of potentially inappropriate DDI ranged from 44.5% to 62.3% identified by STOPP criteria and CNC, respectively. The most common DDIs were long-term use of benzodiazepines in depressive residents (7.8%) and use of opioids in residents with chronic constipation without osmotic laxative treatment (7.4%). The prevalence of undertreatment identified by START criteria was 52.9%, mainly due to absence of statins in NH residents with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk factors (9.8%) and the absence of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (7.1%). Conclusions Potentially inappropriate DDI were highly prevalent in Czech long-term NH residents with significant differences across NH facilities. Using method of semi-implicit medication reviews, we cannot judge the real quality of drug treatment, but there is a necessity to reduce the high prevalence of DDI in NHs in order to prevent potential adverse drug events. Grant support: InoMed project (reg. No: CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_069/0010046, 2019–2022), H2020-MCSF-ITN-764632, PROGRESS Q42 FoP, Charles University, FP7-HEALTH-F4–2008-201,917, SVV 260417.

98 Rationality of Hypnosedative Use in Seniors in Acute Care: Outputs of the Inomed and Euroageism Projects

Abstract Introduction Insomnia is a frequent problem in acutely hospitalized older adults, particularly in those suffering from polymorbidity and treated by polypharmacy. The aim of our study was to describe the prevalence of insomna and patterns of inappropriately prescribed hypnosedatives in acutely hospitalized older patients in the Czech Republic. Methods 438 patients (≥65 yrs) acutely hospitalized at 3 geriatric clinics (Brno, Hradec Králové, Praha) in the Czech Republic underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) using the EUROAGEISM H2020 assessment protocols. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the prevalence of insomnia and use of hypnosedatives. Explicit criteria of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), mainly 2019 Beers criteria and 2015 EU(7)-PIM list were applied to determine inappropriate patterns of hypnosedatives use. Results 16.9% (N = 74) seniors had diagnosed insomnia in their medical records, but 34,6% used hypnosedatives in the evening or at night (e/n). 13.8% reported e/n use of drugs aggravating insomnias (particularly beta-blockers- 6.4%, diuretics-2.5% and theophylline- 2.1%). Most frequent hypnosedatives used were: antipsychotics e/n (18.5%), Z-drugs (16,2%) and benzodiazepines e/n (BZD, 14,2%). Non-geriatric doses were determined in users of Z-drugs (10.5%) and sedative antidepressants e/n (1,8%), longer than recommended geriatric duration of therapy has been described for Z-drugs (5.9%,&amp;gt;1 month), BZDs e/n (5,3%,&amp;gt;1 month) and sedative antidepressants e/n (3,3%, &amp;gt;6 months). In total, 1PIM was prescribed to 7.5% of seniors (N = 33), 2PIMs to 2.5% and 3PIMs to 1,1% of seniors. Combination of hypnotics and other sedative drugs was documented in 5.9% of cases. Conclusion Inappropriate patterns of hypnosedative use in acutely hospitalized seniors in the Czech Republic at geriatric clinics were found particularly in excessive indication of antipsychotics e/n, inappropriate dosing of Z-drugs and long-term use of BZDs e/n. Supported by: InoMed project (reg. No: CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_069/0010046, 2019–2022), EUROAGEISM H2020-MCSF-ITN-764632 project, PROGRESS Q42 Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, SVV 260417.

Morbidity and mortality of parathyroid surgery - a retrospective analysis.

The incidence of parathyroid - glandula parathyreoideae (PTG) diseases has been increasing worldwide. Unlike benign tumours, the incidence of malignant PTG tumours is rather arare diagnosis. The morbidity of parathyroid surgery is associated with surgical removal of one or more pathologically altered parathyroid glands, particularly parathyroid adenoma associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPPT), but also hyperplasia associated with secondary or tertiary HPPT, and last but not least, HPPT due to parathyroid cancer. Aretrospective statistical analysis was performed in the set of patients undergoing surgery for aparathyroid disorder at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital in Prague in 2013-2019 (7-year period). In this period, 127 procedures were performed. The incidences of morbidity, mortality, complications and lethality were analysed. Parathyroid surgery was performed in 20 male and 107 female patients. The mean age was 54.7 years, and the morbidity expressing recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy was 0.7% of the nerves exposed during the procedure. The incidence of permanent normal postoperative calcaemia was 98.43%, demonstrated by adecrease in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. In 12 cases, this state was achieved only after asurgical revision (primary procedure for primary HPPT in 2 cases; 10 patients came for surgical revision with secondary or tertiary HPPT from other centres). Decreased PTH levels were demonstrated intraoperatively in 12.6% patients using the so-called PTH assay (arapid serum PTH assay). Surgery for secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism was done in 33 patients (26% procedures). PTG surgery lethality (mortality) was divided into perioperative mortality within 24 hours from the procedure and early mortality within 120 hours. Lethality related to PTG surgery was 0.0% including patients undergoing the surgery while being in adialysis programme and those with kidney transplant. Surgery is always associated with complications, with morbidity and mortality. Experience of endocrinology surgeons of all specialties is reflected in avery low incidence of RLN injuries and in sufficient oncological, or respectively, surgical radicality. This, in connection with other medical fields of endocrinology, nephrology, transplantology, nuclear medicine and oncology, allows asafe and effective treatment of all PTG disorders with agood prognosis for the patients. In those with secondary or tertiary HPPT, it not only improves their quality of life, which was not explored in our study, but in many cases it is an essential step for listing the patient for the transplant surgery. The current level of experience in the field of parathyroid carcinoma does not enable us to formulate any conclusions in terms of prognosis which should be considered as very serious in all cases.

Morbidity and mortality associated with thyroid surgery - retrospective analysis 19912010.

The incidence of thyroid disorders has been rising worldwide. Unlike the incidence, mortality associated with malignant thyroid cancer shows only amodest increase. Between 1979 and 2009, mortality in Czech women increased from 1.21 to 1.31 and in Czech men from 0.54 to 0.74 cases per 100,000 individuals. Methods: Aretrospective statistical analysis was performed in patients undergoing thyroid surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, and at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education in Prague from 1991 to 2010 (twenty years). In this period, 11,005 procedures were done for thyroid disease. The study analysed the incidence, morbidity, mortality, surgical complications and lethality. The study group included surgeries in 1588 male and 9417 female patients. The male/female ratio was 1:5.93. Benign thyroid tumours - mean patient age is 54.7 years; recurrent nerve morbidity is 1.37% (calculated from exposed nerves). Hypocalcaemia incidence is low, 5.4% of permanent hypocalcaemia or hypoparathyroidism, respectively, based on decreased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Temporary hypocalcaemia is much more frequent, occurring in almost 15% cases depending on age, season of the year, and nutritional status. Hypoparathyroidism was demonstrated based on laboratory serum PTH levels only in 0.3% patients. In total, 442 patients were operated for the mechanic syndrome (alarge goitre). The mean thyroid volume was 493 ml±136 ml; however, the maximum volume was 980 ml and weight 1115 g. The incidence of recurrent nerve injury occurs in 4.5%, i.e. the morbidity is 2 times higher compared to surgeries for other diagnoses. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism is not higher compared to other surgeries. Revision surgeries were indicated more commonly in malignant thyroid diseases, particularly in papillary and follicular carcinomas. Cervical lymph nodes procedures comprise another large segment in tumour treatment. Our analysis supports selective neck dissections while preserving non-lymphatic structures. As arule, mortality associated with thyroid surgery is divided as mortality in the perioperative period (within 24 hours after the procedure) and early postoperative mortality (within 120 hours after the procedure). Surgery-related mortality was never classified as perioperative or within 24 hours after the procedure. Despite that, we believe that perioperative mortality within 120 hours after the procedure, which occurred in 7 cases, is very important. Mortality of the group was 0.007%. Each surgery procedure is associated with complications, morbidity and mortality. Experience of endocrine surgeons of all disciplines leads to avery low incidence of recurrent nerve and parathyroid gland injuries while at the same time achieving sufficient radicality. This, in cooperation with other medical fields such as endocrinologists, nuclear medicine specialists and oncologists, supports asafe and effective management of all thyroid disorders, including agood prognosis of patients with most types of cancer. Key word: thyroid surgery - complications recurrent nerve - hypoparathyroidism lethality.

Stosunki czesko-ormiańskie

Czech-Armenians relations: a brief historical survey Armenian studies in Czech Republic became more widely known toCzech public in recent years. Following up the long tradition of Oriental studies ingeneral, a newly re-established research centre was opened at the Department ofEast-European Studies at Charles University, aiming to cooperate with other colleagues.After long and heated discussions, Czech Republic decided on (albeit nonofficial) recognition of Armenian Genocide and supports initiatives to prevent suchviolence in future. Several monographs dealing with this subject were published recently.And finally, despite the fact that the Czech Republic has no historical experience with the presence of Armenian diaspora before the year 1990, well establishedand coherent Armenian community exists here now and – especially in Prague –shows a high degree of integration into Czech majority. Already two generations ofCzech Armenians are following their identity strategies while preserving their owncultural identity.

Homage to Dr med. Božidar Kostić.

Dr Božidar Kostić (1892-1960) - physician of noble heart - was born in Niš (Kingdom of Serbia) in a distinguished family of academically educated parents. As there were no medical faculties in Kingdom of Serbia, after high school, which he had finished with great success, in 1911 he enrolled at the Graz University of Medicine, a prestigious medical university. Soon he transferred to the Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Prague, where he continued his studying for another ten semesters. In Prague, The Golden City, after the First World War, he finished his studies with an average grade of 10. After the Second World War, he worked as a doctor with a private medical practice in Belgrade, but soon he moved to Vranje, where he established the Town Polyclinic and contributed to the final flourishing of the most important forms of health care activities in liberated Vranje, donating his rich knowledge and skills, which led the health service to move to forms of independent work and development of new activities. For his contribution to the community, by decree of His Majesty King of Yugoslavia Alexander I Karađorđević, he received the Order of Saint Sava. Dr Božidar Kostić and his wife Pravda devoted their lives to the health and educational upbringing of the people in the south parts of Serbia (then Social Federative Republic of Yugoslavia). Until his last days he lived and worked as a true folk doctor.

The dynamic process of motivation to learn Czech in study abroad courses

This article summarizes three stages of research on the motivation and attitudes of students learning Czech language in courses at Charles University, Prague, within the study abroad programmes (Erasmus+ and US Study Abroad). These students come to the Charles University usually for one semester in the length of 13 weeks taking a Czech course with lessons twice a week. In the first stage of the study, 174 students in the US Study Abroad filled in a questionnaire aiming at determining whether there is change in attitudes towards learning Czech and what are its sources. The second stage focused on 12 students in this programme in more detail: analyses of their diaries written for 12 weeks helped create a motivational profile from the perspective of L2 Motivational Self System (Dornyei, 2005, 2009) and point out key motivational factors, which were the learning experience and desire to interact with Czechs. Diary study was also used as the data collection tool together with questionnaires and an interview in the third stage, with two French students in Erasmus+. The motivational profiles of Erasmus+ students have also shown a remarkable role of L2 learning experience. The findings have also led to some pedagogical implications relevant for this type of courses.

PHARMACY STUDY PLANS IN VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES AND UKRAINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Careful design of study plan is a key element of any successful educational program. Till 2018 Ministry of Health of Ukraine regulated the structure of Pharmacy study plans through the adoption of unified Ministerial study plan. Now the responsibility of educational programs and corre- sponding study plans design in Ukraine is fully transferred to universities. The purpose of this study is to compare the structure and content of pharmacy study plans in Visegrad Group countries with the most recent unified Pharmacy study plan in Ukraine. Methods. The official documents of Warsaw Medical University, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Charles University, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Comenius University, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Semmelweis University and University of Debrecen were studied and data on required courses and corresponding ECTS credits extracted and compared with Ukrainian study plan. Results. Ukrainian unified study plan in Pharmacy pays much more attention to Humanity, Social and Economics section (9 ECTS credits plus 6 ECTS credits of Foreign Language), Computer and IT skills (8 ECTS credits), Hygiene and Ecology (3 ECTS credits), Life Safety, Labor Safety and Bioethics (6 ECTS credits in total), Extreme Medicine and Military Training (6 ECTS credits in total), Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (4 ECTS credits), Organization and Economics of Pharma- cy, Pharmaceutical Management and Marketing (12 ECTS credits in total) as compared to foreign universities. While natural science courses receive less ECTS credits in Ukraine, and some courses in rapidly evolving sciences like Molecular Biology, Immunology or Clinical Biochemistry are sig- nificantly underrepresented. Conclusions. The Pharmacy study plans of Visegrad Group universities show greater similarity with each other and tend to differ from the Ukrainian Ministerial study plan. The necessary steps to harmonize Pharmacy study plans of Ukrainian universities with V4 coun- tries include the introduction of Molecular Biology, Immunology, Clinical Biochemistry courses, and strengthening the basic medical and chemical science courses like Human Anatomy and Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Rectal cancer – current treatment strategy and the tumor regression grade evaluation after neoadjuvant therapy in patients who underwent surgery at the I. Department of Surgery, General University Hospital in Prague between 2012 and 2016

The article contains asummary of the issues of staging and therapy with an emphasis on the neoadjuvant treatment and associated tumor regression grade with the analysis of our own group of patients. Retrospective analysis of patients with rectal cancer who underwent asurgery at the 1st Department of Surgery - Thoratic, Abdominal and Injury Surgery; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, focusing on those who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and their pathologists evaluated tumor regression grade after the resection. The group consists of 161 patients operated on between 2012 and 2016. 47 patients underwent neoadjuvant oncological treatment with further evaluation of the tumor regression grade by apathologist, ascoring system according to Ryan was used. Acomplete pathological response was elicited in 10.4% of patients, no response in 35.4% of patients, and partial tumor regression in 54.2%. Although there is adifference in our results compared to foreign publications, the proportion of patients remains comparable. Studies evaluating the advantages versus disadvantages of neoadjuvant therapy will certainly follow, and the question of the suitability of surgical treatment as the only curative solution is partially raised.

Earthen Jewish Architecture of Southern Morocco: Documentation of Unfired Brick Synagogues and Mellahs in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region

This article seeks to highlight the vanished and not-so-well-known material culture of historical southern Moroccan Jewry. Jewish settlements could be found practically in the whole of North Africa before the Second World War; however, afterwards, it almost completely disappeared due to the political changes in the region and the establishment of the state of Israel. In southern Morocco, the last Jewish communities were present until the 1950s. Thanks to the interest of the Moroccan authorities, an effort has been made to restore some monuments and keep them as part of the cultural heritage that has attracted foreign tourists for the last few years. As part of the expeditionary research of Charles University and the Czech Technical University in Prague, several documentation projects were carried out in 2020, some of the results of which are described in this paper. Modern automatic methods of geomatics, such as easy to use laser scanning, mobile laser scanning in PLS modification (personal laser scanning), and close-range photogrammetry were used. The results of documentation were processed in the form of 3D models and basic plans, which are used mainly for analyzing residential zones of the Jewish population, the so-called mellahs. In this article, two case projects are described. In both cases, all the mentioned documentation methods were used. The technologies used were analyzed in terms of data collection speed, price, transport, and possible difficulties in use. The PLS technology is relatively new and still under development, such as miniaturising of other measuring instruments. Accuracy testing and usability of above-mentioned technology in cultural heritage documentation real practice is the benefit of this research. Finally, a second aim was to provide information of abandoned cultural places and constructions, which are on the edge of interest and endangered by destruction. It clearly shows that PLS technology is very fast and suitable for these types of objects.

Übersetzungsprobleme und Lösungsstrategien bei muttersprachlichen und nichtmuttersprachlichen Übersetzungen ins Deutsche

The paper discusses the role of directionality in translations from Czech to German language. Its main purpose is to detect differences in the translation process between native and non-native translations, with a special focus on the translation strategies chosen. The empiric part consists of an investigation of a sample from students‘ translations, produced during practical lessons on translation of non-literary texts into German at Charles University. Some of the examples discussed in the paper show differences between native and non-native translations on three different linguistic levels: lexical, syntactic and pragmatic. While the lexical and syntactic level show a tendency towards inhibitation of L1 structures, the pragmatic level is more likely to transfer source language norms into the target text.

Překladatelský projekt „Bertha von Suttner: Die Waffen nieder!“

Translator training has been increasingly relying on simulations of real-life professional practice. One way of bringing learning closer to authentic professional experience is by introducing project-based instruction. The aim of this paper is to present a project conducted in an optional literary translation seminar at the Institute of Translation Studies (Charles University, Faculty of Arts) in the summer semester of the 2018/2019 academic year. Providing students with an opportunity to engage in an authentic translation assignment, the project was a collaborative translation of Bertha von Suttner’s Die Waffen nieder! (Lay Down Your Arms) from German into Czech under the supervision of two Czech university teachers. During the opening session, a work schedule was drawn up, covering all the stages of translation and editing. Later, groups of students worked on individual chapters, consulting across the teams and with the teachers, both in person and through online shared documents, which is also where the editing took place. The students worked independently on authentic tasks in a real-life context, with the teachers acting as facilitators. The principles of cooperative learning were applied to the project as sharing, collaborating and mutual support were part of all the stages of the translation. The participants were administered a questionnaire to explore the learners’ attitudes and feelings regarding project-based learning in translator training with a view to identifying the possibilities and limits of this type of learning experience compared with conventional forms of instruction. The latter part of the presentation will comment on the most interesting student responses.