Protection against water- and air-borne bacteria as well as their detection at very low levels is a big challenge for the health care profession. The study’s main goal was to prepare bacterial filters with a tunable trapping effectivity. We revealed that the trapping efficiency of Escherichia coli estimated from the optical density of bacteria passed through the filter was exponentially dependent on the surface density of the polyacrylonitrile nanofibre membranes. This log/linear regression profile was proven for bacterial trapping efficiency higher than 99.9% which opens a door for easy and tunable constructions of ultrasensitive filters and/or nanosensors as well as for the standardization and quality control of nanofibre membranes.

Manažment dyslipidémií ostáva výzvou napriek objemu kvalitných dát a dostupnosti liečebných modalít. Epidémia aterosklerotického kardiovaskulárneho ochorenia je dominantnou príčinou chorobnosti a úmrtnosti vo vyspelom svete. Prienik Odporúčaní pre manažment dyslipidémií do ostatných dokumentov dokazuje význam tejto problematiky. Nové poznatky vedú k sprísneniu cieľových hodnôt pre LDL-cholesterol podľa stupňa kardiovaskulárneho rizika. Ročná mortalita po akútnom koronárnom syndróme v porovnaní s vyspelejšími krajinami neúmerne rastie. Analýza príčin poukazuje na zlý manažment rizikových faktorov po prepustení z hospitalizácie. Možnosti zlepšenia okrem iného smerujú k zmene indikačných obmedzení pre PCSK9-inhibítory.

The management of dyslipidemia remains a challenge despite the volume of EBM data and the availability of treatment modalities. The ASCVD epidemic is the dominant cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. The integration of the Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemias into other documents demonstrates the importance of this issue. New findings lead to the tightening of LDL-C target values according to CV risk levels. Annual mortality after ACS in Slovakia is rising disproportionately compared to more developed countries. The root cause analysis points to poor management of risk factors after hospital discharge. Opportunities for improvement include, inter alia, the changing of the indication restrictions for PCSK9 inhibitors.

• MeSH
• akutní koronární syndrom * patologie   MeSH
• dyslipidemie * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• LDL-cholesterol krev   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• management nemoci MeSH
• rizikové faktory kardiovaskulárních chorob MeSH
• směrnice pro lékařskou praxi jako téma MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

Dead space after rectal resection in colorectal surgery is an area with a high risk of complications. In this study, our goal was to develop a novel 3D implant based on composite hydrogels enriched with fractionalized nanofibers. We employed, as a novel approach in abdominal surgery, the application of agarose gels functionalized with fractionalized nanofibers on pieces dozens of microns large with a well-preserved nano-substructure. This retained excellent cell accommodation and proliferation, while nanofiber structures in separated islets allowed cells a free migration throughout the gel. We found these low-concentrated fractionalized nanofibers to be a good tool for structural and biomechanical optimization of the 3D hydrogel implants. In addition, this nano-structuralized system can serve as a convenient drug delivery system for a controlled release of encapsulated bioactive substances from the nanofiber core. Thus, we present novel 3D nanofiber-based gels for controlled release, with a possibility to modify both their biomechanical properties and drug release intended for 3D lesions healing after a rectal extirpation, hysterectomy, or pelvic exenteration.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic approach to skin defects resulting from split thickness grafting. Within the study, nanofiber-based dressings fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) were used, with different mass density. The study was performed in 1 female minipig. Nine defects (approx. 4x4 cm) were made in the superficial skin layer. The tested materials were applied to the squared skin defect and covered by a Jelonet paraffin gauze, sutured in the corners of the defects. The animal was monitored daily during the healing process (21 days). On day 5, 12, and 27, the healing of the wound was evaluated, and a biopsy was performed for further histologic testing. At the end of the study (on day 27 after the procedure), the animal was euthanized, and a standard pathologic evaluation was performed. We can conclude that the nanofiber scaffold which was well tolerated, could be used as a smart skin cover which could be functionalized with another bioactive substances directly on the surgeon table, among potential bioactive substances belong platelet derivatives, antibiotics, etc.

• MeSH
• hojení ran * MeSH
• miniaturní prasata MeSH
• nanovlákna terapeutické užití   MeSH
• obvazy * MeSH
• polyestery MeSH
• polyvinylalkohol MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH

Stem cells are undifferentiated elements capable to acquire a specific cellular phenotype under the influence of specific stimuli, thus being involved in tissue integrity and maintenance. In the skin tissue self-renewal and wound healing after injury is a complex process, especially in adulthood, due to the aging process and the continuous exposure to damaging agents. The importance of stem cells in regenerative medicine is well known and defining or improving their isolation methods is therefore a primary and crucial step. In the present paper we present a novel method to isolate stem cells from human skin, including the involvement of a novel medium for the maintenance and expansion of in vitro cultures. The biopsies were mechanically digested and put in culture. The migrating cells were positive selected with magnetic cell sorting, characterized by flow-cytometry analysis, and viability detected by MTT assay. Cells exhibited a mesenchymal phenotype, as demonstrated by the positive acquirement of an osteogenic or adipogenic phenotype when cultured in specific conditioned media. Taken together our results disclose a novel method for culturing and expanding stem cells from skin and pave the way for future clinical applications in tissue regeneration.

• MeSH
• kmenové buňky * MeSH
• kůže cytologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• separace buněk metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH

• Publikační typ
• abstrakt z konference MeSH

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to evaluate the influence of available demographic determinants on the number of deaths caused by circulatory system diseases as compared to deaths caused by neoplasms in Slovakia in 1996-2014. METHODS: Mortality data were kindly provided by the National Health Information Centre in Slovakia. The first method was trend curve fitting of death ratios caused by circulatory system diseases (Chapter IX) and of deaths caused by neoplasms (Chapter II) as a function of age for both sexes. The second method comprised a decision tree for classification between deaths caused by Chapter IX and Chapter II diseases. Input variables were available demographic indicators: age, sex, marital status, region, and calendar year of death. Statistical data analyses were performed by IBM SPSS version 19 statistical software. RESULTS: We found that the odds ratios of deaths caused by circulatory system diseases (Chapter IX) in comparison with deaths caused by neoplasms (Chapter II) were non-decreasing. At first, the values of odds ratios are constant until they reach a critical sex-dependent value with a subsequent steady increase. In the case of men the odds ratio was greater than in the 60 years age-group where the odds ratio value increased slowly (from 1.14 at age 60 to 7.25 at age 90 years). The relative increase was 6.36 (7.25/1.14). The odds ratio in the women group was smaller but increased more rapidly (from 0.81 at age 60 to 12.27 at age 90 years). The relative increase was 15.15 in women (12.27/0.81). Hence, the odds ratio of death caused by Chapter IX diseases vs. Chapter II was greater in the older women group (i.e. higher age values). Utilizing the decision tree model, we have found that the most significant demographic determinant of death counts in both ICD Chapters was the age of the deceased, followed by marital status and finally gender. The last two predictors (year and region) were relatively negligible though formally significant. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method could be useful for prognostic classification of patients and primarily beneficial for hospitals in human or financial resources planning.

• MeSH
• demografie MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci mortalita   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mortalita trendy   MeSH
• nádory mortalita   MeSH
• příčina smrti MeSH
• rozhodovací stromy MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika epidemiologie   MeSH

AIM: Knowledge of the causes of deaths in Slovakia is lacking. This is significant because diet and lifestyle factors are different in central Europe compared to Western, Northern and Southern Europe. This study aims to discern trends of age-adjusted mortality rates caused by various diseases in relation to demographic factors. The aim of our study was to find certain statistical aspects including trends of age-adjusted mortality rates caused by neoplastic (Chapter II) and circulatory diseases (Chapter IX) in the Slovak population in relation to available demographic factors (sex, region and calendar year of death). METHODS: Dataset of individual deaths in Slovakia with certain demographic factors (sex, region and calendar year of death) during 1996-2013 were provided by the Slovak National Center of Health Informatics. Regression and correlation analyses and analyses of variance and of covariance were used to yield the level of significance. RESULTS: We found significant differences of age-adjusted mortality rates between men and women, between Chapter II and Chapter IX and among Slovak regions. Age-adjusted mortality rates decline significantly in most regions for both sexes with the exception of stagnation in four regions in a group of Chapter II women (Košice, Nitra, Trenčín and Žilina) and one region in Chapter IX, also in group of women (Žilina). CONCLUSIONS: Mortalities caused either by Chapter II or Chapter IX diseases are significantly dependent on chapter, sex and region with mortalities either declining or stagnating.

• MeSH
• demografie MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci mortalita   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory mortalita   MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• věkové faktory MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika epidemiologie   MeSH

BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis B and C prevalence in the Roma population of eastern Slovakia is largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic viral hepatitis B and C among Roma living in segregated communities in eastern Slovakia. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants were tested for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HCV. The risk factors were assessed mainly via a structured questionnaire/interview. RESULTS: Altogether 452 Roma were screened, and 11 were excluded due to missing data. A total of 441 patients were included (mean age 34.7 +/- 9.14 years; 35.2% men). 12.5% of participants were HBsAg positive, 40.4% anti-HBc IgG positive while negative for HBsAg and 47.2% of participants were negative for all serological markers of hepatitis B. Hepatitis C prevalence was very low (0.7%), while 2 out of 3 anti-HCV positive participants were coinfected with hepatitis B. Risk factors for hepatitis B infection were male sex, higher age, tattoo, and previous imprisonment. No difference was found in intravenous drug use, blood transfusions and sexual behaviour. CONCLUSION: More than half of the Roma residing in eastern Slovakia have been infected at one point in life with the hepatitis B virus, and 12.5% are HBsAg positive. Hepatitis C prevalence is very low, which is probably due to very low intravenous drug use.

• MeSH
• chronická nemoc MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hepatitida B krev   etnologie   MeSH
• hepatitida C krev   etnologie   MeSH
• komorbidita MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• Romové etnologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• věkové rozložení MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zdravotnické přehledy metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

BACKGROUND: Elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is present approximately in half of all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between GGT and MS or proinflammatory parameters. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants (n = 446) were divided into 2 groups; those with elevated GGT and those with normal GGT levels. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria; presence of central obesity and low density lipoproteins (LDL) or high density lipoproteins (HDL), high triglycerides, hypertension, glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes. Participants were tested for the presence of MS and its components, and biochemical tests for lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG) and inflammatory parameters (high sensitivity C-reactive protein--hs-CRP and ferritin) were performed. RESULTS: Of 446 Roma participants, only 29 (6.5%) had GGT levels above the normal value. After exclusion of patients with viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse, patients with elevated GGT suffered from MS more often (p < 0.001), and patients with more MS components had a higher risk of elevated GGT. We found a significant association between GGT and the individual MS components, except HDL (waist circumference > or = 94 cm in men or 80 cm in women: p < 0.01; BMI > 30: p < 0.001; fasting glucose > or = 5.6 mmol/l: p < 0.001; arterial hypertension: p < 0.05, and TAG > or = 1.7 mmol/l: p < 0.001). Patients with elevated GGT levels had also significantly higher hs-CRP (hs-CRP > 2 mg/l: p < 0.001; hs-CRP > 3 mg/l: p < 0.001) and ferritin (ferritin > 300 mg/l: p < 0.01) levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with MS have more significantly elevated levels of GGT. There is a significant association of GGT with individual MS components, except HDL and inflammatory parameters (hs-CRP, ferritin).

• MeSH
• C-reaktivní protein MeSH
• dieta etnologie   metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• ferritiny krev   MeSH
• gama-glutamyltransferasa krev   MeSH
• komorbidita MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lipidy krev   MeSH
• metabolický syndrom enzymologie   etnologie   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• nealkoholová steatóza jater MeSH
• pohybová aktivita fyziologie   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• Romové etnologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zánět krev   epidemiologie   etnologie   MeSH
• zdravotnické přehledy metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• ztučnělá játra krev   etnologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH