Histopathological findings in lung biopsies with usual interstitial pneumonia: Definition of a new classification score for histological fibrotic stages.

The objective of this article is to describe and classify usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) changes according to their relevance in the pathology of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) process. In a cohort of 50 patients (25♀, 25♂) with UIP findings, the percentage ratio between fibrotic and preserved parts of the lungs was quantified. Three quantitative stages of fibrotic involvement of the lung parenchyma and concomitant changes were defined. These are initial (≤20%), advanced (21-40%), and diffuse (≥41%) fibrosis of the lungs. Histologically, temporal heterogeneity is predominant with thickened alveolar septa, interstitial fibrosis, and the presence of fibroblastic foci up to mature diffuse fibrosis with honeycomb changes. The finding is accompanied by variably mature lymphocytic inflammation, presence of macrophages, emphysema, bronchioloectasia of the alveoli, bronchiectasis, bronchial muscle wall hypertrophy, hypertrophy of the vessel walls, alveolar mucosa, focal haemorrhage, and hyalinization of the lungs. Pneumocyte hyperplasia, occasionally atypical in appearance with hobnail changes, as well as squamous metaplasia are observed. In the methodically quantified stages of fibrous involvement, 14 subjects were classified (6♀, 8♂) into the stage of initial fibrosis, 21 subjects (11♀; 10♂) into the stage of advanced fibrosis, and 15 subjects (8♀; 7♂) into the stage of diffuse fibrosis.

Histopathology and indicators of borderline ovarian tumours with microinvasion in bitches.

The authors present two cases of borderline ovarian tumours with microinvasion in bitches with variable clinical significance. The first case documents a four-year-old female Weimaraner diagnosed with a tumour on the right ovary during a veterinary check-up, using ultrasound (USG) examination, which was then surgically removed. Histological examination revealed a clear cell borderline tumour of the ovary with microinvasion. The second case is represented by a necropsy sample from a 52-month-old female German Shepherd who died a day before the planned hysterectomy due to undertreated pyometra. During necropsy, a developed bilateral ovarian tumour was found. An additional histological examination revealed a serous borderline tumour with microinvasion of both ovaries. This paper discusses the histopathological and clinical aspects involved in the prognosis of borderline ovarian tumours in bitches. This concerns the possibility of a change for a more aggressive behaviour of these tumours and their immunohistochemical profile, then the risk of implant metastases and, finally, the time point of diagnosis, intervention, and therapy. Even histologically verified well-differentiated forms of borderline ovarian tumours with microinvasion in bitches can show the variable clinical significance and, therefore, in similar cases, only a good or only a bad prognosis of the disease should not be expected.

Suicides and their preventive interventions possibilities: are there some relationships between mechanisms and different mental disorders?

Suicides are one of the topics discussed around the world. This problem receives large space in scientific and professional literature, in order to eliminate its occurrence. Mechanisms of suicides are determined by whole spectrum of reasons determined by/depending on physical and psychological health. The objective of this work is to document the differences in mechanisms and realization of suicides by mentally sick people. Ten cases of suicides are reported in the article: three of which in people with a history of depression of the victim noted by family members, one with treated depression, three with anxiety-depressive disorder and three schizophrenic patients cases. There are five men and five women. Four of these women overdosed themselves by medicaments and one jumped out of a window. Two men shot themselves, two hanged themselves and one jumped out of a window. Persons without anamnestically proven psychiatric diseases end their lives mostly because of inconclusive situation or as a result of balancing their whole life (usually with good plan and preparation of the act). Persons with treatment of depression or anxiety-depressive disorder kill themselves mostly after several "unsuccessful" attempts. In case of victims with schizophrenia suicides follow a hardly predictable sequence of actions which sometimes do not seem to have any logic. Differences have been found between victims with and without mental disorders in ways of realization of suicides. Psychological predispositions in mood changes, long-term sadness and threatening suicide should be recognized by family members. Prevention of suicides in cases of people with a history of mental disorders is based on medical treatment and cooperation between the client and family members and a psychiatrist (Ref. 30). Keywords: forensic medicine, mental disorders, prevention, psychiatry, risk factors, suicides.

Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Risk Factors.

One of the major social and public health problems in the world is adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy is strongly associated to less favorable results for both the mother and the newborn. We conducted this research to ascertain the impact of teenage age on neonatal outcomes and also observed the lifestyles of pregnant teenage girls. We conducted a study of 2434 mothers aged ≤19 years (n = 294) or 20-34 years (n = 2140) who gave birth in 2019-2020 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice. The data on mothers and newborn infants have been reported from the reports on mothers at childbirth. Women between the ages of 20 and 34 served as the reference group. The teenage mothers were more likely to become pregnant if they were unmarried (OR = 14.2; 95% CI = 9.3-21.6; p < 0.001) and had a basic education or lack of education (OR = 16.8; 95% CI = 11.5-24.6; p < 0.001). Additionally, they were more likely to smoke when pregnant (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 3.8-6.6; p < 0.001). Low birth weight was more common in newborns born to adolescent mothers than in those born to adult mothers (p < 0.001). Our findings showed that infants of teenage mothers often had lower birth weights (-332.6 g, p < 0.001). Adolescent mothers were associated with lower Apgar scores at the first minute (p = 0.003). As compared with the control group, pregnant teenage girls had a greater prevalence of preterm deliveries in our research (p = 0.004). This study finds significant age-related disparities in neonatal outcomes between mothers. These results might be used to identify vulnerable groups who need special assistance and actions to reduce the probability of negative outcomes for such groups.

Association Between Illness Perception and Adherence to Treatment in Slovak Patients With Hypertension: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Lack of adherence to treatment in patients with arterial hypertension leads to poor blood pressure control, increased morbidity and mortality, and increased costs to health and social care. Regular assessment of treatment adherence as well as factors influencing it is important to improve patient adherence and consequently increase treatment efficacy. Personal beliefs, particularly illness representations, are significant factors that influence adherence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the associations between adherence to treatment, illness perception, and selected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in patients with arterial hypertension. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 235 patients with arterial hypertension completed the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Associations between variables were assessed by Spearman ρ and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Younger age, male gender, overall number of drugs used, and poorer beliefs related to the timeline, treatment control, and understanding were associated with higher levels of nonadherence. The final regression model significantly ( P ≤ .05) explained 19.4% of the variance in diet adherence, 5.0% in appointment keeping, and 17.8% in medication adherence. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive care aimed at regular evaluation of illness perceptions with an emphasis on increasing understanding of the disease and its treatment and reducing patient worries and negative emotions seems to be a relevant strategy for improving adherence to antihypertensive treatment in everyday clinical practice.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES: The main goal of the study was to describe the demographic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of a monitored group of patients with psoriasis to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and to define the cardiovascular risk profile. METHODS: One hundred and ninety outpatients aged over 18 were included in the prospective observational cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from patients. The severity of psoriasis was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The results of laboratory testing were identified based on patient health records. RESULTS: Based on an evaluation of psoriasis phenotypes, 150 patients (78.95%) suffered from plaque psoriasis, 18 (9.5%) from palmoplantar psoriasis, 11 (5.8%) from guttate psoriasis, 6 (3.2%) from generalized pustular psoriasis, and 5 (2.6%) from erythrodermic psoriasis. The personal medical history discovered the occurrence of arterial hypertension in 83 patients (43.7%), the occurrence of depression in 49 patients (25.8%), type 2 diabetes in 29 patients (15.3%), and dyslipidaemia in 48 patients (25.3%). CONCLUSION: It is noteworthy that psoriasis may be demonstrated as a multi-system disease which does not only affect the skin and its adnexa. The association of psoriasis with comorbidities may significantly increase morbidity and total mortality as well as the demands for health care provision.

Prostate cancer screening - is it time to change approach?

OBJECTIVE: Prostate adenocarcinoma (CaP) is one of the most common malignancies in men in Slovakia and in the world. The disease accounts for more than 22% of all tumors in the male population. Screening studies show an increase in the diagnosis of CaP without improvement in overall or CaP-specific mortality. The main goal of the work is to evaluate the incidence of CaP in the group of patients examined and treated during the period from 2014 to 2019 at the urological outpatient clinic of the Railway Hospital (RH) in Kosice, and to evaluate the risks and treatment options. METHODS: Men aged 40 to 75 years underwent a preventive examination in 2014-2019 at the urology outpatient clinic, RH Kosice. The number of screened patients was 3,943. Epidemiological parameter, diagnosis-related examinations (prostate specific antigen - PSA examination, digital rectal examination, and ultrasonography examination) as well as the frequency of examinations were monitored during the specified period on the basis of documentation. The number of prostate biopsies, incidence of prostate cancer and relation to PSA values were also monitored, as well as the classification of prostate cancers according to the degree of risk. Initial treatment in individual patients was also evaluated. RESULTS: PSA values in patients who underwent biopsy ranged from 3.6 ng/mL to 2,000 ng/mL. We observed positive digital rectal examination in 52 patients. Of the number of patients examined, 231 (61.28%) were positive biopsies. There were negative biopsies with the finding of benign prostatic hyperplasia in 92 patients or chronic prostatitis in 54 patients, i.e., 146 (38.72%). According to the criteria for risk assessment based on the PSA value and the result of the histological examination, we diagnosed 109 low-risk patients, 57 medium-risk patients and 24 high-risk patients. CONCLUSION: CaP is detected by prevention about 10 years before it develops clinically. The main aim of preventive examinations should be to detect, in particular, high-risk forms of early-stage prostate cancer and to improve the quality of life of men. Due to the results of extensive studies, it is necessary to continue the active search for prostate cancer. This reduces the risk of metastatic forms of CaP.

Seroprevalence of Borrelia IgG antibodies among individuals from Eastern Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES: Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease of increasing incidence and public concern. Our cross-sectional study was aimed at evaluating seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in a group of respondents from Eastern Slovakia. METHODS: In total, 515 blood samples collected in 2013-2016 were analysed with NovaLisaTM, NovaTec - Borrelia IgG/IgM kit (Immunodiagnostica, Dietzenbach, Germany). Positive and equivocal IgG-antibody results were further examined with immunoblotting (LYMECHECK® OPTIMA IgG and IgM kits, BIOSYNEX, France). Data detected by serological methods were matched with those obtained from a questionnaire. Differences between groups by residence/seropositivity were tested by χ2 test. The effect of socio-demographic and risk factors on seropositivity of IgG antibodies was assessed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi were detected in 67 cases (13.01%) and IgM antibodies in 40 cases (7.8%). Previous tick bite had been noted in 67.2% of these seropositive individuals. Higher seropositivity was observed in men and persons aged over 61 years. Rural residents had higher seropositivity (39%) than those living in urban (29%) areas. Very few of these seropositive persons reported prior symptoms. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that IgG-seropositivity for Borrelia burgdorferi in Eastern Slovakia is predominant in men and occurs mainly in rural areas. The findings also suggest that exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi (with subsequent antibody response in serum) does occur, mostly without giving rise to clinical Lyme borreliosis.

Long-term compliance of patients with osteoporosis treatment and its effect to fracture occurrence.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term treatment of patients with osteoporosis being actively managed by medical staff and following the therapeutic methods and principles of treatment of osteoporosis. METHODS: The medical records of patients which were examined in an osteological outpatient office first time in the year 2009 were reviewed. The results of densitometry examinations were compared with the results from the year 2019. Patients regularly absolved densitometry, properly and regularly took prescribed medicaments for either anti-osteoporotic treatment or for supplementation of vitamin D and calcium. The cohort consisted of 100 patients. Next, we split the group into 3 categories - less than 65 years of age, 65-75 years of age and lastly over 75 years of age. By default, we assessed and compared the T-scores (deviation from the average value of bone density of 30 years old healthy person) in the area of the proximal femur and in the area of the lumbar spine. The bone mineral density (BMD) values in g/cm2 and their relation to corresponding T-score from set area were also reviewed. RESULTS: Based on the results of densitometry, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 41 patients, manifest osteoporosis in 14 and osteopenia in 36, nine patients had their bone density value within the normal range. The average T-score values of "total hip" were -1.42, "neck" -2.08, BMD values of "total hip" were 0.802 g/cm2, "L1-L4" -2.05, "L total" -1.45, and BMD of "L total" was 0.886 g/cm2. In the time of the last examination, the T-score (disregarding the type of treatment) raised from the initial value by 40.16% in the area of lumbar spine, by 56.69% in the area of "total hip", and by 40.16% in the area of "neck". While sorting the cohort based on age, we detected a similar effect of active management of treatment in each of the 3 categories. CONCLUSION: Cooperation of the patients during the treatment of a chronic disease requiring long-term usage of medicaments is often problematic and it is necessary to devote adequate attention to it. The solution to improve the treatment can be active management of the patient by the medical facility or by the medical staff.

Genetically modified rodent models and celiac, non-celiac gluten sensitivity: a minireview.

Celiac disease (CD) is a disorder that affects both children and adults. Over the few last decades, several new atypical cases have been identified through improved diagnostic tools. On the other hand, the onset of CD at a later age, including atypical CD forms whose clinical picture overlaps with other autoimmune diseases, shows that currently there are several unknown gene mutations, which could be responsible for the disease development. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is entity included by the ingestion of gluten leading to intestinal, or extraintestinal symptoms that improve once the gluten is removed from the nutrition. In this article relationships between genetically modified rodent animals with previously unknown multiple organ changes and CD, respectively NCGS are reviewed. Relationships between the small bowel histological changes and other organs pathology are discussed. Results of research document that changes have similar genetic background and can develop to serious autoimmune systematic diseases, including small bowel inflammation resembling atypical CD or NCGS. These may have extra-intestinal symptomatology but without a clear explanation of causes and differences in their manifestations. Research on animal models helps to discover links between several disorders associated with gastrointestinal damage. New methods based on individual gene mutations can help in atypical adult CD and NCGS recognitions in the future.

Influence of maternal smoking during pregnancy on birth outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Smoking during pregnancy is causally associated with reduced birth weight and is strongly related to preterm birth. This study analyses the differences in birth outcomes between non-smokers and women who continued to smoke during pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a study of 1,359 mothers who gave birth in 2017-2019 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice. Data on mothers and newborn infants have been reported from the birth book and from the reports on mothers at childbirth. For low birth weight we considered the weight of a newborn being less than 2,500 g and as for premature birth we referred to childbirth before pregnancy week 37. Two groups of mothers were classified according to the smoking habit during pregnancy and statistically processed in IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0. RESULTS: Infants born by women who smoked during pregnancy had the lower birth weight (2,769.0 grams on average) compared to non-smokers (3,224.1 grams) (p < 0.001). The differences in prevalence of premature birth have not been confirmed as statistically significant. Women who continued smoking during pregnancy were significantly more likely to be very young (OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 3.9-8.9; p < 0.001), unmarried (OR = 9.3; 95% CI: 6.1-14.0; p < 0.001), of lower level of education (OR = 39.6; 95% CI: 22.6-69.5; p < 0.001), and more likely to consume alcohol (OR = 6.6; 95% CI: 5.8-7.5; p < 0.01), and drugs (OR = 6.6; 95% CI: 5.8-7.5; p < 0.01) during pregnancy. When pregnant, they were most likely to see a doctor for the first time after the first trimester (OR = 0.1; 95% CI: 0.1-0.2; p < 0.001) and were more likely to see a doctor less than 8 times (OR = 6.1; 95% CI: 4.2-8.8; p < 0.001) during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Tobacco prevention and cessation campaigns should focus on improving pregnancy outcomes in the future.

Analysis of potential risk factors associated with urolithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: Eating habits, regular fluid intake, lifestyle and body composition are a primary point of research. The research focused on urolithiasis approaching potential danger, trying to interpret risk factors responsible for urolithiasis and disease recurrence. METHODS: Research file contains 166 patients suffering from urolithiasis, 87 (52.4%) males and 79 (47.6%) females, and 172 healthy subjects from control group. All data was accessed using fully anonymous and confidential questionnaires, then evaluated in the statistical GNU PSPP 1.4 software. RESULTS: More than 3/4 patients have a BMI higher than 24.9 and almost 40% of subjects have obesity class I, II, or III. Patients have higher BMI than subjects (d = 1.285; p < 0.001), and females have significantly higher BMI than males (d = 0.385; p = 0.007). Female patients have higher BMI than Slovak healthy females (p < 0.001; MD = 4.581; CI: 3.24-5.93). Patients have a lower daily water intake than subjects (φc = 0.157; p = 0.04) and more than 2/3 of patients have insufficient water intake. Sedentary employment prevails markedly in patients than in subjects. Patients are much less physically active than subjects (φc = 0.633; p < 0.001) and the difference is rising with increasing age of patients (ρ = - 0.232; p = 0.003). Low physical and working activity are characteristic for patients in this study. Patients smoke more often in comparison to subjects (φc = 0.261; p < 0.001). Patients consume more meats (red and white), cocoa and lentils. A lot of patients exceed recommended daily intake of pork and beef. CONCLUSIONS: Many conditions are different for the healthy population and patients' group. High BMI, low fluid intake, exceeded red meat consumption, and low physical activity are the strongest factors for developing urolithiasis. Patients should consume more fluids daily, exercise frequently and vigorously, and lower amount of red meat consumed.

Risk factors associated with low birth weight.

OBJECTIVES: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the major factors affecting child morbidity and mortality worldwide. Every day, approximately 800 women die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth worldwide. Maternal ill health increases the risk of LBW. This study seeks to investigate determinants and incidence of LBW. METHODS: This study was conducted based on the medical records of mothers and their 1,946 infants born in 2016-2019 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice. Data on mothers and newborn infants were obtained from the Reports on mothers at childbirth. The inclusion criteria were singleton births and birth weight > 500 g. The exclusion criteria were twins or multiple births, congenital anomalies and stillbirths, birth weight ≥ 4,000 g or ≤ 500 g, and Roma ethnicity. Roma children are more likely to be born prematurely, with low birth weight. Roma mothers have different lifestyle. Univariate analysis was employed to evaluate the association between the independent variables and LBW. Variables that were found to be statistically significant were then further analysed using multivariable logistic analysis for each dependent variable. The implementation of the research was approved by the Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Of 1,946 newborns, 271 (13.90%) have low birth weight. The mean of birth weight at delivery was 3,068.62 (SD 671.16) grams. Factors that were associated with LBW were primary maternal education (OR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.08-8.21, p = 0.034), marital status single (OR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.68-4.94, p < 0.001), number of prenatal care visits less than 8 (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.61, p = 0.047), and preterm birth (OR = 74.94, 95% CI: 45.44-123.61, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The reducing of LBW requires strategies to improve maternal lifestyle, maternal care before, during and after birth and to strengthen social support.

E-cigarette use, opinion about harmfulness and addiction among university students in Bratislava, Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the use of electronic cigarettes (EC) among medical students, their knowledge and beliefs (opinion about harmfulness and addiction potential) on ECs, perceptions of the risk, as well as to assess the type of education and cessation training they received during their study at Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. METHODS: This cross-sectional, anonymous online e-mailed survey was conducted among medical students via the Study Department by sending e-mails containing the survey link. Participants completed the online questionnaire adapted from the American Survey on Tobacco and Alternative Tobacco Products. It included questions about the personal use of EC, perceptions about the harms and their role in disease causation, education and cessation training, and practices related to conventional cigarettes (CC), EC, and alternative tobacco products (ATP). The e-mailed questionnaire filled in 577 medical students (71.9% women) from Comenius University in Bratislava, the average age was 23 ± 2 years. The sample comprised 486 (84.2%) Slovak and 91 (15.8%) foreign students. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. RESULTS: There were 385 (66.7%) non-smokers, 111 (19.3%) ex-smokers and 81 (14%) current smokers in the study sample. EC currently use 13.5% of medical students, with a statistically significant intersexual difference (22.2% males vs. 10.12% females; OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.55-4.13), more foreign students than Slovak students (24.2% vs. 11.52%; OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.41-4.26), more smokers of conventional cigarettes than non-smokers (46.9% vs. 8.06%; OR = 10.07, 95% CI: 5.85-17.34). EC seems to be less harmful to 59.97% of students, mostly in the age group ≤ 24 (61.76% vs. 51.49%; OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03-2.07), 41.25% of students consider EC to be less addictive, 55.6% think they do not get enough education on EC during their medical study. CONCLUSION: The results overall show the high consumption of tobacco products and the lack of knowledge and awareness among medical students, future health care providers. In health promotion and disease prevention, they should serve as a model for their patients and for the general public as well. Our study emphasizes the need for intervention in this field at medical faculties and for support of further monitoring in Slovakia and other countries and draws attention to the ongoing lack of EC regulation.

Occurrence of bacteria belonging to the genus Enterococcus and Staphylococcus on inanimate surfaces of selected hospital facilities and their nosocomial significance.

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to determine the representation and resistance of bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus and Enterococcus on inanimate surfaces of two selected workplaces of the University Hospital of L. Pasteur in Kosice (UHLP) and to investigate their importance in the hospital environment. The men's ward of the Department of Internal Medicine (DIM) and the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DAIC) were chosen. METHODS: Using sterile sampling kits, a total of 182 swabs were collected from the inanimate surfaces of both UHLP workplaces. The swabs were then transported to a microbiological laboratory and inoculated onto sterile culture media (blood agar containing 5% ram erythrocytes). After culturing (24-48 hours, in a thermostat at constant temperature 37 °C), bacterial colonies were identified by mass spectrometry on a MALDI TOF MS. Bacteria belonging to the genera Staphylococcus and Enterococcus were subsequently separated from the spectrum of identified bacteria. Nosocomial significant strains of staphylococci (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus) and all isolated enterococci were subjected to susceptibility testing for selected antibiotics using the disk diffusion method - E-tests. RESULTS: Several members of the genus Staphylococcus were identified from the inanimate surfaces of both workplaces. These were mainly coagulase-negative strains - Staphylococcus epidermidis (45), Staphylococcus capitis (34), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (20), Staphylococcus hominis (45), Staphylococcus pasteuri (2), Staphylococcus sroph (1), Staphylococcus simulans (3), and Staphylococcus warneri (4). Staphylococcus aureus strains were also identified (2). Nosocomial significant isolates were tested for susceptibility to the antibiotics cefoxitin (FOX) and oxacillin (OXA). Two members of the genus Enterococcus - Enterococcus faecium (7) and Enterococcus faecalis (8) were isolated. All strains were subject to vancomycin susceptibility testing using the disk method.

Potential differences in occurrence of preterm births according to quality of relationship between mothers and fathers of the children.

OBJECTIVES: Premature birth is a serious pregnancy complication that is affected by many biological as well as psychosocial factors. Several studies have shown that a mother's positive relationship with her child's father reduces the mother's stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy, promotes a healthier mother's lifestyle and thus has a positive effect on pregnancy as such. This research was therefore aimed at identifying possible differences in the incidence of premature births in mothers depending on the quality of the relationship with the father of their child. METHODS: The research involved 210 mothers after childbirth in the period from October 2020 to September 2021. A questionnaire aimed at obtaining descriptive data about the mother and her child and a questionnaire aimed at determining the quality of the relationship - Quality of Relationship Inventory (QRI) were distributed. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: Of 210 children, 44 (21%) were born prematurely, 154 (73.3%) mothers were married and 176 (83.8%) lived with the father of their child in the same household. The results showed that the degree of quality of the mother's relationship with the child's father is approximately the same for mothers who gave birth prematurely and for those who gave birth at term, so there were no differences in this factor between the two groups of mothers. CONCLUSION: The results of other researchers have shown the positive impact of partners on pregnancy and the overall well-being of the mothers. However, our research has not confirmed the positive effect of the quality of the relationship between mother and father of her child on reducing the incidence of premature births. Further research is needed to clarify how specifically and whether the quality of the relationship between parents can affect the incidence of premature births at all.

Generational differences in selected aspects of social situation and health status of foreigners living in the Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVES: Demographic differentiation caused by the history of migration in the Czech and Slovak Republics led the authors of this article to analyse generational differences in the groups of foreigners living in the Czech Republic (CR) and the impact of generational differences on selected aspects of their social situation and perceived health. The crucial research question was whether and to what degree do different generations of foreigners vary from each other and what impact this has had on their social situation and health determinants. METHODS: The main goal was to examine mutual relationships between selected characteristics of social situation and health determinants in various groups of foreigners living in the CR. A total of 1,003 questionnaires among foreigners officially living in the Czech Republic were collected and analysed. In the area of subjective perception of health, a comparison of foreigners with Czech citizens (representative sample of Czech seniors; 1,172 respondents) in the age category 65+ was made in order to find out whether this perception differs between senior foreign nationals and senior Czechs. RESULTS: Older individuals (50-64 years and 65+ years) appeared to have the best integration into Czech society. This age generation felt positive about stay and migration status in the CR. Older foreigners differ from older Czech citizens who tend to refer to their health as very good to rather good compared to foreigners who described their health as neither good nor bad. The middle generation (30-49 years) of foreigners was characterized by hard work and the initial stages of integration into Czech society. This group also reported positive feelings about living in the CR relative to their home country. CONCLUSION: The oldest generation of foreigners is the best integrated in the Czech Republic (with regard to selected aspects tested in this article). This generation is able to offer new immigrant effective integration strategies. However, they assess their subjective health one degree worse in comparison with Czech seniors (representative sample), this finding should lead to the setting of preventive programmes related to a healthy lifestyle, including lifestyle for foreigners living in the Czech Republic.

Antibiotic resistance in the invasive bacteria Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: The beta-lactamases with extended spectrum of activity (ESBL) are medically one of the most important group of enzymes. Another group of beta-lactamases representing of Enterobacteriaceae is group of the AmpC-type cephalosporinases. The presented study provides identification and determination of the spectrum of resistance against different and clinically used antimicrobial drugs in the clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. METHODS: These isolates had origin in different departments of the L. Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice. The goal was the detection of beta-lactamase production with extended-spectrum effect and testing of AmpC-type cephalosporinases by several phenotypic tests in clinical isolates. MALDI-TOF MS analysis was performed on a Microflex MALDI Biotyper. Samples were positively tested for ESBL with the use of the disc diffusion method. PCR were performed with a series of primers designed for the detection of Ambler class A, B and C beta-lactamase genes. RESULTS: For all 485 isolates, we determined the production of ESBL, which we detected in 166 E. coli isolates, which represents a 34.2% prevalence of ESBL production. It is clear from the results that the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli out of the total number of E. coli investigated reached 34.2%. In the monitored period, we confirmed at least one resistance gene from 485 E. coli in 188 positive isolates. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a complex ESBL epidemiology. The study revealed a high rate of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates; blaTEM and blaSHV enzymes dominated in ESBL-positive E. coli isolates in the L. Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice.

Celiac disease and gluten-free diet: past, present, and future.

A gluten-free diet is a special type of diet intended for people with celiac disease. The objective of this article is to report the past, present production, supply of gluten-free products as well as their future position in our market. In the past, there were only limited gluten-free products available and the awareness of the diet was limited to paediatric community. There were only few raw gluten-free materials and almost all the production was created in households. Later with the introduction of targeted screening into the practice, celiac diagnosis has improved, with an increase in newly diagnosed patients who have remained life-long dependents on a gluten-free diet. This was associated with an increased production of gluten-free products, referred to as weight loss diet, with their positive effects on health. Subsequently, the gluten-free diet has also been voluntarily adopted by both people with other diseases and healthy individuals. In the future, the gluten-free diet consumption is expected to increase, due to its increased popularity in populations. In this regard, gluten-free diets have been misinterpreted as a "miracle drug" that is effective on a variety of problems. The medical community will be confronting the future problems of people who are dependent on a gluten-free diet as well as the complications arising from the consumers of a gluten-free diet for no medical reasons. Compliance to the principles of a gluten-free diet should be maintained and should not be recommended to healthy individuals or those without relevant reasons.

The potential actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) activator diminazene aceturate (DIZE) in various diseases.

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) regulates fluid balance, blood pressure and maintains vascular tone. The potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II (Ang II) produced by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) comprises the classical RAS. The non-classical RAS involves the conversion of Ang II via ACE2 into the vasodilator Ang (1-7) to counterbalance the effects of Ang II. Furthermore, ACE2 converts AngA into another vasodilator named alamandine. The over activation of the classical RAS (increased vasoconstriction) and depletion of the non-classical RAS (decreased vasodilation) results in vascular dysfunction. Vascular dysfunction is the leading cause of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Additionally, local RAS is expressed in various tissues and regulates cellular functions. RAS dysregulation is involved in other several diseases such as inflammation, renal dysfunction and even cancer growth. An approach in restoring vascular dysfunction and other pathological diseases is to either increase the activity of ACE2 or reduce the effect of the classical RAS by counterbalancing Ang II effects. The antitrypanosomal agent, diminazene aceturate (DIZE), is one approach in activating ACE2. DIZE has been shown to exert beneficial effects in CVD experimental models of hypertension, myocardial infarction, type 1 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Thus, this review focuses on DIZE and its effect in several tissues such as blood vessels, cardiac, renal, immune and cancer cells.