Bratislavske Lekarske Listy[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Elevated pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase and albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio predict poor prognosis and early treatment discontinuation in head and neck cancer patients with preexistent diabetes mellitus.
Mireștean CC, Stan MC, Iancu RI … +2 more , Iancu DPT, Bădulescu F
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943508 · Publisher ↗
Increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity is considered as a marker of cellular necrosis and serves as a metabolomic diagnostic marker in several types of cancer including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma...
Increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity is considered as a marker of cellular necrosis and serves as a metabolomic diagnostic marker in several types of cancer including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). LDH, an enzyme involved in the glycolytic cycle, is correlated not only with the activation of oncogenes such as HIF-α and Myc, but also with effects such as tumor proliferation and metastasis. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a marker of cell differentiation and tumor induction. Albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) could be an advantageous biomarker due to its easily accessible dynamics and cost-effectiveness. Elevated values of AAPR could be associated with longer overall survival (OS) in cases with solid tumors. Diabetes mellitus (DM) could influence the outcome of patients with HNSCC by contributing to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, and by being involved in various aspects of carcinogenesis, disease progression and metastasis. However, the use of antihyperglycemic medications (metformin) can have beneficial effects by inhibiting tumor metabolic pathways. The biomarker role of LDH and AAPR in HNSCC patients with DM has been less evaluated. The purpose of the study was to assess the prognostic value of pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in predicting the duration of non-surgical oncological treatment and glycemic control in cases of head and neck cancers patients with DM, including cases selected from the database of the oncology clinic and oncology outpatient clinic of the Craiova County Hospital. Both LDH and AAPR can be used as pre-treatment biomarkers predictive of treatment response, or prognostic tools included in complex multi-parametric models in HNC associated with DM. However, given the impact of short-term glycemic control on the LDH level, it is necessary to evaluate these biomarkers after assessing and controlling for DM, and with the recommended cut-off value set around 0.5. Due to the limited number of cases, it is necessary to validate the results in multicentric trials with a larger number of patients (Tab. 5, Ref. 50). Keywords: diabetes mellitus, HNC, LDH, AAPR, biomarkers, predictive, head and neck cancers, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio.
Is it time for anatomists to enter the OT? Their role in clinical anatomy education of residents: A pre-trial survey research among surgeons.
Ganapathy A, Borthakur D, S Patil K … +3 more , Mehta V, Singh S, Kuppusamy R
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943507 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the perceived need among surgical residents to revisit their anatomical knowledge and evaluate their attitude towards integrating clinical anatomists into surgical residency program...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the perceived need among surgical residents to revisit their anatomical knowledge and evaluate their attitude towards integrating clinical anatomists into surgical residency program curriculum. BACKGROUND: While medical students learn human anatomy during undergraduate years, the practical application of clinically oriented anatomy becomes vital in surgical specialties. However, this aspect has not been adequately addressed in Indian surgical residency programs. METHODS: An 11-item questionnaire, including closed-ended and Likert-scale questions, was administered to 153 surgical residents. Consent was obtained, and responses were collected via Google Forms. RESULTS: Half of the respondents (50%) felt confident in their self-directed anatomy learning, but 87% believed integrating clinical anatomists would enhance their surgical expertise. Additionally, 88% saw value in revisiting cadaveric dissection. Third-year residents showed a significantly higher inclination towards cadaveric dissection. Deficiencies in the curriculum and time constraints were identified as major barriers. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a perceived need among surgical residents to augment their anatomical knowledge, advocating for the integration of clinical anatomists and cadaveric dissection into training. A collaborative approach, emphasizing both horizontal and vertical integration of anatomy, is recommended to enhance surgical education and practice. (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 25).
A bibliometric study of worldwide scientific literature on somatopsychics (1913‒2022).
Ilyas MF, Lukas GA, Lado A … +8 more , Rahmayani SA, Tan K, Benedictus B, Wijayanto MA, Hitipeuw HR, Sulasyono PT, Sumarno L, Novika RGH
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943506 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This investigation aims to analyze the characteristics and development of literature and advocate to include "Somatopsychic" as a Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term. BACKGROUND: The interplay between physio...
OBJECTIVES: This investigation aims to analyze the characteristics and development of literature and advocate to include "Somatopsychic" as a Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term. BACKGROUND: The interplay between physiological processes and psychological conditions, commonly referred to as "Somatopsychic," has garnered increasing attention in scientific literature over the years. METHODS: Somatopsychic-related research from the Scopus database using (Text word) and (MeSH) features. Publications were collected on Mar 22, 2023. The publication output was then analyzed using the R package's bibliometrics (Biblioshiny) and VOSviewer. RESULTS: In this study, search results for "somatopsychic" using (MeSH) resulted in a predictable return of 0 articles. Meanwhile, based on a search with (Text word), this study retrieved 306 documents for an unlimited period (and yielded published articles between 1913 and 2022). The analysis also revealed that 3,176 authors contributed to publications related to somatopsychic, with the United States ranking first in terms of authorship. In addition, the study presented a co-word network that illustrated frequent co-occurrence of particular keywords within somatopsychic research. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that somatopsychic-related publications are becoming increasingly prevalent. Adding somatopsychic as a dedicated term to the MeSH thesaurus of the National Library of Medicine would assist in indexing and retrieving the most pertinent literature on this topic (Tab. 3, Fig. 5, Ref. 51).
Modeling brain pathology to study nose-to-brain drug delivery.
Talgatkyzy А, Khaibullin T, Syzdykbayev M … +8 more , Kazymov M, Sharapiyeva A, Amrenova K, Dinara S, Тoktabayeva В, Khamitova M, Apsalikov B, Ozhmukhametova E
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943505 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To create a new mucoadhesive dosage form based on PluronicF127 followed by transformation into a gel form upon intranasal administration for targeted delivery to brain tissueMETHODS: Citicoline, cytidine diph...
OBJECTIVES: To create a new mucoadhesive dosage form based on PluronicF127 followed by transformation into a gel form upon intranasal administration for targeted delivery to brain tissueMETHODS: Citicoline, cytidine diphosphocholine, designated as CDP-choline, was purchased as a white powder with the molecular weight of 510.31 g/mol. The triblock copolymers of polyethylene glycol-block-polypropylene glycol-block-polyethylene glycol (PEG-PPG-PEG), branded as Pluronic F127, was used. RESULTS: When instilled into the nasal cavity, Pluronic F127 for intranasal administration is transformed into a gel that remains retained for 45-55 minutes, which promotes better penetration of drugs into the brain tissue. CONCLUSION: The polymer's gelling and adhesive properties performed well, which is crucial for further research at the preclinical stage (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 28).
Five-year prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Alusik D, Corba A, Kmec J … +4 more , Kubica I, Romanova L, Gal P, Studencan M
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943504 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the mortality and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) initially admitted to Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive...
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the mortality and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) initially admitted to Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care in comparison with patients initially admitted to Cardiac Centre (CC). BACKGROUND: Global acute coronary syndrome (ACS) registries often omit patients with OHCA initially admitted to anaesthesiology and intensive care units. This exclusion may lead to underestimated mortality rates in patients following acute MI worldwide. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients admitted in 2014 to the (Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care) at a single center, J.A. Reiman Teaching Hospital in Presov, Slovakia. Survival rates were evaluated in-hospital, at 30 days, and annually over a five-year period. Patients with STEMI and NSTEMI were analyzed separately, particularly during the early in-hospital phase. RESULTS: In the OHCA group, 52% of STEMI patients experienced in-hospital mortality, whereas the CC group reported only 3% mortality. The total hospital mortality for STEMI patients was 6.69%. Among NSTEMI patients in the OHCA group, in-hospital mortality reached 50%, compared to 4.33% in the CC group. The total center mortality for all NSTEMI patients was 6.09%. CONCLUSION: Although the short-term prognosis for MI patients with OHCA is unfavorable, with a 30-day mortality rate of 54.9%, for those who survive the initial 30 days following cardiac arrest and are successfully discharged from the hospital, the long-term prognosis aligns with MI patients without OHCA. In light of these findings, the inclusion of all patients with MI (from both OHCA and CC groups) in global ACS registries could significantly raise in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 21).
Invasive and metastatic hydatidiform moles in Slovakia in 1993‒2022.
McCullough L, Danihel L, Sufliarsky J … +4 more , Kubickova M, Niznanska Z, Adamec A, Korbel M
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943503 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: A retrospective analysis of invasive and metastatic hydatidiform moles (HM) in the Slovak Republic (SR)‒epidemiology, patient characteristics and treatment outcomes. BACKROUND: Invasive and metastatic mole is...
OBJECTIVE: A retrospective analysis of invasive and metastatic hydatidiform moles (HM) in the Slovak Republic (SR)‒epidemiology, patient characteristics and treatment outcomes. BACKROUND: Invasive and metastatic mole is a highly curable type of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Both invasive and metastatic HM may be cured by hysterectomy without adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Nineteen cases of histopathologically confirmed HM (10 invasive and 9 metastatic) were treated in SR from 1993 to 2022. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment modality (hysterectomy only ‒ 8; hysterectomy and chemotherapy ‒ 11). The parameters included in the analysis were patient age, antecedent pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin level, tumor size and time to remission. RESULTS: The incidence of invasive and metastatic HM in the SR was 1:121,253 pregnancies, or 1:86,589 live births. The overall cure rate was 100%, without recurrence. Hysterectomy was performed as first-line therapy in 14 patients, with a cure rate of 57.1%. 4 out of 8 patients (50%) with metastatic moles, who underwent first-line hysterectomy, were cured without chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all selected parameters. CONCLUSION: First-line hysterectomy may lead to remission without adjuvant chemotherapy or reduce the number of chemotherapies in invasive and metastatic HM (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 21).
Compression syndrome of distal peripheral aneurysms of the upper limb.
Smoter S, Slysko R
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943502 · Publisher ↗
True aneurysm of the radial artery is very rare. Aneurysmal expansion of arteries due to degenerative changes, possibly infections, primarily affects the abdominal and thoracic aorta, intra and extracranial sections of c...
True aneurysm of the radial artery is very rare. Aneurysmal expansion of arteries due to degenerative changes, possibly infections, primarily affects the abdominal and thoracic aorta, intra and extracranial sections of cerebral arteries, popliteal artery, and visceral arteries. Published literature does not address the aneurysm on the distal sections of the arteries of upper or lower limb. Unlike the classic symptoms of aneurysmally altered arteries such as rupture, thrombosis and embolization, we encounter more often vascular compression syndrome in distal peripheral aneurysms. We demonstrate the case management of a patient with over 20 years increasing wrist resistance. A fusiform aneurysm of the distal section of the radial artery was identified by sonography. Under general anesthesia, we performed aneurysm resection and artery reconstruction using an interpositum from the ipsilateral cephalic vein. The histological examination of the resected tissue confirmed the presence of all three layers of the vascular wall, confirming the true aneurysm of the radial artery. No complications developed in the patient in the postoperative period and all problems related to the aneurysm subsided (Fig. 4, Ref. 23). Keywords: aneurysm, arteria radialis, surgical reconstruction.
"Glia-like" cells of fibroblast morphology are present in cultures from injured human brain tissue.
Sivakova I, Polak S, Perzelova A
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943501 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Astrocytes undergo morphological and molecular changes in response to numerous pathological conditions. BACKROUND: Increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been reported as a characte...
OBJECTIVE: Astrocytes undergo morphological and molecular changes in response to numerous pathological conditions. BACKROUND: Increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been reported as a characteristic feature of reactive astrocytes. However, GFAP-positive cells occur rarely in adult human brain cultures. These cultures are mostly composed of flat GFAP-negative "glia-like" cells, which remain poorly characterized in relation to reactive astrogliosis. METHODS: We examined the cultures from macroscopically injured and normal brain tissue from patients with brain trauma, gliomas, or brain metastases. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical methods were used for reactive astrocytes detection. RESULTS: The intensity of GFAP-positive staining was higher in reactive astrocytes in the brain tissue surrounding gliomas or metastases and lower in brain tissue damaged by traumatic injury. We did not observe any correlation between GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes in cultures and brain tissue. However, we found rapidly proliferating spindle-shaped cells in cultures prepared from injured brain tissue. CONCLUSION: Present data demonstrate the unexplained phenomenon of disparate cell morphologies in cultures when prepared either from macroscopically normal or injured human brain tissue. While normal cultures are mainly comprised of flat cells, the cultures from severely damaged brain tissue may be entirely composed of spindle-shaped cells usually classified as fibroblasts. We suggest that this spindle-shaped cellular morphology is not specific for fibroblasts, but it rather can be interpreted as the most favorable shape for rapid cell proliferation under culture conditions. After brain trauma, unknown processes may be triggered, such as induced cell proliferation which can be revealed under culture condition. Accordingly, we conclude that spindle-shaped cells are activated precursors of glial cells (Fig. 3, Ref. 15).
Anencephaly in Slovakia and Czech Republic: embryogenesis, risk factors, epidemiology and preventative approaches.
Risova V, Miertus J, Otapkova P … +3 more , Gajdosova L, Jakus V, Polak S
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943500 · Publisher ↗
Anencephaly, a fatal anomaly of the central nervous system, belongs to the group of defects of the neural tube (NTDs). It is considered the most common congenital NTD, characterized by concurrent absence of a significant...
Anencephaly, a fatal anomaly of the central nervous system, belongs to the group of defects of the neural tube (NTDs). It is considered the most common congenital NTD, characterized by concurrent absence of a significant portion of the brain and cranial vault. This deformity occurs between days 23 and 26 after fertilization due to improper closure of the neural tube at its cranial end. Many genetic, epigenetic, and non-genetic factors (nutritional, environmental and geographical factors, parental socioeconomic status) contribute to the etiology of this disease. Despite significant advances in treatment and preventive measures, NTDs continue to pose a significant health and financial burden on patients and society as a whole. This study aimed to examine the incidence of anencephaly in Slovakia compared to the Czech Republic between 2012 and 2020. The authors seek to elucidate the reasons behind the higher incidence of this disease in Slovakia as compared to the Czech Republic, explore the male predominance of anencephaly in Slovakia, and investigate whether the prevention standards used in Slovakia differ from those employed in other countries (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 129). Keywords: neural tube defects, anencephaly, risk factors, folic acid, food fortification.
Nutritional status and risk of malnutrition.
Gazdikova K, Fojtova A, Wsolova L … +2 more , Norek B, Slovacikova M
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38943499 · Publisher ↗
UNLABELLED: Malnutrition is a global health problem that is not limited to developing countries. So far, it is one of the underdiagnosed and curative medical problems. THE AIM of our observation was to evaluate the nutri...
UNLABELLED: Malnutrition is a global health problem that is not limited to developing countries. So far, it is one of the underdiagnosed and curative medical problems. THE AIM of our observation was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients at risk of malnutrition. METHODS AND PATIENTS: We retrospectively evaluated 140 patients from the Gastroenterology Clinic and the Center for Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) at the University Hospital Bratislava, Slovakia. Patients were indicated for examination as part of the entry screening for malnutrition or consultation examination in patients presenting with signs of malnutrition. Based on the determination of the body mass index (BMI), the completed questionnaire of nutritional risk screening (NRS) and the determination of the state of performance, we evaluated the nutritional status of the patient and subsequently started enteral, or parenteral nutrition. RESULTS: We recorded a statistically significant negative correlation between BMI and malnutrition risk (p<0.001), ie. the lower the BMI, the higher the risk of malnutrition. We did not observe a relationship between age, diagnoses and the incidence of BMI-related malnutrition in the study group of patients. CONCLUSION: Properly applied clinical nutrition, whether enteral, parenteral, or a combination thereof, can significantly affect morbidity and mortality in patients with malnutrition or the risk of its development. Unfortunately, Slovakia is still lagging behind developed countries in its implementation as part of a comprehensive treatment of patients (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 28).
Hyponutrition among newly diagnosed gastric cancer.
Pham VT, Nguyen MLT, Pham C … +5 more , LE QV, Tran DH, LE TS, Nguyen LT, Bui KC
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757598 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the malnutrition status among Vietnamese patients newly diagnosed with gastric cancer (GC). BACKGROUND: GC remains the top rank of common and deadly diseases. With limited clinica...
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the malnutrition status among Vietnamese patients newly diagnosed with gastric cancer (GC). BACKGROUND: GC remains the top rank of common and deadly diseases. With limited clinical manifestation, most GC patients were diagnosed at late stages when tumor is not radically resected. Malnutrition was associated with poor prognosis of GC, such as prolonged hospitalization, limited treatment efficacy and low survival rate. METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study recruited 77 patients newly diagnosed with GC and 90 healthy individuals (HC). The data used for this study were approved by the local Ethical Committee. The data were analysed on STATA 14.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0. RESULTS: We observed the male dominant distribution in GC cohort and over 65% of GC were firstly diagnosed at advanced stages (III and IV). Anemia was detected in about 50% of GC patients. Hyponutrition was prevalent in newly diagnosed GC. We found the decreased tendency of anemia related indexes from HC to early stages (I and II) and advanced stages (III and IV) of GC patients. CONCLUSION: Anemia and hypoproteinemia occurred frequently among Vietnamese newly diagnosed GC. The nutrition therapy would benefit GC patients (Tab. 4, Fig. 4, Ref. 20).
Do neutrophil/lymphocyte, monocyte/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte ratios affect prognosis and stage in avascular necrosis of the femoral head?
Gokalp AY, Tekin SB
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757597 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) is an osteonecrosis type caused by ischaemic osteocyte loss of femoral head, and its exact pathomechanism is still unknown. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, p...
INTRODUCTION: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) is an osteonecrosis type caused by ischaemic osteocyte loss of femoral head, and its exact pathomechanism is still unknown. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelet levels in complete blood count and ratios between these levels have been used by almost all medical disciplines as accesible and reliable biomarkers of immune response. Aim of this study is to identify the effects of neutrophil/lymphocyte (NL), monocyte/lymphocyte (ML), platelet/lymphocyte (PLT/L) ratios on prognosis and stage in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 (30 female; 76 male) patients aged 18 and over diagnosed with avascular necrosis of femoral head between 2012-2022 years were retrospectively evaluated. Study was planned after a total of 106 (30 female, 76 male) healthy patients with consent to participate who were demographically equal to the study group were included in the control group. Patients in the study group were divided into 3 groups as Stage I, II and III according to the Ficat-Arlet classification. RESULTS: In terms of neutrophil counts; neutrophil values of study and control groups were 4.94±1.89 and 4,21±1,17; respectively. There was statistically significant difference between counts (p<0.05). In terms of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, NL ratio was statistically significantly higher in study group (2.11±0.85) than control group (1.75±0.44). Cut-off value of NL ratio was 2.13 according to the ROC analysis (sensitivity 47.17% (95% CI (37.4-57.1)); specificity=84.91% 95% GA (76.6-91.1)). Sensitivity and specificity of cut-off value was statistically significant. There was no difference between groups created according to Ficat-Arlet in terms of hemogram parameters. DISCUSSION: NL may indicate AVNFH; however, other parameters are considered as inadequate for identifying an independent marker in AVNFH due to ineffective immune response. Future studies with larger samples which allow standard and multi-dimensional analysis are needed (Tab. 4, Fig. 5, Ref. 20).
Is increased activator protein 1 in cerebrospinal fluid as a potential biomarker that distinguishes idiopathic intracranial hypertension from multiple sclerosis?
Karabork S, Celik H, Dursun AD … +2 more , Ankarali H, Turkoglu SA
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757596 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To distinguish whether idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition predisposing to multiple sclerosis (MS) or an isolated disease, the current gene transcription factor Activator Protein-1 (AP-1...
OBJECTIVES: To distinguish whether idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition predisposing to multiple sclerosis (MS) or an isolated disease, the current gene transcription factor Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) was evaluated with its potential to differentiate both diseases. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of AP-1 as biomarkers for the discrimination of IIH and MS. METHODS: AP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 protein values in the CSF of the cases were evaluated by the ELISA method. The numerical measures of the groups and the ability of AP-1 to distinguish the groups were analyzed with the ROC curve. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in CSF TNF-α, IL-6, CSF, and serum biochemistry analyses. However, it was determined that the AP-1 concentration (pg/ml) was significantly higher in the IIH group, the sensitivity of AP-1 in separating those with IIH was 75%, and the specificity in separating those with MS was 60% in those with an AP-1 concentration of 606.5 and above. CONCLUSION: According to our results, the fact that CSF TNF-α and IL-6 values did not differ in IIH compared to MS revealed that IIH could not methodologically control MS, and AP-1 was a supportive parameter in differentiating both diseases (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 31).
Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels after COVID-19 vaccine in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Kinikli S, Afsar FE, Dursun AD … +7 more , Aksoy A, Karahan G, Cesur S, Hatipoglu ÇA, Ertem GT, Erdinc FS, Urtimur U
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757595 · Publisher ↗
AIM: The aim was to compare SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in chronic hepatitis B patients and healthcare personnel selected as the control group and to determine factors such as age, gender, vaccine type, and number of...
AIM: The aim was to compare SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in chronic hepatitis B patients and healthcare personnel selected as the control group and to determine factors such as age, gender, vaccine type, and number of vaccines that may affect the antibody levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 87 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients followed in Ankara Training and Research Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic and Mamak State Hospital Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic and 89 healthcare personnel selected as the control group were included in the study.SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in the serum samples of patients and healthcare personnel who received the COVID-19 vaccine were studied with the ELISA method in the Microbiology Laboratory of Ankara Training and Research Hospital, using a commercial ELISA kit (Abbott, USA) in line with the recommendations of the manufacturer. In the study, SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were compared in CHB patients and healthcare personnel. In addition, the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 antibody level, gender, average age, natural history of the disease, number of vaccinations, vaccine type (Coronavac TM vaccine alone, BNT162b2 vaccine alone or Coronavac TM and BNT162b2 vaccine (heterologous vaccination)), treatment duration of CHB was investigated. Statistical analyses were made in the SPSS program. A value of p≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. FINDINGS: A total of 167 people, including 87 CKD patients and 80 healthcare personnel as the control group, were included in the study. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels were detected above the cut-off level in the entire study group, regardless of the vaccine type. No difference was detected in SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers after COVID-19 vaccination between CHB patients and healthcare personnel. There was a statistically significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels among individuals participating in the study according to vaccine types. Compared to those who received Coronavac TM vaccine alone, the average SARS-CoV-2 IgG level was found to be statistically significantly higher in those who received BNT162b2 vaccine alone or heterologous vaccination with Coronavac TM + BNT162b2 vaccine. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, number of vaccinations, natural transmission of the disease, and duration of antiviral therapy in the CHD patient group. CONCLUSION: As a result, SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels above the cut-off value were achieved with Coronavac TM and BNT162b2 vaccines in both CHD patients and healthy control groups. however, both CHD patients and healthcare personnel had higher antibody levels than those who received BNT162b2 alone or those who received heterologous vaccination had higher antibody levels than those with Coronavac TM alone. Therefore, if there are no contraindications, BNT162b2 vaccine may be preferred in CHB and health personnel (Tab. 2, Ref. 14).
Relationship of intensive care scoring systems with neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume values.
Altinbas A, Keles BO, Yilmaz ET … +1 more , Coban S
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757594 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the relationship between NLR, PLR, and MPV values and scoring systems frequently used in intensive care units in our study. METHODS: In our retrospective study, patients aged 18 years and over who...
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the relationship between NLR, PLR, and MPV values and scoring systems frequently used in intensive care units in our study. METHODS: In our retrospective study, patients aged 18 years and over who received treatment in the intensive care unit for at least 48 hours were included. Demographic data, such as age, gender, APACHE II, SOFA and GCS scores, expected mortality, and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between MPV values and APACHE, SOFA, and expected mortality rates, and a significant negative correlation between GCS values. It was also found to be significant that as the P/L ratio increased, APACHE, SOFA scores, and expected mortality rates decreased and GCS increased. In 30-day and 1-year mortalities, MPV values and CRP/albumin ratios were higher, and calcium values were significantly lower. The N/L ratios were also significantly higher in 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: In our study, a significant correlation was found between APACHE, GCS, SOFA, expected death rates and MPV and P/L rates. In conclusion, we suggest that in addition to intensive care scoring systems, the N/L ratio, P/L ratio, MPV, and CRP/albumin ratios can be used in the prognosis of patients (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 18).
Evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers affecting mortality in acute cholecystitis in the emergency department.
Vural N, Duyan M, Saridas A … +1 more , Ertas E
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757593 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of pan-immune inflammation value (PIV), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in predicting morta...
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of pan-immune inflammation value (PIV), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in predicting mortality in acute cholecystitis (AC). BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent complaints encountered by physicians at emergency department (ED). METHODS: This clinical study is a cross-sectional study among patients admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital and diagnosed with AC. Total survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan‒Meier method. Differences according to risk groups were determined by the log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 789 patients (survival: 737, non-survival: 52) diagnosed with AC were enrolled in the study. NLR and SII had an excellent diagnostic power in predicting 30-day mortality in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, while the diagnostic power of SIRI and PIV was acceptable. It was observed that the probability of survival period decreased in the presence of NLR (>11.07), SII (>2315.18), SIRI (>6.55), and PIV (>1581.13) above the cut-off levels. The HRs of NLR, SII, SIRI, and PIV were 10.52, 7.44, 6.34, and 5.6, respectively. CONCLUSION: NLR, SII, SIRI, and PIV may be useful markers in predicting 30-day mortality in patients with AC (Tab. 3, Fig. 5, Ref. 25).
Challenges of laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease ‒ Questionnaire survey results.
Repiska V, Gutaiova B, Humplikova S … +1 more , Shawkatova I
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757592 · Publisher ↗
UNLABELLED: Lyme disease. Our second goal was to identify bacterial and viral co-infections occurring concurrently with Lyme disease. Furthermore, it was our intention to also analyze the correlation of laboratory testin...
UNLABELLED: Lyme disease. Our second goal was to identify bacterial and viral co-infections occurring concurrently with Lyme disease. Furthermore, it was our intention to also analyze the correlation of laboratory testing with the occurrence of erythema migrans (EM). BACKGROUND: The accuracy in diagnostic testing for Lyme disease in the early stages of infection is an important factor necessary for delivering proper treatment to patients. METHODS: A total of 173 individuals with confirmed Lyme disease or with laboratory testing underway participated in the quantitative survey. RESULTS: ELISA was the first test conducted in 51% of the respondents, 28% of whom yielded positive findings of both IgM and IgG antibody classes. The positivity of ELISA test findings was confirmed by Western blot in 100% of results. Negative results of ELISA were consistent with Western blot only in less than half of the patients. More than half of the respondents had not been tested for any bacterial or viral co-infections. The results of serological testing were not consistent with clinical findings in all cases, including those with clinically discernible skin manifestation of erythema migrans. CONCLUSION: The comparison of results obtained by ELISA and Western blot revealed significant discrepancies. Simultaneous infections by vectors with several pathogens were detected (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 15).
Chloroquine and cinchonine affect rat vascular smooth muscle tonus through calcium channels - in silico and in vitro approaches.
Nedin Rankovic G, Dimitrov V, Cvetanovic M … +6 more , Krtinic D, Stokanovic D, Jovanovic T, Veljkovic M, Cvetkovic J, Rankovic G
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757591 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In the present study, two structurally similar alkaloids from trees of Cinchona genus, chloroquine and cinchonine, were examined for their vasorelaxant effects in a model of phenylephrine-induced smooth muscl...
BACKGROUND: In the present study, two structurally similar alkaloids from trees of Cinchona genus, chloroquine and cinchonine, were examined for their vasorelaxant effects in a model of phenylephrine-induced smooth muscle contractions. METHODS: Potential mechanisms of action associated with endothelial vasorelaxant compounds, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (LTCCs), and inositol triphosphate receptors were examined in isolated rat aortic rings. Also, an in silico approach was used to predict the activity of the two test compounds. RESULTS: Experimental results revealed that both chloroquine and cinchonine significantly decrease phenylephrine-induced smooth muscle contractions, although to a different extent. Evaluated mechanisms of action indicate that endothelium is not involved in the vasorelaxant action of the two tested alkaloids. On the other hand, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were found to be the dominant way of action associated with the vasorelaxant action of chloroquine and cinchonine. Finally, IP3R is found to have only a small impact on the observed activity of the tested compounds. CONCLUSION: Molecular docking studies predicted that chloroquine possesses a significant activity toward a suitable model of LTCCs, while cinchonine does not. The results of the present study point to the fact that great caution should be paid while administering chloroquine to vulnerable patients, especially those with cardiovascular disorders (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 28).
Use of EndoAnchors during index endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in patients with hostile proximal aortic neck anatomy.
Sivak J, Suchac M, Daxner M … +5 more , Kmetkova K, Sykora J, Zapletalova J, Zelenak K, Simkova I
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757590 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Standard endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is sometimes the only treatment option for patients with hostile aortic neck anatomy, but it carries an increased risk of both early and late procedure-related...
PURPOSE: Standard endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is sometimes the only treatment option for patients with hostile aortic neck anatomy, but it carries an increased risk of both early and late procedure-related complications. The aim of this study was to report on single-center experience with the Heli-FX EndoAnchors (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA) as an adjunctive procedure to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for prevention and perioperative treatment of proximal neck complications in patients with hostile neck anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-centre, retrospective study evaluating 24 consecutive patients treated with EndoAnchors during the index EVAR procedure between November 2018 and August 2021. EndoAnchor implantation was indicated for cases with hostile proximal aortic neck anatomy characterised by the presence of at least one of the following parameters: length of 28 mm, angle of >60°, circumferential thrombus/calcification involving ≥50%, and reverse taper. RESULTS: Median follow-up period was 22.5 months (IQR 2-31.5 months) with no aneurysm-related death, rupture, or conversion to open surgical repair during the follow-up. The procedural success rate was 100%, with no type Ia endoleak at the completion angiography. A mean of 7 EndoAnchors was used per patient (range 4-12). There were no EndoAnchor fractures and dislocations or stent graft fabric damage due to anchor implants. Twenty-three patients (95.8%) remained free of type Ia endoleak and migration on follow-up imaging. Aneurysm sac regression was observed in 13 patients (54.1%), while in 8 patients (33.3%) the sac remained stable. Sac enlargement was present in 1 patient (4.2%) due to late type Ia endoleak. Two patients were lost to the follow-up immediately after the procedure. Between two groups of patients (sac regression versus failure to regress), the larger initial diameter of the proximal neck was the only significant independent factor associated with a lower possibility of sac regression (p= 0,021). CONCLUSIONS: The use of EndoAnchors during the index EVAR procedure in cases with challenging aortic neck anatomy with or without perioperative type Ia endoleak was associated with good midterm results and led to sac regression in most of the patients (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 31).
Thromboembolic complications following implantation of durable left-ventricular assist devices.
Cikrai R, Golas F, Artemiou P … +3 more , Gasparovic I, Durdik S, Hulman M
Bratisl Lek Listy · 2024 · PMID 38757589 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: As the utilization of left-ventricular assist devices (LVADs) continues to rise and patients experience extended survival duration with these devices, the overall incidence of adverse events and complicatio...
INTRODUCTION: As the utilization of left-ventricular assist devices (LVADs) continues to rise and patients experience extended survival duration with these devices, the overall incidence of adverse events and complications has shown a notable increase. Among the major adverse events, thromboembolic complications are particularly significant. The aim of this study is to present our experience and assess the risk of thromboembolic complications after implantation of durable continuous-flow left-ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) in patients with end-stage heart failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2022, 169 left ventricular continuous-flow durable mechanical assist devices were implanted at our institute. Three types of devices were employed: HeartMate II (n = 54, 32%), HeartMate 3 (n = 70, 41.4%), and Heart Ware (n = 45, 26.6%). The data were extracted from the EUROMACS register. RESULTS: Thromboembolic complication, pump thrombosis was observed in 11/169 patients (6.5%), with 2 patients experiencing stroke after embolism to the central nervous system. Among these cases, 10 patients (90.9%) were equipped with the Heart Ware device while 1 patient (9.1%) had the Heart Mate II device implanted. Nine patients received the durable device as a bridge to transplant therapy and two as a bridge to candidacy. The overall mean age of the patients was 47.6±10.2 years, with 2 women and 10 men. The pump thrombosis was managed through thrombolytic therapy, high-intensity heparin anticoagulation protocol, pump exchange, pump explantation, and early heart transplant. The combined hospital and long-term mortality rate was 4/11 patients (36.4%). CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, thromboembolic complications presenting primarily as pump thromboses, were a relatively common phenomenon experienced in association with the second-generation continuous-flow devices, but rarely seen with the third-generation devices. Thrombolysis followed by early heart transplantation proved to be a safe treatment option (Tab. 1, Ref. 14). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: durable mechanical assist device, durable left ventricular assist devices, outcomes, thromboembolic complications.
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