Search

This article analyses the prevalence of dementia in Slovakia and other European countries. Dementia is a progressive loss of cognitive abilities that interferes with activities of daily living. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common. The Alzheimer Europe Yearbook (2019) was used as a source of European statistics. Slovakia is one of the countries with a low prevalence of dementia compared to other EU Member States. Differences in the way dementia is diagnosed between countries, as well as in the way people are included in care, may contribute to the differences in prevalence. The total number of people with dementia in Slovakia is expected to more than double by 2050. This is in line with the European trend and is due to the significant increase in the number of people aged 65 and over. The article also highlights the statistically significant difference between the prevalence of dementia in 2008 and 2018, which may be influenced by the development of diagnostic methods in addition to older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the phosphodiesterase E3 dunce homolog, Drosophila (PDE4D) gene variant (rs2910829), ischemic heart disease in men, the mutant T allele, and ischemic heart disease. It emphasizes the potential of the PDE4D rs2910829 variant as a cardiovascular risk marker, and it emphasizes the importance of physiological parameters like blood pressure in identifying cardiovascular disease risk.

The article discusses the rs104893657 variant of the Paired-box gene 8 (PAX8) gene variant in women with hypothyroidism in northeastern Slovakia, determining genotype frequencies and their association with hypothyroidism. It reports that although no significant association was found, the study provides insights into PAX8 gene distribution. It emphasizes the importance of molecular genetic diagnosis and biochemical markers in understanding thyroid pathophysiology.

ntroduction: Selected anthropometric indicators, such as anthropometric measurements, indices, or ratios could be reliable predictors of future cardiometabolic risk in primary prevention, especially in young adults. Aim: This study aimed to establish cardiometabolic risk status in young Eastern Slovak adults according to anthropometric indicators. Material and methods: Indicators used in this study, such as heart rate, blood pressure, five anthropometric measurements, as well as a total of 23 anthropometric indices and ratios were selected based on the available literature. These indicators were analyzed in 162 young adult participants of both sexes with a mean age of 20.78±2.22 years. The analyzed indices and ratios were calculated by routine anthropometry and were correlated with blood pressure and heart rate in the whole research group as well as among subgroups divided according to sex, obesity and hypertension status. Results: Our results showed frequently higher values of input characteristics in males (71.88%), and statistically significant differences between sexes in 81.25% of the characteristics. The values of systolic blood pressure were above the norm in all males, and they also dominated in the obesity group. Correlation analyses conducted on all participants and in subgroups indicated a positive statistical significance in several indicators. The vast majority of the anthropometric indicators were significantly correlated with physiological indicators in almost all subgroups. Only A body shape index (ABSI) correlation coefficients did not show a significant correlation with physiological indicators in all analyzed subgroups. The correlations tended to be stronger among subgroup exhibiting potential to obesity. All analyzed indices and ratios were significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.05), predominantly with blood pressure components rather than heart rate, especially in participants with the potential for disease complications than in participants without them. Conclusion: The analyzed indicators are noninvasive and useful although they may be at different levels of association and clinical significance for various conditions. Thus some of the indicators may be standardly used in the early diagnostic process for monitoring cardiovascular health and risk stratification of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiomyopathies are heterogeneous health conditions with the potential for atrial fibrillation. The management of patients with cardiomyopathy accompanied by atrial fibrillation is complicated by the maintenance of sinus rhythm, toxicity, or other complications. There is a lack of information about the reasons for therapy response heterogeneity or therapy failure. Our searching strategy of scientific databases declares a potentially important role of genetics in patients' management. The promising target could be the 4q25 locus and its sequence variants. Molecular-genetic analyses may shed new light on anti-atrial fibrillation therapy in cardiomyopathy patients and help reveal the genetic subtypes of cardiomyopathy patients. In this sense, the purpose of our study is to examine the evidence for genetic variation influencing the efficacy of pharmacological or invasive therapies for atrial fibrillation, especially at the 4q25 locus, in cardiomyopathy patients and declare the importance of detected genetic markers responsible for positive or negative responses to specific anti-atrial fibrillation therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of diabetes on diabetic retinopathy. It highlights how factors like gender and diabetes duration affect ocular changes and visual quality. It states that diabetic retinopathy affects over half of diabetic patients, with non-proliferative retinopathy being the most common form. It emphasizes the need for early detection and treatment, regular screening, and comprehensive therapeutic interventions to reduce vision loss in diabetic patients.

The article discusses the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure on coke oven workers in Eastern Slovakia, revealing a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations and gaps. It emphasizes the potential mutagenic and carcinogenic risks associated with PAH exposure in industrial settings, and it emphasizes the importance of cytogenetic analysis for preventive and public health interventions.

The article discusses the health status, behavior, and hygiene habits of pregnant women during the pandemic. It highlights socio-demographic factors influencing health perceptions. It emphasizes the importance of health literacy and education on hygiene habits, especially for low-income women. It mentions the impact of the pandemic on pregnant women's health and the need for preventive measures to ensure maternal and fetal well-being.

The article discusses foot arch shape and health status in adults in eastern Slovakia, as well as the factors that contribute to foot arch abnormalities. It states that wearing high-heeled shoes is associated with foot arch issues, and it highlights the need of proper footwear and lifestyle choices in maintaining foot health. It emphasizes the need of early diagnosis and preventive measures for foot arch abnormalities, can impact musculoskeletal health and standard of life.

Objectives: The paper proposes to identify the determinants of patients’ rights awareness in mothers and to examine the relationship of health literacy with awareness of those rights. Methods: Our results are based on data from a convenience sample of 894 non-health professional ethnic Hungarian mothers from Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. Health literacy is measured with the HLS-EU-16 questionnaire. Results: Analysis of variance reveals a significant association of health literacy with patient rights awareness. Our results show that health literacy is the highest among patients who filed a complaint through formal channels and/or took legal measures to restore their rights upon violation. A logistic regression model is built to identify the likelihood of having high patient rights awareness, that is, acting formally for the restoration of rights upon infringement. The model controls for covariates. When controlled for covariates, the likelihood of having high patient rights awareness increases with age, and is higher for mothers with highest education, for inhabitants of larger towns, as well as for those with adequate health literacy. Conclusions: The findings of our study have implications for health policy, as they reveal significant inequalities in patient rights culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discussed the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) gene polymorphisms and obesity-related biochemical parameters and cardiovascular risk. It reports that obese women show increased risk, suggesting PCSK9 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic approach. It emphasizes the role of PCSK9 expression in lipid metabolism and inflammation, with obesity exacerbating PCSK9 levels. It highlights the need for monitoring cardiovascular risk factors and genetic predispositions.

The article discusses the FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene and biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetes patients. It reports that the no significant association between the polymorphism and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk in the Slovak population, but patients with the TT genotype have the highest glucose levels. It emphasizes the need for further research on genetic factors affecting T2DM susceptibility across different populations.

The article discusses the use of bioimpedance analysis to predict presarcopenia in the elderly. It highlights the physiological changes associated with aging, the multifactorial pathogenesis of sarcopenia, and the principles of bioimpedance analysis in assessing muscle quality. It emphasizes the importance of phase angle and appendicular skeletal muscle mass for early intervention to prevent sarcopenia.

The article focuses on the nutrition habits and physical activity of adolescents with disabilities aged 12–18 in Hungary. It highlights factors such as parental education affecting dietary choices and socioeconomic status influencing physical activity levels. It reports that adolescents with disabilities in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County exhibit unsatisfactory eating habits, and it highlights the need for tailored health interventions to improve their health outcomes.

The article discusses fingerprint patterns as a predictive tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis. It emphasizes early detection and prevention. It suggests dermatoglyphic analysis as a screening method for T2DM risk assessment. It highlights the global prevalence of T2DM and the need for innovative methods to identify early biomarkers and enhance prevention strategies.

The article discusses how biochemical and anthropometric characteristics affect cardiovascular disease risk in Slovakia, Bardejov district. It highlights that specific age groups have a higher Body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and glucose levels. It highlights the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise in the prevention of metabolic and heart disease, particularly obesity, as well as the necessity of preventative interventions such as good habits.

The article discusses the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among Saint. Jacob Hospital employees, revealing variations across different departments. It reports that a significant percentage tested positive for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, indicating past infection or vaccination, with higher levels in departments with direct patient contact. It highlights the importance of antibody detection in evaluating individual and population immunity.

Good and homogenous udder morphology of dairy ewes is desirable for good milkability, udder health and animal welfare, especially if machine milking is in use. We evaluated the udder morphology and milkability of 286 ewes of eight genotypes (Tsigai, Improved Valachian, Lacaune breeds and 5 types of their crosses). The aim was to obtain an overview of the most important parameters to be evaluated for breeding dairy sheep breeds. The following traits were evaluated on a 9-point linear scale: udder depth, cistern depth, teat position, teat size, udder cleft, udder attachment and general udder shape. Selected parameters that characterise the milk yield and milkability of ewes were also recorded in individual control measurements: amount of machine milked in 30 and 60 seconds, machine milk yield, machine stripping, total milk yield and percentage thereof. Linear evaluation and precise udder measurements showed that Tsigai and Improved Valachian ewes had smaller udders with smaller cisterns and a better teat position than Lacaune ewes. The proportion of machine stripping (PMS) was best (lowest value) in the Improved Valachian ewes (26.0%) among the purebred breeds, followed by the Tsigai ewes (27.2%), and it was found to be highest in the purebred Lacaune ewes (36.3%). PMS was significantly influenced by teat size (r = 0.177 and 0.113, respectively; P < 0.001), udder attachment (r = -0.205; P < 0.001) and general udder shape (r = -0141; P < 0.001). From the study, it could be concluded that in Slovakia it will be necessary to additionally use data from linear udder evaluation (mainly udder depth, teat position, teat size and udder attachment) for breeding of dairy sheep breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]