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The aim of the study: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disease with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Our aim was to analyse the role of the Gastroesophageal Disease Questionnaire in diagnosing reflux disease in the population of the Republic of Macedonia. Methods: The questionnaire on the severity of the symptoms related to GERD was used. An evaluation of the distal portion of the oesophagus was carried out in all patients with positive questionnaire results. All mucosal injury was classified by the Los Angeles criteria (LA). Results: 642 patients were included. 58.73% females, with an average age of 37.5 ± 8.2. Females had a higher BMI than males 26.8 ± 4.1 vs. 24.9 ± 3.8 p < 0.001. Of the total number of examinees (642 patients), in those with erosive reflux disease and also in those with nonerosive reflux disease, as shown respectively in endoscopy, the sensitivity of the RDQ was 100%, and the specifity was 0%. The100 sensitivity means that the questionnaire verified/diagnosed patients with erosive reflux disease with 100% certainty. Conclusions: Results were found in some studies comparing the positive Reflux Disease Questionnaire and the level of erosive esophagitis (LA classification). This study provides evidence that the RDQ represents a viable instrument for assessing symptom severity and response to treatment in clinical trials of patients with GERD, but in patients with a high score, endoscopic evaluation should not be excluded [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this report is the interaction between Gram-positive bacteria of genus Bacillus and nanostructured thin film ZnO projected as a transducer element for the engineering of nanobiosensors. For this purpose, a periodic culture of Bacillus cereus, strain ATCC11778 was browght in a direct contact with a ZnO pad of film thickness of 2 μm for 24 hours. All processes are monitored by combination of optical measurement, cultivation method, fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope observation. The obtained results demonstrate unambiguously that the nanostructured ZnO film influences the cell growth and division rate. We proved that the film influence depends on the chemical composition of the film and the method for its preparation. For example, the thin film of nanostructured ZnO prepared by sol-gel dip coating is more toxic and inhibits the cell division than the film prepared by magnetron sputtering deposition. We found also that the pH of the bacterial solution is a crucial factor for the strength of ZnO effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]