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Mastitis is one of the most important diseases of the mammary gland. The increased incidence of this disease in cows is due to the breeding of dairy cattle for higher yields, which is accompanied by an increased susceptibility to mastitis. Therefore, the difficulty involved with preventing this disease has increased. An integral part of current research is the elimination of mastitis in order to reduce the consumption of antibiotic drugs, thereby reducing the resistance of microorganisms and decreasing companies' economic losses due to mastitis (i.e. decreased milk yield, increased drug costs, and reduced milk supply). Susceptibility to mastitis is based on dairy cows' immunity, health, nutrition, and welfare. Thus, it is important to understand the immune processes in the body in order to increase the resistance of animals. Recently, various studies have focused on the selection of mastitis resistance genes. An important point is also the prevention of mastitis. This publication aims to describe the physiology of the mammary gland along with its immune mechanisms and to approximate their connection with potential mastitis resistance genes. This work describes various options for mastitis elimination and focuses on genetic selection and a closer specification of resistance genes to mastitis. Among the most promising resistance genes for mastitis, we consider CD14, CXCR1, lactoferrin, and lactoglobulin.

OBJECTIVE Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (AORRP), but AORPP prevalence is much lower than HPV prevalence. Thus, HPV infection is necessary, but not sufficient, to cause AORRP and other factors likely contribute to its pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate whether co-infection with herpetic viruses may contribute to the pathogenesis of AORRP. DESIGN Prospective case-control study conducted from January 2018 to November 2019. SETTINGS Tertiary referral centre. PARTICIPANTS Eighteen consecutive patients with AORRP and 18 adults with healthy laryngeal mucosa (control group) undergoing surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, human herpesvirus 6, varicella zoster virus and HPV (including genotyping) were detected in biopsies of papilloma or healthy mucosa using real-time polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot. Dysplasia and Ki67 levels were determined in papilloma specimens. RESULTS EBV was present in 6 (33.3%) AORRP patients and no control patients (P = .019). Presence was not dependent on tobacco exposure (P = .413) or HPV genotype or concentration (P > .999). EBV presence was strongly related to increased cell proliferation (P = .005) and number of previous surgeries (P = .039), but not dysplasia (P > .999). Human herpesvirus 6 was found in 3 (16.7%) AORRP biopsies, with one false positive. No other herpetic virus was found. CONCLUSIONS Unlike other herpetic viruses, EBV seems to interact with HPV, enhancing cell proliferation and contributing to the pathogenesis and progression of AORRP. Further research is required to elucidate specific interactions and their role in the pathogenesis of AORRP.

Background and Purpose: The purpose was to assess quantitatively and qualitatively the composition and structure of cerebral thrombi and correlate them with the signs of intravital clot contraction (retraction), as well as with etiology, severity, duration, and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We quantified high-resolution scanning electron micrographs of 41 cerebral thrombi for their detailed cellular and noncellular composition and analyzed histological images for the overall structure with the emphasis on red blood cell compression, fibrin age, and the signs of inflammation. Results: Cerebral thrombi were quite compact and had extremely low porosity. The prevailing cell type was polyhedral compressed erythrocytes (polyhedrocytes) in the core, and fibrin-platelet aggregates were concentrated at the periphery; both findings are indicative of intravital contraction of the thrombi. The content of polyhedrocytes directly correlated with the stroke severity. The prevalence of fibrin bundles was typical for more severe cases, while the content of fibrin sponge prevailed in cases with a more favorable course. The overall platelet content in cerebral thrombi was surprisingly small, while the higher content of platelet aggregates was a marker of stroke severity. Fibrillar types of fibrin prevailed in atherothrombogenic thrombi. Older fibrin prevailed in thrombi from the patients who received thrombolytics, and younger fibrin dominated in cardioembolic thrombi. Alternating layers of erythrocytes and fibrin mixed with platelets were common for thrombi from the patients with more favorable outcomes. Thrombi with a higher number of leukocytes were associated with fatal cases. Conclusions: Most cerebral thrombi undergo intravital clot contraction (retraction) that may be of underestimated clinical importance. Despite the high variability of the composition and structure of cerebral thrombi, the content of certain types of blood cells and fibrin structures combined with the morphological signs of intravital contraction correlate with the clinical course and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke.

Background: The PeptestTM is a non-invasive diagnostic test for measuring the pepsin concentration in saliva, which is thought to correlate with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the Peptest in detecting LPR based on 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring using several hypopharyngeal reflux episodes as criterion for LPR. Methods: Patients with suspected LPR were examined with the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS), fasting Peptest, and MII-pH monitoring. We calculated the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the Peptest, RSI, and RFS based on the threshold of one and six hypopharyngeal reflux episodes. Results: Altogether, the data from 46 patients were analyzed. When one hypopharyngeal reflux episode was used as a diagnostic threshold for LPR, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were, respectively, as follows: 35%, 33%, 100%, 100%, and 3%, for the Peptest, 39%, 40%, 0%, 95%, and 0%, for the RSI, and 57%, 58%, 0%, 96%, and 0%, for the RFS. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the Peptest for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were 46%, 27%, 63%, 40.0%, and 48%, respectively. Conclusions: A positive Peptest is highly supportive of a pathological LPR diagnosis. However, a negative test could not exclude LPR.

The health impacts of suspended particulate matter (SPM) are significantly associated with size—the smaller the aerosol particles, the stronger the biological effect. Quantitative evaluation of fine and ultrafine particles (FP and UFP) is, therefore, an integral part of ongoing epidemiological studies. The mass concentrations of SPM fractions (especially PM2.5, PM1.0, PM0.25) were measured in an industrial area using cascade personal samplers and a gravimetric method, and their mass ratio was determined. The results of PM2.5, PM1.0 were also compared with the reference measurement at stationary stations. The mean ratios PM2.5/SPM, PM1.0/SPM, and PM1.0/PM2.5 were 0.76, 0.65, and 0.86, respectively. Surprisingly, a mass dominance of UFP with an aerodynamic diameter &lt, 0.25 μm (PM0.25) was found with mean ratios of 0.43, 0.57, 0.67 in SPM, PM2.5 and PM1.0. The method used showed satisfactory agreement in comparison with reference measurements. The respirable fraction may consist predominantly of UFP. Despite the measures currently being taken to improve air quality, the most biologically efficient UFP can escape and remain in the air. UFP are currently determined primarily as particle number as opposed to the mass concentration used for conventional fractions. This complicates their mutual comparison and determination of individual fraction ratios.

Background: Traumatic thoracic aortic transection is one of the most severe complications of high-energy injuries, but pa-tients rarely receive treatment, and it is fatal in the vast majority of cases. Due to the complexity of surgical revision for transection, endovascular repair with stent graft implantation is the preferred approach. Material/Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the short-term and long-term treatment results for 31 patients (29 men, 2 wom-en) treated at the Interventional Radiology Department, University Hospital Ostrava, for the isthmus part of a descending thoracic aorta injury between 2004 and 2020. Results: The median patient age was 48 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 28-63 years). The most common causes of in-jury were traffic accidents and falls or jumps, with the trauma location at the Ishimaru zones 2 to 4 of the aor-tic isthmus. Aortic stent grafts were successfully implanted in all patients; 13% of patients had complications and 10% died due to the trauma severity. The median procedure duration was 30 min (IQR: 25-43 min) and the median hospital stay was 29 days (IQR: 28-63 days). Conclusions: Aortic stent graft implantation appears to be a safe and effective method for dealing with thoracic aorta inju-ry, with a low complication rate and high patient survival. The endovascular approach is the method of choice for treating this severe disease, and a multidisciplinary approach for emergency medical treatment with a com-prehensive trauma protocol is essential. Web of Science 27 art. no. e934479

(1) Background: The treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is focused on improving perfusion and oxygenation in the affected limb. Standard revascularization methods include bypass surgery, endovascular interventional procedures, or hybrid revascularization. Cell-based therapy can be an alternative strategy for patients with no-option critical limb ischemia who are not eligible for endovascular or surgical procedures. (2) Aims: The aim of this narrative review was to provide an up-to-date critical overview of the knowledge and evidence-based medicine data on the position of cell therapy in the treatment of PAD. The current evidence on the cell-based therapy is summarized and future perspectives outlined, emphasizing the potential of exosomal cell-free approaches in patients with critical limb ischemia. (3) Methods: Cochrane and PubMed databases were searched for keywords "critical limb ischemia and cell therapy". In total, 589 papers were identified, 11 of which were reviews and 11 were meta-analyses. These were used as the primary source of information, using cross-referencing for identification of additional papers. (4) Results: Meta-analyses focusing on cell therapy in PAD treatment confirm significantly greater odds of limb salvage in the first year after the cell therapy administration. Reported odds ratio estimates of preventing amputation being mostly in the region 1.6-3, although with a prolonged observation period, it seems that the odds ratio can grow even further. The odds of wound healing were at least two times higher when compared with the standard conservative therapy. Secondary endpoints of the available meta-analyses are also included in this review. Improvement of perfusion and oxygenation parameters in the affected limb, pain regression, and claudication interval prolongation are discussed. (5) Conclusions: The available evidence-based medicine data show that this technique is safe, associated with minimum complications or adverse events, and effective. Web of Science 21 23 art. no. 8999

Background: In dialysis patients with exhausted usual central venous access sites, the translumbar hemodialysis catheter (TLC) provides a viable option for dialysis access. The technical success of catheter insertion, associated complications, and long-term patency of TLC were evaluated in this study. Material/Methods: This retrospective study included 37 patients with occluded central thoracic veins in whom 39 TLC implantation procedures were performed and 196 patients with internal jugular vein hemodialysis catheters (JVC). TLC implantation was performed as a hybrid procedure with computed tomography (CT)-navigated translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation and subsequent fluoroscopy-guided hemodialysis catheter placement. Results: The rates of technical success of the implantations and minor periprocedural complications were 97.4% and 10.3% in the TLC group and 98.6% and 4.2% in the JVC group, respectively. The median follow-up in the TLC and JVC groups was 673 days and 310 days, respectively. The primary-assisted patency at the 1-year and 3-year follow-up was 88.7% and 72.0% in the TLC group and 81.6% and 67.0% in the JVC group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. The incidence rate of infection-related and patency-related complications calculated for 1000 catheter-days was 0.15 and 0.11 in the TLC group and 0.33 and 0.25 in the JVC group, respectively. Conclusions: The CT-guided implantation of the TLC is a useful option to create dialysis access with a low complication rate and satisfactory long-term patency in patients without usual venous access. Web of Science 26 art. no. e927723

BACKGROUND We investigated the properties and effects of 5 mechanical thrombectomy procedures in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The relationships between the type of procedure, the time required, the success of recanalization, and the clinical outcome were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective comparative analysis included 500 patients with acute ischemic stroke and large-vessel occlusion. We compared contact aspiration thrombectomy (ADAPT, n=100), stent retriever first line (SRFL, n=196), the Solumbra technique (n=64), mechanical thrombectomy plus stent implantation (n=81), and a combined procedure (n=59). RESULTS ADAPT provided shorter procedure (P

The aim of the present work was to examine a dairy herd with an anamnesis of recurrent clinical mastitis and decreased milk production. A total of 239 individual cow milk samples originating from asymptomatic cows were collected at four-month intervals and examined mainly for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and mastitis streptococci using standard cultivation methods. In total, 29.7% and 9.2% samples were positive for S. aureus and mastitis streptococci, respectively. Unlike for mastitis streptococci, the prevalence of animals positive for S. aureus had an increasing trend (p

The paper aimed to explore the performance of three classification methods which were used for the prediction of the clinical outcome of patients after an acute ischemic stroke. We performed the analysis with the logistic regression, the random forests algorithm and the multilayer neural networks. Each method can be evaluated with respect to its flexibility, model interpretability or prediction accuracy. In this paper, we focused on the investigation of properties of the methods with respect to our major problem, i.e. prediction of stroke patients’ outcome.For several years, the University Hospital Ostrava in the Czech Republic has been systematically collecting various information about patients who were transported there after suffering from an acute ischemic stroke. Therefore, efficient statistical analysis of the collected data is a vital part of the research. Naturally, the primary interest lies in the analysis of factors affecting the clinical status of patients three months after stroke which was evaluated with widely-used modified Rankin Scale. For the analysis, dichotomized clinical status was used as a target variable. By meaning, the values correspond with the values 0-3 and 4-6 of the modified Rankin Scale.All three models provided satisfactory results. The final binary logistic regression model reached the overall classification accuracy 87%, the random forests models had classification accuracy almost 90% and the multilayer neural networks almost 80% accuracy. The paper also compared the performance with other measures, e.g. well-known sensitivity, specificity or precision.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate the role of von Willebrand factor (vWF), the vWF-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13, the composition of thrombus, and patient outcome following mechanical cerebral artery thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective cohort study included 131 patients with ischemic stroke (

According to the World Health Organization, a stroke has been the second most common cause of death in the world in the last 15 years. An ischemic stroke accounts for almost 80 % of all cases. The University Hospital Ostrava in the Czech Republic collects various information about patients who were transported there after suffering from an acute ischemic stroke, such as the affected brain hemisphere, duration of medical procedure or presence of hypertension. The objective of this paper was finding a model which would be able to predict patient's clinical outcome three months after an ischemic stroke based on the collected data. It was also desirable to analyse importance of the considered variables. For this purpose, the random forests algorithm was used. To avoid biased variable importance, we used an alternative approach to the random forests which uses the conditional inference trees. Firstly, the commonly used modified Rankin Scale was used for describing the patient's outcome three months after a stroke. Secondly, only two values for the clinical status were considered, by meaning they correspond with the values 0–3 and 4–6 of modified Rankin Scale. The best performance was achieved with the second approach to description of the clinical outcome with the calculated classification accuracy 86 %.

Daily milk, fat and protein yield and amount of somatic cells in cow milk are very important factors that influence milk performance traits. An association between polymorphisms in the kappa casein (CSN3) gene and milk production, composition and technical properties has been previously reported; however, this type of information is not available for the bovine β-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) gene--the BCO2 gene has relationship with milk color and meat fat color, which is dependent on content of β-carotene. We analyzed these two genes and their relationship with milk performance traits (daily milk, fat and protein yield, somatic cell count, SCC) in one cattle population, Czech Fleckvieh (N = 152). All animals were milked twice a day and kept in the same environmental conditions. The Fleckvieh is a typical Czech cattle breed farming for milk and meat production. It is the most common breed in the Czech Republic. DNA was isolated from milk or from hairs. Genes were analyzed using PCR-RFLP, frequencies of alleles and genotypes were calculated and association analysis was performed using a GLM Procedure in SAS. Statistical analysis established that the CSN3 gene has no statistically significant influence on daily milk, fat and protein yield and SCC. Compared to other references this result can be explained by, e.g., small group of animals and different cattle breed. The BCO2 gene (genotypes AA and AG) shows a statistically significant relationship (P = 0.05) with daily milk, protein yield and SCC.

La question posee en octobre 2008 par l’Assemblee generale des Nations unies a la Cour internationale de justice concernant la Conformite au droit international de la declaration unilaterale d’independance relative au Kosovo 1 du 17 fevrier 2008 soulevait des questions tres sensibles du droit international, touchant directement a son sujet principal, l’Etat, son statut juridique et sa consistance. Les attentes de la communaute internationale et plus particulierement des juristes internationaux a l’egard de cet avis consultatif 2 etaient immenses, la question presentant pour la Cour une occasion exceptionnelle d’eclaircir des notions importantes de droit international. Cependant, l’avis rendu le 22 juillet 2010 a non seulement constitue, aux yeux de nombreux specialistes, une grande deception, mais a egalement souleve beaucoup de critiques. Les auteurs de l’ouvrage Questions de droit international autour de l’Avis consultatif de la Cour internationale de justice sur le Kosovo 3 soutiennent en effet que la reponse de la Cour internationale de justice n’a pas ete a la hauteur des enjeux. Ainsi, un an apres les debats intervenus a La Haye, une equipe de neuf professeurs de droit international provenant de trois pays differents a decide de publier un recueil de commentaires portant sur les questions fondamentales soulevees par la declaration unilaterale d’independance du Kosovo que la Cour a ignorees ou auxquelles elle a repondu de maniere insatisfaisante.

The aim of this study was to test the possible involvement of micro-RNAs in response to standard anticancer treatment. Our results for the first time show that higher induced levels of miR125b and miR137 are associated with worse response to the therapy.