Bratisl Med J
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Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) is an in vitro blood test to measure interferon gamma (IFN-γ) released from antigen-specific T cells after stimulation with pathogen-specific peptides. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the T-cell response using IGRA and to compare various laboratory values in Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patients hospitalized either in hospital inpatient departments or in intensive care units. ⋯ The relatively higher IGRA negative results in the elderly, negative and intermediate results in intensive-care patients, and low lymphocyte levels in intensive-care patients indicate that the cellular immune response is diminished and/or absent. The death rates, D-dimer, CRP, procalcitonin, AST and ALT values of the patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit were higher compared to those from the in-patient department, indicating the severity of inflammation and signaling the development of organ failure. In the light of these findings, we suggest that IGRA tests may serve as a guide in immunomodulatory therapy (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 27). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: COVID-19, interferon gamma release assay test, T cell response.
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A pressing concern involves the efficient and intensive treatment of complications arising from malignant tumors in the hepatopancreatoduodenal region. This matter is closely tied to rectifying energy deficits, addressing insufficient body weight, and restoring proper metabolic processes. This is particularly crucial post-surgery, as the process is hindered by significant hypercatabolism, heightened nutritional requirements, and the presence of intoxication syndrome. ⋯ A notable degree of effectiveness in stabilizing and upholding the nutritional condition of patients was attainable within the isolated parenteral nutrition group. This achievement was realized by elevating the count of patients classified under "moderate" and "normal" nutritional statuses, and concurrently diminishing the number of patients experiencing severe and moderate nutritional insufficiency, respectively.The mixed type of nutritional support in this case can be considered with a high degree of probability as an alternative replacement for parenteral nutrition, due to the statically similar indicators of the nutritional status of patients achieved in this study (Fig. 4, Ref. 12).
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The pathophysiology of mental illnesses is not fully understood, leading to insufficient remission, frequent adverse drug reactions, and treatment resistance. Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing, a personalized approach recently adopted also in psychiatry, can guide effective drug therapy and minimize side effects. The objective of this study was to determine the perspective of Slovak clinicians regarding the integration of PGx testing in psychiatric clinical practice. ⋯ Considering the participants' interest in PGx and its integration into clinical practice, educational programmes based on recommendations, guidelines, and convincing evidence could be organized (Tab. 4, Ref. 30). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics, psychiatry, personalized treatment, Slovakia, perspective.
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The aim of this study is to determine the role of Respiratory Rate Oxygenation (ROX), shock, and diastolic shock indexes in predicting mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted to the emergency department. ⋯ In conclusion, we found that the ROX index had higher sensitivity and specificity than other indexes in predicting mortality in the evaluation of COVID-19 patients (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 18).
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Prostate cancer is a significant health issue worldwide, with varying incidence and mortality rates across different regions. This study focuses on Slovakia, a country with an increasing trend in number of prostate cancer cases. The manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the burden of prostate cancer in Slovakia, encompassing epidemiological trends, economic impact, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities. The study emphasizes the need for effective management strategies and healthcare policies to address the increasing burden of this disease in the Slovak population. ⋯ The burden of prostate cancer in Slovakia is significant and growing, with rising incidence and economic costs posing challenges to the healthcare system. The study underscores the need for improved and early access to effective diagnostic and treatment options, and robust health policies to manage the rising burden. Additionally, public health initiatives focusing on awareness and early detection could play a crucial role in reducing the impact of prostate cancer in Slovakia. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers in developing targeted strategies to mitigate the burden of prostate cancer in the Slovak population (Tab. 7, Ref. 53).