Bratisl Med J
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The study was aimed at the characterization of humoral immunity in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. ⋯ Severe course of COVID-19 is associated with significant changes of phenotypes of circulating B-lymphocytes and elevated circulating plasmablasts correlate with decreased SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 14).
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kidney transplantation (KT).
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Adipose tissue is involved in the synthesis of hormones that have an impact on food intake regulation, control of insulin sensitivity or regulation of inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of adipocytokines and interleukins levels for the development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) after kidney transplantation (KT). ⋯ We confirmed that elevated leptin level 12 months after KT is associated with the development of PTDM (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 22). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: adipocytokines, interleukins, post-transplant diabetes mellitus, kidney transplantation, leptin.
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Patients with vertebral compression fractures are often indicated for balloon kyphoplasty. Many of them are elderly with severe comorbidities, which puts them at high risk for general anaesthesia. Surgery under infiltration of local anaesthetic with or without mild sedation is therefore the preferred technique used by many surgeons. ⋯ In this article we present, apart from general anaesthesia, various regional anaesthetic techniques suitable for high-risk patients, including neuraxial anaesthesia, paravertebral block as well as a novel "erector spinae plane block" at the level of the fractured vertebra. We explore their effectiveness and safety profile, as well as advantage of supplementation of adequate analgo-sedation (Ref. 40). Keywords: erector spinae plane block, kyphoplasty, regional anaesthesia, paravertebral block, neuraxial anaesthesia.
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Enterococcus species account for most of the human enterococcal HAI and multidrug-resistant infections and have become a major threat to modern public health. We examine the rise in the number of vancomycin resistant E. faecium blood stream and urinary tract infections in a COVID-19 department during an epidemiologic outbreak investigation to detect and eliminate nosocomial clusters of the bacteria. ⋯ This study provides the first description of an outbreak caused by vanB-ST117 and vanA-ST17 E. faecium strains among COVID-19 patients in Slovakia. This study can help to raise the awareness about the need for strict adherence to infection control measures and the implementation of rational antimicrobial stewardship as a routine part of COVID-19 management (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 27). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, antibiotic resistant, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, bacterial outbreak, healthcare-associated infection.