Bratisl Med J
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The aim was to compare SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in chronic hepatitis B patients and healthcare personnel selected as the control group and to determine factors such as age, gender, vaccine type, and number of vaccines that may affect the antibody levels. ⋯ As a result, SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels above the cut-off value were achieved with Coronavac TM and BNT162b2 vaccines in both CHD patients and healthy control groups. however, both CHD patients and healthcare personnel had higher antibody levels than those who received BNT162b2 alone or those who received heterologous vaccination had higher antibody levels than those with Coronavac TM alone. Therefore, if there are no contraindications, BNT162b2 vaccine may be preferred in CHB and health personnel (Tab. 2, Ref. 14).
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The number of patients on the waiting list for a kidney retransplant has increased. Patients who are candidates for a second kidney transplant often have higher levels of PRA (Panel of Reactive Antibodies). The previous failed kidney transplant is one of the main factors that leads to the production of antibodies against human leukocyte antigens ‒ HLA. ⋯ Retransplant patients with DGF were 48% more likely to experience acute rejection. In the context of the published literature, we have observed increased sensitisation in retransplanted patients, which is a major challenge to overcome the immunological barrier in transplantation medicine (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 24). Keywords: retransplantation, sensitisation, panel of reactive antibodies.
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Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most common preventable cause of impaired fetal development. The amount of alcohol consumed by expectant mothers varies by country. Studies on the prevalence of alcohol use among pregnant women in Slovakia and the risk factors linked to alcohol consumption during pregnancy are scarce. Similarly lacking are the data regarding pregnant women's awareness of the negative consequences of alcohol use during pregnancy. ⋯ In accordance with certain European data, the best means of protection against alcohol consumption during pregnancy include complete abstinence prior to conception, pregnancy planning, and high-quality education regarding the negative effects of alcohol during pregnancy (Tab. 4, Ref. 19). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: fetal alcohol syndrome spectrum, alcohol drinking in pregnancy, pregnancy planning, prenatal alcohol exposure, pregnancy.
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In this study, we aimed to examine the telomerase activity and hTERT gene expression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and those with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and compare the results to controls. Additionally, we compared overall mortality rates relative to the telomerase activity. ⋯ In the current study, telomerase activity or hTERT expression was similar in patients with ACS, SCAD, and controls. Moreover, telomerase activity was not associated with all- cause mortality during the 32-month follow-up (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 29).
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Anencephaly, a fatal anomaly of the central nervous system, belongs to the group of defects of the neural tube (NTDs). It is considered the most common congenital NTD, characterized by concurrent absence of a significant portion of the brain and cranial vault. This deformity occurs between days 23 and 26 after fertilization due to improper closure of the neural tube at its cranial end. ⋯ This study aimed to examine the incidence of anencephaly in Slovakia compared to the Czech Republic between 2012 and 2020. The authors seek to elucidate the reasons behind the higher incidence of this disease in Slovakia as compared to the Czech Republic, explore the male predominance of anencephaly in Slovakia, and investigate whether the prevention standards used in Slovakia differ from those employed in other countries (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 129). Keywords: neural tube defects, anencephaly, risk factors, folic acid, food fortification.