Acta Medica Martiniana最新文献

{"title":"Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant: An observational study from a hospital in Southern India","authors":"J. Rangarajan, Rajesh Jayanandan, Raviganesh Pravin Kumar, A. Murugan, P. Gnanavel, N. Devasena","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0010","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction The Omicron variant rapidly outpaced Delta with documented community transmission in most countries and has led to an upsurge in cases in most regions. Since its initial detection from a specimen collected on November 8th 2021, Omicron amounted to 74.0% of the genome sequenced in South Africa and more than 99.0% in rest of the world. Objectives 1. To describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile of Omicron cases treated at our tertiary care institution. 2. To assess the factors associated with the vaccination status of such Omicron cases. Methods This observational study was conducted at a 500 bedded hospital in southern India from 15th of December 2021 to 5th of February 2022. Of the 333 COVID-19 patients who were registered with Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive result along with S Gene Target Failure (SGTF), 203 patients were included and were interviewed using a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire. With prior approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) data was collected and statistically analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS software trial version 28.0 and OpenEpi software. At 95% confidence level, a P value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Of the 203 cases studied, majority 149 (73.4%) were symptomatic, of which almost 114 (76.5%) had fever, 72 (48.3%) had cough and 29 (19.5%) had myalgia. 193 (95.1%) cases were categorized as mild, 8 (3.9%) as moderate and 2 (1.0%) as severe cases of COVID-19 with SGTF. Only 10 (4.9%) patients received supplementary oxygen support. Almost 158 patients (77.8%) were vaccinated against COVID-19 of which 106 (67%) were vaccinated with Covishield vaccine followed by 50 (31.7%) of them with Covaxin. 126 (79.7%) patients were completely vaccinated with two doses of any COVID-19 vaccine and 32 (20.3%) were partially vaccinated with a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Among those who required supplemental oxygen (n = 10), the proportion of those vaccinated (40.0%) was lower com pared to those who were unvaccinated (60.0%). This association was statistically significant (P = 0.003, OR = 0.169, 95% CI of OR = 0.045, 0.628). Among the completely vaccinated subjects (n = 125), there was a statistically significant difference in mean (95% CI) interval between the last dose of vaccine taken and date of RT-PCR positivity with SGTF (P < 0.001). It was 186 (162, 210) days for Covaxin and was 131 (114, 148) days for Covishield vaccine. Conclusion Omicron (SGTF) cases manifests mostly as mild cases with symptoms like fever, cough, myalgia and majority were independent of oxygen supplementation and had good prognosis. Omicron infection was delayed over six months among completely vaccinated subjects especially those who were vaccinated with Covaxin.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"79 - 90"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43721278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes of the airway reactivity in patients with rhinosinusitis","authors":"Lucanska Miroslava, Hajtman Andrej, Pecova Renata","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0007","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Rhinosinusitis is one of the most common conditions in primary and secondary care all over the world. Rhinosinusitis together with asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease represent the most common causes of chronic cough. The relationship between rhinosinusitis and cough is still not completely understood, however, direct stimulation of nasal mucosa, upper airway cough syndrome, inflammation of the airways, and cough reflex sensitisation play the crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic cough.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"54 - 61"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49449707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nursing Students’ Perception of Patient Safety Culture During the Covid-19 Pandemic – Results of a Pilot Study","authors":"Kalankova Dominika, Bartonickova Daniela, Holubova Dominika, Ziaková Katarina","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0006","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic posed health and social threats and directly affected the quality and safe care. Many nursing students had mandatory practical training in hospitals to help the national system respond to the crisis. The investigation of nursing students’ perceptions of patient safety culture (PSC) might be beneficial in identifying safety areas that need improvement. Aim: The pilot study aimed to investigate nursing students’ perception of PSC during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The data were collected using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture - Nursing Students (HSOPS-NS). The HSOPS-NS tool was distributed online via the Google Forms platform between February and April 2021. The respondents studied in the 3rd year of the bachelor’s degree in nursing (n = 66). Three nursing faculties from 3 regions in Slovakia were addressed. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, frequency) was used for the sample characteristics and the HSOPS-NS tool. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal Wallis test analysed associations between sociodemographic data. The predictors of outcome dimensions of the HSOPS-NS were analysed by a multiple regression analysis. Results: The nursing students evaluated the overall patient safety grade as very acceptable. Concerning PSC dimensions, the best-rated dimensions were “Feedback & communication about the error” (55.04%) and “Communication openness” (53.53%). The worst-rated dimensions were “Frequency of events reported” (33.32%) and “Staffing” (35.22%). A significant relationship was found between the perception of PSC and age, current area/unit, awareness of reporting systems, and supervision. The overall patient safety grade, the number of reported events, the number of reported events by nursing students were significantly predicted by several PSC dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The nursing students’ perspective on PSC revealed a weak perception of reporting adverse events. The awareness of reporting adverse events requires an increase in theoretical knowledge and the support of nursing students during their clinical training. A regular and comprehensive evaluation of PSC may strengthen patient safety and the overall awareness of patient safety among nursing students.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"45 - 53"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48132424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computer Modeling of D, L – Homocysteic Acid Microinjection into the Bötzinger Complex Area","authors":"Veternik Marcel, Martvon Lukas, Misek Jakub, Simera Michal, Poliacek Ivan","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0002","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The impact of D,L – homocysteic acid (DLH) microinjection (non-specific glutamate receptor agonist that causes excitation of neurons) into the Bötzinger complex area (BOT) was simulated using computer model of quiet breathing and cough reflex. Integrated signals from simulated neuronal populations innervating inspiratory phrenic and expiratory lumbar motoneurons were obtained. We analysed durations and amplitudes of these “pre-phrenic and pre-lumbar” activities during quiet breathing and cough reflex and the number of coughs elicited by a fictive 10-second-long stimulation. Model fibre population provides virtual DLH related excitation to expiratory neuronal populations with augmenting discharge pattern (BOT neurons). The excitation was modelled by a higher number of fibres and terminals (simulated a higher number of excitatory inputs) or by a higher synaptic strength (simulated a higher effect of excitatory inputs). Our simulations have demonstrated a high analogy of cough and breathing changes to those observed in animal experiments. The simulated neuronal excitations in the BOT led to cough depression represented by a lower cough number and a cough neuronal activity of the lumbar nerve. Despite the shortening of the phrenic activity during cough (compared to quiet breathing), which was not observed in animal experiments, our simulations confirm the ability of the computer model to simulate motor processes in the respiratory system. The computer model of functional respiratory / cough neural network is capable to confirm and / or predict the results obtained on animals.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"8 - 14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49276538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measurement of Base Transceiver Station Exposure in the Extra-Village Environment- A Pilot Study","authors":"Misek Jakub, Laposova Simona, Hamza Sladicekova Katarina, J. Janka, Parizek Daniel, Jakusova Viera, Veternik Marcel, Jakus Jan","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0003","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In recent years, communication using electromagnetic (EM) radiation became an integral part of our lives. As a result, there is a large number of base transceiver stations (BTSs) which act as a source of high EM exposure for inhabitants mainly in the “hot-spot” areas. They employ higher values of radiation, thus, providing potentially harmful effects on living or working environment. The aim of this pilot study was to study a distribution of hot-spots and EMF power in a vicinity of BTSs. BTS was located in an extra-village area at least 500 m away from the nearest city or surrounded villages in the district of Martin. The targeted area of EM radiation from the BTS was divided into two smaller zones, the right and the left. For a better visualization, topographic maps were created. Using spectral analyzer Aaronia Spectran HF-6085, intensities of EMF within the frequency range from 880 – 960 MHz (GSM900) were recorded. Maximum values of EMF power flux density were 146.827 μW/m2 in horizontal and 96.448 μW/m2 in vertical plane. Minimal va lues were 0.052 μW/m2 in horizontal and 0.179 μW/m2 vertical plane respectively. The maps revealed two hotspots in the left zone and also two (smaller and larger) hotspots in the right zone. Our values were below the actual limits given by the Slovak Republic and the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) safety guidelines. However, the values from the hotspots were above the limits suggested by the BioInitiative Report. Our results indicate an elevation of EMF values in the hot-spots even in the extra-village areas. Further studies are needed to analyze in detail EMF parameters in the hot-spots, and their effects on living and working environments.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"15 - 23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45132518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Genetic Variability in Selected Genes with Platelet Hyperaggregability and Arterial Thrombosis","authors":"Brunclikova Monika, Ivankova Jela, Skerenova Maria, S. Tomas, Stanciakova Lucia, Škorňová Ingrid, Sterankova Miroslava, Zolkova Jana, Dobrotova Miroslava, Holly Pavol, Kubisz Peter, Staško Ján","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0005","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction: Inherited platelet hyperaggregability, so called “Sticky platelet syndrome” (SPS), is a prothrombotic platelet disorder. The syndrome contributes more often to arterial than venous thrombosis. The most common localization of arterial occlusion involves cerebral or coronary arteries. However, SPS may also lead to thrombosis in the atypical sites of the circulation. This qualitative platelet alteration causes platelet hyperaggregability after a very low concentration of platelet inducers – adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and/or epinephrine (EPI). The precise genetic background of the syndrome has not been defined. In the present study we aimed to determine the association between selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within genes for platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) and murine retrovirus integration site 1 (MRVI1) and the risk for arterial thrombosis in patients with SPS. The products of these selected genes play an important role in platelet aggregation. Patients and methods: We examined 69 patients with SPS and a history of arterial thrombosis and 69 healthy blood donors who served as controls. SPS was confirmed by a light transmission aggregometry (LTA) according to the method and criteria described by Mammen and Bick. We assessed two SNPs within PEAR1 gene (rs12041331, rs1256888) and two SNPs within MRVI1 gene (rs1874445, rs7940646). Results: Selected PEAR1 and MRVI1 polymorphisms seem not to be a risk factor for the development of SPS as the syndrome with an arterial thrombosis phenotype. However, in the subgroup of SPS1 patients there was found a decreased frequency of the minor A allele of SNP rs12041331 in PEAR1 gene (borderline p value, p=0.061) that can be hypothesized as protective against arterial thrombosis. In the same SPS1 subgroup the haplotype TA in PEAR1 gene also showed a decreased frequency with a borderline insignificance (p=0.056). We can theorize also about its protective role in SPS1 patients. We did not confirm the protective effect of polymorphism (T/T of rs 12566888) in PEAR1 against arterial thrombosis in SPS patients and SPS subgroups. Conclusion: Our results support the idea that examined genetic variability of the selected SNPs in PEAR1 and MRVI1 genes is not associated with platelet hyperaggregability manifested as arterial thrombosis. The possible protective role of the minor A allele of SNP rs12041331 as well as a role of haplotype TA in PEAR1 gene related to the arterial thrombosis found in the subgroup of SPS1 patients needs to be verified in further research.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"34 - 44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49270492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pathophysiology of Airway Afferent Nerves","authors":"J. Janka, Pecova Renata","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0001","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Vagal afferent nerves provide an airway defense mechanism which is ensured by their activation. These nerves can be activated mechanically mainly through mechanosensitive Aβ fibers which are divided into slowly adapting (SARs) and rapidly adapting stretch receptors (RARs). Chemical activation is provided by an interaction of chemical substances with specific receptors. C-fibers are highly sensitive to a direct chemical stimulation accomplished by an activation of ligand-gated ion channels. According to the large influence and mechanisms of vagal afferent nerves, there is a probability that an inappropriate activity of these nerves can cause the symptoms of the respiratory diseases, e.g. cough, dyspnoea, or airway hyperreactivity. The aim of this review is to summarize the physiology of airway afferent nerves and point out the role of vagal sensory nerves dysfunction in the pathogenesis of some respiratory diseases. The understanding of its mechanism could lead to new therapeutic strategies in patients with airway-related pathology.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"1 - 7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48592776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Classifier Spot Count Optimization of Automated Fluorescent Slide Scanning System","authors":"Zastko Lucian, Bereta Martin, Timko Jaroslav, Belyaev Igor","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0004","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Purpose: Ionizing radiation induced foci (IRIF) known also as DNA repair foci represent the most sensitive endpoint for assessing DNA double strand breaks (DSB). IRIF are usually visualized and enumerated with the aid of fluorescence microscopy using antibodies to γH2AX and 53BP1. Although several approaches and software packages were developed for the quantification of IRIF, not one of them was commonly accepted and inter-laboratory variability in the outputs was reported. In this study, the sensitization of Metafer software to counting also small appearing IRIF was validated. Materials and Methods: Human lymphocytes were γ-irradiated at a dose of 2 Gy. The cells were fixed at 0.5, 1, 2, and 18 hours post-irradiation, permeabilized and IRIF were immunostained using appropriate antibodies. Cell images were acquired with the automatic Metafer system. Radiation-induced γH2AX and 53BP1 foci were enumerated using either manual counting (JCountPro program) or the Metafer software (after its classifier optimization has been done) and compared. The statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA. Results: The enumeration of 53BP1, γH2AX foci manually by JCountPro did not statistically significantly differ from the automatic one performed with the optimized Metafer classifier. A detailed step-by-step protocol of this successful optimization is described in this study. Conclusions: We concluded that the Metafer software after the optimization was efficient in objectively enumerating IRIF, having a potential for usage in clinics and molecular epidemiology.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"24 - 33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49655400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Re-Emphasizing the Roles of General Medical and Dental Practitioners Regarding Oral Cancer Eradication in Nigeria","authors":"A. Salami, K. Kanmodi, L. Nnyanzi","doi":"10.2478/acm-2021-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2021-0012","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The burden of oral cancer in Nigeria is largely under-reported. The available data on oral cancer etiology/risk factors, clinical features, disease burden, and literacy rate in Nigeria points towards a possible explosion in prevalence in the near future, which poses a serious public health concern. The general medical and dental practitioners (GMDPs) in Nigeria can salvage this looming problem through appropriate public health and clinical interventions. This narrative review article re-emphasizes the key roles of GMDPs towards oral cancer eradication in Nigeria. It also discusses oral cancer case definition, etiology, risk factors, and the epidemiological burden in the Nigerian context.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"21 1","pages":"90 - 102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42790146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Covid-19 on Lifestyle Related Behaviors of Nigerians","authors":"D. Muhammad, I. Abubakar, Yusuff Tunde Gbonjubola, Hassan Yusif Ahmad, A. Sadiq, S. Abdullahi","doi":"10.2478/acm-2021-0015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2021-0015","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction: A great threat of a novel virus – coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19 pandemic rocked the entire world in the wake of the year 2020. The threat is so strenuous that the entire world was placed on lockdown in the matter of social restriction such as on international and national transport links, market or business transactions, school and organizational activities, and all related social and religious gatherings. This restriction might change people’s lifestyle. This study was aimed at assessing the lifestyle changes caused by the pandemic among Nigerians. Methodology: A web based cross sectional survey was conducted using an e-questionnaire. A paired t-test, independent t-test were used to test hypothesis while mean, frequency, and percentage were used to summarize the data. Results: Majority of the participants were male (72.1%), single (83.2%), and middle class (79.5%) of social status. There was a decrease in the habit of consuming meals routinely at regular intervals during COVID-19 (19.4% vs 25.7%). There were significant differences in eating patterns before and during COVID-19 (P<0.05). Likewise, significant differences in physical activity before and during COVID-19 were observed. Conclusion: Some of the protocol put in place in curtailing the virus has been proven to have a positive impact on the lifestyle of Nigerians Such health benefits include but not limited to an increase in moderate exercise, increase in the consumption of healthy and reduction in the consumption of unhealthy food.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"21 1","pages":"118 - 128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48945468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}