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The methodology of laboratory examination methods is also influenced by the biological variability of the determined parameter and by the uncertainty of the methodology used for its determination in the laboratory. At the model example of the dynamics of the concentration of the Ca15-3 tumor marker, we have demonstrated the limits of the informational contribution of laboratory analyzes. We note that the value of laboratory examination methods is significantly multiplied with other diagnostic methods, especially imaging techniques. Their common informational power thus makes it possible to reach the right diagnostic decision at an earlier time, which increases the success rate of patient therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of life obtained from patients' data is becoming a significant part of treatment efficiency evaluation. Up until nw, there was not a study dedicated to QoL in patients with hypothereosis and hyperthereosis in Slovakia. Methods: To find out the Quality of Life (QoL) in this study, an original QoL questionnaire developed by Faculty of Health, Alexander Dubcek university in Trencin (FoH TnUAD) was used. The questionnaire is predominantly generic, and oriented towards work ability (WA) as wells as QoL. The results were processed using basic statistical methods included in Excel 2013 software, while to determine statistically significant differences of the parametres compared Dunn's, Friedman's and Mann-Whitney' s tests were used. Results: When evaluating the whole set, the current quality of life was at 7.8, at the time of diagnosing the disease it was 5.8, at the time of disease - 8.2, and finally in the time of full health, the quality of life reached 9.0 (1- worst, 10- best). In the group of patients with hyperthyroidism compared to the group of patients with hypothyroidism, results were: 6.4 vs. 7.3; 4.6 vs. 6.0; 7.6 vs. 8.3; 8.0 vs. 9.2. The average treatment time was 11.3 years. The mean duration of the symptoms before the diagnosis was 0.9 years. Patients visited an endocrionologist due to the disease 2.7 times a year and their general practitioner for an average of 3.4 times a year. Patients also evaluated their own personality, which can determine the perception of overall quality of life, ranging from 1 (pessimistic) to 5 (optimistic). The assessment of the expectations for the future was as follows: (1- worst, 5- best): health expectations 3.6; economical - 3,4; working - 3,6. Family expectations reached the highest rating - 4.2. Patients evaluated their disease awareness on a 5-point scale at 4.3, provided medical care 4.7, and nursing care 4.7 (1- worst, 5- best). Conclusions: Quality of life varies significantly at the time of diagnosis and in treatment, both in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Quality of life is significantly worse at the time of diagnosis in hyperthyroidism. Drugs (Thyrozol, Propycil) have no significant effect on the quality of life in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Drugs (Euthyrox, L-Thyroxine BCH) have no significant effect on the quality of life in the treatment of hypothyroidism. The quality of life in patients with total strumectomy or unilateral lobectomy does not differ from patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the previous several decades the radiotherapy has been widely used in the treatment of the broad spectrum of the malignant and non-malignant diseases. Similarly to other therapies, however, radiotherapy has its limits too. These include, in particular, the hypoxic environment of tumor tissues, which reduces its effectiveness. Another problem consists of secondary radionecrosis. Both of these limits of radiotherapy can be to some extent eliminated with the help of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Previous case studies have demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of these complications. Still, there are no standard treatment procedures or consensus guidelines. It is necessary to carry out clinical studies with a larger number of samples and more detailed selection criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of the cancer diseases, the hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is auxiliary and not primarily life-saving treatment. Thanks to its multiple and general effect on the all tissue and organ systems it seems however to be an important tool of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of late effects of radiotherapy. HBOT is applied during and after breast-conserving therapy, and it is used in the treatment of breast-cancer co-morbidities, e.g. arm/shoulder pain, arm/hand swollen, pain in the affected area, and oversensitivity and skin problems in the area of affected breast. Further research in this area has to be carried out due to the multiple complexity of HBOT effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory investigative methods in the health sector currently have sophisticated methods and reliable procedures. However, individual labs must take into account their real financial possibilities so that they do not reach negative economic figures. In our paper we evaluate the adequacy of the numbers of IgG, IGA, IgM, immunofixation and total protein examinations realized in patients with hematooncological diseases. The obtained data are confronted with current economic possibilities of medical laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory diagnostics must use equipment that allows to obtain results with acceptable reliability in a short time and for more samples. The laboratory should at least ascertain the accuracy of the instrument with respect to samples of different composition. In our work we evaluated the comparison of the accuracy of absorbance determination on two instruments. We found that with repeated determination of absorbance (n = 11) at 590 nm and 600 nm for the lowest sample dilution coefficient of variation, VK = 43.41 for analyser A and VK = 113.8 for analyser B whereby B did not reach statistical significance of the difference from the blank. Our results suggest that validating these parameters is an important prerequisite for proper laboratory work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss is a serious interference with the individual's quality of life. Among the new options of its therapy belongs Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). In our preliminary study, we evaluated the results of audiometric tests of the first 9 probants exposed to HBOT and 8 individuals of control group treated without HBOT support, all with sudden idiopathic hearing loss. Obtained results showed remarkable positive influence of HBOT on the level of improvement and compensation of hearing impairment in tested probants in comparison with control group. Although the present number of tested individuals does not allow us to postulate a definitive conclusion, we found notable HBOT positive impact on the average rate of improvement of hearing individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The article deals with the impact of respiratory gymnastics on the curve of exhaled oxygen (ExO2) from the monitoring system consisting of pressure depending on ExO2 in the units of mmHg from the duration of exposure in patients treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Sub-objectives were focused on re-education of breathing and further depended on individual circumstances of the selected patients and concerning reduction of spasticity, increase of muscle strength and the extent of motion. The survey sample: Three respondents aged from 31 to 85. Two patients with Dg. Stroke and one patient with Dg. Sudden hearing loss. All the respondents were assigned to the treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Faculty of Healthcare of Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin in Trencin. Methods: Qualitative research: In the three case studies we have focused on monitoring of exhaled O2 recording system Haux- MEDICAL MONITORING SYSTEM, in 12-seat hyperbaric chamber Haux-STARMED 2200. The record of ExO2 consisted from the dependence of ExO2 pressure in the units of mmHg during the exposure. Results: The changes in dynamics of breathing curves were objectified in the first and third patient and expressed as a percentage. In the first patient, the dynamics of the curve ExO2 changed after 20 exposures and 10-exercise units with localized breathing 6.8% without noise variance at ExO2 increase of 81 mmHg. In the third patient the changes were obtained after 6- exposures and 5-training units with localized breathing the dynamics curve ExO2 was changed by 10.2% with the significant reduction in the amount of noise compared with noise during the second exposure. ExO2 value raised in 122 mmHg. In patients with tinnitus (Case Study No. 2) there was the value ExO2 and low noise from the beginning of therapy, as was evidenced in the curve ExO2. The level of noise exposure in the last phase was reduced which is evident in the curves ExO2 in the second case study Conclusion: In the various indications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the main objective of respiratory gymnastics for patients treated in it is always the same: to achieve increase in the levels of medical oxygen in blood, and thus increase its amount in the body after exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musicians are inherently considered a risk group for the development of tinnitus and hearing disorders. Contemporary renowned performers suffer from tinnitus and hearing difficulties mainly due to increased acoustic load. However, from the history as well as from the present, we know the specific examples of musicians suffering from disorders or even hearing loss in whom etiopathogenesis of the disease is much more complex. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy with its complex effect on the metabolism of an individual appears to be auspicious and promising therapeutic tool for individuals with acquired hearing impairment. In the case of its using it is necessary to develop and validate therapeutic approaches from a comprehensive view of physicians, nurses as well as from the perspective of laboratory determination of important metabolic markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the survey: To assess the influence of risk factors such as smoking the cigarettes, alcohol consumption, diet, level of physical activity and the incidence of mental stress on the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. Methods: In our survey were participated 93 probants aged 18-25 years. Cardiovascular efficiency was assessed using Ruffier test. Based on its outcome were probants divided into three groups (A - good to excellent cardiovascular efficiency, B - average cardiovascular efficiency, C - below average circulation efficiency). There was used the questionnaire consisting of the questions directed on the lifestyle and incidence of the risk factors for the cardiovascular insufficiency. Incidence of various risk factors were compared in each group. Results: In group C was the largest representation of abstainers (30.55%) and non-smokers (80.55%). The probants in this group also fared best in an effort to respect the principles of healthy eating. While the largest representation of (42.31%) probants with low levels of physical activity was in group A, the largest representation of probants with high levels of physical activity was in Group B. Conclusion: We were unable to confirm the negative impact of selected risk factors for cardiovascular efficiency. It should be thing to realize, that the incidence of a risk factor does not immediately mean a deficiency of the cardiovascular system. Only continuous exposure to various risk factors leads to cardiovascular deficiency. The cardiovascular deficiency should be prevented by preferring a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature is an attractive source of therapeutic compounds. In comparison to the artificial drugs, natural compounds cause less adverse side effects and are suitable for current molecularly oriented approaches to drug development and their mutual combining. Medicinal plants represent one of the most available remedy against various diseases. Proper examples are Salvia officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L. which are known aromatic medicinal plants. They are very popular and frequently used in many countries. The molecular mechanism of their biological activity has not yet been fully understood. The aim of this study was to ascertain if liver cells of experimental animals drinking extracts of sage or thyme will manifest increased resistance against oxidative stress. Adult Sprague- Dawley rats were divided into seven groups. They drank sage or thyme extracts for 2 weeks. At the end of the drinking period, blood samples were collected for determination of liver biochemical parameters and hepatocytes were isolated to analyze (i) oxidatively generated DNA damage (conventional and modified comet assay), (ii) activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and (iii) content of glutathione. Intake of sage and thyme had no effect either on the basal level of DNA damage or on the activity of SOD in rat hepatocytes and did not change the biochemical parameters of blood plasma. Simultaneously, the activity of GPx was significantly increased and the level of DNA damage induced by oxidants was decreased. Moreover, sage extract was able to start up the antioxidant protection expressed by increased content of glutathione. Our results indicate that the consumption of S.officinalis and T.vulgaris extracts positively affects resistency of rat liver cells against oxidative stress and may have hepatoprotective potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity belongs to civilization diseases and is a risk factor for the occurrence of a number of serious diseases, including colon and breast carcinoma. Clinical and epidemiological studies have identified many important breast cancer risk factors. Some of these factors are intangible or beyond our control; such as age or family history. However, several modifiable lifestyle factors have been associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The aim of the minireview is summarisation of the effect of endogenous estrogen on breast cancer and these clinically meaningful findings should motivate programs for obesity prevention from the view of the selected current studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing disorders in congenital or progressive forms in childhood as well as in elderly period of life are very important factors, lowering patient's quality of life and increasing of healthcare costs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be very effective tool in the comprehensive healthcare in patients. In our minireview are described baseline premises for the exploitation of oxygen facilities at higher pressure for healing of auditory system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated concentration of small dense LDL (sdLDL) has been shown to be closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. Situation is however more complicated by the influence of frequently occurring comorbidities, genetic predisposition and environmental influences. The aim of our study was to determine the average concentrations of sdLDL in the Slovakian population and to estimate its relationship with routinely used laboratory markers of cardiovascular diseases. Venous blood samples from 122 volunteers were tested for concentrations of sdLDL, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein a. High correlation was quite expectedly found between sdLDL and LDL-cholesterol (Pearson's R=0,70) and sdLDL with ApoB (Pearson's R=0,86). We also performed family screening of 5 families with the individuals with elevated parameters with the signs of genetic load, but subsequent molecular biological analysis must be carried out. The sdLDL parameter seems to be a very good predictor of cardiovascular diseases, however only in the case of its complex evaluation with another factors and treatment factors, such as hyperbaric oxygenotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Slovakia, the number of people suffering from the kidney cancer has been increasing, while being one of the most malignant urological tumors. In our study, we were focusing on the quality of life of people suffering from this disease. Goals: The goal of study was to find out what impact the kidney carcinoma has on the patients' quality of life. Sample: Our sample consists of patients with kidney carcinoma who are treated in selected urological clinics. Methods: We chose a method of quantitative research. The data collection method was a combined questionnaire. Results: The results of our study point to the general quality of life of patients suffering from a kidney carcinoma. We discovered the negative impact of this disease on the quality of professional and social life, as well as life in general. This disease also negatively affects the patients' family members. Conclusion: The kidney carcinoma has a negative effect on the patients' quality of life. In order to increase the life quality, it is essential to focus on early diagnosis, a more effective treatment of this disease, proper edification and sufficient patients' awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In laboratory medicine, routine determination of APOE alleles is carried out for more than three decades. Primary attention had been focused mainly on the risk allele APOEε4 with respect to the cardiovascular diseases, brain injuries and Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the emphasis is on assessing APOE genotype with respect to the overall metabolic state of patient in terms of personalized medicine. The new challenge becomes the use of this marker in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treatment of diseases, where APOE is an important predictive factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proved as an important tool in healing of CO poisoning, necrosis, ischemic wounds, inflammatory diseases or brain injuries. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in healing potential of HBOT however potential side effects must be taken into account. Equally important is also duration of HBOT. We can conclude, that despite several decades of HBOT use in clinical therapy, there are still not known it's detailed mechanisms of action on the molecular level and considerable part of information comes of animal experiments. Apart from the results of basic research is necessary to obtain a larger volume of complex data from clinical trials of HBOT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial attention has been given to primary cancer prevention in daily life. Secondary metabolites of plants in the form of functional foods or nutraceuticals are known as preventive agents for a variety of diseases, including cancer. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, which contributes to the beneficial and health-promoting effects of herbs, spices and medicinal plants. There is a growing interest in the elucidation of the biological roles of this compound. Presented minireview summarizes the selected biological activities of RA with attention to its antitumor and chemopreventive activity. RA has been shown to act at various stages of tumor development, including inhibition of tumorigenesis, inhibition of tumor promotion, and induction of tumor cell differentiation. RA effectively inhibits angiogenesis, invasion of tumor cells and metastasis. With regard to toxicity, no obvious side effects of RA have been observed in studies to date. RA could be therefore used as chemopreventive/chemoprotective agent in clinical praxis. However, further studies are needed to explore the full potential of this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandelic acid (MA) is an important metabolite of styrene. In humans, measurement of its concentration in urine provides an important assessment of the overall level of styrene exposure in workers of the reinforced plastic manufacturing industry. The aim of our study was to investigate in these workers the relationship between MA concentration and styrene exposure time and intensity as well as its dependence on work occupation. The concentration of MA in the urine samples of 35 employees was analyzed with HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Out of 35 workers, 11 performed laminating, 11 milling and finalizing, 6 laying-up and spraying-up, and 7 worked in background support. Urinal samples were obtained twice a day over the course of three weeks, at the beginning and the end of the work shift. We found a significant increase in MA concentrations during a work shift in all tested days (Wilcoxon test p < 0.05). Employees working in elevated atmospheric concentrations of styrene (93.77-159.88 mg/m³) had significantly higher MA concentrations in urine compared to other groups at both the beginning and the end of the shift (Kruskal Wallis test p < 0.001) (p < 0.001). Only samples from laminating workers exceeded the biological limit of MA concentration (640 mg/L) at the end of the shift. Normalisation of MA concentration to body mass index (BMI, normal range: 21.7 ± 3.2 kg/m²) refined differences within groups (Kruskal-Wallis analysis p < 0.001 ). The accumulation of MA at the end of the work shift for measured time period was not significant for the measured time period (Friedman analysis p > 0.11). Our results confirmed that MA is a sensitive metabolic marker of styrene exposure without cumulative effect. However, normalization of MA concentrations to BMI can improve the accuracy of styrene exposure estimates in certain groups of employee [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]