Evaluation of COLIA1 gene rs1107946 polymorphism in relation to bone mineral density and fracture risk in Slovak postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene impact on bone mineral density and fracture risk in Slovak postmenopausal women. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven postmenopausal Slovak women with a diagnosis of osteopenia/osteoporosis were genotyped for rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene. Clinical and anthropometric data were obtained. DNA isolation was performed using a standard protocol. Genetic analyses of the rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene were performed by the TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. RESULTS: The study confirmed a statistically significant relationship using an association analysis between the rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene genotypes and body weight of the Slovak postmenopausal women with osteopenia/osteoporosis (p = 0.03). The study revealed a significant association of the risk T allele of the rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene with osteoporotic fractures (p = 0.038). The odds ratio confirmed 2.060 times higher risk of osteoporotic fractures in Slovak postmenopausal women with the presence of risk T allele of the rs1107946 COLIA1 gene polymorphism (OR = 2.060; 95% CI: 1.024-4.144). CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed an association of T allele of the rs1107946 COLIA1 gene polymorphism with osteoporotic fractures in Slovak postmenopausal women with osteopenia/osteoporosis and suggest that the rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene may be a molecular biomarker usable in the management of osteoporosis.

Antimicrobial activity of organic acids against canine skin bacteria.

Canine skin is often a source of bacterial strains that are characterized by the presence of important virulence factors and a high antimicrobial resistance. These bacteria are involved in the pathogenesis of infectious skin diseases, which are very frequent in dogs. Moreover, canine skin isolates are easily spread to other animals and humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory and bactericidal activity of eight organic acids (L-lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric, citric, succinic, glycolic, L-ascorbic acid) against 14 canine skin isolates (11 Gram-positive and three Gram-negative species). The advantages of the tested organic acids are their gentleness to the skin and their affordability. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the broth microdilution method. All tested acids showed a bactericidal effect against the selected bacteria, with the exception of their bacteriostatic effect against the Bacillus cereus strain. The lowest MIC showed acetic acid (MIC between 0.5 and 2.0 mg/mL) and propionic acid (MIC 0.8 - 3.3 mg/mL), whereas L-ascorbic acid (MIC 4.0 - 16.0 mg/mL) seems to be weaker among the tested acids. Two Staphylococcus aureus strains and a strain of Escherichia coli were observed to be more resistant compared to coagulase-negative staphylococci.

Anthropological analysis of skeletal remains from the site Vysná Mysla - Koscelek.

The archaeological site Vysná Mysla - Koscelek is located in the southeast of the Slovak Republic, and it is peculiar by its location in the middle of the woods near a thermal spring. Burials could be dated to the 13th to 14th centuries based on the presence of the ruins of the church, albeit the funeral practices could last until the 18th century. A total of 53 individuals were examined, in whom the age at death, sex and stature were morphoscopically and metric estimated by standard anthropological methods, and the presence of non-metric traits and pathological conditions was also recorded. The analysed group consisted of 40 adults and 4 adolescents, of which 16 were women and 2 possible females, 19 men and one probable male individual, three individuals of inconclusive sex and six individuals of unknown sex because of bad preservation of the human remains. The group of nonadults consisted of 6 children. Pathological conditions were present and recorded in 32% of 53 evaluated individuals. Due to the lack of historical written sources, this analysis represents an important study for the reconstruction of the life of historical population living in this area.

Prevention aid in qualitative analysis of dermatoglyphic patterns in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The significant differences in the fingerprint pattern frequencies in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and controls could be a possible way to identify patients with a risk of developing T2DM. The results could be used in the earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study was undertaken to find out the reliability of fingerprint patterns as a possible predictive tool for T2DM diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 1,260 fingerprints were acquired using the optical contact sensor DactyScan 26i. The results of the qualitative analysis of the fingerprint pattern frequencies have been compared between T2DM patients and controls and also between the fingers to each other. We have detected the frequency of patterns: plain arch (Ap) and tented arch (At), radial loop (Lr), ulnar loop (Lu), double loop (Ld), spiral whorl (W), and plain whorl (concentric) (Wp). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-square by Statistica ver. 12. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the frequency of individual dermatoglyphic patterns among patients with diabetes and healthy controls as follows: in the left thumb (L1) in a radial loop, double loop and spiral whorl pattern; in the left middle finger (L3) in a tented arch and radial loop; in the right ring finger (R4) in a tented arch, spiral and plain whorl; and in the right little finger (R5) in a tented arch and spiral whorl. CONCLUSION: Fingerprint pattern frequencies might be used as another screening tool and indicator in T2DM prevention. Qualitative analysis of fingerprint patterns could be useful regarding the additional prevention diagnostics of T2DM in the population.

Assessment of foot arch shape and health status of adult population from Eastern Slovakia.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the foot arch shape and the associated health status in a selected sample of individuals belonging to the adult majority population of eastern Slovakia and to evaluate which of the observed factors are involved in the occurrence and development of foot arch abnormalities. METHODS: The weight and height of probands were measured according to standard anthropometric methods using a personal scale and an anthropometer. The BMI index was calculated for each proband from the measured data. A Pod4Foot Classic podoscope was used to obtain the plantograms. The Chippaux-Smirak index method was used to evaluate the plantograms. The study includes a questionnaire containing questions about factors affecting the foot arch shape. RESULTS: The arch of the right foot was supported by the effect of wearing shoes at home (p = 0.013). There was an association between wearing high-heeled shoes and foot arch disorder, both on the right (p = 0.011) and left (p = 0.045) foot. There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of overweight or obesity, between wearing orthopaedic insoles in shoes without a prescription, wearing orthopaedic footwear at home, between sport or static and active work and foot arch disorder in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the probands had a bilaterally normal arched foot, which is a positive result. Nowadays, there are a large number of orthopaedic devices on the market that help to shape the arch of the foot properly, but it is not correct to use these devices arbitrarily, without a doctor's prescription and a diagnosis of foot arch deviation.

Use of bioimpedance in prevention of sarcopenia in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: Physiological ageing is associated with major and progressive changes in body composition, particularly in the decline of fat-free mass, which puts older individuals at risk of geriatric syndromes such as sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. Bioimpedance analysis noninvasively allows the determination of body composition, thus being able to rapidly assess primary risk factors leading to sarcopenia prediction. METHODS: We conducted a study of 180 probands, 120 females (66.7%) with a mean age of 76.23 (SD = 9.29) years and 60 males (33.3%) with a mean age of 74.01 (SD = 8.99) years in cooperation with facilities for the elderly and with the inpatient department of the clinics of J.A. Reimann Hospital in Presov. Body height, body weight, hip circumference, and waist circumference were determined by the anthropometric method, from which the values of the body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were calculated. Active body mass, total body water, extracellular body water, intracellular body water, cell mass, body mass fat, body fat index, fat-free mass index, impedance at frequencies of 50 kHz, resistance, reactance, and phase angle were determined using the Quadscan 4000 Touch bioimpedance instrument. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) and muscle mass (ASMM/Ht2) were calculated. The data obtained from anthropometric and bioimpedance measurements were processed in MS Excel 2000 and STATISTICA ver. 12. The difference of means in the studied groups was tested by the t-test. RESULTS: Presarcopenia was diagnosed in 12 (6.66%) probands out of 180 probands, of which were 3 (5%) men and 9 women (7.5%). Phase angle, ASMM and ASMM/Ht2 values were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in men and women with presarcopenia. CONCLUSION: By introducing bioimpedance measurements into practice, it is possible to obtain results in a non-invasive way revealing possible presarcopenia in the elderly.

Level of biochemical parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus depending on the genotype of the FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR gene).

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a multifactorial and polygenic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia accompanied by impaired lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. The disease is associated with several genetic polymorphisms, including the FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. METHODS: We conducted a study of 327 probands (191 T2DM patients, 136 controls), with a mean age 65.06 (SD ± 10.88) years of patients with T2DM and 58.89 (SD ± 6.59) years in the healthy probands. We investigated the association between FokI polymorphism and biochemical parameters in T2DM patients in the Slovak population. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical, and genetic analysis were statistically evaluated by Statistica ver.13 software using t-tests. RESULTS: Biochemical analysis confirmed significantly higher mean values of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), glucose (GLU), and uric acid (UA) (p < 0.001) in T2DM probands and statistically significantly lower values of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol and vitamin D (p < 0.001). Allele frequencies and genotype distributions of the FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism were not significantly different between T2DM patients and controls (p = 0.909). Patients with T2DM and TT genotype had the highest glucose level of 11.39 (SD ± 2.32) uU/ml (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study did not provide evidence for an association of the investigated FokI polymorphism of the VDR gene with T2DM in the Slovak population. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene, focusing on related genetic analyses in a larger T2DM cohort.

Ankylosing spondylitis on unidentified individual from early modern times found in reformed church (Silická Brezová, Slovakia): a case-based review.

The grave situated in the central part of the reformed church in Silická Brezová in Slovakia contained the human skeletal remains of one individual. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of ankylosing spondylitis on these skeletal remains. Determine the sex, age at death, stature, and ancestry of the individual by anthropological methods, and also record and identify other pathological manifestations of diseases. A macroscopic examination has been carried out, with the analysis of the palaeopathological conditions of the remains, and subsequently an X-ray and CT completed analysis. The skeleton belonged to a male of European origin, aged between 45 and 60 years at the time of death. Stature calculated from the maximal length of his femur was 163.12 ± 3.48 cm. Pathological features were identified on the many bones. Ankylosis affected almost the whole spinal cord, including the sacroiliac joints. The skeleton also presented the manifestation of many entheseal changes. Presence of the ankylosing spondylitis was confirmed by a combination of standard anthropological methods and modern diagnostic methods (X-ray and CT analysis). It is a specific disease with a prevalence between 0.1 and 1% worldwide. There is a potential for further genetic research to determine the degree of genetic relatedness with an individual living in this village who has been diagnosed with the same disease.

Predictors of intention to reduce meat consumption due to environmental reasons - Results from Poland and Slovakia.

The current study examines the determinants of the intention to reduce meat consumption for pro-environmental reasons. The research model includes variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Norm Activation Model (NAM). The research was conducted in Poland and Slovakia, which are similar in terms of economic, social, and cultural conditions, located next to each other in the same climate zone, but differ greatly in terms of meat consumption and the direction of its change. Whereas in Poland, the meat consumption trend is rising, it is declining in Slovakia. The results of this study revealed that only attitude toward the impact of meat consumption reduction on the environment and personal norms related positively to intention to reduce meat consumption due to environmental reasons in both countries. However, in the country with decreasing meat consumption (Slovakia), the influence of attitude on intention was much stronger than in the country with increasing meat consumption (Poland). This study is the first to examine which predictors of intention to reduce meat consumption due to environmental reasons are simultaneous in two countries that have significantly different meat consumption levels and directions of change.

Oral health status of 6- and 12-year-old children of Roma origin from Eastern Slovakia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical effect of untreated dental caries in Roma children from eastern Slovakia using dmft/DMFT index and SiC index, association between dental caries development and oral hygiene, dietary habits and preventive dental care. METHODS: Dental caries were assessed by recording the dmft index (for primary dentition) and the DMFT index (for permanent dentition) that are used to assess the state of teeth, which expresses the current state of teeth or its development in an individual or the entire population. The SiC index was calculated as the mean dmft of one-third of the population with highest caries scores. The normality of data distribution was tested by Shapiro-Wilk test. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions (oral hygiene, dietary habits and preventive dental visit). Data were analysed using ordered logistic regression and t-test. The study includes questionnaire containing 5 questions about dietary habits, oral hygiene and preventive dental visit. RESULTS: The results of presented study confirmed higher average values of DMFT (3.24) in the population of 12-year-old Roma children and lower average values of dmft (2.5) in the second group (p < 0.05). The value of SiC index represented 6.10 in the group of six-year-old and 7.66 in twelve-year-old children. Logistic regression was performed to test the magnitude of the association between dental caries and related factors. There was statistically significant association between average value dmft/DMFT and dietary habits, oral hygiene, and preventive dental visit in both study groups. CONCLUSION: The study revealed insufficient oral hygiene of the Roma children population. Systematic implementation of preventive examinations for oral hygiene and health programmes are needed to promote oral health. The study represents a pilot study of the SiC index values in Roma minority population from eastern Slovakia.