Occupational accidents in Slovak Military Forests and Estates: incidence, timing, and trends over 10 years.

Introduction: Forestry provides a wide range of employment opportunities worldwide and is seen as one of the high-risk industries in terms of occupational accidents. Objectives: The submitted study analyzed the injury rate in the Military Forests and Estates of the Slovak Republic (62.6 thousand ha) between 2013 and 2022. Methods: The data analyses included regression and correlation analyses, χ2 tests to analyze the relationships between studied variables, and incidence rates. Results: During the observed period, employees suffered 26 occupational accidents, of which 19.2% were light, 57.7% were registered, 23.1% were severe, and 0% were fatal. For every 1 million m3 of harvested timber, 7.7 accidents occurred. The incidence rate during the observed period was 672.1/100,000 employees. The highest proportion of accidents was in the age group 51-60 years and in employees with the lowest length of work experience <5 years. Regarding time, the highest proportion of occupational accidents occurred between 8:01 and 10:00 AM (53.8%) and day-wise on Thursdays (46.2%). The highest proportion of accidents occurred among forest workers (65.3%) during pruning and silviculture activities (42.3%). The most common injury site was forest stands (65.3%). Superficial injuries (34.6%) were the most common, mainly affecting the lower limbs (50%). The most frequent material agents causing the accidents were work and transport areas as sources of worker fall (38.5%), and the most frequent reason for an accident to occur was the lack of personal requirements for proper work performance (92.4%), whereas only (3.8%) of accidents occurred due to the use of forbidden or hazardous working procedures. Conclusion: The presented study identified the most vulnerable worker groups and provided an overview of the overall injury rate at the state forest company in Slovakia. The documentation can be incorporated into the safety strategies of forest enterprises.

Association of socioeconomic disadvantage and ethnicity with perinatal neonatal, and infant mortality in Slovakia.

BACKGROUND: Infant mortality rates are reliable indices of the child and general population health status and health care delivery. The most critical factors affecting infant mortality are socioeconomic status and ethnicity. The aim of this study was to assess the association between socioeconomic disadvantage, ethnicity, and perinatal, neonatal, and infant mortality in Slovakia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The associations between socioeconomic disadvantage (educational level, long-term unemployment rate), ethnicity (the proportion of the Roma population) and mortality (perinatal, neonatal, and infant) in the period 2017-2022 were explored, using linear regression models. RESULTS: The higher proportion of people with only elementary education and long-term unemployed, as well as the higher proportion of the Roma population, increases mortality rates. The proportion of the Roma population had the most significant impact on mortality in the selected period between 2017 and 2022, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). CONCLUSIONS: Life in segregated Roma settlements is connected with the accumulation of socioeconomic disadvantage. Persistent inequities between Roma and the majority population in Slovakia exposed by mortality rates in children point to the vulnerabilities and exposures which should be adequately addressed by health and social policies.

Intestinal parasites of the endangered European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) populations in Slovakia.

The present pilot research was focused on the detection of intestinal parasites in the ground squirrel populations in various regions of Slovakia. Only a very little information is currently available on the parasitic species composition of the European ground squirrel in Slovakia and across Europe. In the Slovak Republic, there are 70 locations where the ground squirrel populations are present. A total of 600 faecal samples of the European ground squirrels, collected from 36 locations all over Slovakia, were examined by applying the coprological method. The presence of the protozoan coccidian parasite of the Eimeria genus was confirmed in all of the analysed locations. The presence of eggs of four helminths were confirmed: Capillaria spp. (66.6% of locations); the Trichostrongylidae family (42.8% of locations); Hymenolepis spp. (11.9% of locations); and Citellina spp. (7.14% of locations). Dead individuals that were found in the analysed localities were subjected to necropsy and the tissues scraped off their small intestines were stained in order to confirm the presence of parasites. The post-mortem examination of the intestines and the sedimentation of the intestinal contents in a saline solution did not result in the confirmation of the presence of the eggs, adults or the larval stages of parasites. Spermophilus citellus is one of the strictly protected animal species in Slovakia. In recent years, numerous projects aimed at supporting and protecting ground squirrels have been implemented. The present pilot study on intestinal parasites and the subsequent cooperation with environmental activists will contribute to the support and stabilisation of the presence of these animals in our country.

Secondary attack rate of COVID-19 in shared households in Slovakia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate the secondary attack rate in unvaccinated members of households of two regions in the Slovak Republic for the period November 2020 ‒ April 2021. INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection poses a high risk of transmission in close-contact indoor settings, such as households. The household transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 varies widely across countries. METHODS: We included 278 households for SARS-CoV-2 transmission analysis. We calculated the secondary attack rate (SAR). We assessed sex, level of disease severity and means of isolation during infection of index cases as determinants of disease transmissibilityRESULTS: The secondary attack rate in 278 households was estimated at 63.7% (95%CI: 58.2‒66.7%). The SARs were different by sex (60.2% in females, 67.5% in males). The highest SAR was observed in the households of asymptomatic cases (77.8%), followed by moderate severity (66.5%), hospital admissions (63.2%) and mild disease (58.2%). CONCLUSION: We found a high household secondary attack rate in two regions of Slovakia in the period when Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) of SARS-CoV-2 was dominant in the country. The results highlight the importance of monitoring transmission dynamics (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 12). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: COVID-19, secondary attack rate, Slovak Republic, households.

Evaluation of Ultrathin Strut Biodegradable Polymer-Coated Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in an All-Comers Patient Population: 1-Year Results of the S-FLEX Slovakia Registry.

BACKGROUND: Supraflex (Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited, Surat, India) is a new-generation, biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) designed on an ultrathin (60 µm) cobalt-chromium platform with a flexible 'S-link.' The S-FLEX Slovakia registry aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Supraflex SES in an all-comers population, with a subgroup of diabetic patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, multi-center, post-market registry conducted between February 2018 and May 2019. All consecutive patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention with Supraflex SES were enrolled. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI), or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (CI-TLR) by percutaneous or surgical methods at 1-year follow-up. Stent thrombosis was a safety endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients was assessed (145 diabetics and 268 nondiabetics). At 1-year follow-up, the primary endpoint of TLF occurred in 5.1% patients, comprised of 3.9% cardiac deaths, 0.5% TV-MI, and 0.7% CI-TLR. Overall stent thrombosis occurred in 0.5% patients at 1-year follow-up. In the subgroup analysis, TLF occurred in 6.2% diabetics and 4.5% nondiabetics (P =.433) and comprised 4.8% and 3.4% cardiac deaths (P =.447), 0.7% and 0.4% TV-MI (P =.653), and 0.7%, and 0.7% CI-TLR (P =.952) in diabetics and non-diabetics, respectively. Overall stent thrombosis occurred in 0.7% diabetic and 0.4% non-diabetic patient (P =.659). CONCLUSION: This registry demonstrates favourable clinical outcomes after the implantation of the ultrathin biodegradable polymer coated Supraflex SES in an all-comers population, with event rates that were similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Prediction of individual, community and societal resilience in the Czech Republic compared to Slovakia during the war in Ukraine.

The present study examines, as research questions, which and to what extent psychological and demographic variables significantly predict individual, community, and societal resilience among a sample of Czech Republic adults (N = 1,100) six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The research tools included the following scales: Societal, community, and individual resilience; hope, well-being; morale; distress symptoms; a sense of danger; and perceived threats. The results indicated the following: (a) Correlation analysis shows that resilience is significantly and positively correlated with supporting coping factors and significantly and negatively correlated with suppressing coping factors. (b) A comparison of supporting coping indicators (hope, well-being, and morale) and suppressing coping indicators (distress symptoms, sense of danger, and perceived threats) in the Czech Republic with those variables in Slovakia and Israel indicated that Israel reported higher resilience, higher supporting coping indicators, and lower suppressing coping factors. Three-path analysis among the Czech sample indicated that the best predictor of SR was the level of hope, the best predictor of CR was morale, and the best predictor of IR was the sense of danger. In an attempt to explain these findings in the discussion section, we refer to the background of Czech society and a possible connection to the findings.

Chewing lice of Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) and diversity of louse-host associations of birds in reed beds in Slovakia.

A total of 1,621 wild birds representing 34 species were examined for chewing lice in reed beds in southwestern Slovakia during the pre-breeding migration 2008-2009 and 2016-2019. A total of 377 (23.3%) birds representing 15 species were parasitized by 26 species of chewing lice of 12 genera. Dominant genera were Penenirmus (with dominance 32.6%) and Menacanthus (29.4%), followed by Brueelia (12.6%), Acronirmus (10.8%), Philopterus (7.7%), and Myrsidea (4.2%). We evaluated 33 host-louse associations including both 1) host-generalist, parasitizing more than one host species and host-specific lice, occurring only on a single host species, and 2) lice species with large range geographic distribution, reported across the range of the distribution of their hosts and lice species with only occasional records from a limited area within the range of their hosts. The Bearded Reedling, Panurus biarmicus (Linnaeus, 1758), was parasitized by two species of chewing lice, Menacanthus brelihi Balát, 1981 and Penenirmus visendus (Zlotorzycka, 1964), with conspicuously different prevalences (5.6% vs. 58.2%, respectively; n = 251). New material enabled us to redescribe both species of lice: the first one is resurrected from previous synonymy as a valid species. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene was sequenced from these two species in order to assess their relative phylogenetic position within their genera. Our study demonstrates the importance of an adequate identification of parasites, especially on rarely examined and endangered hosts.

Title: Mallophages de la Panure à moustaches (Panurus biarmicus) et diversité des associations mallophages-hôtes des oiseaux dans les roselières en Slovaquie. Abstract: Au total, 1 621 oiseaux sauvages représentant 34 espèces ont été examinés à la recherche de mallophages dans les roselières du sud-ouest de la Slovaquie au cours de la migration de pré-reproduction 2008­2009 et 2016­2019. Parmi ceux-ci, 377 oiseaux (23,3 %), représentant 15 espèces, étaient parasités par 26 espèces de mallophages de 12 genres. Les genres dominants étaient Penenirmus (avec une dominance de 32,6 %) et Menacanthus (29,4 %), suivis de Brueelia (12,6 %), Acronirmus (10,8 %), Philopterus (7,7 %) et Myrsidea (4,2 %). Nous avons évalué 33 associations mallophage-hôte comprenant à la fois 1) des espèces de mallophages généralistes, parasitant plus d'une espèce hôte, et des mallophages spécifiques, présents uniquement sur une seule espèce hôte et 2) des espèces de mallophages ayant une large répartition géographique, signalées à travers l'étendue de la répartition de leurs hôtes, et des espèces de mallophages avec seulement des observations occasionnelles dans une zone limitée à l'intérieur de l'aire de répartition de leurs hôtes. La Panure à moustaches, Panurus biarmicus (Linnaeus, 1758), était parasitée par deux espèces de mallophages, Menacanthus brelihi Balát, 1981 et Penenirmus visendus (Zlotorzycka, 1964), avec des prévalences nettement différentes (respectivement 5,6 % et 58,2 %, n = 251). Du nouveau matériel nous a permis de redécrire les deux espèces de mallophages, la première étant ressuscitée de la synonymie précédente en tant qu'espèce valide. Un fragment du gène mitochondrial de la cytochrome oxydase I a été séquencé à partir de ces deux espèces afin d'évaluer leur position phylogénétique relative au sein de leurs genres. Notre étude démontre l'importance d'une identification adéquate des parasites, en particulier sur les hôtes rarement examinés et menacés.

Characterization of HIV-1 subtypes and drug resistance mutations in Slovakia: update 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide an overview on the HIV-1 subtypes circulating in Slovakia between 2017 and 2018 and to evaluate the risk of transmission of HIV­resistant strains. BACKGROUND: The HIV epidemic in Slovakia is characterised by low incidence of new and pre-existing infections and a slightly elevated level of strain heterogeneity. METHODS: Partial HIV pol gene sequences of 110 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV between 2017 and 2018 were analysed. RESULTS: The genotypic analysis revealed sporadic occurrence of mutations linked to HIV resistance to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The HIV-1 B subtype has been found as predominant (84.55 %) and primarily linked to men who have sex with men (MSM). A total of eighteen individuals (15.45 %) were found to be infected with HIV-1 non-B subtypes. CONCLUSION: The data suggest a minimal risk of a resistant HIV strain transmission and a marginal rise of HIV-1 subtypes´ diversity. The HIV-1 B subtype remains the most prevalent in the period 2017-2018 in Slovakia (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 37).

COVID-19 virus and clinical outcome on the newborns at the Neonatal Department of Intensive Medicine in Bratislava, Slovakia.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the group of newborns who were admitted at Neonatal Department of Intensive Medicine in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine Comenius University in Bratislava and National Institute of Children´s Diseases in the period from 08.01.2021 until 07.07.2023 who were affected by the COVID-19 virus from mother before birth, from staff or in family or were only in contact with COVID-19 positive person. RESULTS: Most common symptoms in newborns within our findings included fever, upper respiratory symptoms, and diarrhoea. Detailed analysis of prenatal and postnatal characteristics, clinical findings are presented in tables 1-3. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the pregnant women as well as on prenatal and postnatal development of the child. Our results reveal that the severity of symptoms in COVID-19 infected newborns from our sample was low. It is important to implement adequate neonatal practices for early detection of illnesses, especially in relation to COVID-19 which will subsequently allow early intervention and reduce neonatal mortality. Future challenges for all countries include the implementation of higher hygiene standards, prevention of spreading, more sensitive tests to use in the first day of life (Tab. 3, Ref. 36).

Human alveolar echinococcosis in Slovakia: Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Echinococcus multilocularis, 2000-2023.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a serious parasitic disease caused by larval stages of Echinococcus multilocularis. Between January 2000 and October 2023, 137 AE cases were confirmed in Slovakia. The average annual incidence increased from 0.031 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2000 and 2011, to an average of 0.187 since 2012, i.e. about six times. Among patients, 45.3% were men and 54.7% were women; the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 52.8 years. Most cases were diagnosed in the age groups 51-60 years and 61-70 years (33 cases each), and eight patients fell into the age category ≤ 20 years. To better recognize the gene diversity in clinical samples, metacestodes from 21 patients collected between 2013 and 2021 were subjected to DNA sequencing of four mitochondrial genes. Using concatenated sequences of cob (603 bp), nad2 (882 bp) and cox1 (789 bp) gene fragments, 14 isolates (66.7%) were assigned to the European E5 profile of E. multilocularis, two isolates (9.5%) to the E5a subtype, four isolates (19%) to the E4 profile, and one isolate (4.8%) to haplogroup E1/E2. The E5-type profiles and E4 profiles were distributed throughout the country, whereas the E1/E2 profile was found in the patient from western Slovakia. According to the data obtained and GenBank sequences, the E5-type dispersal is so far limited to central-eastern Europe and the variant seems to be indigenous to that region. The admixture with the haplotypes E4 and E1/E2 could have taken place from a historical endemic focus during the fox expansion in the last decades. By employing the nad1 fragment, a typical European haplotype was observed in all 21 resolved Slovak samples. The acceleration in the AE incidence in the last decade suggests the emergence of the disease and the need for further research on human and animal isolates.

Peripartum hysterectomy: A 9-year population-based study in Slovakia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy (PH) in Slovakia. Additionally, we wanted to describe reasons for the procedure, associated clinical circumstances, and complications. METHODS: This was a descriptive, population-based study among women who underwent PH in Slovakia between January 2012 and December 2020. Peripartum hysterectomy was defined as surgical removal of the uterus from the peripartum period up to 42 days postpartum. Data were obtained retrospectively from the standardized questionnaires that are completed in Slovakia for any case of PH. The background population consisted of all other women who delivered during the study period. RESULTS: Of the 436 136 births, there were 397 cases of PH, giving an incidence of 0.91 per 1000 births. It was higher with advanced maternal age, multiparity, multiple pregnancies, and cesarean deliveries. The main reasons for the procedure were placental pathologies and uterine atony in 52.9% and 33.0%, respectively. A total of 150 (37.8%) women required admission to an intensive care unit. The mortality rate was 1.5%. CONCLUSION: The incidence of PH is relatively high in Slovakia when compared with other European countries, highlighting the need to improve prenatal diagnosis of morbidly adherent placenta and the management of peripartum hemorrhage.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with NMOSD: a longitudinal retrospective analysis of a Slovak cohort of 63 patients.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoantibody-mediated inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system predominantly targeting optic nerves and the spinal cord. Two distinct phenotypes are recognized based on the presence of serum aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG) antibodies. However, contrasting clinical course patterns have been identified between AQP4-IgG-positive and AQP4-IgG-negative patients. AIMS: This study aimed to present demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with NMOSD in Slovakia and to evaluate the significance of differences between AQP4-IgG-seropositive and AQP4-IgG-seronegative patients. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal multi-centric retrospective study and analysed the clinical and demographic characteristics of a cohort of 63 Slovak NMOSD patients. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of patients were women, and ninety-four patients were Caucasian. The median age at diagnosis was 37 years. The most frequent initial manifestations were optic neuritis (47.6% of patients) and transverse myelitis (39.7% of patients). The median EDSS score deteriorated from the initial 3.0 to 4.0 at the last follow-up. Sixty-eight percent of patients were AQP4-IgG positive; 10% of patients were MOG-IgG positive; 27% of patients had no NMOSD-specific antibodies detected. There was a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis among AQP4-IgG-positive patients (25.6%) compared to AQP4-IgG-negative patients (0%) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed overview of the clinical and demographic characteristics of NMOSD based on a retrospective analysis of a Slovak cohort of 63 NMOSD patients and extends information provided by similar recently published studies. The most important finding is that there is a high prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis among AQP4-IgG-negative patients (25%).

Mitochondrial DNA variability and Covid-19 in the Slovak population.

Recent studies have shown that mitochondria are involved in the pathogenesis of Covid-19. Mitochondria play a role in production of reactive oxygen species and induction of an innate immune response, both important during infections. Common variability of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can affect oxidative phosphorylation and the risk or lethality of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases and sepsis. However, it is unclear whether susceptibility of severe Covid-19 might be affected by mtDNA variation. Thus, we have analyzed mtDNA in a sample of 446 Slovak patients hospitalized due to Covid-19 and a control population group consisting of 1874 individuals. MtDNA variants in the HVRI region have been analyzed and classified into haplogroups at various phylogenetic levels. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the risk of Covid-19. Haplogroups T1, H11, K and variants 16256C > T, 16265A > C, 16293A > G, 16311 T > C and 16399A > G were associated with an increased Covid-19 risk. On contrary, Haplogroup J1, haplogroup clusters H + U5b and T2b + U5b, and the mtDNA variant 16189 T > C were associated with decreased risk of Covid-19. Following the application of the Bonferroni correction, statistical significance was observed exclusively for the cluster of haplogroups H + U5b. Unsurprisingly, the most significant factor contributing to the mortality of patients with Covid-19 is the age of patients. Our findings suggest that mtDNA haplogroups can play a role in Covid-19 pathogenesis, thus potentially useful in identifying susceptibility to its severe form. To confirm these associations, further studies taking into account the nuclear genome or other non-biological influences are needed.

Long-term temporal analysis of fatal and severe occupational accidents in Central European forests of the Slovak Republic.

INTRODUCTION: Forestry is one of the most dangerous industries worldwide. Workers handle heavy loads and are exposed to numerous adverse factors of the work environment. This study was focused on analyzing severe and fatal occupational accidents over a long period. METHODS: Data were gathered from occupational safety and health databases of the State Forests of the Slovak Republic, which manages 879,113 ha of forests in Slovakia. Between 2007 and 2021, 210 severe and64 fatal accidents were recorded. The data analyses included contingency tables, Pearson χ2 test, and Cramer's V coefficient to analyze the relationships between studied variables. RESULTS: The mean annual number of fatalities was 14, occurring to workers aged 42 on average. Almost 80% of all fatal accidents were suffered by contractors of harvesting operations, who were 5.23 times more likely to suffer a fatality than company employees. On average, 1.28 severe and0.75 fatal accidents occurred per 1 million m3 of harvested timber. The outcomes of the correlation analysis showed a decreasing trend in incidence in the case of severe accidents. Workers ≤ 30 years or between 51 and 60 years of age were the most vulnerable in the case of fatal accidents. In the case of severe accidents, workers between 51 and 60 were the most vulnerable group. Most fatal accidents were suffered by tree fellers (72.2%) during felling (69.8%), who were in contact with falling trees and tree parts (93.7% share for this material agent). Conclusion and Practical Applications: The presented study identified the most vulnerable worker groups as well as the effects of factors on the occurrence of severe and fatal occupational accidents in forestry. The results will serve in development of occupational safety and health strategies in forest enterprises.

Zoonotic Marine Nematode Infection of Fish Products in Landlocked Country, Slovakia.

Fish products in Slovakia have been heavily infected with Anisakis spp. larvae, which causes human anisakiasis. We found larvae in all tested samples of frozen Atlantic herring. Anisakid allergen t-Ani s7 testing revealed 2 positive cases in humans, signaling need for health authorities to closely monitor zoonotic marine parasites, even in inland areas.

Morbidly adherent placenta as a cause of peripartum hysterectomy in the Slovak Republic in the years 2012-2020.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to analyze the cases of peripartum hysterectomy associated with morbidly adherent placenta in the Slovak Republic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of morbidly adherent placenta managed by peripartum hysterectomy in the Slovak Republic between January 2012 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Data were obtained from the standardized anonymous questionnaires. RESULTS: The incidence of morbidly adherent placenta was 0.39 per 1,000 births. A total of 151 (89.9%) women with morbidly adherent placenta were managed by peripartum hysterectomy (38.0% of all peripartum hysterectomies). Placenta accreta, increta and percreta were present in 56.3%, 28.5% and 15.2%, respectively. Placenta previa was present in 60 (39.7%) cases. Up to 112 (74.2%) cases of morbidly adherent placenta were diagnosed at the time of delivery. Hysterectomy was preceded by unsuccessful uterus-saving procedure in 23 (15.2%) of cases. The median of estimated blood loss was 1,500 mL. A packed red blood cells transfusion was used in 138 (91.4%), fresh frozen plasma in 118 (78.2%), fibrinogen concentrate in 39 (25.8%) and tranexamic acid in 25 (16.6%) women. A total of 58 (38.4%) women required admission to an intensive care unit. The mortality rate was 1.3%. CONCLUSION: In recent years, there was an increase in the incidence of morbidly adherent placenta, peripartum hysterectomy in the Slovak Republic, along with an increase in caesarean section rates, too. Case analysis highlights the need to improve the prenatal diagnosis and management of morbidly adherent placenta.

Joinpoint analysis of colorectal cancer trend in the Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the colorectal cancer trend in the Slovakia between 2002 and 2019. BACKGROUND: In 2020, the Slovakia ranked second among the 10 countries with the highest incidence of colorectal cancer and the highest number of deaths from colorectal cancer (hereafter also referred to as CRC). METHODS: To describe the situation of CRC, indicators of incidence and mortality rates stratified by age and sex for the available time period were chosen. A joinpoint regression software was used to identify changes in the trend of development. RESULTS: During the 18-year follow-up period (2002-2019), the overall trend in colorectal cancer incidence continued to increase with an overall mean annual change of 1.3 %. The incidence of CRC tended to increase from 50 years of age and increased with age. The most pronounced increasing trend was observed in the age group of 75 years and older (AAPC in men 1.9 %, IS +1.4; +2.5 and in women 2.0 %, IS +1.6; +2.4). CRC mortality remained relatively stable for the entire 18-year period. A decreasing trend in mortality was observed in the 25-49 age group with an overall annual percentage decrease of 0.9 % (IS -1.5; -0.3), while an increasing trend was observed in the 75+ age group with an overall annual percentage increase of 1.0 % (IS +0.8; +1.3). The incidence and mortality rates in men were higher than in women. CONCLUSION: The situation of colorectal cancer trend in the Slovakia has improved compared to the previous period (1971-2001) (Tab. 4, Fig. 4, Ref. 34).

The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among nursing home residents for the elderly in Slovakia.

The objective of our study was to examine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among residents of nursing homes for the elderly of selected institutions in two Slovak regions compared to non-institutionalized volunteers of the same age, as well as young volunteers (20-24 years old). Nasal swabs from all participants (n = 424) were processed using standard methods for the isolation and identification of S. aureus and MRSA. Statistically significant differences were found between nursing home residents and young volunteers (12% vs. 1.5%; OR 8.85; 95% CI 2.087-37.706; p = 0.0007), as well as between non-institutionalized seniors and young volunteers (11% vs. 1.5%; OR 8; 95% CI 1.888-33.901; p = 0.005) in the prevalence of MRSA. Our results suggest that nursing home residency and older age could be a risk factor for the occurrence of high-risk MRSA strains.

Suicides in the Region of Northern Slovakia: A Retrospective, Single-centre Autopsy Observational Study over a 10-year Period.

Suicidal behavior is multifaceted and encompasses various factors. Among these, alcohol dependence and acute alcohol intoxication stand out as significant risk factors for suicide. The retrospective study aimed to record the development of suicide, also in connection with alcohol consumption, in the catchment area of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathological Anatomy of the Health Care Surveillance Authority in Martin, Slovak Republic, in the years 2009-2019.