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S Straka

Publications and source records attributed to S Straka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Analysis of unusual accumulation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases in Orava and Liptov regions (northern Slovak focus) 1983-2000.

While familial cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are extremely rare all over the world, 3 familial clusters were observed between 1983-2000 in a relatively small area situated in the North of Slovakia. Prevalence of CJD in this area exceeded the overall prevalence in Slovakia more than 8 times. The majority of CJD patients admitted consuming sheep brain. Most patients lived in small secluded villages with rather common familial intermarriage. CJD affected both sexes equally. All patients were prior to the disease mentally normal individuals. Shortly after the onset of CJD their mental status deteriorated remarkably with an average survival rate of 3.6 months.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Detection of antibodies in saliva--an effective auxiliary method in surveillance of infectious diseases.

Saliva is a body fluid containing antibodies of diagnostic significance. Unlike venipuncture, saliva collection (by brushing the teeth and rubbing the gums) is painless, non-invasive, inexpensive, simple and rapid. By using sensitive immunoassays in salivary specimens it is possible to diagnose immunoglobulins against a wide range of infectious diseases e.g. hepatitis A, B and C, measles, mumps, rubella, human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus B 19, human herpesvirus 6 and Helicobacter pylori infections. Salivary antibody testing may provide better access to epidemic outbreaks, children, large populations, hard-to-reach risk groups and may thus play a major role in the surveillance and control of infectious diseases. (Tab. 2, Ref. 34.)

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed2002

Cost effectiveness and cost benefit of viral hepatitis B vaccination in the Slovak Republic.

In our work we tried to evaluate the cost effectiveness (CEA) and cost benefit (CBA) of the vaccination strategy of viral hepatitis B (VHB) vaccination in Slovakia. Retrospectively we analysed the incidence of VHB before and after the vaccination against VHB. From the calculated yearly cost (direct and indirect)--treatment costs and vaccination costs--we tried to calculate the estimated financial costs of vaccination strategy in 2000 (89.4 mil. SK), the saved costs (92 mil. SK), cost effectiveness (201 642 SK) and cost benefit (2.70 SK). First a decrease of the incidence (after introduction of measures to prevent nosocomial transmission) had been achieved by vaccination of selected risk groups of the population. A significant positive impact on the incidence of VHB is expected from mass preventive vaccination of infants, introduced in Slovakia in 1998.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed2001

[Intestinal parasites in children from the Turiec region in long-term monitoring. How should we proceed with further preventive parasitologic examinations?].

The results of preventive parasitological examinations for intestinal parasites in preschool and school children of the Turiec Region (Central Slovakia) in 1970-1999 are submitted. The study is divided into three cross-sections in the following decades (1970-1979; 1980-1989; 1990-1999). An acute decrease in geohelminths virtually to zero values has been found, as well as a significant decrease in intestinal protozoans. The occurrence of Enterobius vermicularis, despite its significant decrease in the recent decade, remains on a relatively high level. In the conclusion the authors discuss continuation of parasitological field examinations, and, on the basis of their 30-year experience, they submit their recommendations for the simplest and most effective way of such examinations.

Child↗
PubMed2001

[Health and economic benefits of mandatory regular vaccination in Slovakia. IV. Measles, rubella and mumps].

The epidemiological situation as regards measles, rubella and mumps in Slovakia before vaccination and after its introduction in 1996, is analysed. On the basis of model costs of treatment of these diseases before vaccination and costs of treatment in 1996 including costs of vaccination, the authors calculated the total saved costs (549.7 mil. Sk), cost-effectiveness (10,680 Sk), as well as the cost-benefit.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Smoking and some life-style changes in medical students--Slovakia, 1995-1999.

INTRODUCTION: The main goal of a questionnaire cross-sectional study was to compare the changes of smoking habits in medical students between 1995 and 1999. Beside this, other factors of life-style such as alcohol consumption, nutritional status [studied through body mass index (BMI)] and citrus consumption were studied. METHODS: Cross-sectional questionnaire study in 453 medical students of 1st to 5th academic years of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Martin, Slovakia, carried out in October and November 1999. Data on smoking habit were compared with a similar study carried out in 1995. RESULTS: Prevalence of regular smoking (min. 1 cig/day) was 13.6% in men and 8.9% in women and did not change significantly in comparison with 1995. In women, prevalence of occasional smokers increased from 7.3% in 1995 to 19.8% in 1999 and almost reached men in the same year (21.8%). During this period significantly decreased proportion of respondents who have never smoked both in men (from 43.0 to 23.3%) and women (from 61.9% to 18.2%). Excessive drinking dominates in men, overweight (BMI > or = 25) had 16.0% of males and 2.0% of females and excessive underweight (BMI < or = 17.5) 1.0% of men and 2.8% of women. More than one half of respondents consumed less than 1 piece of citrus fruit per day. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking of men still predominates, however, the most apparent changes of smoking habit in regard to increasing proportion of smoking women, particularly occasional smokers. This indicates increasing social tolerance of smoking. In female a possibility of eating disorders deserve attention and a need for the improvement of diet is felt in both sexes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Pharmacotherapy in smoking cessation.

The authors reviewed literature on nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion in smoking cessation. Nicotine replacement therapy increases the quit rate in smoking cessation; however, its efficacy is influenced by numerous factors. Bupropion, particularly combined with nicotine replacement therapy, reaches even higher efficacy. Behavioural therapy as well as individualized approach during the cessation process are beneficial. Beside from this, these agents help to avoid excessive weight gain after quitting. If properly used, they have minimal side effects, and, if not contraindicated, they should be included into standard smoking cessation programs. (Ref. 74.)

Bupropion↗
PubMed2001

Hippocrates' humoral pathology in nowaday's reflections.

Ancient medicine integrated three components: experience (empirical observation), religion/magic and speculations of natural philosophers. The Greek medicine out-achieved medicine of other ancient nations in starting to investigate the true causes of health and diseases and thus laying foundations for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Hippocrates, the most famous physician of the ancient times, made a synthesis of existing philosophical opinions from the point of view of a physician. His 58 writings were preserved in the collection "Corpus Hippocraticum". The most relevant writing in it--"Peri fyseos anthropu" (On the nature of man)--is ascribed to Hippocrates' son-in-law Polybos to whom we are grateful for the ancient humoral-pathological theory. In explaining human organism and its processes the author integrated ancient teachings on 4 basic humors (humoral theory), elements and qualities with observations of manifestations of health and disease. Normal condition (health) was defined as balance between the body fluids (eukrasia) and external environment. If this balance is disturbed, the result is dyskrasia, i.e. disease studied by pathology. According to Hippocrates disease causes can be understood only through empirical study. A man has a power to overcome disease, but to achieve it the right diet is necessary to keep harmony in body fluids of an organism. The role of a physician was just to support the nature. "Prognosis", another writing included in "Corpus Hippocraticum", reflects Hippocrates' understanding of prognosis as a necessary development of diagnosis based on past knowledge (anamnesis) and present observation. Ideas of Hippocrates and his medical school are still valuable and inspiring especially for today's very sophisticated medicine--concept of fighting diseases by natural means: maintaining healthy lifestyle and harmony within the organism, or an effort for perfect understanding of human creature and for humanization of medicine. (Fig. 3, Ref. 14.)

Greece, Ancient↗
PubMed2001

Non-pharmacological approach to smoking cessation.

Literary data on non-pharmacological approach in smoking cessation have been reviewed. The used methods are depending on particular target groups: patients visiting general practitioners, clients of smoking cessation clinics, pregnant women, hospitalised patients, and adolescents. Community based intervention represents a specific approach. The existing data on non-pharmacological smoking cessation show certain differences with a wide range of the reported cessation rates. Important role of primary health care providers in smoking cessation is evident, however, frequently underestimated. Specific situation in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) requires evidence based data in this field, taking into consideration also psychological, social and cultural aspects. Only guidelines based upon authentic studies carried out in CEE can be of value for long-term tobacco control programmes. (Ref. 70.)

Counseling↗
PubMed2000

[Health and economic benefits of compulsory regular vaccination in the Slovak Republic. I. Methods].

The authors will submit in their series of contributions under the common title of "Health and Economic Benefits of Compulsory Regular Vaccination in the Slovak Republic" estimates of benefits and effectiveness of particular vaccinations. In their first contribution they deal with the objectives and methods of this evaluation essential for the allocation of funds for the maintenance of existing preventive programmes and also for the implementation of new preventive measures. On the basis of literary data and their own experience they formulate modified methods of cost/effectiveness and cost/benefit and other parameters adjusted for the conditions of the vaccination programme in the Slovak Republic.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed2000

[Health and economic benefits of mandatory regular vaccination in the Slovak Republic. II. Poliomyelitis].

The authors compared intervention strategy (vaccination) and non-intervention strategy (no vaccination). For the evaluation of health and financial effectiveness of regular polio vaccination the authors used the modelling of treatment of polio cases in 1957, and vaccination costs in 1996--the most recent year with available statistical data from the Slovak Republic. From these model years they calculated: the cost saving (11,919,106 Sk), cost-effectiveness ratio (79,944 Sk) and the net cost of vaccination (3,047,786 Sk). Simultaneously, they present a breakdown of cost-benefit analysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Epidemiological features and economic evaluation of a potential chickenpox vaccination strategy in Slovak Republic.

Cost effectiveness and cost benefit of a potential chickenpox vaccination strategy in Slovakia have been evaluated. As a base for comparison with potential vaccination strategy, direct and indirect costs of chickenpox incidence in Slovakia in 1996 were evaluated, using the EPIS data (Epidemiological Information System in Slovak Republic), and official annual analyse of epidemiological situation in Slovakia. According to their estimates, the authors consider the potential chickenpox vaccination as highly cost effective. The results of their analysis show that as the saved costs mostly indirect costs participate. With respect to the prevailing social impact of chickenpox also the funding of the future chickenpox vaccination is supposed to be shared by social insurance system.

Chickenpox↗
PubMed2000

Smoking habits in university students in Slovakia.

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking has reached the proportion of a global epidemic with particularly devastating consequences in countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Learning of epidemiological aspects of smoking in youngsters, especially university students, is of great importance for the whole community. Goals of the study were mapping smoking habits and identifying other factors of life style including body mass index, alcohol and citrus fruit consumption in non-medical university students in Slovakia. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study, including 2,419 respondents, was carried out in students of 5 non-medical faculties in Slovakia from October to December 1997. RESULTS: 19.6% of males and 12.3% of females were regular smokers (min 1 cig/day) and 16.1% of males and 15.1% of females were occasional smokers. From regular smokers 11.5% of males and 13.2% of females started to smoke at the University. Respondents from urban areas smoked more frequently than those from rural areas. Significant association was found between alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking in males. More than a half of respondents consumed less than 1 piece of citrus per day. 15.4% of males were overweight (BMI > or = 25) and 8.5% of females were very underweight (BMI < or = 17.5). CONCLUSIONS: In females social smoking prevails and an increasing rate of female-smoking can be expected in Slovakia. There is a need of improving dietary habits of youngsters in Slovakia in favour of the consumption of more fruit and vegetables in both sexes, and in females additional attention should be paid to eating disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Health and economic benefits of mandatory regular vaccination in the Slovak Republic. III. Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis] .

The authors tried to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of regular vaccination of children against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis in Slovakia. On the basis of model costs of treatment of these diseases before and after vaccination in 1996, the total saved expenditure (102.6 million Sk) and cost-effectiveness (31,619 Sk) were calculated, as well as the cost-benefit.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Epidemiology of smoking habit in adolescents. Suggestions for prevention.

The results of a cross-sectional questionnaire study on smoking in 1,571 pupils of secondary schools in Martin, Slovakia (average age 15.7 y. +/- 1.0) are presented. Prevalence of regular smoking (min. 1 cigarette/day) was in 24.8% of boys and in 14.3% of girls. Higher prevalence was in pupils of apprentice schools. Association between smoking or respondents and their parents were stronger in case of mothers and their children, namely girls. Higher educational level of parents was followed by a decrease of smoking in girls. Girls appear to be more influenced by family background than boys. The authors emphasise the importance of primary prevention of smoking in pupils, namely within the school-based programmes, since smoking habit in these age groups is still developing. The study design can be used as a model for further studies of that kind.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Endogenous digoxin-like immunoactivity and diabetes mellitus: facts and hypotheses.

Substances with digoxin- and ouabain-like immunoactivity (DLIA) are specific inhibitors of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase which increase the total amount of intracellular stored calcium (Ca2+i). In diabetic patients, DLIA levels have been reported to be increased. Although this increase is probably secondary to sodium retention and volume expansion (included in diabetic subjects by hyperinsulinemia and/or diabetic nephropathy), the question arises of whether it has pathophysiological consequences: namely, whether substances with DLIA, via their effect on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and Ca2+i stores, could in diabetic subjects facilitate development of hypertension and/or modulate insulin sensitivity or insulin secretion. Clinical findings of correlations of DLIA to blood pressure, insulin levels and to degree of insulin resistance, together with experimental findings of decreased Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, increased Ca2+i and decreased Mg2+i in both diabetic and hypertensive subjects, support these hypotheses. However, the issue of whether or not these relations are causative and whether or not defects in intracellular milieu are primary or secondary to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has not been resolved yet. Moreover, pathogenesis of both diabetes mellitus and hypertension is multifactorial and includes many other factors. Therefore, further efforts should be made to elucidate the exact role of substances with DLIA in diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes Mellitus↗