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Schistosoma mansoni (Trematoda): Differences in the biology of geographical strains
Žirovnická, Tereza ; Macháček, Tomáš (advisor) ; Peterková, Kristýna (referee)
This bachelor thesis discusses the geographical strains of the fluke Schistosoma mansoni and summarizes the knowledge of their differences. The thesis aims to conduct literature research of comparative studies mentioning descriptions of specific strains of S. mansoni and then to identify differences across those geographic strains. Among the relevant data subjected to comparisons, besides morphological and anatomical differences, the prepatent period, the distribution of eggs in the host and the caused pathology, including the granuloma formation, were mentioned too. The results of this work confirm that the specific geographical isolates differ from each other in various aspects, often even within the same strain. Geographic strains are unevenly represented in studies, and this may bias our view of selected aspects of schistosome biology through the results of dominant strains. It is therefore important to encourage further, diversified research that considers all experimental factors. The obtained knowledge about the characteristics of geographic strains can provide important information for the development of strategies to control schistosomiasis and benefit negatively affected populations worldwide. Keywords: Schistosoma mansoni, schistosomiasis, geographical strain, comparative analysis,...
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Midwife in the role of lactation consultant for women
ŽIROVNICKÁ, Tereza
This bachelor thesis explores the topic of the midwife in the role of lactation consultant for women. The thesis is divided into two parts - a theoretical part and a practical part. The theoretical part describes the postpartum period, the production of breast milk, the physiology of lactation, including the composition of breast milk and the benefits that breastfeeding brings to the woman and the baby. Furthermore, the complications associated with breastfeeding, their management and the role of the midwife in lactation counselling are described. The bachelor thesis also discusses lactation counselling in antenatal preparation and the education of lactation counsellors. Last but not least, the theoretical part describes breastfeeding technique, breastfeeding positions and the most commonly used breastfeeding aids. In the practical part of the bachelor thesis, the aim was to find out whether women who have a problem with breastfeeding seek care from a midwife involved in lactation counselling. The second aim was to find out how midwives provide lactation counselling to women. The qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews. The research was conducted from February to March 2024 through telephone calls, video interviews or face-to-face meetings. The research sets were two. The first research set consisted of midwives involved in lactation counseling and the second research set consisted of women who were breastfeeding. The interviews with the informants were conducted on the basis of their consent and were completely anonymous. The collected data were transcribed and then analyzed using text coloring. The main categories and subcategories were established for data analysis and are described in the practical part of the bachelor thesis. For midwives, two main categories (Lactation Counsellor Profession, Lactation Counselling) were established based on the responses obtained, which include six sub-categories: (Lactation Counselling Education, Service Promotion, Most Frequently Addressed Breastfeeding Problems, Form of care provided, Access to Lactation Counselling and Resolution of Emergency Problems). For women, there are three main categories (Breastfeeding information, Starting breastfeeding and Breastfeeding complications). These categories are divided into eight subcategories (Women's information about breastfeeding before delivery, Interest in breastfeeding, First attachment, Education at the postpartum department, Lactation support, Lactation problems, Use of lactation consultant care, and Breastfeeding termination). The first research question looked at the most common issues that lead women to seek care from a midwife for lactation counselling. According to the responses, the most common reasons were feeding the baby with artificial milk and breast problems such as soreness, raga and difficulty attaching the baby to the breast. Informants also reported that women contact lactation counsellors because they need reassurance and a check on breastfeeding technique. The second research question explored how midwives provide lactation counselling. All informants visit women in their home environment to help them with breastfeeding, check correct breastfeeding technique and help women with any complications. Most of the informants noted that they also discuss breastfeeding issues with women in the antenatal or breastfeeding course, where they try to prepare women for breastfeeding.
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