In September, the Congress of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology (KMINE) took place in Hradec Králové. What insights did it bring regarding current and emerging antibiotic therapy? And how might the discussed conclusions translate into everyday antibiotic prescribing? MUDr. Marek Štefan, MBA, from the Department of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital in Prague, shared his observations on these topics.

Despite standard immunosuppression, anti-NMDAR encephalitis remains associated with high morbidity and prolonged recovery. More targeted treatment options are therefore needed. A preclinical study presents a monovalent humanized antibody that blocks the binding of pathogenic IgG without disrupting receptor function. Its efficacy has been demonstrated across multiple in vitro and in vivo models, including dosage modeling for human patients.

Experienced cardiac nurse Mgr. Monika Černá and cardiologist Prof. MUDr. Jan Krejčí, Ph.D.—both part of the leadership of the 1st Department of Internal Medicine–Cardioangiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, and St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno (she as head nurse and he as department head)—described how specialized nurses and telemedicine approaches contribute to improving the quality and accessibility of care for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

A recent study by U.S. researchers sought to map the main causes of death among surgeons. The results suggest that this medical specialty may be associated with a specific mortality risk profile.

Women undergoing regular mammography screening can, at some facilities, pay extra to have their images analyzed for potential tumors by artificial intelligence (AI). What are the experiences of radiologists and their patients with this technology? And how does AI help increase the likelihood of detecting breast cancer?

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to the deliberate infliction of harm to one’s own body without suicidal intent. It occurs in roughly 17% of adolescents. Many patients describe it in terms typical of addiction: they feel an intense urge to harm themselves, experience temporary relief, and lose control over their behavior. Some even use words like “relapse” or “being clean.” This raises the question of whether repeated self-harm may share features with addiction.

What is the current epidemiological situation regarding COVID-19 and hepatitis A, and what does it mean for physicians? MUDr. Aleš Chrdle, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at České Budějovice Hospital, outlined the contours of an optimal prevention strategy.