The as-cast microstructure of ductile cast iron (DI) was investigated using light microscopy (LM) and SEM techniques. Further the influence of hot plastic extrusion at 1000°C with plastic strain in the range of 20-60-80% on the transformation of the as-cast microstructure and on the mechanical properties was studied. Besides this, the microstructure of DI subjected to hot extrusion after the fracture of the corresponding samples induced by compression tests was thoroughly investigated. It was found that compression had a dramatic influence on a shear deformation and hence shear fracture of the compressed samples. It was shown that the shear fracture of the hot deformed ductile iron is accompanied by the occurrence of a narrow zone of severe plastic deformation. The fracture surfaces of the extruded samples subjected to the tensile tests and the compression tests were examined.

Borreliosis is the most frequently diagnosed tick-borne disease caused by spirochete bacteria belonging to the genus Borreliae - Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. Clinical manifestations in dogs include fever, lameness, polyarthritis and glomerulonephritis. Diagnosis is mainly serological and is based on an immunoenzymatic test followed by a Western blot confirmatory test. Early treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, for four weeks, usually reduces the risk of chronic disease. Tick control, including tick repellents, is highly reliable in preventing transmission. Vaccines are available to reduce transmission and the clinical manifestations of infection in dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed that often test positive for antibodies against B. burgdorferi without showing any clinical symptoms of the disease. Quantitative determination of the immunoglobulin level for spirochetes has indicated that Bernese Mountain Dogs may have an increased susceptibility to Borrelia spp. infections of a hereditary nature.

Sacred spaces in hospitals – chapels or sacred gardens, as places of peace and tranquility, address spiritual needs of the patients and their families. The paper examines the elements creating the phenomenon of sacrum in the composition of the historical Stummer`s hospital in Topoľčany. Today the historical hospital complex is not used for its former functions and the question is how to preserve the sacred phenomena in the context of its future new uses.