bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro Antibacterial, ADME and Toxicity Screening of Newly Synthesized 4-(Substituted phenyl)-2-(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)thiazoles
Authors: Kumar Arun , Singh Govind , Tonk Rajiv
Published: April 2024

A series of novel thiazole (Va-o) compounds were synthesized following multi-step synthetic process. Using analytical methods like nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry and FTIR, the elucidation of the structure of the synthesized compounds was performed. All the 15 novel thiazoles were assessed for their antibacterial activity. The synthesized thiazoles were examined for inhibitory antibacterial activity against a panel Gram-positive strain viz. Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 65710), Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC-442), Bacillus subtilis (NCIM 2250) and Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662) and Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418) by agar well diffusion technique. It was observed that some of the compounds, particularly those having substitution groups like chloro, fluoro and bromo in the phenyl ring bonded to thiazole nucleus, had moderate to good antibacterial activity. Quinoline clubbed thiazoles compounds Vk, Vl, Vn and Vo showed significant antibacterial against all bacterial strains having values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 12.5 to 25 µg/mL. The results of antimicrobial investigation suggest that 2-chloroquinoline incorporated thiazole scaffold appears to more promising for developing potent antibacterial agents. Genome gyrase docking experiments (PDB ID: 1KZN) revealed a favourable binding relationship similar to that of the pre-occupied ligand clorobiocin. The study also provides in silico ADME and toxicity studies evaluation which revealed that compounds are impartially compatible and were devoid of potential toxicity except the hepatotoxicity.
Digitális múlt, analóg jövő
Authors:   , Megyeri Gábor
Published: April 2024

The Digital Pasts Analog Futures PhD thesis focuses on the future, exploring whether analogue values will continue to be needed in human existence, communication, learning and development in the age of digitization and beyond. The subject of the research is handwriting, a human activity that is not only a simple recording of information, but also a multifaceted process of coordination that enables the acquisition and maintenance of additional skills. The main research question of the dissertation is how humanity today relates to digital and analogue solutions, how the inevitability of analogue solutions can be identified in our everyday thinking and actions. The research can be divided into four main phases. (1) The first phase was a literature analysis and systematic literature review, which examined the past and present of handwriting across disciplines. The primary aim was to explore the status of handwriting as an analogue value and human activity. (2) In the second exploratory phase, we examined essays written by young adults (also CUB students) (typed and handwritten) detailing their analogue and digital experiences. This aims to explore and validate the problem and the issues raised in detail. (3) The third phase is a design interaction in the form of a collaborative netnographic analysis. (4) The fourth phase was a design action, which resulted in a crowd funding project around a real product (a writing instrument) created in the framework of the research. The research is based on a combination of different paradigms. The interplay of the above phases has contributed greatly to the results of the research. The first and second research phases have shown that analogue values such as handwriting have a place, relevance and future in the digital world. The third, netnographic analysis phase led to a real-world connection, whereby the resulting data was coded and the results interpreted to formulate all the characteristics of the product created during the design action, and contributed to the marketing, economic, scheduling, production and management plans for the crowd funding project. The success of the design and sales phase of the design action not only financed it economically, but also validated all the phases and results of the research
Two unlikely bedfellows: Towards a decolonial unconference methodology
Authors: Gachago Daniela , Hlatshwayo Mlamuli Hlatshwayo , Nkoala Sisanda , Van Heerden Leanri
Published: April 2024

This paper examines a specific unconferencing methodology designed for the HELTASA (un)conference, an international online event held in 2021 in South Africa. Drawing from the principles of unconferencing and decolonisation, the description of the unconferencing methodology in this paper is interspersed with collective autoethnographic reflections, collected through individual and collective writing engagements, to engage with our complex narratives as designers, facilitators and presenters/participants of this (Un)Conference. Through selected vignettes of reflective moments in planning and facilitating this (un)conference, we explore opportunities and challenges when adopting both principles of unconferencing and decolonisation in our practice. We end the paper with a discussion of the possibilities of adopting a decolonial unconferencing model in the global South through a colonial matrix of power.
Assessment of heavy metal accumulation and its effect on phytochemical profiling in Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden
Authors: Satuluri William Joseph Kamal , Xavier Jobi
Published: April 2024

Modernization and industrialization have been of great importance in the recent past, yet there are a few disadvantages, including the release of harmful effluents into the environment. The medicinal plants that are found in these heavy metal-polluted soils can have positive and negative effects as well. In this study, the plant Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden, an important medicinal plant in the field of homeopathy was subjected to 3 different heavy metals: cadmium, chromium and lead at a concentration range of 50 ppm to 250 ppm. The morphological parameters show a clear effect on the growth of the plant and its development, which includes the shoot length and root length reducing by more than 50 % and 25 % in the case of shoot and root respectively. Phytochemical analysis shows significant variation, including chlorophyll. The highest protein is seen in Cr 100 ppm (7.47 mg) and the lowest was found in Cd 250 ppm (0.38 mg). Proline, which is a stress-induced compound, was found to be highest in Pb 200 ppm (1.242 mg/mL) and least in Cr 50 ppm (0.368 mg/mL). The Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was seen to be highest in Cr 250 ppm (3.229 mg/g) and least in control (0.57 mg/g) and the Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) was found to be highest in Cd 100 ppm and least in control (0.04 mg/g) plant which includes root, shoot and leaf.
Safety standards in anesthesiology and during regional anesthesia: implementation in Ukraine
Authors: Bielka K. Yu. , Kuchyn Yu. L. , Semenko N. M.
Published: April 2024

Patient safety in surgical settings is an integral part of the further sustainable development of medicine in Ukraine. This is key in times of the war and post-war state when the budget deficit at all levels of public administration and health care is significant and may grow significantly in the future.
Medical errors during anesthetic management and surgery are particularly costly and significantly burden the health care system. Even the wealthiest economies cannot afford such mistakes. The price is particularly high for Ukrainian realities, and these mistakes are fatal for our health care.
For this review, the authors used the electronic databases MEDLINE and Embase. 15 studies were included in the review.
A part of the data was also included from the department research. Demonstration of own results is limited, as the data have already been published in other publications or materials are in the reviewing process.
Basic monitoring according to the WHO standards / World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) is mainly used in hospitals of European Union countries. Results are close to 100 % for pulseoximetry and blood pressure, 98 % for electrocardiography, and 96 % for capnography. In Ukraine, monitoring methods do not have critical differences, except for a slightly lower (73.7 %) spread of capnography and ECG monitoring (83.4 %).
The situation is less encouraging in the context of regional anesthesia. In Ukraine, the situation is much worse. According to the survey conducted by our department, ultrasound navigation is available in only 67 % of hospitals. There is also a low level of taking safety measures, which include checklists, training, and clinical analyzes of errors.
Conclusions. According to the data of this literature review, the components of the Declaration of Helsinki on safety in anesthesiology are gradually being implemented in Ukraine, the use of the WHO checklist “Safe surgery” and safety standards of regional anesthesia is spreading.
The main directions for further development are the education of physicians and other staff on patient safety, the approval of national standards and monitoring of their implementation in practice, the creation of a notification and audit system for complications and critical incidents during anesthesia.
Oncological standards in the treatment of diffuse inflammatory diseases of the colon
Authors: Poyda O. I. , Melnyk V. M.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To improve the effectiveness of cancer prevention and the results of surgical treatment in diffuse inflammatory diseases of the colon by identifying and using risk factors for malignancy, improving diagnostic methods, surgical strategy and tactics.
Materials and methods. Using generally accepted oncological standards, 36 patients with diffuse inflammatory diseases of the colon were operated on. There were 20 (55.6 %) patients with ulcerative colitis and 16 (44.4 %) with Crohn’s disease of the colon. There were 19 (52.7 %) men and 17 (47.3 %) women. The patients’ age ranged from 21 to 56 years. When performing surgical interventions, we were guided by the studied risk factors for malignancy, the provisions of the surgical strategy and tactics, that included the indication choice, the surgical intervention extent, and the ensuring of oncoprevention.
Results. The use of oncological standards, provisions of surgical strategy and tactics prevented the occurrence of postoperative mortality, malignancy of precancerous conditions, contributed to a decrease in the incidence of early postoperative complications to 5 (13.9 %), locoregional recurrence to 1 (2.8 %).
Conclusions. Determination of risk factors for malignancy, improvement of diagnostic methods, surgical strategy and tactics in diffuse inflammatory diseases of the colon contribute to the timely detection of precancerous conditions, malignancy and colon cancer, justification for the feasibility of performing surgical interventions using generally accepted oncological standards. Performing surgical interventions with the use of generally accepted oncological standards, proven provisions of strategy and tactics have made it possible to prevent the occurrence of malignization of precancerous conditions, cases of postoperative mortality, reduce the frequency of early postoperative complications to 5 (13.9 %) and locoregional recurrences to 1 (2.8 %).
Dynamics of clinical manifestations of gonarthritis in overweight hypertensive women under the influence of complex therapy
Authors: Pidlubna A. M. , Gapon K. V.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of clinical manifestations of gonarthritis in women with hypertension and overweight under the influence of complex therapy.
Materials and methods. A two-stage study was conducted on the effectiveness of Rosuvastatin and Arginine in the complex therapy for patients with gonarthritis in combination with hypertension and excess body weight. At the first stage, on the basis of the inpatient Rheumatology Department, 198 women hospitalized in the period 2018–2020 were prospectively examined after receiving their informed consent. The follow-up study of the second stage (2019–2021) was carried out at the outpatient department. At the follow-up stage, 134 women were examined. Depending on the accompanying pathology, the patients were divided into three groups.
Results. The use of the proposed treatment option in the complex treatment for selected contingent of patients contributed to a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with movement restriction in Group 2 and Group 3 by 62.21 % and 52.12 %, pain during active movements by 24.89 % and 52.12 % and swelling of the joints by 13.8% and 12.65 %, respectively; a decrease in IL-6 levels in Group 2 and Group 3 by 3.64 and 1.36 times, CRP by 1.97 and 1.12 times, and an increase in IL-10 by 3.57 and 1.62 times, respectively; improvements in WOMAC scores in all studied groups with a significant increase in Group 2 and Group 3.
Conclusions. The combination of Rosuvastatin 20 mg per day for the 3-month course and Arginine 100 ml intravenously No. 10 with subsequent oral administration of 5 ml 4 times daily for 1 month has been found to increase the effectiveness of treatment for patients with gonarthritis combined with hypertension and overweight, reduce the intensity and duration of joint pain syndrome and significantly improve the functional capacity of joints.
Application of virtual navigation in the treatment of macro-re-entrant atrial tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Yakushev A. V. , Podluzhnyi M. S.
Published: April 2024

Macro-re-entrant atrial tachyarrhythmias occupy the leading positions in the structure of tachyarrhythmias, and one of the most common in this group is atrial flutter. These abnormal rhythms lead to a significant decrease in the quality of patients’ life, and sometimes, indirectly due to complications, can lead to disability and fatal consequences. Medical treatment for this group of arrhythmias has limited effectiveness, and the surgical method of treatment – catheter ablation – comes to the first place. Ablation of atrial flutter is traditionally performed under the guidance of fluoroscopy without the use of a navigation system, but this is associated with increased radiation exposure to patients and staff. Advances in modern arrhythmology make it possible to create anatomical models of heart chambers and activation models of the excitation spreading along anatomical models, reducing the radiation load, but requiring additional equipment and skills.
Aim: to compare the procedure duration and radiation load during radiofrequency catheter ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus using 3D navigation with traditional methods.
Materials and methods. The work was based on the analysis of treatment results in 84 patients at National M. Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery affiliated to National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine in the period from 2014 to 2021. Depending on the imaging method, patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 31 patients who underwent radiofrequency cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation according to the traditional method under fluoroscopic control without using a navigation system. Group II comprised 27 patients in whom an anatomical model of the right atrium was created.
Results. Success criteria were achieved in all groups, bidirectional block line was created at the level of the CTI. In group I, the average time from the first application to the restoration of sinus rhythm was 325 ± 25 s with an average number of applications of 7.4 ± 0.6 (from 5 to 10). The average procedure time was 43.0 ± 3.3 min, with an average X-ray time of 572 ± 44 s and an average dose area product (DAP) was 62.0 ± 5.0 Gy.cm2. In group II, the total duration of the first stage of the intervention was 312 ± 26 s. The average time to stopping tachycardia and restoring sinus rhythm was 230 ± 19 s. The average time from sinus rhythm restoration to confirmation of bidirectional CTI block was 71 ± 6 s with an average number of applications of 3.2 ± 3.0 per the procedure. The average procedure time was 41.5 ± 3.5 min, the average X-ray time was 120 ± 10 s, the average DAP was 15.0 ± 1.3 Gy.cm2.
Conclusions. The usage of the anatomical model of the right atrium reduces X-ray exposure by 75.8 %, in comparison to the traditional technique, during radiofrequency catheter ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus with similar procedure time. The anatomical model can be recommended for ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus.
Historical and current aspects of angiovisualization methods in CАD (a literature review)
Authors: Hubka V. O. , Vailo Yu. M. , Materukhin A. M. , Makarenkov A. L.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the work. To summarize and expand knowledge about current methods used for visualization of coronary arteries, their evolution, capabilities, effectiveness, indications for use, safety for patients, guided by the principles of evidence-based medicine.
Coronary artery disease (CАD) is an extremely common clinical cardiovascular disease, which is caused by atherosclerosis of the subepicardial coronary arteries (CAs) and can have both acute and chronic course. The incidence of CАD is increasing every year and getting younger. CАD has not only a high morbidity rate, but also a high mortality rate. In Ukraine, mortality from CАD is the main cause of population mortality. Without timely diagnosis and effective treatment, myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death may develop.
It is possible to ascertain the etiological cause of myocardial ischemia only after visualization of the СAs. A practicing physician is able to visualize the СAs using X-ray contrast coronary angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest. СA visualization methods have been used in clinical practice for more than half a century. The hardware and software are constantly upgraded, the diagnostic options of these methods are improved and expanded, and recommendations regarding their use in general clinical practice are updated. The main task for clinicians is to confirm or rule out the presence of a СA atherosclerotic lesion, as well as to determine its localization, extent, degree of stenosis and its significance for coronary blood flow, the presence of СA calcification, collateral pathways, plaque composition and its internal structure. Only after identifying the anatomical and physiological aspects of the atherosclerotic process in СA, it is possible to choose the right strategy for the treatment of patients by a multidisciplinary heart team including pharmacological therapy, a method of cardiac revascularization, and measures for primary or secondary prevention.
Conclusions. CАD is a common disease worldwide. Today, two methods of the CА visualization are available – invasive coronary angiography and non-invasive coronary CT angiography. Further research is needed on the efficacy and safety of different СA imaging methods in CAD. Better results of the diagnostic search depend on both the capabilities of the clinic hardware component and on the optimal sequence for diagnostic processes rationally constructed by physicians.
Determination of left ventricular ejection fraction and C-reactive protein by the state of ischemic myocardium – capabilities of ECG digitalization
Authors: Tashchuk V. K. , Malinevska-Biliichuk O. V.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To determine the dependence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on the condition of ischemic myocardium considering additional diagnostic data, obtained from differentiated ECG.
Material and methods. To achieve the goal, 135 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were examined and divided into comparison groups: 48 patients with LVEF <55 % and 87 patients with LVEF ≥55 %. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was diagnosed in 45 of 135 patients, who were grouped according to LVEF: 17 patients with LVEF <50 % and 28 patients with LVEF ≥50 %. Stable angina (SA) was documented in 90 of 135 patients, who were assigned to groups depending on LVEF: 51 patients with LVEF <60 % and 39 patients with LVEF ≥60 %. Depending on the CRP level, 2 SA groups numbering 46 people were formed: 18 patients with a level of CRP ≥0.5 mg/dL and 28 patients with a level of CRP <0.5 mg/dL. The study included clinical examinations, questionnaire, analysis of biomarkers and data of functional methods of examination (echocardiography, coronary ventriculography, ECG digitalization with the assessment of its parameters based on the “Smart-ECG” medical software platform).
Results. Patients with CAD and LVEF<55 % had higher values of endothelin-1 (ET-1) (10.21 (7.69; 11.65) pg/ml, Δ +41.81 %, p = 0.040), slightly higher levels of CRP (0.53 (0.35; 0.70) mg/dL, Δ +51.43 %, p = 0.124), lower the maximum speed ratio (MSR) (0.71 ± 0.03, Δ -15.48 %, p = 0.004), but a greater height of the ST-slope (STH) in the ischemic zone on the differentiated ECG (0.65 ± 0.04 mm, Δ +25.00 %, p = 0.022), than those in patients with LVEF ≥55 %. In the STEMI group with LVEF <50 %, slightly higher STH values were noted during the period of maximum elevation of the ST segment on the differentiated ECG (2.51 (1.90; 3.16) mm, Δ +30.05 %, p = 0.060) as compared to the group with LVEF ≥50 %. SA patients with LVEF <60 % had a tendency to higher levels of CRP (0.50 (0.29; 0.67) mg/dL, Δ +51.52 %, p = 0.076) and ET-1 (9.15 (7.00; 11.18) pg/ml, Δ +28.69 %, p = 0.075) in comparison with LVEF ≥60 % group. Patients with SA and a CRP level ≥0.5 mg/dL had higher ET-1 values (10.83 (9.94; 12.64) pg/ml, Δ +58.10 %, p < 0.001), lower values of MSR on the differentiated ECG in the ischemic zone (0.63 (0.52, 0.74) , Δ -41.12 %, p = 0.001) as compared to those in the CRP <0.5 mg/dL group. The negative direction of the T wave and various types of rhythm disturbances in SA patients led to more significant decrease in MSR indicator of the differentiated ECG.
Conclusions. Values of LVEF <55 % in CAD, LVEF <50 % in STEMI, LVEF <60 % in SA, CRP ≥0.5 mg/dL in SA are associated with worse indicators of clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination that allow to describe the condition of ischemic myocardium, and the ECG digitalization based on the medical software “Smart-ECG” allows to expand the diagnostic capabilities.
Patho-specific assessment of the quality of life using the ASTA protocol after radiofrequency ablation for atrial tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Yakushev A. V. , Podluzhnyi M. S.
Published: April 2024

Atrial tachyarrhythmias cause highly symptomatic conditions and have a negative impact on the patients’ quality of life (QoL). In the management of such patients, it is particularly important to consider not only objective indicators, but also the subjective well-being of patients and their everyday life. The patho-specific questionnaire for assessing the QoL is the ASTA symptom scale.
The aim of the work was to conduct a patho-specific assessment of the QoL using the ASTA protocol after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial tachyarrhythmias on the example of performed cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) RFA among patients with typical atrial flutter.
Materials and methods. In total, 135 patients from the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery were asked to complete the ASTA questionnaire before CTI RFA and during two follow-up visits in the period from 2014 to 2021. To assess the patients’ QoL, a statistical analysis was performed in accordance with the 6th part of chapters 2 and 3.
Results. When analyzing complaints, statistically significant changes were found in all aspects compared to the initial state (p < 0.05). The most noticeable changes were related to the anxiety level and heart failure manifestations, in particular, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, weakness and exhaustion (p < 0.0001). The least but also statistically significant changes were associated with comorbid pathologies. Analyzing the third chapter, positive statistically significant dynamics were observed in all characteristics during the control period.
After RFA, the patients reported improvements in their QoL, decreased level of depression and restored physical activity (p < 0.0001). There was also a significant improvement in social life, as there were no more restrictions in spending time with relatives and friends (p < 0.0001). In addition, there was an improvement in the ability to concentrate and in the working capacity (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions. Atrial tachyarrhythmias significantly affect the QoL of patients, including their emotional, physical state and social integration, worsening the daily lives of the study participants.
A clinical example of using a carbon-carbon composite to replace a femur diaphyseal defect
Authors: Chornyi V. M. , Pertsov V. I.
Published: April 2024

A separate direction in osteosynthesis is the study on the possibilities of bone union after tumor resection. In this regard, the issue of using implants made of metals, polymers, and carbon, which have a high bone binding affinity, is on the agenda for modern oncological orthopedics. Studying carbon composite materials has shown practical effectiveness of their medical use, in particular in orthopedics and traumatology, that can be applied to replace bone defects in oncological traumatology.
Aim. To determine the possibility of using carbon composite materials in the femur defect replacement after tumor resection.
Clinical case. A case of using an implant made of the carbon composite material for a patient with right femur osteosarcoma and a pathological femoral middle-third fracture is presented.
The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The patient signed the written informed consent form for the study.
Conclusions. The results of using the implant made of the carbon composite material have shown its permeability to X-rays and potential use for bone defect replacement in oncological traumatology.
Perioperative pain management in thoracic surgery and side effects in the early postoperative period
Authors: Poniatovska H. B. , Dubrov S. O. , Poniatovskyi P. L. , Sereda S. O. , Denysiuk M. V. , Cherniaiev S. V. , Kotliar A. O.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To study the impact of various methods of perioperative pain management on the frequency of postoperative complications in patients with lung cancer after thoracotomy.
Materials and methods. The study involved 157 patients who were divided into 4 groups. Multimodal analgesia (MA) group: according to the concept of preemptive analgesia, patients received 1000 mg paracetamol IV 1 hour before surgery and 50 mg dexketoprofen IV; in the postoperative period, dexketoprofen and paracetamol were administered every 8 hours as well as epidural analgesia: 40 mg of 2 % lidocaine solution after a catheter was placed and continuous ropivacaine infusion at a dose of 2 mg/ml (6–14 ml/h) in the postoperative period. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) group: epidural analgesia: administration of 40 mg of 2 % lidocaine solution after catheter placement, continuous ropivacaine infusion in the postoperative period at a dose of 2 mg/ml (6–14 ml/h). Preemptive analgesia (PA) group: according to the concept of preemptive analgesia – 1000 mg IV paracetamol 1 hour before surgery as well as 50 mg IV dexketoprofen; in the postoperative period, dexketoprofen and paracetamol were administered every 8 hours. Control group (C): patients received 50 mg IV dexketoprofen for postoperative analgesia. If the severity of the pain syndrome was more than 50 mm according to the visual analogue scale (VAS), patients of all groups were given 10 mg IV morphine. The study involved the registration of side effects in the postoperative period.
Results. Among 157 patients, complications in the postoperative period were observed in 61 patients (38.85 %). The frequency of complications in MA group was 10.8 % of the total number of patients, in TEA group – 12.7 %, PA – 6.4 %, and in C group – 8.9 %. The most common complaint among TEA group patients was injection-site itching (13.5 %). PA group patients had a significantly lower number of complications compared to TEA group (p = 0.035). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of nausea or urinary retention in patients of all groups (p > 0.05). No difference was noted in the number of pulmonary complications depending on the method of perioperative analgesia (p > 0.05). 31 patients (75.6 %) of PA group did not have any complications, that was significantly different from TEA (p = 0.021) and MA (p = 0.039) patient groups.
Conclusions. The use of paracetamol and dexketoprofen combination in the perioperative period allows to reduce (p = 0.035) the total number of postoperative anesthetic complications compared to the use of only thoracic epidural analgesia. The use of a multimodal approach combining epidural analgesia and administration of paracetamol and dexketoprofen does not reduce (p > 0.05) the overall frequency of complications compared to patients without epidural analgesia.
Study of fatty acid-binding protein and Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes levels in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome
Authors: Cherniavskyi V. V. , Didyk O. K.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was to examine serum levels of liver and intestinal fatty acid-binding proteins (L-FABP and I-FABP), fecal numbers of Bacteroidetes (B) and Firmicutes (F) in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Т2DM) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) syndrome.
Materials and methods. The prospective, interventional, randomized study included 51 patients with MAFLD in combination with Т2DM, who were examined and divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 24 patients with MAFLD and Т2DM without SIBO. Group 2 was comprised of 27 patients with MAFLD in combination with Т2DM and SIBO. The control group included 20 apparently healthy individuals. Serum levels of L-FABP and I-FABP were measured by ELISA method using the Human L-FABP and I-FABP ELISA Kit test systems, respectively (Elabscience, USA). Fecal numbers of B and F were determined by real-time PCR. Bacterial DNA was detected in a thermal cycler Rotor-Gene 6000 (QIAGEN, Germany) using DNA 16S rRNA primers and NanoDrop ND-8000 reagents (Thermo Scientific, USA).
Results. To assess the state of intestinal permeability, serum levels of L-FABP and I-FABP were examined and numbers of phylum F and В as well as their ratio were calculated. Patients of both groups have been found to have increased serum levels of L-FABP, I-FABP, numbers of B in fecal samples and decreased numbers of F and F/B ratio.
Conclusions. The study results obtained have revealed increased intestinal permeability and demonstrated an important diagnostic value of serum L-FABP and I-FABP as a biomarker of intestinal permeability in diabetic MAFLD patients with or without SIBO. Increased fecal numbers of Bacteroidetes, decreased numbers of Firmicutes and F/B ratio have been detected in diabetic MAFLD patients with or without SIBO.
Dependency between local carotid arterial stiffness and the presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid basin in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Syvolap V. V. , Bohun A. O.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To assess the impact of atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) on the local arterial stiffness of the common carotid arteries (CCA) in patients with stage II hypertension (HTN) in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Materials and methods. The study included 37 patients with stage II HTN and T2DM (mean age 60.4 ± 10.7; 66.7 % male). Patients were divided into two groups: 20 individuals with ASP and <50 % stenosis in the carotid basin, 17 without ASP. The study involved a clinical examination, body weight and percentage of adipose tissue (AT) measurements, analysis of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism laboratory parameters, echocardiography, CCA ultrasound examination with the determination of local stiffness and intima-media complex thickness (IMT). Statistical analysis was performed, significant differences were considered at p < 0.05.
Results. The whole-body AT percentage <39.51 % increases the odds ratio (OR) of ASP by 6 times (p = 0.02), an exceeding compliance coefficient (CC) over 0.68 mm2/kPa – by 12.7 times (p = 0.02), right CCA-IMT of over 639 µm – by 1.012 times (p = 0.001), and the factors are mutually reinforcing in the multivariate models and independent of age, sex, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin level. Ascending aorta dilatation of over 3.34 cm increases the OR of ASP by 11.6 times (p = 0.0107); the factor is enhanced after adjusting for elevated total cholesterol levels over >6.35 mmol/l (p = 0.036) and independent of age and sex. A greater left CCA diameter of more than 8.59 mm (p < 0.019) and right CCA diameter of more than 8.1 mm (p < 0.0001) increases the OR of ASP by 3.7 times (p = 0.001) and 6.6 times (p = 0.0013), respectively, the factor influence increases after adjusting for elevated total cholesterol levels over >6.35 mmol/l (p = 0.031) and it is also unaffected by age and sex.
Conclusions. In individuals with stage II HTN and T2DM, the presence of CA atherosclerosis with stenosis up to 50 % is associated with a significantly increased CCA and ascending aorta diameter, a decreased percentage of AT, and an increased compliance coefficient of plaque-free wall segments.
Prognostic value of activin A level in patients with advanced lung cancer and sarcopenia
Authors: Kechedzhyiev V. V.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this work is to determine the prognostic role of activin A in patients with advanced lung cancer and sarcopenia.
Materials and methods. Forty patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma who received treatment in the medical center “ONCOLIFE” from 2020 to 2022 were studied. Computed tomography (CT) was used to measure skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra level expressed in cm2/m2. The criteria for sarcopenia using CT was <55 cm2/m2 for men and <39 cm2/m2 for women. Determination of activin A (DAC00B, RnD Systems) was carried out by the immunoenzymatic method based on using the “sandwich” variant of solid-phase immunoenzymatic analysis.
Results. Overall survival in patients with a high level of activin A was worse than in patients with a low level (22.7 % vs. 64.2 % respectively; p = 0.017 by the log-rank test).
Conclusions. A high level of activin A in the blood plasma can contribute to the worsening of the severity of sarcopenia, thereby affecting the survival of cancer patients. Understanding and finding new molecular targets underlying muscle atrophy will help identify new potential for treating patients with advanced cancer.
The role of sodium – glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in the treatment of different phenotypes of chronic heart failure
Authors: Kolesnyk M. Yu. , Maistrovych Ya. Yu.
Published: April 2024

The number of patients with chronic heart failure syndrome is steadily increasing worldwide and Ukraine is not an exception. About 50 % of patients with heart failure have preserved ejection fraction of left ventricle. Recently, there has been significant progress in the diagnosis of this phenotype of heart failure, many diagnostic scales and practice-oriented algorithms have been developed, but the issue of treatment of chronic heart failure remains open.
Aim of the study. To summarize and analyze the results of large-scale randomized trials and to discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the “pleiotropiс” effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are the first class of antidiabetic drugs that have demonstrated improved cardiovascular prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Conclusions. The necessity of prescribing sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in a cohort of patients with heart failure, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction, has the highest level of evidence. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Further trials will allow us to identify new mechanisms of action and establish potential relationships between them.
Approval of a comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation program for patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Authors: Kushnir Yu. A.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the work is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive program of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Materials and methods. The study involved 168 patients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia: 94 patients who underwent a comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation program (main group) and 74 patients who underwent a course of therapy according to the traditional scheme (control group). The criteria that evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive program of psychosocial rehabilitation in patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia were: clinical dynamics of negative disorders, the degree of improvement/deterioration of compliance and social functioning, and the degree of restoration of basic life functions. Psychometric (Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS), Personal and Social Functioning (PSP), Level of Compliance questionnaire, and the Severity of Negative Symptoms (SANS)) and statistical research methods were used to assess effectiveness.
Results. The proposed scheme of a complex program of psychosocial rehabilitation is based on the principles of a complex, individually oriented and differentiated approach, and its targets are defined as clinical manifestations of negative symptoms in schizophrenia, impaired social adaptation, communication skills, decreased motivational sphere, compliance and impaired social functioning. Rehabilitation is implemented in four stages: diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitation and preventive. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia was proven, which consisted in a more pronounced reduction of clinical manifestations of abulia, anhedonia, inattention, reduction of distress and social avoidance, improvement of social functioning in the main spheres of life, and improvement of social and behavioral compliance.
Conclusions. The developed comprehensive program of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia has shown its effectiveness and can be used in psychocorrective measures aimed at treating patients with negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
THE MODERATING ROLE OF UNCERTAINTY IN THE IMPACT OF R&D EXPENDITURES ON ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION
Authors: Özcan Sami , Kurt Emine Serap , Tan Ömer Faruk , Cavlak Hakan
Published: April 2024

This study examines the moderating effect of uncertainty on the relationship between firms' research and development (R&D) expenditures and environmental innovation. Firms in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, which are the first four largest economies in the European Union, are analyzed. A panel Tobit regression model is used to evaluate data from 102 that are involved in the consumer cyclicals, industry, energy, and raw materials sectors between 2006 and 2019. The findings indicate that while uncertainty plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between R&D spending and environmental innovation, R&D expenditures itself has a positive impact on environmental innovation. The research results on the relationship between uncertainty, R&D, and environmental innovation offer valuable insights for academics and policymakers. Additionally, these findings contribute to the expanding ESG literature by highlighting how uncertainty can diminish the positive effects of firms' R&D investments on environmental innovation in the specified countries.
A “Creating God” Experience of Chinese Film Industry and Aesthetics: Conversation with Wuershan, Director of Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms
Authors: Chen Xuguang
Published: April 2024

Wuershan is a well-known Chinese film director, screenwriter, and producer, who is known for his directorial blockbusters The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordman (Daojianxiao, 2011); Painted Skin: The Resurrection (HuapiⅡ, 2012); Mojin: The Lost Legend (Guichuideng Zhi Xunlongjue, 2015); and Creation of the Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms (Feng shen: zhao ge feng yun, 2023). This interview was conducted between Wuershan and Xuguang Chen on October 12th, 2023 in Wuershan’s Director Studio, Beijing. In this in-depth interview, they focused on the experience of the Chinese film industry and the aesthetics of Creation of the Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms. First, they discussed industrialized operations of filmmaking in terms of film creativity, screenwriting, production, and casting. Second, they emphasized the classical aesthetic elements involved in the movie, including selection criteria and their creative transformation, and the inheritance and innovation of traditional values. They also analyzed the characters and stories of the movie in the third part, which are derived from Chinese historical texts, and rewritten to meet the requirements of both a mythological movie framework and the contemporary times. And then they explored the role of technology in cinema, the place of authorship within the system, and the consumption of imaginative films. In the end, they discussed the issue of cross-media operations and the international communication of Chinese films.
Forgetting Atrocity in East Africa
Authors: Purdeková Andrea
Published: April 2024

East Africa presents striking examples of the different ways in which states may seek to promote forgetting through control or suppression of memories of mass violence. In Rwanda, the 1994 genocide is intensively memorialized, yet violence committed by the ruling party is not part of the official history. In Burundi, a power-sharing deal to end a civil war led to the erasure of memory through deliberate neglect. In Kenya, sites of terrorist violence have been fortified and reopened in the name of resilience—a form of triumphalist amnesia. Yet in each country, citizens practice informal varieties of commemoration.
Niger’s Long Cycle of Poverty and Coups
Authors: Miles William F. S.
Published: April 2024

In July 2023, Niger experienced the latest in a long series of military coups. Now afflicted by climate change, the country continues to rank as one of the poorest in the world. Poverty and perceptions of corruption limit public confidence in democratic governance. Led by Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on the new junta and threatened a military intervention, adding to the suffering of the population. But ECOWAS eventually backed down, while the junta moved to cut off antiterrorism cooperation with France and the United States, embracing Russia instead, following a trend set by other recent coups across the Sahel.
Why Zimbabweans Choose to Migrate or Stay
Authors: Jaji Rose
Published: April 2024

Economic and political turmoil has driven many Zimbabweans abroad, but others choose to hustle for a living at home rather than risk the strains of family separation or the financial uncertainties of emigration.
Enhancing students’ motivation in studying mathematics disciplines: The effectiveness of applying contextual and gaming technologies
Authors:   Ulaanbaatar branch of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Yumova Tsyrenkhanda Zhembeevna , Yumov Igor Bimbaevich ,   D. Banzarov Buryat State University, Bulgatova Elena Nikolaevna ,   University of Sanya, Garmaeva Tuyana Igorevna ,   Municipal Autonomous Educational Institution (MAEI) "Secondary General Education School No. 60 of Social Adaptation of Disabled Children"
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Russian and international research investigations conducted on the problem of using game and contextual technologies in education have proven their effectiveness in obtaining certain knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as developing logical thinking. However, previous works have not suggested effective interactive game and contextual trainings that teach teamwork, improve communication skills and increase students’ interest in studying the subject. The aim of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of using contextual and game technologies in enhancing students’ motivation to studying mathematics disciplines. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted using the following methods: review and analysis of international and Russian scholarly literature on the research problem, tests, questionnaires, educational experiments. Results. The authors studied and analysed Russian and international scholarly literature and conducted theoretical and methodological research. The analysis of test results revealed that the knowledge obtained by means of contextual techniques and games contributes to enhancing motivation to studying mathematics disciplines. The analysis of the survey data showed that technologies are useful in learning, develop logical and analytical thinking, help to develop cognitive abilities, curiosity, attention and intelligence, as well as the ability to acquire knowledge independently. It is emphasized that practice-oriented tasks developed by the authors, aimed at integrating mathematical principles into real situations and problems in various fields of knowledge, facilitate the development of professional competences in future professionals. The authors note that the results of using the developed educational tools were tested in academic groups where the authors conducted practical classes. Conclusions. The article concludes about the effectiveness of using contextual and game learning techniques in developing logical and practice-oriented thinking and encouraging students to study mathematics disciplines.
Effect of Aquatic Exercises on Strength and Quality of Life in Sarcopenia Older Individuals
Authors: Çetin Büşra , Menteş Aslı Nur
Published: April 2024

Abstract

There are various definitions of sarcopenia. Among them, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP) has defined sarcopenia as "a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which carries the risk of unwanted consequences such as physical disability, poor quality of life and death". As a person ages, various changes occur in the skeletal muscle. Nutrition is one of the important factors affecting muscle mass and is a characteristic feature of the continuous loss of muscular mass in the aging process. However, sarcopenia, defined as age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, leads to a deterioration in muscle quantity and quality, gradual slowdown in movements, decreased strength and performance, increased risk of fall-associated injury, and often a decrease in body weight. Treatment options for sarcopenia include lifestyle changes, including physical activity and exercise training, medical nutrition therapy, and pharmacological therapy. Aquatic exercises are a type of exercise that involves the use of all the muscles of the body in a vertical position in the water, opposing the resistance of the water to its own body weight, while cardio and strength training are performed in parallel. Eliminating the risk of falling in sarcopene individuals, working against their own body weight and water resistance can reduce muscle stress while increasing their strength. Healthy lifestyle patterns, proper nutrition and proper exercise programs are effective in preventing sarcopenia and at every stage of the treatment.