bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoarthrosis and Combined Pathology: Features of Pathogenesis (Literature Review)
Authors:   Bukovinian State Medical University, Internal Medicine Department. 4А, Chornomorsʹka St., Chernivtsi 58022, Ukraine, Sokolova I. I. , Fediv O. I.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study. Identification of key links in the pathogenesis, which will improve the diagnostic and treatment approaches in such patients. Materials and methods. Analytical and bibliosemantic methods were used in the research. Results. Modern scientists are actively discussing the problems of providing medical care to patients who, in addition to the underlying disease, have an aggravating effect of concomitant, combined pathology. Interestingly, in the publications of domestic literature we find the terms "combined", "concomitant", "combined" pathology. The English-speaking scientific community uses the terms - "comorbidity" when it comes to damage to 2 organs or systems and "multimorbidity" when more than 3 diseases. The problem of combined pathologies is one of the key in modern medicine. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in Ukraine and around the world. Exhausting degenerative-dystrophic pathology, which is combined with high personal and socio-economic burden. According to the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the International Society for the Study of Osteoarthritis (OARSI), it is known that a middle-aged patient with osteoarthritis has 4 combined pathologies, including In addition to osteoarthritis, up to 8 other chronic diseases are diagnosed in old age. In clinical practice, a combination of this disease with hypertension and type 2 diabetes is often observed. However, there are still many differences in the opinion of scientists about the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis with combined pathologies. Conclusions. Scientific research in the modern world is aimed at studying the complex relationships between diseases that are often found in combination in the same patient. During the research the data of modern domestic and foreign literature were reviewed and analyzed and data on new ideas of common links in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which combines disorders in the system of oxidant-antioxidant, protease-antiprotease imbalance, proteolytic and fibrinolytic activities of blood plasma, changes in endothelial function, impaired mineral metabolism, the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the further development of chronic inflammation with the activation of cytokine synthesis. The information presented in the review is a reason to assume that the combined pathologies show the potential for complicating each other, complicating the diagnosis and treatment tactics
To the Question about the Methods Used in Combustiology Practice to Assess the Condition of Patients and Predict General and Local Complications
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Department of General and Clinical Pathology. 6, Svobody Sq., Kharkiv 61022, Ukraine, Shapoval О. V. , Komaromi N. А. , Patsatsyia M. M.
Published: December 2021

The aim. The article is devoted to the methods used in combustiology practice to assess the condition of patients and predict general and local complications. Results. With severe thermal trauma, there is a risk of developing life-threatening conditions in the victims, in particular, sepsis and multiple organ failure. Informative for assessing the course of burn disease is a modified scale of physiological disorders, which takes into account the syndrome of systemic inflammatory response, endogenous intoxication during periods of toxemia and septicotoxemia, and concomitant pathology. The development of intoxication in severe burn injuries requires determining the degree of severity of the process and its assessment in dynamics. The toxicity of blood plasma is studied by the resistance of red blood cell membranes in the acid hemolysis reaction, indicators of the red blood cell intoxication index, and the content of universal markers of intoxication, in particular, medium-weight molecules. Methods for biosensor indication of cytotoxic factors have also been developed. Assessment of the severity of the condition of victims with burns and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy is carried out taking into account the level of procalcitonin and presepsin. To determine the effect of the wound process on the formation of early sepsis in patients with burns in the capillary zone of thermal damage, the content of homocysteine, endothelin and nitric oxide is studied. To assess the severity of the condition of burn patients and predict the development of complications, the values of integral hematological indices are informative. Reliable data on the depth of a burn wound are obtained using thermotopometry and pH measurement of burn wounds, the method of magnetic resonance imaging. In order to assess violations and dynamics of blood supply restoration in the area of thermal damage, the method of laser Doppler flowmetry and optical tissue oximetry is used. Determination of interstitial pressure in burns of the extremities and intra-abdominal pressure in common burns is a way to predict the development of compartment syndrome. To monitor the patient's glycemic status, it is proposed to determine the level of glycosylated hemoglobin. Microbiological research data is used to predict the risk of developing general complications of burn disease, as well as – together with cytological data and methods for determining the maturity of granulation tissue – to assess the readiness of granulating wounds for autodermoplasty. Conclusion. The development of new effective ways to predict and prevent the development of complications in burns is promising
Features of Blood Supply to the Bones of the Lower Leg in the Ankle Joint Region
Authors:   Bukovinian State Medical University, Pathological Anatomy Department. 5a, Rivnensʹka Str., apt. 47, Chernivtsi 58013, Ukraine, Oliinyk I. Yu. , Tsyhykalo O. V. , Koval O. A.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to investigate the topography of permeable (nutrition) arteries in the lower third of leg during human ontogenesis. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on 30 specimens of human prefetuses and fetuses aged 3-9 months of prenatal development; 28 bone specimens of adult tibia and fibula and 27 series of computerized tomography scans of lower extremities of adults aged 21-72 were used. We have used a complex of methods for morphological research: anthropometry, morphometry, macromicroscopy, injections of blood vessels of X-ray contrasting mixtures, three-dimensional reconstruction and statistical analysis. Results and discussion. Cartilage osteogenesis occurs in the prefetal period of prenatal human development, in which blood vessels play a crucial morphofunctional role. During endochondral ossification of the tibia, the vessels of the bone cuff grow into the diaphysis of the cartilaginous model of the bone and osteogenic cells go beyond their limits. In the third trimester of prenatal development, blood vessels grow into the epiphyseal part of the cartilaginous model and an epiphyseal centre of ossification forms. Between the epiphysis and diaphysis centers of ossification, a metaphysical growth plate forms that develops intraosseous anastomosis between the diaphyseal and metaphysical blood vessels. In the metaphysis region, there are extra-skeletal anastomoses. Often, the insertion of nutrition arteries into the bone of the tibia is usually the middle third of bones (55%) and distal metaphysis (37%). In 10%, there were nutrition foramina in the upper third of the tibia. Three-dimensional reconstruction also clearly shows a more extensive and developed network of vessels in the bone marrow canal in metaphysical regions. In the middle third of the tibia and fibula, 1-3 nutrient foramina can be traced on most specimens. On the fibular, in addition to the posterior-medial localization of the nutrient arteries, there were variants with a "high" (above the metaphysis) placement of the entrance of the vessel into the bone substance. Conclusion. The most common places where arteries enter the bones of the lower leg are the middle third of the bones (55%) and the distal metaphysis (37%). In 10%, there were nutrient foramina in the upper third of the tibia. The three-dimensional reconstruction also clearly shows a more extensive and developed network of vessels in the bone marrow canal in metaphysical regions. During the postnatal period, we most often encountered the localization of nutritional arteries on the anterior-lateral surface of the tibia (23%), or their combination – the presence of both nutrient arteries on the posterior and medial bone surfaces (18.3%)
Macro-Microscopic Features of the Leg Muscles Innervation
Authors:   Kharkiv National Medical University, Human Anatomy Department. 4, Nauky avenue, Kharkiv 61022, Ukraine, Tereshchenko A. O. , Shyian D. M. ,   Kharkiv National Medical University, Human Anatomy Department. 4, Nauky avenue, Kharkiv 61022, Ukraine, Olyanich S. O. ,   Kharkiv International Medical University. 38, Molochna Str., Kharkiv 61001, Ukraine
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to disclose topographic anatomical features of the extra- and intramuscular innervation points of the leg. Materials and methods. 15 adult human subjects and one-month old baby legs at three levels were studied using such methods: cross-sections according to N.I. Pirogov technique, histotopographic sections, macro-microscopic method, histological staining with hematoxylin-eosin and Krutsay. Results. In our macro-microscopic study, the main attention was paid to the individual anatomical variability in the innervation of the lower leg muscles. Study of the nerves of the leg muscles allowed to clarify the course of the neurovascular bundle of the leg at its three levels, taking into account individual age characteristics, and also to show the myeloarchitectonics of both the main nerve trunks and their intramuscular branches. Such differences in the location of the leg muscles of an adult and of one month-old baby undoubtedly related to the fact that the child’s muscular belly is longer in relation to the tendon. The histotopography of intramuscular nerves on total transverse sections of antagonistic muscles was studied: flexor and extensor digitorum longus, longus flexor and extensor of the big toe, and also the spectrum of myelin fibers contained in these nerves in a one-month-old baby and an adult was investigated. On histotopographic sections of the extensor digitorum longus nerve in a one-month-old baby, thick-diameter myelin fibers are absent, whereas in the long finger flexor nerve, on average, they are 0.5%. The number of thin and medium is respectively 8%, 13% and 83.5%, 16%. However, we have determined individual anatomical variability in the location of the vessels in relation to the main nerve trunks, as well as differences in the topography of the nerve in the corresponding muscles. Conclusion. In the nerves of the leg muscles, features were found, both in quantitative and qualitative composition of the conductors forming them; in the nerves of the flexor muscles, the composition of the nerve fibers is more diverse (with a slight predominance of the number of medium, thick and very thick fibers), which is associated with the peculiarity of their functions; in adulthood, the % ratio in the spectrum of myelin fibers in the nerves of the lower leg changes significantly
Analysis of the Link between rs4977574 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the Long Non-Coding RNA ANRIL Gene and Prostate Cancer Development
Authors:   Sumy State University, Department of Surgery and Oncology. 25, Myra St., apt. 224, Sumy 40007, Ukraine, Volkogon A. D. , Harbuzova V. Yu. , Ataman O. V.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible association between ANRIL gene rs4977574-polymorphism and prostate cancer occurrence among men of the Ukrainian population. Materials and methods. A total of 250 males were enrolled in the study. Of these, the experimental group included 184 prostate cancer patients, and the control group included 66 men without a history of malignant tumors. Genotyping of the ANRIL rs4977574 locus was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The reaction was performed on a Quant Studio 5 DX Real-Time instrument (Applied Biosystems, USA) in the presence of TaqMan assays (TaqMan®SNP Assay C_31720978_30). The genotyping results were statistically processed using the SPSS software package (version 17.0). Values of p less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results and discussion. ANRIL (Antisense Non-coding RNA in the INK4 Locus), also known as CDKN2B-AS1, is a long non-coding RNA (3.8-kb) transcribed from the short arm of the human chromosome 9 (p21.3). ANRIL transcripts promote their main molecular effects through interaction with proteins of Polycomb repressive complex 1 and Polycomb repressive complex 2. Ultimately, this leads to epigenetic cis-inactivation of the tumor growth suppressor genes located in the Chr9p21 region: CDKN2A/p16INK4A, CDKN2A/p14ARF, CDKN2B/p15INK4B. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated the involvement of ANRIL in the development of malignant tumors of different localization. At the same time, there is almost no information about the role of the gene polymorphisms of this RNA in the occurrence of prostate cancer. The possible link between ANRIL gene polymorphism and prostate cancer risk in the Ukrainian population is not fully understood. It was found that the control men and prostate cancer patients did not differ significantly in the frequency of rs4977574-genotypes (p = 0.886). No significant difference was found during the corresponding comparison separately among persons with normal weight, overweight, without, and with the habit of smoking (p >0.05). Analysis of the association of different rs4977574 genotypes of the ANRIL gene with the risk of prostate cancer using logistic regression also did not show a reliable relationship under different models of inheritance, both before and after adjustment for age, body mass index and smoking (p >0.05). Conclusion. Thus, for the first time, we performed an analysis of the relation between ANRIL gene polymorphism and the development of malignant tumors of the genitourinary system in the Ukrainian population. The results showed that the polymorphic locus rs4977574 is not associated with the risk of prostate cancer
Prognostic Factors for the Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Patients with Ureterolithiasis
Authors:   Kharkiv National Medical University, Department of Urology, Nephrology and Andrology n. a. A.G. Podrez. 195, Moskovsky Ave., Kharkiv 61037, Ukraine, Kolupayev S. M. , Andonieva N. M. , Lisova G. V.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the work was to study prognostic factors for the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with ureterolithiasis. Materials and methods. The study included 53 patients with ureteral stones up to 2 cm in size. All patients underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy under ultrasound control, with a pulse rate of 90 per minute and a maximum number of pulses of 2000 per session. The outcome of treatment was evaluated by ultrasound on day 5 after the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy session. If there were stone fragments larger than 5 mm, a second extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy session was performed. Treatment was considered effective in the absence of stone fragments in the urinary tract 4 weeks after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Results and discussion. The data were analyzed to identify clinical and radiological factors associated with treatment failure. As a result of the treatment, 46 (86.4%) patients were found to have no stones in the urinary tract (the condition is “stone free”), 9 (13.6%) had stone fragments larger than 5 mm 4 weeks after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and therefore contact ureterolithotripsy was performed. As complications, 7 (13.2%) patients had an exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis, which required percutaneous nephrostomy. As the results showed, age, gender, body mass index, and Hausfield units did not differ significantly in terms of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy results. Factors that significantly affected the prognosis of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy success were the size of the stone and skin-stone distance. Body mass index did not significantly affect the outcome of lithotripsy in this study. The stone density index according to computed tomography data is considered by many authors to be a predictor of the effectiveness of fragmentation, but in our study this indicator was not a significant predictor of the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which allows us to think that there are other factors, namely the features of the internal structure of the stone, which determine its compliance with the shock wave. Conclusion. The size of the stone and the skin-stone distance are prognostic factors that affect the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with ureterolithiasis. Body mass index and stone density in Hausfield units did not significantly affect extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy outcome in this study
Comparative Pharmacotherapy of Hypertension
Authors:   I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Pharmacology with Clinical Pharmacology Department. 1, Maidan Voli, Ternopil 46001, Ukraine, V. Meretskyi , I. Meretska
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study. This study aims to review the practice of the utilization of antihypertensive drugs of various pharmacological groups within the condition of the therapeutic hospital in Ukrainian and Egyptian patients, adherence to treatment in patients with hypertension in Ukraine and Egypt. Materials and methods. A study of 120 patients who were treated for hypertension II stage in a therapeutic hospital in Ternopil and Cairo was conducted. All subjects completed a questionnaire that included personal, socio-demographic, and medical data. The number and type of hypotensive drugs or drug combinations were analyzed. Results and discussion. Regarding the pharmacotherapy of hypertension the use of β-blockers among Ukrainian participants did not differ from Egyptian. The use of calcium channel antagonists was a little bit higher among Egyptians than Ukrainians. Diuretics were used more often by Ukrainians than by Egyptians. The use of ACEI/ARBs surpassed the use of all other classes of antihypertensives among both groups. Whereas the ACEI/ARBs use among Egyptians was lower than Ukrainians. In this study we conducted a determination of compliance which was defined as an act of adhering to the regimen of care recommended by the clinician and persisting with it over time. The majority of Ukrainian and Egyptian patients with hypertension do not always perform the doctor's prescription. The reason for the unfull implementation of medical prescriptions with the same frequency was called deficiency of funds and forgetfulness. Near 80% of Ukrainian respondents are ready to complete the prescription with understanding, however, 14% of the patients stated that they were not always ready to fulfill the prescription, and the smallest part of patients did not think it was necessary to follow the regularity of treatment and treatment regimen. We noted no significant difference in the adherence to antihypertensive therapy between Ukrainian and Egyptian participants. Early discontinuation of treatment and suboptimal daily use of the prescribed regimens are the foremost common facets of poor adherence to treatment as well as non-adherence to antihypertensive therapy correlates with a better risk of cardiovascular events. Conclusion. ACEI/ARBs are the most commonly used group of antihypertensive drugs among Ukrainian and Egyptian patients. The majority of Ukrainian and Egyptian participants with hypertension do not always perform the doctor's prescription. Only 50% had an objective reason for insufficient compliance
Clinical and Sonographic Analysis of Biometric Indicators of Cheek Thickness and Cheek Fat Body in Patients with Different Face Types
Authors:   Lviv National Medical University, Department of surgical and orthopedic dentistry of the faculty of postgraduate education. 69, Pekarska St., Lviv 79010, Ukraine, Ruzhytska O. V. , Kucher A. R. , Vovk V. Yu. , Vovk Yu. V. , Paliy A. V. , Kovpak L. V. , Uglyar I. M.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to conduct a scientific and practical analysis of clinical sonographic results of examination of patients with different face types in the process of planning the reconstruction of facial soft tissues with the involvement of buccal fat pad. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 28 patients of different age groups (from 20 to 45 years old) with defects and deformities of the tissues of the dental system. Instrumental sonographic analysis of the thickness of the buccal fat body was performed using an ultrasound scanner GE Logiq E (USA), transducer frequency 7.5-12 MHz. The types of buccal fat pad of correct (oval) or irregular (“hourglass”) shapes were determined, as well as its localization in relation to the median axial location of the crown of the first upper molars and the average value of the buccal fat pad thickness with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Results and discussion. The results of a clinical study of the average value of the thickness of the cheek of patients with mesofacial type of face allowed to establish that on the left its value is 8.94±0.89 mm, on the right side – 9.05±0.82 mm. In patients with brachyfacial type of face on the left the value of the thickness of the cheek is 12.33±1.63 mm, and on the right side – 12.44±1.54 mm. In patients with dolichofacial type of face on the left, the index of the thickness of the cheek reaches the value of 7.53±0.61 mm, on the right side – 8.58±1.093 mm. Statistical significance was determined in comparison with data from the group of patients with mesofacial facial type. The obtained statistical results show mediocre values of buccal fat pad thickness in patients with mesofacial type of face, which are 1.117 times larger than in dolichofacials and 0.73 times smaller than in brachyfacials, which should be taken into account when conducting sonographic studies. Differences in the quantitative values of buccal fat pad thickness, which are established by clinical and sonographic studies conducted in patients with different types of faces is recommended to take into account when choosing surgical approaches during surgical closure of tissue defects of the alveolar processes of the jaws with autologous buccal fat pad. Conclusion. Buccal fat pad has morphological advantages associated with its saturation with cell complexes that have significant degree of vascularization, pliable texture, plasticity and direct participation in the implementation of the basic functions of the maxillofacial area
Use of Troponin I as a Biochemical Marker for Diagnostics of Asphictic State in Mechanical Asphyxia
Authors:   OO Bohomolets National Medical University, Department of Forensic Medicine and Law. 13, T. Shevchenko Boulevard, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, Volobuiev O. E.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to determine the quantitative content of the biochemical marker of myocardial damage (subunits of the troponin complex: Troponin I) in the blood as a diagnostic criterion for asphyxia in mechanical asphyxia. Materials and methods. To determine the presence of asphyxia, the quantitative content of Troponin I in the blood of 12 dead people was studied and analyzed, among which violent death was observed in 7 cases and non-violent – in 5 cases. The study for biochemical detection of Troponin I used a method based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay followed by statistical processing of the results using the MedStat package. Results and discussion. Among the biochemical markers for the diagnosis of asphyxia in hanging and aspiration asphyxia, the most indicative is the determination of the quantitative content of Troponin I in the blood, which is also used in clinical practice to substantiate the diagnosis of cardiac pathology. Therefore, it is important to conduct a differential diagnosis of changes in quantitative indicators of biochemical markers depending on the cause and genesis of death. During the study of the quantitative content of Troponin I in the blood of those who died of mechanical asphyxia (hanging, aspiration asphyxia), it was found that the content of troponin I is from 140 ng/ml to 170 ng/ml. The quantitative content of Troponin I in the blood of those who died of acute and chronic coronary heart disease (control group) is from 10.1 ng/ml to 120 ng/ml. The average value of the quantitative content of Troponin I in two samples was found: in the blood of those who died of mechanical asphyxia – 156 ng/ml±4.4 ng/ml; in the blood of those who died of acute and chronic coronary heart disease – 45.62 ng/ml±22.4 ng/ml. The study revealed a difference in quantitative indicators of biochemical markers depending on the cause and genesis of death, found that the quantitative content of Troponin I in the blood of the dead from mechanical asphyxia (hanging, aspiration asphyxia) compared with the quantitative content of Troponin I in the blood of the dead with chronic coronary heart disease is higher, at the level of significance p=0.008. Conclusion. Thus, in the course of research, the feasibility of using changes in quantitative indicators of the biochemical marker Troponin I to determine the asphyxiation in violent death (mechanical asphyxia) and differential diagnosis in cases of non-violent death (acute and chronic coronary heart disease) was proved, which significantly increases efficiency and reliability of forensic medical examinations
Morphology of the Human Olfactory Analyzer
Authors:   Poltava State Medical University, Human Anatomy Department. 23, Shevchenko St., Poltava 36011, Ukraine, Stepanchuk A. P.
Published: December 2021

The sense of smell provides people with valuable information about the biochemical environment and their own body. Olfactory disorders occur in pathologies of the nasal cavity, liver cirrhosis, psychological and endocrine diseases. Smell affects various psychological aspects of people's lives, forming positive and negative emotional memories associated with smells. With the dysfunction of the olfactory analyzer, a person will not do the analysis whether the food is good, will not be able to feel the presence of poisonous gases in the air, bad breath. This puts a person in an awkward position and increases the risk of social isolation. The purpose of the study was to highlight the components of the normal structure and functioning of the human olfactory analyzer. Identification of odors in the environment and from one's own body is provided by the olfactory analyzer. Primary odors as camphor, floral, fruity, spicy, tarry, burnt and putrid in different quantities form secondary odors. Aromas are composed of volatile molecules called odorants. The smallest amount of odorant that causes an odor sensation is called the odor threshold. In people with coronavirus disease the sense of smell temporarily disappears (anosmia); it is reduced (hyposmia) in liver cirrhosis and rhinitis, and in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia besides hyposmia there is olfactory hallucination (phantosmia). Olfactory dysfunction adversely affects children's cognitive abilities. Fragrances change emotions and behavior. Aromas are used to regulate the physical and psychological state of the patient. Volatile molecules of fragrances penetrate through the layer of mucus that covers the olfactory epithelium located in the olfactory region of the nasal mucosa. The olfactory epithelium consists of olfactory, supportive and basal epitheliocytes, as well as secretory cells of the olfactory glands. Olfactory cells are modified nerve cells that have a body, an axon, and a dendrite, which ends with a receptor in the form of olfactory cilia. Volatile molecules interact with the olfactory cilia and then with the receptor protein, which is located on the olfactory cell bodies. In humans, olfactory cells have 350 receptor proteins. One type of receptor can register molecules of several different odorants. Molecules of the same odorant can activate several different receptors simultaneously. The nerve impulse from the olfactory cells (bodies of I neurons) reaches the nerve cells (bodies of II neurons) of the olfactory bulbs via their central outgrowths (olfactory filaments). Axons of nerve cells of olfactory bulbs continue to bodies of III neurons, which are located in subcortical centers of the brain (almond-shaped body, nuclei of the transparent septum). In human, to analyze a particular odor, axons from bodies of III neurons continue to cortex, namely to the area of the uncus of the parahippocampal gyrus
Influence of Low Concentrations of Carbon Monoxide on Metabolism of Isolated Heart under Conditions of Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors:   Kherson State University, Department of Human Biology and Imunology. 27, Universitetska St., Kherson 73000, Ukraine, Beschasnyi S. P. , Lysenko Ye. M.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of carbon monoxide on the metabolism of isolated mice hearts. Materials and methods. To elucidate the effect of low concentrations of carbon monoxide on the myocardium, we performed retrograde perfusion of isolated hearts of laboratory mice with Krebs-Henseleit solution, which was saturated with carbon monoxide for 5, 10, and 30 minutes. We then determined how different concentrations of carbon monoxide affected coronary volumetric flow rate, myocardial glucose and calcium uptake, creatinine release, and aspartate aminotransferase release. During perfusion, R-wave amplitude and R-R interval were measured using an electrocardiograph. To determine the effect of ischemia on the heart muscle during perfusion with solutions of different concentrations, we measured the area of the affected myocardium after staining with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Results and discussion. After these studies, it was found that different concentrations of carbon monoxide had a dose-dependent effect on the isolated mouse heart. However, the dependence of the effects does not follow the pattern «lowest concentration – lowest effect». At the same time, an increase in concentration did not mean an increase in adverse effects on the myocardium. Even on the contrary, the smallest concentration led to increased signs of ischemic myocardial damage. In particular, the use of the solution, through which carbon monoxide was passed for 5 minutes, caused vasoconstrictor effect during perfusion. At the end of reperfusion, vasoconstrictor effect was observed after using a solution through which carbon monoxide was passed for 10 minutes. Increased glucose uptake was observed in the group with 30-minute carbon monoxide permeation against the background of the minimal myocardial creatinine release. In this group there was also a decrease in Ca2+ loss at the beginning of reperfusion (immediately after ischemia). The above phenomenon explains the least degree of ischemic myocardial damage in the isolated mouse heart. The obtained data should be expanded. Since it is difficult to accurately determine the dose of carbon monoxide, then the use of donor compounds is promising. Such compounds include CORM-2 and CORM-3. Under physiological conditions, they decompose in a controlled manner, releasing a specific amount of carbon monoxide. Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that at different concentrations of carbon monoxide can differently influence different structures of cardiomyocyte: at one concentration it binds to calcium channels, other concentrations influence ion channels of plasma membrane, which can explain all these dependencies
Morphofunctional State of the Mature Rats Pituitary Gland under Readaptation Conditions to the Long Influence of Heavy Metal Salts Complex and Correction with L-Tocopherol
Authors:   Sumy State University, Medical Institute, Department of Morphology. 33, Sanatorium St., Sumy 40018, Ukraine, Hryntsova N. B. , Romanyuk A. M. , Tymakova O. O. , Khrin D. R.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to study the morphofunctional rearrangements of the structural components of the adenohypophysis of sexually mature male rats under the condition of a 30-day period of readaptation to the long-term influence of salts of heavy metals (zinc, copper, iron, manganese, lead and chromium) and taking a corrector drug. Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out on 24 white sexually mature male rats, which were divided into 1 control and 1 experimental group. The experimental group consisted of rats that consumed ordinary drinking water for 30 days after 90 days of receiving water saturated with a combination of heavy metal salts: zinc (ZnSO4 7H2O) – 5 mg / l, copper (CuSO4 5H2O) mg / l, iron (FeSO4) – 10 mg / l, manganese (MnSO4 5H2O) – 0.1 mg / l, lead (Pb (NO3) 2) – 0.1 mg / l and chromium (K2Cr2O7) – 0.1 mg / l and L-tocopherol corrector. Results and discussion. With a 30-day period of readaptation to the action of a complex of salts of heavy metals, combined with the intake of a corrector drug L-tocopherol, morphological rearrangements of a nonspecific polymorphic nature developed in the structural components of the pituitary gland: compensatory hypertrophy and increased vascularization of the pituitary gland were observed, the state of rheological properties of the blood improved, the number of chromophiles increased and the number of chromophobes decreased, the processes of cyst formation disappeared, the stress from the adaptive processes in the glandulocytes of the adenohypophysis decreased, namely their secretory activity, the expression of Hsp90α receptors in the cytoplasm of adenocytes significantly increased. Negative rearrangements include an increased value of the fibrous component of the connective tissue of the intertrabecular spaces, increased collagenization of the wall of veins and capillaries, preservation of stromal edema, plethora of hemocapillaries, the presence of a small number of adenocytes with signs of vacuolization of the cytoplasm, balloon dystrophy. Conclusion. A comprehensive study of the structural components of the adenohypophysis of the test animals under the condition of a 30-day period of readaptation to long periods of consumption of heavy metal salts and correction with L-tocopherol certainly indicate a number of adaptive and regenerative morphofunctional changes aimed at reducing the stress of adaptive processes on the part of the adenohypophysis in response to cancel the action of the stress factor
Dynamics of Changes in the Indicators of Mathematical Analysis of Heart Rate in Conditions of Adrenaline Myocardial Dystrophy against the Background of Different Functional Activity of the Pineal Gland
Authors:   Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University. 10, 68 Desantnykiv St., Mykolaiv 54003, Ukraine, Chebotar L. D. , Larycheva O. M. , Niepieina H. V. , Alieksieieva M. M. , Nichoha І. O. , Cholobova A. V.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study was to examine the features of heart rate variability in experimental hyper- and hypofunction of the pineal gland, complicated by adrenal myocardial dystrophy. Materials and methods. To solve the set tasks, three models of functional states were created: hypo-, hyperfunction of the pineal gland, adrenaline myocardial dystrophy. Hypermelatoninemia was reproduced by administering melatonin. The hypofunction of the pineal gland was simulated by round-the-clock lighting. An experimental model of cardiac pathology, namely adrenaline myocardial dystrophy, was reproduced by administering adrenaline hydrochloride. The degree of tension of regulatory mechanisms and mechanisms of nervous regulation was assessed by mathematical analysis of heart rate variability. Results and discussion. The task of mathematical analysis is to extract “hidden information” and thereby assess the state and degree of tension of the regulatory mechanisms of the whole organism. According to the authors, mathematical analysis allows a differentiated approach to the assessment of regulatory effects, which is done by the nervous autonomic system, subcortical structures and the cerebral cortex. The data obtained by the authors suggest that the introduction of adrenaline in conditions of hypofunction of the pineal gland have cause-and-effect changes. These changes lead to disorders of autonomic regulation and possibly a trigger mechanism for a decrease in melatonin production by the pineal gland. Studies have shown that one of the advantages in conditions of hyperfunction of the pineal gland is the dominant role of parasympathetic processes in the mechanisms of adaptation of the heart to conditions of adrenal myocardial dystrophy. Timely and sufficient activation of melatonin provides a high efficiency of compensatory-adaptive changes and a positive role in increasing myocardial resistance. Conclusion. The results of the study showed that the dynamics of changes in the values of the indicators of the mathematical analysis of the heart rate in adrenal myocardial dystrophy against the background of hypo- and hyperfunction of the pineal gland revealed unidirectional changes. These changes are manifested in a decrease in heart rate, stress index and vegetative balance indicator. Consequently, the results obtained suggest that the introduction of melatonin against the background of adrenal myocardial dystrophy has a general corrective effect on the restoration of the functional state of the heart. Based on the results, the authors consider it appropriate to continue the study of the influence of various stressors on the functional state of the heart in conditions of different physiological activity of the pineal gland
Inclusive Practices in the Existing School Environment: Parental Perceptions and Concerns
Authors: Khalid Laila , Malik Saima , Asghar Muhammad Zaheer
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This qualitative research paper explores the factors affecting parental perceptions and concerns about inclusive education. It also investigates the factors influencing the access and participation of children with disabilities in mainstream schools.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Ten parents (n=10) of children with and without disabilities were selected through purposive sampling from inclusive primary schools of Punjab. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were employed for data collection and analysis.

Findings: Findings revealed that parents of children with disabilities are more inclined towards inclusive education. Reactions of parents, quality of instruction and institutional support have created a feeling of un-certainty and dissatisfaction amongst the parents of children with disabilities about inclusion. Large class sizes and time constraints have been established as barriers to inclusion.

Implications/Originality/Value: The study would be beneficial for the school department to consider the factors adversely affecting the process of inclusion.  Parents’ guidance and counselling may be made mandatory to make inclusive education successful.
A Review of the Strength of Trade Polices in Emerging Economies towards their Goals of Sustainable Economic Development
Authors: Sabah Rahat
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The study aims to offer a review of trade policies and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) policies and their outcomes in developing economies. The EPZs are presented as a trade policy tool by using which the developing economies trying to pursue export-led growth policy can also achieve the goals of sustainable economic development.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study has followed qualitative research design using literature review logical and qualitative text analysis to critically summarize the trade theories, policies and growth theories specially the EPZs based trade policy in developing countries.

Finding: The study has revealed that the developing countries are enhancing their economic growth and expanding their economic sectors through international trade. The mercantilist trade policies under infant industry argument or others have not been much successful in spurring long term growth. EPZs are identified as a strategic trade policy tool by which developing countries can achieve economic growth and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Implications/Originality/Value: It is concluded that the infant-industry idea has not helped developing countries regarding economic growth and development. The findings presented herein are useful for political leaders and economic managers in developing countries aspiring to achieve economic growth and SDGs.
Provision of Technical and Vocational Education and Training to Needy Youth in Punjab: An Explanatory Study
Authors: Nayab Dur-e- , Chaudhry Abid Hussain , Fatima Ghulam
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The main focus of the study was to explain the perspective of the principals of Vocational Training Institutions (VTIs) on the provision of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to deprived and needy youth. These institutions are being run by Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC). This paper is an intellectual effort to search out the strengths and weaknesses of TVET program and to find out the actual needs of the institutes for providing quality technical and vocational education.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was qualitative in nature. An in depth interview schedule, validated by a panel of three experts, was designed to collect data. The population of the study consisted of all 208 principals working in VTIs in Punjab. The sample of study consisted of 20 principals (10% of the population) who were randomly selected from all the institutes of Punjab.

Findings: Results revealed that TVET is an effective tool for imparting skills to the deprived and needy youth which enables them to live their lives with prosperity and dignity. Additionally, it is an important factor to alleviate poverty. On the other hand, TVET program is lacking in provision of latest equipment, trained and sufficient staff and demand driven skills.

Implications/Originality/Value: The study will be beneficial to policy makers, provincial government and the authorities of Punjab Vocational Training Council.
An Empirical Investigation of E-banking Service Quality Customer Trust and Customer Loyalty of Pakistani Banks
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel , Hussain Farheen Zahrah , Naheed Khawar , Shahid Muhammad Sadiq
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Technological evolution has transformed businesses in the new era. Modern paradigms shift towards adoption of gadgets that has changed the methods of providing services to clients. Banks provided themselves with the current contrivances to offer creative and dynamic types of assistance to customers. Banks has now offering "advanced and digital banking" through e-banking services to facilitate their customers. However, there are several e-banking services depends on e-service quality that affects loyalty of their customers.  The main purpose of the current study is to measure the direct relationship of e-banking service quality on customer loyalty and also indirect effect of trust as mediating variable.

Design/Methodology/Approach:  The data was collected from 250 clients using questionnaire from top five commercialized banks of Pakistan. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect the information. PLS-SEM was employed to statistically test the data.

Findings: This study found significant direct effect of e-banking service quality through its three dimensions “reliability, website design and security” on customer loyalty. In addition, the results also supported the mediation of three dimensions of e-banking service quality with customer loyalty.

Implications/Originality/Value: All three dimensions increase the customer loyalty and trust played important role it this mechanism.
What Drives Individual Investors to Invest in Mutual Funds in a Developing Economy
Authors: Mwanza Manasseh , Chisanga Stella Zulu , Chanda Shikaputo , Mpembele Stephen
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate factors that influence investment in mutual funds by individual investors in a developing economy. Drawing insights from the theory of planned behaviour, the study identified and tested the effect of awareness, attitude, financial literacy and preference for other competing investments on intention to invest in mutual funds by individual investors.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Data was collected from 280 respondents in Zambia. Data was analysed using correlations and hierarchical regression models.

Findings: The study reveals that awareness and attitude towards mutual funds significantly influence intention to invest in mutual funds. Surprisingly, financial literacy and preference for other investments do not significantly affect an individual investor’s intention to invest in mutual funds.

Implications/Originality/Value: This study contributes to the financial services marketing literature by increasing understanding of individual investors’ investment decisions and drivers that influence intention to invest in mutual funds in Zambia. The study recommends that mutual funds marketers should invest more in building awareness and positive attitude towards investment in mutual funds in order to develop retail demand. Also, investment companies and financial services marketing policy makers should carefully consider their financial literacy programmes as the study reveals that financial literacy and competing investments are not significant drivers.
Inclusive Education Opportunities in Punjab Pakistan: A Locale Based Comparison
Authors: Jahanzaib Muhammad , Fatima Ghulam , Nayab Dur-e-
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The constitution of Pakistan firmly stated that no discrimination of opportunities will be tolerated among the citizens of Pakistan on behalf of color, creed, language, disability etc. But unfortunately, the dream of equality could not become reality. Inclusive education has been taking significant importance for the education of persons with disabilities (PWD’s) for a few decades. But, without equal opportunities, the seed of inclusion can never be fertiled. This study is an effort to depict the difference of existing inclusive education opportunities between rural and urban secondary schools of Punjab Pakistan.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Survey method was used to collect data from 196 male and female teachers serving in rural and urban secondary schools of conveniently selected five districts viz Okara, Lahore, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, and, kasur with a self-reporting questionnaire named Research Questionnaire on the Condition of Available Inclusive Education Opportunities in Secondary Schools of Punjab. For cross-validation, an interview schedule was made to take data from 17 students with disabilities. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Findings: The study found that there was no significant difference of inclusive education opportunities in rural and urban secondary schools of Punjab.

Implications/Originality/Value: However special students denied various opportunities claimed by the inclusive education teachers.