Fate and preservation of the late pleistocene cave bears from Niedzwiedzia Cave in Poland, through taphonomy, pathology, and geochemistry.

This comprehensive study examines fossil remains from Niedzwiedzia Cave in the Eastern Sudetes, offering detailed insights into the palaeobiology and adversities encountered by the Pleistocene cave bear Ursus spelaeus ingressus. Emphasising habitual cave use for hibernation and a primarily herbivorous diet, the findings attribute mortality to resource scarcity during hibernation and habitat fragmentation amid climate shifts. Taphonomic analysis indicates that the cave was extensively used by successive generations of bears, virtually unexposed to the impact of predators. The study also reveals that alkaline conditions developed in the cave during the post-depositional taphonomic processes. Mortality patterns, notably among juveniles, imply dwindling resources, indicative of environmental instability. Skeletal examination reveals a high incidence of forelimb fractures, indicating risks during activities like digging or confrontations. Palaeopathological evidence unveils vulnerabilities to tuberculosis, abscesses, rickets, and injuries, elucidating mobility challenges. The cave's silts exhibit a high zinc concentration, potentially derived from successive bear generations consuming zinc-rich plants. This study illuminates the lives of late cave bears, elucidating unique environmental hurdles faced near their species' end.

NEEDS AND POSSIBILITIES OF SOCIAL WORK IN IMPLEMENTING SOCIAL INCLUSION WITH THE TOOLS OF ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: reveal in social work the possibilities of applying adaptive physical activity in the process of social inclusion of persons with disabilities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: To obtain factual information, the survey method (questionnaire) and a complex of mathematical statistics methods were used: methods of descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 24.0.0. A total of 102 anonymous respondents took part in the focus groups. RESULTS: Results: The connection between adaptive physical activity and the increase in the level of social inclusion of persons with disabilities, in particular, former military personnel and war veterans, was investigated. It was determined that social work professionals can use adaptive physical activity tools to promote the social inclusion of persons with disabilities and other low-mobility population groups. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: It was established that the ways of using adaptive physical activity tools by social workers for the social inclusion of persons with disabilities are most often socio-psychological, physical, professional rehabilitation, social support, and preventive activities. New opportunities for the implementation of social inclusion by means of adaptive physical activity of persons with disabilities as a result of military operations are opened in connection with the introduction of the position of «helper (assistant) of a veteran in the community¼, which will be held by a social worker.

Probiotic for Pancreatic ß-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Many clinical studies have proved the effectiveness of probiotics in metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance. However, the impact of probiotic therapy on pancreatic ß-cell function is ambiguous. The influence of probiotic supplementation vs. placebo on ß-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was assessed in a double-blind, single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with T2D were selected for participation in the RCT. Patients were randomly allocated to consumption of live multistrain probiotics or a placebo for 8 weeks, administered as a sachet formulation in double-blind treatment. The primary main outcome was the assessment of ß-cell function as change in C-peptide and HOMA-ß (homeostasis model assessment-estimated ß-cell function), which was calculated using the HOMA2 calculator (Diabetes Trials Unit, University of Oxford). Secondary outcomes were the changes in glycemic control-related parameters, anthropomorphic variables, and cytokines levels. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the difference between groups. RESULTS: Supplementation with live multiprobiotic was associated with slight significant improvement of ß-cell function (HOMA-ß increased from 32.48 ± 13.12 to 45.71 ± 25.18; p = 0.003) and reduction of fasting glucose level (13.03 ± 3.46 vs 10.66 ± 2.63 mmol/L and 234.63 ± 62.36 vs 192.07 ± 47.46 mg/dL; p < 0.001) and HbA1c (8.86 ± 1.28 vs 8.48 ± 1.22; p = 0.043) as compared to placebo. Probiotic therapy significantly affects chronic systemic inflammation in people with T2D by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic therapies modestly improved ß-cell function in patients with T2D. Modulating the gut microbiota represents a new diabetes treatment and should be tested in more extensive studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05765292.

Effect of Peptides from Plasma of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease on the Vascular Endothelial Cells.

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the foremost cause of adult disability and mortality. There is an urgent need to focus on the research of new approaches for the prevention and treatment of CAD. Materials and Methods: The effects of peptides isolated from the blood plasma of CAD patients on endothelial cell secretion using the in vitro model have been tested. Human endothelial progenitor cells (HEPCs) were incubated for 24 h with peptides isolated from the plasma of healthy subjects or patients with stable angina, progressive unstable angina, and myocardial infarction. The contents of some soluble anticoagulant as well as procoagulant mediators in HEPC culture treated with peptide pools were then compared. Results and Conclusion: The results show that peptides from the plasma of patients with myocardial infarction promote endothelial cells to release both von Willebrand factor and endothelin-1, increasing vasoconstriction and shifting hemostatic balance toward a prothrombotic state. In contrast, peptides from the plasma of patients with progressive unstable angina suppress the secretion of endothelin-1 by HEPCs, while the secretion of both von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator was increased. As can be seen from the results obtained, disease derived peptides may contribute to the homeostasis of living organisms or the progression of pathological processes.

RECIPROCAL CLICKING LOCATION ANALYSIS IN THE INTRAARTICULAR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS AFTER AXIOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the peculiarities of hinge axis trajectories in patients with condyle-disc complex intraarticular Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and determine the average coordinates of the reciprocal clicking location by axiography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The results of axiographic examination of 151 patients (108 females and 43 males) with TMD confirmed by MRI were analyzed. This population included 44 persons with disc displacement with reduction (DDR), 45 persons with disc displacement with reduction and intermittent locking (DDRI), 62 persons with disc displacement without reduction (DDWR). Axiographic examination was carried out using CADIAX diagnostic device. Analysis of hinge axis movements was performed and the coordinates of articular disc reduction were determined. RESULTS: Results: The quality of hinge axis trajectories in persons with DDR, DDRI was defined mainly as average and in patients with DDWR as poor. Quantitative indicators of trajectories during protrusion-retrusion movements were not beyond the average level. The length of the mouth opening-closing trajectory in patients with DDRI and DDWR has shown a tendency to decrease. We found that on average the reciprocal closing clicking (disc reduction) occurs at a distance of 0-1.4 mm on the X-axis, 0.1-2.9 mm on the Z-axis, and 0-0.85 mm on the Y-axis. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The obtained wide range of reciprocal clicking location parameters indicates the priority of a personalized approach when planning preliminary treatment in order to restore the disc-condylar complex of TMJ.

Akkermansia muciniphila as a novel powerful bacterial player in the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is a mucin-degrading bacterium that commonly lives in the intestinal mucus layer. It is normally detected in human faecal specimens and is one of the few bacteria potentially associated to obesity development. In this narrative review, possible mechanisms that support how A. muciniphila is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic-associated disease are described with the evaluation of its role as an intermediary or independent agent whose manipulation could be useful in the management of metabolic disorders. The ampleness of A. muciniphila is notably diminished in obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiometabolic diseases and low-grade inflammation. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between A. muciniphila, body weight and insulin sensitivity has been observed in both humans and animals. Antidiabetic drugs, gastric bypass surgery, prebiotics and biologically active compounds, such as polyphenols or saponins, have been shown to be associated with A. muciniphila relative abundance and thus could have favourable effects on metabolic disorders. Furthermore, A. muciniphila supplementation alone has been correlated with weight reduction and improvement of metabolic disorders, including fat mass gain, adipose tissue inflammation, metabolic endotoxaemia, and insulin resistance. Nevertheless, since the primary beneficial impacts of this bacterium have been predominantly investigated in various preclinical models, these results need to be confirmed in randomized clinical trials.

Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation via colonoscopy as add-on therapy in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Growing evidence supports the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC), although its effects seem to depend on the method of introduction, the number of procedures, the donor material, and the severity of UC. Aim: This study aimed to assess FMT's clinical and microbiological efficacy, tolerability, and safety in patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Material and methods: Patients with mild-to-moderate UC were randomized into two groups. The first group (standard-care, n = 27) was treated with basic therapy-mesalazine-at a daily dose of 3 g (2 g orally + 1 g rectally). In the second group (FMT group, n = 26), while taking mesalazine at the indicated dose, each patient with UC as add-on therapy underwent a single FMT procedure with fresh material delivered by colonoscopy from a healthy donor. The clinical efficacy of treatment in both groups was evaluated after 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was remission of UC, defined as a partial Mayo score ≤2, and decreased fecal calprotectin. All patients underwent bacteriological examination of feces for quantitative microbiota composition changes. Results: Clinical response in the form of a significant decrease in stool frequency and a tendency to normalize its consistency after 4 weeks was detected in 14 (51.9%) patients of the standard care group and 16 patients (61.5%) of the FMT group (p = 0.583). The Mayo score in the standard care group was 3.59 ± 1.21 and in the FMT group-3.15±1.04 (p=0.166). After 8 weeks, the main primary endpoint was achieved in 70.4% of the standard-care group patients as compared to 84.6% of participants who received FMT as add-on therapy (p = 0.215). A more pronounced decrease in Mayo score was observed in the FMT group compared to the standard-care group (1.34 ± 1.44 vs. 2.14 ± 1.4; p = 0.045). All patients also showed a significant decrease in fecal calprotectin levels, which correlated with clinical data, stool frequency, and clinical remission. An improvement in gut microbiota composition was noted in both groups, albeit it was significantly more pronounced in the FMT group. Conclusions: FTM in patients with mild-to-moderate UC is a well-tolerated, effective, and safe method of treatment in comparison to basic therapy. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05538026?term=kobyliak&draw=2&rank=4, identifier: NCT05538026.

Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) from the Late Miocene of Ukraine, with a discussion of materials associated with Widhalms (1886) nomen nudum, †Acipenser euhuso.

The fossil record of the family Acipenseridae (sturgeons) extends to the Late Cretaceous (c. 85 MY), with a ghost lineage extending to approximately 120 MY when the first members of the family Polyodontidae are known. Much of the fossil record of Acipenseridae is formed by isolated and fragmentary dermal bones, which bear characteristic surface ornamentation. In this paper, we report on a collection of fossil sturgeons from the Upper Miocene deposits of southern Ukraine. These specimens include those used by Widhalm to establish †Acipenser euhuso, which is a nomen nudum. While we do not establish a new taxon for these specimens, the morphological variation of those elements that are preserved does suggest the presence of several species represented in this fauna.

Metabolic Benefits of Probiotic Combination with Absorbent Smectite in type 2 Diabetes Patients a Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Numerous non-drug therapies have emerged in recent years for the prevention and improvement of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, therapies based on dietary modification and/or microbiota may replace a large part of drug therapies in the coming years. AIM: The aim of the current study was to conduct placebo-controlled randomize clinical trial for the efficiency of a combination of multiprobiotics with smectite absorbent gel (Symbiter-Forte formulation) as an adjunction to the standard anti-diabetic therapy. METHODS: A total of 55 patients met the criteria and were included in double-blind single center RCT, to receive "Symbiter-Smectite" or placebo for 8-weeks administered as a sachet formulation. The primary outcome was the change in HOMA2-IR and insulin sensitivity (% S). Secondary outcomes were glycemic control parameters, ß-cells functional activity, anthropometric parameters and markers of a chronic systemic inflammatory response. RESULTS: Combined use of the probiotic mixture with smectite leads to a significant reduction in HOMA2-IR (3.14±0.97 vs 2.79±0.85; р=0.009) and improvement in % S (34.65±9.92 vs 39.42±12.78; p=0.011) after 8 weeks of the treatment period. Simultaneously, in the secondary outcome analysis lowering of HbA1c, waist circumference but not BMI and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß (p=0.004), TNF-α (p=0.008), IL-6 (p=0.005) and IL-8 (p=0.042) were detected. In placebo group, changes were insignificant. CONCLUSION: Probiotic with smectite due to its absorbent activity and stabilization mucus layer properties can impact the synergistic enhancement of a single effect, which manifested with a significant reduction in IR, waist circumference, markers of chronic systemic inflammation and improvement of glycemic profile as compared to placebo.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM OF THE MATURE RATS WITH CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AND ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Studying changes in the ultrastructure of blood circulatory capillaries of the myocardium of mature rats with hypothyroidism and arterial hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Experiments were conducted on (240 days) 10 ISIAH (inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension) line rats with AH (arterial hypertension), 10 Wistar line rats with congenital hypothyroidism and 10 intact animals. Arterial pressure was measured, and the development of hypothyroidism was controlled by the immune enzyme method. The study of the left ventricle myocardium of the rat heart was carried out by electron microscopic and morphometric studies. RESULTS: Results: In in rats with AH the following changes were observed in the blood capillaries of the myocardium: decrease in the number of capillaries; disturbance of blood circulation; the number of organelles of the biosynthetic plan and structures involved in the transendothelial transfer of substances decreased in endothelial cells; lysis and edema of the latter; mucinous perivascular edema, confirmed by the accumulation of fine-fibrillar structures, collagen fibers, cellular detritus. By the same term, in the group with congenital hypothyroidism, dystrophic-destructive changes in the blood capillaries of the myocardium acquired the highest degree, which resulted in a decrease in their number due to destruction. Ultrastructure of the biosynthetic plan organelles and structures of the transendothelial transfer of substances were in decompensated state. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The rats (in 240 days) with AH and congenital hypothyroidism express breakdown of compensatory processes in the capillaries of the myocardium. This is manifested by the further dilution of capillaries, the development of hypoxic state in them as well as mucinous edema of interstitium, the decrease of activity of biosynthetic and transport processes.

HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES AFTER INTRODUCTION OF DIFFERENT SIZES LEAD NANOPARTICLES (IN EXPERIMENT).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Was to compare the changes in hematological parameters of blood in the conditions of prolonged exposure of lead sulfide nanoparticles (NP) of different sizes and of lead nitrate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study was conducted on mature male Wistar rats 160-180 g, intraperitoneally injected with Pb(NO3)2 and NP PbS of 26-34 nm and 50-80 nm in 0,94 mg/kg/day dose adjusted to lead. Toxic effects were evaluated after 1,5 months, 3 months and 1 month after exposure. The studies were performed on hematologic analyzer. RESULTS: Results: Changes in peripheral blood were characterized by decrease in the hemoglobin level in the blood. An increase in the total number of leucocytes was observed, which is statistically significant by the increase of number of lymphocytes and the absolute number of monocytes. Changes in the platelet number were characterized by an increase in the average volume of platelets and a decrease in the platelet heterogeneity index. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The most pronounced changes hemoglobin level in the blood and concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte were observed in the effects of PbS NP (50-80 nm), but leucocytes indicators - of PbS NP (26-34 nm) and Pb(NO3)2.

INFLUENCE OF COMBINED PHARMACOTHERAPY ON CARDIO-VASCULAR SYSTEM OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION (IN EXPERIMENT).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Study of the patterns of structural changes in the left ventricular myocardial capillaries of rats with arterial hypertension with combined pharmacotherapy with Bisoprolol and Thiotriazolinum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Experiments were conducted on 30 line rats with congenital stress-induced arterial hypertension: 10 animals without treatment and 10 animals with treatment. Pharmacological correction of spontaneous arterial hypertension was performed with 20 mg / kg of Bisoprolol and 50 mg / kg of Thiotriazolinum per os once a day. Pharmacotherapy began at 5 months of age, that is, at a time when compensated heart failure was formed in rats with arterial hypertension. Animals were withdrawn from the experiment 100 days after the start of the correction. Control was provided by intact animals (10 rats) of the corresponding age. While extracted from the experiment rats of all experimental groups had their arterial pressure measured using a plethysmograph, electron microscopic examination of the left ventricular myocardium and morphometric study of volumetric and quantitative densities, cross-section area and form factor of micropinocytotic vesicles were conducted. RESULTS: Results: In rats with arterial hypertension after application of Bisoprolol and Thiotriazolinum, arterial pressure significantly decreases in experimental rats compared to animals without correction. The number of capillaries in the myocardium after pharmacotherapy increases up to control values, which shows their reparation. In most endothelial cells, organelles retain their integrity and presence that are characteristic of intact rats. The well-expressed processes of transcytosis are shown by the statistical similarity of the quantitative density and the size of the micropinocytotic vesicles in the endothelial cells of the myocardium capillaries of compared experimental animals. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In rats with arterial hypertension, the combination of Bisoprolol and Thiotriazolinum prevents the decrease in the number of capillaries in the myocardium of the left ventricle, promotes the preservation of the ultrastructure of their endothelial cells and maintains the processes of transedothelial transfer of substances at the level of intact animals.

Morphofunctional status of cardio-vascular system of rats with arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Was to clarify the general patterns of structural changes in the left ventricular myocardial capillaries in rats with spontaneous arterial hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Experiments were conducted on 50 ISIAH (inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension) line rats with arterial hypertension: juvenile young (45-day) and sexually mature (100-day) rats, as well as intact animals of the corresponding age. While extracted from the experiment rats of all experimental groups had their arterial pressure measured using a plethysmograph. Electron microscopic examination of the left ventricular myocardium and morphometric study of volumetric and quantitative densities, cross-section area, and form factor of micropinocytotic vesicles were conducted. RESULTS: Results: In sexually mature rats with arterial hypertension, a high level of pressure is maintained. In 45-day-old rats with arterial hypertension in endothelial cells of myocardial blood capillaries there is a hyperactivation of biosynthetic processes (euchromatic nucleus, large-sized mitochondria, ER canals, Golgi complex), which may be a manifestation of reactive processes in response to a non-stable increase in arterial pressure. In the 100-day rats with arterial hypertension, the mosaic of the ultrastructure of the myocardium blood vessels is preserved, but destructively-dystrophic changes become more expressive and involve not only the organelles but also the integrity of the endothelial cell itself. Destructively-dystrophic processes in rat capillaries are accompanied by compensatory and adaptive ones. This is manifested by activation of the transport of substances, both transendothelial and paracellular, and quantitative density of micropinocytotic vesicles increases statistically significantly. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In myocardial capillaries of young (45-day) arterial hypertension rats, compensatory and adaptive changes are manifested by activation of biosynthetic processes in endothelial cells following a slight increase in micropinocytotic vesicles quantitative density and signs of destructive-dystrophic processes (minor edema and lysis of endothelial cell cytoplasm). In sexually mature (100-day) arterial hypertension rats in the blood capillaries of the myocardium, the destructive-degenerative changes increase is accompanied by preservation of signs of compensatory processes. Reducing the number of capillaries is offset by an increase in the number of micropinocytotic vesicles.

The Role of Hyperhomocysteinemia in the Development of Changes in the Lungs.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, attention of the scientific community has been drawn to the study of the role of homocysteine in the pathology of diseases in general and the respiratory system in particular. Violations of the synthesis and disposal of homocysteine are the cause of its excessive accumulation in the body, which subsequently leads to damage to all organs and systems. METHODS: We conducted this study on 64 white non-linear rats of 6-8 and 24-26 months old rats, which were divided into two control and experimental groups during the experiment. The study of ultrastructural changes in the lungs of rats was performed using an electron microscope. RESULTS: The results of the conducted study show that all the animals of the experimental group, corresponding to 32 (50%) cases, possess conspicuous morphological changes in the structure of the lungs. The specific features of mature animals were the narrowing of the alveolar space of the part of the alveoli and the increase in the number of macrophages in them. Partial desquamation of capillary endothelial lining and a slight increase of collagen fibers in interalveolar membranes were observed compared to control animals. A characteristic feature for older animals was the growth of connective tissue, predominantly collagen fibers, which led to pneumosclerosis. The thickening of the aerogemic barrier was also detected, and the endothelial lining was intermittent or desquamated. CONCLUSION: Mature animals of the experimental group were characterized by activation of inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, due to increased production of macrophages and, as a consequence, the launch of the humorous link of immunity, while in old rats were determined by fibrosis, disorders of the trophic and gas metabolism, as well as damage to the endothelium part of lungs.

The influence of drug treatment on cardio-vascular system of the rats with congenital hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: In the treatment of hypothyroidism substitution therapy with L-thyroxine is used, it is also advisable to use the metabolites with membrane-stabilizing properties that normalize the metabolism in the body, for example, calcitonin, which significantly reduces the depth of the dystrophic phenomena in the myocardium. The aim was to study the patterns of structural changes in the left ventricular myocardial capillaries of rats with congenital hypothyroidism in combinative drug therapy with L-thyroxine and calcitonin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 30 white Wistar line rats were used as experimental animals: 10 with treatment and 10 without as well as control - 10 intact Wistar line rats of the same age. Mercazolil was used to inhibit thyroid gland in order to model congenital hypothyroidism. After birth, the rats received L-thyroxine at a dose of 10 µg / kg per os daily, calcitonin at a dose of 1.0 MU / kg per day intramuscularly, then with mother's milk, later by themselves for 100 days. The arterial pressure was measured in all experimental groups during extraction from the experiment by plethysmograph, their left ventricular myocardium was examined under electron microscope and micropinocytotic vesicles in their cells were studied morphometrically. RESULTS: Results: In rats with congenital hypothyroidism, for which L-thyroxin drug in combination with calcitonin was used as a substitution therapy, after pharmacological correction, in general there is no pronounced heteromorphism of the ultrastructure of the left ventricular myocardial blood capillaries, which was characteristic for animals without pharmacological correction. The analysis showed normalization of the content of free thyroxine in blood plasma and blood pressure of rats with congenital hypothyroidism after complex substitution therapy. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In rats with congenital hypothyroidism, which received L-thyroxine and calcitonin at birth, the myocardium capillaries generally remain intact and have morphological and functional characteristics similar to intact animals, which is the theoretical basis for the need for calcitonin to be used in substitution therapy in hypothyroidism.

Prevalence of health care-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance of the responsible pathogens in Ukraine: Results of a multicenter study (2014-2016).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to obtain the first national estimates of the current prevalence and incidence and death of health care-associated infections (HAIs) of all types in acute care hospitals in Ukraine. METHODS: Prospective surveillance was conducted from January 2014 to December 2016 in 17 hospitals. Surveillance case definitions were derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network HAI case definitions. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of cultures were determined using a automated microbiology analyzer. Some antimicrobial susceptibility tests used Kirby-Bauer antibiotic testing. RESULTS: Of 97,340 patients, 10,986 (11.3%) HAIs were observed. The most frequently reported HAI types were surgical site infections (60%), respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and lower respiratory tract, 18.4%), bloodstream infections (10.2%), and urinary tract infections (9.5%). Death during hospitalization was reported in 9.7% of HAI cases. The most common organism reported was Escherichia coli, accounting for 21.8% of all organisms, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.4%), Enterococcus spp (15.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.4%). Antimicrobial resistance among the isolates associated with HAIs showed that 42.1% and 3.6% of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp isolates were ß-lactam (oxacillin)- and glycopeptide (teicoplanin)-resistant, respectively. Meticillin resistance was reported in 39.2% of S aureus isolates. CONCLUSIONS: HAIs and increasing antimicrobial resistance present a significant burden to the Ukraine hospital system. Infection control priorities in hospitals should include preventing surgical site infections, respiratory tract infections (which also include PNEU and LRTI), bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections, as well preventing infections due to antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

The effects of Z56822977 on biosynthesis of serotonin in the brain of rats in the conditions of MSG-induced obesity.

Wstep: Badanie przeprowadzono w celu wyjasnienia wplywu Z56822977 na biosynteze serotoniny w mózgu szczurów z otyloscia wy-wolana podawaniem glutaminianu sodu (monosodium glutamate, MSG). Material i metody: W badaniu wykorzystano 18 samców szczura. Zwierzeta podzielono na trzy grupy: 1 - grupa kontrolna, 2 - grupa MSG, 3 - grupa MSG + Z56822977. Szczurzym oseskom w grupie 2 i 3 podawano podskórnie MSG rozpuszczony w soli fizjologicznej w dawce 4 mg/g masy ciala w objetosci 8 µl/g w 2., 4., 6., 8. i 10. dniu zycia. Grupie 3 podawano doustnie wodny roztwór Z56822977 w dawce 25 mg/kg w objetosci 1 ml/kg. Pierwsza dawke Z56822977 podawano po ukonczeniu 4 tygodni zycia, a nastepnie kontynuowa-no podawanie badanej substancji cyklicznie wedlug schematu tydzien podawania substancji badanej/3 tygodnie przerwy. Zwierzetom z grupy MSG podawano odpowiednio 1 ml/kg wody doustnie. Przez pierwsze 4 miesiace zycia szczury otrzymywaly standardowa karme. Zmierzono zawartosc serotoniny, tryptofanu i 5-hydroksytryptofanu (5-HTr) oraz aktywnosc hydroksylazy tryptofanowej (tryptophan hydroxylase, TRH), dekarboksylazy aminokwasów (amino acid decarboxylase, AADC) i monoaminooksydazy (MAO) w tkance mózgowej. WYNIKI: Wykazano, ze podawanie Z56822977 ma pozytywny wplyw na glówne wskazniki otylosci, co odzwierciedlaja zmiany podsta-wowych parametrów fizjologicznych i biochemicznych [zmniejszenie masy ciala o 13% vs. MSG (p < 0,05); zmniejszenie wskaznika masy ciala (body mass index, BMI), wskaznika Lee oraz masy tkanki tluszczowej trzewnej odpowiednio o 18%, 7% i 55%, (p < 0,05) w porównaniu z grupa MSG]. Zawartosc tryptofanu i serotoniny byla istotnie nizsza (p < 0,05) u szczurów z otyloscia wywolana przez MSG. W badaniach wykazano, ze u otylych szczurów aktywnosc MAO zwieksza sie o 97% (p < 0,05), a aktywnosc TRH i AADC odpowiednio o 44% i 53% (p < 0,05). Podawanie Z56822977 powodowalo zwiekszenie zawartosci serotoniny i tryptofanu w mózgach szczurów i przywracalo poziom aktywnosci enzymów (MAO, TRH, AADC) do wartosci mierzonych u zwierzat kontrolnych. WNIOSKI: Wiadomo, ze otylosc wiaze sie z zaburzeniem syntezy serotoniny w mózgu szczurów. Jednak podawanie Z56822977 prowadzi do normalizacji stezenia serotoniny i tryptofanu oraz przywrócenia prawidlowej aktywnosci enzymów uczestniczacych w biosynte-zie i degradacji serotoniny. Podawanie Z56822977, czasteczki wplywajacej na uklad serotoninergiczny, moze powodowac korzystne efekty w leczeniu otylosci wywolanej przez MSG u szczurów. Mozna rozwazac zastosowanie czasteczki Z56822977 jako nowego leku stosowanego w otylosci, jednak konieczne sa dalsze badania w celu potwierdzenia jej dzialania.

The influence of lead nanoparticles on the morpho-functional changes of rat liver during the postexposure period.

Lead as any heavy metals may be found in soil, water, air, and is used in everyday life. Once in the body, it causes toxic effect, making the liver, which is one of the main organs of detoxification, suffer. Recently, the study of the action of not only ionic forms of lead, but also its nanoparticles, has become topical. The study aims at determining changes in the liver of rats and biochemical changes in their blood both at late term of exposure to nanoparticles of lead compounds and in the post-exposure period. The study was performed on 120 male rats of Wistar line, which were divided into two series, each series containing four groups. The first and the second groups of animals were intraperitoneally injected with colloidal solution of nanoparticles of lead sulfide of 10 and 30 nm in size, and the third group were intraperitoneally injected with a solution of lead nitrate. The fourth group of animals served as control. In the first series, the investigated substances were administered 60 times within 12 weeks. In the second series, after 60-fold administration of the investigated substances, the exposure was discontibued and animals were observed for 6 weeks-overall duration of 18 weeks. Histological, morphometrical and biochemical methods were used. The body weight was reduced in the rats exposed to PbSnano1 at week 12 of experiment and in rats exposed to both PbSnano1 and Pb(NO3 )2 in the second series. Absolute liver weight increased at week 12 of experiment in all experimental groups. In the second series this value almost reached that of the control level. Relative liver weight in the animals of all experimental groups was higher than that in the control at week 12 of experiment. In the second series this value remained higher in rats exposed to PbSnano1 . After 12 weeks of exposure dystrophic changes in the liver were found in all experimental groups. At week 6 after the exposure (the second series) destructive changes in the liver decreased. Total protein, albumin, glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides content in blood serum corresponded with morphological data. The experiment has demonstrated that the 12 weeks long exposure to lead nanoparticles had harmful effect on the liver. Within the postexposure 6-weeks period structural changes in the liver and biochemical changes in blood serum decreased. Biochemical changes in blood serum corresponded to the morphological data. By many parameters PbSnano1 had more pronounced harmful effect. Toxicity of PbSnano2 and Pb(NO3 )2 were comparable.

Radiological characterization and evaluation of high volume bauxite residue alkali activated concretes.

Bauxite residue, also known as red mud, can be used as an aggregate in concrete products. The study involves the radiological characterization of different types of concretes containing bauxite residue from Ukraine. The activity concentrations of radionuclides from the 238U, 232Th decay series and 40K were determined for concrete mixture samples incorporating 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 85 and 90% (by mass) of bauxite residue using gamma-ray spectrometry with a HPGe detector. The studied bauxite residue can, from a radiological point of view using activity concentration indexes developed by Markkanen, be used in concrete for building materials and in road construction, even in percentages reaching 90% (by mass). However, when also occupational exposure is considered it is recommended to incorporate less than 75% (by mass) of Ukrainian bauxite residue during the construction of buildings in order to keep the dose to workers below the dose criterion used by Radiation Protection (RP) 122 (0.3 mSv/a). Considering RP122 for evaluation of the total effective dose to workers no restrictions are required for the use of the Ukrainian bauxite residue in road construction.

The initial vascular access type contributes to inflammation in incident hemodialysis patients.

Background. The contribution of the hemodialysis (HD) vascular access type to inflammation is unclear. Methods. We conducted a prospective observational study in an incident HD population. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ-induced protein (IP-10) were measured before and at 6-time points after access placement for 1 year. Results. Sixty-four incident HD patients were included (tunneled catheter (TC), n = 40, arteriovenous fistula (AVF), n = 14, and arteriovenous graft (AVG), n = 10). A mixed effects model was performed to adjust for age, sex, race, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, infections, access thrombosis, initiation of HD, and days after access surgery. In comparison to AVFs, the presence of a TC was associated with significantly higher levels of CRP (P = 0.03), IL-6 (P = 0.07), and IP-10 (P = 0.03). The presence of an AVG was associated with increases in CRP (P = 0.01) and IP-10 (P = 0.07). Conclusions. Patients who initiate HD with a TC or an AVG have a heightened state of inflammation, which may contribute to the excess 90-day mortality after HD initiation.