Features of the Dermatoglyphic Foot Pattern in Suicider Males

Since suicide is one of the most common types of violent death among people of working age (including military personnel) and children, it is necessary to conduct in-depth studies of the structure of skin patterns in a group of people with completed suicide in order to develop methods of active suicide prevention. In order to determine the propensity to commit suicide, the dermatoglyphs of the distal phalanges and metacarpal pads of the toes of 138 male subjects aged 18 to 59 years who committed suicide and 100 control subjects aged 18 to 59 years were studied. The type of pattern (arc, tibial or fibular loop, curl, complex pattern), delta and comb counts were determined. It was found that the suicide group differs from the control group mainly in a higher number of interruptions (ending X) of the main plantar lines A, B and C; an increase in the frequency of arc patterns on most toes of both feet with a degree of reliability; a decrease in the frequency of curls on the third toe of the left foot to 44.5±11.2 (p<0.001) and an increase in the frequency of this pattern on the second toes of both feet; an increase in the value of the comb count in the area of the tibial edge of the foot, with a decrease in the values near the fibular edge of the foot.Оскільки суїцид є одним з найпоширеніших родів насильницької смерті серед осіб працездатного віку (зокрема, військовослужбовців) та дітей, вбачається за необхідне проведення поглиблених досліджень будови шкірних візерунків у групі осіб із завершеним суїцидом з метою розробки методів активної профілактики самогубств. З метою визначення схильності до самогубств були вивчені дерматогліфи дистальних фаланг та підпальцевих подушечок пальців ніг 138 осіб чоловічої статі, віком від 18 до 59 років, що вчинили суїцид,  та 100 осіб контрольної групи віком 18 - 59 років. Визначали тип візерунку (дуга, петля тібіальна чи фібулярна, завиток, складний візерунок), дельтовий та гребінцевий рахунки. Встановлено, що група суїцидентів відрізняється від контрольної головні вищою кількістю переривань (закінчення X) головних підошвових лінії А, В та С; збільшенням частот дугових візерунків на більшості пальців обох стоп зі ступенем достовірності; зниженням частоти завитків на третьому пальці лівої стопи до 44,5±11,2 (p<0,001) і збільшення частот цього візерунка на других пальцях обох стоп; збільшенням значення гребінцевого рахунку у ділянці тибіального краю стопи  за умови зниження величин біля фібулярного краю стопи

Indicators of Mineral Metabolism in the Oral Fluid in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Disruption of the digestive system in the gastrointestinal tract, namely in gastroesophageal reflux disease, leads to the development of pathological processes in the oral cavity, changing the homeostasis of the viscoelastic gel layer of the esophageal mucosa. Thus, it has been proven that there are reflex connections between the receptor apparatus of the esophageal mucosa and the efferent nerve fibers of the salivary glands, which can be disrupted in GERD. Therefore, saliva is involved in providing effective protection of the esophagus. As a result, the content of mineral components changes significantly: in particular, the level of calcium and enzyme composition. Aim to study the indicators of mineral metabolism: the content of calcium, alkaline, and acid phosphatases in mixed saliva in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods 60 patients of various ages who underwent inpatient treatment at the IFNMU University Clinic were examined, where pH-metry was performed to determine acidity. The main group consisted of patients diagnosed with GERD, with decreased and increased acidity. The content of indicators of mineral metabolism in saliva was determined as follows: calcium (Ca) - photometric method with arsenase -111; acid phosphatase (AC) was determined by the Hillman method, alkaline phosphatase (AL) by hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate at pH -10.4, release of p-nitrophenol and phosphate. The norm of indicators of mineral metabolism was established on 30 practically healthy volunteers. Statistical processing of data was carried out using the Microsoft Excel program by calculating the arithmetic mean. Conclusions thus, the results obtained indicate that in GERD there is a violation of mineral metabolism in the oral fluid. The oral fluid is the first to come into contact with the reflux agent. This leads to a violation of saliva neutralization, so the study of saliva mineral composition can be considered as an early diagnostic marker for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Urticaria: The Importance of Autoimmune Aspects and Comorbidity

The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on the autoimmune mechanisms associated with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in adults, explore the association between chronic urticaria (CU) and autoimmune disorders, analyze two case reports, and develop a diagnostic algorithm considering the autoimmune pathogenesis. Materials and Methods. The literature review was conducted to study the mechanisms underlying autoimmune CU. Two case reports were analyzed and a diagnostic algorithm for patients suspected of autoimmune urticaria was formulated. Results. CU significantly impairs patients’ quality of life, posing problems in daily activities and is often associated with concomitant autoimmune diseases. Though the pathogenesis of CSU remains incompletely understood, in recent years, there has been significant progress in understanding the pathophysiology of this condition, prompting researchers to explore new agents, especially biological ones, in cases with severe refractory urticaria. We have developed a diagnostic algorithm aimed at improving the management tactics for CSU and autoimmune pathology, that involves a thorough collection of complaints, medical history, performing a series of basic laboratory tests for specific markers of autoimmune disorders, and expanding their spectrum with detailed differential diagnostics. Conclusions. CU is an important medical and social issue that requires an interdisciplinary personalized approach to patients. The diagnosis of the condition involves a comprehensive approach, considering potential concomitant autoimmune disorders and detailed laboratory investigations, especially in cases refractory to standard second-generation antihistamine therapy. The treatment of CU, specifically the stepwise therapy protocol based on symptom severity and response to treatment and aimed at reducing symptoms, improving patients’ quality of life, and achieving CU remission, is outlined in various national and international guidelines, and is carried out gradually, involving three lines of therapy

Relationship Between Malnutrition Risk, Activities of Daily Living, and Adaptation to Chronic Diseases in Older People with Chest Diseases

Introduction. The increased risk of malnutrition in older people may have significant impacts on chronic disease management and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic diseases, activities of daily living (ADLs), and malnutrition risk. Methods. This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted on 352 patients over 65 years old, who had a chronic disease for at least one year and were admitted to Dr. Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. The data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale (ACIS), Nutrition Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), and Katz Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL) scale. Results. The mean age of the participants was 70.65±4.18 years. All participants were at risk of malnutrition according to the NRS-2002 assessment, 29% were independent, and 35.8% were partially dependent based on the Katz ADL scale assessment. The ACIS score was 82.83±13.88. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that age, disease duration, perceived disease knowledge, and interference from the disease with planned activities were significant positive predictors of ACIS, while hospitalization in the last 6 months, the number of meals per day, difficulty in meeting personal care needs, and NRS-2002 were significant negative predictors of ACIS (p<0.05). Conclusions. Despite the unexpected homogeneity in malnutrition risk, the NRS-2002 score emerged as a negative predictor of chronic disease adaptation. Furthermore, recent hospital admissions, daily meal consumption, and impairment in self-care were also found to have a negative influence, while age, disease duration (in years), appropriate disease knowledge, and the absence of interference from the disease with planned activities demonstrated a positive impact on chronic disease adaptation

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Maxillary Sinus and Nasopalatine Canal of Maxillary Impacted Canines by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction. One of the critical parameters evaluated while planning orthodontic treatment for impacted canines in clinical practice is the relationship between impacted canines and adjacent anatomical structures. The nasopalatine canal (NPC) and maxillary sinus are anatomical formations that may be in close proximity to impacted canines. This study aimed to determine the relationship between palatally impacted canines, the maxillary sinus, and the NPC. Methods. A total of 105 impacted canines from 93 patients were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The relationship between the impacted canine teeth, maxillary sinus, and NPC was assessed inside, outside, and at the border of the maxillary sinus floor and NPC walls. The millimetric distance between the impacted canine teeth and the borders of the maxillary sinus, the NPC, and the cortical bone of the palate was measured. Additionally, NPC morphology was assessed on the axial and sagittal CBCT images. Results. Of all the impacted teeth, 47.6% (3.8% inside, 43.8% at the border) were associated with the sinus, while 42.8% (15.2% inside, 27.6% at the border) were associated with the NPC. A significant moderate negative correlation (-0.32) was observed between age and the distance between impacted left canine teeth and the cortical bone of the palate. Additionally, when a Y-shaped NPC was present, the impacted canines were predominantly situated outside the canal. Conclusions. In this study, nearly half of the canines were located inside or at the border of the maxillary sinus and the NPC. Therefore, clinicians should carefully evaluate the relationship of impacted teeth with the maxillary sinus and the NPC during both orthodontic treatment and the extraction of impacted teeth

англійська

Hormones that produce the adrenal glands affect most of the functional and metabolic processes in the human body, and also ensure its stability under stress. Since the adrenal glands are a stress-sensitive organ in the endocrine regulation system of all body functions, the development of adaptation mechanisms under the conditions of stress factor action can be characterized by their morphological state. However, thyroid diseases associated with a persistent lack of hormones are the cause of impaired homeostasis, metabolism and oxygen exchange. Since the adrenal glands belong to the vital target organs of the thyroid gland, of particular interest is the study of their functional relationships in normal and pathological conditions

Acute Lung Injury Associated with Blood Transfusion in a Hysterectomy Patient: A Case Report

This case report presents a case of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) in a 50-year-old female patient who underwent total hysterectomy due to multiple fibromyomas. The patient developed dyspnea, heart palpitations, and fatigue postoperatively, with SpO2 dropping to 61%. Despite initially suspecting pulmonary embolism, the normal D-dimer level and characteristic changes observed on X-ray facilitated the diagnosis of TRALI. The patient was successfully treated with oxygen supplementation, intravenous corticosteroids, and thromboembolism prophylaxis, resulting in complete recovery. This case underscores the importance of considering TRALI in the differential diagnosis when patients exhibit respiratory distress following transfusion

Changes in Lipid and Protein Peroxidation in Blood Serum and Respiratory Lungs Homogenate in Experimental Iodine Deficiency, Insulin Resistance and Their Combination

The relevance of the study is the prevalence of diet-induced metabolic disorders, in particular, iodine deficiency and insulin resistance. The aim of the study was to find out the features of lipids and proteins peroxidation  in blood serum and lung tissue in rats with iodine deficiency, insulin resistance and their combination. Thyroid profile indicators, carbohydrate metabolism markers, proteins and lipids peroxidation were determined in animals kept on a standard diet (1st, control group), iodine-deficient diet (2nd group), under high-fructose feeding conditions (3rd group) and combination of iodine deprivation and the high-fructose diet (4th group). Indicators  lipids and proteins free radical oxidation were determined in serum and homogenate of the pulmonary respiratory part. Iodine insufficient diet caused hypothyroid dysfunction, as evidenced by a decrease level of thyroid hormones and increase TSH in the blood serum of rats (2nd and 4th experimental groups). Increase in serum insulin and HOMA-IR index reflects the insulin resistance (3rd and 4th groups). Long-term iodine deprivation and a high-carbohydrate diet (three months) caused a violation of thyroid homeostasis and the development of insulin resistance, which are potentiated in their combination. Under such conditions oxidative stress develops, reflecting elevation of lipid and protein peroxidation products in blood serum (by 16,40-83,10 %, р<0,05) and homogenate of the respiratory pulmonary section (by 39,61 % - 2,55 times, р<0,05) according to the control. Increase the intensity of peroxidation in a combination of iodine-deficient and high-carbohydrate diets suggests a synergism of comorbid pathology and an increase in bronchopulmonary risks

Attitudes of Gynecologists on Oral Health Care During the Pregnancy in the Republic of North Macedonia

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the attitudes and the knowledge of gynecologists in the Republic of North Macedonia on oral health care during the pregnancy. Materials and methods:  The specialists and residents of obstetrics and gynecology in Republic of North Macedonia were involved in this cross-sectional study. The survey was conducted by a questionnaire which consisted the questions on general demographic data and issues related to the attitudes of gynecologists to oral health care of pregnant women. The data were collected from January to May 2022 using Google Form, a link to which questionnaire was send via available social media platforms. Results: Out of the total number of 120 respondents, 86 (71.64%) were specialists and 34(28.33%) residents of obstetrics and gynecology. As many as 116 (96.67%) gynecologists answered that they advise their patients to visit the dentist for an examination. However, of these 116 gynecologists, 16 (13.33%) responded by advising their patients to postpone a visit to the dentist until the end of the pregnancy. 79 (65.83%) gynecologists answered that their patients complained of gingival bleeding during pregnancy. 48 (40.33%) gynecologists answered that their patients complained about tooth mobility during pregnancy. When respondents were asked where they get information about the connection between oral health and pregnancy, only 27 respondents answered correctly that they receive information from all the above sources. Only 7 (5.83%) respondents, 5 specialists and 2 residents of obstetrics and gynecology  know that breastfeeding a child can cause dental caries. Conclusion: Additional collaboration between gynecologists and doctors of dental medicine is essential in order for every pregnant woman to receive a satisfactory level of dental care and proper education on the preservation of oral health

Distribution of Zinc in Muscle, Adipose Tissue and Blood Serum of Rats Under Conditions of Zinc-Deficient, Iodine-Deficient, High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diets

The relevance of the study is due to the prevalence of hypothyroid dysfunction, type II diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. The study was carried out on sexually mature male rats that were on a standard vivarium diet (control group), zinc-deficient, iodine-deficient, high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets. Under the experimental conditions, the distribution of zinc in blood serum, adipose (visceral fat) and muscle (femoral and tibial muscles) tissues was studied. The study showed a decrease in serum zinc content by 13.79-30.89 % (p<0.05) compared to the control group, regardless of diet. The concentration of the trace element in adipose tissue was significantly reduced relative to the control under conditions of zinc deprivation (by 18.37 %, p<0.05), and especially high-fat feeding (by 74.74 %, p<0.001). The increase in the content of the trace element in muscles under conditions of zinc deficiency (by 36.84 %, p<0.001) compared to the same indicator in animals fed a standard diet) is noteworthy. Taking into account the role of the bioelement in the maintenance of thyroid homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant potential, the detected changes involving zinc may act as a trigger for changes in the hormonal profile, metabolic and oxidative disorders