COVID-19 PANDEMIA AND PUBLIC AND GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in Wuhan, China and has spread all over the world and has caused huge threats to health and lives. It has affected different frontiers of lives and induced many psychiatric individual and collective problems such as panic, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, suspiciousness, infodemia, cacophony, xenophobia, racisms, etc. The COVID-19 outbreak has induced public and global mental health crisis as well as a huge psychosocial experiment. Psychiatry and other mental health sciences can play very useful role in supporting the well-being of COVID-19 patients and their families, healthcare personnel and the society. For successful fighting with present and future pandemics we have to learn more about psychiatric and psychological aspects of COVID-19 from the perspectives of public and global mental health

PERSONALITY TRAITS AND TREATMENT COMPLIANCE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Background: Personality traits, especially types A/B and D, have been linked to negative outcomes in various somatic illnesses. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of personality types and their association with certain aspects of treatment compliance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subjects and methods: Participants in this study were 91 in- and outpatients suffering from T2DM and 73 healthy control subjects. All the participants filled out standardized self-report measures of personality types A/B (Bortner Rating Scale) and D (Type D Scale; DS-14). In addition, two aspects of treatment compliance were assessed: blood glucose assessment and visits to the primary care physician. Results: We found a higher incidence of personality type B (χ2=4.086, p=0.049) and personality type D (χ2=4.215, p=0.048) in the group of T2DM patients compared to healthy controls. Patients with type D personality were less compliant in terms of the visits to the primary care physician (χ2=4.229, p=0.040), although they were more prevalent among those who were compliant regarding the frequency of blood glucose assessment (χ2=4.022, p=0.045). Conclusion: The current study shows that type B and type D personality are frequent among T2DM patients. Moreover, type D personality could lead to certain aspects of suboptimal health behaviors and, therefore, interfere with disease management in diabetic populations

THE IMPACT OF STATIONARY BALL-HANDLING DRILLS ON FUNDAMENTAL OFFENSIVE BASKETBALL SKILLS IN 13 AND 14-YEAR-OLD BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of no dribble stationary ball-handling drills on basic offensive skills in basketball. Participants were 121 young male basketball players aged 13-14 (M=13.59±0.54) who spent at least two years training basketball (M=3.30±0.74). Three no dribble stationary ball-handling drills were applied for independent variables: Double Leg-Single Leg (Dlsl30), Body Circles (Hwlb30) and Pretzel (Blur30). Three tests of offensive basketball skills, suggested by AAPRHED (1984), were applied for dependent variables: Speed spot shooting (Shooting), Passing test (Pass) and Control dribble test (Dribble). The impact of independent variables on the individual dependent variables was tested by using regression analysis - Stepwise method. Results showed that there was a significant impact of no dribble stationary ball-handling drills on basic offensive skills in basketball. Body circles drill had a significant impact on all three basketball skills, Pretzel drill had influence on shooting and passing, and Double Leg-Single Leg on passing and dribble. These results justify the use of no dribble stationary ball-handling drills in learning fundamental offensive basketball skills

Biološka aktivnost vrste Petrorhagia Saxifraga (L.) Link (Caryophyllaceae)

Antioxidant activity, total concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids were analyzed in water, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the species Petrorhagia saxifraga. Total concentration of phenolics ranged from 41,21 to 48,50 mg GA/g of the extract. The concentration of flavonoids varied from 24,64 to 69,67 mg RU/g of the extract. The greatest quantity of phenolic compounds was observed in the ethyl acetate extract, whereas the analyses showed that the methanolic extract contained the highest concentration of flavonoids. The values for antioxidant activity ranged from 874,56 to 672,33 µg/ml. The highest IC50 values were observed in the ethyl acetate extract.Antioksidativna aktivnost, količina ukupnih fenolnih jedinjenja i flavonoida analizirani su spektrofotometrijskim metodama u vodenom, metanolnom i etil acetatnom ekstraktu vrste Petrorhagia saxifraga (L.) Link (Caryophyllaceae). Količina ukupnih fenolnih jedinjenja je u opsegu od 41,21 do 48,50 mg GA/g ekstrakta. Koncentracija flavonoida je opsegu od 24,64 do 69,67 mg RU/g ekstrakta. Najveća količina ukupnih fenolnih jedinjenja izmerena je u etil acetatnom ekstraktu, dok je najveća količina flavonoida izmerena u metanolnom ekstraktu. Antioksidativna aktivnost je u opsegu od 874,56 do 672,33 µg/ml. Najvišu antioksidativnu aktivnost ispoljava etil acetatni ekstrakt, za koji je utvrđena i najveća količina ukupnih fenolnih jedinjenja

Comparing two permanent plots in Croatia and Italy with different levels of nitrogen deposition

A preliminary comparison between two forest plot with different N load

The Encapsulation of Lycopene in Nanoliposomes Enhances Its Protective Potential in Methotrexate-Induced Kidney Injury Model

Methotrexate is an antimetabolic drug with a myriad of serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, which presumably occurs due to oxidative tissue damage. Here, we evaluated the potential protective effect of lycopene, a potent antioxidant carotenoid, given in two different pharmaceutical forms in methotrexate-induced kidney damage in rats. Serum biochemical (urea and creatinine) and tissue oxidative damage markers and histopathological kidney changes were evaluated after systemic administration of both lycopene dissolved in corn oil and lycopene encapsulated in nanoliposomes. Similar to previous studies, single dose of methotrexate induced severe functional and morphological alterations of kidneys with cell desquamation, tubular vacuolation, and focal necrosis, which were followed by serum urea and creatinine increase and disturbances of tissue antioxidant status. Application of both forms of lycopene concomitantly with methotrexate ameliorated changes in serum urea and creatinine and oxidative damage markers and markedly reversed structural changes of kidney tissue. Moreover, animals that received lycopene in nanoliposome-encapsulated form showed higher degree of recovery than those treated with free lycopene form. The findings of this study indicate that treatment with nanoliposome-encapsulated lycopene comparing to lycopene in standard vehicle has an advantage as it more efficiently reduces methotrexate-induced kidney dysfunction

Gender Related Differences in the Clinical Presentation of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-An Analysis from the SILICOFCM Database

Background and Objectives: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disease that affects approximately 1 in 500 people. Due to an incomplete disease penetrance associated with numerous factors, HCM is not manifested in all carriers of genetic mutation. Although about two-thirds of patients are male, it seems that female gender is associated with more severe disease phenotype and worse prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender related differences in HCM presentation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a part of the international multidisciplinary SILICOFCM project. Clinical information, laboratory analyses, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and genetic testing data were collected for 362 HCM patients from four clinical centers (Florence, Newcastle, Novi Sad, and Regensburg). There were 33% female patients, and 67% male patients. Results: Female patients were older than males (64.5 vs. 53.5 years, p < 0.0005). The male predominance was present across all age groups until the age of 70, when gender distribution became comparable. Females had higher number of symptomatic individuals then males (69% vs. 52%, p = 0.003), most frequently complaining of dyspnea (50% vs. 30%), followed by chest pain (30% vs. 17%), fatigue (26% vs. 13%), palpitations (22% vs. 13%), and syncope (13% vs. 8%). The most common rhythm disorder was atrial fibrillation which was present in a similar number of females and males (19% vs. 13%, p = 0.218). Levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were comparable between the genders (571 vs. 794 ng/L, p = 0.244). Echocardiography showed similar thickness of interventricular septum (18 vs. 16 mm, p = 0.121) and posterolateral wall (13 vs. 12 mm, p = 0.656), however, females had a lower number of systolic anterior motion (8% vs. 16%, p = 0.020) and other mitral valve abnormalities. Conclusions: Female patients are underrepresented but seem to have a more pronounced clinical presentation of HCM. Therefore, establishing gender specific diagnostic criteria for HCM should be considered

Genetic determinants of clinical phenotype in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease that affects approximately one in 500 people. HCM is a recognized genetic disorder most often caused by mutations involving myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) and beta -myosin heavy chain (MYH7) which are responsible for approximately three-quarters of the identified mutations.MethodsAs a part of the international multidisciplinary SILICOFCM project (www.silicofcm.eu) the present study evaluated the association between underlying genetic mutations and clinical phenotype in patients with HCM. Only patients with confirmed single pathogenic mutations in either MYBPC3 or MYH7 genes were included in the study and divided into two groups accordingly. The MYBPC3 group was comprised of 48 patients (76%), while the MYH7 group included 15 patients (24%). Each patient underwent clinical examination and echocardiography.ResultsThe most prevalent symptom in patients with MYBPC3 was dyspnea (44%), whereas in patients with MYH7 it was palpitations (33%). The MYBPC3 group had a significantly higher number of patients with a positive family history of HCM (46% vs. 7%; p=0.014). There was a numerically higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the MYH7 group (60% vs. 35%, p=0.085). Laboratory analyses revealed normal levels of creatinine (85.518.3 vs. 81.3 +/- 16.4 mu mol/l; p=0.487) and blood urea nitrogen (10.2 +/- 15.6 vs. 6.9 +/- 3.9 mmol/l; p=0.472) which were similar in both groups. The systolic anterior motion presence was significantly more frequent in patients carrying MYH7 mutation (33% vs. 10%; p=0.025), as well as mitral leaflet abnormalities (40% vs. 19%; p=0.039). Calcifications of mitral annulus were registered only in MYH7 patients (20% vs. 0%; p=0.001). The difference in diastolic function, i.e. E/e ' ratio between the two groups was also noted (MYBPC3 8.8 +/- 3.3, MYH7 13.9 +/- 6.9, p=0.079).Conclusions Major findings of the present study corroborate the notion that MYH7 gene mutation patients are presented with more pronounced disease severity than those with MYBPC3

Association between heart rate variability and haemodynamic response to exercise in chronic heart failure

Objectives. Heart rate variability (HRV) and haemodynamic response to exercise (i.e. peak cardiac power output) are strong predictors of mortality in heart failure. The present study assessed the relationship between measures of HRV and peak cardiac power output. Design. In a prospective observational study of 33 patients (age 54 ± 16 years) with chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (29 ± 11%), measures of the HRV (i.e. R-R interval and standard deviation of normal R-R intervals, SDNN) were recorded in a supine position. All patients underwent maximal graded cardiopulmonary exercise testing with non-invasive (inert gas rebreathing) cardiac output assessment. Cardiac power output, expressed in watts, was calculated as the product of cardiac output and mean arterial blood pressure. Results. The mean RR and SDNN were 837 ± 166 and 96 ± 29 ms, peak exercise cardiac power output 2.28 ± 0.85 watts, cardiac output 10.34 ± 3.14 L/min, mean arterial blood pressure 98 ± 14 mmHg, stroke volume 91.43 ± 40.77 mL/beat, and oxygen consumption 19.0 ± 5.6 mL/kg/min. There was a significant but only moderate relationship between the RR interval and peak exercise cardiac power output (r = 0.43, p =.013), cardiac output (r = 0.35, p =.047), and mean arterial blood pressure (r = 0.45, p =.009). The SDNN correlated with peak cardiac power output (r = 0.42, p =.016), mean arterial blood arterial (r = 0.41, p =.019), and stroke volume (r = 0.35, p =.043). Conclusions. Moderate strength of the relationship between measures of HRV and cardiac response to exercise suggests that cardiac autonomic function is not good indicator of overall function and pumping capability of the heart in chronic heart failure

ASSOCIATION OF NEUROPEPTIDE S RECEPTOR 1 AND GLUTAMATE DECARBOXYLASE 1 GENE POLYMORPHISMS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by highly traumatic experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) and the glutamate decarboxylase 1(GAD1) gene on PTSD and its psychopathological aspects among individuals affected by the Balkan wars during the 90s. Subjects and methods: This study was conducted as part of the South Eastern Europe (SEE) study on molecular mechanisms of PTSD. It comprised 719 participants (539 males), including those with current PTSD, remitted PTSD and healthy volunteers. Psychometric evaluation was performed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), the Clinician Administrated PTSD Scale (CAPS) andthe Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). We examined NPSR1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs324981 and GAD1 variant rs3749034 genotypes. Case-control analyses were carried out using logistical regression to determine genotype differences between all patients that had either current or remitted PTSD and control individuals. To analyse the influence of the analysed SNPs on PTSD severity, we performed linear regression analyses with CAPS and BSI within each of the two patient groups separately. All of the calculations were performed for additive allelic, recessive, dominant and genotypic models. Results: We observed a nominally significant association for the major allele (G) of GAD1 rs3749034 with an increased risk to develop PTSD in a case control analysis in the recessive model (P=0.0315, odds ratio=0.47, SE=0.35). In contrast, a nominally significant association of the minor allele (A) with higher CAPS scores was identified within the patient group with lifetime PTSD in the dominant model (P=0.0372, ????=6.29, SE=2.99). None of these results did withstand correction for multiple tests. No nominal significant results of GAD1 rs3749034 were found with regard to the intensity of psychological BSI symptoms. Case control analyses of NPSR1 rs324981 revealed a nominally significant higher risk for homozygous T allele carriers to develop PTSD (P=0.0452) in the recessive model. On the other hand, the T allele showed a nominally significant association with higher BSI scores in patients suffering from lifetime PTSD in the recessive model (P=0.0434). Again, these results were not significant anymore after correction for multiple tests. No associations of NPSR1 rs324981 and CAPS score was identified. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide some evidence that the NPSR1 and GAD1 polymorphisms might play a role in the development of war-related PTSD and its related psychological expressions. Further research is needed to elucidate the interactions of specific gene variants and environmental factors in the development of PTSD