Tag: pubmed

Genome Biol Evol. 2023 Jul 18:evad134. doi: 10.1093/gbe/evad134. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ALE and GeneRax are tools for probabilistic gene tree-species tree reconciliation. Based on a common underlying statistical model of how gene trees evolve along species trees, these methods rely on gene versus species tree discordance to infer gene duplication, transfer and loss events, map gene family origins and root species trees. Published analyses have used these methods to root species trees of Archaea, Bacteria and several eukaryotic groups, as well as to infer ancestral gene repertoires. However, it was recently suggested that reconciliation-based estimates of duplication and transfer events using the ALE/GeneRax model were unreliable, with potential implications for species tree rooting. Here, we assess these criticisms and find that the methods are accurate when applied to simulated data and in generally good agreement with alternative methodological approaches on empirical data. In particular, ALE recovers variation in gene duplication and transfer frequencies across lineages that is consistent with the known biology of studied clades. In plants and opisthokonts, ALE recovers the consensus species tree root; in Bacteria – where there is less certainty about the root position – ALE agrees with alternative approaches on the most likely root region. Overall, ALE and related approaches are promising tools for studying genome evolution.

PMID:37463417 | DOI:10.1093/gbe/evad134

Am J Gastroenterol. 2023 Jul 19. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002405. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is rising in the United States because of an increase in high-risk drinking, but population-level ALD cost is unknown. Our aim was to project the direct and indirect costs associated with ALD in the US population through 2040.

METHODS: We utilized a previously validated microsimulation model of alcohol consumption and ALD with model parameters estimated from publicly available data sources, including the National Epidemiologic Survey Alcohol and Related Conditions-III, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and published studies informing the impact of alcohol consumption on ALD severity in the United States resident population. The simulated scenario included current and projected ALD-associated costs.

RESULTS: From 2022-2040, the ALD is projected to cost $880 billion; $355 billion in direct healthcare- related costs and $525 billion in lost labor and economic consumption. The annual cost of ALD is projected to increase from $31 billion in 2022 to $66 billion (118% increase) in 2040. While the female population makes up 29% of these costs in 2022, by 2040 on a per annum basis, female costs would be 43% of the total annual expenditure.

DISCUSSION: Increased consumption of alcohol in the US population, especially in females, will cause a steep rise in the economic burden of alcohol-associated liver disease in the United States. These findings highlight the need for planners and policymakers to plan for the increased impact of liver disease in the United States.

PMID:37463414 | DOI:10.14309/ajg.0000000000002405

Menopause. 2023 Jul 18. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002216. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Testing the hypothesis that a sleep-light intervention, which phase-advances melatonin rhythms, will improve perimenopausal-postmenopausal (P-M; by follicle-stimulating hormone) depression.

METHODS: In at-home environments, we compared two contrasting interventions: (1) an active phase-advance intervention: one night of advanced/restricted sleep from 9 pm to 1 am, followed by 8 weeks of morning bright white light for 60 min/d within 30 minutes of awakening, and (2) a control phase-delay intervention: one night of delayed/restricted sleep (sleep from 3 to 7 am) followed by 8 weeks of evening bright white light for 60 min/d within 90 minutes of bedtime. We tested 17 P-M participants, 9 normal controls and 8 depressed participants (DPs) (by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition] criteria). Clinicians assessed mood by structured interviews and subjective mood ratings. Participants wore actigraphs to measure sleep and activity and collected overnight urine samples for the melatonin metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT), before, during, and after interventions.

RESULTS: Baseline depressed mood correlated with delayed 6-SMT offset time (cessation of melatonin metabolite [6-SMT] secretion) (r = +0.733, P = 0.038). After phase-advance intervention versus phase-delay intervention, 6-SMT offset (start of melatonin and 6-SMT decrease) was significantly advanced in DPs (mean ± SD, 2 h 15 min ± 12 min; P = 0.042); advance in 6-SMT acrophase (time of maximum melatonin and 6-SMT secretion) correlated positively with mood improvement (r = +0.978, P = 0.001). Mood improved (+70%, P = 0.007) by both 2 and 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings reveal significantly phase-delayed melatonin rhythms in DP versus normal control P-M women. Phase-advancing melatonin rhythms improves mood in association with melatonin advance. Thus, sleep-light interventions may potentially offer safe, rapid, nonpharmaceutical, well-tolerated, affordable home treatments for P-M depression.

PMID:37463404 | DOI:10.1097/GME.0000000000002216

Wiad Lek. 2023;76(6):1478-1484. doi: 10.36740/WLek202306122.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Assessment of the hazard to the population when consuming treated crops by using different technologies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Unmanned aerial vehicle XAG XPlanet 2020 equipped with four rotating rotors, which allows to keep in the air a 20-liter tank was used for spraying field; a manned aircraft AN-2 aggregated with a serial sprayer. High-clearance rod treatment of sunflower and rapeseed crops was carried out by using a PLA MAP II 2010 tractor.

RESULTS: Results: When the herbicide was applied by aerial application with UAV, the initial content of diquat dibromide in treated rapeseed and sunflower plants on the day of treatment was significantly higher than in the soil under crops (р≤0.05). The analysis of the diquat content dynamics in sunflower also showed a similar behavior of the a.i. in the plant after processing by another application methods: UAV, aerial and high-clearance rod treatment. The integral index of hazard when using pesticide-contaminated products (IIHPCPC) = ADD+С+ DT50 = 4+1+1 = 6 points. That is why, diquat dibromide can be classified according to this index can be classified as compound of 3rd hazard class.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: As a result of the conducted researches, it was established that the content of diquat in rapeseed and sunflower samples grown with the Reglone Air 200 SL application (after treatment and before harvesting) was below the maximum residue levels in those crops. There are no statistically significant differences in the behavior of diquat dibromide when applying by different methods of application (UAV, aerial, high-clearance rod treatment) in different agro-climatic zones of Ukraine.

PMID:37463385 | DOI:10.36740/WLek202306122

Wiad Lek. 2023;76(6):1470-1477. doi: 10.36740/WLek202306121.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to reveal the potential of Emotional Intelligence (EI) as a factor in strengthening the students’ mental health (MH) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The experimental work was carried out in four stages: 1) preparation – substantiation of its scientific and theoretical principles; 2) ascertaining – development of prognostic tools, conducting an on-line survey of students, an analysis of its results; 3) formative – training with the experimental group participants following the author’s methodology; 4) control – survey of experimental group members, determination of experimental results. About 230 students of Ukraine took part in the survey. The statistical processing of the survey results was performed by formal mathematical calculations and calculating Student’s t-criterion in order to verify the equality of the mean dependent values in different samples.

RESULTS: Results: The presented results of the research and experiment prove that Emotional Intelligence, in particular its four identified components (іnformation, аdaptivebehaviour, self-control, empathy), can be an effective factor not only in maintaining university students’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in their adaptation to other adverse conditions. A comparison of the results of our research with similar sociological research shows the similarity of problems and changes in the students’ mental health all over the world during the pandemic. The materials tested during the development of prognostic tools and training methods can be taken into account for the organization of such research and training activities.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The presented results of the research and experiment prove that EI, in particular its four identified components, can be an effective factor not only in maintaining university students’ MH during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in their adaptation to other adverse conditions. A comparison of the results of our research with similar sociological research shows the similarity of problems and changes in the students’ MH all over the world during the pandemic. The materials tested during the development of prognostic tools and training methods are publicly available on the Internet, so they can be taken into account for the organization of such research and training activities. At the same time, we insist that the pandemic should not only intensify the study of changes in MH, but also stimulate the search for effective means to strengthen it. Sir Winston Churchill’s eloquent appeal “Never let a good crisis go to waste” should be a guideline in solving this problem.

PMID:37463384 | DOI:10.36740/WLek202306121

Wiad Lek. 2023;76(6):1428-1435. doi: 10.36740/WLek202306115.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the impact of professional stress on the mental health of law enforcement officers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The research involved two groups of law enforcement officers (aged 25-40): the first group with up to 7 years of service activities (n = 52), the second group – 8-15 years (n = 48). Research methods: bibliosemantic, questionnaire, testing, method of system analysis and generalization, mathematical and statistical.

RESULTS: Results: It was found that law enforcement officers of both groups identified indicators of a significant professional workload, lack of adequate rest, and the nature of communication with participants in professional relationships among the factors of professional stress. It is proved that the mental health of law enforcement officers deteriorates under the influence of professional stress with the experience of their professional activities. Law enforcement officers with 8-15 years of service experience have significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) worse indicators of anxiety, aggressiveness, motivation, personal detachment, impulsive¬ness, vigor, and work efficiency.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: It was established that the professional stress of law enforcement officers is the result of an imbalance between the internal resources of the individual and the requirements of the external environment, embodied in the peculiarities of law enforcement activities. Law enforcement officers are char¬acterized by the presence of professional stress of average and high severity, which increases with the experience of their service activities. A set of measures was proposed to provide psychological assistance to law enforcement officers to effectively counteract professional stress and improve their mental health.

PMID:37463378 | DOI:10.36740/WLek202306115

Wiad Lek. 2023;76(6):1406-1412. doi: 10.36740/WLek202306112.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To perform a clinical analysis of bronchiectasis in adults, to analyze the effectiveness of nebulizer therapy with hypertonic NaCl solution with hyaluronic acid.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: All patients were performed clinical-functional examination (MRC dyspnea index, Sp O2, 6-minute walking test, external respiration function); calculated the index BODE, analyzed the SGRQ, studied the results of sputum. Statistical data analysis was performed using the Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO 16.0.13530.2040418 package of statistical functions.

RESULTS: Results: The main symptom in 100% of cases was chronic cough with production of sputum. Patients were concerned about shortness of breath (91.7%), episodic hemoptysis (29.2%), systemic symptoms (fatigue, weight loss). Hypertonic NaCl solution has a direct mucolytic effect, osmotic and anti-edematous effect. Protection of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract makes hyaluronic acid an ideal additional component of hypertonic saline solution. All patients showed a positive effect of treatment immediately. After 2 weeks, the respiratory rate decreased, the FEV1 index increased at 8.6 (p<0.05), SpO2 increased up to 93.75 ± 7.13%, the number of points according to the SGRQ decreased, BODE index also decreased.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Leading clinical signs of bronchiectasis were: a chronic cough with daily sputum production (100% of patients), shortness of breath (91.7%). The use of nebulizer inhalations decreased shortness of breath at 17.6% (р<0.05), improved external respiratory function indices (FVCL increased at 9.7% (р<0.01), FEV1 at 8.6% (р<0.01)) and blood oxygen saturation increased at 4.9% (р<0.05)). The offered complex increased tolerance to physical exertion (the 6-minute walk test and 4-year survival (BODE prognostic index).

PMID:37463375 | DOI:10.36740/WLek202306112

Wiad Lek. 2023;76(6):1400-1405. doi: 10.36740/WLek202306111.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To study the family influence on the formation of children’s motivation for a healthy lifestyle.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The medical and sociological study among parents was conducted to assess their children’s adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle and the influence of the family on the formation of children’s motivation for a healthy lifestyle. The survey was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire using Google Forms. The design of the questionnaire was typical and contained the following structural components: addressing the respondent, obtaining informed consent to participate in the survey, and blocks with targeted questions (25 questions in total). The research involved 150 parents (including 54.7 % (82 people) of women and 45.3 % (68 people) of men). Methods: bibliosemantic, system-oriented analysis and logical generalization, medical and sociological (questionnaire), statistical data processing.

RESULTS: Results: It has been found that positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle prevail in the families of the respondents (44.0 %), 42.0 % of parents indicated that their family members regularly adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Herewith, 48.0 % are interested in teaching their children about a healthy lifestyle. The main motives that most parents form in their children regarding a healthy lifestyle are maintaining and promoting health (38.0 %), improving physical condition (16.0 %), and creating a healthy family (10.0 %). However, almost a third of parents do not instill responsibility for their children’s life and health due to a lack of time and knowledge about a healthy lifestyle.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: To foster a positive attitude toward a healthy lifestyle in children, parents should set their example, create favorable conditions for a healthy lifestyle, and follow traditions related to active recreation, sensible nutrition, and the absence of bad habits. Children’s motivation for a healthy lifestyle is the main responsibility of the family.

PMID:37463374 | DOI:10.36740/WLek202306111

Wiad Lek. 2023;76(6):1371-1377. doi: 10.36740/WLek202306107.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To compare the number of fungi of the genus Malassezia on inflated and healthy areas of the skin and to correlate them with the severity of seborrheic dermatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 168 patients with typical manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and face and 30 healthy individuals were recruited. SD severity was assessed by SEDASI. Samples from lesions on scalp, face and intact chest skin were cultivated and/or stained with methylene blue or cotton and inoculated onto Malassezia Leeming & Notman Agar Modified (MLNA).

RESULTS: Results: A statistical difference in colonization intensity between all body zones (Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Flinger pairwise comparisons p≤0,001). Face zone with lesions of SD patients was two times more colonized with funguses than in the control group (38,5 vs 16,5 p=0,003). The sternal area with no skin lesions was more colonized in the SD group (25,0 vs 9,0 p=0,013). The SEDASI was positively correlated with the amount of CFU on the face (Spearman’s rho 0,849; p≤0,001) and trunk (0,714; p≤0,001).

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that inflamed seborrheic areas are more colonized with Malassezia fungi than intact areas. The intensity of Malassezia growth is correlated with the severity of the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. The level of colonization may be a potential biomarker to indicate the efficiency of new treatment approaches.

PMID:37463370 | DOI:10.36740/WLek202306107

Wiad Lek. 2023;76(6):1359-1362. doi: 10.36740/WLek202306105.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To establish the characteristics of the gingival mucosa cellular composition in school-age children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We made a dental and cytological examination on 150 Ukrainian (Poltava city) children aged 6, 12, and 15 years. Smears were got by scraping from the gum mucosa and stained with a May-Grunwald solution. Cytograms were made by using a Biorex-3 BM-500T microscope with a DCM-900 digital microphotographic attachment. The programs were adapted for these types of studies. We used a magnification of 1000. The t-test for paired samples was used to compare values. The difference was considered statistically significant at P<0.05.

RESULTS: Results: The number of superficial epitheliocytes in children aged 12 and 15 was significantly higher than in 6-year-olds but did not differ from each other.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The process of physiological keratinization of the cells of the gingival mucosa in schoolchildren is diverse and keratinization occurs both due to the phenomenon of physiological necrosis, namely, apoptosis of surface cells and due to orthokeratosis. From the age of 6, the average number of surface cells in cytograms decreases, while the number of intermediate and dead keratinized cells increases up to 12 years and remains on the previous level in children of 15 years.

PMID:37463368 | DOI:10.36740/WLek202306105