Inter Collegas

Biochemical evaluation of anti-inflammatory action of celecoxib and caffeine in a formalin pain model in rats

2025-04-25T16:19:40+03:00

Introduction. Inflammation is a reaction of living tissue on injury. Nowadays there is a wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory medications that are used for the treatment of many problems. But because their application is associated with a wide range of side effects, there is a need for the development of new pharmaceutical compositions to maximise patient safety.

Aim. To carry out biochemical evaluation of anti-inflammatory action of celecoxib in combination with caffeine on the biochemical markers of inflammation (sialic acids and ceruloplasmin) and to determine its anti-exudative action on formalin-induced paw edema in rats.

Materials and Methods. The study involved male Wistar Albino Glaxo (WAG) line rats, divided into six treatment groups: control, formalin-induced, celecoxib (5 mg/kg), caffeine (0.6 mg/kg), a combination of celecoxib and caffeine (5 mg and 0.6 mg/kg), and diclofenac sodium (8 mg/kg). Biochemical studies were carried out by using the blood serum samples of white laboratory rats (WAG line). Anti-inflammatory activity of celecoxib and its pharmaceutical composition with caffeine was studied using the formalin-induced paw edema model. The animals were divided into the same groups as in the Anti-Exudative Activity (AEA) study.

Results. It was shown, that composition of celecoxib and caffeine exerted higher anti-inflammatory activity versus celecoxib and it is efficient in relation to the exudation processes. Biochemical studies of celecoxib, caffeine and their composition on the level of sialic acid level and ceruloplasmin level in the blood serum as well as study of anti-exudative activity of the proposed composition have shown, that caffeine potentiates pharmacological activity of celecoxib in formalin-induced paw edema model.

Conclusion. The findings indicate that the combination of celecoxib and caffeine is a promising therapeutic option for inflammatory conditions.

Keywords: аnti-inflammatory drugs, anti-exudative action, biomarkers of inflammation.

Archived: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15281956

Activation of immuno-inflammatory response in patients with coronavirus disease (literature review)

2025-05-13T01:26:59+03:00

In press

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a global challenge. Community-acquired pneumonia associated with COVID-19 is still one of the most challenging medical problems. It is especially important to study the pathogenesis of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) and its relationship with various inflammatory processes that occur in the setting of coronavirus infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the pathogenesis of CAP that develops against the background of COVID-19, to study the mechanisms of immune response, inflammatory processes and their impact on the patient's body, and to identify possible approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The following materials and research methods were used in the study: a review of scientific sources on the pathogenesis of CAP in COVID-19, the peculiarities of the immune response, cytokine storm and endothelial dysfunction in this pathology. The authors of the analyzed studies, in turn, used an analysis of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, D-dimer, cytokines). They report that patients with CAP developing against COVID-19 have activation of the neutrophil chain and a significant increase in the level of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α. These processes lead to the development of a severe inflammatory reaction in the lungs and diffuse alveolar damage, which in turn leads to the development of acute respiratory failure. It has been noted that excessive D-dimer release is a key indicator of the development of these complications. Prediction of severe forms of the disease based on the level of cytokines and other inflammatory markers can be an important tool for early detection of the risk of complications in patients. Thus, it was found that in order to improve the prognosis of patients, it is necessary to use methods of monitoring the level of inflammatory markers and individualise therapeutic strategies to correct immune system disorders.

Keywords: community-acquired pneumonia, COVID-19, cytokine storm, D-dimer, immune response, thromboembolism.

Electromyographic indicators investigation in female athletes engaged in pole acrobatics

2025-05-14T17:10:30+03:00

In press

Background. The sensorimotor system is a key component of general physical preparedness in athletes, especially in sports disciplines that require high levels of coordination and reaction speed. One such discipline is pole acrobatics, characterized by complex movements demanding high sensorimotor integration.

Aim. To determine the effects of regular pole acrobatics training on sensorimotor system response parameters and to identify asymmetries between the right and left sides of the body in female athletes.

Materials and Methods. The investigation was conducted using electromyography methods: specific H-reflexometry and nerve conduction velocity measurements. The study was carried out at the Research Institute of the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine. The study involved 20 women in the early (group 1) and middle (group 2) stages of mature adulthood who regularly practice pole acrobatics. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Sign test.

Results and Conclusions. Statistically significant differences between groups in terms of reaction latency, signal amplitude, reaction duration, and the area under the compound muscle action potential curve (H-wave) curve were found. Specifically, differences were observed in the functional activity of the peripheral nervous system between the right and left sides of the body, as evidenced by a decrease in signal amplitude and changes in the area under the curve. The findings suggest that regular pole acrobatics training can have a significant impact on the sensorimotor system and functional asymmetry between the right and left sides of the body in female athletes. This study represents an important step in understanding the specific effects of pole acrobatics on the functional state of the nervous system, which can be utilized to optimize training programs and enhance athletic performance.

Keywords: neural asymmetry, women athletes, electromyography.

Early diagnosis of monogonarthrosis (literature review)

2025-04-25T13:22:33+03:00

In press

Background. OsteoArthritis of the Knee Joint (OAKJ) is a progressive incurable disease, which in severe cases necessitates total joint arthroplasty.

Aim. To conduct a systematic analysis of the scientific literature on the prospects and possibilities of early diagnosis of monogonarthrosis.

Materials and Methods. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Medline databases for the period 2010–2024, using the following keywords: "osteoarthrosis of the knee joint", "monogonarthrosis" (42 sources).

Results. The mainstream of modern literature on the problem of clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis, including with monoarticular lesions, includes the results of studies of biomarkers of hyaluronic cartilage degradation both in the case of visualization on magnetic resonance imaging scans and according to the data of biochemical and immunological analyses of blood serum. The importance of radiological signs of mainly early stages of osteoarthritis of the knee joint is also separately studied. There are isolated contradictory professional works on the correlation of clinical and radiological manifestations of gonarthrosis. Reports on the results of a comprehensive clinical and radiological examination of patients with monogonarthrosis are almost not presented in the literature.

Conclusions. It was established on the basis of information and analytical studies of modern scientific literature that osteoarthritis of the knee joint is accompanied by persistent pain, significant limitation of lower limb function, decreased working capacity, which often leads to joint replacement. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis in the early stages is difficult due to the lack of pathognomonic clinical, radiological and laboratory indicators, and in the case of monogonarthrosis with synovitis it is complicated by differentiation with specific arthritises of the knee joint. The above data indicate the feasibility of further research to find opportunities for improving methods for early diagnosis of monogonarthrosis.

Keywords: osteoarthritis of the knee joint, pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory studies.

Archived: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15281244

The system of risk factors for diseases in valeological disciplines

2025-05-27T23:57:19+03:00

In press

Background. With a view of primary prevention of diseases common in the world, medical workers and educators can effectively work together within teaching valeological disciplines at higher education institutions. Medical information should be adapted for non-medical students using the methods of scaling, aggregation, balancing and system analysis. Their application requires studying the content of main topics of valeological disciplines, determining the boundaries of didactic adaptation and testing in different higher education establishments. Adaptation of medical information on risk factors for understanding by non-medical students has not been studied enough.

Aim. To study the characteristics and interrelationships of risk factors of socially significant diseases for the didactic adaptation of the content of valeological disciplines.

Materials and Methods. The bibliosemantic method, comparative method, and system analysis method were used for the study. The analysis takes into account the experience of primary prevention of diseases and teaching valeological disciplines in higher education institutions in Ukraine and Germany.

Results and Conclusions. The system of risk factors for diseases that are responsible for a significant number of deaths in most countries of the world is the subject of study of modern valeological disciplines. Medical research allows us to divide risk factors into controllable, conditionally controllable and uncontrollable. The impact of the first two groups of risk factors on health can be eliminated or significantly weakened by forming non-medical students’ valeological competence and adherence to a healthy lifestyle throughout life. The programs for primary prevention of socially significant diseases should include recommendations for quitting smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use, overeating, overfatigue, hypodynamia, or, conversely, extreme sports, and unprotected sex. Didactic adaptation of complex medical information is needed for valeological education of non-medical students. Its algorithms are analyzed in this article.

Keywords: primary prophylaxis, preventable disease, controllable risk factors, healthy lifestyle, valeological competence, didactic adaptation.

Archived: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15178107

Nursing support of military service members with a mild degree of intellectual disorders with gastrointestinal diseases in the process of medical rehabilitation

2025-05-07T15:19:32+03:00

In press

Background. Throughout the time of martial law in Ukraine, the number of military service members with mild degrees of intellectual impairment has increased, which requires significant attention to nursing support during the period of diagnostic, medical, therapeutic, and rehabilitation medical practice. The importance of nursing support for military personnel with mild intellectual disorders during exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases in the process of medical rehabilitation should be better investigated, which is due to the increase in the number of military personnel with this nosology and the need to select methodological recommendations for improving nursing support for patients in the process of medical rehabilitation. The relevance of this study will be maintained during warfare and in the first years after the war. It will also help medical professionals better understand the specifics of supporting patients with intellectual and cognitive developmental disorders.

Aim. Analysis the degree of quality of nursing support for military personnel with mild intellectual impairment with gastrointestinal diseases during medical rehabilitation.

Materials and Methods. Bibliosemantic methods and system analysis were used. PubMed, Google Scholar sources, orders of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine were analyzed. The article is written in the form of a short scientific report.

Results & Conclusions. Nursing support for military personnel with intellectual disabilities cannot be implemented qualitatively and effectively without prior training of specialists. Nurses often cannot choose the right approach to these patients due to a lack of relevant experience and understanding of the needs of people with intellectual disоrders. Our conclusion proposed possible solutions to this problem through various and specific ways to improve the skills of medical professionals.

Keywords: military medicine, cognitive developmental disorders, warfare regions, advanced training, behavioral disorders.

Features of psychological support for nurses in children's hospitals under martial law

2025-05-20T22:37:06+03:00

In press

Background. Martial law presents significant challenges for nurses working with children. Children's hospitals are becoming institutions that provide not only medical care but also comprehensive medical and social support for both children and their families.

Aim. To analyse the provision of psychological support in the professional activities of nurses in the paediatric unit.

Materials and Methods. A survey on the psychological aspects of nurses’ work was conducted in April 2024 among the parents of 20 children from the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of the Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise "Chernihiv Regional Children's Hospital" of Chernihiv Regional Council. An anonymous questionnaire of our own design was used to evaluate the work of a nurse. Respondents signed an informed consent to participate in the study.

Results. Positive communication was noted by 90% of respondents, indicating the nurses’ professionalism, empathy, and willingness to create favorable conditions for children's treatment. In addition, the respondents reported a high level of nurses’ adaptation to the extreme conditions of martial law, as well as their ability to ensure effective interaction with patients and their families. Data analysis regarding nurses’ ability to create a friendly atmosphere for children during hospital interactions showed consistently positive feedback from parents. The individual needs of children were rated positively in 85% of responses. However, 5% of respondents answered negatively, indicating that some parents believed their child's needs and interests were not adequately considered by the nurses.

Conclusions. The need to work under crisis conditions may affect the effectiveness of nurses' performance. The development of specialized psychological support programs can assist nurses in adapting to the changing realities of wartime, foster their emotional resilience, contribute to the creation of an emotionally safe environment for patients, and support parents during the challenging period of their children’s treatment.

Keywords: nursing, adaptation, patient care.

English-medium instruction in European medical schools: availability and distribution

2025-04-19T15:30:46+03:00

In press

Background. English-Medium Instruction (EMI) is a popular trend in modern higher education. Statistical data indicate a constant increase in the number of English-Taught Programmes (ETP) and courses, and Europe is the world leader in EMI implementation. Programmes in Medicine and Health Sciences are not included in the group of main ETPs in the world, European indicators of their number are lower than global, but they also demonstrate an increase in the number. Since these programmes were not described in detail, the aim of our work was to study the availability, distribution, and features of ETPs in Medicine and Health Sciences in Europe.

Materials and Methods. Information from the websites of medical schools of the European Union/European Economic Area was studied using systematic analysis, comparative and bibliosemantic methods. The analysis covered 577 ETPs (160 higher education institutions from 26 countries where English has the status of a foreign language).

Results. EMI in Medicine and Health Sciences has been implemented in two forms: single medium and partial (bilingual). The leader in the total number of completely ETPs is the Netherlands. The most common are Master programmes. Single-cycle programmes in medicine, dentistry and pharmacology are available in the Baltic countries, Central East Europe, South East Europe, South West Europe. Bachelor programmes in English are the smallest in number and are offered in selected countries. Bilingual programmes were found in Spain, Austria, Luxembourg, and Sweden.

Conclusions. Teaching Medicine and Health Sciences in the medium of English is a common practice in the EU/EEA, but the choice of the type of teaching (single medium or bilingual) and the education level depend on the language policy of the country, the target group of students, and the internationalization strategy of a particular higher education institution.

Keywords: English language, medium of instruction, English taught programme, higher education, medical higher education institution, Europe.

Archived: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15245658