Correlation between echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle and glycosylated hemoglobin in children with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction. Deterioration of left ventricular (LV) parameters in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can occur in the absence of other heart problems. An association between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and changes of the LV parameters in DM has been reported. However, data regarding this association model in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) are limited. The purpose of the work was to investigate the association between HbA1c and the LV parameters in pediatric patients. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 28 children with T1DM ((aged 10 - 18 years, gender M (15)/F (13), duration ≥5 years). The clinical (standard medical examination) and paraclinical (biochemical dosage – HbA1c, echocardiography – LV functional and structural parameters) data was carried out. Statistical analysis used the SPSS version 20. Results. The correlational study between the HbA1c and the LV parameters revealed a statistically significant positive correlation coefficient with aortic root diameter (mm) (r=0.7**, p<0.001), left atrium (mm) (r=0.8**, p<0.001 LV diastolic diameter (mm) (r=0.7**, p<0.001), LV systolic diameter (mm) (r=0.7**, p<0.001), septal wall thickness (mm) (r=0.5*, p=0.036), posterior wall thickness (mm) (r=0.5*, p=0.032), LV diastolic volume (ml) (r=0.5*, p=0.025), LV systolic volume (ml) (r=0.6**, p=0.01), ejection fraction (%) (r=0.7**, p=0.001), fractional shortening (%) (r=0.6**, p=0.002). Conclusions. The results of the study show that in children with T1DM, the increase value of the HbA1c is associated with a consensual and proportional increase in the values of the parameters of the left ventricle.

Mammal fauna of Chisinau airport, Republic of Moldova

Introduction. Airport territories are large, containing a high variety of biotopes, mostly open type, and are relatively protected against intense human activity, thus creating favorable conditions for many mammal species that serve as trophic source for many bird species. Material and methods. The studies were performed during 2012-2014 on the territory of Chisinau airport and within the adjacent ecosystems. The mammals were recorded by direct observations, based on traces and trophic activity on routes ranging from 1 to 3 km. The small mammals were assessed with traps. The bat species were identified according to their flight pattern and using the ultrasound detector. Results. In the airport, 31 species of mammals were registered: 5 insectivore species, 7 bat species, 14 rodent species, 1 hare species and 4 carnivorous species. The most widespread, common and abundant were the rodents and the fox. Among small rodent species, the most abundant was Apodemus sylvaticus with 51.6%, followed by the Microtus arvalis (38.9%), while on the airport grassland, the field vole dominated with more than 60%. The diet of Athene noctua included predominantly Mus musculus with over 51%, followed by M. arvalis with 23.7%. 7 species are rare and 5 protected – bicolor shrew and 4 bat species. Conclusions. The airport territory and adjacent ecosystems provide favorable conditions for many mammal species. The presence of rodents favors the occurrence of rather high number of prey birds, which represent a threat for the safety of aircraft flights. The fox can pose direct threat to flight safety.

Gold nanoparticles from magnetite for the detection of amyloid proteins in neurodegenerative diseases

Introduction. Currently, neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are the fourth leading cause of death worldwide that pose a great challenge in the development of tools for early diagnosis. Thus, advances in science seek sensitive and selective detection systems and this manuscript will highlight the importance of nanotechnology. Material and methods. A literature review was conducted on the representative findings of NPs technologies in neurodegenerative diseases. Articles written in both English and Spanish were included. References between 2015-2021 were also taken into account. Results. One of the most representative techniques, AuNP was specifically implemented, together with a magnetic center composed of magnetite, which has as a specific ligand with a C-terminal cysteine domain present in the B-amyloid protein, which adhere directly to the surface of the NPs, characterizing the anomalous protein. Subsequently, by means of nanosensors capable of detecting and measuring different concentrations, these pathologies are identified at an early stage. Conclusions. Today, along with the advent of biotechnology, it has been possible to design techniques with NPs that allow the identification of specific mutations and provide diagnosis in individuals. In the investigative models of AuNP, it is possible to infer that the capabilities that make them representative focus on their magnetism and biofunctionality, by specifically binding to amyloid peptides and other ligands present in the protein, which are the major components of amyloid plaques used in these studies.

Fatty acid composition of drinking cow's milk trade networks of Kyiv

Introduction. There are several important aspects requiring a control of fatty acid composition in drinking milk distributed across the retail stores: milk is one of the main consumer products; fatty acids are the main energy substrates, involved in the synthesis of cellular structural components, whereas their interaction might impact the intensity of body growth and development; the fatty acid composition of milk varies depending on the diet and the animal's specific physiological state; in case of udder diseases, a change milk composition may occur; prevention of product counterfeiting distributed across the retail stores. Material and methods. The present research examined milk samples from five dairy producers that distribute their products across the retailing chains in Kyiv. Milk samples were collected to determine the fatty acid composition. Milk fat was extracted following the Folch method. The milk fatty acid content assessment was carried out by gas chromatography. Results. 20 fatty acids were identified in the tested milk samples. A higher level of saturated fatty acids was recorded in milk from "Ferma" and "Selyanskoye for kids" dairy producers. The highest content of unsaturated fatty acids was registered in products of “Ukrainskoe” and “Molokia” dairy trademarks. Conclusions. The fatty acid composition of the drinking cow’s milk distributed across trading networks in Kiev was found to be heterogeneous, by differing in the content of both long-chain saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids.

Retrospective study on the prevalence of COVID-19 confirmed cases and evidence of gender bias in Libya

Introduction. To stop SARS-CoV-2 from spreading, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the baseline characteristics of demographic variables, clinical symptoms, and comorbidity so that quarantining and testing protocols can be developed. Material and methods. A retrospective study was conducted on COVID-19 Laboratory confirmed cases. Data were collected by using kobo toolbox, demographic variables, clinical symptoms, and Comorbidity was considered. Yates-corrected chi2 tests and Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of factors and their impact on COVID-19 prevalence. Results. A total of 6302 of which 3536(56.1%) men and 2766 (44%) women with a mean age (±SD) of 44±17.6 years were included within the study. Clinical symptoms and Comorbidity were significant for both sexes p<0.0001. Multinomial Logistic Regression confirmed that age <55, 3 or more symptoms (OR=1.130 CI95% 1.013-1.261) and 3 or more comorbidities (OR=1.035 Cl95% 0.942-1.137) were a significant risk factor for COVID-19 prevalence in male patients, among women, age 85>/=, 3 or more symptoms (p<0.0001, OR=1.995 CI95% 1.335-2.992) and 3 or more comorbidities (p<0.0001, OR=1.538 Cl95% 1.045-2.640) were significant risk factor for COVID-19 prevalence in females. Conclusions. Our study suggests that the prevalence of COVID-19 patients and symptoms was higher in men than women. The high prevalence of smoking could have contributed to the high prevalence of COVID-19 among men. Study also suggests that the presence of at least one or combined comorbidities are risk factors of COVID-19 prevalence and a potential risk factor COVID-19 - related outcomes. More efforts should be exercised to protect patients with one or more comorbidities from being exposed to infection.

Endothelial dysfunction in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in western countries is increasing rapidly and is considered as component of metabolic syndrome. Endothelial dysfunction is a pathophysiological problem of cardiovascular disease. NAFLD, as a component of metabolic syndrome, is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Material and methods. PubMed database was used in order to review and select articles according to the keywords. A total of 216 articles matching search criteria were found between 2000-2021. Results. The present study has been underlined the role of pathophysiological mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which involves oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. The main factor in the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction is related to nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. The markers associated with regulation of nitric oxide biosynthesis, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine, free fatty acid, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 and pentraxin-3, are potential targets in the assessment of endothelial dysfunction. Conclusions. Insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress have been involved in the reduction of NO biosynthesis that influences the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction. Markers, such as lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 and pentraxin-3, have been considered as potential targets in the assessment of endothelial dysfunctions in NAFLD.

First national point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated in-fections and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals in the Republic of Moldova

Introduction. HAIs present a major public health problem with an impact on morbidity, mortality and quality of life. The objective of the study was to highlight the problem of HAIs and AM use, identification of risk factors and raising awareness of the phenomenon. Material and methods. The methodology of the PPS was patient-based, developed based on ECDC Protocol 5.3/2016. The study was accomplished in 2018. The sample of the PPS included 67 hospitals, 546 wards and 10594 patients. Results. The prevalence of HAIs was 1,6%, with predominance of pneumonia (25%), SSI (16.1%), LRI (14.9%), UTI (11.3%) and varies depending on the wards profile, clinical diagnosis, length of hospital stay and risk factors (medical device, surgery). HAIs were caused by Klebsiella spp. in 26%, Enterococcus spp. – 18% and coagulase-negative Staphylococci – 14%, P. aeruginosa – 12%. Klebsiella spp. presented resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins in 84,6% and to carbapenems – 46.2%. The prevalence of AM use was 42.7%, for the group of 3rd generation cephalosporins – 34.5%. More frequently antibiotics were administered for treatment (73.8%), and for surgical prophylaxis >1 day in 93.5%. Conclusions. Data on HAIs and AM consumption in hospitals, first obtained by implementing active surveillance based on the ECDC tool, are standardized and comparable at national and international level and allow assessing the situation in hospitals, obtaining evidence for infection prevention and control and AM stewardship programmes at local level, as well as reasoning the national policies.

The role of boron in prevention of osteoarticular diseases and its distribution in the Republic of Moldova

Introduction. Boron is a trace mineral that is supposed to be essential for human health. Organic plant based boron compounds are highly bioavailable for humans and can positively influence minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and act in synergy with vitamin D, which are beneficial for osteoarticular health. Material and methods. We made an analysis of 126 bibliographic sources and mapped the Republic of Moldova to the content of boron in deep water and to the adults’ prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory polyarthropathy. Results. Boron is important for osteogenesis and its deficiency can lead to impaired growth and abnormal bones development. It supports bone health in postmenopausal women by reducing urinary loss of the minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone building. In countries where soil was depleted of boron and daily intake of this mineral was 1 mg or lower, the incidence of arthritis was between 20 and 70%. In Moldova, in the regions where boron concentration in deep drinking water were low (0.28 mg/L in well water and 0.51 mg/L in artesian well water) in Soroca in 2019, the prevalence with the rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory polyarthropathy were high (51.6 per 10000 inhabitants) with one exception, UTA Gagauzia (35.1 per 10000 inhabitants), where we found a high boron concentration in deep drinking water (2.05 mg/L in well water and 2.2 mg/L in artesian well water) in 2015. Conclusions. Boron can affect bone metabolism. In regions where boron concentration in deep drinking water is low, the osteoarticular morbidity can be higher with the exception of UTA Gagauzia, where we suppose that dietary pattern can be a cause of these results. In the future we will study eating habits in this region and a clearer conclusion will be made.

Rabies eradication measures in wildlife in the Republic of Moldova

Introduction. Rabies is one of the most dangerous zoonoses in the world with a lethality rate around 100% of infected animals. The main factor in rabies’ control is the prophylactic immunization of domestic and wild carnivores. Material and methods. As a research material for this manuscript, a number of rabies cases in wildlife over the last 5 years was studied, as well as some data from the national program regarding the vaccination of wildlife animals in the Republic of Moldova. Results. The anual incidence of rabies in wildlife was determined to range between 12 to 25% of the total number of rabies cases at national level. Due to vaccination by combining some methods (aerial and manual), the incidence of positive cases of rabies in wildlife has decreased by 48% in the last 5 years. Conclusions. The use of the mixed vaccination method of wildlife animals (manual and the distribution of baits by plane) contributed significantly to reducing the incidence of rabies in wildlife.

Long-term trends in cancer mortality in the Republic of Moldova

Introduction. Cancer is the second cause-of-death mortality pattern in the Republic of Moldova. The study of both cancer mortality by age and its detailed causes is an important tool for evidence-based public health policy. The study aims at comparing recent changes in cancer mortality with long-term trends, depending on specific causes and age. Material and methods. This study was carried out on the reconstructed 1965-2018 death time series, according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Standardized death rates were computed. Results. After a gradual increase in the ‘70s and ‘80s of the last century, cancer mortality rate showed “reversed” patterns and started to decline in the ‘90s. This decline was due to the data quality issue and to the competing risks of dying from other causes sensitive to the social and economic circumstances of the ‘90s. Since the beginning of the millennium, cancer mortality has resumed its growth that continues up to now. Despite the increasing overall trend in cancer mortality rate during 1965-2018, the analysis by age and specific causes revealed opposite trends. Conclusions. The malignant neoplasms specific for certain sites and age groups (stomach, uterus, leukaemia in children) showed, however some therapeutic progress, while the situation for other tumour sites (lung, breast, and intestine) worsened significantly. The moderate decrease in lung cancer in the 1990s should be cautiously interpreted.