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CIVILIAN HEROES IN A SECURITY CRISIS? REFUGEE ASSISTANCE AND MORAL ALIGNMENT IN THE CZECH REPUBLICMeeting abstractsMarkéta Seidlová, Lucie MackováMMSL 2025, 94(88):14 This paper delves into the experiences of volunteers (N = 12) engaged with migrants in the Czechia. .... |
LEADER’S SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN A CONSCRIPT ARMYMeeting abstractsAnnen HubertMMSL 2025, 94(88):15 This presentation examines the processes and challenges involved in selecting and developing military leaders within the context of a conscript army, using the Swiss Armed Forces as a case study. .... |
PROUD AND READY: CAN NARCISSISTIC EXPRESSION BENEFIT INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE IN THE UNIFORMED SERVICE?Meeting abstractsPaweł BorysiewiczMMSL 2025, 94(88):16 The study investigates the relationship between the different grandiose strategies described in the circumplex model of narcissism and the individual’s ability to draw satisfaction and to avoid burnout in context of the military environment. .... |
ON THE ROLE OF OPIOID-GALANIN RECEPTOR HETEROMER FUNCTION IN POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: A POTENTIAL TARGET FOR TREATMENT OR A NEUROENDOCRINOLOGICAL DEAD-END?Meeting abstractsDavid William Mac GillavryMMSL 2025, 94(88):17 There are strong indications that the µ-Opioid system plays a role in the aetiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). .... |
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SUBJECTIVE SLEEP AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS, RESILIENCE, ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR AND PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG CADETS OF THE WEST POINT UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY - A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDYMeeting abstractsViola Rigotti, Angela Hug, Dena Sadeghi-Bahmani, Zeno Stanga, Hubert Annen, Matthew G. Clark, Isamail I. Ülgür, Serge BrandMMSL 2025, 94(88):1 Background: Military personnel are at increased risk for sleep disturbances. In the present study, we assessed cadets of the United States Military Academy (USMA; West Point NY, USA). .... |
PSYCHOLOGICAL APTITUDE FOR DRONE PILOTS: A REVIEW OF KEY TRAITS AND COGNITIVE DEMANDSMeeting abstractsDavid Brieber, Nicole UttenthalerMMSL 2025, 94(88):2 The increasing reliance on remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), commonly referred to as “drones”, in both military and civilian operations has highlighted the importance of understanding the psychological aptitudes required for effective drone piloting. .... |
THE IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHOLOGY FOR YOUNG LEADERSMeeting abstractsAndrea BrichováMMSL 2025, 94(88):3 Psychology is a tool for self-knowledge, which helps to know oneself in one's own motivation, work style, strengths and weaknesses, and gives the ability to perceive other people in this way. .... |
THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST’S ROLE IN MILITARY SETTINGSMeeting abstractsAneta Hucková, Denisa DokulilováMMSL 2025, 94(88):4 The aim of the presentation is to provide a brief overview of professional soldiers who have been provided with psychological care in the clinical section of the Department of Psychology of the Military University Hospital Prague in the last years. .... |
STATE OF SELECTED INDICATORS OF SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLICMeeting abstractsPetra Hadvábová, Pavel Czirák, Zdenko Baranec, Dominika Pažická Černáková, Pavlína JankovičováMMSL 2025, 94(88):5 Social atmosphere as a complex social phenomenon represents a set of features of each social group, which implies broader social aspects, such as specific internal group characteristics and elements. .... |
WHOM DO PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY TRUST? INTERPERSONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL TRUST IN THE MILITARY SETTINGMeeting abstractsKarel HanušMMSL 2025, 94(88):6 Trust – both interpersonal and institutional – is a foundational element of social cohesion and effective functioning in any organization, including the armed forces. .... |
CHARACTER-BASED EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: A CONCEPTUAL MAPPING FOR MILITARY LEADERSHIPMeeting abstractsLobna ChérifMMSL 2025, 94(88):7 This conceptual study highlights the importance of aligning performance and well-being within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). .... |
MEASURING WHAT MATTERS: EMPIRICAL INSIGHTS INTO PERCEIVED WORK CONDITIONS IN MILITARY SETTINGSMeeting abstractsLadislav KážmérMMSL 2025, 94(88):8 A representative survey was conducted among personnel of the Czech Armed Forces to assess various aspects of perceived work and service conditions. .... |
THE HIDDEN BATTLE: CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT NEEDS OF CZECH MODERN WAR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIESMeeting abstractsJitka Laštovková, Miroslav Barták, Benjamin Petruželka, Alexandra Petrů, Eva Fuchsová, Marcela Trávníčková, Pavlína Ďurišová, Radim Pekař, Petr Haška, Petr ŠabakaMMSL 2025, 94(88):9 The present paper sets out the findings from a research project investigating the needs of Czech modern war veterans, with a particular focus on the experiences and support needs of their families during and after foreign operations. .... |
LIVER ENZYMES AND BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTION TESTS IN T2DM: IMPACT OF DURATION, GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND SOME OTHER CO-VARIABLESOriginal articleAmjad Hazim Al-NaemiMMSL 2024, 93(2):151-160 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2023.017 Background and Purpose: T2DM is the most common cause of end- stage liver diseases, and different mechanisms contribute to diabetic hepatopathy’s wide spectrum presentation. In this study, we aimed to identify abnormalities in liver function tests (LFTs) for a group of Iraqi T2DM patients, determine their prevalence, and investigate the influence of some independent co-variables (duration of DM, HbA1c, BMI, age, and gender). Methods: This case-control study enrolled 43 T2DM patients alongside 40 healthy, age- and sex- matched non-diabetic subjects. After overnight fasting, blood was collected, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and serum LFTs (AST, ALT, ALP, total proteins, albumin, and bilirubin) were measured in addition to serum lipids.Results: T2DM patients exhibited significantly higher FPG, HbA1c, AST, and ALT mean values than the controls. Serum aminotransferases were increased in 30% of patients. Serum albumin and total bilirubin (TSB) decreased in 18.6 and 37.2% respectively. Diabetics with HbA1c>7.0% had significantly higher AST, ALT, ALP, and STP values and lower serum albumin and TSB. The logistic regression analysis revealed that duration, BMI, HbA1c, and age are independent co-variables significantly linked to increased ALT activity. Conclusions: LFTs (mainly aminotransferases) are altered in DM. The duration of diabetes, the age of the patient, BMI, and glycemic control influence this change. We recommend monitoring LFTs in DM and maintaining good glycemic control. |
ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION TOOLS FOR THE ELDERLY IN TIMES OF RESTRICTED SOCIAL CONTACTSOriginal articleIrena Tušer, Jana Pupíková, Eliška Polcarová, Rudolf Urban, Tomáš Zeman, Renata Havránková, Ludmila Čírtková, Tibor Brečka, Hana Kličková, Leoš NavrátilMMSL 2024, 93(2):176-187 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2023.025 Background and objective: Nursing homes are threatened by external and internal threats, effect of which may result in a crisis situation (state of emergency). While managing an already existing emergency, it is necessary to create conditions allowing the elderly to maintain their fundamental human and civil rights. Any interference with human and civil rights is acceptable only in a state of emergency when crisis measures are applied. Social isolation was one of the emergency measures within the Covid-19 pandemics and involuntary social isolation may result in one´s state of depression. To eliminate this prediction, it is necessary to create such conditions that enable the elderly to maintain their basic human needs as well as civil rights. The authors therefore aim to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of possible alternative communication tools and strategies in the nursing homes along with the ways of a potential reduction of negative effects of social contacts restrictions.Methods: On the basis of an online questionnaire, a community of experts evaluated alternative communication tools on a scale from 1 to 5, considering three factors: 1. benefit for the elderly; 2. financial requirements for purchasing/provision for a nursing home; 3. organization requirements for a nursing home. A cost-benefit evaluation was performed to determine a ranking of individual alternative tools.Results: The acquired results of questionnaire survey served as a tool to determine the ranking of importance of individual alternative communication tools that are feasible depending on specific conditions of a nursing home.Conclusion: The research identified useful tools that may help in the nursing homes to mitigate the impacts resulting from restrictions applied in the state of emergency and associated initiatives in the field of mental health. |
PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES AND IMPACT ON EMPLOYEE MORBIDITY - POSSIBILITIES OF USING ELECTRONIC PLATFORMSReview articleKlára Václavíková, Kristýna Šoukalová, Marcela Kožená, Zdeněk Brodský, Michaela Mandysová, Hana Ochtinská, Karel Šatera, Kateřina HoráčkováMMSL 2024, 93(2):206-217 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2023.019 Aims: Prevention is one of the most effective methods in the fight against respiratory infections. Electronic platforms can streamline care and have positive applications in the case of infectious diseases. This study was conducted to search for and describe the current scientific knowledge on prevention and the use of electronic platforms and their impact on the application of prevention strategies.Methods: A scoping review was conducted. In January 2022, a search was performed in selected licensed and free databases (EBSCOhost, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science) based on PCC keywords using Boolean operators.Results: A total of 1927 sources were retrieved, of which 21 were subjected to critical analysis. 8 sources were included in the final review. Vaccination, social isolation, hygienic hand disinfection and respiratory protection are described as the most common and effective preventive measures. The platforms described had a positive effect on prevention and improving the quality of care.Conclusion: The effectiveness of the use of electronic platforms in prevention has been confirmed. Future research should be directed towards the development of these platforms to enable better diagnosis and treatment. Prevention-focused platforms can facilitate, simplify and improve care and access in the prevention of respiratory diseases. |
A POSSIBLE EFFECT OF EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION ON COLLAGE TYPE II –α1 LEVEL IN PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAINOriginal articleZainab R. Alqaseer, Ajil A. Alzamily, Raad A. Alkhafaji, Emad M. Hussain, Thaier A. AlkhafajiMMSL 2025, 94(1):2-9 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2023.044 Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the common musckloskeletal diseases and usual treated by epidural steroid injection (ESI). ESIs improve patients' quality of life, reduce lumbar radicular pain, and postpone spinal surgery. The mechanism of improvement is yet unscertain, perhaps involve type α collagen (COL2α) for bone maintenance, hence, we sought to investigate the role of injected steroids in bone healing focusing on the role of COL2α.Methods: All patients in this research were diagnosed by specialists based on their histories and clinical features and associated diseaeses or compiling therapy. Serum samples collected from LBP patients and control group for comparisons.Results: The present study found a significant (<0.0001) increase in the concentration of COL2α in patients with LBP after injection with ESI treatment compared with patients before injection and healthy individuals.Conclusion: ESI helps LBP sufferers by boosting COL2α, which repairs damaged tissues. |
SPECIFIC 23S rRNA GENE FOR DETECTION OF STENOTROPHOMONAS MALTOPHILIA ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SOURCESOriginal articleBassima M. Ali, Essra Gh AlsammakMMSL 2025, 94(1):10-19 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2023.045 Background: Stenotrophomonas infections are becoming more widespread around the world and can be counted as a “newly emerging pathogen of concern". The present study aimed to detect a variety of Stenotrophomonas species (S. maltophilia) using specific 23S rRNA gene primers and investigate their multi-drug resistance potential.Methods: This study includes 375 clinical samples from different clinical sources 175 from males and 200 from females collected from Mosul City Hospital. Identification of Stenotrophomonas was conducted through multiple steps including culturing methods, molecular methods in addition to some biochemical tests 11(3%) of isolates belonged to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The isolates understudy were tested for their ability to resist 10 different antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.Results: The resistance rate to amoxicillin, gentamicin, and amikacin (100%), cefixime (91%), imipenem (64%), meropenem(55%), Azithromycin (36%), nalidixic acid and trimethoprim (18%), ciprofloxacin(0%). The virulence factors of S. maltophilia siderophores were found in all (11) isolates belonging to S. maltophilia at a percentage (100%). The result of PCR assay using specific primers designed for detecting 23S rRNA genes of S. maltophilia gives amplification for 11 isolates from 14 suspected isolates. Nucleic acid sequencing for the 23S rRNA gene shows that all isolates belong to S. maltophilia with a similarity rate (91-99) in NCBI.Because the 23S rRNA gene sequence in Stenotrophomonas species shows more variety in this location this study used specific 23S rRNA gene primers to identify S. maltophilia.Conclusion: The study used phenotypic and molecular diagnostic techniques to isolate the bacteria, including the S rRNA23 gene. The results emphasize the need for increased vigilance in hospitals to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the development of new treatment strategies. |
ROLE OF MicroRNA-146A IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSISOriginal articleWisam S. Abood, Ali G. RadhiMMSL 2025, 94(1):20-26 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2023.046 Background and Objectives: Liver cirrhosis is a serious and chronic condition that affects the liver, causing irreversible damage and scarring. The present study is designed to find out a possible correlation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with cirrhosis by microRNA.Methods: The fold expression of the identified microRNAs by RT qPCR was determined to estimate the concentrations of circulating microRNAs in all samples. This study's main objective was to examine microRNA21-5p expression in liver cirrhosis patients. To extract RNA from samples of whole blood from all specimens in EDTA tubes, the study entailed collecting 60 specimens from the perspective of patients and samples pooled from 60 healthy participants (control group). Data on the patient are gathered for the study.Result: Researchers compared the levels of miRNA-146a in individuals with hepatic cirrhosis and control subjects, and the findings were clear. individuals with hepatic cirrhoses and controls, correspondingly, had mean levels of miRNA-146a of 2.38 3.25 and 1.12 1.01; this alteration was statistically noteworthy (P = 0.002). Both the miRNA-146a cut-off value and the prediction of liver cirrhosis disease should be considered diagnostic or adjuvant diagnostic tests. With sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) of 58.3%, 53.3%, 55.6%, 56.1%, and 0.610 (0.508 -0.711), the miRNA-146a cut-off value was > 0.91-fold. The current findings suggest that miRNA-146a is a subpar diagnostic marker.Conclusion: Compared to controls, patients with cirrhosis had significantly higher levels of micro-RNA146A. When compared to those who are healthy, this finding demonstrates that micro-RNA 146A may influence the prognosis of cirrhosis. |
COMPARISON OF PARAMEDIC COMPETENCIES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, POLAND, SLOVAKIA AND GERMANYReview articleJaroslav Žďára, Jiří KusákMMSL 2025, 94(1):37-46 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2024.002 The profession of paramedic has become an integral part of the health care delivery system in the Czech Republic. It is a profession belonging to the group of regulated professions, with clearly defined rules for education and practice itself.This study attempted to map how the competences and professional training methods of RNs differ in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany and Slovakia, which are the closest states to the Czech Republic and also have a similar approach to the pre-hospital care system. There is a real assumption that the principles of training paramedics and their competence will not differ significantly within these EU states. The study was carried out as a research, overview. A content analysis of the current legislation was carried out, regarding the education and work content of paramedics in the environment of the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.As part of the comparison of these states, it was found that the education and the system of activity of a paramedic differ in details, given by national legislative specifics. Especially in the areas of ZZ competences, it was found that paramedic is the most limited in the conditions of the Czech Republic. However, these limits should not have a major impact on the quality of care provided within the prehospital care, due to the dense network of RZP stations and the low arrival times of crews with doctors. |
USABILITY OF MILITARY HEALTH SERVICE TO SUPPORT AN INTEGRATED RESCUE SYSTEMReview articleVojtěch Humlíček, Josef FusekMMSL 2025, 94(4):153-161 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2024.014 The Military Health Service of the Czech Army can support the Integrated Rescue System in the Czech Republic in dealing with emergency and crisis in cases where the basic components cannot ensure the execution of rescue work and clean-up operation by their own forces. The aim of the article is to evaluate the real possibilities of deploying the forces and resources of the Military Health Service to support the integrated rescue system from the point of view of valid legal and internal regulations and to analyze their availability. It was found that the fundamental conditions for the support of the Integrated Rescue System are regulated in the current legal regulations, mainly for the forces and resources of the military health service, which have the character of the other components of the Integrated Rescue System. Dedicated forces and resources of the Military Health Service have a set time of preparation for deployment of 5 - 72 hours. For the use of forces and means within the framework of other assistance, the essential prerequisites for their deployment are established, but no requirements are determined for the capabilities or availability of these forces. |
CAROTID ARTERY DISSECTION AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS: A REVIEW OF KNOWN GENE/PROTEIN MUTATION FINDINGSReview articlePetr Malý, Leona Chrastinová, Martin Malý, Jan M. HoráčekMMSL 2025, 94(4):162-169 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2024.016 In this review, we comprehensively analyze the existing literature on the association between connective tissue disorders (CTDs) and carotid artery dissection (CAD), focusing on proven gene and protein mutations. By synthesizing evidence from various studies, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms and potential genetic factors involved in the development of this condition. CAD, a leading cause of stroke in young adults, has been linked to CTDs such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome, all of which involve genetic mutations that weaken vascular connective tissues. The review reveals that mutations in genes like COL3A1, FBN1, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 play a crucial role in the integrity of arterial wall. It discusses the significance of these findings in identifying individuals at risk and developing targeted treatment strategies. Moreover, the article highlights the significance of identifying mild connective tissue abnormalities in patients with spontaneous CAD and advocates for more extensive genetic studies to enhance our understanding of CAD's genetic architecture. By identification of unique protein expression profiles, future research may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for CAD linked to CTDs. |
BIOCHEMICAL STUDY OF SERUM β-HYDROXYBUTYRATE DEHYDROGENASE IN β-THALASSEMIAOriginal articleHiba N. Sami, Mahmoud A. M. FakhriMMSL 2023, 92(1):2-13 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.013 Introduction: Thalassemia is a healthcare challenging disease all over the world. It imparts a great burden on patients’ families and healthcare institutions. Scientists focus on new aspects to overcome these challenges and increase patient tolerance of disease complications. This study aims to quantify β-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase BHBDH activity in thalassemia patients compared to the control group and their correlation with the patient's demographic characteristics.Methods: To do so, serum was collected from patients and the control group and analyzed biochemically for targeted laboratory tests. We determined β-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase from normal human serum using biochemical molecular techniques.Results: The results showed that BHBDH activity is significantly higher in the patients compared to the control group regardless of age, sex, or marital status. The results confirmed that enzyme activity and the purification folds were (0.0214 U/ml) and (51.7) respectively for the partially purified enzyme. Furthermore, the proportional molecular weight of the incompletely isolated β-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase was (125.8±0.5 kDa) using gel filtration chromatography. The comparative molecular weight of the subunit of partially isolated β-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase was (32.1±0.5 kDa) using SDS–PAGE.Conclusion: we demonstrate that BHBDH enzymatic activity is higher than control and this could be a prognostic or diagnostic tool in thalassemia patients. |
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW ON ORIGANUM VULGARE: A POTENTIAL HERBAL CURE-ALLReview articleZena Sideek Tawffiq, Ammar A.Y. AlmulathanonMMSL 2023, 92(1):36-47 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.021 Origanum vulgare (O. Vulgare) is a medicinal and aromatic shrub. It is commonly used as a culinary spice and in "traditional medicine" to cure a variety of diseases. Almost all parts including roots, leaves, stems, and flowers, are employed in medical systems to treat a variety of ailments. In recent scientific literature, among other things, the plant was reported to behave clinical effectiveness against antibacterial, hyperglycemia, anthelminthic and antifungal actions. Carvacrol, limonene, thymol, ocimene, pinene, caryophyllene, terpenes-cymene, and other significant medicinal chemicals have been extracted from this genus through phytochemical studies. The phytochemical ingredients of O. vulgare are highlighted in this review and its traditional uses, as well as evidence-based studies on the plant's diverse pharmacological effects. This illustrates the importance of conducting a thorough investigation in order to report new information on the mechanisms of action of these impacts. |
PROPOLIS-INDUCED HEPATORENOPROTECTION IN RODENTS EXPOSED TO RIFAMPICIN AND ISONIAZIDOriginal articleAhmed Abdulsallam, Imad A. Thanoon, Abdulrahman I. AbduljabbarMMSL 2023, 92(1):75-86 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.026 The elimination of most drugs based on liver/renal excretion; making liver and kidneys the commonest target organ for exposure to toxic materials. Long-term use of drugs surpassed the effect and aggravate the toxicity. Tuberculosis (TB) is chronic disease with long-term therapy and the deleterious impact of antitubelculosis is certain. Various pharmacokinetic manoveuors were proposed to avoid the potential harmful effect of TB therapy. The present study aimed at mitigating the destructive effects of TB therapy using propolis. To do so, rats were exposed to isoniazid or rifampicin or a combination of them in groups of 8 rats each for a period of 8-weeks these groups were matched with similar group with a propolis ad-on therapy. These results were compared to propolis-free negative control group and positive propolis-treated group. The histological and laboratory findings confirmed that isoniazid or rifampicin or a combination of them jeopardized hepatorenal function and induced deleterious damage. However, isoniazid has shown more intensive deleterious effect compared to rifampicin. Nonetheless, propolis restore the quasi-equilibrium status for kidney and liver via restoring its normal architecture and functionality. To sum up, the potential defect of anti-TB was restored via using propolis as add-on therapy, we do advise using propolis as an adjuvant TB therapy in critically–ill and clinical cases required long-term TB therapy. |
A DECLINE IN VITAMIN K AND SOD LEVELS AND THE CHANGE IN PARP1 AND SIRT1 EXPRESSION MIGHT BE ASSOCIATED WITH PROGRESSION OF BREAST CANCEROriginal articleZainab T. Abd-alzahraa, Zainab N. Al-AbadyMMSL 2023, 92(2):112-121 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.030 Cancer cells have a special energy metabolism that enables them to multiply quickly. Under normal oxygen conditions, the Warburg effect is a distinguishing aspect of cancer metabolism in which anaerobic glycolysis is favored. Enhanced glycolysis also helps to produce nucleotides, amino acids, lipids, and folic acid, all of which are necessary for cancer cell division. In a variety of metabolic processes, including glycolysis, the co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) mediates redox reactions. NAD levels that are higher promote glycolysis and supply energy to cancer cells. NAD metabolism, like energy metabolism, is linked in cancer genesis and could be a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this research, NAD-consuming enzymes, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and SIRT1, have been investigated in breast cancer patients, in addition to detect the levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin K levels. Sixty participants were enrolled in this study, 30 women with breast cancer and 30 controls. Serum were analysed for determination of the levels of PARP1, SIRT1, MDA, SOD, and vitamin K. The results showed a drop in the expression levels of PARP and that was concomitant with the elevation in the expression levels of SIRT1 and MDA, in addition to the drop in SOD and vitamin K levels. These findings suggest that SIRT1 might be the most NAD-consuming enzyme in cancerous cells rather than PARP (the DNA repair enzyme), and this increase in MDA with the drop in SOD and vitamin K might be associated with the increase in cell proliferation and a decrease in apoptotic cell death. Finally, this study could be used as a treatment option for patients with breast cancer. could be used as a treatment option for patients with breast cancer. |
NIGERIA’S PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC THROUGH PAST EBOLA EXPERIENCESReview articleAkinyemi Adetunji, Vanda BostikMMSL 2023, 92(2):128-134 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.044 This article aims to analyze how Nigeria, the 86th ranked State according to the Global Health Security Index (GHS Index), fared through the Covid-19 pandemic by linking its Ebola experience to the pandemic response. The paper will tackle (one of) these questions: Does their response as a State truly reflect the ranking? Or were they, like the rest of the world, truly unprepared and powerless against the outbreak? |
THE ROLE OF CARTILAGE INTERMEDIATE LAYER PROTEIN2 (CILP2) IN EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF TREATMENTS (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA AND HYALURONIC ACID) ON PATIENTS WITH EARLY KNEE OSTEOARTHRITISOriginal articleAli K. Albdeery, Ajil A. Alzamily, Ihsan A. AlsalmanMMSL 2023, 92(2):148-158 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.036 Background: Cartilage intermediate layer protein 2 (CILP2) is a monomeric glycoprotein that is mostly expressed in the intermediate zone of articular cartilage and can be detected in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The level of CILP2 in serum and its quantity on the articular cartilage surface and throughout the articular cartilage indicates the potential utility of CILP2 for investigation as a biomarker for determining cartilage deterioration in joint disorders. The CILP2 measurement of changes in cartilage biomarkers may be an effective and sensitive tool for detecting the early development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in people at risk for KOA. Changes in CILP2 levels may be beneficial for the early diagnosis of KOA, as CILP2 appears to be linked to cartilage thickness reduction in people who are more likely to develop KOA. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) effectiveness of transforming growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and the vascular endothelial growth factor is thought to be related to their release. Because of their capacity to increase matrix formation,growth factors have been widely researched for OA and cartilage regeneration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan polymer composed of N-acetyl glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid disaccharide molecules. Early embryonic development, inflammatory, wound repair, cell differentiation, and viscoelasticity are all affected by HA, and other biological processes The study was aimed to evaluate effecte of CILP2 levels after intraarticular injecting pure platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid into patients with early knee osteoarthritis.Materials and Methods: BT LAB kits were used to assess the serum CILP2 level. The experimental investigation included 18 control groups, 10 HA injections, and 21 pure PRP injections. age ranged from 35 to 75. The study was exluded all individuals with advanced osteoarthritis in the knee, COVID-19, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. the time frame running from November 2021 until June 2022. Other variables in our research were age, gender, family history, use of antihypertensive medications or medications for other disorders, and body mass index (BMI). Results: The findings of this study demonstrate elevated CILP2 levels in patients with early KOA before treatments injection compared with the healthy control. After treatments injection, the level of CILP2 was decreased compared with before injection.Conclusions: CILP2 could be one of the prognostic signs of early KOA. |
THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF BETA CAROTENE AGAINST AMIKACIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITYOriginal articleMuthanna T. Khalaf, Zeina A. AlthanoonMMSL 2023, 92(3):247-258 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.037 Background: The rapid loss of kidney function is known as nephrotoxicity. The harmful effects of medications may cause this. Amikacin-related nephrotoxicity is an excellent illustration of such a case. Amikacin is a synthetic aminoglycoside that works against the majority of gram-negative bacteria and, in some circumstances, can be harmful to the kidneys. One of the many methods used to prevent or decrease this toxicity is the use of antioxidant substances with amikacin. Beta carotene is an antioxidant carotenoid pigment.The aim of the current study: is to illustrate the ameliorative effect of beta carotene against the nephrotoxicity caused by amikacin when given before or during the treatment of amikacin. The study also evaluates the nephrotoxicity evoked by amikacin.Material and Methods: Five groups of animals were used (seven rats in each group): the control group, the amikacin group, the beta carotene group, the beta carotene with the amikacin group, and the group given beta carotene first, then added amikacin later together with the beta carotene.Results: The results of the current study demonstrate that when comparing the amikacin-treated group to the control group, there was a significant elevation (p ˂ 0.05) of serum creatinine and urea levels. The results also showed that when comparing the amikacin -treated group to the group treated with beta carotene during amikacin treatment for 14 days, there was a significant reduction (p ˂ 0.05) in serum creatinine and urea levels. Furthermore, in comparison of the amikacin -treated group to the group treated with beta carotene only for 9 days and continued with amikacin for 14 days, there was a significant reduction (p ˂ 0.05) in serum creatinine and urea levels. Also, there were significant decreases (near normal) in serum creatinine and urea. Histological findings confirmed these findings; there was damage to renal tissue in the amikacin -treated group, whereas groups treated with beta carotene and amikacin showed improvements in histological images.Discussion and conclusion: According to the results of renal function tests and histological findings, treatment with AMK only causes renal toxicity in rats, and when rats are treated with BC before and during AMK treatment or even only during AMK treatment, BC can prevent this renal toxicity by decreasing serum urea and creatinine levels, which, in agreement with the previous study, leads us to conclude that BC offers significant protection against AMK-induced nephrotoxicity, The results also showed the efficiency of two methods of administration of beta carotene in giving the required protection against renal toxicity (not preferring one method over the other). |
IMPACT OF SCREEN EXPOSURE ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AMONG TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS IN NINEVEH PROVINCEOriginal articleZainab Waleed Aziz, Elham K. Aljammas, Luma I.K. Al-AllafMMSL 2023, 92(3):259-271 | DOI: 10.31482/mmsl.2022.048 Background: There is a marked use of technology by children in our societies, particularly during the last 2decades, which may be associated with limitation of their milestones developments including speech.Objectives: To determine the association between screen exposure and speech development delay among toddlers and preschoolers, to clarify the correlation linking the visioning of the screen and the input - data – of the child and his(her) mother, and to identify the impact of screen withdrawal on the possible enhancement of speech.Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled children (n=237) who had a history of delay in speech or complete loss of the ability to speak as a chief complaint. The age ranged from 12–60 months categorized into two groups: toddlers and preschoolers. All cases had programmed medical visits to the private clinics of psychiatry in Nineveh Province, Iraq. Data were obtained from interview questionnaire reports including; digital device type, first exposure age, spent time, and child-maternal parameters. Follow-up for 6months was done beyond the departure of those media.Results: This study involved 47 (19.8%) toddlers, and 190 (80.2%) preschoolers with an inclination toward males. Children with speech postponement were spotted in around 225 (94.9%), while the others had complete loss of the ability to speak. In both sets, a considerable association between speech delay and screen viewing was shown, impressively those who commenced screen exposure at less than twenty-four months of age and consumed ≥4hr per day for screens visioning. Six –months after quitting these devices, there is speech improvement was recognized in 36.7% of cases.Conclusions: Positive associations were noticed between the first exposure age and high frequency of screen spent time and speech delays in children, especially toddlers. This work recommends an instantaneous parent's and researchers' consciousness, besides that from health consultants, on the acceptable usage of screen's visioning time in consonance with children to support healthy development in digital life. |


