Showing papers by "Belarusian State Medical University published in 2014"

Prospective associations of parental smoking, alcohol use, marital status, maternal satisfaction, and parental and childhood body mass index at 6.5 years with later problematic eating attitudes

Abstract: Few studies have prospectively investigated whether early-life exposures are associated with pre-adolescent eating attitudes. The objective of this study is to prospectively investigate associations of parental smoking, alcohol use, marital status, measures of maternal satisfaction, self-reported parental body mass index (BMI) and clinically measured childhood BMI, assessed between birth and 6.5 years, with problematic eating attitudes at 11.5 years. Observational cohort analysis nested within the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial, a cluster-randomised trial conducted in 31 maternity hospitals and affiliated polyclinics in Belarus. Our primary outcome was a Children’s Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) score ⩾22.5 (85th percentile), an indicator of problematic eating attitudes. We employed multivariable mixed logistic regression models, which allow inference at the individual level. We also performed instrumental variable (IV) analysis using parents’ BMIs as instruments for the child’s BMI, to assess whether associations could be explained by residual confounding or reverse causation. Of the 17 046 infants enrolled between 1996 and 1997 across Belarus, 13 751 (80.7%) completed the ChEAT test at 11.5 years. In fully adjusted models, overweight children at age 6.5 years had a 2.14-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.82, 2.52) increased odds of having ChEAT scores ⩾85th percentile at age 11.5 years, and those who were obese had a 3.89-fold (95% CI: 2.95, 5.14) increased odds compared with normal-weight children. Children of mothers or fathers who were themselves overweight or obese were more likely to score ⩾85th percentile (P for trend ⩽0.001). IV analysis was consistent with a child’s BMI causally affecting future eating attitudes. There was little evidence that parental smoking, alcohol use, or marital status or maternal satisfaction were associated with eating attitudes. In our large, prospective cohort in Belarus, both parental and childhood overweight and obesity at 6.5 years were associated with pre-adolescent problematic eating attitudes 5 years later.

Mesenchymal Bone Marrow-derived Stem Cells Transplantation in Patients with HCV Related Liver Cirrhosis.

Abstract: Background and aims To evaluate the effect of intraparenchymal transplantation of mesenchymal bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis (LC). Methods Mononuclear cells were isolated from patient bone marrow and were passaged several times in vitro in order to reach the required volume. Attributes of the BMSCs were evaluated by the presence of the surface markers CD105+, CD90+, and CD73+. Cells from each passage were evaluated for sterility, and they were transplanted intraparenchymally into liver tissue. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated and morphological studies of liver biopsy were performed prior to and 6 months after transplantation. Results On clinical evaluation, the general state of these patients was improved at 1 month following transplantation of BMSCs. At 1 and 6 months post-transplantation, jaundice was absent in four (67%) patients. After 6 months, functional hepatic indices were improved, i.e. decrease of ALT and AST activity and bilirubin level. However, these decreases were not statistically different (P>0.05). Expression of CD34 and α-SMA in liver biopsy samples were decreased at 6 months after transplantation, consistent with structural improvements in mitochondria and nuclear compartments. Conclusions Intraparenchymal transplantation of autologous BMSCs improved the functional condition of the liver, stimulated reparative processes in hepatocytes, and decreased extracellular matrix protein (EMP) count in hepatic tissues of patients with LC. It was well tolerated and was not associated with any complications both during and after BMSC transplantation.

The Influence of Flanking Secondary Structures on Amino Acid Content and Typical Lengths of 3/10 Helices

Abstract: We used 3D structures of a highly redundant set of bacterial proteins encoded by genes of high, average, and low GC-content. Four types of connecting bridges—regions situated between any of two major elements of secondary structure (alpha helices and beta strands)—containing a pure random coil were compared with connecting bridges containing 3/10 helices. We included discovered trends in the original “VVTAK Connecting Bridges” algorithm, which is able to predict more probable conformation for a given connecting bridge. The highest number of significant differences in amino acid usage was found between 3/10 helices containing bridges connecting two beta strands (they have increased Phe, Tyr, Met, Ile, Leu, Val, and His usages but decreased usages of Asp, Asn, Gly, and Pro) and those without 3/10 helices. The typical (most common) length of 3/10 helices situated between two beta strands and between beta strand and alpha helix is equal to 5 amino acid residues. The preferred length of 3/10 helices situated between alpha helix and beta strand is equal to 3 residues. For 3/10 helices situated between two alpha helices, both lengths (3 and 5 amino acid residues) are typical.

Bone Health in Type 1 Diabetes: Where We Are Now and How We Should Proceed

Abstract: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is autoimmune disease with chronic hyperglycaemic state. Besides diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, T1D is characterized by poor bone health. The reduced bone mineralization and quality/strength, due to hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, autoimmune inflammation, low levels of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and vitamin D, lead to vertebral/hip fractures. Young age of T1D manifestation, chronic poor glycemic control, high daily insulin dose, low BMI, reduced renal function, and the presence of complications can be helpful in identifying T1D patients at risk of reduced bone mineral density. Although risk factors for fracture risk are still unknown, chronic poor glycemic control and presence of diabetic complications might raise the suspicion of elevated fracture risk in T1D. In the presence of the risk factors, the assessment of bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the search of asymptomatic vertebral fracture by lateral X-ray radiography of thorax-lumbar spine should be recommended. The improvement of glycemic control may have a beneficial effect on bone in T1D. Several experiments showed promising results on using anabolic pharmacological agents (recombinant IGF-1 and parathyroid hormone) in diabetic rodents with bone disorder. Randomized clinical trials are needed in order to test the possible use of bone anabolic therapies in humans with T1D.

Regional differences in self-reported HIV care and management in the EuroSIDA study

Abstract: Introduction : EuroSIDA has previously reported a poorer clinical prognosis for HIV-positive individuals in Eastern Europe (EE) as compared with patients from other parts of Europe, not solely explained by differences in patient characteristics. We explored regional variability in self-reported HIV management at individual EuroSIDA clinics, with a goal of identifying opportunities to reduce the apparent inequalities in health. Methods : A survey (www.chip.dk/eurosida/csurvey) on HIV management was conducted in early 2014 in all currently active EuroSIDA clinics. Responders in EE were compared with clinics in all other EuroSIDA regions combined (non-EE). Characteristics were compared between regions using Fishers exact test. Results : A total of 80/97 clinics responded (82.5%, 12/15 in EE, 68/82 in non-EE). Participating clinics reported seeing a total of 133,532 patients [a median of 1300 per clinic (IQR 700–2399)]. The majority of clinics requested viral load and CD4 measurements at least every six months for patients on as well as off ART (EE 66.7%, non-EE 75%, p =0,72). Significantly fewer EE clinics performed resistance tests before ART as well as upon treatment failure (Figure 1). Half of the EE clinics indicated following WHO guidelines (EE 50%, non-EE 7.4%, p <0.0001), whereas most non-EE clinics followed EACS guidelines (non-EE 76.5%, EE 41.7%, p =0.017). The majority of EE clinics and ¼ non-EE clinics indicated deferral of ART initiation in asymptomatic individuals until CD4 ≤350 cells/mm 3 (Figure 1). There were no significant regional differences in screening haematology, liver or renal function, which the majority of clinics reported to do routinely. However, EE clinics reported screening significantly less for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and only about half screened for tobacco use, alcohol consumption and drug use (Figure 1). Screening for cervical cancer and for anorectal cancer was low in both regions (Figure 1). Conclusions : We found significant regional variability in self-reported HIV management across Europe, with less resistance testing, screening for CVD and substance use in EE. EE clinics indicated deferral of ART initiation for longer than non-EE clinics. Adherence to international guidelines for cervical cancer screening was poor in both regions. Whether differences in HIV management are reflected in clinical outcomes deserves further investigation. (Published: 2 November 2014) Citation : Abstracts of the HIV Drug Therapy Glasgow Congress 2014 Gronborg Laut K. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2014, 17(Suppl 3) :19504 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/19504 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.17.4.19504

Efficacy of single-pill perindopril/indapamide in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes in combination are associated with a significantly higher level of cardiovascular events. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of single-pill perindopril/indapamide in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Patients with both hypertension and type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this multicenter, prospective, open clinical study. Single-pill perindopril/indapamide was either prescribed on its own (started or switched to from previous treatment) or added to previous therapy. Perindopril/indapamide dosage could be increased, from 5/1.25 mg to 10/2.5 mg once daily, if blood pressure (BP) was uncontrolled. BP and tolerability were assessed at 4 visits over a 6-month period. Microalbuminuria was assessed at baseline and 6 months in a subgroup. 397 patients were analyzed (age 57.6 ± 9.4 years, men 46 %). At baseline, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 160.0 ± 14.3 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 95.2 ± 8.3 mmHg, and pulse pressure 64.8 ± 12.7 mmHg. Nearly half (45 %) of patients received perindopril/indapamide alone and 55 % added this single-pill combination to existing therapy. After 6 months, SBP fell by 30 mmHg, DBP by 14 mmHg, and pulse pressure by 16 mmHg (all p < 0.0001). SBP was normalized (<140 mmHg) in 84 % of patients who took perindopril/indapamide 5/1.25 mg alone and in 90 % of patients who took perindopril/indapamide 10/2.5 mg alone. Tolerability was rated “good” or “better” by nearly all (99 %) patients. In a microalbuminuria subgroup (n = 59; baseline microalbuminuria 20–200 mg/L; average age 60.5 ± 11.5 years; 28 men [47 %]), there was a significant decrease in SBP (from 160.5 ± 13.9 mmHg to 132.6 ± 12.0 mmHg) and DBP (from 95.3 ± 7.8 mmHg to 81.6 ± 8.4 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Target SBP was reached by 71 % of these patients. Microalbuminuria decreased in 75 % of the subgroup during the follow-up period; levels fell significantly from 45 mg/L (30–88 mg/L) to 30 mg/L (20–50 mg/L) (p < 0.0001). Treatment with single-pill perindopril/indapamide 5/1.25 or 10/2.5 mg significantly reduced BP, improved BP control, and enhanced kidney protection in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes in everyday clinical practice.

Glycemic Allostasis during Mental Activities on Fasting in Non-alcohol Users and Alcohol Users with Different Durations of Abstinence.

Abstract: Glycemic allostasis is the process by which blood glucose stabilization is achieved through the balancing of glucose consumption rate and release into the blood stream under a variety of stressors.This paper reviews findings on the dynamics of glycemic levels during mental activities on fasting in non‑alcohol users and alcohol users with different periods of abstinence. Referred articles for this review were searched in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, DOAJ and AJOL. The search was conducted in 2013 between January 20 and July 31. The following keywords were used in the search: alcohol action on glycemia OR brain glucose OR cognitive functions; dynamics of glycemia, dynamics of glycemia during mental activities; dynamics of glycemia on fasting; dynamics of glycemia in non‑alcohol users OR alcohol users; glycemic regulation during sobriety. Analysis of the selected articles showed that glycemic allostasis during mental activities on fasting is poorly regulated in alcohol users even after a long duration of sobriety (1‑4 weeks after alcohol consumption), compared to non‑alcohol users. The major contributor to the maintenance of euglycemia during mental activities after the night’s rest (during continuing fast) is gluconeogenesis. Keywords : Abstainers, Abstinence, Alcohol, Alcohol users, Fasting, Glycemic allostasis, Mental activities, Sobriety

Characterization of blood flow rate in dental pulp by speckle patterns of backscattered light from an in vivo tooth

Abstract: Experimental data on the hemodynamics of dental pulp at different stages of caries treatment are given Observations of speckle patterns in backscattered laser light are used as a measurement method to qualitatively characterize changes in blood flow rate through the dental pulp The measurements were made by the author-designed experimental setup Theoretical estimations showed that stationary reflected light from an in vivo tooth contains a negligibly small information body on changes in the pulpal blood flow due to the shadowing of the pulp by optically thick enamel and dentin Therefore, the temporal variations in the speckle patterns are the only possible way that can provide monitoring of blood conditions in the pulp by using backscattered light Various statistical characteristics of the random reflected light fields are studied as indicators of blood flow rate changes There were selected five statistical parameters of backscattered speckle images that give self-consistent data on these changes The parameters include four combinations of integrals of the Fourier transforms of the observed temporal variations as well as the speckle image contrast The selected parameters are shown to qualitatively agree with general considerations on the effects of reduced or increased blood flow rates on the selected integral quantities

The dynamics of respiratory muscle changes during the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Background. Pathological changes of the respiratory muscles (RM) during the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (cOPD) have not yet been studied in detail. Objectives. The aim of the research was to assess RM status in cOPD and the relationship between echodensitometric and morphological changes in the RM. Material and Methods. The participants – 152 male cOPD patients – were divided into three groups according to the severity of the disease: cOPD1 (mild), cOPD2 (moderate) and cOPD3 (severe). The status of the accessory RM in these groups was investigated using echodensitometry indices (echogenicity: IE; homogeneity: IH; and structural density: ISD) and the morphological material of the abdominal internal oblique muscle in 25 patients with cOPD1 and cOPD2. Results. considerable differences among the cOPD groups were revealed. In mild cOPD a tendency toward increased homogeneity was detected (due to RM hypertrophy), while echogenicity results varied. IH and ISD decreased in moderate cOPD, while IE was increased due to RM fatty infiltration and sclerosis (according to the morphological data). In severe cOPD, IH and ISD rose again against a background of IE decrease. The presence of myolysis, sclerotic changes and contractures of myofibrils in the RM was significantly more frequently observed in cOPD1 and cOPD2 compared with the controls (where these features were rare). The sensitivity and specificity of the morphological and ultrasonic methods were similar in assessing atrophic and sclerotic RM changes, while their accuracy was lower in analyzing other morphological signs. Conclusions. The echodensitometric parameters investigated reflect, in a complex way, different dynamics of degenerative RM processes during the progression of cOPD (Adv Clin Exp Med 2014, 23, 3, 381–394).

The Association of Early Childhood Cognitive Development and Behavioural Difficulties with Pre-Adolescent Problematic Eating Attitudes

Abstract: Objectives: Few studies have prospectively investigated associations of child cognitive ability and behavioural difficulties with later eating attitudes. We investigated associations of intelligence quotient (IQ), academic performance and behavioural difficulties at 6.5 years with eating attitudes five years later. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study nested within the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial, Belarus. Of 17,046 infants enrolled at birth, 13,751 (80.7%) completed the Children’s Eating Attitude Test (ChEAT) at 11.5 years, most with information on IQ (n=12,667), academic performance (n=9,954) and behavioural difficulties (n=11,098) at 6.5 years. The main outcome was a ChEAT score $85 th percentile, indicative of problematic eating attitudes. Results: Boys with higher IQ at 6.5 years reported fewer problematic eating attitudes, as assessed by ChEAT scores $85 th percentile, at 11.5 years (OR per SD increase in full-scale IQ=0.87; 0.79, 0.94). No such association was observed in girls (1.01; 0.93, 1.10) (p for sex-interaction=0.016). In both boys and girls, teacher-assessed academic performance in non-verbal subjects was inversely associated with high ChEAT scores five years later (OR per unit increase in mathematics ability=0.88; 0.82, 0.94; and OR per unit increase in ability for other non-verbal subjects=0.86; 0.79, 0.94). Behavioural difficulties were positively associated with high ChEAT scores five years later (OR per SD increase in teacher-assessed rating=1.13; 1.07, 1.19). Conclusion: Lower IQ, worse non-verbal academic performance and behavioural problems at early school age are positively associated with risk of problematic eating attitudes in early adolescence.

Determination of Colour-Contrast Sensitivity of the Retina

Abstract: Determination of Colour-Contrast Sensitivity of the Retina A. Kubarko, V. Firago and O. Hotrac,∗ Human Physiology Department, Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, pr. Dzerginsky, 183, 220116, Belarus Belarusian State University, Department of Quantum Radiophysics and Optoelectronics Minsk, 4, pr. Nezaliezhnasti, 220030, Belarus Lublin University of Technology, Lublin University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Nadbystrzycka 38a, 20-618 Lublin, Poland

THU0504 Regulatory T Cells in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract: Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis, fetal loss and presence of antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies, the most studied of which are anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) IgG and IgM antibodies [1]. Role of cellular immunity is still under investigation [2]. Regulatory T cell (Treg) dysfunction has been demonstrated in some autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes). There are only several publications about role of Treg in APS [3]. Objectives To determine the level of Treg and find correlation with APL antibodies and clinical features in patients with APS. Methods 23 APS patients (diagnosed according Sidney criteria, 2004) mean age 31,1±5,4 years out of pregnancy were examined. In control group 12 healthy donors mean age 34,3±5,2 years without history of spontaneous abortions or thrombosis were included. IgG and IgM aCL and ab2GPI antibodies were measured by ELISA. In peripheral blood Treg (CD4+CD25+CD127-), CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells were detected by flow cytometry. Results In APS patients average level of aCL IgG was 4,19 (2,28-63,95) GPL, aCL IgM – 11,95 (2,12-47,9) MPL, aβ2GPI IgG – 6,24 (6,24-11,3) U/ml, aβ2GPI IgM – 20,24 (6,45-60,67) U/ml. Healthy donors were APL-negative. Absolute number of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells was 0,6753 (0,4413-0,8185)*10 9 /L and 0,4348 (0,3539-0,8200)*10 9 /L in APS patients and 0,7992 (0,6124-0,8784)*10 9 /L and 0,4276 (0,3240-0,5451)*10 9 /L in control group respectively. In peripheral blood of healthy donors absolute number of Treg was detected at average level 0,0138 (0,011-0,0152)*10 9 /L, in APS patients - 0,0065 (0,0042-0,0088)*10 9 /L (p=0,031) and showed correlation with aβ2GPI IgM antibodies level (R=0,60; p=0,015) and absolute number of CD3+CD8+ cells (R=0,54; p=0,03). Patients with APS with Treg level lower than 0,0057*10 9 /L (n=13) have vasculopathy (vascular purpura) and mild form of thrombocytopenia among clinical symptoms of APS. Patients with higher level of Treg (more than 0,0057*10 9 /L) did not show symptoms of vasculopathy. Conclusions We found that absolute number of regulatory T cells is markedly decreased in peripheral blood of patients with APS in compare to healthy donors; it has correlation with anti-β2-glycoprotein I IgM. Vasculopathy is observed more often in APS patients with lower level of Treg. References Shoenfeld Y, Krause I, Kvapil F et al. Prevalence and clinical correlations of antibodies against six beta2-glycoprotein-I-related peptides in the antiphospholipid syndrome. Journal of Clinical Immunology 2003;23(5):377-383. Karakantza M, Theodorou GL, Meimaris N et al. Type 1 and type 2 cytokine-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Annals of Hematology 2004;83:(11):704-711. Dal Ben ER, do Prado CH, Baptista TS et al. Decreased levels of circulating CD4+25+Foxp3+ regulatory cells in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Journal of Clinical Immunology 2013;33(4):876-879. Disclosure of Interest : None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4485

Science and communication: how to transfer knowledge?

Abstract: A couple of months ago I came back to the University after vacations: well rested, full of ideas and having strong desire to tell the students everything I knew about my “beloved” organic chemistry. The counterpart was even better (in all the cases they were younger: “cela se passe de commentaries”): a large majority of the students are smart, attractive, and well put together. Just seemed to be the best time and place for effective teaching-learning (as we like to say in articles) process. As usual, I had a joy during the first lecture (feeling happy of touching once more I liked so much and engaging in my own understanding of the subject) and after the first seminar where students followed generally the logics and the way of professor thinking. However, a few days later during the classes followed by the romantic period of our acquaintance I faced the problem: the students barely understood some very easy things. Not because they didn’t know, not because they were lazy, vs they could understand the more difficult things (I work at Medical University with the highest students’ percentile). They couldn’t understand very simple things because sometimes we were speaking in different languages.

Episodic Alcohol Consumption by Youths

Abstract: This paper presents evidence that even rare episodic alcohol consumption by young people is not harmless. Unsafe rare episodic alcohol consumption by youths (students) was reflected in the reduced attention concentration and lower academic buoyancy, compared to those who completely abstain from alcohol. Key Words: Alcohol, youth, students, attention concentration, academic buoyancy