Objective: Aim: This study investigates dehumanization and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals among primary healthcare nurses in Greece, exploring the influence of personality traits, empathy, and LGBTQ+ health knowledge.
Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with 114 public-sector primary healthcare nurses completing self-report questionnaires between July and October 2023. Instruments included a culturally adapted dehumanization scale, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory, and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman's correlations, and linear regression.
Results: Results: The sample was predominantly female (74.6%), heterosexual (93.9%), and Christian Orthodox (93%). Only 8.8% had attended LGBTQ+ healthcare courses, and 33.3% had cared for LGBTQ+ patients. Mechanistic dehumanization showed limited associations with personality traits, while animalistic dehumanization was negatively correlated with willingness to care (r = -0.441, p < 0.001) and comfort with LGBTQ+ care (r = -0.391, p < 0.001). Empathy and openness to experience influenced attitudes and willingness to care. Higher empathy unexpectedly reduced willingness to care, while emotional stability and conscientiousness predicted dehumanization.
Conclusion: Conclusions: Findings highlight a moderate dehumanization trend among nurses, affecting LGBTQ+ patients' care quality. Educational initiatives targeting LGBTQ+ health knowledge, empathy training, and the influence of personality traits are critical to fostering inclusive care and reducing dehumanization in healthcare settings.
Objective: Aim: To determine how Apelin levels and other biochemical markers affect thyroid function of Iraqi diabetic women.
Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: 88 subjects participated in this study, 44 diabetic women with hypothyroidism, whose ages between 40 and 60 years, and 44 healthy as a control group, whose ages between 40 and 55 years, during December 2022 to the end of April 2023. Demographic characters such as age, height, and weight of all participants were noted. Serum thyroxin, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone were measured by Minivans with Biomerix Kits. Fasting serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein), blood urea, and serum creatinine were among the tests performed on blood samples for the laboratory research. ELISA kit was used to measure amount of apelin.
Results: Results: A highly significant increase of apelin levels in diabetic women with hypothyroidism when compared with control, a significant positive correlation P <0.05 between Apelin level and each of: weight, body mass index, TSH, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), TG and VLDL and shows a highly significant positive correlation P<0.05 between Apelin level vs. TT4, FBS, TC and LDL. A significant negative correlation P<0.05 was found between Apelin levels vs. serum HDL in diabetic women with hypothyroidism.
Conclusion: Conclusions: A significant increase in results of Apelin in women with hypothyroidism and diabetes led to a significant imbalance in lipid metabolism, in the future, this might be an indicator of their risk of heart disease.
Objective: Aim: To evaluate plasma levels of TGF-β1 and the clinical impact of platelet-rich plasma injections on mandibular opening and pain in patients with anterior disc displacement and intermittent locking.
Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven temporomandibular disorder patients, diagnosed by oral medicine specialists, received three intra-articular PRP injections over three months, with evaluations conducted two weeks after the final injection. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were measured before and after treatment, with visual analog scale pain scores and mouth opening measurements.
Results: Results: Results showed that the mean plasma TGF-β1 level in temporomandibular disorder patients increased significantly from (312.6 pg/ml ± 67.96) before PRP injection to (400.4 pg/ml± 108.51) after PRP injection. Platelet-rich plasma-treated patients also experienced a significant reduction in Visual Analogue Scale scores, which decreased from (6.21 ± 0.95) to (0.78 ± 0.79), with improved range of mouth opening after PRP injection.
Conclusion: Conclusions: Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections effectively increased plasma TGF-β1 levels, reduced pain intensity, and improved mandibular opening range in temporomandibular disorder patients.
Objective: . Aim: The aim of this ambispective, two-center, observational study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and 3-years prognosis of patients with non-STelevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and AF.
Patients and methods: Materials and methods: Patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of NSTEMI were included. Baseline demographic and clinical features, in-hospital procedures, and occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and AF confirmed before admission were analyzed.
Results: Results: A total of 273 patients with NSTEMI were enrolled between 2012 and 2015, of whom 102 had AF (37.3%, 60.8% men) and 171 had SR (64.3% men). Patients with AF and NSTEMI were significantly older: 76.6±8.4 vs. 65.9±11.1 years (p<0.0001). The permanent pattern of AF was observed in 54 patients (52.9%) and paroxysmal in 48 patients (47.1%). They more often had heart failure with higher NYHA class (p<0.0001), type 2 diabetes (p=0.0001), abnormal renal function (p<0.0001), and history of stroke (p<0.0001). The presence of AF was not correlated with the number of stenotic coronary vessels. Significantly more NSTEMI patients with AF had a pacemaker implanted before admission (p<0.0001). Duration of hospital stay of NSTEMI AF patients was longer: 10.5±9.9 vs.6.6±4.2 days and it was related to age, Rho=0.5,p=0.0002. During the 2-year and 3-year follow-ups, AF was significantly related to higher mortality, both cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality (p<0.0001). Independent long-term all-cause mortality predictors were heart failure, liver insufficiency, and age. At the 3-years follow-up, there were no significant differences in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality between groups with permanent AF and paroxysmal AF (p=0.696).
Conclusion: Conclusions: Patients with atrial fibrillation and NSTEMI were older and more likely to have comorbidities. During the 2-year and 3-year follow-ups, AF was related significantly to higher mortality, both cardiovascular and of all causes. The long-term prognosis of patients with AF was adversely affected by heart failure, liver insufficiency and age.
The amniotic membrane, which lacks blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves, is a thin membrane with anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties. In the field of dentistry, it is primarily employed as a dressing following the removal of malignant or pre-malignant lesions, with the objective of ensuring haemostasis and the absence of allergic reactions. Furthermore, it is employed in the treatment of oro-auricular junctions, cleft palates and in guided bone regeneration, due to the presence of mesenchymal cells. In vestibuloplasty, it has been demonstrated to enhance vestibular deepening, accelerate epithelialisation and reduce pain. In periodontics, it has been shown to be an effective treatment for gingival recession and furcation defects, and to increase the width of keratinised gingiva around implants. In endodontics, it is employed in regenerative procedures, offering comparable results to standard methods. Furthermore, in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint, it has been observed to provide pain relief and improved joint function.
Objective: Aim: To study the complexing ability of pectins obtained from various vegetable and fruit raw materials with metal ions.
Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: The content of metals was determined by the atomic emission method (SHIMADZU ICPE-9820 spectrometer); heavy metal measurement methods used were MІ.С3.7.2.01-017 and MІ.С3.7.2.01-018. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0.0.0 program; correlation analysis was conducted using the Kendall Tau-b method.
Results: Results: It was found that the highest complexing ability towards the mixture of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions was demonstrated by low-esterified sugar beet pectin (r=0,600; p<0.01). Citrus (r=0,312; p<0.01), quince (r=0,292; p<0.01), and apple (r=0,271; p<0.01) pectins also exhibited high complexing rates, while pumpkin (r=0,214; p<0.01) and carrot (r=0,156; p<0.01) pectins had slightly lower rates. In addition, pectin is found in smaller quantities in carrots and pumpkins than in sugar beet, citrus fruits, quince, and apples. To improve nutritional characteristics, reduce allergenicity, and maintain high complexing ability of the final product, the authors proposed a combination of raw materials from sugar beet and pumpkin, enriched with apple pectin and/or pectincontaining products and juices of pumpkin and apples.
Conclusion: Conclusions: It was established that the highest complexing ability in relation to a mixture of lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc, and copper ions is possessed by low-esterified sugar beet pectin. The addition of this pectin to apple pectin and/or pectin-containing apple products and juices increases the potential nonspecific detoxification properties of the final food product.
Objective: Aim: To assess the emotional and pain experiences of Ukrainian healthcare workers during the war to identify key targets for multidisciplinary prevention approaches.
Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: The pilot study enrolled 99 healthcare professionals (69 women, 30 men), aged 23-65 years. Participants included doctors (n=69), nurses, and physical therapists (n=30), with experience ranging from under 10 to over 25 years. A 49-item questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms. The survey assessed demographics, workload, emotional stress, pain, and attitudes toward working under wartime conditions. The variables were ranked using categorical and numerical discrete scales, and the data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation.
Results: Results: Emotional exhaustion was reported by nearly half of the healthcare professionals at least 2-3 times per week, and pain syndrome was common, particularly lower back pain. Emotional exhaustion showed positive correlations with job dissatisfaction, workload, anxiety, and apathy. Higher pain intensity was linked to decreased productivity and emotional strain, including depression. The impact of war correlated with emotional and physical disruption, yet professionals remained empathetic toward patients. War-induced insomnia was associated with a higher desire to leave the profession, highlighting the longterm risks to healthcare workforce sustainability.
Conclusion: Conclusions: The pilot study highlights the urgent need for preventive multidisciplinary interventions to address emotional strain and pain among healthcare workers. Tailored support strategies may enhance well-being and professional sustainability in high-stress environments.
A case of a 40-year-old patient who presented to the clinic due to carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand was presented. Four years earlier, the same patient underwent four-finger amputation of his right dominant hand due to fulminant necrosis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes infection. Descriptive history and the results of examination indicated that the patient adapted very good to significant disability of the hand. He had no constant pain, but only when the weather changed, which he rated at 3-4 points on the Numeric Rank Scale. The hand function examined by the DASH questionnaire showed a significant impairment - 42 points, but the patient declared that he functioned well in everyday life and even found a permanent job in a security company.
Objective: Aim: Assessment of the risk of soil and groundwater contamination by triazine herbicides to reduce anthropogenic environment pollution and decrease the potential negative impact on public health in Ukraine and the EU.
Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: 14 preparations containing 5 active substances of the triazine class and its environmental fate in soil and water considering Ukraine and EU climatic conditions. Methods of in-field hygienic experiment, gas-liquid chromatography, analytical and statistical methods, hygienic modelling using Experimental Leaching Index (ELI), (GUS), (RLPI), (LIX), (DT50) and (KOC), SCI-GROW, LEACHmod.
Results: Results: Analysis of the physicochemical properties of studied substances showed that they were classified as mobile or moderately mobile by migration ability. Calculated T50 for studied substances allowed us to determine the hazard classes for them. Substances pertain to 2-3 classes (promethrin and terbuthylazine - class 2, moderately persistent (30-100 days), tribenuron-methyl, thifensulfuron-methyl and metribuzin - class 3, weak persistency (less than 30 days)). The determination coefficient (R2) values ranged from 0.704 to 0.995.
Conclusion: Conclusions: According to the GUS, most of the studied substances have a moderate possibility of leaching into groundwater, except for thifensulfuron-methyl. While in EU soils the index for promethrin is very low, tribenuron-methyl is low, terbuthylazine and metribuzin are moderate, and thifensulfuron-methyl is high. The SCI-GROW assessment showed that most of them have significantly lower values in Ukraine than international values (except for promethrin), which can be explained by significant dissimilarities in maximum application rates, number of treatments, and in some cases - different resistance of substances in Ukrainian and EU soils.

