Vol 9, No 3 (2023)
EDITORIAL
Role and place of maritime medicine
Abstract
The article considers the role and place of maritime medicine as science, as a separate health care industry and as the academic discipline. Maritime medicine is at the crossroads of 2 vast areas of human knowledge – medicine and oceanology. As medical science, maritime medicine explores the impact of Ocean on human health in order to develop means and methods of preserving the Earth’s human potential, first of all, the one of maritime industry and coastal territories. Maritime medicine includes a set of private medical sciences, such as marine hygiene, marine epidemiology, medicine for ships, diving medicine, naval medicine, marine ergonomics, marine physiology and pathophysiology, marine therapy, marine surgery, marine toxicology, marine pharmacy, history of marine medicine, marine health care organizations and some other disciplines. The article discusses the relationship of maritime medicine with other fields of knowledge, sciences and academic disciplines.
REVIEW
Periodontitis: causes, conditions of occurrence and prevention
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. Analyze the causes and conditions for chronic generalized periodontitis, study means of preventive health care through individual oral hygiene.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study analyzed the scientific literature, devoted to casual factors and conditions of developing chronic generalized periodontitis, its influence on the health of the body and as well as the role of oral hygiene in preventing its onset and progression. Articles in leading domestic dental peer-reviewed publications along with data sources from Pubmed over the past 5 years were analyzed.
RESULTS. The literature analysis found that majority of authors acknowledge microbial biofilm microbiota of the oral cavity as the leading etiological factor of periodontitis; such factors as poor oral hygiene, endogenous and exogenous erythrocyte sorption overload, the impact of physical environmental factors – external electromagnetic fields and vibrations affect the progression of the disease. Meanwhile, measures of professional oral hygiene и normalization of individual oral hygiene allows to significantly reduce the risk of emerging and progressing chronic generalized periodontitis.
DISCUSSION. By category visits patients, suffering from CGP, were distributed as follows: 61,6 ± 0,7 % people – retirees of Russian Defense Ministry, 16,5 ± 0,5 % people – family members of military men and retired of RDM, 16,3 ± 0,5 % – military men, attached to the dentistry clinic of RDM military units and institutions, 5,7 ± 0,3 % – RMD cadets. Means of individual oral hygiene, relevant for the prevention of periodontitis, include about 15 items. Part of them are classified as traditional, and the proper application of some of them requires additional training, including in the framework of special medical training during hygiene education work and health promotion. The authors came to a conclusion about the expediency of increasing the number of dentists to intensify the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases among military men through professionally monitored oral hygiene.
CONCLUSION. The high prevalence and intensity of dental system diseases among military men shows the relevance of regular sanitation of their oral cavity. Systematic implementation of individual oral hygiene measures decreases the number of bacteria in the mouth, prevents the development of severe overall body response to inflammation, contributes to a significant reduction in the number of exacerbation of concomitant somatic diseases that improves overall health and people’s quality of life. Professionally monitored oral hygiene, oral hygiene education and motivation for applying modern hygiene products are considered as the basis of oral disease prevention.
Сhanges in the composition of gut microbiota in patients with chronic hepatitis С, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease at different stages of liver disease: a review
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The human gut microbiota is a set of microorganisms that are in symbiosis with the host organism. The predominance of bacteria of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria types is a characteristic feature of human gut microbiota. However, the composition of the gut microbiota is subject to change under the influence of a number of factors. The influence of the gut-liver axis on the pathogenesis of many chronic liver diseases of various etiologies, both infectious and metabolic, has been proven. At the same time, in the analyzed literature, the data on the relationship between the nature of GM changes and the stage of liver damage are quite controversial.
OBJECTIVE. Updating and systematization of ideas about the nature of changes in the composition of intestinal microbiota in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at different stages of the disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. We analyzed the scientific literature on GM changes in chronic liver diseases with regard to their etiology and disease stage, in particular in chronic viral hepatitis C and NAFLD. The search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLIBRARY databases for 2000-2023 using the following keywords: gut microbiota; microbiota in hepatitis C; microbiota in NAFLD; microbiota in liver fibrosis; liver fibrosis progression. Sixty scientific articles were analyzed and 42 sources were selected, of which more than 60% were published within the last five years.
RESULTS. This review presents the results of original studies describing the main taxonomic differences between the microbiomes of healthy individuals and patients with CHC complicated by the formation of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, patients with viral cirrhosis showed impoverishment of intestinal commensals Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae and significant enrichment of Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. In patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and F>II, enrichment of GM Phylum Bacteroides and Proteobacteria, Families Lachnospiraceae and Enterobacteriaceae, Genera Blautia and Escherichia, with a concomitant decrease of Prevotella was detected.
DISCUSSION. The analysis of GM taxonomic units in the previously described studies did not reveal significant differences depending on the etiology of the underlying disease. However, a decrease in the representative of the phylum Firmicutes - Ruminococcaceae was observed in CHC in contrast to NAFLD. A more distinct relationship can be observed in the changes of intestinal microbiota in F(III-IV) irrespective of etiology. Thus, in advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis of both CHC and NAFLD etiologies, enrichment of GM has been described due to an increase in phylum Proteobacteria, in particular the genus Escherichia and phylum Firmicutes (Blautia, Veillonellaceae). In the studies analyzed, at F(III-IV), an enrichment of the microbiota is observed due to an increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes. Regarding the genus Prevotella, contradictory results were found. In addition, there are ambiguous data regarding the genera Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae and Bifidobacteria.
CONCLUSION. Based on the results of the literature review, we obtained contradictory data on GM composition in patients with CHC and NAFLD. This may be due to the size of samples, heterogeneity of initial data during the selection of patients in the study. The relationship between the composition of microbiota and persistent inflammatory process, expressed liver fibrosis is observed. GM reflects not only functional disorders in chronic liver diseases of various etiologies, but can also serve as a diagnostic indicator of their progression.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Characteristics of bone metabolism disorders in military personnel in the Arctic regions: prospective study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To study characteristics of bone metabolism disorders in military personnel in the Arctic regions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. The survey was conducted and medical documentation of 189 male soldiers aged 23–42 (average age - 29,6±5,6) was studied. Depending on the duty station all the surveyed were divided into two groups: I – 107 soldiers, performing military service in the Arctic regions with at least 2 years of experience, II – 82 soldiers from the Western Military Region. Complaints, anamnesis data, objective status (including anthropometry) and medical documentation were assessed and studied in the surveyed military personnel. For estimating bone-mineral density, the method of calcaneus ultrasonography, using «GE Healthcare Achilles» densitometer was applied. The content of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus as well as the concentration of bone resorption markers – СТХ and NTX in the blood serum were used as analyzed laboratory rate of bone metabolism.
RESULTS. The study showed that almost half of the military personnel in the Arctic regions (48,6%) had the rate of bone-mineral density below the average value for healthy men of the same age group. It was noted that prevalence of osteopenia in the Arctic is significantly higher compared to military personnel from temperate regions. When studying bone resorption markers, it was noted that the group of Arctic military personnel experienced statistically significant increase in NTX, characterizing the rate of degradation in the newly formed bone as well as the tendency towards increase in CTX, reflecting the rate of degradation relative to the old bone.
DISCUSSION. The main link in the pathogenesis of low bone-mineral density in military personnel in the unfavorable Arctic environment is D3 vitamin metabolism disorder by lowering its formation in the skin and also it limited intake with food. High prevalence of disorder in bone-mineral density among Arctic military personnel might indicate the need for a more rigorous selection process in the Arctic regions with a mandatory in-depth survey of the bone metabolism system (determination of total calcium content, inorganic phosphorus, D3 vitamin) as well as performing according to osteodensitometry. It is advisable to conduct an annual survey of the Arctic military personnel at the duty station, involving a visiting military-medical commission with a therapist or rheumatologist as its member.
Characteristics of miners’ working conditions in the surface mine of the mining and chemical complex in the Arctic region of the Russian Federation: cross-sectional (simultaneous) study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The development of rich mineral resources in the Arctic region of the Russian Federation (ARRF) is a strategic direction for the further economic development of the country. The study of the working conditions to prevent the development of an occupational disease and to preserve the health of workers, employed in the ARRF economy, are fully aligned with national priorities of the state policy.
OBJECTIVE. To assess miner’s working conditions in the surface mine, located in the Arctic region of the Russian Federation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. Working conditions of mining dump truck, bulldozer, drilling machine, excavator drivers and blasting teams in the ARRF surface mine were examined with the use of sanitary description method as well as physical and chemical ones.
RESULTS. Natural and climatic conditions around mining sites are adverse with some extremeness. Miners’ working conditions сcorrespond to class 2 and 3 of 1-2 degree of harmfulness on physical and chemical factors. Maximum permissible levels are most exceeded on noise and vibration ones as well as on the content of nitric oxide and formaldehyde in the cabin of dump bulldozers, and least – in the workplace of drilling machine drivers.
CONCLUSION. To improve miners’ working conditions and preserve their health, it is necessary to develop and implement a comprehensive program of measures, adapted to the Arctic conditions, aimed at preventing occupational diseases and providing for the solution of sanitary-technological and medical preventive issues.
Assessment of body resonse on integral health indicators in seafarers at sea: cohort study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To assess the influence of sea habitat conditions on a vessel on military seamen’s health according to integral health indicators using a computer program.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. Before going to sea and after returning to the base there were measurements of weight and body length, chest circumference, lung capacity, leading hand strength, heart rate, systolic and diastolic pressure at rest, after the load and recovery period (Martinet test) as well as blood lymphocyte content. Physical development, nutritional status, index of functional changes, the state of general non-specific adaptive response and cognitive body functions were defined; integral health assessment was held using computer programs.
RERESULTS. Initially 66,7% had increased nutrition, after returning – 62,0%; normal status - 37,0% and 40,7%, excessive nutrition – 48,1% and 44,4%, obesity of 1st degree – 11,1% and obesity of 2nd degree – 3,7%. The proportion of seafarers with physical development above average decreased by 18,5%, adaptive response - by 7,1% (р=0,001) and body functionality - by 11,5% (р=0,006). Cognitive mental functions did not change. Standard of health decreased by 16,7% (р=0,001).
DISCUSSION. There was confirmed negative impact of living conditions on seafarers’ health. Somatometric and physiometric indices showed negative tendencies in physical development and functionality, nonspecific adaptive body response. Stress test revealed the deterioration of aerobic capacity.
CONCLUSION. The use of algorithm for assessing morphofunctional indicators, cognitive functions and lymphocyte content with computer processing of the results allows to evaluate the health in professional activities of seafarers.
HBO aftereffect on lipid peroxidation and enzyme antioxidants of the brain: prospective experiental study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. Study the effect of a single and multiple administration of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) in the therapeutic regime on the processes of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and enzyme of antioxidative defense in phylogenetically various structures of the brain in the period of the immediate and remote aftereffect of expositions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. Experiments were carried out on 87 nonlinear white male rats weighing 180-230 grams. Hyperbaric oxygenation was conducted by medical oxygen in the experimental pressure chamber in the “mild” mode (2 ata, 50 min isopression), 1 session per day in the morning. The study was carried out after 1, 5, 10 sessions, in 5 and 10 days after 1 session and in 5 days after 5 sessions of HBO. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined in the brain stem, cerebellum and large brain hemispheres. The state of an enzyme element of antioxidant defense was evaluated by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
RESULTS. It was found that exposure to oxygen under high pressure caused increased intensity of LPO processes in the brain that progresses from 1 to 5 sessions. While MDA changes in the brain stem were detected later than in the hemispheres and cerebellum. LPO intensification in the brain proceeded against the background of increased activity of SOD. After 10 sessions of HBO LPO intensity decreased that was confirmed by reduced MDA content and SOD activity in examined brain tissue. Catalase activity reduced in the stem after 5 sessions and increased in the cerebellum and hemispheres after 10 sessions of HBO. Aftereffect of 1 HBO session was characterized by persistent increase in MDA concentration in the brain regions, detected in 5 and 10 days after exposure and was accompanied by increased SOD activity against the background of reduced catalase activity. In 5 days after 5 sessions the increase in MDA content and SOD activation was observed only in the tissue of the cerebral hemispheres.
DISCUSSION. The use of HBO in the mode 2 ata, 50 min stimulates reactions of free radical oxidation (FRO) in the brain. The dynamics of their development with continued exposure shows that there are enough resources of the brain antioxidant defense to compensate hyperoxic load, including 10-fold exposure and no depletion of the reserves of enzyme antioxidant element in the brain is observed. After a single exposure of hyperbaric oxygen FRO activation remains during 10 days that can be concluded from an increased level of MDA and an increased activity of SOD in all the brain regions against the background of reduced catalase activity of stem structures and cerebellum. Repeated 5-fold exposures have a shorter metabolic “footprint”: in 5 days LPO effect and SOD activation are less pronounced than in the period of 1 session aftereffect both in 5 and 10 days.
CONCLUSION. The therapeutic “mild” mode of HBO (2 ata, 50 min, 1 session per day) causes FRO activation in the brain tissue of experimental animals. Its intensity is controlled by the activation of enzyme protection mechanisms that is enough to compensate FRO changes with this mode of hyperoxic load. After ending exposures more pronounced aftereffect of HBO in the brain regions is found after 1 session compared to 5 sessions.
Endothelial dysfunction as predictor of atherosclerosis during a translatitudinal sea voyage in the Arctic: prospective study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. Human labor activity in the Arctic takes place in severe climatic conditions associated with cooling, atmospheric pressure drops, high humidity, photoperiodicity, low oxygen content in the air. Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathophysiological sign and an independent predictor of poor prognosis in most cardiovascular diseases.
OBJECTIVE.Тo analyze the dynamics of the level of metalloproteinase-9 and thrombin activity as predictors of the development of atherosclerosis in sailors during a translatitudinal sea voyage in the Arctic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. A prospective clinical and laboratory study of crew members was performed during the integrated marine research expedition “Transarctic-2019”. A clinical and laboratory study of the level of metalloprotease-9 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), coagulation analysis of the parameters of the thrombin generation test, as well as ultrasonic dopplerography of the thickness of the intima-media complex were carried out. Statistical data processing was carried out using the methods of descriptive and analytical statistics in the StataCorp Stata 14.2 program. The study protocol was approved by the local ethical committee of the SSMU (protocol No. 03/5 dated May 27, 2015) and supported by the state task reg. No. NIOKTR 121030300111-7.
RESULTS. A statistically significant increase in the level of MMP-9 in sailors after the expedition was noted, the relationship between the level of MMP-9, indicators of the thrombin generation test (lag time, min (p=0.0190), tPeak (p=0.0177), Peak (p= 0.0217) and KIM thickening.
DISCUSSION. MMP-9 levels may be a predictor of early atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic plaque instability, as well as a risk factor for future adverse cardiovascular events. The relationship of MMP-9 with the kinetics of thrombin (one of the regulators of the antithrombotic state of the endothelium) during a translatitudinal voyage in sailors indicates the formation of readiness for prothrombotic events.
CONCLUSION. Thus, in Arctic conditions, under conditions of chronic oxidative stress, which contribute to the progression of the development of endothelial dysfunction in the presence of external risk factors, the likelihood of progression of atherosclerotic vascular lesions increases, and, as a result, the development of vascular events.
Lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant system of the lungs during hyperbaric oxidation and its aftereffect: prospective study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To study the state of lipid peroxidation (LP) and the antioxidant system in the lungs of a healthy organism with single and repeated use of HBO in the therapeutic regime and the dynamics of the detected changes in the posthyperoxic period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. The experiments were conducted on a 100 mongrel white rats (males) weighing 180-220 g. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) was performed in a therapeutic “soft” mode (2 ata, 50 min), 1 session per day. The studies were carried out immediately after the first and fifth sessions of HBO, as well as on the 5th day after a single application of HBO and on the 5th knock after the end of the five-day course of HBO. The content of extraerythrocytic hemoglobin (EEG), malondialdehyde (MDA), urea, uric acid (UC), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were studied in the lung tissue.
RESULTS. A five-day course of HBO does not lead to the accumulation of EEG in the lung tissue and causes an increase in the concentration of MDA in it only after the 5th session of HBO, whereas on the 5th day of the posthyperoxic period (PHP) it is within the normal range. Adapting to the selected HBO regimen, the lung tissue responds by increasing the activity of SOD and catalase, which normalize with an increase in the number of sessions to five. Unlike SOD, the increase in catalase activity on the 5th day of PHP depends on the number of HBO sessions. If the HBO-determined accumulation of urea by the lung tissue persists on the 5th day of the post-peroxic period, then the accumulation of UC is only with hyperoxic exposure.
DISCUSSION. The changes we have identified are a manifestation of the natural reaction of the LP and the antioxidant system of the lungs of a healthy organism to an over-saturation with oxygen carried out in a therapeutic “soft” mode of 2 ata, 50 min.
CONCLUSION. A five-day course of HBO in a therapeutic “soft” mode (2 ata, 50 min, 1 session per day) does not cause uncontrolled activation of POL and depletion of the antioxidant system in the lung tissue.
Gel-ultraphonophoresis for patients with scarring on the skin: results of comparative prospective intervention study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. In modern realities of peace and military trauma there are an increasing number of scar skin defects, often accompanied by pronounced subjective sensations and tissue functional limitations. An urgent task is the scientific substantiation of effective methods of their correction.
OBJECTIVE. To determine healing effects and safety of using ultraphonophoresis of enzyme gel with high transcutaneous and proteolytic activity in patients with scarring on the skin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. There was examination of 82 patients with emerging (N=21 study group, N=16 comparison group) and mature (N=25 study group, N=20 comparison group) scar skin of different localizations at the rehabilitation stage after various injuries, burns, removal of skin neoplasms. The study applied clinical and functional methods in the assessment of scar tissue, medical and sociological methods in evaluating patients’ quality of life and safety profile.
RESULTS. There were improved clinical indicators and functional skin properties in the scar area, a significant regression of subjective sensations, an increased quality of life score, more pronounced in the study groups. Dynamics of clinical indicators is more expressed in group 1 and group 3. Vascularization values before and after treatment in the groups were: in group 1 and 3 before treatment - 6,4±0,93 and 5,8±0,25, after - 3,0±0,24 and 2,7±0,31, respectively; in group 2 the values before and after treatment were 5,6±0,26 и 4,2±0,62, respectively, in group 4 – before treatment 4,9±0,53, after - 4,1±0,48. As a result of dynamics of the quality of life indicators, a more significant improvement was found in the study groups with respect to the comparison groups. In the group with emerging scars the sum of points before treatment was 20,4±0,3, after treatment - 12,4±0,3; in the comparison group - 18,7±0,5 and 13,4±0,5 before and after treatment, respectively; in the group with mature scars: before treatment - 23,6±0,3, after - 13,7±0,4; in the comparison group - 21,3±0,4 и 16,2±0,5 before and after treatment, respectively. A favorable safety profile of treatment was defined: adverse events (tingling, burning) were transient and fully cupped after the procedure.
DISCUSSION. Ultraphonophoresis, one of the man methods in the transdermal delivery, contributes to changing the epidermal barrier permeability for molecules of various drugs as well as potentiation for actions of anti-scarring agents at different stages of emerging and existing scar skin defects.
CONCLUSION. Ultraphonophoresis of the enzyme gel with a high transcutaneous and proteolytic activity has fibromodulating and sedative curative effects in patients with scarring skin of different genesis and duration.
Reliability analysis of binary outcomes: sample size and calculations of kappa statistic
Abstract
Reliability analysis is an important methodological tool used in medical research to assess the degree of agreement between measurements taken by different methods or by multiple investigators. In this article, we provide an easy-to-understand overview of the basic concepts associated with reliability analysis, as well as the statistical criteria used in its application in biomedical research. The similarities and differences between the analysis of validity and the analysis of reliability are also presented. The principles of calculating Cohen’s kappa for the simplest situation with two researchers and binary variables are demonstrated both by using the formulas and by applying the SPSS software. Advantages and disadvantages of using kappa statistic are discussed. The article is intended for novice researchers and young scientists and will be useful for planning of research projects and training data collectors.
CLINICAL CASE
Reconstruction of pathological tortuosity of subcranial part of internal carotid artery using dopplerographic control
Abstract
Tortuosity of the internal carotid artery with dysplastic changes in the form of aneurysms and diverticula should be attributed to a rare pathology. The pathology of this localization makes open surgery difficult due to access trauma and a high risk of arterio-arterial embolism with the development of cerebrovascular accident. The method of reconstructive intervention is offered, using ultrasound dopplerographic control and there is a result of successful application of the method in the patient with pathological tortuosity of subcranial part of the internal carotid artery combined with diverticula.