With limited efficacy and safety of the methods to treat ischemic stroke (IS), melatonin (МТ) can be considered a promising neuroprotective agent having a pleiotropic mechanism of action. The study aimed to assess the effect of MT contained in original rectal suppositories on the neurological status and microcirculation in the injury focus in experimental acute cerebral ischemia (EACI) in vivo. A total of 30 sexually mature rats were divided into three groups, 10 animals per group: shamoperated (SO) animals; animals with EACI; animals with EACI receiving original rectal suppositories weighing 100 mg with 2.5 mg of melatonin (МТ) throughout 7 days. On days 3 and 7, neurological status was assessed using the Garcia JH score, Placing test, Bederson test; microcirculation rate (MR) was assessed in the brain injury focus by laser flowmetry. A significant decrease in the Garcia JH scores by 58.3% (p = 0.001), Placing Test scores by 57.9% (p = 0.002), along with the significant increase in the Bederson Test scores in animals with EACI compared to SO animals was reported on day 3; the significant decrease in the Garcia JH scores by 75% (p < 0.001), Placing Test scores by 78.9% (p < 0.001) and the significant increase in the Bederson Test scores were reported on day 7. MR decreased by 30% on day 3 (p = 0.02), by 38% on day 7 (p = 0.005). The use of the MT-based rectal suppositories resulted in the neurological deficit restoration in the form of the significant increase in the Gаrcia JH scores by 53.3% (p = 0.008), Placing Test scores by 50% (p = 0.016) and the significant decrease in the Bederson Test scores by 50% (p = 0.029) on day 3;  on day 7, the significant increase in the Garcia JH scores by 233% (p < 0.0001), Placing Test scores by 325% (p < 0.0001) and the significant decrease in the Bederson Test scores by 100% (p < 0.0001) were reported. MR increased by 12.5% on day 3 (p = 0.016), by 43.9% on day 7 (p = 0.005). The correlation analysis revealed the association between the neurological status and MR values: the neurological deficit improvement in animals with EACI in the context of receiving the MT-based rectal suppositories was associated with the MR increase in the ischemic focus in the brain. Thus, partial neurological status restoration in the context of using the MT-based rectal suppositories for EACI resulted from the MT vasoactive properties, which was reflected in the MR increase in the ischemic focus in the brain.
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Bacteria found in the operating room can lead to surgical site and hospital-acquired infections. This study was conducted in Imam Hussein Hospital in Nasiriyah to investigate the contamination levels in the operating rooms. The main goal of the research was to identify the bacteria responsible for contamination and the factors contributing to it. The study also aimed to map these microorganisms' distribution across different operating room areas and their antibiotic resistance pattern using microbiological standards. We gathered 1358 samples for analysis from surfaces and objects in the operating room. The results showed that 3.1% tested positive for bacteria, and 96.9% were negative cultures. Six types of pathogenic bacteria have been identified; Coagulase-negative staphylococci 14.3%, Staphylococcus aureus 11.9%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 19.1%, E. coli 21.4%, Bacillus spp. 11.9%, and Enterobacter spp. 21.4%. We observed moderate to high resistance pattern to amoxicillin and ampicillin, Cefaclor, Cefuroxime, Cefadroxil, Erythromycin. The highest resistance pattern was detected in P. aeruginosa isolates followed by E. coli, it showed different resistance patterns to 14 antibiotics showing susceptibility to Amikacin only. Conclusion: the study at Imam Hussein Hospital found a generally low but notable level of bacterial contamination in orthopedic operating theaters, with specific pathogens posing risks to patients. These findings align with global data, underscoring common challenges in maintaining sterile surgical environments. Identifying contamination hotspots and patterns over time highlights the need for targeted interventions and continuous monitoring.
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Bone marrow transplant is the leading method to treat hematologic malignancies, immunodeficiency, and hereditary metabolic disorders. The Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry effectiveness depends directly on public awareness of bone marrow donation and infrastructure development. A comprehensive approach to public awareness is necessary to increase the system effectiveness. The study aimed to investigate factors that influence joining the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry, with a focus on motivation, sources of information, impact of infrastructure, environment, and common myths. The respondents (potential donors registered in the Federal Registry; n = 3100) filled an online questionnaire of 24 questions aimed at studying and assessing the socio-demographic characteristics, motivation, sources of information, influence of the environment, awareness of bone marrow donation, and readiness to donate. It was found that young adults aged 18–36 (n = 1860) more often join the Federal Registry through informal channels, such as work/school events (n = 843; 27.2%), while respondents over the age of 37 (n = 1240) prefer healthcare institutions (n = 1590; 51.3%). Women make up the majority of potential donors (n = 2304; 74.3%), especially in Moscow (n = 1650; 74.5%), while higher prevalence of myths is reported for the regions (n = 1646; 53.1%). The findings emphasize the need for the differentiated approach to information policy, which will make it possible to increase the donor movement effectiveness nationwide. A key factor in scaling this work is partnership with commercial laboratories, which significantly expands the Federal Registry recruitment network and provides convenient conditions for donors to join.
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The chewing experience acquired during ontogeny may lead to developing functional asymmetry of the masticatory apparatus, adversely affecting the maxillofacial region functions. The study aimed to assess asymmetry of the masticatory muscle activity in healthy individuals showing no dentofacial system dysfunction. In 17 volunteers (6 males, 11 females aged 18–23 years), motor functional asymmetry of the brain was assessed using standard motor tests, and surface electromyogram (EMG) of the masseter (MM) and temporalis muscle (TMs) was recorded on the right and left sides: in the resting state, with the maximum voluntary bite force, during deliberate unilateral mastication (alternately on the left and right sides), and bilateral voluntary chewing. Three groups with various asymmetry manifestations were distinguished and characterized based on the asymmetry indices of standard EMG parameters (integrated EMG (AIint), average amplitude (AIav), and chewing bursts duration (AId)) of the right and left muscles: 1) showing stable unilateral asymmetry of the MM and TM activity; 2) showing the “dynamic asymmetry” that was different for the MMs and TMs; 3) showing the “adaptive control”, when the muscle activity asymmetry was manifested adequately to the chewing test, and AIint of the MMs and TMs reached 40 ± 18% and 97 ± 20% during chewing on the left side, 242 ± 39% and 127 ± 32% during chewing on the right side, 115 ± 12%  and 115 ± 24% during bilateral chewing. The major significant between-group differences in AIint, AIav, and AId were reported for the MMs (the impact of the “group” factor on these indices was as follows: F = 11.0, p < 0.01; F = 5.72 and F = 3.73, p < 0.05; repeated measures ANOVA). Thus, in young adulthood, some people develop functional asymmetry of the masticatory muscles in the form of excessive predominance of electrical activity on one side of the face with changes in both amplitude and duration of the “chewing” EMG bursts.
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Indices that reflect individual oral hygiene levels are widely used to determine microbial plaque of the tooth surface. When teaching patients how to take care about the oral cavity, dentists use visual demonstration of the dental plaque localization. The quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technique represents a modern method to diagnose individual oral hygiene, in which even minimal microbial plaque buildup shows up as red fluorescence. The study aimed to assess the oral hygiene status using the quantitative light-induced fluorescence technique. Dental deposits were detected using QLF; the Quigley Hein, Green-Vermillion, DMF indices were detected clinically. The findings show that Simple Hygiene Scores do not exceed 2, when the caries intensity is very low or low (p < 0.05). In these groups, the Green-Vermillion and Quigley Hein index values reach 0.5 ± 0.23 and 0.2 ± 0.14, respectively. When the caries intensity is medium, Simple Hygiene Scores vary between 1–5 points. Very high caries intensity is characterized by the Simple Hygiene Score between 3 and 5 points (maximum Green-Vermillion and Quigley Hein index values reach 2.3 ± 0.43 and 2.1 ± 0.35) (p < 0.05). Thus, the quantitative light-induced fluorescence technique can be used in clinical trials for objective oral hygiene assessment, visual demonstration of dental plaque buildup to patients, and assessment of the dynamic changes in these indicators.
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Mass screening of newborns for 36 hereditary diseases in the Russian Federation will enable the reduction of childhood disability and mortality from hereditary disorders, as well as the identification of all-Russian and regional population-genetic features of the screened disorders. The study aimed to assess the results of newborn screening (NBS), including expanded newborn screening (ENBS), in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania obtained between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, as well as to study clinical and population-genetic characteristics of the diseases screened in the region. In phase I of assessment, biochemical testing, tandem mass spectrometry, and DNA diagnostics were performed, and the TREС/KREС levels were determined in 14,994 newborns. In 355 cases (2.36%), positive values were revealed. In phase II, the necessary laboratory and subsequent confirmatory DNA diagnostics were carried out in 324 cases (91.2%): repeated analysis by MS/MS and DNA diagnostics (for hereditary metabolic diseases), immunophenotyping (for primary immunodeficiency states). During the 2-year study, a total of 37 diagnoses were established, which accounted for 0.25% of all children screened in phase I and clearly indicated the program's success and effectiveness. We managed to verify the specific spectrum of mutations characteristic of phenylketonuria (PKU) and medium-chain fatty acid acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD). The frequency of the disorder assessed within the framework of newborn screening was determined. The frequency of all PKU forms was 1 : 1153 newborns, and the frequency of MCADD was 1 : 789 newborns surveyed. All children are listed as sick in the medical genetic consultation of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania; they receive treatment in accordance with the clinical guidelines.
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