EUREKA: Health Sciences

COVID-19 AND STIGMATISATION OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Tahir Belice — 2020-11-29

The aim: this study presents a Coronavirus Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers that indicates the social stigmatisation rate and severity toward healthcare providers to a certain extent. This paper aims at raising awareness on the stigmatisation of healthcare providers who sacrifice their own lives for patients diagnosed or are at risk of being infected with COVID-19.

Methods: the study uses a 12-item 5-point Likert-type Coronavirus Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers, which was constructed based on the previously shortened and modified HIV Stigma Scale. The scale was distributed online to healthcare providers, and all the results obtained were then saved to an Excel file. Correlations were determined by using ANOVA and the independent t-test. Percentages, averages, figures and rates were calculated with SPSS.

Results: the population of the study comprised 136 participants in total; 40 male and 96 female. Reliability and validity studies were conducted using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis. The stigmatisation rate toward healthcare providers was found to be significantly high, and the stigmatisation level was found to increase significantly with increasing age (p<0.05).

Conclusions: the mistreatment of stigmatised healthcare providers during a pandemic where the need for them is elevated results in adverse outcomes; therefore, anti-stigma programmes need to be developed. It would be wise to find solutions such as acknowledging the stigma and introducing anti-stigma programmes.

THE EFFECT OF TRANEXAMIC ACID, CARBETOCIN AND ARGON PLASMA COAGULATION ON UTERINE INVOLUTION AFTER REPEAT CESAREAN SECTION

Yuliia Slobodian — 2020-11-29

Repeat cesarean sections (CS) are associated with additional risks of perioperative complications.

The aim of our study was ultrasound evaluation of uterine involution in women after repeat traditional cesarean delivery and after repeat CS using argon plasma coagulation and prophylactic use of tranexamic acid and carbetocin.

Materials and methods. Prospective cohort study has been conducted on 140 patients who underwent second CS. Group I included 70 women who had repeat CS with the use of argon plasma coagulation and administration of 100 mcg carbetocin after cutting the umbilical cord. Ten minutes before the operation, 15 mg/kg of tranexamic acid was injected intravenously. Group II consisted of 70 women who had traditional CS, 10 IU dose of oxytocin, divided between 5 UI intravenous bolus dose and slow intravenous infusion, was administered after delivery of the baby. A serial ultrasonographic examination was carried out on the 2^nd and 5^th day of the postpartum period.

Results. A study of the dynamics of changes in uterine body and uterine cavity volume revealed a faster rate of uterine cavity involution in group I compared with group II (p<0.05). In group I on the 5^th day in comparison to the 2^nd day the mean uterine body volume decreased by 27.75%, in group II – by 20.17%. In group I mean uterine cavity volume declined in three days by 21.09%, in group II – 14.22%. Uterine subinvolution was diagnosed in 3 (4,29%) cases in group I and in 19 (27,14%) cases in group II (p<0.05). Faster uterine involution in group I is probably associated with techniques, that were applied during intraoperative period. In addition, 2.86% (2 cases) from the group I versus 31.43% (22 cases) from the group II, needed additional uterotonic therapy after surgery (methylergometrine, misoprostol) (p<0.001).

Conclusion. We have found differences in the course of uterine involution in women in group I in comparison with group II, such as significantly smaller uterine length on the 2^nd and 5^th day, significantly smaller uterine body and uterine cavity volume, faster rates of involution of the uterine cavity during the first 5 days of the postpartum period, thinner anterior uterine wall in the sutured area.

We therefore conclude that complex use of tranexamic acid, carbetocin and argon plasma coagulation appears to be effective to maintain adequate uterine involution after repeat CS and prevent postoperative complications.

THE RS1801282 PPARG POLYMORPHISM DEPENDENT METABOLIC EFFECTS OF PIOGLITAZONE IN PATIENTS WITH OBESITY AND CONCOMITANT NAFLD

Vadym Shypulin — 2020-09-22

The aim: to investigate the metabolic effects of different treatment options in patients with obesity and concomitant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on the presence of CG and GG genotypes PPARG rs1801282 (Pro12Ala) polymorphism in Ukrainians.

Materials and methods: 123 patients with NAFLD in combination with obesity 1, 2, 3 classes were included in the motivational weight loss program (5 visits, 3 months). The case group was treated with pioglitazone 15 mg / day, while the control group received only a program. Ultrasound steatometry, anthropometric and laboratory tests before and after treatment, genetic testing rs1801282 polymorphism in PPARG gene were performed.

Results: the carriers of CG and GG genotypes PPARG rs1801282 polymorphism had less high stimulated insulin levels compared with groups of different genotypes (p<0.001). It was found pioglitazone effectiveness with significant difference in dynamics of CAP reduction (p<0.001) regardless of polymorphism. Dynamics of BMI decrease was the lowest in control group CC carries – –2.81 (–3.23; –2.39) kg (p<0.001) compared among other groups. Subjects from pioglitazone group with rs1801282 polymorphism carrying of CG and GG genotypes had significant differences in dynamics of fasting С-peptide decrease, serum uric acid reduction – –1.31 (–1.50; –1.13) µg/L and -165.3 (–182.80; –147.80) µmol/L (p<0.001) respectively compared among other groups.

Conclusions: Better reduction of metabolic parameters during pioglitazone treatment of patients with obesity and concomitant NAFLD appears to be associated with carrying of CG and GG genotypes PPARG rs1801282 polymorphism.

STUDY OF BONE MARROW ASPIRATE INJECTION EFFECT ON DENERVATED MUSCLE ACCORDING TO ELECTROMYOGRAPHY STUDIES

Serhii Strafun — 2020-11-29

The aim. To study in experiment the effect of bone marrow aspirate injection on the course of denervation-reinnervation processes in skeletal muscle using neurophysiological research method.

Materials and methods. Experimental study was performed on 36 mature rabbits weighing 3-4 kg. Experimental model of the peripheral nerve acute injury and neurorrhaphy is taken as a basis. Animals were divided into 4 groups of 9 animals per group (3 animals for each experimental period). At 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery, all rabbits underwent needle EMG of the target muscles (m. gastrocnemius, and m. tibialis anterior) to study denervation-reinnervation changes.

Results. Results of target muscles electromyographic examination are shown. As norm, we took motor unit potentials parameters, which were registered during the study of contralateral (not operated) pelvic limbs.

Largest number of registered MUPs at different stages of the denervation-reinnervation process was observed, and was significantly higher (α = 0.07) in the groups in which bone marrow aspirate was injected in relation to group without bone marrow aspirate injection. Changes in the parameters of the registered MUPs in all groups corresponded to the general characteristics of the denervation-reinnervation process.

Conclusions. Injection of bone marrow aspirate into the target muscles during surgery and in the early stages of reinnervation (in experimental study it is 7 weeks after surgery) – reliably (α = 0.07) promotes improvement of reinnervation processes in muscles, which is manifested by registration of more motor unit potentials.

STRESS-STRAIN DISTRIBUTION IN THE MODEL OF RETROCALCANEAL BURSITIS BY USING HEEL-ELEVATION INSOLES

Bohdan Gerasimyuk — 2020-10-21

The aim of this study is the analysis of the equivalent stress on the rear foot structures in retrocalcaneal bursitis, when using heel-elevation insoles of different heights (10 mm and 20 mm).

Methods – mathematical calculations of the Achilles force required in the heel-off of the gait stance phase in the conditions of lifting the heel by 10 mm and 20 mm. A 3D-simulation foot model with an enlarged retrocalcaneal bursa was created. The analysis was carried out by the finite element method to calculate and study the stress and strain in the rear foot structures.

Results. When using a 10.0 mm height heel-elevation insole, the calf muscle strength, which must be applied to the heel-off of the gait stance phase, was 19.0 % less than without support and 26.8 % less in 20.0 mm insole. Accordingly, analyzing the simulation results in terms of von-Mises stress, the maximum stress observed on the Achilles tendon decreases by 20.0 % and by 30.0 %. The total deformations maximum in the model when using heel-elevation insoles decreased up to 18.1 % and they were localized not in the tendon, but in the bone structures of subtalar joint.

The maximum values of the total deformation of the model in the case of 10.0 mm and 20.0 mm heel-elevation insoles were 91.67 mm (–20.2 %) and 80.04 mm (–30.3 %), respectively, compared 114.92 mm in the absence of insoles. When using insole with a height of 10.0 mm, the stress in the retrocalcaneal bursa decreased by 20.0 % and was equal to 14.92 MPa compared to 18.66 MPa, and when using a 20.0 mm insoles - by 30.0 %.

Conclusions. It was found that when using 10.0–20.0 mm heel-elevation insoles, the stress distribution in the rear foot structures was significantly reduced by an average of 20.0-30.0 % and correlated with the height of the insoles.

PREVENTION OF RESPIRATORY MUSCLE DYSFUNCTION DUE TO DIAPHRAGM ATROPHY IN CHILDREN WITH RESPIRATORY FAILURE

Olha Filyk — 2020-11-29

The aim of the study was to determine whether diaphragm-protective mechanical ventilation can prevent diaphragm atrophy in children with respiratory failure.

Materials and methods. We complete the prospective single-center cohort study. Data analysis included 82 patients 1 month - 18 years old, divided into I group (lung-protective MV) and II group (diaphragm-protective in addition to lung-protective MV).

Patients were divided into age subgroups. Stages of the study: 1^st day (d₁), 3^rd (d₃), 5^th (d₅), 7^th (d₇), 9^th (d₉), 28^th (d₂₈). We studied changes in diaphragm thickness at the end of exhalation and compared them with these indicators at patient`s admission to the study (baseline). Primary endpoint was length of stay in ICU, secondary endpoints were complications (prolonged MV). Results are described as arithmetic mean (X) and standard deviation (σ) with level of significance p.

Results. There were significant differences in length of stay in ICU among patients of the 1^st and 5^th age subgroups: in 1^st age subgroup this data was in 1.3 times lower in II group, compared with I group (p <0,05); in 5^th age subgroup the situation was the opposite - length of stay in ICU was in 1.4 times higher in II group, compared with I group (p<0.05). There were no patients who required lifelong mechanical ventilation in any of the groups.

Changes in the thickness of the diaphragm, which indicate its atrophy, were the most significant among patients of the first, second, third and fourth age subgroups and the severity of atrophy was higher among patients of group I, compared with patients of group II.

Conclusions. Diaphragm-protective mechanical ventilation significantly prevents diaphragm atrophy in children with respiratory failure in 2^nd, 4^th, and 5^th age subgroups. Providing goal-directed diaphragm-protective MV might reduce the length of stay in ICU among patients of 1^st and 5^th age subgroups. There were no observed complications like lifelong mechanical ventilation in both patient`s group.

INFLUENCE OF PHARMACOLOGICAL CORRECTION ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA

Marina Mamenko — 2020-11-29

Objective: To study the influence of pharmacological psychocorrection with drugs derived from GABA on the quality of life of primary school-aged children with functional dyspepsia.

Materials and methods. 80 children aged 6–12 years with FD have been examined. Children were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 – 20 patients who received γ-amino-β-phenylbutyric acid hydrochloride along with baseline therapy, Group 2 – 20 patients who received comprehensive treatment and calcium hopantenate, Group 3 – 20 children who received vitamin-mineral complex and protocol treatment, and Control Group – 20 children who received baseline treatment. Study Design: general clinical, instrumental, psychodiagnostic, statistical.

Results. Using the PedsQL questionnaire, physical functioning disorders were found in children with FD – 97.5±1.2 % (78/80) of children, emotional functioning disorders – 91.3±1.6 % (73/80) of cases, functioning at school disorders – 88.8±2.7 % (71/80) of patients. During one-month case monitoring, children who took GABA drugs reported an improvement in the quality of life compared with baseline treatment and a group of children, who took a mineral-vitamin complex: physical functioning – (р₁=0,016), (р₂=0,03), emotional functioning – (р₁˂0,001), (р₂˂0,001), functioning in school – (р₁=0,005), (р₂=0,004).

Conclusion. The use of γ-aminobutyric acid drugs is safe and effective and they significantly improve the quality of life of children with FD.

ASSESSMENT OF THE DEPENDENCE OF THE CLINICAL MANIFESTATION OF ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS CAUSED BY ROTAVIRUS ON ITS GENOTYPES

Mariia Teslenko — 2020-11-29

The leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children is rotavirus. In different countries, different rotavirus genotypes prevail and are associated with different severity of disease.

The purpose of our study was to identify the distribution of rotavirus genotypes in Kyiv, Ukraine, and to determine the correlation between the genotypes and course of disease.

Materials and methods. 978 children under 5 years of age were examined with АGE symptoms and not vaccinated against rotavirus. Determination of rotavirus antigen and genotype were performed using the immunoenzymatic assay and real-time RT-PCR.

We assessed the demographics, clinical manifestations of AGE, the Vesikari scale AGE severity.

Results. The G4P[8] genotype prevailed in Ukraine during 2014-2018. The G1P[8] was the second most common. G9P8 was the third, the fourth place was shared by G2P[4] and G3P[8]. Fever, as a manifestation, was more pronounced in G1P[8] and G3P[9].

The highest number of vomiting episodes per day occurred in the G1P[8] and G4P[8]-related cases.

Maximum of diarrhea episodes per day was observed in genotypes G1P[8], G3P[8], G4P[8] and G9P[8].

Mucus and blood in stool were found in genotypes G3P[8] (1/33.33 %), G4P[8] – blood (1/2.27 %).

The children with genotypes G1P[8] and G4P[8] had catarrhal symptoms.

More cases of moderate and severe dehydration, occurred in the G4P[8].

The Vesikari scale analysis showed that only G1P[8] led to mild cases(3.57 %). The most widespread genotypes, G1P[8] and G4P[8], led to a moderate illness in 14.29 % and 13.56 % cases, respectively, and to a severe illness in 82.14 % and 86.44 % cases, respectively.

Conclusions. G4P[8] was associated with the most severe disease due to more frequent and prolonged vomiting, febrile fever and bloody diarrhea. G1P[8] and G4P[8] were associated with catarrh.

PROGNOSIS OF POSTOPERATIVE PROGRESSION OF GLAUCOMA OPTIC NEUROPATHY AT PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Anton Serdiuk — 2020-11-29

Search for new informative markers and methods of prognosis prediction glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an urgent task. We have established efficiency surgical treatment of POAG, but the progression of GON is observed in 10–15 % patients. It is known that the main mechanism of GON is apoptotic death retinal ganglion cells, a marker of which is recognized as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), Fas-ligand (FasL) and a soluble form of the Fas-receptor (sFas/APO-1).

The aim of the study: to find out the possibility of using apoptosis factors (TNFα, FasL and sFas/APO-1) to predict postoperative progression of GON at POAG.

Methods. 69 patients (69 eyes) with POAG stage I–III were examined, who underwent trabeculectomy with implantation of an Ex-Press shunt. In intraocular fluid (IOF) markers of apoptosis was determined by the method enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Repeated ophthalmological examination was performed in 1 year. The control group consisted of 25 patients who were operated on about phacoemulsification of cataracts. For statistical and regression analysis used software package GLZ (Statistica 10, StatSoft, Inc. USA) and module of analysis of operational characteristics of regression models – ROC-diagrams (MedCalc 18.9.1, MedCalc Software, Belgium).

Results. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the progression of GON determine the content in IOF of TNFα and sFas/Apo-1 before surgery and intraocular pressure after three months. Based on these indicators, it is calculated satisfactory model of GON progression prediction with 95.4 % accuracy. One-factor logistic regression analysis proved the influence of the content of TNFα, FasL and sFas/Apo-1 for the presence or absence of progression of GON during the year after operations: direct dependence took place for TNFα and FasL and inverse – for sFas/Apo-1. The critical limits of the content in the IOF markers are calculated apoptosis, in which the progression of GON is unmistakably predicted during year after surgery.

Conclusions. The obtained results prove the significant influence of the studied markers apoptosis on the progression of GON after surgery. Direct pathogenetic influence belongs to TNFα and FasL.

CLINICAL AND ULTRASOUND PARALLELS IN DIAGNOSIS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS

Aleksey Oparin — 2020-11-29

The aim of the work: to study the relationship of ultrasound parameters of the thyroid gland with the clinical course, the level of thyroid hormones and indicators of the motor-secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT).

Materials and methods. The study involved three groups of patients. The first group consisted of 22 patients with isolated GERD. The second group included 20 patients suffering from GERD in combination with AIT in the hypothyroid stage. And the third group included 20 patients suffering from isolated AIT in the hypothyroid stage. The control group consisted of 15 apparently healthy individuals of the same age and sex.

All patients underwent a comprehensive examination, which included the necessary set of clinical, laboratory and instrumental research methods in accordance with the local treatment protocols such as collection of complaints and anamnesis, patient examination, physical examination, clinical and biochemical analyzes, ECG, EGD, intragastric pH-metry. The patients underwent ultrasound examination of the motor-evacuation function of the esophagus and stomach with water load and an ultrasound examination of thyroid gland. The functional activity of thyroid gland was assessed by determining the level of thyroid hormones (TSH, T4 free, T3) by ELISA and the presence of antibodies to.

Results. The study involved three groups of patients: patients with isolated gastroesophageal reflux disease, patients with a combined course of GERD and AIT in the hypothyroid stage and patients with isolated AIT in the hypothyroid stage. The most pronounced complaints, a higher level of thyroid-stimulating hormone and the most pronounced ultrasound changes are noted in patients with combined pathology. Ultrasound examination of the lower third of esophagus and stomach in patients of all three groups showed the presence of regurgitation, expansion of the lumen of the lower third of esophagus and an increase in the diameter of esophageal opening of diaphragm in varying degrees, in contrast to patients in the control group. Thus according to the results of thyroid sonography and ultrasound examination of the motor function of the lower third of esophagus and stomach, the most pronounced changes were found in the second group of patients who had a combined course of GERD and AIT.

Conclusions. 1. A clear correlation was established between the clinical course, an increase in the level of thyroid hormones and ultrasound picture of thyroid gland and indicators of the motor-secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with GERD and AIT;

It was shown that disorders in the activity of thyroid hormones affect the formation of motor-secretory disorders in patients with GERD with concomitant AIT which mutually aggravates the course of this comorbid pathology;
Ultrasound diagnostics can be used as an evaluative method in this category of patients.

VALIDATION OF THE SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC PROCEDURE FOR DESLORATADINE ASSAY IN TABLETS APPLYING THE UNCERTAINTY CONCEPT OF THE STATE PHARMACOPOEIA OF UKRAINE

Dmytro Leontiev — 2020-11-29

Aim. This work aimed to validate an assay procedure for desloratadine tablets by direct spectrophotometric method.

Materials and methods. A pilot-scale batch of the pharmaceutical preparation Alerdez, film-coated tablets containing 5 mg of desloratadine, manufactured by PJSC SIC “Borshchahivskiy CPP”, Ukraine, was used as an object of the study. A UV-Vis spectrophotometer Lambda 25 (Perkin Elmer), analytical balance Mettler Toledo XP 205DR, and class A volumetric apparatus were used in the study. Validation of the procedure was performed following the metrological approach of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (SPhU), whose requirements for the target uncertainty and bias, which rest on the risk assessment of making incorrect decisions on compliance (a confidence level of 95 %), were translated into criteria for all validation characteristics recommended by ICH. All calculations were made in normalised coordinates. The linearity, accuracy and precision (repeatability) were studied in a single experiment using nine different concentrations that uniformly covered the range of ±30 % from the nominal concentration of desloratadine. For validation of the procedure, an SPhU reference standard of desloratadine was used.

Results. The experiment design and validation characteristics being tested were in full compliance with ICH Q2(R1) recommendations. All performance characteristics conformed to the criteria recommended by the SPhU. Requirements for the target uncertainty (1.6 %) and bias for any systematic source of variation (≤0.51 %, negligible in relation to 1.6 %) were established. The analytical procedure was specific – the absorbance from the placebo solution was insignificant (A %=0.36). The procedure met the requirements for linearity, accuracy, and precision at the repeatability level. The residual standard deviation s₀ was 0.34 (≤ 0.84); correlation index R_c was 0.9998 (≥0.9991); intercept а was 0.045 (less than its confidence interval ∆_a=1.14). The confidence interval for recovery ∆_Z, which was used as a precision estimate, was 0.55 % (less than the target uncertainty). The mean recovery, which was used as an accuracy estimate, statistically insignificantly deviated from 100% (|Z_mean ‑ 100| = 0.022 %).

The confidence interval for the intermediate precision ∆_intra was 0.33 % (less than the target uncertainty). The developed analytical procedure was found to be robust.

Conclusions. A spectrophotometric procedure suitable for the assay of desloratadine in film-coated tablets Alerdez with content limits of ±5 % was validated by the SPhU approach.

STUDY OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF CONCENTRATED JUICE AND GRANULES FROM VACCINIUM OXYCOCCOS FRUITS ON THE MODEL OF BACTERIAL CYSTITIS IN RATS

Kateryna Yatsyuk — 2020-11-29

The fruits of marsh cranberries due to the content of phenolic compounds, in particular proanthocyanidins, are effective in the prevention and treatment of cystitis [1].

The aim of the research was to study the anti-inflammatory properties of condensed juice of Vaccinium oxycoccos fruits and granules “Cranberry” in a model of acute bacterial cystitis in rats.

Materials and methods. The anti-inflammatory properties of condensed juice from Vaccinium oxycoccos fruits and granules “Cranberry” were studied in a model of acute bacterial cystitis in rats, which was caused by three daily transurethral injection into the bladder of 0.3 ml of E. coli strain at a concentration of 10⁶ CFU/ml. “Canefron® H” was used as a reference drug. Tissues were studied histologically by assessing the structure of the bladder wall and the condition of blood vessels.

Results. Infection of animals with E. coli resulted in a significant increase in the desquamation of the transitional epithelium, edematous changes and narrowing of blood vessels in the tissues of the bladder wall. During treatment with the drug “Canefron® N” there was a decrease in cell infiltration and desquamation of cells, dilation of blood vessels. When animals used condensed juice from Vaccinium oxycoccos fruits and granules “Cranberry” in the histological picture of the walls of the bladder there was a decrease in desquamation, edema and cellular infiltration, the lumen of blood vessels was approaching normal.

Conclusions. The use of condensed juice from Vaccinium oxycoccos fruits and granules “Cranberry” was accompanied by a positive effect on the tissues of the walls and blood vessels of the bladder of rats (there was a decrease in desquamation of the superficial layers of the transitional epithelium and normalization of the histological picture of vascular entanglement, that was not inferior to the comparison drug “Canefron® N”.

THE STUDY OF THE EXTRACTION DYNAMICS OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES FROM THE BIDENS TRIPARTITA L. HERB AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF THE OBTAINED EXTRACTS

Semen Kotov — 2020-11-29

The interest to study the genus Bidens and in particular Bidens tripartita L. (bur-marigold herb) is unmitigated due to its antioxidant, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, immunostimulating and hypotensive activity. This pharmacological activities are determined by the presence of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, polysaccharides, components of essential oils, polyacetylenes, etc.

The aim of the research was to study the process of extracting various biologically active substances (polysaccharides, flavonoids, polyphenols) from bur-marigold herb with water-alcohol mixtures of various concentrations, to study their component composition, as well as to evaluate their effect on the oxidative effect of free radicals.

Materials and methods. The object of the research was the herb of Bidens tripartita L. Raw materials were collected and procured on the territory of Kharkiv, Zhytomyr and Poltava regions of Ukraine. All used methods for the quantitative determination of biologically active substances were pharmacopeial and described in various monographs in the European Pharmacopoeia and State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine.

Results. The extracts of the bur-marigold herb were analyzed for the content of the extractable matter, flavonoids, polysaccharides and it was found that they are maximally extracted (about 80 %) in the 1st percolate with a drug/solvent ratio of 1:10 for all the extractants. It was found that with an increase of ethanol concentration in the extraction mixture, the content of polyphenols and flavonoids, is expectedly increased, as well as the value of the antioxidant activity of the corresponding extracts, but the amount of extracted polysaccharides is significantly reduced.

Conclusions. With the selected evaluation criteria, it was found that 40 % ethanol is optimal from the point of view of balanced extraction of flavonoids, polysaccharides and polyphenols. A strong positive and statistically significant correlation was found between the content of polyphenols in the obtained extracts and their antioxidant activity (Pearson correlation coefficient, r=0.9998), slightly weaker for flavonoids (r=0.9886), and an inverse correlation between polysaccharides content and TEAC- value.

PROSPECTS OF STUDYING OF VOLATILE OILS OF TANACETUM PARTHENIUM (L.) SCHULTZ BIP. FOR ISSUES IN CHEMOSYSTEMATICS OF TANACETUM GENUS

Karyna Hordiei — 2020-11-29

The search for new sources of biologically active substances is an actual issue of pharmaceutical science. Feverfew is a prospective member of the Tanacetum genus. Recently an interest to this plant has grown. Sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds are known to be cause its anti-inflammatory and antimigraine activity. The study of volatile compounds and chemosystematics of the feverfew in this group of BAS has not been conducted before.

The aim of the research was to obtain the volatile oil from the feverfew herb, studying of the component composition, an identification of compounds, that can be used for chemosystematics of the genus and establishing of the pharmacological activity according to the chemical content of volatile oil.

Materials and methods. The object of research was the samples of the feverfew herb grown and collected in the period of its mass flowering. The volatile oil obtained by steam distillation from the feverfew herb was studied using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results. The comparative characteristic of the representatives of the genus Tanacetum according to chemosystematic features was carried out. As a result of the research of the volatile oil 44 compounds were found, from which 40 were identified. According to the research, the raw material contained 34.71 % of camphor, this is a typical feature of all species of the genus Tanacetum. Fenchyl acetate was identified in a high enough content – 7,44 % in the domestic raw material, but this compound was not identified in the foreign samples. Chrysanthenyl acetate is accumulated in representatives of the genus Tanacetum in the form of a cis or trans isomer. In our study, the content of trans-chrysanthene acetate was 23.30 %. In the domestic raw materials, monoterpenes – α- and β- thujone – were not identified, which are associated with the toxicity of the raw material.

Conclusions. In the volatile oil 44 compounds were found, from which 40 were identified. Monoterpenes prevailed among terpenes, namely camphor, trans-chrysanthenyl acetate and fenchyl acetate, which are typical and can be used for chemosystematic issues of the genus Tanacetum.

The identified compounds require anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic activities of the volatile oil, therefore creation of the medicinal herbal remedy based on the volatile oil of the feverfew herb is prospective.

STUDY OF AWARENESS OF PHARMACY EMPLOYEES IN UKRAINE WITH THE PROBLEM OF ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE

Larysa Iakovlieva — 2020-11-29

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of today's pressing challenges for scientists, healthcare, and pharmaceutical professionals. Pharmacies are often the first point of patient’s contact with the healthcare system, so the pharmacist must be a source of objective information about ABR and provide qualified advice on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

The aim: through questionnaires to identify the level of knowledge about antimicrobial drugs of systemic action in pharmacists and pharmacists in Ukraine, as well as to monitor their behavior on the recommendations and release of antimicrobials without a prescription.

Materials and methods. The survey was conducted among pharmacy employees from May 1, 2019, to February 11, 2020. The questionnaire consisted of closed and open questions, multiple-choice, and comparison questions.

Results showed high self-esteem of knowledge about antibiotics among respondents, but their answers to open questions indicate a lack of knowledge. Most pharmacists are ready to recommend antibacterial drugs for colds and SARS, whooping cough, sore throat with fever, diarrhea. 69 % of respondents believe that a doctor should prescribe antibacterial drugs, but at the same time, 74 % of respondents do not always or never ask for doctor's prescription for antibiotics.

Conclusions. We believe that more articles on antibiotic resistance should be published for pharmacists in order to improve their skills. Issues on this issue should be more actively covered in the curriculum and the process of postgraduate education (training). Pharmacists should also be reminded of the possibility of prescribing over-the-counter medicines to help patients with SARS.