West Kazakhstan Medical Journal Volume 66 Issue 3

Assessment of Sexual Dimorphism in Morphological Indices of the Second Cervical Vertebra: Implications for Forensic Medicine and Medical Diagnostics

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Assessment of Sexual Dimorphism in Morphological Indices of the Second Cervical Vertebra: Implications for Forensic Medicine and Medical Diagnostics Yogesh, D; Panuganti, Praveen Kumar; Sura, Amarendar; Priyadarshini, Swathi; Jyothi, Ashok Kumar Accurate determination of sexual dimorphism in skeletal structures is crucial in forensic anthropology and medical diagnostics. This study aimed to assess sexual dimorphism in various indices of the second cervical vertebra (axis) and other associated structures. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on axis dimensions, vertebral foraminal measurements, body diameters, odontoid process parameters, and auricular facet indices in male and female subjects. A total of 122 specimens were examined, comprising 62 male and 62 female specimens. The analysis revealed significant differences between male and female subjects in various morphological indices. In terms of axial dimensions, males exhibited larger average height, length, and width of the axis compared to females, indicating sexual dimorphism. Similarly, significant differences were observed in the maximum length and width of the vertebral foramen, with males demonstrating larger measurements. Additionally, males showed larger transverse and sagittal diameters of the body compared to females. Regarding the odontoid process, males displayed greater sagittal and transverse diameters, as well as maximum height, suggesting sexual dimorphism in this aspect. Furthermore, significant differences were noted in the mean sagittal angle of the dens axis between males and females. Analysis of the superior and inferior auricular facets also indicated notable morphological variations between the sexes. The findings highlight pronounced sexual dimorphism in the morphology of the second cervical vertebra and associated structures. These results underscore the importance of considering sex-related variations in skeletal assessments for forensic and diagnostic purposes. Further research in this area can enhance the accuracy of sex determination in skeletal remains and contribute to the development of new identification methodologies. Accurate determination of sexual dimorphism in skeletal structures is crucial in forensic anthropology and medical diagnostics. This study aimed to assess sexual dimorphism in various indices of the second cervical vertebra (axis) and other associated structures. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on axis dimensions, vertebral foraminal measurements, body diameters, odontoid process parameters, and auricular facet indices in male and female subjects. A total of 122 specimens were examined, comprising 62 male and 62 female specimens. The analysis revealed significant differences between male and female subjects in various morphological indices. In terms of axial dimensions, males exhibited larger average height, length, and width of the axis compared to females, indicating sexual dimorphism. Similarly, significant differences were observed in the maximum length and width of the vertebral foramen, with males demonstrating larger measurements. Additionally, males showed larger transverse and sagittal diameters of the body compared to females. Regarding the odontoid process, males displayed greater sagittal and transverse diameters, as well as maximum height, suggesting sexual dimorphism in this aspect. Furthermore, significant differences were noted in the mean sagittal angle of the dens axis between males and females. Analysis of the superior and inferior auricular facets also indicated notable morphological variations between the sexes. The findings highlight pronounced sexual dimorphism in the morphology of the second cervical vertebra and associated structures. These results underscore the importance of considering sex-related variations in skeletal assessments for forensic and diagnostic purposes. Further research in this area can enhance the accuracy of sex determination in skeletal remains and contribute to the development of new identification methodologies.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in the Zhambyl Region: Epidemiological Features of the Occurrence of Infection in 2023

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in the Zhambyl Region: Epidemiological Features of the Occurrence of Infection in 2023 Nurmakhanov, Talgat I.; Tukhanova, Nur B.; Turebekov, Nurkeldi A.; Shin, Anna L.; Zhumadilova, Zauresh B.; Tokmurziyeva, Gulnara Zh.; Shinaliyev, Baydilda S.; Mulikova, Neili O. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute tick-borne viral infection with a high fatality rate. The main vector of the CCHF virus is ticks of the genus Hyalomma. Humans get infected through tick bites or by direct contact with the blood of infected humans or domestic animals. The endemic regions of CCHF in Kazakhstan are Kyzylorda, Turkestan, and Zhambyl. In the Zhambyl region, the first evidence of human cases was reported in 1982. In the following years, cases of CCHF were annually registered in two districts (Sarysu and Moiynkum) of the Zhambyl region. The study goal is twofold: 1) to provide a retrospective review of CCHF cases reported through the surveillance system in the Zhambyl region from 1991 to 2023 and 2) to analyze epidemiological features of CCHF cases in the Zhambyl region in 2023. Surveillance data on CCHF during the 1991–2023 period in the Zhambyl region were extracted from the “Report on selected infectious and parasitic diseases”. Incidence (per 100,000 population) was defined as the number of annual new cases divided by the total population each year. Descriptive analysis was performed on case characteristics, time, and place of CCHF cases in the Zhambyl region in 2023. In total, 216 cases of CCHF were reported from 1991 to 2023. The incidence increased sharply with peak activity in 1995 and has declined since 2002. The natural foci of the disease have shifted from the Sarysu and Moiynkum districts to the Shu, Bayzak, and Zhambyl districts. Overall, 12 cases of CCHF were reported in the Zhambyl region in 2023, mainly in nonendemic (Shu, Bayzak, Zhambyl) districts. An analysis of epidemiological data for 2023 showed that the first peak of CCHF incidence was in March-June, with another peak from October to November. We observed dynamic distribution of CCHF in the Zhambyl region from 1991 to 2023, wherein Sarysu and Moiynkum endemic districts foci tended to increase by expanding to the Shu, Bayzak, Zhambyl districts. The disease trend is seasonal, and the life cycle of ticks can indirectly influence morbidity rates. Additional research is needed to elucidate the environmental, meteorological, and social factors associated with CCHF incidence in different decades. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute tick-borne viral infection with a high fatality rate. The main vector of the CCHF virus is ticks of the genus Hyalomma. Humans get infected through tick bites or by direct contact with the blood of infected humans or domestic animals. The endemic regions of CCHF in Kazakhstan are Kyzylorda, Turkestan, and Zhambyl. In the Zhambyl region, the first evidence of human cases was reported in 1982. In the following years, cases of CCHF were annually registered in two districts (Sarysu and Moiynkum) of the Zhambyl region. The study goal is twofold: 1) to provide a retrospective review of CCHF cases reported through the surveillance system in the Zhambyl region from 1991 to 2023 and 2) to analyze epidemiological features of CCHF cases in the Zhambyl region in 2023. Surveillance data on CCHF during the 1991–2023 period in the Zhambyl region were extracted from the “Report on selected infectious and parasitic diseases”. Incidence (per 100,000 population) was defined as the number of annual new cases divided by the total population each year. Descriptive analysis was performed on case characteristics, time, and place of CCHF cases in the Zhambyl region in 2023. In total, 216 cases of CCHF were reported from 1991 to 2023. The incidence increased sharply with peak activity in 1995 and has declined since 2002. The natural foci of the disease have shifted from the Sarysu and Moiynkum districts to the Shu, Bayzak, and Zhambyl districts. Overall, 12 cases of CCHF were reported in the Zhambyl region in 2023, mainly in nonendemic (Shu, Bayzak, Zhambyl) districts. An analysis of epidemiological data for 2023 showed that the first peak of CCHF incidence was in March-June, with another peak from October to November. We observed dynamic distribution of CCHF in the Zhambyl region from 1991 to 2023, wherein Sarysu and Moiynkum endemic districts foci tended to increase by expanding to the Shu, Bayzak, Zhambyl districts. The disease trend is seasonal, and the life cycle of ticks can indirectly influence morbidity rates. Additional research is needed to elucidate the environmental, meteorological, and social factors associated with CCHF incidence in different decades.

Assessing the Psychological Well-being of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Assessing the Psychological Well-being of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bermagambetova, Saule K.; Shayakhmetova, Kulyan N; Karashova, Gulsum I.; Sakebayeva, Laura D.; Rabayeva, Fariza A.; Satybaldieva, Umit A.; Zinaliyeva, Ainur N.; Mamyrbayev, Arstan A. During the COVID-19 pandemic, working in any medical organization is associated with the risk of coronavirus infection. This applies first and foremost to specialized medical organizations dealing with the treatment of patients infected with coronavirus. Medical workers experiencing increased psychological stress are at an increased risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus while providing medical care. Therefore, studying the psychological states of medical workers – doctors, nurses, orderlies - is of particular importance and relevance. Our research goal is to investigate the psychological responses of medical professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focused on the Aktobe Medical Center (AMC), which hosts the regional pulmonology center for COVID-19 patients and the Regional Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital (RCIDH). The study is a selective, single-stage cross-sectional analysis. To assess the psychological reactions of medical workers, standardized questionnaires are used, including the PSM-25, GAD-7, and MFI-20. Statistical analysis of the data is conducted using the STATISTICA 10.0 software package from StatSoft, Inc., USA. An analysis of the research results indicates that medical personnel, nurses, and administrative staff in medical organizations associated with the risk of coronavirus infection are susceptible to adverse psychophysiological disorders. The study revealed that stress levels, anxiety, and asthenia in doctors and nursing staff are significantly higher compared to those in nurses and administrative personnel. Medical workers at risk of COVID- 19 clearly require support measures, as the potential for occupational infection has been definitively established. Additionally, the psychological risk is largely influenced by the nature of their work and their direct contact with the population and patients infected with the coronavirus. Senior and mid-level medical workers at the forefront of combating coronavirus infection is at a high risk of experiencing psycho-emotional and psychophysiological health issues. Doctors and nurses have been found to exhibit high levels of physical and mental asthenia, anxiety, and moderate-to-high levels of stress. Evaluating potential risk factors for psychophysiological disorders among healthcare workers not only provides an objective assessment of their health status, but also aids in the effective and rational organization of their work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, working in any medical organization is associated with the risk of coronavirus infection. This applies first and foremost to specialized medical organizations dealing with the treatment of patients infected with coronavirus. Medical workers experiencing increased psychological stress are at an increased risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus while providing medical care. Therefore, studying the psychological states of medical workers – doctors, nurses, orderlies - is of particular importance and relevance. Our research goal is to investigate the psychological responses of medical professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focused on the Aktobe Medical Center (AMC), which hosts the regional pulmonology center for COVID-19 patients and the Regional Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital (RCIDH). The study is a selective, single-stage cross-sectional analysis. To assess the psychological reactions of medical workers, standardized questionnaires are used, including the PSM-25, GAD-7, and MFI-20. Statistical analysis of the data is conducted using the STATISTICA 10.0 software package from StatSoft, Inc., USA. An analysis of the research results indicates that medical personnel, nurses, and administrative staff in medical organizations associated with the risk of coronavirus infection are susceptible to adverse psychophysiological disorders. The study revealed that stress levels, anxiety, and asthenia in doctors and nursing staff are significantly higher compared to those in nurses and administrative personnel. Medical workers at risk of COVID- 19 clearly require support measures, as the potential for occupational infection has been definitively established. Additionally, the psychological risk is largely influenced by the nature of their work and their direct contact with the population and patients infected with the coronavirus. Senior and mid-level medical workers at the forefront of combating coronavirus infection is at a high risk of experiencing psycho-emotional and psychophysiological health issues. Doctors and nurses have been found to exhibit high levels of physical and mental asthenia, anxiety, and moderate-to-high levels of stress. Evaluating potential risk factors for psychophysiological disorders among healthcare workers not only provides an objective assessment of their health status, but also aids in the effective and rational organization of their work.

Culture of Immature Ovarian Follicles within Decellularized Ovary Enhances Oocyte Maturation and Improves In vitro Fertilization Results

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Culture of Immature Ovarian Follicles within Decellularized Ovary Enhances Oocyte Maturation and Improves In vitro Fertilization Results Alaee, Sanaz; Moradi, Lida; Marcu, Daniel; Shokri, Saeed; TalaeiKhozani, Tahereh; Zal, Fatemeh he goal of this study is to improve methodologies that define the maturation of ovarian follicles and enhance in vitro fertilization by employing decellularized ovaries. Preantral follicles of mice were cultured for 14 days in both the decellularized ovary and two- dimensional (2D) conditions. The oocyte maturation rate, fertilization rate, and the subsequent embryo development rate were assessed in 2D and the decellularized ovary and compared to in vivo condition. Additionally, the gene expression profile of IGF1R, integrin αvβ3, Cox2, Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl2 l1 was determined in blastocysts. The culture in the decellularized ovary showed a significantly higher number of MII oocytes in comparison to the 2D culture (P < 0.05). Compared to in vivo, both the 2D and the decellularized ovary cultures exhibited significantly lower percentages of MII oocytes, 2PN, two-cell, cleavage, and blastocyst (P < 0.05). In the decellularized ovary culture, significantly higher percentages of 2PN and blastocyst were observed (P < 0.05) compared to the 2D culture. The gene expression level of IGF1R and Cox2 in blastocysts from both the 2D and the decellularized ovary cultures was markedly lower compared to in vivo. However, the gene expression levels of Integrin αv and β3 were comparable in blastocysts derived from in vivo and decellularized ovary-matured oocytes. Blastocysts derived from decellularized ovary-matured oocytes showed a higher bcl211 expression level compared to the blastocysts from 2D (P < 0.05). Employing decellularized ovarian tissues methodologies for in vitro maturation of oocytes provides a promising avenue towards generating embryos with improved implantation potential. he goal of this study is to improve methodologies that define the maturation of ovarian follicles and enhance in vitro fertilization by employing decellularized ovaries. Preantral follicles of mice were cultured for 14 days in both the decellularized ovary and two- dimensional (2D) conditions. The oocyte maturation rate, fertilization rate, and the subsequent embryo development rate were assessed in 2D and the decellularized ovary and compared to in vivo condition. Additionally, the gene expression profile of IGF1R, integrin αvβ3, Cox2, Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl2 l1 was determined in blastocysts. The culture in the decellularized ovary showed a significantly higher number of MII oocytes in comparison to the 2D culture (P < 0.05). Compared to in vivo, both the 2D and the decellularized ovary cultures exhibited significantly lower percentages of MII oocytes, 2PN, two-cell, cleavage, and blastocyst (P < 0.05). In the decellularized ovary culture, significantly higher percentages of 2PN and blastocyst were observed (P < 0.05) compared to the 2D culture. The gene expression level of IGF1R and Cox2 in blastocysts from both the 2D and the decellularized ovary cultures was markedly lower compared to in vivo. However, the gene expression levels of Integrin αv and β3 were comparable in blastocysts derived from in vivo and decellularized ovary-matured oocytes. Blastocysts derived from decellularized ovary-matured oocytes showed a higher bcl211 expression level compared to the blastocysts from 2D (P < 0.05). Employing decellularized ovarian tissues methodologies for in vitro maturation of oocytes provides a promising avenue towards generating embryos with improved implantation potential.