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Nowadays, knowledge about the causal relationships between concomitant chronic diseases and the course of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) can make a huge contribution to saving the lives of patients. Determining the impact of concomitant pathology on the severity of the course of COVID-19 will contribute to the identification and assessment of the risk of deterioration of the condition, as well as the implementation of preventive measures in high-risk individuals (vaccination). The aim of the work was to assess the influence of age and sex on the presence of comorbid pathology and the course of the disease in patients who were hospitalized with community-acquired viral pneumonia associated with COVID-19. We carried out a retrospective analysis of the case histories of 260 patients with community-acquired pneumonia associated with coronavirus disease, who were treated in the therapeutic departments of the Covid Center of ME “Dnipropetrovsk regional clinical hospital named after Mechnikov” DRC in 2020-2021. (September-December 2020, January- December 2021), single-center study. All patients included in the analysis underwent general clinical and laboratory methods of research regulated by national recommendations for the management of patients with COVID-19, PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction) for verification of coronavirus disease, CT(computed tomography)/radiography of the lungs. Comorbidity was assessed as the development of the disease before the onset / verification of coronavirus disease according to a patient survey recorded in medical records. One or more comorbid conditions were recorded in 195 (75%) patients. Multimorbidity was recorded in 111 (56.9%) patients from the total number of patients with COVID-19 and comorbid pathology. Analyzing the influence of gender in patients with comorbid pathology, men were significantly more likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD) (p=0.04) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.04). A significant difference in age among hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 was revealed, depending on sex (p<0.001). So at the age of up to 65 years, male patients predominated (60.4%), over the age of 65 years – women (68.9%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of moderate severity and severe course of the disease of COVID-19, depending on age and sex. At the age of over 65, the presence of type 2 diabetes (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), coronary artery disease (p<0.001) and COPD (p<0.001) was significantly more common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that forests in nature conservation areas are of mature and over-mature age, they have a leading role in the production of ecosystem services, in particular in ensuring biodiversity. In the typical sense, at the mature and over-mature age of stands, the growth of live biomass and carbon sequestration almost stops, and the death of trees leads to a negative change in the stock. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the ability of over-mature forests to accumulate live biomass under the condition of the formation of multi-tiered and differentage stands. The research was conducted on four permanent sample plots of the Feofania parkmonument, which were established in 2016 and 2017. The method of approximate mensuration was used to study the current growth of ecosystem services. The method of dendrochronology was used to analyse annual rings. The age range of experimental stands is between 80 and 180 years. Experimental stands of all sample plots are characterized by high-level productivity, compared to model data on the productivity of stands in Ukraine and the European part of Eurasia. According to the results of the research, it was established that the biggest current increment of ecosystem services is formed in the uneven-aged stand with the centuries-old common oak trees of the overstory. The results of the research can be used in practice for the management of nature conservation areas and improvement of the management of over-mature forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often leads to a decrease in visual acuity, loss of earning capacity and a reduction in the quality of life among elderly and aging patients whose number is increasing due to demographic processes, a decrease in the birth rate and an increase in the proportion of the elderly. Aim: to study the features of age-related macular degeneration progression in patients from Ukrainian population during two years of supervision. Materials and methods. The study included 152 patients (302 eyes) diagnosed with AMD stages 1 (60 eyes), 2 (54 eyes), 3 (68 eyes) and 4 (120 eyes) according to the AREDS recommendations. At the beginning of the study, after 1 and 2 years, the age, sex, smoking status, presence of changes in retinal pigment, subretinal neovascular membrane (SNM) and geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium, drusen of various calibers (small, medium and large) were recorded. MedStat and MedCalc v.15.1 software packages (MedCalc Software bvba) were used for statistical research. Results. A late age of AMD development (82.9 % of patients were 60–85 years old) was detected. Patients with AMD stage 4 were nine years older than those with stage 1 (p < 0.001). The ratio of women to men was 3 : 2, which did not depend on age and AMD stage. One third of the patients smoked, and most of them were men (79.2 %). Smoking status caused a more severe course of AMD. The AMD progression was determined by an increase in the frequency of changes in the retinal pigment epithelium, SNM and geographic atrophy whose frequency increased every year (by 5.7–21.2 %). A decreased visual acuity also corresponded to AMD stage and tended to worsen during follow-up. The number of small drusen decreased with the AMD progression and during observation, while the number of large drusen increased. Conclusions. The features of the eye affected by AMD have been determined, with the impact of age, sex, and smoking status being specified; a slow deterioration of visual acuity and an increase in the frequency of ophthalmic manifestations are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The incidence of hemophthalmos (HO), including that in hypertension, is steadily increasing, which makes it necessary to identify and systematize its risk factors. The purpose was to detect risk factors and develop systems for hemophthalmos prediction in hypertension and Terson syndrome. Materials and methods. One hundred patients (200 eyes), 54 women and 46 men aged 30–82 years, with a diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy (HR), and 40 patients (80 eyes), 18 women and 22 men aged 18–75 years, with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were examined. The frequency of HO occurrence was analyzed taking into account gender, age, history of hypertension, level of blood pressure, administration of antihypertensive drugs (AHD) and anticoagulants, the presence of hypertensive crises, and the degree of HR severity. MedStat and MedCalc v. 15.1 software packages (MedCalc Software bvba) were used for statistical research. Results. Analysis of the HO frequency in patients with hypertension showed that the risk factors for HO were an older age (above 50 years), duration of hypertension of more than 10 years, blood pressure at the level of 140–159/90–99 mm Hg and higher, HR stage IV, a history of hypertensive crises, absence of AHD administration. Regular intake of AHD prevented HO. According to the data of the discriminant analysis, the development of HO was mostly associated with the level of blood pressure (F = 180.12), administration of AHD (F = 51.98) and a history of hypertensive crises (F = 34.90). Analysis of the Terson syndrome frequency in patients with ICH showed that risk factors were female gender, non-traumatic ICH, as well as a history of coma and neurosurgery. According to the data of the discriminant analysis, the development of HO was mostly associated with a history of coma (F = 15.99), neurosurgical intervention (F = 9.40), the cause of ICH (F = 7.17) and gender (F = 7.17). A system of mathematical equations and algorithms for calculating the risks of HO in hypertension and Terson syndrome have been developed, which allow, based on the assessment of general clinical indicators, to select patients at high risk of HO for further specialized examination by an ophthalmologist. Conclusions. The risk factors for HO were identified and statistically ranked, which made it possible to create an appropriate prediction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that the preventive administration of cryopreserved cord blood nucleated cells (CBNCs) prior to the onset of desynchronosis may help to correct its negative effects on the body. The efficacy of CBNCs on blood leukocyte indicators in young and old rats (6 and 18 months old) was investigated. Desynchronosis was modelled by shifting the light regime: the duration of the light period was increased by 12 h, resulting in a light period of 24 h. Leukocyte types were determined in blood smears. Integral leukocyte indices were used to assess the state of the immune system. Desynchronosis caused leukocytosis in young rats and leukopenia in aged rats. The number of banded neutrophils increased in both, segmented neutrophils decreased in young rats and increased in aged rats; lymphocytes changed on the contrary; eosinophils decreased in young rats but did not change in aged rats. In young rats with desynchronosis, the predominance of young cells, macrophages, activation of the humoral link of the immune system, auto- and endogenous intoxication, acceleration of hypersensitivity of the immediate type processes, and increased body adaptation were noted. In aged rats, infectious intoxication, cellular link of immune system predominance, and a decrease in allergy and adaptation were observed. After CBNCs injection before desynchronosis, leukocytosis remained, segmented neutrophils and eosinophils recovered, banded neutrophils increased and lymphocytes decreased in young rats. In old rats, the total number of leukocytes, monocytes and eosinophils recovered, but lymphopenia increased. Regardless of age, the cells of non-specific protection predominated; the cellular link of the immune system activated, adaptation decreased and autointoxication was manifested. In young rats, young forms of neutrophils increased, allergy and immunoreactivity decreased, and the affective link of the immune system and macrophage in aged rats was activated. Therefore, after the preventive use of human CBNCs before desynchronosis initiation in aged rats, the total leukocyte content and the number of eosinophils and monocytes were restored. In 6-month-old rats, the content of young forms of neutrophils increased, indicating stimulation of leukopoiesis. The allergy index decreased in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from previous studies demonstrate the high frequency of deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D in Ukraine, as in the world, which varies depending on the age and gender of the population, the season, the region of residence, and the type of concomitant pathology. The purpose of the study was to assess the vitamin D status in the Ukraine population during 2016-2022 years depending on age, sex, month, and year of observation. In a single-center cohort study, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level was analyzed in 7105 subjects aged 20-99 years. The analysis was performed depending on age, sex, month, and year of observation. The mean serum 25(OH)D level in the total group was 30.9 [22.1-41.0] ng/ml, the lowest level was in the age group 90-99 years old and the highest one was in the subjects aged 40-69 years old. 52.7% of the subjects had a sufficient vitamin D level, 27.4% had insufficiency, and 19.9% had a deficiency of vitamin D. No gender differences were found in the serum level of 25(OH)D, except the one for the women aged 60-69 years old, who had higher vitamin D levels compared to males parameters. Seasonal 25(OH)D levels variations indicated the highest values in September and October and the lowest ones in February and March. Additionally, we established the increase of serum 25(OH)D from 2016 to 2021 with the highest values in 2020 and 2021. Our data confirmed a decrease in vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in 2021 and 2022 in the Ukrainian population compared to previous years (2016-2019) and previous studies in the Ukrainian population while maintaining their age-related and seasonal characteristics. It may be associated with an improvement in public awareness of global vitamin D deficiency and its positive skeletal and extraskeletal effects, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be used to facilitate reparative osteogenesis. In the case of critical-size defects, MSC can attach to allogenic bone implants (AlloI) that serve as a matrix. Objective. Analyze the morphological features of reparative osteogenesis in critical-size defects in femurs of rats (3 and 12 months old) when the defects are filled with MSC along with AlloI. Methods. 60 white lab rats, 3 months (n=30) and 12 months (n=30) old were used. Defects (3mm in depth, 3mm in diameter) were created in the femoral metaphysis of each rat, and filled with AlloI in the control groups and with AlloI and adipose-derived MSC in the experimental groups. Each group contained 15 rats of a particular age. 14, 28, and 90 days after the surgery, histological studies were conducted. Results. The area of AlloI decreased with time. 14 days after the surgery, in the experimental group, the area of AlloI was 1.6 times greater in 3-month-old (3mo) rats than in 12-month-old (12mo) rats. In comparison to the control, the area of AlloI was greater 14 days after surgery in 3mo rats and 28 days after surgery in 12mo rats. 14 and 28 days after the operation, the area of connective tissue was greater in rats of both experimental groups than in the control. For the 3mo rats, the same was true 90 days after the operation. The area of newly formed bone was 1.6 times lower in 3mo rats than in 12mo rats 14 days after the operation. 90 days after the operation, the area was 2.3 greater in 3mo rats. For 12mo rats, the highest area of bone tissue occurred 14 days after the surgery, and subsequently did not significantly change or differ from the control. For 3mo rats, the area of bone tissue was lower than control 14 and 28 days after the surgery, but greater than control 90 days after the surgery. Conclusions. The use of MSC along with AlloI to fill traumatic bone defects causes slower bone formation and excessive formation of connective tissue, independent of the age of the recipient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction, including skeletal muscle dysfunction, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and obesity. The purpose was to assess skeletal muscle status and determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients with COPD. Materials and methods. 66 patients with COPD and 35 healthy subjects had been examined. Sarcopenia was established using EWGSOP2 criteria, and sarcopenic obesity was defined in the presence of sarcopenia with a body mass index > 25 kg/m² . Results. In 59.1 % of the patients with COPD, a decrease in skeletal muscle strength was found, in particular, by 28.2 % in women and by 39.1 % in men at GOLD 4 in comparison with GOLD 1 and by 40.7 % and 54.3 %, respectively, compared to the control. A decrease in leg circumference (by 16.3 % in women and by 20.8 % in men) was determined at GOLD 4 compared to GOLD 1. A decrease in walking speed by 20 % in women and by 27.3 % in men was determined at GOLD 4 in comparison with GOLD 1 and a reliable correlation inverse connection between age and walking speed (r = –0.72 — in women and r = –0.61 — in men). A significant decrease in the lean mass of the limbs was established in COPD patients over 45 years old and with GOLD 2, lean and fat mass indices — with GOLD 3, appendicular lean mass — with GOLD 4 and over 60 years old. A direct correlation link was established between the severity of COPD and android type of obesity (r = 0.41; p < 0.05). Conclusions. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 66.7 % of the patients with COPD and 5.7 % of the control group, and sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed in 27.3 % of the patients with COPD. An increase in the share of sarcopenia was observed with age (from 50 % among young people to 91.7 % among subjects over 60 years old) and sarcopenic obesity (from 25 % of subjects under 45 years old to 55.6 % over 60 years old) and with increasing severity of COPD (from 20 % with GOLD 1 to 100 % with GOLD 4 and from 42.9 % with GOLD 1 to 50 % with GOLD 4, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of elderly people is constantly increasing all over the world. They are most often the patients who need orthopedic surgeries like arthroplasty, osteosynthesis and others. It is known that the process of bone regeneration depends on the patient's age. However, certain characteristics of bone regeneration process depend on the age remain unclear, which is important for developing the best strategies for treatment of elderly patients. Objective. Тo identify age-related features of bone regeneration and to establish possible ways of influencing them in order to optimize the bone regeneration in elderly patients. Methods. Literature search was performed in the PubMed database. Inclusion criteria were original experimental and clinical studies in English. The search depth is accepted for 20 years. Results. It has been experimentally and clinically shown that bone tissue regeneration slows down with age, which is more pronounced in women. According to scientific information, this involves two signaling pathways -- Notch and Wnt/β-Catenin, the activity of which is suppressed with age. However, the regulation of regeneration is a cascade of signaling pathways and macromolecules. The expression of growth factors after fracture changes at older age compared to a younger one. In particular, a decrease in the expression of TGFβ-1 was clinically revealed. In addition, in older patients after fracture, an increase in macrophage colony-stimulating factor and VEGF was recorded. It has been experimentally established that a combination of a slowdown in bone tissue regeneration with a decrease in the content of Indian Hedgehog, Sonic Hedgehog, BMP-2, 4, -7 proteins and MMP-9 in bone callus has been established. Among the ways to overcome the delayed bone regeneration in elderly patients can be the use of modern technologies of cell and gene therapy, inhibitors of macrophages, biologically active factors at certain stages of bone regeneration. For cell therapy, it is important to take into account the age of the cell donor because of the high probability of functional disorders in cells from older donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to establish age-related changes of male bone tissue. Materials and methods. The study was conducted by the Department of Clinical Physiology and Pathology of the Musculoskeletal System of the State Institution “D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology by the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”. It involved 342 healthy men aged 20 to 89 years without osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures or any pathology with a confirmed impact on bone tissue, as well as any somatic pathology in the sub- and decompensation. The following methods of examination were used: questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, clinical and instrumental examination. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by the dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry machine “Prodigy, GEНС Lunar” at the level of the entire skeleton, lumbar spine (L1- L4), proximal femur and femoral neck, distal and ultra-distal forearm bones. Results. We have detected a significant 14.8 % decrease of BMD at the level of femoral neck in the group of men aged 60–69 years, by 20 % in the group of men aged 70–79 years, and by 24.1 % in the group of men aged 80–89 years compared to the men aged 20–29 years; at the same time, at the lumbar spine there was registered a decrease of this parameter by 1.6 % in men aged 60–69 years, by 1.9 % in men of 70–79 years and by 0.8 % in men of 80–89 years, respectively. Among the examined practically healthy men, the bone tissue remained at the normal level relative to age in 67.8 %; osteopenia was detected in 27.8 %, and osteoporosis in 4.4 %. Conclusions. An age-associated BMD reduction was registered at various skeletal sites in the practically healthy men without any clinically significant factors affecting bone tissue metabolism. The most pronounced BMD loss was observed at the level of femoral neck. At the same time, 4.4 % of examined had osteoporosis without any clinical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic bile formation under bombesin action (1 μg/100 g body weight, intraportally) was examined in acute experiments on 30 male rats of three age categories: juvenile (body weight 130-175 g), adult (200-250 g) and elder (more than 300 g). Changes in the bile flow rate were recorded and the amount of various bile acids (BA) was detected using thin layer chromatography/densitometry. Bombesin caused the increase of the bile flow rate in juvenile and adult rats without any effect on it in old animals. The concentration of free bile acids increased in juvenile and adult rats and decreased in old animals. This peptide stimulated secretion of taurocholic and glicocholic acids in adult and aged rats but had no effect on the secretion of tauroconjugated dihydroxycholates. Secretion of dihydroxy bile salts conjugated with glycine was more potently enhanced by bombesin in adult rats but in the elder group this parameter dropped below the control. Bombesin had a lower effect on the BA secretion in aged rats but its influence on the juvenile animals was bidirectional. In this group the peptide stimulates free bile salts formation and, without affecting de novo synthesis, inhibits BA conjugation with amino acids in aged group. Bombesin activated classic pathway of BA biosynthesis in juvenile rats and suppressed it in aged animals. The data obtained demonstrate that different effect of bombesin on bile acids content in rats of different age could change biliary lipid-solubilizing capacity under age related damage of the gut with impairment of normal bombesin release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease puts an individual at a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death. Coronary artery calcium score reflects the accumulation of calcium in the walls of the coronary arteries and a higher coronary artery calcium score is associated with lower survival rates. It is unclear if control of conventional risk factors is enough to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to investigate if the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and coronary artery calcium score in the Ukrainian population differs by sex, age, blood pressure, and total cholesterol. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of patients who underwent measurement of coronary artery calcium score at Dnipropetrovsk Mechnikov Regional Hospital, Dnipro, Ukraine. Inclusion criteria: age >40 years old, available data about coronary artery calcium score and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Exclusion criteria: the presence of known cardiovascular disease, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min and extreme coronary artery calcification (coronary artery calcium score >1500 Agatston units). 137 patients (54 males and 83 females), median age 59.0 [54.0;67.0] years were enrolled in the study. In the patients with lower eGFR there was non-significantly higher coronary artery calcium score (p=0.07). In males with eGFR ≥90 ml/min, 60-89 ml/min, and 30-59 ml/min coronary artery calcium score didn’t differ significantly, while in females a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate was associated with a higher coronary artery calcium score. A lower estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly associated with a higher coronary artery calcium score in the patients with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg (p=0.04), but not in patients with diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. In the patients with total cholesterol <5.0 mmol/l and ≥5.0 mmol/l coronary artery calcium score tended to be higher in the patients with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. A lower estimated glomerular filtration rate in our study was associated with a higher coronary artery calcium score in females, patients aged ≥55 years old and in patients with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The purpose of the study is to determine the reference intervals of carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) in the blood serum of healthy males and females of various ages, residents of Ukraine. Materials and methods. The study included 4754 individuals aged 20-89 years (4123 women (mean age 59.6 ± 13.6) and 631 men (mean age 49.5 ± 16.3)). All participants were divided into 7 groups by the age decades (from 20 to 89 years), and three groups of 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 year-olds were additionally divided into the subgroups by five years. Furthermore, the patients were divided according to the gerontological classification of age into 4 groups: young - 20-44 years, middle-age - 45-59 years, elderly - 60-74 years, and old - 75-89 years. The blood serum β-CTX concentration was determined by ECLIA electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on the cobas e 411 analyzer. Results. We have detected significant effect of age on serum β-CTX variability: a significant increase in β-CTX levels in women (F = 15.48, p < 0.00001), and a decrease in men (F = 11.73, p < 0.00001) with age. The significantly lower levels of β-CTX were found in the women aged 20-29 (F = 35.68, p < 0.00001) and 30-39 years (F = 19.47, p = 0.00001) compared to the men of similar ages. However, the women of 65-69 years (F = 10.50, p = 0.001) had a significantly higher serum β-CTX levels compared to men of the same age group. Conclusions. The serum β-CTX levels have been associated with age: in men they are decreasing significantly with age, in women - significantly increasing. In the young men aged 20-44 years and women aged 65-69 years, the β-CTX concentration was significantly higher compared with that of the opposite sex subjects of a similar age. The findings on β-CTX serum levels in the practically healthy men and women of various ages, who are residing in this country, may be used as the reference intervals for the Ukrainian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The purpose of the study is to determine the serum level of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) in healthy men and women of various ages. Materials and methods. The study included 1,568 individuals (1,422 females and 146 males, aged 20-89 years (mean age 60.36 ± 13.68 yrs). All patients were divided into 7 groups, by decades and according to the gerontological age classification: young age – 20–44 yrs, middle age 45–59 yrs, elderly 60–74 yrs, and old 75-89 yrs. During the study, we examined the effect of such demographic characteristics, as age and gender, on serum PINP level, using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay ECLIA on the cobas e 411 analyzer. Results. We have detected no significant effect of age on the serum variability of PINP in females (F = 1.453, p = 0.19). However, we observed a significant decrease of PINP level in the female age groups of 40–49 yrs (47.74 ± 21.31, p = 0.02), 60–69 yrs (49.76 ± 25.75, p = 0.03), 70–79 yrs (50.49 ± 26.71, p = 0.04), compared with the age group of 20–29 yrs (58.67 ± 27.46). The regression analysis revealed a significant decrease of PINP level with age in young women and men (20–44 years). When comparing serum PINP level in the oldest age group (80-89 years), we detected its increase in women (55.20 ± 28.38 ng/ml), compared with the 70–79 years group (50.49 ± 26.71 ng/ml), and its decrease in men (54.87 ± 28.24 and 39.16 ± 12.46 ng/ml, respectively). In men, we revealed significant effect of age on the serum variability of PINP (F = 3,077, p = 0.007). Conclusions. The regression analysis showed a significant decrease in PINP level with age in men and women of 20-44 years. In men, we detected a significant effect of age on the variability of serum PINP level. A comparison of serum PINP levels in the oldest age group of 80-89 revealed its increase in women, compared to the 70–79 age group, and decrease in men. The obtained results may be used as reference values for PINP level in serum among representatives of the Ukrainian population of various ages and sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In acute experiments on different age group of 30 white wild-type rats: juvenile (weight 130–175 g), mature (weight 200–250 g) and old (weight 300 g and more) we were investigated the changes in the volume rate of bile secretion with cyclooxygenase inhibition by acetylsalicylic acid (100 mkg/kg weight of animal) which is a blocker of the prostaglandin synthesis enzyme. We were explored the changes of the level of choleresis and bile biochemical components by thin-layer chromatography In vivo. The relative abundances of cholecycle, henodeoxycholic, taurocholic and glycocholic bile acids in the liver of rats were determined by chromatography, with the subsequent densitometry. The biliary acid flow rate was calculated as the sum of the bile acid concentration multiplied by the volume of secreted biliary in one relevant thirty-minute sample. The conjugation coefficients were calculated for each thirty minute sample. Reduction of bile secretion by endogenous prostanoids was shown, because inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis caused the hypercholeresis on 42–112,5 % in different rat age groups, compared to control. Endogenous prostaglandins suppressed the processes of conjugation in old and juvenile age group on 117–189,1 %, in contrast these regulators have no significant effect on bile acids association with glycine and taurine in mature rats. The binding of endogenous prostanoids probably increased the conjugation processes in juvenile rats, whereas in the old experimental group acetylsalicylic acid was significantly reduced by 123 % on average. Analysis of changes in free and conjugated bile acids in the rats of different age groups showed that the ratio of qualitative changes in structure of the liver bile in rats with the cyclooxygenase blockade is mainly due to enhanced synthesis of free bile acids de novo. Therefore, endogenous prostanoids affect in the opposite way. There are have multi-directional impact on bile secretion in different age groups of rat that means ambiguous role of these drugs in liver function regulation at different stages of ontogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of the hatchery is determined by the quality indicators of the hatching eggs and the technology of incubation. Therefore, studies aimed at determining the optimal quality indicators of hatching eggs and technological solutions for their incubation are relevant. Eggs of hens of the meat cross Kobb-500 at the ages of 26-, 37-, 48-, 51- and 63 weeks were incubated a􀅌er their pre-incubation storage for 4, 5, 7 and 8 days. Depending on the age of the hens were found the significant variation of the level of fertilization of eggs. The highest level (95,5 ... 96,5 %) of fertilization of eggs was established at the incubation of eggs of hens at 37 weeks of age. A significant decrease was observed in the 63-week-old hens. It was found that with an increase of storage term of hatching eggs, the level of hatchability of eggs and chicken hatching decreases. Depending on the age of the hens, a variation in these indicators was noted. The highest level of hatchability of eggs of 26-week-old hens was established during their storage at 5 and 8 days (90.6 and 90.3%). The level of hatchability of eggs of 37-51 week-old hens varies within 86,4 ... 95,47%. The highest values of this indicator were set at incubation of eggs of 37-48 week-old hens. For poultry at the end of productive use (63 weeks), the hatchability egg rate is lower - 86.4 ... 90.9 %. As for the variation of the index of hatchability depending on the storage terms, for each age group the difference was 2.32 ... 3.96%. There was no decrease in the rate of hatchability with an increase in storage terms from 4 to 8 days. This demonstrates the feasibility of storing eggs throughout this period. When incubating eggs obtained from a young hens, the number of "dead-in-shell" and "late dead" is higher in comparison with other experimental groups. When incubating eggs obtained from hens at the age of 51-63 weeks, the number of weak chickens increases (up to 1.99%). This is especially evident when extending egg storage to 7-8 days. Therefore, when assessing the incubation quality of eggs of the specialized meat cross "Cobb-500" with a storage term of 4-8 days the age of the parent stock is decisive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic impact on the environment leads in most cases to forest systems degradation; therefore there is a need for the forest science development towards a balance finding between forest's ecological functions and economic effect from stands. Introduced species are of great importance in this respect, especially if they are dominated by native tree species. Feasibility of diverse use of black walnut fruits and wood, the urgency of searching for tree species, which are resistant to negative impacts associated with climate change, the issue of increasing pests and diseases resistance encourages scientists to an in-depth study of the questions on the possibilities of black walnut cultivation in the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Taking into account the previous experience of black walnut growing in this region and its prospects, we have decided to study more thoroughly the first stage of high-yielding stands restoration, which involves forest stands development. The study included several stages, in particular: studying of black walnut growing experience, seeds quality inspection, sites selection according to forestry scientists recommendations for this species conditions, test plots establishment using plant growth regulators with the definition of the most effective ones and identification of optimal doses of their application. To study the influence of plant growth regulators on the growth and development of black walnut plants we used preparations of N-oxide pyridine derivatives and their compositions with the biological preparation of Ecostim-1. Bleached were the seeds of black nuts, which had a tight germ of milk-white or cream color. The quality of samples was 99%. The best results in the first year of autumn growth were obtained using growth regulators of group 1. In the group 1 percent of liveliness varied from 73% to 93% in June and from 77% to 90% in October. On the control site the survivability is 69%. Comparing the height of black walnut tree seedlings, determined in spring and autumn, it should be emphasized that the increase of seedlings height of black walnut was proportional - the highest plants of the spring period remained the same in the autumn period. In autumn the seedlings grown using growth regulators D5S, D11S, D13S, D16S, D20S, D21S, DGK6, DGUR had the height of more than 90 cm. In the control area the height of the black walnut plants in the spring period was 20 cm, and in the autumn it was 76 cm. Having determined the average diameter of the plants at the height of the root collar, we obtained the best results using D5S, but there are no significant fluctuations on this indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractures of the femur are the most severe in terms of medical and social consequences among injuries of bones of the lower extremities. An epidemiological analysis of the prevalence of fractures of the proximal femur (PHB) and the factors leading to their occurrence is the basis for planning of preventive measures and treatment in the elderly and senile. Objective: to study the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the epidemiological situation regarding PHB fractures in Kharkov residents. Methods: the incidence of PHB was evaluated as a part of an epidemiological study in the population of Kharkov according to 5 medical institutions for 6 years -- from 2011 to 2016. 3.949 patients were included in the analysis. Results: there was a sharp increase (from 5 to 12%) in the number of PHB fractures after 50 years, after 60 -- almost to 20%. The majority of patients (60%) were in the age group 71 years and older. With an increase in age, PHB fractures with damage to the neck were more often recorded. Until the age of 60, more often men turned to medical institutions for injuries of PHB. But after 60 years, the number of women with these fractures increased and by the age of 70 was 1.9 times more than men (p < 0.001). Most elderly patients had concomitant diseases (mainly cardiovascular disease and hypertension), which should be considered when choosing treatment tactics. Conclusions: the occurrence, treatment and prevention of fractures of the proximal femur is an acute medical and social problem. The risk of fractures increases with age, and treatment in elderly patients is usually complicated due to the presence of comorbidity. The results of an epidemiological study can help create the basis for the development in Ukraine of a regional program for the prevention and treatment of patients with PHB fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exact causes of contradictions in the understanding of relapsing course as characteristic phenomenon of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primarily relapsing-remitting type are still considered to be “sub rosa”. We tried to determine connection and correlation between seasonal dynamic factors, chronometric parameters of disease progression (age, disease duration) and frequency of relapses and the role of gender differences as well. A four-year prospective study included complete registration of all cases of MS exacerbations in resident patients with a relapsingremmiting course of the disease according to McDonald criteria in Volyn region of Ukraine in 2010. Each patient had neurological score based on EDSS scale to ensure compliance with inclusion criteria. 128 patients (44 males and 84 females) with a remitting-recurring course of the disease were involved in this study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18, MedCalc and Microsoft Excel software using standard descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. In total, 197 cases of MS relapses were registered. Episodes of relapses prevailed in winter-spring period. Multiple regression model including suggested climate factors showed multiple correlation coefficient – 0.55 (p<0.01). The prevalence of MS was higher in females, while general incidence of recurrences was similar to males. However, relapse rate in different age groups differs: the rate of recurrence increases in women aged after 50 years (mean annualized relapse rate (ARR)=0.66), while it slowly decreases in men with aging. The duration of the disease did not have significant effect on the course of MS in women, whereas weak negative relationship (0.24, p<0.001) between the duration of the disease and the frequency of MS in men was showed. Correspondingly, the average negative correlation (-0.37, p<0.001) was detected between the age of disease onset and the incidence of MS recurrence in males, while this connection was not observed in females. We established that the recurrence of MS is a result of multifactorial influence of external and internal factors. Individual seasonal climate variability did not have sufficient force of influence. Therefore, combined effect of corresponding climate changes played a significant role. Furthermore, it is quite probable that interactions of MS with external factors influencing the human body can be mutually integrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of the transformation of erythrocytes in young (6-7 months) and old (18-20 months) rats after the whole body cryostimulation (WBC) was studied by the method of low-angle light scattering. The specific ratios of discocytes, reversibly and irreversibly modified forms of the erythrocytes were used for their transformation indices calculation. The WBC (at a temperature -120 ºC, the duration was 90 sec and 3 sessions were conducted with an interval of 24 hs) was carried out in an experimental cryochamber designed for cooling of small laboratory animals. The number of discocytes, especially their flattened shapes (highly resistant to the factors of hemolysis) was higher (by 17.3 of normocytes and 43.5% of flattened forms) in the blood of control old rats. In the contrary, the number of altered forms of the erythrocytes (stomatocytes and spherocytes) was lower in the blood of old (by 38.4 and 23.5%, respectively) than in young rats. The indices of erythrocytes transformation were lower in old rats; especially of the index of reversibility transformation (more than 7 times). The direction and manifestation of changes of the erythrocyte population composition and transformation after the WBC were depended on the age, number of cryoexposures (1, 2 or 3) and the observation time (after a day or week). The WBC led to the higher heterogeneity of the erythrocytes population: the parts of reversibly and irreversibly altered cell forms increased in the blood. The indices of erythrocytes transformation decreased almost at all the stages of the experiment both in young and old rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D is a pandemic of the 21st century. Obese patients have a lower vitamin D level, but the literature data are contradictory. The purpose of this study is to examine 25(OH)D level depending on body mass index (BMI) in postmenopausal women. Materials and methods. One thousand seven women aged 50–89 years were examined: their mean age was 65.74 ± 8.61 years; mean height — 1.61 ± 0.07 m; mean weight — 70.65 ± 13.50 kg; mean BMI — 27.27 ± 4.86 kg/m2 and mean 25(OH)D levels in the blood serum — 26.00 ± 12.00 nmol/l. The patients were divided into the following 6 groups depending on their BMI: group I — 338 women with a normal body weight, group II — 16 persons with an insufficient body weight, group III — 382 individuals with an excessive body weight, group IV — 199 women with class I obesity, group V — 60 persons with class II obesity, and group VI — 12 individuals with class III obesity. Results. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 34.4% of postmenopausal women, insufficiency — in 31.4%. 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in women with class I obesity (23.60 ± 10.24 ng/ml) and class II obesity (22.38 ± 10.34 ng/ml), compared with women who had a normal body mass (28.24 ± 12.99 ng/ml), p = 0.00003. The study results reveal a weak correlation between 25(ОН)D level and BMI (r = 0.15). Conclusions. In women with obesity, BMI significantly influences vitamin D level, and this influence does not depend on the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and medium-sized enterprises are facing many types of business risks, almost unknown or unimportant for the large companies, where the funding risk plays an essential role due to the importance of the need of the external financial sources for their growth. This paper investigates the impact of a size of the company and an age of the owner on the perception of the funding risk in the segment of small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovakia in response to the restraints in their access to credit finance. The results of the research specify the importance of these factors in determining the scope of the funding risk exposure on Slovak SMEs. The paper is based on the data from the scientific research carried out in 2016 in Slovakia among 438 companies. The data were analyzed by Pearson's chi-square statistics, which allowed to confirm the existence of the statistically significant dependencies between the chosen factors and the perception of the funding risk. The presented statistical evidence confirms that the size of the company and the age of the owner are significant in relation to the funding risk of a company from the segment of SMEs. Smaller companies do perceive the funding risk more intensively than larger ones. The statistically significant impact of the selected factors on the frequency of bank loans rejection was confirmed only in case of the age of the owner, but not in case of the size of the company, when the entrepreneurs of the age between 36 and 45 declared the highest rejection rate of the loan applications. A surprising finding is that younger entrepreneurs are significantly more self-confident in case of the potentially negative influence of the funding risk on their companies than their older colleagues. The results of the research also confirm the existence of the statistically significant dependence between the selected factors and the reasons for the rejection of bank loans applications. We can declare that a credit rejection is most common in case of younger business owners but is not typical for the smaller companies. In the group of entrepreneurs aged between 36 and 45 years the most frequent reason was related to the negative values of the financial indicators, and in case of the oldest entrepreneurs the most often reasons of the rejection of the loan application were the lack of collateral, poor business plan and negative values of the financial indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occupational morbidity in Kharkov region has been researched over the period of 2012-2016. The dynamics of the number of patients with occupational diseases in this region is practically the same as in Ukraine. Most of such patients are males. However, the number of females increased over this period. According to the record of work in hazardous working environments, the biggest number of patients is observed among those employees who have worked for 20-29 years, then those who have worked for over 30 years, followed by those who have 10-19 years of work record and finally, with less than 10 years of work record. According to the age, the biggest number of patients is among workers at the age of 50-59. They are followed by those who are in their sixties. The third biggest number is among aged 40-49, the fourth – aged 30-39, and the fifth – aged 20-29. In the atructure of occupational pathology (38,67-49,71) of all the occupational diseases accounts for chronic bronchitis, COPD, and pneumoconiosis. The next common disease (29,59-37,33%) is occupational neurosensory hearing loss. It was revealed that 3,37-6,25% of the total number of workers suffer from 4 occupational diseases, 2-3 and 1 occupational diseases were detected in 52,50-72,97% and 21,21-43,82% employees accordingly. The presence of 2-4 occupational diseases points at the combined exposure to hazards of working environment and working process in engineering workers, and inefficient activity of health care institutions that are responsible for periodic medical examinations. The fact that the diseased are mostly people in their fifties and sixties, and those who have a long record of work, indicates to the necessity to implement the time protection technique with a view to reducing the level of occupational morbidity. The highest rate of morbidity was observed in Kharkov engineering industry. That is why it is vitally important to provide the enterprises of this industry with State public health monitoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was studied the peculiarities of the ear mite dissemination in the carniwores animals and it was defined some regularities of animal damage depending on the species, age and season. During the research it was found that cats suffer more often than dogs. The disease is recorded throughout the year, but the peak of cat's infestation was detected in spring and in autumn and dogs suffer more often in summer and in winter. Among different age groups ear mites are frequently found in young animals under the age of 1 year and in animals older then 6 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower extremities fractures are ⅓ to ½ of all fractures, that can increase morbidity and mortality. Nowadays there are studies devoted to the age and gender peculiarities of femur fractures in Ukraine, but data of other fractures location is restricted. Objective: to study the frequency and structure of lower extremities fractures depending on the age, sex, location in the population in Vinnitsa region during 2011-2012. Methods: the study was conducted as multicentral epidemiological study RSOF (Registry System of Osteoporotic Fractures). Population of Vinnitsa region was analyzed according to Ukrainian State Committee. We assessed the frequency of lower extremity fractures, its location depending on the age and gender. Results: the frequency of lower extremities fractures is 446.2 per 100 000 in male and 347.45 in female, it increases in patients older than 50 years old (493.1 and 540.1 respectively). Femur fractures prevail in women: 103.0 per 100 000 of population in men and 132.0 in women, after 50 years - 172.1 и 252.4 respectively. Such indexes are connected with the increasing of proximal femur fractures- 158.5 and 228.7 per 100 000 of population. We observed tibia shaft fractures in men more often (226.4 and 162.2 in women) foot fractures (107.2, in women - 43.6 per 100 000). Conclusion: the frequency of lower extremities fractures in population of Vinnitsa region has the age and gender depended peculiarities, which must to be taken into consideration during planning of prophylaxis measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational morbidity in Kharkov region has been researched over the period 2006-2015. The dynamics of the number of patients with occupational diseases in this region is practically the same as in Ukraine but there are some differences. Most of such patients are males. However, the number of females increased over this period. The employees exposed to occupational hazards with the 20-29-year record of work comprise the biggest share of all the victims. They were followed by the employees with the record of work amounting more than 30 years, 10-19 years and, finally, less than 10 years. According to the age, the biggest number of patients is among workers at the age of 50-59. They are followed by those who are in their sixties. The third biggest number is among 40-49 aged, the fourth - 30-39 aged, and the fifth - 20-29 aged. The biggest share (39.89-50.60%) in the structure of occupational diseases is chronic bronchitis, COPD and pneumoconiosis. The next common disease (25.9033.80%) is occupational hearing loss. It was revealed that 5-8% of the total number of workers suffer from four occupational diseases, 52-62% - from two-three, one occupational diseases was detected in 32-40% of employees accordingly. The presence of 2-4 occupational diseases points to the combined exposure to occupational hazards of machine engineering workers. During this period, the biggest number of the victims (79.17-90.43%) was registered in machine engineering due to regional peculiarities of economics. The fact that the victims are mostly people aged 50-59 years and over 60, having a long record of service indicates the necessity to implement the technique of protection of workers by time. The highest rate of morbidity was observed in Kharkov Tractor Plant and Kharkov Malyshev Plant. Thus, it is vitally important to conduct preventive activities in these enterprises first and foremost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only indigenous tree species native habit conservation, that as practice shows, is not always possible, but also search for alternative options of forestry development are among priorities of foresters tasks at the present stage in the context of global climate changes. In particular invasive plants cultivation is one of the possible ways of additional profit obtaining from valuable timber, fruits etc sale. The rapid growth of black walnut plantations in the Right- Bank forest-steppe of Ukraine stimulated us to their detailed study. Although many research foresters studied separate issues of black walnut cultivation, there was no detailed and generalized analysis of silvicultural and taxation indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in all the world countries. Recent studies show the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency prevalence in patients of various ages, who have musculoskeletal disorders, and to reveal the influence of seasonal factors on these conditions. Materials and methods. 3460 patients of the Ukrainian scientific Medical Center of Osteoporosis Problems, aged 1 to 92 years, who were referred by other specialists to the center for bone state evaluation, were examined. A majority of the patients presented with osteoporosis and its complications, spinal osteochondrosis, knee and hip osteoarthritis (mean age — 52.90 ± 21.10 years). Most of the patients were women (83.5 %). 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone analyses were performed by means of electrochemiluminescent method (Elecsys 2010 analyzer, Roche Diagnostics, Germany) and cobas test-systems. Statistics 6.0 software package (Copyright StatSoft, Inc., 1984-2001) was also used. Results. Among the patients with musculoskeletal pathology, the highest 25(OH)D level was noted in the age group of 1-9 years and the lowest — in the age group of 80 and over. Age negatively influenced 25(OH)D values. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the patients with musculoskeletal pathology was 37.3 %, vitamin D insufficiency — 30.6 %; 32.1 % of patients had normal vitamin D status. Normal 25(OH)D level was found in 38.0 % of children, 33.2 % of adults and in 29.6 % of elderly patients. Month of blood sampling had a significant influence on 25(OH)D content (F = 7.49; p < 0.001). The highest significant differences in 25(OH)D levels during the summer vs. winter months were observed in the age groups of 10-19 (18.2 %), 40-49 (17.3 %), 30-39 (16.2 %) и 1-9 years (16.1 %). There were no significant seasonal differences observed in the elderly patients (60 years and older) with musculoskeletal pathology. Conclusions. Despite the combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation in most patients with musculoskeletal pathology, only 37.9 % of children, 33.2 % of adults and 29.6 % of the elderly people had normal 25(OH)D values and thus required screening examination of vitamin D level in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and additional vitamin D prescription (Guidelines for the Central and Eastern Europe). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimation of influence of socio-demographic factors, in particular, depending on age, place of residence, sex and gender characteristics, family status, family relationships is carried out. An important socio-demographic determinant of the health of the employed population is the change in the consciousness of the workers towards self-preservation, which is considered as the basis of human development, the formation of human capital and ensuring the growth of Ukraine's economy is revealed. By an author argued, that an association in public organizations, trust, relation, is in family, intermingling with native, friends and extraneous people (social capital) are by the factors of good health, and, accordingly, are the important elements of organizationally-economic mechanism of self-preservation of health of the concerned population of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In article the dependence of milk yield on indicators, such as is considered: service period, number of a lactation and age of an animal. The correlation of milk yield in 150 days about service period was 0,48; with number of a lactation - 0,63; on age - 0,66. Correlation between number of a lactation and age - 0,96. On a complex of researches for 2015-2017 and receiving technological indicators the index of the forecast of milk yield has been offered. Considering that number of a lactation and age have close connection, for forecasting of the index of milk yield used one indicator - it is age of a mare. Thus, on the offered formula it is possible to predict efficiency of milkyield mares of a koumiss farm of Dibrovsky horse-breeding center on significance value р < 0,001 at an error of a formula of 331,47 l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increase of forest stands productivity, their quality and resistance to environmental factors; forest structure improvement has been and remains one of the most important tasks of foresters. It is based on reforestation that would correspond to the soil-climatic and forest-based conditions of management place and ensure cost-effectiveness of a forestry enterprise. Analyzing the foregoing, it should be emphasized that we conducted an analysis of silvicultural and taxation indicators of stands with the involvement of black walnut in the forest stands of different age classes in the Right-bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Areas and stocks distribution of forest stands with the involvement of black walnut according to bonitet classes, densities were determined. The dependence of timber resources on planting age was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to add to scientific and managerial knowledge about the intersection between a buyer and salesperson based on judgments of buyers about salespeople on the visual information cues. Respondents evaluated credibility of salespeople who differed in their gender and age. These demographic parameters affected the perceived professional and personal characteristics of each salesperson, which in turn affected the measurement of the overall credibility of a salesperson. Analysis of the survey data allowed concluding that age and gender of a salesperson have an important differentiating power in buyer’s judgments about salesperson’s credibility in general, as well as about separate dimensions of credibility individually. Also, it indicates instances when judgments about credibility of salespeople depend on the buyer demographics: gender, age or their interaction. From the empirical results, conclusions and managerial implications are derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the Upper Park Nikita Botanical Gardens studied overage woody plants that have significant dendrometric parameters. The basic bio-ecological factors limiting their growth and development in these growth conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of the course of growth in height of model trees alder adhesive dominant part of maturing and mature stands with plots set forth in the standard Western Polessye forest conditions and statistical processing of the results, the analysis of existing models of growth in height of the wood species was made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research results of impact of different ways, regimes and intermediate cutting intensities on the pine stands formation in the fresh pine forests are given. Dynamic change of stocks, average height, diameter and number of trees depending on the different intensity and methods of thinning in sections on a permanent test plot are shown. Influence of intensity and methods of intermediate cutting on silvicultural and mensuration indicators of pine stands are outlined and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]