Group Of Individuals Research Articles

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Metabolism in Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: Quantitative Computed Tomography vs. Dual-Energy Absorptiometry and Correlation with Bone Turnover Markers

Background and Objectives: Bone and mineral disease (BMD) is a prevalent complication of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The risk of fractures can be assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two imaging modalities in identifying bone mineral status in individuals with pre-dialysis chronic renal disease and to assess their correlation with bone turnover markers. Materials and Methods: This controlled cross-sectional study, conducted at a single center from 2019 to 2022, assessed two groups of individuals aged 18 to 50. The patient cohort consisted of individuals with stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease, whereas the control cohort consisted of healthy participants. The participants’ bone and mineral status was evaluated using both QCT and DXA methods. Diagnostic measurements of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, obtained using DXA and QCT, were compared. Z-scores were utilized to evaluate low bone mineral density, with low Z-scores identified in either lumbar spine or femoral neck measures being seen as indicative of low bone mineral density. Results: Data from 38 participants (patient group: 18; control group: 20) who underwent QCT and/or DXA were evaluated. Thirty-three subjects were assessed using both QCT and DXA (patient group: 14; control group: 19). The median age of the patient cohort was 44 (range: 22–50), whereas the median age of the control cohort was 42 (range: 27–48) (p = 0.72). Women constituted 33% of the patient cohort and 50% of the control cohort (p = 0.23). In the patient cohort, low bone mineral density was detected in four individuals (28%) through QCT, and in just two patients (14%) through DXA. Compared to DXA, QCT identified a higher number of cases of low bone mineral density in the CKD cohort; however, no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.06). In addition, our study found that TRACP5b had a strong negative correlation with the DXA L1–L4 Z-score. Conclusions: This study revealed that QCT may be more sensitive than DXA for detecting low bone density in pre-dialysis CKD patients. Additionally, DXA may overestimate lumbar spine BMD in this population, and the strong negative correlation between TRACP5b levels and the DXA L1–L4 Z-score highlights the potential role of biochemical markers in assessing bone status in CKD

Combined Toxicity Assessment of Deoxynivalenol and Pb2+ on HK-2 Cells Involved in Excessive ROS-Induced Ferroptosis.

The cocontamination of food by several mycotoxins and heavy metals poses significant health risks, and their combined toxic effects remain poorly understood. Particularly, specific studies exploring their combined impact on ferroptosis remain limited. In this work, we investigated the combined toxic effects of a mycotoxin, called deoxynivalenol (DON), and a heavy metal, called plumbum (Pb), and explored the potential mechanisms of DON and Pb co-occurrence via excessive ROS-induced ferroptosis in HK-2 cells. It was found that combined toxicity of DON and Pb2+ showed a synergism at low concentrations and an antagonism at high concentrations. The increase of the ROS level and iron content as well as the change expression of four ferroptosis marker proteins were observed in DON and Pb2+ individual and combined groups. Furthermore, the addition of ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 could mitigate the imbalance of oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Our results suggest that the co-occurrence of DON and Pb2+ might pose a slight threat to the nephrotoxicity due to the interactions related to the excessive ROS-induced ferroptosis, which would provide valuable insights into their potential combined toxic impacts to human and animal health.

Общие и специфические проблемы формирования интеллектуальных операций у младших школьников с трудностями в обучении

<p>The modern system of inclusive education implies equal access to knowledge for all categories of children. Psychological and pedagogical studies show that there is a heterogeneity in the composition of students in terms of the level of mastering academic skills both within the classroom and among students of individual nosological groups. With the similarity of the symptoms of the manifestation of writing disorders in younger schoolchildren, the state of cognitive functions may be different. Understanding these general and specific features is necessary to organize a personalized approach to correction and education of children with impaired development, which determines the relevance of the study. The article presents the results of a research conducted to identify general and specific patterns of intellectual operations formations in younger schoolchildren who have writing disorders. The sample consisted of 3<sup>rd</sup> grade students with severe speech disorders and mental retardation enrolled in adapted basic education programs. In the structure of the speech therapy conclusion, all children had a violation of writing on the basis of the lack of formation of language analysis and synthesis operations. As a diagnostic technique for studying the specifics of the formation of basic intellectual operations on nonverbal and verbal material, the method <em>“</em>Classification of objects<em>”</em> was selected and adapted. The results allowed us to conclude about qualitative differences in the formation of thinking components in case of writing disorders of a primary and secondary nature.</p>

Segmenting Croatian university students and investigating their tendency to adopt innovative food products based on their food-related lifestyles

PurposeThis paper aims to detect the patterns of food-related lifestyles of university students, identify the groups of individuals based on these lifestyles and investigate their tendency to adopt innovative food products.Design/methodology/approachThe data collected from university students in Croatia (n = 641) were analysed using factor and cluster analyses and a chi-squared test.FindingsThe findings revealed 11 food-related lifestyles and four groups of university students: “Convenience-oriented”, “Conscious consumers”, “Adventurous eaters” and “Family-oriented Cooks”. Adventurous eaters are the most interested in buying innovative food products, and many of them are food innovators (20%). Sampled individuals are open to new foods, and only a tiny percentage are reluctant to try new and unfamiliar foods.Practical implicationsThe study provides recommendations on how marketers and food producers might target these consumers more efficiently and boost the sales of innovative food products.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by (1) revealing food-related lifestyles among university students in Croatia, (2) developing the typology of consumers based on their lifestyles and (3) providing new knowledge of how food-related lifestyles affect the adoption of innovative food products.

Assessment of Quality of Life and Psychological Well-Being in Italian Adult Subjects with Prader–Willi Syndrome Using the Health Survey Short Form and the Psychological General Well-Being Index Questionnaires

Background/Objectives: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with PWS face numerous challenges that significantly impact their psychological well-being and quality of life, ultimately limiting their personal and social functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and psychological well-being in a sample of Italian adult patients with PWS compared to an age-matched control group of normal-weight Italian individuals. Methods: Thirty patients with PWS (11 men and 19 women; mean age ± SD: 36.4 ± 10.31 years; mean Body Mass Index (BMI: 35.7 ± 8.92 kg/m2) and thirty Italian adult individuals from the general population (5 men and 25 women; mean age ± SD: 32.1 ± 6.86 years; mean Body Mass Index (BMI: 21.8 ± 2.90 kg/m2) were studied. Quality of life and well-being were assessed using the Italian versions of the 36-item Health Survey Short Form and the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Results: Normal-weight subjects scored significantly higher than PWS patients on the physical health (p < 0.001) and social functioning (p = 0.047) subscales of the SF-36. Conversely, PWS patients scored higher on the vitality subscale (p < 0.001). Similarly, the vitality subscale of the PGWBI was significantly higher in PWS patients than in controls (p = 0.010), whereas the Self-Control subscale of the PGWBI was higher in controls compared to PWS patients, albeit not statistically significant (p = 0.057). Discussion: Patients with PWS exhibited impairments in various aspects of quality of life and psychological well-being, including physical, behavioral, and social domains. However, the higher vitality scores observed in PWS patients suggest a preserved dimension of their psychological well-being. Conclusions: These findings enhance the understanding of the psychological condition of patients with PWS and provide valuable insights for improving multidisciplinary psychological treatment approaches for these individuals.

Behavior changes to promote preconception health: a systematic review

BackgroundPreconception care is expected to prevent diseases, promote health, and improve pregnancy outcomes. Although a consensus exists on the efficacy of folic acid supplementation and preconception vaccination, evidence regarding comprehensive approaches to preconception care targeting the general population remains lacking. We aimed to identify and examine preconception care programs delivered to reproductive-aged women and men to promote behavioral change.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases on November 30, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs assessing preconception care programs provided to the general population. We included behavioral change interventions, including screening, counseling, and education, to encourage preconception health. We performed a narrative synthesis of the characteristics and a summary of the intervention effects of the included studies.ResultsWe identified 26 trials (from 29 reports). Most of the studies recruited women. The most common study setting was healthcare services, and various types of behavioral change interventions were noted. All types of interventions, including individual education, group education, online education, and information campaigns, exhibited certain effects of improvement regarding behavioral change, knowledge, health outcomes, and other health-related outcomes in preconception health.ConclusionsIn this systematic review, only three studies recruited men. Further research on preconception care in men is needed. The topics typically addressed in preconception care are folic acid supplementation and nutrition. Additionally, further research is needed for a comprehensive approach, including physical, mental, and social health. Future research addressing the broad determinants of preconception health for both women and men could provide more effective preconception care.

Tracing Eponymous Word Combinations in Education and Pedagogy

Currently, there is a significant focus on the exploration and classification of eponymous terminology across a range of fields of study. Scholars are particularly interested in the term’s foundation, theoretical underpinnings, and the lexicographic aspects of its application across various domains. Notably, eponymous terms are most prominent in medical, economic, political, historical, and technical fields. However, there is a need to broaden research efforts in pedagogy and education terminology, which includes several eponymous terms. The study was conducted following dictionary criticism principles and tackled the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data on eponymous phrases found in three English-language special dictionaries. The ultimate objective was determining the feasibility of including eponym terms in a dictionary. The research objectives were outlined to achieve this goal. The authors carefully selected and analysed the terminology, identifying corresponding semantic fields and conducting a structural and grammatical analysis of 93 eponymous phrases. They identified various semantic fields, such as “Diseases and Mental Disorders,” “Psychology and Psychological Expertise,” “Pedagogical Schools, Principles, and Educational Institutions,” “Educational Reforms,” and “Reports on Education,” among others, and provided commentary on the practicality of including eponymous terms in a dictionary of education. Research on eponyms has revealed that they share similar grammatical and nominative structures as non-eponymic terms, functioning as individual words and word groups. Typically, eponyms consist of two elements: a noun and an adjective or a noun and another noun. Anthroponyms –names derived from people – are often used in eponyms to describe the founders of pedagogical schools and trends, developers of psychological theories and testing methods, and scientists who have identified diseases and mental disorders requiring unique learning approaches. Additionally, eponyms may incorporate place names and names of literary or mythical characters, creating phrases like Pickwick Syndrome, Munchausen Syndrome, Summerhill School, and the Bologna Declaration. Furthermore, the primary eponymous trends within the semantic fields have been identified through a rigorous analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. The findings align with the global trend observed at the study’s outset, where medical eponymy prevails. Therefore, terminologists and lexicographers must focus on the study of this eponymous terminology.

Protective Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation Against Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Model.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality on a global scale, with a higher prevalence observed among men. This study investigated the protective effect of vitamin D supplementation on CVD. A cohort of thirty mice was divided into three groups: control, T1 diabetic, and T1 diabetic groups that received vitamin D treatment. For each mouse in the three groups, measurements were taken of body weight, blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, troponin I, adropin, nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, measurements were taken for the overall lymphocyte count, as well as the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+, CD25+, and CD8+ CD25+ cell counts in all mice. The diabetic mice that received vitamin D treatment exhibited significant reductions in blood glucose levels, HbA1c levels, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, troponin I, endothelin-1, and VEGF levels as compared to the untreated diabetic group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, there was an observed rise in adropin and NO levels in diabetic mice that received vitamin D treatment compared to the untreated diabetic group (p < 0.05). The diabetic mice treated with vitamin D exhibited a substantial decrease in total lymphocyte counts compared to the untreated diabetic and control animals (p < 0.0001). Regarding the CD3+ subset, it was shown that diabetic mice subjected to vitamin D treatment had notably elevated levels of these cells compared to both the untreated diabetic and control groups (p < 0.0001). In addition, the administration of vitamin D resulted in a substantial decrease in the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the group of individuals with diabetes (p < 0.0001). The diabetes group that received vitamin D treatment had significantly reduced populations of CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+ CD25+ compared to the untreated diabetic group (p < 0.0001). Vitamin D maintains the integrity of the cardiovascular system through the reduction of blood glucose levels and lipid profile. Moreover, its supplementation prevents atherosclerotic CVD by suppressing inflammatory reactions.

Diversification of the educator workforce: toward communities of practice and integrated networks of care

Abstract Diversification of the Educator Workforce (DEW) is an urgent need requiring intervention to push against many deeply entrenched systemic barriers (Chapman, Anne. 2021. Opening doors: Strategies for advancing racial diversity in Wisconsin’s teacher workforce. Wisconsin Policy Forum. Available at: https://wispolicyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/OpeningDoors_FullReport.pdf; James, Weade &amp; Jacqueline Rodriguez. 2020. The use of networked improvement communities in educator preparation programs to improve teacher shortage and diversity. Success in High-Need Schools Journal 16(1). 10–22). This collaborative autoethnographic case study (see e.g., Chang Heewon, Ngunjiri Faith &amp; Hernandez Kathy-Ann. 2016. Collaborative autoethnography. New York: Routledge) illustrates how a group of individuals across institutions collaborated to dismantle barriers to students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entering the educator workforce. More specifically, this study reveals how members embodied a collaborative and non-competitive approach to overcoming systemic barriers that BIPOC teacher candidates experience. Through this collaborative approach, the unique contributions of members were evident, and tenets of critical consciousness and feminist theory supported the development of an integrated network of care (Reyes, Ganiva. 2021. Integrated networks of care: Supporting teachers who care for Latina mothering students. Critical Studies in Education 62(4). 471–485). This case study identifies positive impacts of communal support of DEW workers and illuminates invisibilized labor of professional stakeholders and BIPOC students.

Utilizing Peer Instruction to Enhance Academic Achievement and Active Learning in Business Education

Researchers are increasingly interested in evaluating and reshaping traditional teaching practices to implement more student-centered and active learning approaches in higher education. Peer Instruction (PI) has been recognized as an interactive teaching method that significantly impacts student learning by encouraging active participation in an engaging learning environment. This study examines the impact of Peer Instruction (PI) on improving academic performance and active learning in business education beyond its usual limits of application in scientific and numerical fields. This study compared the outcomes of students who engaged in PI with students who took traditional lecture-based classes in business courses. This research uses a quasi-experimental research design because it is not feasible to use a full experimental design because it is impossible to randomly select subjects. Empirical data, collected through pre-and post-tests, discussion prompts, and PI activities, demonstrated significant improvements in student engagement, cognitive processing, and performance in the PI group compared to the control group. Students who participate in PI report higher test scores and levels of engagement, underscoring PI's potential to foster deeper understanding, critical thinking, and active engagement. Despite the positive results, the study noted limitations such as a narrow focus on the class by one instructor and the absence of marked differences in conceptual understanding between the PI and individual study groups, then only tested academic achievement without engaging students' levels of critical thinking. Highlighting the effectiveness of PI in business education, this research calls for broader application and further investigation into the role of PI in enhancing active learning, suggesting future exploration into diverse academic areas, methodologies, and technological tools, as well as applying it to examine critical thinking and interaction students to deeper learning content.

The Impact of Creative Contexts: An Application Cases Review

The article delves into the multifaceted nature of creativity, moving beyond traditional associations of creativity with artistic or cultural disciplines. Instead, it presents creativity as a complex cognitive process essential for addressing multidisciplinary challenges. Drawing from various studies, it emphasises how creativity flourishes in sociocultural contexts and is shaped by both individual learning and group dynamics, such as those described by Florida’s concept of the Creative Class. The dissertation’s core focuses on exploring various creative contexts and environments that nurture creativity. The methodology considers a Systemic Innovation Design perspective to analyse thirty application cases of creative spaces, identifying key characteristics and impacts. The results show a clear direction of creative contexts involving multidisciplinary and practice-based actions, with a predominant focus on social and applied sciences.

Data-Driven Characterization of Individuals With Delayed Autism Diagnosis

This study used various machine learning approaches to identify and comparatively characterize groups of individuals with delayed autism diagnosis.

Food neophobia in the elderly: evaluation of constipation, malnutrition and nutrition

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate food neophobia, constipation, malnutrition, and nutritional status in elderly individuals. Methods: The study was conducted on individuals aged ≥65 years selected by random sampling method and 406 individuals were reached. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic parameters (age, gender) of the participants. Anthropometric measurements were taken by researchers and then body-mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were determined by standard methods, and a validated Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) was used to determine the food neophobia levels of individuals. One-day food consumption of individuals was determined by the 24-hour retrospective reminder method. Constipation was defined according to the modified Rome IV criteria. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between food neophobia levels and BMI classifications of women, men, and all elderly individuals (p&amp;lt;0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between the level of food neophobia and waist/height ratio in women, men, and all elderly individuals (p&amp;lt;0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between food neophobia levels and the constipation status of women and all elderly individuals (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between food neophobia levels and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) classifications of women, men, and all elderly individuals (p&amp;lt;0.001). While there was no statistically significant difference between malnutrition groups according to energy, carbohydrate, fat, protein, and pulp levels (median) (p&amp;gt;0.05), there was a statistically significant difference between malnutrition groups of neutral and non-constipated elderly individuals only according to water consumption levels (median) (p&amp;lt;0.05). The water consumption level (median) of the elderly in the malnourished group was significantly lower than the water consumption level of the elderly in the risk of malnutrition and normal nutritional status groups. Conclusion: Treatments for age-related conditions such as constipation, malnutrition, and undernutrition that focus on novel foods need to be carefully designed. The elderly should be a market segment that promotes healthy products, where new products can be introduced and purchased without concern.

Enhancing newborn screening sensitivity and specificity for missed NICCD using selected amino acids and acylcarnitines

PurposeTo enhance the detection rate of Neonatal Intrahepatic Cholestasis caused by Citrin Deficiency (NICCD) through newborn screening (NBS), we analyzed the metabolic profiles of missed patients and proposed a more reliable method for early diagnosis.MethodsIn this retrospective study, NICCD patients were classified into “Newborn Screening” (64 individuals) and “Missed Screening” (52 individuals) groups. Metabolic profiles were analyzed using the non-derivatized MS/MS Kit, and genetic mutations were identified via next-generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated the predictive value of amino acids and acylcarnitines in dried blood spots (DBS) for identifying missed patients including 40 missed patients and 17,269 healthy individuals, with additional validation using 12 missed patients and 454 healthy controls.ResultsThe age of diagnosis was significantly higher in the “Missed Screening” group compared to the “Newborn Screening” group (74.50 vs. 18.00 days, P < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that citrulline had excellent diagnostic accuracy for missed patients, with an AUC of 0.970 and a cut-off value of 17.57 µmol/L. Additionally, glycine, phenylalanine, ornithine, and C8 were significant markers, each with an AUC greater than 0.70. A combination of these markers achieved an AUC of 0.996 with a cut-off value of 0.00195. Validation demonstrated a true positive rate of 91.67% and a true negative rate of 96.48%. Common SLC25A13 mutations in both groups were c.852_855del, IVS16ins3kb, and c.615 + 5G > A.ConclusionsCombining multiple metabolic markers during NBS significantly improves sensitivity and specificity for detecting missed NICCD cases. However, the relationship between genetic mutations and missed cases remains unclear.

Sibling similarity can reveal key insights into genetic architecture.

The use of siblings to infer the factors influencing complex traits has been a cornerstone of quantitative genetics. Here, we utilise siblings for a novel application: the inference of genetic architecture, specifically that relating to individuals with extreme trait values (e.g. in the top 1%). Inferring the genetic architecture most relevant to this group of individuals is important because they are at the greatest risk of disease and may be more likely to harbour rare variants of large effect due to natural selection. We develop a theoretical framework that derives expected distributions of sibling trait values based on an index sibling's trait value, estimated trait heritability, and null assumptions that include infinitesimal genetic effects and environmental factors that are either controlled for or have combined Gaussian effects. This framework is then used to develop statistical tests powered to distinguish between trait tails characterised by common polygenic architecture from those that include substantial enrichments of de novo or rare variant (Mendelian) architecture. We apply our tests to UK Biobank data here, although we note that they can be used to infer genetic architecture in any cohort or health registry that includes siblings and their trait values, since these tests do not use genetic data. We describe how our approach has the potential to help disentangle the genetic and environmental causes of extreme trait values, and to improve the design and power of future sequencing studies to detect rare variants.

The Role of Resilience in Predicting Marital Adjustment and Psychological Well-Being among Married People

Resilience is the ability to recover from difficult situations. The study examines its relationship with marital adjustment and psychological well-being. To explore the correlation between resilience, marital adjustment, and psychological well-being in married individuals. A purposive sample of 200 married individuals (male and female) was selected. The following instruments were used: Resilience Scale (Damasio et al., 2011), Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale (Ansari, 2010), Burgess Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (Kauseer &amp; Khalid, 2003), and a demographic form. Data were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation, independent t-tests, and regression analysis. The study found a significant positive correlation between resilience and psychological well-being. Marital adjustment also showed a positive correlation with psychological well-being. However, resilience was negatively correlated with marital adjustment. Independent t-tests showed no significant differences between distinct groups of married individuals. Regression analysis indicated that resilience did not predict marital adjustment but was a significant predictor of psychological well-being. Resilience is a key factor in enhancing psychological well-being but does not predict marital adjustment. This study emphasizes the need for resilience to foster positive perspectives in life. Future research should address the limitations and explore other factors that may influence marital adjustment.

Economic consequences of eliminating gender discrimination in the labor market

Theoretical and empirical literature on labor market discrimination is extensive on showing persistent wage gaps across genders at individual level. However, at the aggregate level, the economic consequences of gender discrimination remain unclear. In this article, economic consequences of gender discrimination are estimated through interacting a wage decomposition model (individual) and an input–output model (aggregated level). Using the decomposition’s results, it was possible to calculate individual wage adjustments, so that all individuals are remunerated according to their observable characteristics as well as the group of non-discriminated individuals. In turn, these estimates were used to simulate changes on labor nominal costs (price effect) and consumption (income effect). Our results indicate that the income effect generated through consumption overcomes the price effect, raising production (0.90%), welfare (2.70%) and employment (0.94%). Nonetheless, the results are very heterogeneous across sectors and households.

ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF NON-RECEPTION ANTI-FEVER MEDICINES IN CHILDREN

The aim of the work was to analyze the use of over-the-counter antipyretic drugs in young children. Methods and materials. Marketing, analytical, comparative analysis and generalization of information were chosen as research methods. The study of the analysis of the needs of fever patients in the improvement of pharmaceutical care was conducted based on three pharmacies of the Podorozhnyk pharmacy chain, which were in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk. We conducted sociological research using questionnaires. The survey was conducted from October 1 to 31, 2023. To ensure representativeness, according to the calculations, 50 respondents (visitors of pharmacies) were involved in the survey, who approached the pharmacy employee with the aim of purchasing an antipyretic drug for a younger child. The results of the analysis were processed using computer programs. The results. As of November 2023, the market of Ukraine is dominated by Ukrainian-made medical devices (66.7%). Among the dosage forms, tablets prevail - a total of 41 names and capsules (36 names), the least oral solutions and solutions for injections - 1 name each. Taking into account that the greater number of drugs refers to over-the-counter drugs, an important aspect of responsible self-medication by the patient and pharmaceutical care by the pharmacist is the clinical and pharmaceutical characteristics of the medicinal product in view of the API or its combination, its dose, dosage form, possibility and features application in separate groups of patients, in particular children, was the study and analysis of instructions for the medical use of drugs regarding the possibility of taking these drugs in children. According to the analysis of the instructions for pharmaceuticals, it was found that 28% of drugs are allowed for use in children from birth to 1 year, from 1 year - 2.29%, from 3 years - 0.7%, from 5 years - 6.8%, from 6 years - 35.6%, from 10 years - 0.7%, from 12 years - 12.9%, more than 7 kg - 4.6%, more than 20 kg - 3.1%, more than 33 kg - 3.79%, as prescribed by a doctor taking into account the benefits/risks - 1.5%. To ensure representativeness, according to the calculations, 50 visitors to the pharmacy (representatives of the child) who came to the pharmacy to purchase an antipyretic drug for the treatment of a child's fever were involved in the survey. Conclusions. The conducted clinical and pharmaceutical analysis showed that the treatment of hyperthermia in children must be approached very carefully, because the assortment of over-the-counter drugs in Ukraine is large, there is a synonymy of the names of drugs of individual companies, which contain different compositions of active substances of different concentrations, which are indicated for use in individual groups of patients. Considering that many pharmaceuticals are over the counter, an important aspect is the responsible attitude of the pharmaceutical worker to inform and warn the buyer of the pharmacy, as well as responsible self-medication on the part of the patient. The effectiveness of antipyretic therapy will be higher when the pediatrician works together with the child's parents to improve medical literacy. From an ethical and deontological point of view, only close contact between the pediatrician and the patients' parents will allow to effectively eliminate febrile syndrome and prevent its dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences.

Experiences of fasting during Ramadan in British Muslims: Psychological, social and health behaviours.

Ramadan is a month-long religious festival observed by Muslim worldwide, characterised by intermittent fasting. This qualitative study addressed the need to understand how fasting is experienced by Muslims residing in Western cultures, aiming to inform policies that create a more supportive environment. Practicing Muslims, both men and women, were recruited in the North of England in the United Kingdom (UK). Data were collected by individual interviews (N = 7) and focus group discussion (N = 4) and then analysed using Social Ecological Theory as a framework. Fasting was managed at the individual level through instrumental food choice and eating practices, and by adapting sleep routines. Disrupted sleep routines posed a challenge for those who had to adhere to Western working schedules, leading to perceived detriments to cognitive function and mood. The sense of belonging associated with Ramadan was seen as a motivating factor for fasting. Breaking the fast (Iftar) was marked by social activity and the availability of traditional fried foods. Participants identified the wider Western culture and environment as challenging for those who are fasting. These findings imply a need for policies that enable flexible working practices for Muslims during Ramadan.

When to pair: Effects of different pairing ages on dairy calf health, behavior and performance.

Pair housing presents an alternative to individual or larger group housing systems, though the effects of different pairing ages on calf welfare are not well understood. In this study, we examined the impact of pairing age on the performance, health, and behavior of dairy calves. A total of 140 Holstein female calves (n = 70 pairs) were used, paired at 3 ages: Early (6-7 d; 48 calves), Intermediate (29-30 d; 48 calves), and Late pairing (49-50 d; 44 calves). Calves were housed individually before pairing and weaned at 78 ± 2 d of age. Weight measurements were recorded at birth, 30, 50, 60 d, and at weaning. Calves' behavior was assessed 5 times per week through scan sampling after milk feedings from d 6-7 until weaning, and a food neophobia test was conducted at 50-51 d. Health assessments were performed 3 times per week by a veterinarian using Wisconsin clinical scores to diagnose diarrhea and BRD, with pulmonary ultrasonography at 55 d. The results suggest no association between pairing age and the prevalence of diarrhea or bovine respiratory disease (BRD), although our statistical power was limited. The number of calves with lung consolidation scores above 2 was also unaffected by pairing age. Early paired calves exhibited more exploration and play behaviors, and less idleness, stereotypies, and non-nutritive oral behaviors than Late paired calves. No differences were observed in cross-suckling likelihood across pairing ages. Early paired calves also showed a shorter latency to touch a novel feed in the food neophobia test, higher calf starter intake during the first 15 d, and greater ADG up to 50 d. Although overall ADG did not differ among pairing ages, Early paired calves were more homogeneous in weaning weight compared with Late paired calves. In conclusion, early pairing supports calves' initial development, promoting early feeding behavior and growth, enhancing behaviors associated with positive affective states, and without adverse effects on health or undesirable behaviors.