West Kazakhstan Medical Journal

The Influence of Movement Imitation Therapy on Neurological Outcomes in Children Who Have Experienced Adverse Perinatal Conditions

Zhanna Zhussupova — 2024-12-20

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early intervention (EI) for infants at high risk for cerebral palsy (CP), particularly in the context of their neurological development. The study was conducted at the Regional Perinatal Center in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, and included 69 preterm infants with adverse neonatal periods. The infants were divided into two groups: the first group (n=50) began EI at 42 weeks postmenstrual age, while the second group (n=19) started at 52 weeks. Both groups underwent general movements assessment (GMA) and motor activity monitoring using general movement optimality score (GMOS). Results showed that infants receiving EI earlier demonstrated significant improvements in movement quality and a reduced risk of adverse neurological outcomes compared to the control group. The findings highlight the importance of early detection and intervention, as well as the need for implementing early diagnostic programs for infants at risk.

Nutritional Benefits of Saccostrea cucullata: Potential Role in Human Health

Zinat Zirrahi — 2024-12-20

Saccostrea cucullata, a species of bivalve mollusk native to the Persian Gulf, is highly prized for its nutritional richness and rapid growth, making it a valuable species for aquaculture. Despite its abundance and potential in the Persian Gulf, the aquaculture industry has faced challenges due to limited understanding of its biology and genetics. This review consolidates current knowledge on the life cycle, reproduction, and environmental factors influencing the growth and nutritional quality of Saccostrea cucullata. It examines the impact of climate variations and identifies key challenges. Strategies such as closed-system cultivation, selective breeding, and genetic enhancement aimed at producing triploid oysters are discussed, focusing on improving desirable traits such as growth rate, disease resistance, and nutritional content. Enhancing these aspects can lead to increased production of nutrient-rich Saccostrea cucullata, thereby advancing the nutritional benefits and sustainability of aquaculture.

Ligand-based Exosome Affinity Purification (LEAP) Column Chromatography: A Tool for Clinical Applications

Nadiar M. Mussin — 2024-12-20

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that play essential roles in intercellular communication, carrying biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs that can influence physiological and pathological processes. The isolation of pure exosomes is critical for both basic research and clinical applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics. Traditional exosome isolation techniques, such as ultracentrifugation, lack specificity and may yield impure samples, making the need for advanced isolation techniques evident. Ligand-based exosome affinity purification (LEAP) column chromatography has emerged as a novel method that utilizes specific ligands targeting exosome surface markers, providing a highly specific, gentle, and scalable approach to exosome isolation. This mini review explores LEAP chromatography’s mechanism, benefits, and potential for clinical applications, emphasizing its g.rowing importance in exosome-based diagnostics and therapies.

The Role of Environmental Education in Improving Human Health: Literature Review

Marjan Barani — 2024-12-20

Environmental education (EE) has garnered attention for its potential to improve human health through various mechanisms. This literature review investigates the multifaceted role of EE in enhancing physical activity, promoting sustainable behaviors, and fostering psychological well-being. The integration of EE into school curricula, such as through outdoor classrooms and school gardens, has been shown to increase physical activity levels among students, leading to improved physical health outcomes, including reduced obesity rates and enhanced cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, EE programs that focus on organic farming and local food systems significantly influence participants’ dietary choices, promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, EE initiatives that emphasize reducing plastic use and promoting recycling contribute to lower environmental pollution and associated health risks. Psychological and social benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety levels and enhanced social cohesion, are also highlighted as key outcomes of EE programs. The empowerment of individuals and communities to advocate for health-promoting environmental policies is another notable benefit of EE, as it fosters environmental literacy and policy engagement. Despite these strengths, the review identifies gaps in the current research, such as the need for standardized program designs, objective measures of health behaviors, and longitudinal studies to assess long-term impacts. Addressing these gaps will enhance the understanding and effectiveness of EE in improving human health. This review underscores the importance of continued investment in and expansion of EE programs to maximize their health benefits and contribute to sustainable public health improvements.

Comparative Analysis of Vaccine-induced Immunity and Natural Immunity in Post-COVID Patients

Saulesh S. Kurmangaliyeva — 2024-12-20

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an urgent need to understand the differences between vaccine-induced and natural immunity, particularly in the context of post- COVID syndrome (long COVID). This review compares the immune responses elicited by natural infection and vaccination, focusing on their duration, strength, and effectiveness in mitigating long COVID symptoms. Vaccine-induced immunity, primarily targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, often produces a more consistent antibody and T-cell response, especially when bolstered by booster doses. In contrast, natural immunity, though broader in scope, is more variable and influenced by factors such as infection severity. Hybrid immunity, resulting from both infection and vaccination, may offer superior protection against long COVID. This comparative analysis highlights the importance of understanding these immune mechanisms to optimize protection strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

An Interdisciplinary Insight into the Ethnobiology of Mangroves: A Description of Human Health and Mangrove Health Relationships in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman Region

Farhad Rahmanifar — 2024-12-20

Mangrove ecosystems in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are vital for biodiversity conservation and the sustenance of coastal communities. This interdisciplinary study explores the ethnobiology of mangroves, integrating ecological, ethnographic, and socio-economic perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of humanmangrove relationships in this region. We analyze the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of mangroves, emphasizing their role in coastal protection and habitat provision. Ethnographic insights reveal the cultural significance and traditional knowledge associated with mangroves, highlighting their importance in the local heritage and identity. The socio-economic analysis underscores the economic value of mangroves and the impact of conservation efforts on local livelihoods. Additionally, we address the challenges posed by climate change, deforestation, and pollution, proposing sustainable management strategies that combine traditional practices with modern scientific approaches. By showcasing successful community-led conservation initiatives, this study underscores the potential for sustainable mangrove management that benefits both ecosystems and communities. Our findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and conservationists aiming to protect and sustainably manage mangrove ecosystems in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Psychological Reactions Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Survey in Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Arstan A. Mamyrbayev — 2024-12-20

This cross-sectional survey conducted in Atyrau, Kazakhstan aimed to underline the psychological reactions among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved sampling individuals from different age groups and employed standardized questionnaires to assess psychological and psychophysiological profiles, considering factors such as gender, age, education, and social status. A total of 798 participants were surveyed with informed consent obtained from all participants. The findings revealed a wide range of psychological reactions experienced by the urban population during the pandemic. Vulnerable groups, including the young, the elderly, and predominantly females, exhibited a significant negative impact on their psychological and psychophysical health. Factors such as education, social living conditions, family status, and income level played crucial roles in influencing individuals’ psychoemotional state. Comparative analysis between individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and those without the disease showed that the pandemic acted as a trigger for the manifestation of psychoemotional, psychophysiological, and mental disorders. The study emphasized the importance of psychoprophylactic measures and psychoeducational methods for all population groups, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Integration of mental health and psychosocial support services into the public health response was highlighted as crucial to mitigating the adverse effects on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being. Understanding the psychological reactions during the COVID- 19 pandemic provided valuable insights for developing effective interventions and support systems to alleviate the impact on individuals’ mental health. The study’s findings underscored the importance of addressing mental health needs and implementing targeted interventions to support the psychological well-being of the population.

Resynchronizing Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (CRT-D) for Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Raisa A. Aringazina — 2024-12-20

A cardiacresynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) corrects intracardiac mechanical dyssynchrony by pacing the right and left ventricles synchronized with the atrial rhythm. The CRT-D implantable cardioverter defibrillator is used in chronic heart failure (CHF) because patients with heart failure have a poor prognosis, with mortality rates averaging 15–60% per year. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator CRT-D improves the functional state of the heart and increases left ventricular systolic dysfunction.The purpose of the study wasto evaluate the effect of the implantable cardioverterdefibrillator CRT-D device on left ventricular function in patients with CHF.We selected patients with NYHA class III or IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 35%, and internal QRS complex duration of more than 150 ms for CRTD implantation among patients hospitalized in the cardiology department of Aktobe Medical Center (AMC) in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, from 2022 to 2023. Total 60 patients were monitored for 48 weeks with an assessment of left ventricular function after CRT-D implantation. At 48 weeks after implantation of the ventricular assist device, significant treatment outcomes were observed (p=0.001): physical tolerance increased from 268 m to 326 m within 6 minutes of the test and LV ejection fraction (EF,%) from 33 to 37% and decrease in QRSms duration from 154 to 128ms .Also, EDV/EDS (ml/cm) decreased from 249 to 160 mL/174 to 110cm. There was a correlation between EDS (cm) and 6MWD (m) levels (r=0.376; p=0.001). Thus, patients with CHF who were implanted with the CRT-D device showed improvement in left ventricular function.

Incidence of Postdural Puncture Headache With 25G Quincke Needle Versus 25G Whitacre Needle After Spinal Anesthesia for Caesarean Section in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Hymavathi J — 2024-12-20

Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is the renowned complication from spinal anesthesia in caesarean section (C-section). Advancements in modifications to needle gauge and needle tip over the past five decades have led to a significant reduction in PDPH incidence. The present study aimed to compare the Whitacre needle with the Quincke needle in reducing the PDPH incidence in subjects undergoing Csection.

Methodology: A tertiary care hospital recruited 100 patients, who were randomly divided into two groups, with 50 in each group. The patient’s age range was between 18 and 35 years and ASA grades I and II. The 25G-Quincke needle was used for Group A, and the 25G-Whitacre needle was used for Group B patients during C-section. The number of incidences, attempts, demographics, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and efficacy data were analyzed to prevent the PDPH instances. The results were compared statistically by an unpaired t-test for continuous normal data and a Mann–Whitney U test for continuous nonnormal data. The comparison between the two groups was done by the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical data.

Results: Among the 100 patients, no statistical significance was observed in demographic data, heart rate (HR), or mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in both groups at different time points. A significant difference between different days and PDPH was seen in group A, and no difference was observed in group B. PDPH severity was higher in group A than in group B. The duration of PDPH between 24 and 48 hours was longer in group A than group B. The number of spinal anesthesia attempts was higher in Group A (94%) than in Group B (86%).

Conclusion: The present study concludes that the PDPH incidence rate with 25G Whitacre needles was less compared to 25G Quincke needles. Thus, the pencil-point needle can be used regularly for C-section spinal anesthesia subjects.

Interleukin-6 Inhibitor Olokizumab in Hospitalized Adults with Moderate COVID-19: Results of a Single Center Observational Study

Svetlana V Topolyanskaya — 2024-12-20

A single-center observational study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the interleukin-6 inhibitor olokizumab in hospitalized adults with moderate COVID-19. This study enrolled 337 patients aged from 22 to 96 years old. After the administration of olokizumab, there was a significant reduction in body temperature, decrease in CRP, and an increase in the levels of blood cells. Revealed clinical improvement was seen in 69.7% of cases, 8.5% of patients showed deterioration in their condition and were transferred to the ICU, 13.6% died. Olokizumab was well tolerated except for slight elevation in live enzymes, such as aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase.