bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Bone Mineral Biomarkers on Cardiac Dysfunction in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Children
Authors: Ali Safaa , Saber Mohamed , Kassem Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Objective. To evaluate the association of bone mineral biomarkers of calcium, phosphorus metabolism, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D with diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle and left ventricle mass in predialysis chronic kidney children. Patients and Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 60 children with chronic kidney disease and treated by conservative treatment from October 2018 to September 2019 in the Pediatric Nephrology and Cardiology Department at our University Hospital. Results. The most common causes of CKD were congenital renal anomalies accounted for 22 (36.67%) of the studied cases. The mean age of children was7.05±2.74 years, and 32 (53.33%) were males. The children who had a normal diastolic function were 32 (53.33%), while those who had diastolic dysfunction were 28 (46.67%). There was a statistically significant in serum phosphorus (pvalue = 0.03), serum PTH (pvalue = 0.002), and hypertension (pvalue = 0.03). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between LVMI and iPTH level (r=0.89,p≤0.0001), 25(OH) cholecalciferol (r=−0.27,p=0.04), serum Ca (r=−0.37,p=0.004), and serum phosphorus (r=−0.45,p=0.0003). Conclusion. Our results revealed that hyperparathyroidism, hyperphosphatemia, and hypertension were significantly associated with diastolic dysfunction while hypovitaminosis D was not significantly associated. Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in all children with CKD. Biomarkers of mineral bone density were significantly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and increased left ventricular mass index.
Diagnostic Value of Seven Different Imaging Modalities for Patients with Neuroblastic Tumors: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yu , Xu Yanfeng , Kan Ying , Wang Wei , Yang Jigang
Published: September 2021

Objective. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the diagnostic value of seven different imaging modalities for the detection of neuroblastic tumors in diverse clinical settings. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify eligible studies from inception to Sep 29, 2020. Quality assessment of included studies was appraised with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Firstly, direct pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled estimates of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and DR. Next, NMA using Bayesian methods was performed. The superiority index was assessed to quantify the rank probability of a diagnostic test. The studies performed SPECT/CT or SPECT were analyzed separately from the ones only performed planar imaging. Results. A total of 1135 patients from 32 studies, including 7 different imaging modalities, were eligible for this NMA. In the pairwise meta-analysis, 18F-FDOPA PET/CT had a relatively high value of all the outcomes (sensitivity: 10.195 [5.332–19.493]; specificity: 17.906 [5.950–53.884]; NPV: 16.819 [7.033–40.218]; PPV: 11.154 [4.216–29.512]; and DR 5.616 [3.609–8.739]). In the NMA, 18F-FDOPA PET/CT exhibited relatively high sensitivity in all subgroups (all data: 0.94 [0.87–0.98]; primary tumor: 0.89 [0.53–1]; bone/bone marrow metastases: 0.96 [0.83–1]; and primary tumor and metastases (P + M): 0.92 [0.80–0.97]), the highest specificity in the subgroup of P + M (0.85 [0.61–0.97]), and achieved the highest superiority index in the subgroups of all data (8.57 [1–15]) and P + M (7.25 [1–13]). Conclusion. 18F-FDOPA PET/CT exhibited the best diagnostic performance in the comprehensive detection of primary tumor and metastases for neuroblastic tumors, followed by 68Ga-somatostatin analogs, 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), 18F-FDG, and 131I-MIBG tomographic imaging.
Synthesis of N-Methylmorpholinium Derivatives Possessing a 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Core as Feasible Antibacterial Agents against Plant Bacterial Diseases
Authors: Tuo Xinxin , Yang Jie , Zhang Yedong , Wang Peiyi
Published: September 2021

To develop a kind of quaternary ammonium compounds that can safely apply in agriculture for managing the plant bacterial diseases, herein, a series of N-methylmorpholinium derivatives possessing a classical 1,3,4-oxadiazole core were prepared and the antibacterial activities both in vitro and in vivo were screened. Bioassay results revealed that compounds 3l and 3i showed the strongest antibacterial activity toward pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and X. axonopodis pv. citri with the lowest EC50 values of 1.40 and 0.90 μg/mL, respectively. Phytotoxicity test trials indicated that target compounds bearing a bulky N-methylmorpholinium pendant are safe for plants. The following in vivo bioassays showed that compound 3l could control the rice bacterial blight disease, thereby affording good control efficiencies of 55.95% (curative activity) and 53.09% (protective activity) at the dose of 200 μg/mL. Preliminary antibacterial mechanism studies suggested that target compounds had strong interactions with the cell membrane of bacteria via scanning electron microscopy imaging. Additionally, this kind of framework also displayed certain antifungal activity toward Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora cinnamomi. Given the above privileged characteristics, this kind of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-tailored N-methylmorpholinium derivatives could stimulate the design of safe quaternary ammonium bactericides for controlling plant bacterial diseases.
Pulled versus Pushed Monocanalicular Silicone Intubation in Adults with Lacrimal Drainage System Stenosis: A Comparative Case Series
Authors: Kasaee Abolfazl , Eshraghi Bahram , Ameli Kambiz , Ghahvehchian Hossein , Jamshidian-Tehrani Mansooreh , Nabavi Amin , Inanloo Bahman
Published: September 2021

Purpose. To compare the success rate and complications of pulled versus pushed monocanalicular intubation in adults with incomplete lacrimal drainage system obstruction (lacrimal drainage system stenosis). Methods. Patients with lacrimal drainage system stenosis (Munk grade ≥3), including both nasolacrimal duct (NLD) stenosis and common canalicular stenosis, were recruited in this prospective comparative case series. Patients underwent probing and either Monoka (51 eyes) or Masterka (48 eyes) intubation under general or local anesthesia. Tubes were removed 4–14 weeks after the procedure. Six months after tube removal, Munk grades 0 and 1 were defined as a complete success, Munk grade 2 was defined as a partial success, and Munk grade ≥3 was defined as failure. All complications were recorded. Results. Ninety-nine eyes from 89 patients with lacrimal drainage system stenosis who underwent either Monoka (51 eyes) or Masterka (48 eyes) intubation were included. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 55.4 (12) years in the Monoka group and 53.5 (12.9) in the Masterka group. Groups were matched on demographics. Masterka intubation could not be performed in one eye. Complete and partial successes were observed in 52.9% (27/51) and 17.6% (9/51) of eyes in the Monoka group and 42.6% (20/47) and 12.8% (6/47) of eyes in the Masterka group, respectively (

p
=
0.29

). There was a trend toward a higher total success rate in patients with NLD stenosis treated with Monoka 66.7% (26/39) than Masterka 45.5% (15/33) intubation (

p
=
0.07

). This trend also existed in patients with common canalicular stenosis (83.3% (10/12) vs. 76.6% (11/14),

p
=
0.75

). Age, sex, bilateral involvement, and duration of intubation did not have a significant impact on the success rate. Early tube loss, slit puncta, and temporary superficial punctate keratopathy were observed complications. Conclusion. Intubation with the pulled monocanalicular silicone tube was associated with a slightly but not significantly higher success rate in adults with lacrimal drainage system stenosis. Patients with NLD stenosis may achieve better results with pulled silicone tubes.
Difference of Microfeatures among Diagenetic Facies in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Midwestern Region, Ordos Basin
Authors: Shi Jian , Wan Xiaolong , Xie Qichao , Zhou Shuxun , Zhou Yan , Ren Dazhong , Zhang Rongjun
Published: September 2021

Based on the background of sedimentary characteristics, a large amount of core and thin section analysis, taking Chang 6 reservoir of Yanchang Formation in the central and western Ordos Basin as an example, through the application of scanning electron microscopy, high-pressure mercury injection, nuclear magnetic resonance and microscopic water drive oil model, and other experimental test methods, the diagenetic facies types and microscopic pore structure characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs are discussed and analyzed in depth. The results show that the average porosity loss rate caused by early diagenesis compaction in the study area is 50.62%, which is the main reason for reservoir compactness. The cementation further causes porosity loss, and the later dissolution increases the reservoir space in the study area to a certain extent. Different diagenetic facies reservoirs not only have obvious differences in porosity evolution characteristics but also have significant differences in pore throat radius distribution characteristics, movable fluid occurrence characteristics, and water drive oil characteristics. The pore throat distribution with radius greater than R50∼R60 determines the permeability. The difference in movable fluid saturation mainly depends on the connectivity of the relative large pore space corresponding to the relaxation time greater than the cut-off value of T2. The size of pore throat radius has a good control effect on water flooding efficiency.
Embedded YOLO: A Real-Time Object Detector for Small Intelligent Trajectory Cars
Authors: Feng WenYu , Zhu YuanFan , Zheng JunTai , Wang Han
Published: September 2021

YOLO-Tiny is a lightweight version of the object detection model based on the original “You only look once” (YOLO) model for simplifying network structure and reducing parameters, which makes it suitable for real-time applications. Although the YOLO-Tiny series, which includes YOLOv3-Tiny and YOLOv4-Tiny, can achieve real-time performance on a powerful GPU, it remains challenging to leverage this approach for real-time object detection on embedded computing devices, such as those in small intelligent trajectory cars. To obtain real-time and high-accuracy performance on these embedded devices, a novel object detection lightweight network called embedded YOLO is proposed in this paper. First, a new backbone network structure, ASU-SPP network, is proposed to enhance the effectiveness of low-level features. Then, we designed a simplified version of the neck network module PANet-Tiny that reduces computation complexity. Finally, in the detection head module, we use depthwise separable convolution to reduce the number of convolution stacks. In addition, the number of channels is reduced to 96 dimensions so that the module can attain the parallel acceleration of most inference frameworks. With its lightweight design, the proposed embedded YOLO model has only 3.53M parameters, and the average processing time can reach 155.1 frames per second, as verified by Baidu smart car target detection. At the same time, compared with YOLOv3-Tiny and YOLOv4-Tiny, the detection accuracy is 6% higher.
Fabella Syndrome and Common Peroneal Neuropathy following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Diaz Connor C. , Agarwalla Avinesh , Forsythe Brian
Published: September 2021

Case. A 62-year-old man presented with persistent lateral knee pain 15 months following an uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty. There was a tendinous snapping structure over the lateral aspect of the knee in deep flexion with positive Tinel’s sign over the fibular head. The patient underwent an uncomplicated flabella excision. The patient was cleared to return to work and full duty at two months postoperatively. Conclusion. Flabella syndrome is a rare but increasingly common mechanism of persistent lateral knee pain following total knee arthroplasty. Surgeons should be aware of this etiology of persistent lateral knee pain and offer treatment modalities to address this pathology.
Antiplasmodial Activity of the Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Stem Barks of Gardenia ternifolia in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice
Authors: Nureye Dejen , Sano Muktar , Fekadu Mesfin , Duguma Tadesse , Tekalign Eyob
Published: September 2021

Background. The evolution of resistance to currently used malaria medicines together with the severe economic burden of malaria initiates the search for novel antimalarial drugs. Thus, the present experiment was intended to assess the in vivo antiplasmodial effect of Gardenia ternifolia based on the traditional claims and in vitro antimalarial effect of the plant. Methods. For the crude extraction of stem barks of G. ternifolia, a cold maceration method using hydromethanol as a solvent was employed. The hydroalcoholic extract was then fractionated by three solvents (chloroform, n-butanol, and aqueous solvent) with different polarity indexes. Swiss albino mice infected with the chloroquine-sensitive malaria parasite (Plasmodium berghei) were used in this study. Acute oral toxicity study was done according to standard protocols. Four-day suppressive (hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions), Rane’s (crude extract), and repository (crude extract) tests were used to examine the antiplasmodial effects of the study plant. Results. The chemosuppressive study revealed that all doses of the crude extract and its fractions displayed a significantP<0.001inhibition of parasitemia compared with the vehicle (negative control). The crude extract’s highest dose (600 mg/kg) showed the maximum (57.84%) parasitemia suppression during the chemosuppressive test. The crude extract also produced significantP<0.001curative and prophylactic effects at all doses in Rane’s and repository tests compared with the negative control. In the 4-day test, the n-butanol fraction produced parasitemia suppression higher than the chloroform fraction but lower than the crude extract. Of these, water fractions demonstrated the lowest chemosuppressive effect. Anthraquinone, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids were qualitatively detected in the plant material. Conclusion. The current results showed that the hydromethanolic extract and fractions of G. ternifolia stem barks have antiplasmodial action with a high curative effect. Chloroform and n-butanol fractions were more active among the fractions, indicating that the nonpolar and semipolar constituents of the plant are responsible for the antimalarial effects.
Sleeping Beauty Transposon Mutagenesis Identifies Genes Driving the Initiation and Metastasis of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Kodama Michiko , Shimura Hiroko , Tien Jean C. , Newberg Justin Y. , Kodama Takahiro , Wei Zhubo , Rangel Roberto , Yoshihara Kosuke , Kuruma Airi , Nakae Aya , Hashimoto Kae , Sawada Kenjiro , Kimura Tadashi , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G.
Published: September 2021

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is a malignancy, which arises from the uterine smooth muscle. Because of its rarity, aggressive nature, and extremely poor prognosis, the molecular mechanisms driving ULMS remain elusive. To identify candidate cancer genes (CCG) driving ULMS, we conducted an in vivo Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon mutagenesis screen in uterine myometrium–specific, PTEN knockout, KRAS mutant (PTEN KO/KRAS) mice. ULMS quickly developed in SB PTEN KO/KRAS mice, but not in PTEN KO/KRAS mice, demonstrating the critical importance of SB mutagenesis for driving ULMS in this model. Subsequent sequencing of SB insertion sites in these tumors identified 19 ULMS CCGs that were significantly enriched in known cancer genes. Among them, Zfp217 and Sfmbt2 functioned at early stages of tumor initiation and appeared to be oncogenes. Expression of ZNF217, the human homolog of ZFP217, was shown to be elevated in human ULMS compared with paired normal uterine smooth muscle, where it negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Inhibition of ZNF217 suppressed, whereas overexpression induced, proliferation, survival, migration, and stemness of human ULMS. In a second ex vivo ULMS SB metastasis screen, three CCGs were identified that may drive ULMS metastasis to the lung. One of these CCGs, Nrd1 (NRDC in humans), showed stronger expression in human metastatic tumors compared with primary ULMS and negatively associated with patient survival. NRDC knockdown impaired migration and adhesion without affecting cell proliferation, whereas overexpression had the opposite effect. Together, these results reveal novel mechanism driving ULMS tumorigenesis and metastasis and identify ZNF217 and NRDC as potential targets for ULMS therapy.

Significance:

An in vivo Sleeping Beauty transposon mutagenesis screen identifies candidate cancer genes that drive initiation and progression of uterine leiomyosarcoma and may serve as therapeutic targets.
Scratching Below the Ovarian Cancer GWAS Surface
Authors: Peres Lauren C. , Monteiro Alvaro N.
Published: September 2021

Despite recent notable treatment advancements, ovarian cancer survival rates remain poor, with about half of women surviving five years after diagnosis. Uncovering novel prognostic factors is critical to better understand and reduce mortality from this deadly disease. While genome-wide association studies have identified numerous loci associated with risk of epithelial ovarian cancer, the investigation of genetic factors associated with outcomes among women with ovarian cancer has been limited due to several challenges summarized in the present commentary. Using data from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, Quinn and colleagues conducted a genome-wide association study of patients with ovarian cancer receiving debulking surgery and standard chemotherapy as first-line treatment, revealing a locus at 12q24.33 associated with progression-free survival. Experimental evidence suggests that ULK1, a gene coding for a serine/threonine kinase implicated in autophagy, is the target of the association. We discuss the novelty of these findings, unanswered questions, and next steps for the road ahead in translating the work of Quinn and colleagues into clinical practice.

See related article by Quinn et al., p. 1669
A Clinical PET Imaging Tracer ([18F]DASA-23) to Monitor Pyruvate Kinase M2–Induced Glycolytic Reprogramming in Glioblastoma
Authors: Beinat Corinne , Patel Chirag B. , Haywood Tom , Murty Surya , Naya Lewis , Castillo Jessa B. , Reyes Samantha T. , Phillips Megan , Buccino Pablo , Shen Bin , Park Jun Hyung , Koran Mary Ellen I. , Alam Israt S. , James Michelle L. , Holley Dawn , Halbert Kim , Gandhi Harsh , He Joy Q. , Granucci Monica , Johnson Eli , Liu Daniel Dan , Uchida Nobuko , Sinha Rahul , Chu Pauline , Born Donald E. , Warnock Geoffrey I. , Weissman Irving , Hayden-Gephart Melanie , Khalighi Mehdi , Massoud Tarik F. , Iagaru Andrei , Davidzon Guido , Thomas Reena , Nagpal Seema , Recht Lawrence D. , Gambhir Sanjiv Sam
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) catalyzes the final step in glycolysis, a key process of cancer metabolism. PKM2 is preferentially expressed by glioblastoma (GBM) cells with minimal expression in healthy brain. We describe the development, validation, and translation of a novel PET tracer to study PKM2 in GBM. We evaluated 1-((2-fluoro-6-[18F]fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)-4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazine ([18F]DASA-23) in cell culture, mouse models of GBM, healthy human volunteers, and patients with GBM.

Experimental Design:

[18F]DASA-23 was synthesized with a molar activity of 100.47 ± 29.58 GBq/μmol and radiochemical purity >95%. We performed initial testing of [18F]DASA-23 in GBM cell culture and human GBM xenografts implanted orthotopically into mice. Next, we produced [18F]DASA-23 under FDA oversight, and evaluated it in healthy volunteers and a pilot cohort of patients with glioma.

Results:

In mouse imaging studies, [18F]DASA-23 clearly delineated the U87 GBM from surrounding healthy brain tissue and had a tumor-to-brain ratio of 3.6 ± 0.5. In human volunteers, [18F]DASA-23 crossed the intact blood–brain barrier and was rapidly cleared. In patients with GBM, [18F]DASA-23 successfully outlined tumors visible on contrast-enhanced MRI. The uptake of [18F]DASA-23 was markedly elevated in GBMs compared with normal brain, and it identified a metabolic nonresponder within 1 week of treatment initiation.

Conclusions:

We developed and translated [18F]DASA-23 as a new tracer that demonstrated the visualization of aberrantly expressed PKM2 for the first time in human subjects. These results warrant further clinical evaluation of [18F]DASA-23 to assess its utility for imaging therapy–induced normalization of aberrant cancer metabolism.
Imaging of Cancer γ-Secretase Activity Using an Inhibitor-Based PET Probe
Authors: Nie Pengju , Kalidindi Teja , Nagle Veronica L. , Wu Xianzhong , Li Thomas , Liao George P. , Frost Georgia , Henry Kelly E. , Punzalan Blesida , Carter Lukas M. , Lewis Jason S. , Pillarsetty Naga Vara Kishore , Li Yue-Ming
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

Abnormal Notch signaling promotes cancer cell growth and tumor progression in various cancers. Targeting γ-secretase, a pivotal regulator in the Notch pathway, has yielded numerous γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) for clinical investigation in the last 2 decades. However, GSIs have demonstrated minimal success in clinical trials in part due to the lack of specific and precise tools to assess γ-secretase activity and its inhibition in vivo.

Experimental Design:

We designed an imaging probe based on GSI Semagacestat structure and synthesized the radioiodine-labeled analogues [131I]- or [124I]-PN67 from corresponding trimethyl-tin precursors. Both membrane- and cell-based ligand-binding assays were performed using [131I]-PN67 to determine the binding affinity and specificity for γ-secretase in vitro. Moreover, we evaluated [124I]-PN67 by PET imaging in mammary tumor and glioblastoma mouse models.

Results:

The probe was synthesized through iodo-destannylation using chloramine-T as an oxidant with a high labeling yield and efficiency. In vitro binding results demonstrate the high specificity of this probe and its ability for target replacement study by clinical GSIs. PET imaging studies demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increased in the uptake of [124I]-PN67 in tumors versus blocking or sham control groups across multiple mouse models, including 4T1 allograft, MMTV-PyMT breast cancer, and U87 glioblastoma allograft. Ex vivo biodistribution and autoradiography corroborate these results, indicating γ-secretase specific tumor accumulation of [124I]-PN67.

Conclusions:

[124I]-PN67 is a novel PET imaging agent that enables assessment of γ-secretase activity and target engagement of clinical GSIs.
Operative Procedure in a Suprasellar Paediatric Lesion of the Optic Chiasm with Hydrocephalus Caused by a Papillary Glioneuronal Tumour
Authors: Saratziotis Athanasios , Zanotti Claudia , Munari Sara , Pavone Chiara , Cazzador Diego , Denaro Luca , Emanuelli Enzo
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Paediatric tumours in the sellar and parasellar regions present clinical and surgical challenges due to anatomical position and behaviour. We illustrate a rare case which caused obstructive hydrocephalus. Case Presentation: The study included a 14-year-old girl with a glioneuronal tumour (40 mm) originating from the optic chiasm, obliterating the aqueduct, with consequent triventricular hydrocephalus. The patient underwent extended endoscopic endonasal surgery and repair of the skull-base deficiency using a multi-layer technique with fascia lata. The 12-month follow-up showed no complications or recurrences, with recovery in visual acuity. Conclusion: The immediate placement of external ventricular drainage, in combination with an extended trans-sphenoidal approach, is a safe and feasible option to treat suprasellar paediatric lesions with hydrocephalus.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in a Large Cohort of Italian Patients: Evaluation of the Burden of Disease
Authors: Fabbrocini Gabriella , Ruina Giulia , Giovanardi Giulia , Dini Valentina , Raone Beatrice , Venturini Marina , Caposiena Caro Raffaele Dante , Veraldi Stefano , Cannavò Serafinella Patrizia , Merlo Giulia , Bertoldi Alberto Maria , Fiorentini Federica , Molinelli Elisa , Atzori Laura , Bongiorno Maria Rita , Lo Re Michele , Skroza Nevena , Lasagni Claudia , Franchi Chiara , Ardigò Marco , Di Costanzo Luisa , Stingeni Luca , Amerio Paolo , Sanna Federica , Pescitelli Leonardo , Broganelli Paolo , De Cupis Claudia , Gualberti Giuliana , Saragaglia Valeria , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent, debilitating skin disease of the hair follicle that usually occurs after puberty with painful, deep-seated, inflamed nodules and sinus tracts in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body, most commonly the axillae and inguinal and anogenital regions, with a relevant impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). Objective: To evaluate how the burden of HS disease impacts on patient well-being and working activities in a large Italian population over a period of 9 months. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, epidemiologic cohort study was conducted in adult Italian patients with HS. HS severity was assessed through Hurley stage and HS Physician’s Global Assessment (HS-PGA), clinical improvement by HS Clinical Response (HiSCR) and partial response, and disease burden through QoL questionnaires (HIDRAdisk, Skindex-16, Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment – General Health (WPAI:GH). Results: A total of 308 patients (56.2% women; mean age 35.2 ± 12.9 years) were enrolled in 27 dermatologic clinics. Men were older (37.4 years vs. 33.5), more smoking addicted (74.1% vs. 60.1%), and alcohol consumer (34.1% vs. 13.9%), while more women were obese (34.10% vs. 22.22%). At baseline, most patients had a Hurley severity stage of 2 (43.9%), a moderate HS-PGA score (57.1%), and poor QoL (HIDRAdisk: 65.7 ± 23.3, Skindex-16: 60.3 ± 26.9, and DLQI: 10.8 ± 8.1). Patients with more severe disease showed worse QoL. Mean values for the variables related to HS severity decreased during the study period. The achievement of HiSCR and partial response increased during the study. Conclusion: This study offers insight into the disease burden of HS in an Italian population. Our results underline the impact of QoL evaluation, also with the use of the HIDRAdisk, in clinical routine as a support to validated severity clinical and instrumental indexes for a “360-degree” assessment of HS patient’s burden of disease.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated with Increased Risk of Psoriasis: A Nationwide Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Cheng-Yuan , Dai Ying-Xiu , Chang Yun-Ting , Bai Ya-Mei , Tsai Shih-Jen , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Chen Mu-Hong
Published: September 2021

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely used drugs. Little is known about the association between PPI use and risk of psoriasis. Objective: To investigate the association between PPI use and subsequent psoriasis risk. Methods: We included participants from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with PPI use and an incidence of psoriasis (n = 5,756) were assigned to the case cohort and 1:1 matched to controls. PPI use was defined as >30 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs); PPI nonuse was defined as ≤30 cDDDs. Logistic regression was used for the analyses. Results: There was a significant association between PPI use and psoriasis risk. The confounder-adjusted odd ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 1.52 (1.31–1.76) and 1.54 (1.22–1.93) for patients with 120–365 cDDDs and >365 cDDDs, respectively, compared with PPI nonusers. Stratified analyses based on PPI type showed that exposure to lansoprazole (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11–1.41) was associated with subsequent psoriasis risk. Conclusions: PPI use might be associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis or as an epiphenomenon. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the association and underlying mechanisms.
Developing a Novel Measurement of Sleep in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Study Proposal for Approach and Considerations
Authors: Crouthamel Michelle , Mather Robert J. , Ramachandran Suraj , Bode Kai , Chatterjee Godhuli , Garcia-Gancedo Luis , Kim Joseph , Alaj Rinol , Wipperman Matthew F. , Leyens Lada , Sillen Henrik , Murphy Tina , Benecky Michael , Maggio Brandon , Switzer Thomas
Published: September 2021

The development of novel digital endpoints (NDEs) using digital health technologies (DHTs) may provide opportunities to transform drug development. It requires a multidisciplinary, multi-study approach with strategic planning and a regulatory-guided pathway to achieve regulatory and clinical acceptance. Many NDEs have been explored; however, success has been limited. To advance industry use of NDEs to support drug development, we outline a theoretical, methodological study as a use-case proposal to describe the process and considerations when developing and obtaining regulatory acceptance for an NDE to assess sleep in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients often suffer joint pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances (SDs). Although many researchers have investigated the mobility of joint functions using wearable technologies, the research of SD in RA has been limited due to the availability of suitable technologies. We proposed measuring the improvement of sleep as the novel endpoint for an anti-TNF therapy and described the meaningfulness of the measure, considerations of tool selection, and the design of clinical validation. The recommendations from the FDA patient-focused drug development guidance, the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI) pathway for developing novel endpoints from DHTs, and the V3 framework developed by the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) have been incorporated in the proposal. Regulatory strategy and engagement pathways are also discussed.
Difficulties in the Use of Everyday Technology among Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaint and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Ikeda Yuriko , Maruta Michio , Shimokihara Suguru , Nakamura Atsushi , Han Gwanghee , Tabira Takayuki
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The ability to use everyday technology (ET) is becoming increasingly necessary for maintaining domestic and social lives. For older adults, difficulties with using ETs can begin at the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) state and may indicate increasing cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed investigation into the ability to use ETs among Japanese older community-dwelling adults at 3 stages of cognitive function and the ability to carry out daily activities. Method: We analyzed family members’ responses to questions about older adults with cognitive decline in their families. A total of 168 older adults with subjective memory complaints (SMC) or cognitive decline and inconvenience in daily life were analyzed. A questionnaire was used to assess the characteristics, ability to use ETs, and ability to manage refrigerator contents, all of which can be early signs of dementia. Participants were divided 3 groups by the type of dementia: SMC (n = 77), MCI (n = 36), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (n = 55) for comparison. Result: The observation list of early signs of dementia (OLD) total score indicated a significant positive correlation with the number of ET errors (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) and number of difficulties with refrigerator management (r = 0.18, p = 0.031). Regarding number of ET errors, there was a significant main effect for the 3 groups, and the SMC group made significantly fewer errors than the AD group (p = 0.02). In 7 of the 11 ET categories, errors with using ETs were associated with all 3 groups, with the SMC group making fewer errors, and the AD group making more. Regarding difficulties with refrigerator management, 2 out of 9 problems were associated with the 3 groups, with the SMC group having fewer difficulties and the AD group having more. Discussion/Conclusion: The results indicated that the ability to use ETs and to manage refrigerator contents begins to decline at the SMC stage. Further evaluation of the ability to use ETs is needed for older adults with SMC so that adequate support in the context of the individual can be provided.
Uncertainty Promotes Neuroreductionism: A Behavioral Online Study on Folk Psychological Causal Inference from Neuroimaging Data
Authors: Carmon Jona , Bammel Moritz , Brugger Peter , Lenggenhager Bigna
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Increased efforts in neuroscience try to understand mental disorders as brain disorders. In the present study, we investigate how common a neuroreductionist inclination is among highly educated people. In particular, we shed light on implicit presuppositions of mental disorders little is known about in the public, exemplified here by the case of body integrity dysphoria (BID) that is considered a mental disorder for the first time in ICD-11. Methods: Identically graphed, simulated data of mind-brain correlations were shown in 3 contexts with presumably different presumptions about causality. 738 highly educated lay people rated plausibility of causality attribution from the brain to mind and from mind to the brain for correlations between brain structural properties and mental phenomena. We contrasted participants’ plausibility ratings of causality in the contexts of commonly perceived brain lesion-induced behavior (aphasia), behavior-induced training effects (piano playing), and a newly described mental disorder (BID). Results: The findings reveal the expected context-dependent modulation of causality attributions in the contexts of aphasia and piano playing. Furthermore, we observed a significant tendency to more readily attribute causal inference from the brain to mind than vice versa with respect to BID. Conclusion: In some contexts, exemplified here by aphasia and piano playing, unidirectional causality attributions may be justified. However, with respect to BID, we critically discuss presumably unjustified neuroreductionist inclinations under causal uncertainty. Finally, we emphasize the need for a presupposition-free approach in psychiatry.
Impact of Screening for Sexual Trauma in a Gynecologic Oncology Setting
Authors: Gordinier Mary E. , Shields Lisa B.E. , Davis Mary Helen , Cagata Sibyl , Lorenz Douglas J.
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Sexual trauma poses a significant concern and is associated with heightened stress, negative health repercussions, and adverse economic effects. A history of abuse may increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer, in particular cervical cancer. We analyzed the impact of screening for sexual abuse in a gynecologic oncology population. Methods: Patients were screened for sexual trauma in a gynecologic oncology clinic over 5 and a half years (April 1, 2011, to September 30, 2016) in this cohort study. The screening questions were selected by behavioral oncology physicians and integrated into the gynecologic history component of the new patient assessment. Patients who screened positive for a history of sexual abuse or intimate partner violence were offered a behavioral oncology referral. Providers were also questioned about the effect of screening on their practice. Results: Of the 1,423 consecutive patients screened for sexual trauma, a total of 164 patients (12%) disclosed a history of sexual abuse. Of the 133 patients who specified their age at the sexual trauma, the majority (107 [80%]) responded that they were a young child or early teen. Most patients (92%) declined counseling. Among individuals presenting with cancer, the distribution of cancer type was statistically different between those patients with and without a sexual trauma history (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Screening for sexual trauma in a gynecologic oncologic population serves as a valuable opportunity to uncover a history of abuse that may increase a woman’s susceptibility to cancer. This study demonstrates that screening for sexual abuse in a gynecologic oncology setting may be integrated into new patient interviews with minimal disruption. Identification of an undisclosed sexual trauma history allows for an opportunity to offer counseling and minimize the emotional distress that may be precipitated by treatment and exams.
Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Macimorelin in Children with Suspected Growth Hormone Deficiency: An Open-Label, Group Comparison, Dose-Escalation Trial
Authors: Csákváry Violetta , Ammer Nicola , Bagci Ekaterine Bakhtadze , Bolshova Olena V. , Damholt Birgitte Bentz , Katanic Dragan , Mikhailova Evgenia , Muzsnai Ágota , Raduk Dmitri , Senatorova Ganna , Szalecki Mieczysław , Teifel Michael , Vajda Zsolt , Zelinska Nataliya , Chaychenko Tetyana
Published: September 2021

Background/Aims: Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children requires the use of provocative growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests, which can have limited reliability and are potentially contraindicated in some patients. This is the first paediatric study to test the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) of macimorelin, an oral GH secretagogue, approved for diagnosis of adult GHD. Methods: In this open-label, group comparison, single-dose escalation trial (EudraCT 2018-001988-23), sequential cohorts of patients (C1–C3) received ascending single doses of macimorelin: 0.25 (C1), 0.5 (C2), and 1.0 (C3) mg/kg. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, and secondary endpoints were PK/PD. Results: Twenty-four patients aged between 2 and <18 with suspected GHD participated in the study. No macimorelin-related adverse events were reported, and macimorelin was well tolerated. Plasma macimorelin concentrations increased with dose: mean areas under the curve were 6.69 (C1), 18.02 (C2), and 30.92 (C3) h × ng/mL; mean maximum concentrations were 3.46 (C1), 8.13 (C2), and 12.87 (C3) ng/mL. GH concentration increased following macimorelin administration: mean times of maximum measured concentration were 52.5 (C1), 37.5 (C2), and 37.5 (C3) min. Conclusion: All 3 doses of macimorelin had excellent safety and tolerability with PK/PD profiles in expected ranges. These results support the use of 1.0 mg/mL macimorelin in a Phase 3 test validation trial in children.
ПИТАННЯ СУЧАСНОЇ ДІАГНОСТИКИ ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ СТРОНГІЛОЇДОЗУ
Authors: Будаєва І. В. , Шевельова О. В. , Маврутенков В. В. , Чикаренко З. О. , Якуніна О. М.
Published: September 2021

Strongyloidiasis – паразитарна інвазія (шифр за МКБ – Х-В78) переважно субтропічних і тропічних регіо­нів земної кулі, на пострадянському просторі реєструється в Грузії, Азербайджані, Молдові, Україні. Сприйнятливі до паразитозу люди будь-якого віку. Життєвий цикл Strongyloides має дві незалежні стадії розвитку: стадія вільного перебування у зовнішньому середовищу і паразитичний цикл в організмі людини з феноменом автоінвазії.
ЕПІДЕМІОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ COVID-19: ОГЛЯД ПЕРЕБІГУ ТА ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ
Authors: Шульгай А. Г. , Теренда Н. О. , Сатурська Г. С. , Панчишин Н. Я. , Литвинова О. Н. , Слободян Н. О.
Published: September 2021

Мета: проаналізувати особливості поширеності коронавірусної хвороби в Україні та світі для визначення пріоритетів організації лікувальної та профілактичної допомоги.

Матеріали і методи. У роботі використано бібліографічний, медико-статистичний, епідеміологічний, аналі­тич­ний методи. Здійснено аналіз наукової літератури та проаналізовано статистичні дані Всесвітньої організації охорони здоров’я та Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation щодо захворюваності та прогнозування захворю­ваності, смертності, і відповідно, потреби лікарняних ресурсів для лікування хворих на COVID-19.

Результати. У березні 2021 р. відбулося істотне зростання випадків захворювань та смерті від COVID-19 в європейському регіоні, США, країнах Близького Сходу. Згідно з прогнозними даними Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, до 1 липня 2021 р. загальна кількість випадків смерті від COVID-19 сягне близько 4,5 млн осіб, в Україні – 61,5 тис. осіб зі значною кількістю у квітні та травні. До 1 серпня ці показники можуть становити 4,7 млн осіб та 63,1 тис. осіб відповідно. Таке істотне зростання захворюваності на COVID-19 підвищує потребу системи охорони здоров’я у ліжках для лікування хворих на коронавірусну інфекцію у квітні до 40–43 тис. ліжок та до 2400–2600 ліжок інтенсивної терапії.

Висновки. Отримані дані свідчать про наявність третьої хвилі COVID-19 у світі в квітні та травні 2021 р., яка охо­пила переважно країни європейського регіону, Північної Америки та Близького Сходу. Задля зменшення негатив­ного впливу пандемії COVID-19 на здоров’я населення потрібно посилити процес вакцинації та дотримуватися правил протиепідемічного захисту.
РЕТРОСПЕКТИВНЕ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ОНКОГІНЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ ПАТОЛОГІЇ У 2015–2019 РОКАХ
Authors: Теренда Н. О. , Гандзюк Н. М.
Published: September 2021

Мета: вивчити захворюваність, смертність та фактори ризику розвитку онкогінекологічної патології за 2015–2019 рр.

Матеріали і методи. Проаналізовано дані Національного канцер-реєстру України за 2015–2019 рр. Використано бібліосемантичний, епідеміологічний, аналітичний методи дослідження.

Результати. У статті наведено дані щодо захворюваності, смертності та факторів ризику поширеності онкогінекологічних патологій репродуктивних органів – молочної залози, шийки та тіла матки. За період 2015–2019 рр. відзначено зростання захворюваності на рак молочної залози – з 70,0 до 77,5 на 100 тис. жіночого населення. Серед факторів ризику виникнення онкогінекологічних патологій виділяють вік (30–54 роки, 55–74 роки), раннє менархе, безпліддя та відсутність пологів, приймання оральних контрацептивів або замісної гормональної терапії, нерегулярні статеві відносини, жіноча самотність; наявність супутньої патології (цукровий діабет, гіпертензія, надлишкова маса тіла або ожиріння), генетична схильність; поведінкові ризики (низька фізична активність, вживання алкоголю, тютюнокуріння як активне, так і пасивне).

Висновки. Результати проведених досліджень свідчать про необхідність удосконалення системи раннього виявлення та профілактики онкогінекологічної патології. Існує потреба в створенні програмних заходів щодо раннього виявлення передпухлинних захворювань, своєчасного та якісного надання медичної допомоги хворим цієї категорії, а також сприянні загострення уваги самих жінок на проблемі раку та спонукати їх більш відповідально ставитись до власного здоров’я.
ПРОФЕСІЙНЕ ВИГОРАННЯ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ ЕКСТРЕНОЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ (НА ПРИКЛАДІ ЛЬВІВСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ)
Authors: Теренда Н. О. , Павлів Т. Б. , Слободян Н. О.
Published: September 2021

Мета: оцінити наявність професійного вигорання у працівників екстреної медичної допомоги.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено опитування 157 працівників екстреної медичної допомоги Львівської області з використанням тесту професійного вигорання за К. Маслач і С. Джексоном для визначення наявності та ступеня професійного вигорання.

Результати. За результатами дослідження виявлено переважання серед респондентів працівників віком до 49 років (81 %) та жінок 58 %. Більшість серед респондентів становили молодші спеціалісти з медичною освітою. Висока професійна кваліфікація підтверджується наявністю вищої кваліфікаційної категорії більше ніж у половини опитаних.

У (50,32±3,99) % виявляли середній рівень емоційного виснаження, в (22,29±3,32) % – високий. При визначенні деперсоналізації особи низький рівень спостерігали в (28,66±3,61) %, середній – у (61,78±3,88) %, високий – в (7,64±2,12) %. Середній рівень редукції особистих досягнень виявлено в (23,57±3,39) %, високий – у (51,59±3,99) %, дуже високий – в (22,93±3,36) % респондентів.

У середньому рівень професійного вигорання у респондентів становив 53,38±0,91 (середній рівень). При встановленні кореляційно-регресійного зв’язку виявлено вплив віку rxy=0,2563 (р=0,001) та професійного стажу роботи rxy=0,3225 (р=0,000) на розвиток професійного вигорання.

Висновки. У працівників екстреної медичної допомоги Львівської області виявлено в (62,42±3,86) % середній та у (1,27±0,89) % високий рівні професійного вигорання. Одними із факторів, які спричинили розвиток професійного вигорання, були вік респондентів та їх стаж роботи в екстреній медичній допомозі. Опосередковано на високий рівень професійного вигорання вплинула пандемія COVID-19.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ МЕДИЧНОГО СТРАХУВАННЯ В УКРАЇНІ У СУЧАСНИХ УМОВАХ
Authors: Климук Н. Я.
Published: September 2021

Мета: з’ясувати особливості медичного страхування в сучасних умовах з урахуванням захворюваності населення.

Матеріали і методи. Використано наукові статті вітчизняних і закордонних науковців, довідники Державної служби статистики України, звітні матеріали Центру громадського здоров’я МОЗ України та Міністерства охорони здоров’я України. Під час виконання даного дослідження використано методи структурування, аналізу та узагальнення інформації.

Результати. У статті здійснено систематизацію наукових підходів щодо розуміння сутності категорії «медичне страхування». Для цього проведено аналіз нормативно-правової бази, що забезпечує регулювання медичного страхування в Україні, а також вивчення наукової літератури. На основі цього аналізу сформовано комплексне визначення категорії «медичне страхування». Визначено об’єкт, предмет і суб’єкт страхової діяльності. Окреслено основні особливості обов’язкового та добровільного медичного страхування. Наведено основні групи факторів ризику, які впливають на стан здоров’я населення: соціально-економічні індикатори розвитку економіки; стан еко­логії; рівень розвитку охорони здоров’я та ризики, пов’язані з розповсюдженістю окремих захворювань і смертністю від них. На основі дослідження виявлено основні проблеми розвитку медичного страхування: недосконалість нормативно-правового регулювання, нерівномірний розподіл коштів та недостатній рівень надання медичної допомоги.

Висновки. Сьогодні система охорони здоров’я нашої країни перебуває не лише у фінансовій, але й в організаційній кризі, що спричинена нерівномірним розподілом коштів та недостатнім рівнем надання медичної допомоги. Кроком до розв’язання проблем, що були означені у системі медичного забезпечення, може виступити проведення медичної реформи і, зокрема, впровадження загальнообов’язкового медичного страхування.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ КОМП’ЮТЕРНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ В УМОВАХ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ ЗДОБУВАЧАМИ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ МЕДИЧНОГО ПРОФІЛЮ
Authors: Волч І. Р. , Михайлишин Г. І.
Published: September 2021

Професійна підготовка майбутніх медичних фахівців регламентована законодавчими документами і державними галузевими стандартами, які є орієнтирами для цілеспрямованого планування й організації освітнього процесу, змісту професійної підготовки, вибору методів і засобів, прогнозування результатів тощо.
Мета – обґрунтування особливостей підготовки майбутніх медичних працівників до професійної діяльності з використанням сучасних інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій (ІКТ) в умовах дистанційного навчання.
Матеріал і методи. Опрацьовано праці вітчизняних і зарубіжних дослідників, вивчено особливості застосування ІКТ в умовах дистанційної освіти на основі результатів досліджень науковців і практичних працівників.
Результати. ІКТ активно впливають на процес навчання і виховання студентів, оскільки змінюють схему передавання знань і методи навчання.
Висновки. Удосконалення системи освіти на основі інформаційних технологій, широке впровадження в навчальний процес ІКТ привели до появи віртуальних університетів та відкритої системи освіти.