bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double matrix completion for circRNA-disease association prediction
Authors: Zuo Zong-Lan , Cao Rui-Fen , Wei Pi-Jing , Xia Jun-Feng , Zheng Chun-Hou
Published: June 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNA molecules with a closed-loop structure. A growing body of research has shown that circRNAs are closely related to the development of diseases. Because biological experiments to verify circRNA-disease associations are time-consuming and wasteful of resources, it is necessary to propose a reliable computational method to predict the potential candidate circRNA-disease associations for biological experiments to make them more efficient.

Results

In this paper, we propose a double matrix completion method (DMCCDA) for predicting potential circRNA-disease associations. First, we constructed a similarity matrix of circRNA and disease according to circRNA sequence information and semantic disease information. We also built a Gauss interaction profile similarity matrix for circRNA and disease based on experimentally verified circRNA-disease associations. Then, the corresponding circRNA sequence similarity and semantic similarity of disease are used to update the association matrix from the perspective of circRNA and disease, respectively, by matrix multiplication. Finally, from the perspective of circRNA and disease, matrix completion is used to update the matrix block, which is formed by splicing the association matrix obtained in the previous step with the corresponding Gaussian similarity matrix. Compared with other approaches, the model of DMCCDA has a relatively good result in leave-one-out cross-validation and five-fold cross-validation. Additionally, the results of the case studies illustrate the effectiveness of the DMCCDA model.

Conclusion

The results show that our method works well for recommending the potential circRNAs for a disease for biological experiments.
Protein functional module identification method combining topological features and gene expression data
Authors: Zhao Zihao , Xu Wenjun , Chen Aiwen , Han Yueyue , Xia Shengrong , Xiang ChuLei , Wang Chao , Jiao Jun , Wang Hui , Yuan Xiaohui , Gu Lichuan
Published: June 2021

Background

The study of protein complexes and protein functional modules has become an important method to further understand the mechanism and organization of life activities. The clustering algorithms used to analyze the information contained in protein-protein interaction network are effective ways to explore the characteristics of protein functional modules.

Results

This paper conducts an intensive study on the problems of low recognition efficiency and noise in the overlapping structure of protein functional modules, based on topological characteristics of PPI network. Developing a protein function module recognition method ECTG based on Topological Features and Gene expression data for Protein Complex Identification.

Conclusions

The algorithm can effectively remove the noise data reflected by calculating the topological structure characteristic values in the PPI network through the similarity of gene expression patterns, and also properly use the information hidden in the gene expression data. The experimental results show that the ECTG algorithm can detect protein functional modules better.
Identification of long noncoding natural antisense transcripts (lncNATs) correlated with drought stress response in wild rice (Oryza nivara)
Authors: Xu Yong-Chao , Zhang Jie , Zhang Dong-Yan , Nan Ying-Hui , Ge Song , Guo Ya-Long
Published: June 2021

Background

Wild rice, including Oryza nivara and Oryza rufipogon, which are considered as the ancestors of Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), possess high genetic diversity and serve as a crucial resource for breeding novel cultivars of cultivated rice. Although rice domestication related traits, such as seed shattering and plant architecture, have been intensively studied at the phenotypic and genomic levels, further investigation is needed to understand the molecular basis of phenotypic differences between cultivated and wild rice. Drought stress is one of the most severe abiotic stresses affecting rice growth and production. Adaptation to drought stress involves a cascade of genes and regulatory factors that form complex networks. O. nivara inhabits swampy areas with a seasonally dry climate, which is an ideal material to discover drought tolerance alleles. Long noncoding natural antisense transcripts (lncNATs), a class of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate the corresponding sense transcripts and play an important role in plant growth and development. However, the contribution of lncNATs to drought stress response in wild rice remains largely unknown.

Results

Here, we conducted strand-specific RNA sequencing (ssRNA-seq) analysis of Nipponbare (O. sativa) and two O. nivara accessions (BJ89 and BJ278) to determine the role of lncNATs in drought stress response in wild rice. A total of 1246 lncRNAs were identified, including 1091 coding–noncoding NAT pairs, of which 50 were expressed only in Nipponbare, and 77 were expressed only in BJ89 and/or BJ278. Of the 1091 coding–noncoding NAT pairs, 240 were differentially expressed between control and drought stress conditions. Among these 240 NAT pairs, 12 were detected only in Nipponbare, and 187 were detected uniquely in O. nivara. Furthermore, 10 of the 240 coding–noncoding NAT pairs were correlated with genes enriched in stress responsive GO terms; among these, nine pairs were uniquely found in O. nivara, and one pair was shared between O. nivara and Nipponbare.

Conclusion

We identified lncNATs associated with drought stress response in cultivated rice and O. nivara. These results will improve our understanding of the function of lncNATs in drought tolerance and accelerate rice breeding.
Bacterial and fungal bloodstream infections in pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Møller Dina Leth , Sørensen Søren Schwartz , Wareham Neval Ete , Rezahosseini Omid , Knudsen Andreas Dehlbæk , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Rasmussen Allan , Nielsen Susanne Dam
Published: June 2021

Background

Bacterial and fungal bloodstream infections (BSI) are common after pediatric liver and kidney transplantations and associated with morbidity and mortality. However, knowledge about incidence rates, pathogen composition, and resistance patterns is limited. We aimed to describe the pattern of bacterial and fungal BSI in a cohort of pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

A prospective study of 85 pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients transplanted from 2010 to 2017 with a total of 390 person-years of follow-up. Clinical characteristics and BSI were retrieved from national registries assuring nationwide follow-up for at least 1 year. BSI incidence rates and pathogen composition were investigated and stratified by the time post-transplantation and type of transplanted organ.

Results

A total of 29 BSI were observed within the first 5 years post-transplantation with 16 different pathogens. The overall incidence rate of first BSI was 1.91 per 100 recipients per month (95% CI, 1.1–3.1) in the first year post-transplantation. The most common pathogens were Enterococcus faecium, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The pathogen composition depended on the transplanted organ with a higher proportion of BSI with Enterobacterales in kidney transplant recipients than in liver transplant recipients (67% vs. 20%, p = 0.03), while multiple pathogens were detected in the liver transplant recipients.

Conclusions

BSI were common in pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients and the pathogen composition differed between liver and kidney transplant recipients. Guidelines for empiric antibiotic therapy should consider the type of transplanted organ as well as the local resistance patterns.
Lacosamide-induced sinus node dysfunction followed by severe agranulocytosis
Authors: Shibata Makoto , Hoshino Reona , Shimizu Chisato , Sato Masayuki , Furuta Natsumi , Ikeda Yoshio
Published: June 2021

Background

Lacosamide (LCM) is the antiepileptic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008 that facilitates slow activation of the voltage-gated sodium channels. Neutropenia and cardiac events including sinus node dysfunction (SND) and atrioventricular block have been previously reported as adverse effects of LCM. To date, there have been no reports of severe agranulocytosis resulting in death associated with LCM. Additionally, there have been no reports of concomitant SND and agranulocytosis after LCM administration. Herein we report the first case of LCM-induced severe SND followed by agranulocytosis.

Case presentation

The patient with focal epilepsy was initiated on LCM 100 mg/day and the dose was increased to 200 mg/day on the 9th hospital day. Severe SND developed on the 10th hospital day and LCM was discontinued. Thereafter agranulocytosis appeared on the 11th hospital day, and the patient died from septic shock on the 15th hospital day.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the need for careful follow-up of the electrocardiogram and the complete blood cell counts when initiating LCM. Moreover, it should be noticed that various side effects may occur simultaneously in the early period of LCM use, even for a short time and at low dosages.
Correction to: Baseline plasma KL-6 level predicts adverse outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis receiving nintedanib: a retrospective real-world cohort study
Authors: Huang Tang-Hsiu , Kuo Chin-Wei , Chen Chian-Wei , Tseng Yau-Lin , Wu Chao-Liang , Lin Sheng-Hsiang
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Effect of the standard herbal preparation, STW5, treatment on dysbiosis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in experimental colitis
Authors: Mohamed Sarah S. , Abdeltawab Nourtan F. , Wadie Walaa , Ahmed Lamiaa A. , Ammar Ramy M. , Rabini Sabine , Abdel-Aziz Heba , Khayyal Mohamed T.
Published: June 2021

Background

The standardized herbal preparation, STW 5, is effective clinically in functional gastrointestinal disorders and experimentally in ulcerative colitis (UC). The present study explores whether the beneficial effect of STW 5 involves influencing the intestinal microbiota.

Methods

UC was induced in Wistar rats by feeding them 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. Rats were treated concurrently with STW 5 and sacrificed 24 h after last drug administration. Fecal samples were used to determine changes in the abundance of selected microbial phyla and genera using real-time PCR.

Results

Induction of UC led to dysbiosis and changes in the gut microbiota. The changes included an increase in some genera of the Firmicutes, namely Enterococcus, and a decrease in others, namely Blautia, Clostridium, and Lactobacillus. DSS further induced a marked increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria as well as in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and its genus Bifidobacterium. Methanobrevibacter levels (phylum Euryarchaeota) were also increased. Microbial dysbiosis was associated with changes in various parameters of colonic inflammation. STW 5 effectively guarded against those changes and significantly affected the indices of edema and inflammation in the UC model. Changes in colon length, colon mass index, inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and histological changes induced by DSS were also prevented.

Conclusions

Dysbiosis plays a contributing role in the development of DSS-induced UC. Derangements in the microbial flora and associated inflammatory processes were largely prevented by STW 5, suggesting that this effect might contribute towards its beneficial usefulness in this condition.
The effect of peer modelling and discussing modelled feedback principles on medical students’ feedback skills: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: van Blankenstein Floris M. , O’Sullivan John F. , Saab Nadira , Steendijk Paul
Published: June 2021

Background

Teaching is an important professional skill for physicians and providing feedback is an important part of teaching. Medical students can practice their feedback skills by giving each other peer feedback. Therefore, we developed a peer feedback training in which students observed a peer that modelled the use of good feedback principles. Students then elaborated on the modelled feedback principles through peer discussion. This combination of peer modelling and discussing the modelled feedback principles was expected to enhance emulation of the feedback principles compared to (1) only peer modelling and (2) discussing the feedback principles without previous modelling.

Methods

In a quasi-experimental study design, 141 medical students were assigned randomly to three training conditions: peer modelling plus discussion (MD), non-peer modelled example (NM) or peer modelling without discussion (M). Before and after the training, they commented on papers written by peers. These comments served as a pre- and a post-measure of peer feedback. The comments were coded into different functions and aspects of the peer feedback. Non-parametrical Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to check for pre- and post-measure between-group differences in the functions and aspects.

Results

Before the training, there were no significant between-group differences in feedback functions and aspects. After the training, the MD-condition gave significantly more positive peer feedback than the NM-condition. However, no other functions or aspects were significantly different between the three conditions, mainly because the within-group interquartile ranges were large.

Conclusions

The large interquartile ranges suggest that students differed substantially in the effort placed into giving peer feedback. Therefore, additional incentives may be needed to motivate students to give good feedback. Teachers could emphasise the utility value of peer feedback as an important professional skill and the importance of academic altruism and professional accountability in the peer feedback process. Such incentives may convince more students to put more effort into giving peer feedback.
Comparing formative and summative simulation-based assessment in undergraduate nursing students: nursing competency acquisition and clinical simulation satisfaction
Authors: Arrogante Oscar , González-Romero Gracia María , López-Torre Eva María , Carrión-García Laura , Polo Alberto
Published: June 2021

Background

Formative and summative evaluation are widely employed in simulated-based assessment. The aims of our study were to evaluate the acquisition of nursing competencies through clinical simulation in undergraduate nursing students and to compare their satisfaction with this methodology using these two evaluation strategies.

Methods

Two hundred eighteen undergraduate nursing students participated in a cross-sectional study, using a mixed-method. MAES© (self-learning methodology in simulated environments) sessions were developed to assess students by formative evaluation. Objective Structured Clinical Examination sessions were conducted to assess students by summative evaluation. Simulated scenarios recreated clinical cases of critical patients. Students´ performance in all simulated scenarios were assessed using checklists. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate satisfaction with clinical simulation. Quantitative data were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 24.0 software, whereas qualitative data were analysed using the ATLAS-ti version 8.0 software.

Results

Most nursing students showed adequate clinical competence. Satisfaction with clinical simulation was higher when students were assessed using formative evaluation. The main students’ complaints with summative evaluation were related to reduced time for performing simulated scenarios and increased anxiety during their clinical performance.

Conclusion

The best solution to reduce students’ complaints with summative evaluation is to orient them to the simulated environment. It should be recommended to combine both evaluation strategies in simulated-based assessment, providing students feedback in summative evaluation, as well as evaluating their achievement of learning outcomes in formative evaluation.
Altered DNA methylation pattern reveals epigenetic regulation of Hox genes in thoracic aortic dissection and serves as a biomarker in disease diagnosis
Authors: Liu Peiru , Zhang Jing , Du Duo , Zhang Dandan , Jin Zelin , Qiu Wenqing , Zhou Xiushi , Dong Shulong , Zhou Mengyu , Zhao Heyu , Zhang Wei , Ma Jiakang , Sun Shaoyang , Fu Weiguo , Liu Yun , Wang Lixin
Published: June 2021

Background

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a severe disease with limited understandings in its pathogenesis. Altered DNA methylation has been revealed to be involved in many diseases etiology. Few studies have examined the role of DNA methylation in the development of TAD. This study explored alterations of the DNA methylation landscape in TAD and examined the potential role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation as a biomarker in TAD diagnosis.

Results

Ascending aortic tissues from TAD patients (Stanford type A; n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 6) were first examined via whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). While no obvious global methylation shift was observed, numerous differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, with associated genes enriched in the areas of vasculature and heart development. We further confirmed the methylation and expression changes in homeobox (Hox) clusters with 10 independent samples using bisulfite pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Among these, HOXA5, HOXB6 and HOXC6 were significantly down-regulated in TAD samples relative to controls. To evaluate cfDNA methylation pattern as a biomarker in TAD diagnosis, cfDNA from TAD patients (Stanford type A; n = 7) and healthy controls (n = 4) were examined by WGBS. A prediction model was built using DMRs identified previously from aortic tissues on methylation data from cfDNA. Both high sensitivity (86%) and specificity (75%) were achieved in patient classification (AUC = 0.96).

Conclusions

These findings showed an altered epigenetic regulation in TAD patients. This altered epigenetic regulation and subsequent altered expression of genes associated with vasculature and heart development, such as Hox family genes, may contribute to the loss of aortic integrity and TAD pathogenesis. Additionally, the cfDNA methylation in TAD was highly disease specific, which can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for disease prediction.
The use of Phanerochaete chrysosporium for modification of bentonite for preconcentration and determination of heavy metals
Authors: Kocaoba Sevgi , Parlak Mehtap Duman , Arisoy Munevver
Published: June 2021

In this study, a solid phase extraction method was successfully applied in the preconcentration and determination of trace levels of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (white rot fungus) modified bentonite was used as adsorbent. After the biosorption of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions, metal concentrations in the samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. pH, adsorbent amount, eluent type, sample volume, and flow rate, which are effective in the adsorption of metal ions, have been studied. 1 M HCl was used for desorption of these metal ions retained (recovery 95–100%). In addition, the effect of interfered ions has also been investigated. Sorption data were examined according to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption equations. The results obtained show that the applied method has a high metal biosorption capacity, and Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions are successfully recovered. It was also successful in applying the proposed enrichment method to real water samples.

Recovery values between 92.3% and 97.3% were obtained for the studied metal ions. According to the results, the proposed method can be successfully applied to water analysis at 95% confidence interval.
Modeling and Measuring Tree-Reading Skills in Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Authors: Schramm Thilo , Jose Anika , Schmiemann Philipp
Published: June 2021

Reading evolutionary trees is a challenging task for students. Item response theory was used to investigate a tree-reading skill system, and the different skills were found to be empirically distinguishable, although there was no evidence for the assumed hierarchy. The results are compared with a different approach by other authors.
Global Radiotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions—White Paper
Authors: Abdel-Wahab May , Gondhowiardjo Soehartati S. , Rosa Arthur Accioly , Lievens Yolande , El-Haj Noura , Polo Rubio Jose Alfredo , Prajogi Gregorius Ben , Helgadottir Herdis , Zubizarreta Eduardo , Meghzifene Ahmed , Ashraf Varisha , Hahn Stephen , Williams Tim , Gospodarowicz Mary
Published: June 2021

Recognizing the increase in cancer incidence globally and the need for effective cancer control interventions, several organizations, professional bodies, and international institutions have proposed strategies to improve treatment options and reduce mortality along with minimizing overall incidence. Despite these efforts, an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 was attributed to this noncommunicable disease, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. Left unchecked, this will further increase in scale, with an estimated 29.5 million new cases and 16.3 million deaths occurring worldwide in 2040. Although it is known and generally accepted that cancer services must include radiotherapy, such access is still very limited in many parts of the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. After thorough review of the current status of radiotherapy including programs worldwide, as well as achievements and challenges at the global level, the International Atomic Energy Agency convened an international group of experts representing various radiation oncology societies to take a closer look into the current status of radiotherapy and provide a road map for future directions in this field. It was concluded that the plethora of global and regional initiatives would benefit further from the existence of a central framework, including an easily accessible repository through which better coordination can be done. Supporting this framework, a practical inventory of competencies needs to be made available on a global level emphasizing the knowledge, skills, and behavior required for a safe, sustainable, and professional practice for various settings. This white paper presents the current status of global radiotherapy and future directions for the community. It forms the basis for an action plan to be developed with professional societies worldwide.
Paraspinous Quadratus Lumborum Block: A New Analgesic Option for a Thigh Sarcoma Resection With Reconstruction—A Case Report
Authors: Elmawieh Jamil , Leymarie Nicolas , Honore Charles , Sultan Océane , Suria Stéphanie , Sitbon Philippe , Billard Valérie
Published: June 2021

Efficient pain management is essential for postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing a tumor resection with an immediate reconstructive surgery. Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block has been described for abdominal or hip surgery, but not for concomitant surgery in the abdomen and the thigh. The paraspinous transmuscular approach has easy landmarks to perform this block. We present a case of a patient undergoing a resection of a sarcoma in the lower limb with an immediate reconstruction with a pedicled vertical designed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, in whom a successful paraspinous transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia was performed.
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Athletes — Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Authors: Warrick Alexandra , Davis Brian
Published: June 2021

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is an etiologically and clinically diverse disorder caused by compression of the brachial plexus traversing the thoracic outlet. Athletes who perform repetitive overhead activities are at risk of developing NTOS with sport-specific symptoms. This article reviews the controversial NTOS nomenclature, common sites of anatomic compression, and red flag symptoms that require immediate intervention. It also reviews the congenital, traumatic, and functional etiologies of NTOS, with a discussion of the differential diagnosis, diagnostic criteria, and workup for NTOS. Nonsurgical treatment is highlighted with an emphasis on thoracic outlet syndrome-specific physical therapy and updates on injection options and ultrasound guided hydrodissection. This article compares nonsurgical versus surgical functional outcome data with an emphasis on athletes with NTOS. Functional assessment tools and performance metrics for athletes are reviewed, as well as return to sport considerations.
Klebsiella pneumoniae with capsule type K64 is overrepresented among invasive disease in Vietnam
Authors: Vu Thi Ngoc Bich , Brisse Sylvain , Dao Tuyet Trinh , Vu Tien Viet Dung , Holt Kathryn E , Nguyen Vu Trung , Tran Thi Kieu Huong , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep , van Doorn H Rogier , Wertheim Heiman F L
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Recent reports indicate the emergence of community-acquired pneumonia associated with K64-Klebsiella pneumoniae. Here, we identify the capsular types and sequence type of invasive and commensal K. pneumoniae isolates from Vietnam.

Methods: We included 93 K. pneumoniae isolates from patients hospitalized at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi between 2007 and 2011; and 110 commensal isolates from throat swabs from healthy volunteers living in rural and urban Hanoi in 2012. We determined sequence types (STs) by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and capsule typing for seven K types by PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion.

Results: The most common detected capsule types were K1 (39/203, 19.2%, mainly ST23) and K2 (31/203, 15.3%, multiple STs: ST65, ST86, ST380). We found significantly more K2 isolates among invasive in comparison to commensal isolates (22.6% vs 9%, p = 0.01) but no significant difference was observed between invasive and commensal K1 isolates (14.5% vs 24.7%, p = 0.075). K64 with varying sequence types were predominantly seen among invasive K. pneumoniae (8 vs. 3) and were isolated from sepsis and meningitis patients. Among K64 isolates, one was carbapenem-resistant with ST799.

Conclusion: Our study confirms that capsule type K64 K. pneumoniae is associated with community-acquired invasive infections in Vietnam. Research is needed to unravel the mechanisms of virulence of capsule type K64 in both community and hospital settings.
Analysis interconnection level index marker by endothelial NOS, hypoxia and dysfunction in the pathogenesis of experimental diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Sirman Ya. V. , Savytskyi I. V.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to analyze changes in erythrocyte diphosphoglycerate levels and Willebrand factor in the development of hypoxia and endothelial dysfunction in experimental diabetic retinopathy. The study was performed on white Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g. Our results indicate the development of hypoxia on the 30th day of development of experimental diabetic retinopathy with subsequent progression of pathological changes on the 60th and 180th day of the study, as evidenced by the decrease level of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate of erythrocytes in the 2nd group (p <0,001). The most pronounced increase in the studied marker of hypoxia was detected in the 3rd stage of the experiment (p <0,001). As a result of our study, a violation of the structural and functional state of the endothelium in experimental diabetic retinopathy was proved, as evidenced by an increase in the level of Willeband factor in group 2 (p <0.001), most pronounced in stage 3. The most pronounced increase in the level of Willebrand factor was detected in the 3rd stage of the experiment (p <0.001). Analyzing the data obtained, we can say that there is a relationship between the development of hypoxia and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of experimental diabetic retinopathy.
Changes in testicular tissue in obstructive azoospermia with an increase in the duration of the disease
Authors: Lesovoy V. N. , Panasovskiy N. L. , Tovazhnyanska V. D.
Published: June 2021

To understand the infertility development it is important to study how individual components of the connective complexes of Sertoli’s cells are formed and developed in order to allow not only individual cells, but also entire syncytia of germ cells to migrate from the basal to the adluminal compartment of the spermatic epithelium, without causing loss of permeability. Testicular tissue changes in azoospermia  with an increase in the duration of the disease and the prognosis of the possibility of conception are of particular interest. The aim. To reveal changes in the testicular tissue on azoospermia with an increase in the duration of the disease. Materials and methods: to achieve the aim, a pathomorphological study was carried out. The material for the study was testicular biopsies of patients aged 26-45 years with a diagnosis of obstructive azoospermia (OA). The material was divided into three groups: group 1, control: healthy fertile men; group 2 (study group): men of mature age (26–45 y. o.) with a clinical diagnosis of OA up to 5 years of duration. Group 3 (study group): men of mature age (30–45 y. o.) with a clinical diagnosis of OA up to 10 years of duration. The preparations were studied macroscopically, microscopically, morphometrically and immunohistochemically. Results and discussion. Healthy spermatogenesis was typical for all control group samples.  In group 2 (disease up to 5 years from the previous conception) there were three spermatogenesis samples out of eight. There were focal processes of fibrosis and hyalinosis, with focal proliferation of interstitial tissue. In the the group of men with OA lasting up to ten years from the previous conception, the absence of healthy spermatogenesis in all cases was noted. Conclusions.1. In the group of men with OA lasting up to five years from the previous conception there were violations of spermatogenesis, a decrease in the transport of biologically active substances through the blood-testicular barrier. The latter leads to degenerative processes in the germ cells.2. In the group of men with OA lasting up to ten years from the previous conception, there was a pronounced deterioration in spermatogenesis, the transition of OA to NOA with increased duration of the pathological process. The latter significantly worsens the prognosis of the disease course and significantly reduces the possibility of conception.
Computed tomography - indications and the course of the examination
Authors: Ręba Patrycja
Published: June 2021

AdmissionComputed tomography, abbreviated CT or CK (computed tomography) is an imaging diagnostic method that uses the action of X-rays. The test allows you to obtain sections of the examined organs, as well as their 3D visualization, which greatly improves the diagnostic process. A tomograph is used to perform a CT scan, and the image obtained with it is called a tomogram. Computed tomography was first performed for diagnostic purposes in the early 1970s in the United States.The computer tomograph consists of three basic elements: the table, the operator's console and the scanner. During the examination, the scanner performs rotations around the patient's body, making a series of x-rays. Then the obtained image is transferred to a computer equipped with specialized software. The image is visible in 2D or 3D technology.AimThe aim of the study is to analyze the indications and the course of computed tomography examination. Material and methodReview of the available literature on the subject.ResultsComputed tomography is always performed based on a medical referral. It is the specialist who determines whether computed tomography will be more suitable than other imaging tests. Usually, computed tomography of the head and sinuses, chest and abdominal cavity are performed. The most common indications for head tomography are recurring headaches and dizziness, previous craniocerebral and sinus injuries, cerebral ischemia and strokes, as well as suspected neoplastic changes in the head. CT is also performed on people who struggle with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. We can receive a referral for this examination froma neurologistan oncologist ophthalmologist, whether ENT specialist. Chest tomography shows the structure of the heart, coronary vessels and the entire respiratory system. Usually it is recommended in the diagnosis of cancers of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and in the assessment of the stage of coronary artery disease. He can refer us to this research cardiologist, pulmonologist or internal medicine doctor. Abdominal tomography is performed in order to detect possible inflammations (pancreas, large intestine, appendix, kidneys), gastrointestinal obstruction or bleeding, as well as kidney stones or thrombosis of the liver veins. In this case, a referral can be obtained from a gastroenterologist, urologist, whether gynecologist.ConclusionsComputed tomography examination is completely painless and completely non-invasive for patients. It does not last long and allows you to quickly detect changes taking place inside the body. If the test was performed with a contrast agent, the patient may or may not experience some side effects, such as dizziness, a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, and palpitations.
Analysis of indicators of time spent by emergency medical service team in acute coronary syndrome with elevation of st segment at the stage of direct stay on call
Authors: Zabashta V. F. , Fedak B. S.
Published: June 2021

Urgency. The period of a patient’s hospitalization from the beginning of the disease has an important role in the provision of medical care. According to the Unified Clinical Protocol for the provision of medical care to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, the latter must be hospitalized to an expert healthcare center in 90-120 minutes. That is why the main areas of pre-hospital care include the rapid recognition of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stabilization of the patient's condition and his rapid transportation to the appropriate medical institution. The time from the appearance of the first symptoms of a heart attack to the arrival of the patient in the admission department of the hospital is an important factor influencing the course of AMI in further treatment, so to reduce the loss of time at this stage is important. The aim of the study was to analyze the time spent on the implementation of the protocol of assistance in AMI with the rise of the ST segment at direct stay of the emergency team on call. Materials and methods. A questionnaire survey of 85 emergency physicians working in Kharkiv was conducted. System approach, analytical, sociological (questionnaire), computer data processing and statistical methods were used. Results and discussion. The time spent on the implementation of each item of the protocol of medical care in ACS with elevation of ST segment by emergency teams directly on call have been analysed and several important patterns were identified. It has been revealed that according to some indicators of time, individual teams differed by 5-10 times. An emergency physician job seniority turned out to be an important factor. The general trend was the lowest time spent on individual tasks by doctors who had an average length of service in the ambulance (10 - 20 years), slightly higher - by doctors who had the longest work experience (over 20 years), and the largest - in doctors with the shortest work experience (up to 10 years). The differences between the senior and middle groups were less significant than between the junior and middle groups. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate significant variability in the implementation of protocol items in different emergency teams. A longer time to perform protocol items in the group with long job seniority may be related to the doctors’ age perculiarities (the average age is 57 y.o., with the presence of people over 70 y.o.). The longest execution time is in the group with the shortest experience in the emergency medical service. This naturally reflects the lack of experience and a greater number of diagnostic and treatment errors.
Osteogenesis characteristics in the bone loss zone after the impacted mandibular third molar abnormal extraction
Authors: Nekhanevych Zhanna
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Due to the anatomic topographic characteristics of Mandibular Third Molars’ (MTM) location, the surgical interference in the process of their extraction is often quite complicated, long-lasting as well as traumaticPurpose. Optimization of reparative osteogenesis in the area of bone defects which formed after the third molars extraction in the mandible.Material and methods. 92 patients had their impacted MTM abnormally extracted. 58 people were enrolled into the follow-up study. The inclusion criteria were female and male patients at the ages from 19 to 38; female and male patients without physical pathonomia; patients with the major bone losses, caused by the 38th  and 48th  teeth’s abnormal extraction; major bone loss or inter alveolar septum integration loss in the adjacent tooth area after the impacted tooth extraction; a written consent to participate in the study.Results. Clinical state comparative study, conducted in the post-surgery period, pointed that the amount and duration of inflammatory complications in group III, which appeared after the impacted MTM extraction, were significantly less than in groups I and II (р<0,05).Conclusions. The technic with the use of а-PRF, і-PRF provides inflammatory complications decrease at the post-surgery period, influences on the bone regeneration time as well as on the graft quality, but it does not prevent its dimension loss in the long term period, which leads to the receded gums and the distal root baring of the 7th tooth.
Clinical-anamnestic features of mental exhaustion in medical university students
Authors: Yefimenko S. O.
Published: June 2021

In order to assess the prevalence and anamnestic features of mental exhaustion in medical university students, a clinical-anamnestic, clinical-psychopathological and psychodiagnostic study of 770 junior medical students was conducted. The results of the study revealed the prevalence of mental exhaustion among students at 54%; The most sensitive to the development of these conditions are students of the 3rd year of medical university, regardless of the specialty of study (medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, etc.), age, gender and living conditions, this may be due to the high intensity of the learning process during this period of study. The influence of mental exhaustion on the level of academic success of students is estimated – it leads to a decrease in the subjective assessment of students' academic performance in the form of devaluation of their own success.
Characteristics of changes in the structural components of the mucosa and rat laryngeal cartilage at the end of the third week of experimental opioid exposure
Authors: Ivasivka K. P. , Paltov E. V. , Masna Z. Z.
Published: June 2021

In our work we aimed to study the pathomorphological manifestations among the structural components of the laryngeal mucosa and cartilage in the early stages of the experimental opioid effect. This goal was achieved through the use of histological techniques to visualize the structural components of the laryngeal mucosa and cartilage. Histological sections with a thickness of 5 - 7 mm were made. Histological specimens were prepared according to conventional methods using the dye hematoxylin, eosin, azan according to the method of Heidenhain, PAS-reaction according to Mc-Manus and Alcian blue according to Steedman. Microscopic examinations and photographing of the preparations were performed using an MBI-1 microscope and a Nicon D 3100 digital camera.At the microstructural level after 21 days in rats there was an increase in dyscirculatory changes, which were most pronounced in the vessels of the lamina propria of the laryngeal mucosa. The epithelial layer of the epiglottis was inhomogeneously thickened, especially on the pharyngeal surface. Small polymorphonuclear infiltrates were found in the laryngeal mucosa of the epiglottis. The vessels of the laryngeal ventricular mucosa of the larynx were dilated and filled with erythrocytes. The development of perivascular edema was registered. In the areas of transudate accumulation, the main substance of the laryngeal mucosa of the larynx was enlightened. Necrotic changes developed in the epitheliocytes of the laryngeal ventricle. Eosinophilic mass accumulated on the surface of the ventricular mucosa.The results of the study in the future will form a pathomorphological base that can be used for comparative characterization of the dynamics of growth of pathomorphological changes in the structural components of the laryngeal mucosa and cartilage in the early stages and compare these changes with pathomorphological manifestations in the late stages of experimental opioid exposure.
Telemedicine – assesment of society’s opinion
Authors: Zawiślak Magdalena Kamila , Zaniuk Marcin , Kozłowska Marta , Zimnicki Patryk , Wujec Zuzanna
Published: June 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to use some safety measures due to decrease spreading of the virus. One of them is introducing teleconsultations as a form of medical consultation. It allows patients to talk with the doctor without visiting the hospital.The aim of the study is to present the society’s opinion on teleconsultations and its most common disadvantages. The method of the study was an online survey, conducted on 68 people, whose answers were statistically analyzed.During the pandemic, 85% of the respondents took part in the teleconsultation. After thay, they rated quality of the teleconsultation form 1 to 5, where 5 was the highest rate. Only 26,8% of them rated their teleconsultation 5, 17,9% - 4, 16,1% - 3, 26,8% - 2 and 12,5% - 1. Most of the respondents decided to took part in the teleconsultation because they needed a prescription (53%).According to respondents’ opinion, the most important advantages of the teleconsultation are: ability to stay home (59,7%), lower risk of infection (35,8%), quick help (22,4%) and ability to have the prescription without going out (73,1%).The most important disadvantages were: lack of ability of physical examination (91%), problems with communication (40,3%), problems with describing their own symptoms (43,3%), problems with contacting a doctor (58,2%) and higher risk of wrong diagnosis (82,1%).Teleconsultations provide patients’ safety, however, they are associated with danger of the wrong diagnosis. Although, most patients (73%) would like to be able to take part in the teleconsultation after the pandemic. Because of that, it is crucial for modern medicine to improve the quality of teleconsultation and to learn, how to communicate with patients during the remote conversations.
Opinion survey on the profession of a physiotherapist in Poland
Authors: Pajor Kacper , Szumilas Paweł
Published: June 2021

IntroductionDespite numerous activities of the National Chamber of Physiotherapists, there are reasons that question the organization of physiotherapy in Poland. Public services are particularly criticized, which is alarming, because physiotherapy that functions well within the public health service is essential for maintaining the optimal efficiency of the entire system.PurposeDetermining the current opinion on the profession of a physiotherapist and the process of physiotherapy in Poland, taking into account the differences between reimbursed services and those provided in non-public entities.Material and methodThe method of diagnostic survey distributed with the use of social networks was used. The study group included 164 people (53F, 111M).ResultsThe quality of private services was statistically significantly (p <.0001) assessed better on a five-point scale (4.74 [SD = 0.44]) than reimbursed services (3.1 [SD = 1.20]). Comparing the opinion on commercial services with those provided under public health care, significant (p <.0001) differences were also noted in other assessed aspects in favor of private physiotherapy, which was assessed as good. Public health services were rated averagely.ConclusionsPublic health care physiotherapy is rated worse than commercial services.People who have undergone physiotherapy financed by the National Health Fund would be less willing to start physiotherapy again if necessary than people with experience from private physiotherapy offices.Activities optimizing the work system of physiotherapists can improve the opinion about physiotherapy in public health care in Poland, giving measurable health and economic benefits in the long term.
Influence of new dental elixir on rats periodontal tissues with modeling of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kravchenko L. S. , Koval S. N. , Plotnikova V. G. , Bila N. F. , Zherebko A. N. , Ivanova Ya. I.
Published: June 2021

Aim: to study the changes in the periodontal tissues of rats with simulation of metabolic syndrome of alimentary genesis and to determine a possibility of their correction with the new dental elixir.Materials and methods: Biochemical changes in the blood serum, liver and gingival tissue were examined during simulation of the metabolic syndrome of alimentary genesis in experiment on 28 white male rats of reproductive age with an average body weight (280±14)g.Results. It was found that keeping animals for ten weeks on a diet high in saturated fats and carbohydrates led to increase in body weight and in level of biochemical markers: insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, inflammation, both at the level of the body and locally in the periodontal tissues. Local application of the new dental elixir in the form of applications to rats gums against the background of metabolic syndrome reduced the level of triglycerides, had an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, reducing contamination by pathogenic microflora (urease activity), lipid peroxidation activity (malonic dialdehyde content), activating locally in the periodontal tissues the antioxidant defense enzyme and nonspecific immunity — lysozyme.Conclusions. The use of the new oral hygiene product in experimental metabolic syndrome improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, presenting periodontal protective properties, which allows to offer it for clinical testing in patients with periodontitis against a background of metabolic syndrome.
Arizona Hospitals and Health Systems’ Statewide Collaboration Producing a Triage Protocol During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanism and Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ USA, Mayer Patricia , Beyda David , Johnston Bree
Published: June 2021

We describe the process by which all hospitals and health systems in Arizona, normally competitors, rapidly cooperated to develop a statewide protocol (“Addendum”) delineating how to allocate scarce resources during the COVID-19 pandemic should triage be required anywhere in the state. Eight physician ethicists from seven different health systems created the Addendum, which was accepted by all hospitals and health systems, approved by the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC), and then formally adopted by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). In addition, the entire state developed a plan to “stick together” such that no facility would be forced to triage unless all were overwhelmed. Because we are unaware of any other state’s hospitals and health systems producing and committing to a shared triage protocol and plan, we believe this experience can serve as a model for other locales during the absence of sufficient state or federal guidance.