bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community norms of the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) among cisgender sexual minority men and women
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Compte Emilio J. , Cattle Chloe J. , Lavender Jason M. , Brown Tiffany A. , Murray Stuart B. , Flentje Annesa , Capriotti Matthew R. , Lubensky Micah E. , Obedin-Maliver Juno , Lunn Mitchell R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Representing the pathological extreme pursuit of muscularity, muscle dysmorphia (MD) is characterized by a pervasive belief or fear around insufficient muscularity and an elevated drive for muscularity. Despite evidence of elevated body image-related concerns among sexual minority populations, little is known about the degree of muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms among sexual minorities, particularly based on Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) scores. The objective of this study was to examine the nature and severity of MD symptoms in cisgender sexual minority men and women and provide community norms of the MDDI for these populations.

Methods

Data from participants in The PRIDE Study, an existing study of health outcomes in sexual and gender minority people from the United States, were examined. Participants included cisgender gay men (N = 1090), cisgender bisexual plus (bisexual, pansexual, and/or polysexual) men (N = 100), cisgender lesbian women (N = 563), and cisgender bisexual plus women (N = 507). We calculated means, standard deviations (SD), and percentiles for the MDDI total and subscale scores for cisgender sexual minority men and women. We compared MDDI scores by sexual orientation using linear regression models, both unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographics.

Results

Overall, the sample was 85.2% White, 3.0% Asian or Pacific Islander, 2.0% Black, 0.5% Native American, 3.9% multiracial, and 6.6% Hispanic/Latino/a. The mean age was 38.6 (SD = 14.3) and 69.4% had a college degree or higher. Means (SD) for the MDDI total score were 27.4 (7.7) for cisgender gay men, 26.4 (6.4) for cisgender bisexual plus men, 24.3 (6.1) for cisgender lesbian women, and 24.6 (5.5) for cisgender bisexual plus women. There were no significant differences in MDDI scores between cisgender gay and bisexual plus men, or between cisgender lesbian women and bisexual plus women in unadjusted or adjusted models.

Conclusions

These normative data provide insights into the experience of MD symptoms among cisgender sexual minority men and women and can aid researchers and clinicians in the evaluation of MD symptoms and interpretation of MDDI scores in sexual minority populations.
Impact of malaria diagnostic refresher training programme on competencies and skills in malaria diagnosis among medical laboratory professionals: evidence from Ghana 2015–2019
Authors: Tetteh Mary , Dwomoh Duah , Asamoah Alexander , Kupeh Edward King , Malm Keziah , Nonvignon Justice
Published: June 2021

Background

The quality of malaria test results is crucial for optimal patient treatment and care. The Ghana Health Service is successfully shifting from presumptive clinical diagnosis and treatment of malaria to the Test, Treat and Track (T3) initiative. In line with the initiative, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) set out to improve the capacity of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana through a five-day Malaria Diagnostic Refresher Training (MDRT) to build competencies and skills in malaria diagnosis, especially in the three components of microscopy: parasite detection, species identification and parasite quantification. This study evaluates the impact of the training on malaria microscopy.

Methods

The training which was based on the World Health Organization basic malaria microscopy training guide employed presentations and practical approaches to malaria diagnosis. A total number of 765 medical laboratory professionals from various health facilities across the country were trained every other year from 2015 to 2019 and were included in this evaluation. Evaluation of this training was done using pre-test and post-test microscopy scores. The Negative Binomial fixed effect model was used in determining the overall effect of the training in improving the competencies of the participants on malaria microscopy.

Results

The ability of the medical laboratory professionals to correctly detect malaria parasites increased significantly from a median score of 64% prior to the training to 87% after the training (p < 0.001). The competencies of the medical laboratory scientists to correctly identify malaria parasite species and quantify the number of malaria parasites increased significantly from a median score of 17% and 20% pre-test to 78% and 50% post-test, respectively (p < 0.001). The results showed that participants’ competency level and skill to perform malaria microscopy (species identification, parasite quantification and detection of malaria parasites) increased by approximately two folds after the training compared to the no-training scenario (adjusted rate ratio = 2.07, 95% CI 2.01–2.13, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The MDRT programme significantly improved participants’ performance of malaria microscopy over a short period of time.
A re-irradiation dose of 55–60 Gy improves the survival rate of patients with local recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy
Authors: Wu Xun , Hu Xingsheng , Chen Junru , He Lang
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Local recurrence (LR) is clinical challenge in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The current study aimed to determine the optimal re-irradiation dose for local recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LRESCC) following radical (chemo) radiotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 125 patients with LRESCC after receiving initial radiotherapy. For radiotherapy treatment, 58 patients were assigned to low-dose (LD) group (50–54 Gy) and 67 were assigned to the high-dose (HD) group (55–60 Gy). The response rate (complete + partial response), 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate, and toxicity were recorded. We then analyzed the impact of different radiotherapy doses and combination chemotherapy on the survival of patients with LRESCC.

Results

After re-irradiation, the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates in the LD and HD groups were 48.3%, 24.1% and 10.3% and 61.2%, 34.3% and 19.4% in the HD group, respectively, and the difference in overall survival rate between the two groups were significant (P < 0.05). The median survival time of patients receiving radiotherapy alone was 9 months in the LD group and 15 months in the HD group (P < 0.05). The survival rate of patients treated with chemoradiotherapy was higher than that of patients treated with radiotherapy alone in the LD group. However, chemoradiotherapy showed no advantage over radiotherapy alone in the HD group. In addition, the incidence of radiation esophagitis, the most common toxicity, was higher in the HD group compared to the LD group (68.7% vs 58.6%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that re-irradiation dose was an independent favorable prognostic factor in patients with LRESCC.

Conclusion

Higher re-irradiation dose (55–60 Gy) can improve the long-term survival of patients with LRESCC after radiotherapy, with tolerable toxicity.
Effects of FUdR on gene expression in the C. elegans bacterial diet OP50
Authors: McIntyre Grace , Wright Justin , Wong Hoi Tong , Lamendella Regina , Chan Jason
Published: June 2021

Objective

Many C. elegans aging studies use the compound 5-fluro-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (FUdR) to produce a synchronous population of worms. However, the effects of FUdR on the bacterial gene expression of OP50 E. coli, the primary laboratory C. elegans food source, is not fully understood. This is particularly relevant as studies suggest that intestinal microbes can affect C. elegans physiology. Therefore, it is imperative that we understand how exposure to FUdR can affect gene expression changes in OP50 E. coli.

Results

An RNAseq dataset comprised of expression patterns of 2900 E. coli genes in the strain OP50, which were seeded on either nematode growth media (NGM) plates or on FUdR (50 µM) supplemented NGM plates, was analyzed. Analysis showed differential gene expression in genes involved in general transport, amino acid biosynthesis, transcription, iron transport, and antibiotic resistance. We specifically highlight metabolic enzymes in the l-histidine biosynthesis pathway as differentially expressed between NGM and FUdR exposed OP50. We conclude that OP50 exposed to FUdR results in differential expression of many genes, including those in amino acid biosynthetic pathways.
Difference formula defined by a new differential symmetric operator for a class of meromorphically multivalent functions
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W. , Aldawish Ibtisam
Published: June 2021

Symmetric operators have benefited in different fields not only in mathematics but also in other sciences. They appeared in the studies of boundary value problems and spectral theory. In this note, we present a new symmetric differential operator associated with a special class of meromorphically multivalent functions in the punctured unit disk. This study explores some of its geometric properties. We consider a new class of analytic functions employing the suggested symmetric differential operator.
Change theory in STEM higher education: a systematic review
Authors: Reinholz Daniel L. , White Isabel , Andrews Tessa
Published: June 2021

This article systematically reviews how change theory has been used in STEM higher educational change between 1995 and 2019. Researchers are increasingly turning to theory to inform the design, implementation, and investigation of educational improvement efforts. Yet, efforts are often siloed by discipline and relevant change theory comes from diverse fields outside of STEM. Thus, there is a need to bring together work across disciplines to investigate which change theories are used and how they inform change efforts. This review is based on 97 peer-reviewed articles. We provide an overview of change theories used in the sample and describe how theory informed the rationale and assumptions of projects, conceptualizations of context, indicators used to determine if goals were met, and intervention design. This review points toward three main findings. Change research in STEM higher education almost always draws on theory about individual change, rather than theory that also attends to the system in which change takes place. Additionally, research in this domain often draws on theory in a superficial fashion, instead of using theory as a lens or guide to directly inform interventions, research questions, measurement and evaluation, data analysis, and data interpretation. Lastly, change researchers are not often drawing on, nor building upon, theories used in other studies. This review identified 40 distinct change theories in 97 papers. This lack of theoretical coherence in a relatively limited domain substantially limits our ability to build collective knowledge about how to achieve change. These findings call for more synthetic theoretical work; greater focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion; and more formal opportunities for scholars to learn about change and change theory.
A case report of percutaneous direct injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) to treat a pancreatic duodenal stump leak after a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation
Authors: Shirakawa Chisato , Watanabe Masaaki , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Koshizuka Yasuyuki , Kawamura Norio , Goto Ryoichi , Soyama Takeshi , Iwami Daiki , Hotta Kiyohiko , Taketomi Akinobu , Abo Daisuke
Published: June 2021

Background

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) is a treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease due to type 1 diabetes mellitus. We report a patient with a refractory fistula due to leakage from the duodenal stump of the pancreas graft after an SPK with bladder drainage who was successfully treated with a percutaneous direct injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA).

Case presentation

A 60-year-old female with a 33-year history of type 1 diabetes mellitus and a 10-year history of renal replacement therapy underwent an SPK in 2015. At the time of transplantation, an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a high risk of rupture was treated by a Y-graft replacement prior to the SPK. Bladder drainage of the pancreas graft was chosen to avoid a vessel graft infection. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 93 with good-functioning pancreas and kidney grafts. One and a half years after the operation, the patient was found to have acute graft pancreatitis and a leak from the duodenal stump of the pancreas graft due to a paralytic neurogenic bladder. The insertion of an indwelling catheter into the bladder and the endoscopic-guided insertion of a catheter into the graft pancreatic duct through the duodenum/bladder anastomosis did not result in the closure of the fistula. Therefore, NBCA was injected at the site of the leak point using CT-guided technique. The fistula was completely closed immediately after the injection, with no recurrences of leaks.

Conclusions

A percutaneous direct injection of NBCA is one of the treatment options to treat intractable fistulas.
Community-acquired fulminant Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection by ribotype 027 isolate in Japan: a case report
Authors: Hiraki Masayuki , Suzuki Rei , Tanaka Nobuo , Fukunaga Hiroki , Kinoshita Yoshinori , Kimura Hayato , Tsutsui Shusaku , Murata Masaru , Morita Shunji
Published: June 2021

Background

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) has become an increasingly significant disease not only as healthcare-associated infection, but also as community-acquired (CA) infection worldwide. CDI caused by the NAP1/BI/027 strain is reported to be more severe, difficult to cure, and frequently associated with recurrences in North America and Europe.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for continuous lower abdominal pain 4 weeks after eradication therapy against Helicobacter pylori. While she was treated with fasting on the suspicion of ischemic colitis, she experienced septic shock. Emergent subtotal proctocolectomy revealed fulminant pseudomembranous C. difficile colitis. The C. difficile isolate recovered from the patient was identified as ribotype 027, which has been reported to be uncommon in Japan.

Conclusion

We report a rare case of CA fulminant pseudomembranous colitis caused by ribotype 027 C. difficile after H. pylori eradication therapy.
Endophytic microbes from Nigerian ethnomedicinal plants: a potential source for bioactive secondary metabolites—a review
Authors: Ezeobiora Chijioke E. , Igbokwe Nwamaka H. , Amin Dina H. , Mendie Udoma E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Endophytes are highly beneficial species of microbes that live in symbiosis with plant tissues in the setting. Endophytes are difficult to isolate in their natural environment, and they are understudied despite being a rich source of bioactive molecules. There are varieties of new infectious diseases emerging across the world, necessitating a constant and expanded search for newer and more efficient bioactive molecules. Nigeria is known for its biodiversity in ethnomedicinal plants, yet these plants are understudied for endophytic microbes harbouring novel bioactive molecules.

Main body

Endophytes are a source of novel organic natural molecules and are thought to be drug discovery frontiers. Endophyte research has contributed to the discovery of possible anticancer agents following the discovery of taxol. Endophyte research has contributed to the discovery of possible drug compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimers disease and immunosuppressive properties among others. These breakthroughs provide hope for combating incurable diseases, drug resistance, the emergence of new infectious diseases, and other human health issues. Finding new medicines that may be effective candidates for treating newly emerging diseases in humans has a lot of promise. Most studies have been on fungi endophytes, with just a few reports on bacterial endophytes. The biology of endophytic bacteria and fungi, as well as endophytic microbes isolated from Nigerian medicinal plants, their isolation methods, identification by morphological and molecular methods, fermentation, purification, identification of bioactive compounds and biosynthetic gene clusters are all covered in this study.

Conclusion

In Nigeria, the sourcing and isolation of endophytes harboring biosynthetic gene clusters are still understudied, necessitating a rigorous quest for bioactive molecules in endophytes inhabiting various ethnomedicinal plants.
Surgical treatment for accidentally discovered pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa with bicuspid aortic valve, ascending aortic aneurysm, and myocardial ischemia: a case report
Authors: Kiryu Kentaro , Yamaura Gembu , Igarashi Itaru , Kadohama Takayuki , Tanaka Fuminobu , Takagi Daichi , Itagaki Yoshinori , Arai Takeshi , Wada Takuya , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Background

Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (P-MAIVF) is a rare complication of infective endocarditis and aortic valve replacement. Ruptured P-MAIVF and angina due to compression of the coronary arteries are severe complications of this condition.

Case presentation

We report a case of P-MAIVF that was diagnosed accidentally during a routine checkup. The patient was asymptomatic; however, she had a systolic murmur. She had a history of infective endocarditis, which was treated conservatively without open-heart surgery. In addition, she was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation, bicuspid aortic valve, right coronary artery stenosis, and an ascending aortic aneurysm. She was treated with surgery, which involved patch closure of P-MAIVF with aortic valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, and ascending aorta replacement. After the operation, echocardiography showed no leakage from the P-MAIVF.

Conclusions

It is necessary to have knowledge of P-MAIVF. Following up cases of infective endocarditis and post-aortic valve replacement using echocardiography is important for both, diagnosing P-MAIVF and preventing serious complications such rupture and angina.
Intrathoracic rupture of hydatid cyst of the liver in children: a report of two cases
Authors: Laamiri Rachida , Sellami Sahla , Kechiche Nahla , Abdelaali Mabrouk , Mekki Mongi , Belghith Mohsen
Published: June 2021

Background

Intrathoracic rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst is a rare but dangerous complication. Its occurrence in children is exceptional as diagnosis and management constitute real challenges. We report two cases of intrathoracic rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst in children.

Case presentation

Our patients were respectively 12-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl, known cases of respiratory symptoms, diagnosed initially for pleuropneumonia. The CT scan established the diagnosis of intrathoracic rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst in the pleural cavity for the first patient and in the bronchial tree for the second. An emergency surgery was performed for both. The second patient developed broncho-biliary fistulas during the post-operative course which necessitated a re-intervention. A recurrence was noted at follow-up for the second patient.

Conclusion

Intrathoracic rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst is a serious complication which can occur even in children. Its diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion. The surgical approach remains controversial and there is a lack of consensus about the best way of management. Recurrence may occur despite appropriate treatment.
Automated Writing Assessments Measure Undergraduate Learning after Completion of a Computer-Based Cellular Respiration Tutorial
Authors: Uhl Juli D. , Sripathi Kamali N. , Meir Eli , Merrill John , Urban-Lurain Mark , Haudek Kevin C.
Published: June 2021

This study measures student learning with a computer-automated tool by categorizing ideas in student writing about cellular respiration after an interactive computer-based tutorial. Students from multiple institution types exhibited increased scientific thinking post-tutorial, and the tool captured students’ mixed ideas.
Randomized Study on Dose Escalation in Definitive Chemoradiation for Patients With Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer (ARTDECO Study)
Authors: Hulshof Maarten C. C. M. , Geijsen Elisabeth D. , Rozema Tom , Oppedijk Vera , Buijsen Jeroen , Neelis Karen J. , Nuyttens Joost J. M. E. , van der Sangen Maurice J. C. , Jeene Paul M. , Reinders Jannie G. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Thano Adriana , van Hooft Jeanin E. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , van der Gaast Ate
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of radiation dose escalation to the primary tumor on local tumor control in definitive chemoradiation (dCRT) for patients with esophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with medically inoperable and/or irresectable esophageal carcinoma, referred for dCRT, were randomly assigned between a standard dose (SD) of 50.4 Gy/1.8 Gy for 5.5 weeks to the tumor and regional lymph nodes and a high dose (HD) up to a total dose of 61.6 Gy to the primary tumor. Chemotherapy consisted of courses of concurrent carboplatin (area under the curve 2) and paclitaxel (50 mg/m2) in both arms once a week for 6 weeks. The primary end point was local progression-free survival.

RESULTS

Between September 2012 and June 2018, 260 patients were included. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was present in 61% of patients, and 39% had adenocarcinoma (AC). Radiation treatment was completed by 94%, and 85% had at least five courses of chemotherapy. The median follow-up time for all patients was 50 months. The 3-year local progression-free survival (LPFS) was 70% in the SD arm versus 73% in the HD arm (not significant). The LPFS for SCC and AC was 75% versus 79% and 61% versus 61% for SD and HD, respectively (not significant). The 3-year locoregional progression-free survival was 52% and 59% for the SD and HD arms, respectively ( P = .08). Overall, grade 4 and 5 common toxicity criteria were 12% and 5% in the SD arm versus 14% and 10% in the HD arm, respectively ( P = .15).

CONCLUSION

In dCRT for esophageal cancer, radiation dose escalation up to 61.6 Gy to the primary tumor did not result in a significant increase in local control over 50.4 Gy. The absence of a dose effect was observed in both AC and SCC.
Analytical Concordance of PD-L1 Assays Utilizing Antibodies From FDA-Approved Diagnostics in Advanced Cancers: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Prince Emily A. , Sanzari Jenine K. , Pandya Dimple , Huron David , Edwards Robin
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Four programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry assays (28-8, 22C3, SP263, and SP142) have been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Analytical concordance between these assays has been evaluated in multiple studies. This systematic review included studies that investigated the analytical concordance of immunohistochemistry assays utilizing two or more PD-L1 antibodies from FDA-approved diagnostics for evaluation of PD-L1 expression on tumor or immune cells across a range of tumor types and algorithms.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE to identify studies published between January 1, 2010, and March 31, 2019, that evaluated analytical concordance between two or more assays based on antibodies from FDA-approved assays. Proceedings of key oncology and pathology congresses that took place between January 2016 and March 2019 were searched for abstracts of studies evaluating PD-L1 assay concordance.

RESULTS

A total of 42 studies across a range of tumor types met the selection criteria. Concordance between 28-8-, 22C3-, and SP263-based assays in lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck was high when used to assess PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TCs). SP142-based assays had overall low concordance with other approved assays when used to assess PD-L1 expression on TCs. Analytical concordance for assessment of PD-L1 expression on immune cells was variable and generally lower than for PD-L1 expression on TCs.

CONCLUSION

A large body of evidence supports the potential interchangeability of 28-8-, 22C3-, and SP263-based assays for the assessment of PD-L1 expression on TCs in lung cancer. Further studies are required in tumor types for which less evidence is available.
Sleep and Injury Risk
Authors: Huang Kevin , Ihm Joseph
Published: June 2021

Sleep has been found to have wide-ranging effects on sports performance and overall well-being. Recent research has found evidence relating chronic suboptimal sleep with the risk of musculoskeletal pain and sports injury. The amount of sleep that consistently has been found to be associated with increased risk of injury is ≤7 h of sleep, which when sustained for periods of at least 14 d has been associated with 1.7 times greater risk of musculoskeletal injury. However, it is unknown if sleep loss predisposes the athlete to specific types of musculoskeletal injuries. The role of sleep on musculoskeletal pain is important to understand as studies in both children and adults have found that suboptimal sleep more consistently predicts next-day pain as compared with pain predicting subsequent sleep loss. Despite the evidence that certain aspects of sleep behavior seem to increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury and pain, sleep should be considered as only a part of the athlete's overall health and well-being when assessing the athlete for risk of injury.
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association Mountain Biking Injury Surveillance System: 40,000 Student-Athlete-Years of Data
Authors: Willick Stuart E. , Ehn Meredith , Teramoto Masaru , Klatt Joshua W. B. , Finnoff Jonathan T. , Saad Kristen , Cushman Daniel M.
Published: June 2021

A web-based injury surveillance system was implemented through a collaboration between University of Utah researchers and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) to better understand injury characteristics in mountain biking. Data were collected from NICA leagues during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Injuries were tracked in 41,327 student-athlete-years, identifying 1750 unique injuries during 1155 injury events. Rider-dependent and rider-independent variables were analyzed. The most commonly reported injuries were concussion (23.6%), injuries to the wrist/hand (22.3%), and shoulder (15.6%). Half of all injury events occurred on downhills. Men and women reported similar yet significantly different injury rates (2.69% and 3.21%, respectively; P = 0.009). Women sustained more lower-limb injuries (37.8% vs 28.3%; P = 0.003). Nearly 50% of crashes resulted in an emergency room visit. Youth mountain bike racing is a rapidly growing sport. Acute traumatic injuries are common. Injury surveillance system data are now being used to inform injury prevention strategies and direct future research.
The study of the prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium in the kidney tissue and blood on the background of ceruloplasmin administration under the conditions of acute kidney injury
Authors: Zamorskii I. , Unhuryan T. , Batranovska S.
Published: June 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a relevant medical problem. The promising direction of the AKI treatment is the use of the antioxidants that inhibit free radical processes and prevent the destruction of cell membranes within pathological processes. Ceruloplasmin (CP) is the main antioxidant of blood plasma, that demonstrates membrane protecting effects and antitoxic activity.The aim of the study was to establish the influence of a single-dose administration of ceruloplasmin on the processes of the peroxidation in the kidney tissue and blood under the conditions of acute kidney injury.Materials and methods. The influence of ceruloplasmin on the prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium in the kidney tissue and blood was studied in an experiment on white non-line rats under the conditions of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury. The acute kidney injury was modeled by intramuscular administration of 50% glycerol solution at a dose of 8 mg/kg. Ceruloplasmin was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 7 mg/kg/day. The level of main indicators of prooxidant-antioxidant balance in blood and kidney tissue was determined in 24 h after glycerol administration for induction of acute kidney injury.Research results and their discussion. There was a deep disruption of the prooxidant-antioxidant equilibrium as a result of the acute kidney injury. AKI causes an activation of the prooxidant processes by increasing the level of the malonic dialdehyde and the oxidized proteins in the kidney tissue and blood. AKI also reduces the antioxidant protection by decreasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the kidneys and blood plasma.A single-dose administration of ceruloplasmin improved antioxidant protection and reduced peroxidation of lipids and proteins. There was a decrease in levels of malondialdehyde and oxidative modification of proteins. At the same time, the antioxidant protection intensified due to an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and catalase in the kidneys and blood plasma.Conclusions. A single administration of ceruloplasmin influences prooxidant-antioxidant balance, reducing the content of lipid and protein peroxidation products and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Analysis of the objective and preventative treatment and efficacy of therapeutic approaches in women with non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Gromova O. L.
Published: June 2021

Non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is prone to recurrence and has an unspecified residual monitoring and treatment algorithm. The main factors that influence the possibility of recurrence and progression are not known yet.The objective: examination of the frequency of hyperproliferative endometrial pathology (HPE) in premenopausal women, organization of treatment and prophylactic measures and their influence on the recurrence or progression of HPE.Design of the study: a retrospective observational study. Results of the study: The results of monitoring and treatment were analysed in 380 premenopausal women according to STRAW+10 criteria. The structure was dominated by non-atypycal endomrtrial hyperplasia (EH)- in 356 (93.7%) cases, atypycal hyperplasia (AH) - in 16 (4.2%), endometrial cancer (EC) - in 8 (2.6%). 60 women underwent hysterectomy (24 - AH and EC, 36 - concomitant pathology). Results from 320 women with EH excluding hysterectomy, have been monitored over 3 years. Hormonal treatment with gestagens was given to 138 of 320 women (43.1%), 78 (24.3%) received oral progestins without an interruption for 3 months, 34 (10.6%) for 6 months and 26 (8.1%) received LNG-IUDs 52 mg, in 182 (56.8%) no treatment was provided. The effectiveness of EH therapy in women with LNG-IUDs was achieved in 92.3% of cases, with gestagen treatment at 6 months in 70.6%, and at 3 months in 39.7%. With no therapy, regression of the disease was 28.8%. The incidence of EH at the 3rd year of follow-up in women without treatment was 2.4 times higher than at the 6-month course of oral gestagen therapy (71.4 vs 29.4%) and was not significantly different from the 3-month course (71.4 vs 60.3%).There is a lack of clarity in the treatment and monitoring system for women with EH in the study centres; short timing of gestagen prescriptions are insufficiently effective and contribute to a high rate of recurrence; the LNG IUD showed the best efficacy results (93.7%) and absence of recurrence over the course of the study.
The results of a new approach to the method of modeling experimental postoperative peritonitis
Authors: Droniak M. M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: to develop a new, as close as possible to clinical conditions method of experimental modeling of postoperative peritonitis.Materials and methods. In the experiment we use 60 rats Vistar line, weighing 160-240 g, kept in a vivarium in compliance with all standards. General clinical and biochemical studies were conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Biological and Medical Chemistry of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University.Research results and their discussion. The method of experimental modeling of postoperative peritonitis developed by us is performed in sterile operating conditions. General anesthesia was performed by intramuscular injection of 0.15 ml per100 g of sodium oxybutyrate. After processing of the operating field, we performe an upper median laparotomy, a loop of the small intestine is removed into the wound, a purse string suture is applied to its wall, a cross section of the intestinal wall is made in the middle of the purse, and purse sutures are removed to the anterior abdominal wall. The node was then tied to the skin1.0 cm to the left of the median wound, sutured to the postoperative wound, and treated with betadine solution. The next day, the purse string suture dissolves and the contents of the intestine enter the abdominal cavity, causing postoperative peritonitis, which is as close as possible to clinical conditions and allow to avoid relaparotomy. With the help of a purse string suture, we avoided relaparotomy.
Investigation of physico-chemical characteristics of carboxymethylcellulose colloidal carriers for medical preparations
Authors: Mishina Marina M. , Vekshin Vitaliy A. , Burov Andrey N. , Grabovetskaya Evgeniya R.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Physico-chemical peculiarities of processes of preparation and aging of colloidal carriers (gels) based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) for medical preparations which are planned to be used as a treatment for burn wounds are considered in the article. Studies were conducted in the Central Scientific Research Laboratory of theKharkivNationalMedicalUniversity in 2019.The objectives of the study. The objective was to study the applicability of CMC solutions and their modified analogues for the gel-based pharmaceutical preparations.Material and methods. Experimental studies were carried out under laboratory conditions using equipment for viscosity and pH measuring.Results. The influence of concentration, temperature, and acidity on viscosity of gels was investigated. The gels were tested on aging during storage. The stability of these solutions and syneresis process were investigated. The influence of added modifiers – glycerol and ascorbic acid on the consistency, acidity, susceptibility to contamination and term of storage of the gels was determined.Conclusions. It is shown that unmodified solutions have the highest viscosity and the greatest stability. Increasing of temperature reduces duration of dissolution of CMC and viscosity of the gels. Modification by ascorbic acid significantly reduces viscosity and pH of gels, while addition of glycerol does not affect the stability but increases susceptibility of these solutions to contamination. Storage of obtained solutions for three months under normal conditions at room temperature leads to syneresis and total loss of initial consistency. The gels modified by ascorbic acid are shown to be the least stable. Graphic dependences of these processes are obtained and functions are calculated on the basis of experimental research with the use of mathematical modeling methods. The obtained models will allow to predict physical and chemical properties of gels in order to define the necessary parameters of preparation at the stage of development.
Determination of the effect of Ag nanoparticles impregnated in medical polyethylene products together with the LED radiation of the red and violet spectra on the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms and on daily biofilms
Authors: Mishyna M. M. , Hopta O. V. , Syrova G. O. , Mozgova Yu. A. , Malanchuk S. G. , Makarov V. O. , Avramenko V. L. , Marchenko I. A. , Dubovyk O. S. , Mishyn Yu. M.
Published: June 2021

The paper is devoted to the study of antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites on the example of low density polyethylene andnonwoven polymeric material based on wool and synthetic polyester fiber, which were impregnated with Ag nanoparticles by the original method, in a complex with LED red (610-760nm) and violet (380-430nm) spectra. Formation of microorganisms’ biofilms was studied on the surface of microtiter plates for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was determined that the studied combinations inhibit the process of formation of biofilms by planktonic cells and disorganize the formed daily biofilms, which can promote the penetration of antibacterial agents.
Quality management in health care
Authors: Ręba Patrycja
Published: June 2021

AdmissionQuality in healthcare can be broadly understood depending on your point of view. It is perceived differently by patients who focus their attention on relationships with staff, research and treatment outcomes, as well as the atmosphere and environment in which they are staying. On the other hand, for healthcare professionals, quality is mainly related to the reliable provision of services, in accordance with accepted standards, with the use of specific tools. Quality in health care is a particularly important problem, as it is always associated with the provision of services for the health or even of human life, therefore, for any medical entity, the quality of health services is the most important aspect when providing services. Treatment of the Patient should not only be carried out in accordance with the current knowledge and values important for the Patient himself, Aim The aim of the work is to analyze quality management in health care.Material and method Review of the available literature on the subject.ResultsA satisfactory level of quality of the provided health services can be obtained through thorough and systematic checks of the current level of services and effective actions improving this process. Both internal and external methods of ensuring care are used to ensure a high level of care quality. Internal methods used by health care facilities include the development of their own quality assurance programs, including examination and assessment of the quality of medical or nursing care, monitoring and prevention of infections and others. Patient satisfaction is a common method as patient satisfaction with the care provided is the most important indicator of its effectiveness. Most often, the external quality assessment of healthcare organizations in Poland is subject to compliance with the ISO 9001 standard or with the accreditation standards of the Healthcare Quality Monitoring Center. ISO is the International Standard Organization, which creates various types of standards as well as technical specifications and reports for the entire needs, prepared by a specially appointed Technical Committee 176 (Technical Committee 176 - ISO / TC 176). The ISO 9000 family standards are dedicated to quality management systems and are now used in more than one hundred countries. The implementation of the Quality Management System based on these standards proves the ordering and rationalization of activities (efficiency and effectiveness) and the ability to establish the quality policy. ConclusionsThe guarantee of high-quality service at an appropriately low cost is a significant challenge for health care units that want to survive on the increasingly competitive health market. Patients' expectations are growing, changing, and patient satisfaction research in the field of healthcare becomes the basis for launching the quality improvement process. The medical area is a branch of human activity, where the level of benefits may affect human life and health, so efforts to ensure the highest quality are fully justified, and even advisable.
Application of endovideosurgical technologies in the treatment of ventral herniations after gunshot wounds of the abdomen
Authors: Shapovalov V. Y. , Herasymenko O. S. , Yenin R. V. , Koshikov M. A. , Haida Y. I. , Herasymenko S. D. , Muradyan K. R. , Okolets A. V.
Published: June 2021

Gunshot wounds of the abdomen are often accompanied bya significant destruction of the abdominal cavity with the developmentof peritonitis, and in the future - various complications (failure of anastomoses, abscess formation, repeated bleeding, etc.), which requires repeated surgical interventions, and as a consequence - the formation of postoperative ventral hernias. The aim of the study is to improve the results of surgical treatment of ventral hernias after gunshot wounds of the abdomen due to the use of laparoscopic techniques. The analysis of treatment of 21 patients with postoperative ventral hernias formed as a result of operations concerning gunshot wounds of the abdomen was carried out. 14 wounded suffered one operation on the abdominal organs in the past (66.7%), 5 - two operations (23.8%), 1 - three operations (4.8%), 1 - five operations (4.8%). The dimensions of the hernial gates and the risk of recurrence were determined according to the SWE classification: W1 - 9 patients (42.9%), W2 - 8 (38.1%), W3 - (9.5%), W4 - 2 (9.5%). The third patients underwent laparoscopic allogernioplasty according to the IROM technique with a Teflon allograft, which was fixed in 2 cases with the help of a hernostepler, in the 1 st - with transdermal separate seams with Teflon filament. Complications after laparoscopic operations were not. The use of laparoscopic techniques can significantly reduce bed-day, avoid the development of abdominal compartment syndrome, previously to activate the patient. Laparoscopic allogernioplasty according to the method of IPOM by the Teflon graft is considered to be the operation of choice.
Prevention of preeclampsia in pregnant women with obesity
Authors: Zelinka-Khobzey Marta , Tarasenko Kostiantyn , Mamontova Tatyana , Shlykova Oksana
Published: June 2021

Reducing the occurrence of preeclampsia is one of the key tasks in modern obstetrics, especially in pregnant women with concomitant obesity, who are at high risk for preeclampsia, the leading pathogenetic segment of which is endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated therapeutic and preventive complex (TPC) in order to prevent preeclampsia in pregnant women. These parameters were evaluated using such markers as the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in blood serum and the content of circulating endothelial microparticles (CEM) CD32+CD40+ in peripheral blood in pregnant women with obesity of varying severity over the course of treatment we proposed. 110 pregnant women were included in the study: women with physiological body weight (n=26); women with class I obesity (n=42), and women with class II-III obesity. The groups of pregnant women with concomitant obesity were divided into two equal subgroups; one of the subgroups received the TPC (acetylsalicylic acid, calcium supplements, L-arginine, diosmin). The findings obtained demonstrate a significant improvement of endothelial status over the course of the therapy that is manifested with an increase in the serum VEGF concentration and a decrease in the content of CD32+CD40+ CEM in the peripheral blood. Our clinical assessment of pregnancy course, childbirth and the postpartum period in women with obesity and physiological body weight has shown a decrease in the occurrence of complications due to taking the integrated TPC. We have registered a decrease in the incidence of preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, occurrence of miscarriage, operative delivery and postpartum complications.
Changes of non-specific resistance in patients with postoperative peritonitis with abdominal sepsis
Authors: Droniak M. M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: to study changes in nonspecific resistance and cytokine regulation in patients with postoperative peritonitis with abdominal sepsisMaterials and methods. The clinic treated 456 patients with postoperative peritonitis who were treated in the surgery department of the municipal non-profit enterprise Regional Clinical Hospital of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council in the period from 2000 to 2021. Immunological studies were performed in 66 patients with varying severity of abdominal sepsis and its complications.Research results and their discussion. In patients with postoperative peritonitis with abdominal sepsis, the phagocytic index during the first week of hospital stay was in control. However, on the 10th-11th day, the phagocytic index decreased 1.6 times, which progressed until the end of the third week of treatment - on the 14th-21st day, the phagocytic index was 2.7 times smaller than the control. The phagocytic count in patients with PP with abdominal sepsis reached maximum values in the first day of the disease (3 ± 0.26). Later in the treatment process, this figure gradually decreased and on day 14-21 came to normal and amounted to 1.96 ± 0.10. The index of completeness of phagocytosis on the first day of the disease was1,59 ± 0,20. By 2-3 days it decreased by 1.44 ± 0.20 and returned to normal by 14-21 days. Circulating immune complexes were normalized by 5-7 days of the disease.
The level of platelets in patients operated for a fracture of the neck of the femur
Authors: Babuśka-Roczniak Magdalena , Wojtanowska-Kaczka Magdalena , Kowalski Mateusz , Skalik Marta , Racz Oliver , Oliwko Elżbieta , Roczniak Wojciech
Published: June 2021

Admission. Treatment of hip fractures is one of the most serious challenges for musculoskeletal traumatology, as these fractures occur mainly in the elderly. Despite the fact that modern traumatology has reached a high level, femoral neck fractures are still a very big problem among societies.            The purpose of the study was an assessment of the level of platelets in patients treated with surgery for a fracture of the neck of the femur.            Material and method. The research was conducted in December 2019 in one of the trauma and orthopedic wards in Upper Silesia. The study included 35 patients aged 48-78 years treated surgically due to a hip fracture. All obtained data on patients come from medical records.            Results. The analysis showed that 8 of the 35 patients included in the study had a decrease in the level of platelets 24 hours after the surgical treatment of a hip fracture. One week after the surgery, the level of platelets was normal.            Conclusions. A relationship has been demonstrated between the level of platelets and surgical treatment of a fracture of the femoral neck. A significant drop in platelets was noticed in 23% of the subjects 24 hours after the surgery and their normal value was reached a week later. The problem requires further observation and research.
Promoting Platform Takeoff and Self-Fulfilling Expectations: Field Experimental Evidence
Authors: Boudreau Kevin J.
Published: June 2021

A platform might have the potential to bring enormous value to its users. However, without a well-orchestrated launch strategy that coordinates a sufficient number of users onto the platform, this potential will not be realized. The theoretical literature predicts that one approach to coordinating platform take-off is to influence the market’s subjective focal expectations of the future installed base of users. This paper reports on a field experiment investigating the causal role of subjective expectations in the launch of a new platform venture, in which invitations to join a newly launched platform were sent to 16,349 individuals. The invitations included randomized statements regarding the size of the future expected installed base (along with disclosures of the current installed base). I find that simple, subjective, uncommitted, and relatively costless statements broadcasted by the platform with the goal of influencing market expectations were indeed able to influence platform takeoff and overcome an initial chicken-and-egg problem. These broadcasted subjective statements regarding future installed base had a larger influence on adoption rates than did disclosures of the true current installed base during early adoption. However, these subjective statements of expected future installed base ceased to have any effect once the true current installed base grew large. I discuss implications for the promotion, marketing, and evangelism of new platform ventures.

This paper was accepted by Duncan Simester, marketing.