bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) mirrors serum ANA in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Ting , Du Yong , Wu Qingqing , Li Hao , Nguyen Thao , Gidley Gabriel , Duran Valeria , Goldman Daniel , Petri Michelle , Mohan Chandra
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To assay salivary anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and its isotypes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to investigate relevant clinical associations.

Methods

Saliva samples were collected from SLE patients and assayed for salivary ANA using immunofluorescence (IF). Isotypes of salivary ANA, including IgG-ANA, IgA-ANA, and IgM-ANA, were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlations between clinical parameters and levels of salivary ANA and isotypes were evaluated.

Results

Salivary ANA IF intensities were significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls, irrespective of SLE patient disease activity, and strongly correlated with serum ANA titers. Salivary ANA was detected in 67.14% of SLE patients and 10.00% of healthy controls (p < 0.001). Among ANA-positive samples, 80.85% exhibited a nuclear ANA pattern, and 42.55% exhibited a cytoplasmic ANA pattern. Salivary IgG-ANA, IgA-ANA, and IgM-ANA levels, as assayed by ELISA, were significantly increased in both active and less active SLE patients compared with healthy controls, and levels of each isotype were significantly correlated with serum ANA titer. Salivary IgM-ANA levels correlated with the physician global assessment (PGA), SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and negatively with serum C3 and C4. Salivary IgG-ANA also correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), SLEDAI, and negatively with serum C3.

Conclusion

Salivary ANA levels correlate with serum ANA titer, and salivary IgM-ANA and IgG-ANA correlate variably with PGA, SLEDAI, ESR and complement levels. These findings underscore the potential of using salivary ANA and ANA isotypes as surrogates for serum ANA, particularly for future point-of-care applications since saliva is easier to obtain than blood.
Latent class analysis of 216 patients with adult-onset Still’s disease
Authors: Sugiyama Takahiro , Furuta Shunsuke , Hiraguri Masaki , Ikeda Kei , Inaba Yosuke , Kagami Shin-ichiro , Kita Yasuhiko , Kobayashi Kei , Kobayashi Yoshihisa , Kurasawa Kazuhiro , Nakagomi Daiki , Nawata Yasushi , Kawasaki Yohei , Shiko Yuki , Sugiyama Takao , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Background

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic autoinflammatory disease which encompasses patients with heterogenous presentation and a wide range of clinical courses. In this study, we aimed to identify potential subgroups of AOSD and reveal risk factors for relapse.

Methods

We included a total of 216 AOSD patients who received treatment in nine hospitals between 2000 and 2019. All patients fulfilled the Yamaguchi classification criteria. We retrospectively collected information about baseline characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment, relapse, and death. We performed latent class analysis and time-to-event analysis for relapse using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

The median age at disease onset was 51.6 years. The median follow-up period was 36.8 months. At disease onset, 22.3% of the patients had macrophage activation syndrome. The median white blood cell count was 12,600/μL, and the median serum ferritin level was 7230 ng/mL. Systemic corticosteroids were administered in all but three patients (98.6%) and the median initial dosage of prednisolone was 40mg/day. Ninety-six patients (44.4%) were treated with concomitant immunosuppressants, and 22 (10.2%) were treated with biologics. Latent class analysis revealed that AOSD patients were divided into two subgroups: the typical group (Class 1: 71.8%) and the elderly-onset group (Class 2: 28.2%). During the follow-up period, 13 of 216 patients (6.0%) died (12 infections and one senility), and 76 of 216 patients (35.1%) experienced relapses. Overall and relapse-free survival rates at 5 years were 94.9% and 57.3%, respectively, and those rates were not significantly different between Class 1 and 2 (p=0.30 and p=0.19). Time-to-event analysis suggested higher neutrophil count, lower hemoglobin, and age ≥65 years at disease onset as risk factors for death and age ≥65 years at disease onset as a risk factor for relapse.

Conclusions

AOSD patients were divided into two subgroups: the typical group and the elderly-onset group. Although the survival of patients with AOSD was generally good, the patients often experienced relapses. Age ≥65 years at disease onset was the risk factor for relapse.
Delayed differentiation of epidermal cells walls can underlie pedomorphosis in plants: the case of pedomorphic petals in the hummingbird-pollinated Caiophora hibiscifolia (Loasaceae, subfam. Loasoideae) species
Authors: Strelin Marina M. , Zattara Eduardo E. , Ullrich Kristian , Schallenberg-Rüdinger Mareike , Rensing Stefan
Published: January 2022

Background

Understanding the relationship between macroevolutionary diversity and variation in organism development is an important goal of evolutionary biology. Variation in the morphology of several plant and animal lineages is attributed to pedomorphosis, a case of heterochrony, where an ancestral juvenile shape is retained in an adult descendant. Pedomorphosis facilitated morphological adaptation in different plant lineages, but its cellular and molecular basis needs further exploration. Plant development differs from animal development in that cells are enclosed by cell walls and do not migrate. Moreover, in many plant lineages, the differentiated epidermis of leaves, and leaf-derived structures, such as petals, limits organ growth. We, therefore, proposed that pedomorphosis in leaves, and in leaf-derived structures, results from delayed differentiation of epidermal cells with respect to reproductive maturity. This idea was explored for petal evolution, given the importance of corolla morphology for angiosperm reproductive success.

Results

By comparing cell morphology and transcriptional profiles between 5 mm flower buds and mature flowers of an entomophile and an ornitophile Loasoideae species (a lineage that experienced transitions from bee- to hummingbird-pollination), we show that evolution of pedomorphic petals of the ornithophile species likely involved delayed differentiation of epidermal cells with respect to flower maturity. We also found that developmental mechanisms other than pedomorphosis might have contributed to evolution of corolla morphology.

Conclusions

Our results highlight a need for considering alternatives to the flower-centric perspective when studying the origin of variation in flower morphology, as this can be generated by developmental processes that are also shared with leaves.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of bariatric surgery on assisted reproductive technology outcomes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Alibhai Kameela , Churchill Isabella , Vause Tannys , Lochnan Heather Anne
Published: January 2022

Background

Individuals with obesity are at higher risk of experiencing complications during their pregnancy and may also experience infertility, requiring assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to conceive. The current body of literature demonstrates that bariatric surgery decreases an individual’s risk of developing a variety of obesity-related obstetrical conditions during and after pregnancy. However, the effects of bariatric surgery on ART outcomes are not well understood. Therefore, the paucity in the literature warrants a need to determine these effects.

Methods

We will search electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), as well as the gray literature and the reference lists of included articles. We will screen all studies published between January 1978 and the present day that explore the impact of bariatric surgery on ART outcomes for women and men. We will include observational studies. Two independent reviewers will assess the studies for inclusion and extract data for each article. The main outcome that will be analyzed is live birth rate. Secondary outcomes such as time to conception, number of rounds of ART, type of bariatric surgery, and length of time between bariatric surgery and initiation of ART will also be recorded. Risk of bias will be conducted using the National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools. A random effects model will be used to account for statistical analysis and results will be pooled with forest plots. In the event of statistical and reporting heterogeneity, we will provide a qualitative synthesis and narrative review of the results.

Discussion

This review will provide information on the outcomes of ART following bariatric surgery and may help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about the length of time between bariatric surgery and initiation of ART. The study findings may be of interest to various stakeholders including patients, bariatric surgeons, obstetricians, and gynecologists, and those who specialize in obesity medicine and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. We plan to disseminate our findings through presentations, publications, and social media releases to individuals who are navigating infertility and are interested in undergoing or have undergone bariatric surgery, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42021252561
Solvability of a moving contact-line problem with interface formation for an incompressible viscous fluid
Authors: Kusaka Yoshiaki
Published: January 2022

We investigate the free-boundary problem of a steadily advancing meniscus in a circular capillary tube. The problem is described using the “interface formation model,” which was originally introduced with the aim of avoiding the singularities that arise when classical hydrodynamics is applied to problems with a moving contact line. We prove the existence of an axially symmetric solution in weighted Hölder spaces for low meniscus speeds.
Climate change in the Western Balkans and EU Green Deal: status, mitigation and challenges
Authors: Knez Sandi , Štrbac Snežana , Podbregar Iztok
Published: January 2022

Background

The European Commission (EC), based on the European Green Deal (2019) and the Recovery plan for Europe (2021), envisages investing 30% of the budget in climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives, which clearly shows Europe's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. Activities are also planned for countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), which require complex changes in the field of legislation, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring. To successfully plan short-term and long-term activities on these grounds, it is necessary to have a realistic picture of the state of climate change in each country—as they spill over into the entire region of Europe. The main objective of this paper is to answer the following questions: (i) is climate change observed in Western Balkans? (ii) how are certain sectors vulnerable to climate change in Western Balkans? (iii) what are the climate change adaptation strategies in the six countries of the Western Balkans? The answers to these questions can help in planning activities and initial alignment of Western Balkan countries with the EU plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

Main body

The main results of the research show that in all countries of the region, the average annual temperature increased by 1.2 °C compared to 1970, with stabilization and the beginning of the decline which can be expected around 2040. The main reasons for climate change in the region are: industry, energy, and heating sector based on coal exploitation, low energy efficiency, etc.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that Croatia as a member of the EU has adopted, and other five Western Balkans countries are in the process of adopting the necessary regulations and strategies towards climate change mitigation, but the implementation of specific activities is at a low level. The reason for this most often lies in the insufficient commitment of decision-makers to make significant changes in the field of climate change transition (lower level of economic development, lack of investment, and preservation of social peace). Finally, this paper provides an overview of climate change by country, scenario analysis, and policy recommendations.
Nanopore sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid of three patients with cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Jin Ke , Wang Xiaojuan , Qin Lingzhi , Jia Yazhen , Zhou Keke , Jiang Yusu , Zhang Milan , Zhang Tao , Zhang Mengge , Ma Weifeng , Jia Lin , Teng Yongshi , Dai Shuhua , li Wei
Published: January 2022

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) has a high morbidity and mortality due to the low detection of Cryptococcus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the early stage of the disease with traditional methods.

Case presentation

In addition to the traditional methods of India ink staining and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), we used nanopore sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect pathogenic DNA in CSF samples of three patients with CM. The CSF samples of all three patients were positive by India ink staining and CrAg. NGS also detected Cryptococcus in all three CSF samples. Nanopore sequencing detected Cryptococcus in two CSF samples.

Conclusion

Nanopore sequencing may be useful in assisting with the clinical diagnosis of CM. Further research is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of nanopore sequencing of CSF.
Aging, frailty, and design of built environments
Authors: Crews Douglas E.
Published: January 2022

Before developing agriculture, herding or metallurgy, humans occupied most of the world. Multiple socioculturally-based responses supported their migration, including building shelters and constructing niches to limit environmental stressors. Sheltered settings provided social support and security during stressful times, along with opportunities for injured, aging, and frail members to survive. Modern built environments are designed for similar purposes, to support human growth, development, reproduction, and maintenance. However, extended survival in modern settings has costs. With age, muscle (sarcopenia) and bone loss (osteopenia, osteoporosis), along with somatic, physiological, and sensory dysfunction, reduce our physical capabilities, increase our frailty, and impede our abilities to interface with built and natural environments and manufactured artifacts. Thereby, increasing our dependence on built environments to maintain autonomy and quality of life.

What follows is a conceptual review of how frailty may limit seniors within modern built environments. It suggests age-related frailty among seniors provides specific data for those designing environments for accessibility to all users. It is based in human ecological theory, and physiological and gerontological research showing senescent alterations, including losses of muscle, bone, and sensory perceptions, produce a frail phenotype with increasing age limiting our mobility, activity, use of space, and physical abilities. As an individual phenotype, frailty leads to age-related physical and performance declines. As a physiological assessment, frailty indices amalgamate individual measures of functional abilities into a single score. Such frailty indices increase with age and differ betwixt individuals and across groups. To design built environments that improve access, usability, and safety for aging and frail citizens, today’s seniors provide living samples and evidence for determining their future abilities, limitations, and design needs. Designing built environments to accommodate and improve the quality of human-environment interactions for frail seniors will improve usability and accessibility for most user groups.
Circ_0000620 acts as an oncogenic factor in gastric cancer through regulating MMP2 expression via sponging miR-671-5p
Authors: Ren Junyu , Pan Guoqing , Yang Jun , Xu Ning , Zhang Qiong , Li Wenliang
Published: January 2022

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the digestive system. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to function as important regulators in the pathogenesis of GC. This study focused on the biological role and molecular mechanism of circ_0000620 in GC progression.

Methods

The expression levels of circ_0000620, microRNA-671-5p (miR-671-5p) and Matrix MetalloProteinase 2 (MMP2) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay or western blot. The stability of circ_0000620 was confirmed by Ribonuclease R (RNase R) assay. The protein levels were determined by western blot assay. Cell viability, colony formation, cell migratory ability, cell invasive ability and tube formation capacity were respectively examined by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay and tube formation assay. The interaction between miR-671-5p and circ_0000620 or MMP2 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull-down assay. The role of circ_0000620 in GCundefinedwas explored by xenograft tumor assay.

Results

Circ_0000620 was conspicuously upregulated in GC tissues and cells. Circ_0000620 knockdown reduced cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion and tube formation capacity of GC cells in vitro. Furthermore, MMP2 was upregulated in GC and MMP2 overexpression reversed the anti-tumor response of circ_0000620 knockdown in GC progression. Moreover, circ_0000620 directly interacted with miR-671-5p and circ_0000620 downregulation regulated malignant behaviors of GC cells by upregulating miR-671-5p. In addition, silencing of circ_0000620 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Circ_0000620 knockdown inhibited the malignant development of GC partly through modulating the miR-671-5p/MMP2 axis.
Casirivimab-imdevimab neutralizing SARS-CoV-2: post-infusion clinical events and their risk factors
Authors: Yoshida Junichi , Shiraishi Kenichiro , Tamura Tetsuro , Otani Kazuhiro , Kikuchi Tetsuya , Mataga Akiko , Ueno Takako , Tanaka Masao
Published: January 2022

Background

Casirivimab-imdevimab has been developed to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. The global clinical trials in outpatients documented several adverse effects (AE), which mandate caution in Japan where part of patients return home. To investigate post-infusion clinical events and their risk factors, we attempted a retrospective study.

Main body

Subjects were a consecutive series of inpatients with COVID-19 undergoing an infusion of casirivimab-imdevimab in our institute. The criteria for administration were in accordance with previous clinical trials, e.g., exclusion of patients necessitating oxygen supply. In Japan, however, SARS-CoV-2 vaccinees were eligible.

Methods were review of background factors of status, imaging, and laboratory findings for the outcome of post-infusion events such as temperature increase (Temp+), pulse oximetry below 94%, and other events. Also, we documented the drug efficacy.

Of a total of 96 patients with a median follow-up of 54 days, one (1.0%) died who alone was an exception demanding oxygen supply. Other 95 patients (99.0%) recovered from fever and hypoxia by Day 4 and later had no worsening of COVID-19.

Median increase of body temperature was 1.0 degrees Celsius, which was used for computation of Temp+. Multivariate analysis showed that for Temp+ (n = 47), white blood cell counts more than 4.3 × 103/microliter (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.593, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.060–6.338, P = 0.037) was at risk, whereas 2-time vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.128, 95% CI 0.026–0.636, P = 0.012) was a preventing factor. Likewise for lowered oximetry (n = 21), CT showing bilateral ground glass attenuation (OR 5.544, CI 1.599–19.228, P = 0.007) was a significant risk factor. Two patients (2.1%) showed bradycardia (asymptomatic, intervention not indicated) on Day 3 and recovery on Day 5.

Limitations for this study included the difficulty distinguishing AE from worsening of COVID-19, thus we documented as clinical events.

Conclusions

For 24 h after infusion of casirivimab-imdevimab, COVID-19 patients with increased white blood cell counts may be predisposed to temperature elevation more than 1.0 degrees centigrade, as may bilateral ground glass opacity to lowered oximetry. Thus, patients with leukocytosis and bilateral ground glass attenuation may need precaution for transient fever and hypoxia, respectively.
Psychological symptoms, mental fatigue and behavioural adherence after 72 continuous days of strict lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina
Authors: Torrente Fernando , Yoris Adrian , Low Daniel , Lopez Pablo , Bekinschtein Pedro , Vázquez Gustavo H. , Manes Facundo , Cetkovich Marcelo
Published: January 2022

Background

An early and prolonged lockdown was adopted in Argentina during the first wave of COVID-19. Early reports evidenced elevated psychological symptoms.

Aims

To explore if the prolonged lockdown was associated with elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms; if mental fatigue was associated with lockdown adherence (a phenomenon called ‘behavioural fatigue’); and if financial concerns were associated with lockdown adherence and emotional symptoms.

Method

The survey included standardised questionnaires to assess depressive (PHQ-9) and anxious (GAD-7) symptoms, mental fatigue, risk perception, lockdown adherence, financial concerns, daily stress, loneliness, intolerance to uncertainty, negative repetitive thinking and cognitive problems. LASSO regression analyses were carried out to predict depression, anxiety and lockdown adherence

Results

The survey reached 3617 adults (85.2% female) from all provinces of Argentina after 72 days of lockdown. Data were collected between 21 May 2020 and 4 June 2020. In that period, Argentina had an Oxford stringency index of 85/100. Of those surveyed, 45.6% and 27% met the cut-offs for depression and anxiety, respectively. Mental fatigue, cognitive failures and financial concerns were correlated with psychological symptoms, but not with adherence to lockdown. In regression models, mental fatigue, cognitive failures and loneliness were the most important variables to predict depression, intolerance to uncertainty and lockdown difficulty were the most important for anxiety, and perceived threat was the most important for predicting lockdown adherence.

Conclusions

During the extended lockdown, psychological symptoms increased, being enhanced by mental fatigue, cognitive difficulties and financial concerns. We found no evidence of behavioural fatigue. Thus, feeling mentally fatigued is not the same as being behaviourally fatigued.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Indirectly Elicits Pituitary LH Secretion Independent of GnRH in Female Zebrafish
Authors: Tanaka Sakura , Zmora Nilli , Levavi-Sivan Berta , Zohar Yonathan
Published: January 2022

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip) regulates luteinizing hormone (LH) release through the direct regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons at the level of the brain in female rodents. However, little is known regarding the roles of Vip in teleost reproduction. Although GnRH is critical for fertility through the regulation of LH secretion in vertebrates, the exact role of the hypophysiotropic GnRH (GnRH3) in zebrafish is unclear since GnRH3 null fish are reproductively fertile. This phenomenon raises the possibility of a redundant regulatory pathway(s) for LH secretion in zebrafish. Here, we demonstrate that VipA (homologues of mammalian Vip) both inhibits and induces LH secretion in zebrafish. Despite the observation that VipA axons may reach the pituitary proximal pars distalis including LH cells, pituitary incubation with VipA in vitro, and intraperitoneal injection of VipA, did not induce LH secretion and lhβ mRNA expression in sexually mature females, respectively. On the other hand, intracerebroventricular administration of VipA augmented plasma LH levels in both wild-type and gnrh3-/- females at 1 hour posttreatment, with no observed changes in pituitary GnRH2 and GnRH3 contents and gnrh3 mRNA levels in the brains. While VipA’s manner of inhibition of LH secretion has yet to be explored, the stimulation seems to occur via a different pathway than GnRH3, dopamine, and 17β-estradiol in regulating LH secretion. The results indicate that VipA induces LH release possibly by acting with or through a non-GnRH factor(s), providing proof for the existence of functional redundancy of LH release in sexually mature female zebrafish.
New Insights in the Interaction of FGF/FGFR and Steroid Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Authors: Pérez Piñero Cecilia , Giulianelli Sebastián , Lamb Caroline A , Lanari Claudia
Published: January 2022

Luminal breast cancer (BrCa) has a favorable prognosis compared with other tumor subtypes. However, with time, tumors may evolve and lead to disease progression; thus, there is a great interest in unraveling the mechanisms that drive tumor metastasis and endocrine resistance. In this review, we focus on one of the many pathways that have been involved in tumor progression, the fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) axis. We emphasize in data obtained from in vivo experimental models that we believe that in luminal BrCa, tumor growth relies in a crosstalk with the stromal tissue. We revisited the studies that illustrate the interaction between hormone receptors and FGFR. We also highlight the most frequent alterations found in BrCa cell lines and provide a short review on the trials that use FGFR inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapies. Analysis of these data suggests there are many players involved in this pathway that might be also targeted to decrease FGF signaling, in addition to specific FGFR inhibitors that may be exploited to increase their efficacy.
Use of information support for marketing in tourist enterprises
Authors: Tranchenko L. V. , Tereshchuk N. V. , Lopatiuk R. I. , Tranchenko O. M.
Published: January 2022

Every year Ukraine integrates more and more into the world economic economy. Tourist services are one of the most important socio-economic sectors of the world economy. However, Ukraine, having a variety of tourism resources, has little experience in this area. For these reasons, the relevance of the article on the promotion of tourist services is determined. The article investigates the means of promoting tourist services, determining the theoretical and methodological principles of building an effective process of marketing communications at the enterprises of the tourist sphere. It is proved that in order to achieve the effect of synergy, the main principle when deciding on the use of several means of communication is the choice of one means as the main and several - auxiliary. The main thing is to be able to independently and effectively influence consumers. Auxiliary - should fill possible gaps in the reach of the target audience, supporting the main means of communication.
Model of personalized non-pharmacological program of cognitive disorder correction in patients with epilepsy and the assessment of its efficacy
Authors: Blazhyna I.
Published: January 2022

Cognitive dysfunction shows higher incidence in people, suffering from epilepsy, than in general population and most likely they are related to common patho-biological processes. The use of medication in patients with epilepsy for treating cognitive functions is limited due to the potential risk of more frequent seizures. Therefore, non-pharmacological methods of cognitive correction are becoming especially important for this category of patients.Aim. The aim of the research is to study the specifics of non-dementia cognitive disorders in patients with epilepsy and to develop a set of activities for their prevention and non-pharmacological correction.Materials and methods. The study included 146 patients (61 women and 85 men), their average age was 40,73. We applied clinical anamnestic, sociodemographic, clinical-psychopathological, psycho-diagnostic and statistical research methods. The following psycho-diagnostic techniques were used: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Munsterberg test, MiniMult test, Hamilton depression and anxiety rating scales (HRDS, HARS) and the quality of life scale. 63 patients completed a 3-month computerized online cognitive training with daily sessions, out of which 33 patients also participated in psychoeducational activities.Results. The findings of studying patients with epilepsy using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) showed low levels of all parameters while the total score in the patients with epilepsy with cognitive non-dementia disorders was 20,72 versus27,36 in healthy persons; the analysis of HRDS, HARS showed high anxiety and depression symptoms levels, lower quality of life level was also observed, the average indicator was 69,45, whereas in the control group the level of life quality was 78,60. There was marked adherence to cognitive training in the patients with epilepsy compared to the healthy group.Conclusion. Reliable improvement of cognitive functioning was found in the patients under consideration after 3 months of the training. The computerized cognitive functions training in current conditions showed its benefits owing to the opportunity to complete it online. It may be advised to be introduced as a part of the social rehabilitation system for patients with epilepsy, who have cognitive non-dementia disorders.
Comparative effectiveness of anti-fibrosis treatment in patients after HCV infection and in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Gavryliuk Nadiia , Hospodarskyy Ihor , Prokopchuk Oksana , Krekhovska-Lepiavko Olha , Lokay Borys , Havrylyuk Mykhailo
Published: January 2022

Due to the high prevalence of NAFLD and CHC, these two pathologies will progress and contribute to the progression of fibrosis. Unfortunately, nowadays there is no single treatment strategy for such patients. That is why, in most cases a variety of treatment regimens on the base of different hepatoprotectors are prescribed. Instead, there is evidence that the use of some hepatoprotectors has no influence on fibrotic processes in the liver or can even exacerbate them. In order to study the antifibrotic effect of hepatoprotectors in patients with posthepatic fibrosis after HCV infection and in patients with NAFLD, we studied the results of prescribing the hepatoprotective drug bicyclol.
Immunohistochemical study of placental lactogen in the trophoblast in immaturity of the chorionic tree of the placenta on the background of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women
Authors: Tiulienieva Olena , Davydenko Igor , Tiulienieva Viallanta , Marchuk Olena , Shelest Tetiana , Volkov Oleksandr
Published: January 2022

The study of placental lactogen by immunohistochemistry in histological sections of the placenta during physiological pregnancy and on the background of iron deficiency anemia in the aspect of chronic placental insufficiency. It is established that during gestation against the background of iron deficiency anemia decreases the production of placental lactogen by syncytiotrophoblast of the chorionic villi and correlates with the state of the blood of the pregnant woman. The optical density of immunohistochemical staining for placental lactogen of the free trophoblast reflects the degree of maturation of the chorionic tree of the placenta in iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. Chronic placental insufficiency caused by immaturity of the chorionic villi can be compensated at the level of metabolism.
Features of violation of maturation of the chorionic tree of the placenta at immaturity of the placental bed of the uterus on the background of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women in terms of chronic insufficiency of manure
Authors: Tiulienieva Olena , Davydenko Igor , Tiulienieva Viallanta , Marchuk Olena , Shelest Tetiana , Volkov Oleksandr
Published: January 2022

The authors of the article investigated the quantitative parameters of the placental chorion tree during physiological pregnancy and gestation against the background of iron deficiency anemia. It has been established that iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women inhibits the development of the placental chorionic tree, which is explained by the formation of chorionic villi (through trophoblastic and free processes) and violation of the transition of terminal villi to terminal "specialized" villi. The diagnosis of chronic placental insufficiency during pregnancy on the background of iron deficiency anemia can be verified morphologically based on quantitative indicators of assessment of the structure of the placental chorionic tree - the percentage of terminal villi should be higher than 43% and the percentage of terminal "specialized" villi lower than 15%.
Blood supply of the anal canal in patients with chronic hemorrhoids
Authors: Sidoruk Serhii
Published: January 2022

The most important factors in the development of chronic haemorrhoids today are considered to be the combination of two factors (vascular and mechanical) that lead to the development of hemorrhoids. The underlying vascular factor is the vascular dysfunction, providing arterial blood flow through the arteries to the cavernous bodies and outflow through the cavernous veins, which leads to dilation of cavernous bodies and the formation of vascular malformations.There were performed clinical examination and treatment of 140 patients with chronic hemorrhoids of stage III-IV according to Goligher. The features of arterial blood supply of the anal canal were evaluated by transrectal ultrasound examination.It was found that there was no clear linear relationship between the number of anal arteries with increased blood flow and the number of hemorrhoidal nodes in the patient. Each node was supplied with blood from one or two arteries: the node placed at 11 o'clock had blood supply from the arteries visualized at 10 and 11 o'clock, the node at 3 o'clock - arteries at 3 and 5 o'clock, the node at 7 o'clock - arteries at 7 and 9 o'clock. The arteries were most frequently visualized at the first (89.4%), the third (93.3%), the seventh (88.8%) and the eleventh (93.4%) hours. With less frequency the hemodynamically significant arteries were visualized at the fifth (65.0%), the ninth (62.8%) and the tenth (66.7%) hours. The arteries that were suppliing blood hemorrhoidal vessels were located in the internal sphincter at a depth of 5 to 10 mm. In the area of 3, 7 and 11 hours, they overlapped with a mosaic pattern that corresponded to the localization of the cavernous body and resembled an arteriovenous fistula according to the СDS.
Structure of anaemic conditions comorbid to alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Khukhlina Oksana , Antofiichuk Tetiana , Antofiichuk Mykola
Published: January 2022

The retrospective analysis of 378 medical records of inpatients with steatohepatitis (SH) depending on its etiology was performed to identify and study the type of anaemic conditions (AC). Among patients with SH of mixed (including alcoholic) etiology anaemia was found in 32.2% of cases, in patients with alcoholic (ASH) - in 36.3%, in patients with non-alcoholic SH (NASH) - in 22.0 % of cases. Macrocytic, hyperchromic anaemia prevailed in patients with anaemia of all groups: in patients with SH of mixed etiology - in 47.9%, in patients with ASH - 56.8%, NASH - 71.4%. Normocytic, normochromic anaemia was registered in 52.1% with mixed etiology of SH, in patients with ASH - 43.2%, NASH - 28.6%.The prospective study of 125 patients with SH showed that anaemia was found in 40.0% of patients with ASH, among patients with SH of mixed (including alcoholic) etiology anaemia was found in 32.0%, among patients with NASH the result was 21.7%. The following types of anaemia were found in ASH: vitamin B12 - deficient - in 17.5% of cases, anaemia of chronic disease - in 10.0% of cases and Zieve's syndrome - in 12.5% of cases. Three types of anaemia were found in patients with SH of mixed etiology: vitamin B12 - deficient - in 16.0% of cases, anaemia of chronic disease - in 8.0% and Zieve's syndrome - in 8.0% of patients. The structure of anaemias in patients with NASH accompanied by obesity of I-II degrees is as follows: B12 - deficient anaemia - in 15.0% of cases, anaemia of chronic disease - in 6.7% of people. In patients with NASH, H. pylory contamination was present in 84.6% of patients with anaemic syndrome (AS), including 100% of patients with B12-deficient anaemia. With ASH, H. pylory contamination was present in 80.0% with anaemia, including 100% of patients with B12-deficient anaemia. In patients with SH of mixed etiology, H. pylory contamination was present in 100.0% of people with AS.
Management and promotion of business processes of regional tourism
Authors: Tranchenko L. V. , Yavorska V. V.
Published: January 2022

Within the economy of different regions of Ukraine under modern conditions, tourism plays an increasingly important role. However, not all regions are able to provide long-term sustainable development of tourism on its territory. One of the main causes of problems in the development of regional tourism is the imperfection of the regional system of tourism management. This article discusses key issues concerning the impact of tourism on the regional economy and proposes a number of measures to reform the management of tourism activities at the regional level.
Immunotropic effects of nitrogenous metabolites in patients with chronic pyelonephritis
Authors: Kuchma Igor , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Flyunt Igor-Severyn , Ruzhylo Sofiya , Zukow Walery , Popovych Igor
Published: January 2022

Background. We have previously shown that nitrogenous metabolites have immunomodulatory effects in healthy rats and humans as well as in patients with encephalopatia. The purpose of this study is their immunotropic activity in patients with chronic pyelonephritis. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were 24 men (aged 23-76 years) with chronic pyelonephritis in remission. The plasma levels and urinary excretion of uric acid, urea and creatinine and parameters of immunity twice (on admission and after 10 days of balneotherapy at the Truskavets’ Spa) was performed. Results. Judging by the multiple correlation coefficient uricemia exhibits maximal immunotropic activity (R=0,772), followed by creatininemia (R=0,643), urea plasma (R=0,584) and creatinineuria (R=0,506) instead, urea and uric acid excretion correlate with immune parameters insignificantly (R=0,327 and 0,262 respectively). Nitrogenous metabolites together upregulate most parameters of phagocytosis by neutrophils Staph. aureus and E. coli, the level in the blood of CD8 T-lymphocytes, CIC, IgM, componentes of leukocytogram as well as entropy of leukocytogram and immunocytogram. Instead, they downregulate the relative level of lymphocytes in general and of CD4 T-lymphocytes in particular. Conclusion. Nitrogenous metabolites exhibit immunotropic activity in both healthy humans and in patients with chronic pyelonephritis in remission. Both common and distinctive features of immunomodulation were revealed.
Environmental risks for children oral health in Low Danube region
Authors: Goncharov V. , Velikov M. , Schnayder S. , Denga O. , Maximenko Y.
Published: January 2022

The study was aimed to assess the environmental risks for children oral health in Low Danube region.Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2011-2021. Information on the state of drinking water, the level of environmental safety of food, qualitative and quantitative composition of food was obtained from the reports of territorial institutions of the sanitary-epidemiological service of Odessa region. Actual nutrition was assessed using standard questionnaires. The assessment of the level of environmental and hygienic safety was based on the recommendations of the EPA. Statistical processing was performed by methods of analysis of variance and correlation using specialized software Statistica 10.0.Results. Excessive carbohydrate intake and excessive nitrate load are the main environmental risk factors for dental pathology in children living in the Danube region. Qualitative composition of diets plays a bigger role than mineral composition of drinking water.Conclusion. 1. Drinking water of suboptimal mineral composition was consumed by 41.7% of people, high content of refined carbohydrates was inherent in the diets of 63.0% of surveyed children.2. Children’s diet is characterized with subdeficiency of B vitamins, excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and a significant nitrate load.
Clinical and morphological parallels in preterm birth
Authors: Sitnikova V. , Nadvorna O. , Rozhkovska N. , Kashian O.
Published: January 2022

The aim of the study was to establish a link between the timing of preterm birth and clinical groups of women of different ages.
There were demonstrated the differences in the incidence of preterm birth among women of different reproductive ages in our study were not found (p>0,05). The rate of cesarean delivery was higher (p>0,05) in women who gave birth from 22 to 27 weeks of gestation. The threatened abortions in the I and II trimesters were observed in women of all groups. In women of the I and II groups the phenomena of placental dysfunction in the form of infarcts and retroplacental hematomas on the background of various urogenital infections were revealed. Indicators of compensatory-adaptive response in the placenta are better developed in women who gave birth at 33-37 weeks. Developmental pathology and location of the umbilical cord occurred in women whose children were born in the terminals from 22 to 33 weeks of pregnancy. Mortality among children at 22-27 weeks was higher in parallel with a higher percentage of cesarean sections in the same group compared to the other two groups.
Structuring information in the system of training masters of natural sciences
Authors: Hladun T.
Published: January 2022

The article analyzes the philosophical, psychological, pedagogical, educational, and methodological literature on the research problem; the essence of the concepts “structuring of educational information”, “professional and pedagogical training of masters of natural sciences for structuring educational information” is revealed, methods of structuring educational information are analyzed, forms of presenting educational information are revealed.
Current ideas about molecular genetic subtypes of ovarian cancer: a personalized approach and a new platform for further research
Authors: Rybin A.
Published: January 2022

Highly malignant ovarian cancers are a histopathological diagnosis, but can be multiple diseases at the molecular level. Research aimed at identifying molecular genetic subtypes of ovarian cancer is being conducted to find an answer to the question: can different molecular subgroups influence the choice of treatment? One of the achievements of this direction is the recognition of the dualistic theory of the origin of ovarian carcinomas with their division into High-grade and Low-grade subtypes. However, the data of sequencing of the tumor genome suggest the existence of 6 subtypes of carcinoma, including two LG and four HG subtypes. Patients of subtype C1 are characterized by a high stromal response and have the lowest survival, tumors of C2 and C4 subtypes have a higher rate of intratumoral CD3 + cells, lower stroma gene expression and better survival than C1. The mesenchymal subtype C5 is widely represented by mesenchymal cells, characterized by overexpression of N-cadherins and P-cadherins, low expression of differentiation markers and lower survival than C2 and C4. The use of a consensus algorithm to determine the subtype allows the identification of only a minority of ovarian cancers (approximately 25%). In this regard, the practical significance of this classification still requires additional research, and today it is permissible to talk about the existence of only 2-3 reproducible subtypes. It is thought that it makes sense to randomize tumors into groups with altered expression of angiogenic genes and with overexpression of immune response genes, as in the angiogenic group there is a comparison of the advantage in survival (prescribing bevacizumab improves it, and in the immune group even increases bevacizumab). Molecular subtypes with poorer survival rates (proliferative and mesenchymal) also benefit most from bevacizumab treatment. The review focuses on some advances in understanding molecular, cellular, and genetic changes related to ovarian cancers with the results achieved so far in describing molecular subtypes of ovarian cancer. The available information is the basis for planning further research.
Hox genes in the coordination of embryonic development. Model of hourglass in the description of vertebrate ontogenesis
Authors: Dolomatov Sergey , Kazakova Vera , Zukow Walery
Published: January 2022

The paper analyzes the role of HOX genes in the processes of embryonic development of vertebrates. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that HOX genes are the most important regulators of embryonic development. The HOX genes predominantly realize their influence through specific HOX proteins that have the ability to regulate the expression of target genes.

The order of expression of the HOX genes, as a rule, obeys the rule of temporal and spatial colinearity. This mechanism determines the temporal and spatial course of tissue morphogenesis during embryonic development and tissue regeneration in organisms that have reached the stage of maturity.

The process of embryo morphogenesis, determined by highly conserved HOX genes, explains the appearance of the phylotypic period - the stage of embryonic development of vertebrates, at which embryos of different classes of vertebrates have distinct morphological similarities.
The usage of antibiotic therapy for septic complications in colorectal surgery
Authors: Fuss Julia , Voloboyeva Anna , Polovyj Victor , Yaremkevych Roksolana
Published: January 2022

Over the past few decades, surgeons have made many attempts to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) after elective colorectal surgery. Routine faecal diversion is no longer practiced in elective colonic surgery and mechanical bowel preparation is on the verge of being eliminated altogether. Intravenous antibiotics have become the standard of care as prophylaxis against SSI for elective colorectal operations. However, the role of antibiotics is still being debated.  
The aim of the study was to reduce the proportion of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens of infectious complications in colorectal surgery by optimizing the use of antimicrobial drugs.
Method: We analyzed data of 135 patients who were operated for colorectal cancer in our general surgery department in between 2019 and 2021. Age, gender, body mass index, presence of chronic pulmonary disease, surgery duration, disease location (colon or rectum), and surgeon volume were evaluated for associations with the development of superficial or deep surgical site infection.
Results: All parameters were found to be significant for the development surgical site infection except sex. Cut-off values were 63.5 years for age, 167.5 minutes for surgery duration.
Conclusion. The introduction of strict monitoring of compliance with the protocols of antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic therapy at the level of a separate surgical unit in a multidisciplinary hospital improves conditions for the rational use of antimicrobial drugs.