bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Syndrome, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Covid 19: A Possible Correlation
Authors: Finelli Carmine 
Published: December 2021

:
Age and comorbidities are key indicators of hospital admission, serious illness, and mortality
in COVID-19 patients. Patients with age-related comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease,
hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, NAFLD, obesity, and metabolic syndrome,
are more likely to require hospitalization and suffer severe sickness of COVID-19. Patients with
Alzheimer’s disease and risk factors associated with dementia may also be more vulnerable to serious
COVID-19 infection. Peripheral inflammation, including in patients who recover from illness,
may promote the course of neurodegenerative disorders through neuroinflammatory pathways.

:
The aim of this study is to examine the impact of COVID-19 on immunity in patients with age-related
diseases such as metabolic syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease and also to hypothesize the possible
correlation between metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and COVID-19. Identifying
the mechanisms that explain the complicated interaction between metabolic syndrome,
Alzheimer’s disease, COVID-19, inflammation, and immunity could be crucial to designing effective
pharmacological therapies and procedures. This study adds to our basic information about the
new coronavirus by synthesizing current knowledge of these linkages. To reduce inflammation and
enhance immunity, patients should acquire good lifestyle practices. Walking, breathing exercises,
and a nutritious diet all help in improving lung capacity and immunity.

:
Future research into novel therapeutics for patients with metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease,
and COVID-19 inflammation and immunology is encouraged by this paper.
The Effects of Stimulation with PMA/Ionomycin on CD4+ T Cell Proliferation and Surface CD4 Molecule Modulation of Patients with LRBA Deficiency and CVID with the Unsolved Genetic Defect
Authors: Salami Fereshte , Shariati Sahar , Rasouli Seyed Erfan , Delavari Samaneh , Tavakol Marzieh , Sadri Homa , Asghari Babak , Yazdani Reza , Rezaei Nima , Abolhassani Hassan , Azizi Gholamreza 
Published: December 2021

Background:Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic primary immunodeficiencies. LPS-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency is a combined immunodeficiency characterized by a CVID-like phenotype. Affected patients by LRBA and CVID present a wide range of clinical manifestations, including hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infections, autoimmunity, as well as T cell abnormality.Methods:The study population comprised of patients with CVID (n=10), LRBA deficiency (n=11), and healthy controls (n=12). CD4+ T cell frequency and CD4 MFI (mean fluorescence intensity) were evaluated using flow cytometry before and after stimulation with PMA/ION.Results:The frequencies of CD4+ T cells were significantly lower in patients with LRBA deficiency than in HCs before and after treatment. In the unstimulated state, the CD4+ T cells frequency in CVID patients was significantly lower than in HCs. There were no statistically significant differences between patients and healthy individuals in CD4+ T cell proliferation. Compared to HCs, LRBA and CVID patients showed a lower CD4 MFI in unstimulated conditions. Furthermore, CD4 MFI decreased in both patients and the control group following activation.Conclusion:Despite the reported decrease in CD4+ T cell frequency in patients with CVID and LRBA deficiency, our findings demonstrated that their CD4+ T cells have a normal proliferative response to stimuli similar to healthy individuals
From Bench Side to Bed-Travelling on a Road to Get a Safe and
Effective Vaccine against COVID-19, Day to Save the Life
Authors: Ray Suman Kumar , Mukherjee Sukhes 
Published: December 2021

:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a new strain of
coronavirus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-
2). It is the most challenging pandemic of this century. The growing
COVID-19 pandemic has triggered extraordinary efforts to restrict the virus in
numerous ways, owing to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Immunotherapy,
which includes artificially stimulating the immune system to generate an immunological
response, is regarded as an effective strategy for preventing and
treating several infectious illnesses and malignancies. Given the pandemic's high
fatality rate and quick expansion, an effective vaccination is urgently needed to
keep it under control. The basic goal of all COVID-19 vaccine programs is to develop
a vaccine that causes the generation of surface protein neutralizing antibodies
in subjects. The epitope discovery for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates
is likewise made using an immuno-informatics methodology. It can be
used to find the epitopes in viral proteins important for cytotoxic T cells and B
cells. A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine that can elicit the necessary immune
response is necessary to end the epidemic. The global search for a safe and
effective COVID-19 vaccine is yielding results. More than a dozen vaccines
have already been approved around the world, with many more in the clinical
trials. Patents can cover the underlying technology used to generate a vaccine,
whereas trade secrets can cover manufacturing methods and procedures.
Assessment of Glycemic Control at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic: Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Hopper Wade , Fox Justin , Dimucci-Ward JuliSu 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundA free clinic is a health care delivery model that provides primary care and pharmaceutical services exclusively to uninsured patients. With a multidisciplinary volunteer clinical staff, which includes physicians, social workers, dieticians, and osteopathic medical students, St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic (SLFMC) cares for over 1700 patients annually in Spartanburg, South Carolina.ObjectiveThis study aims to measure the change, over time, in patient hemoglobin A1c measurements at the SLFMC to quantify the success of the clinic’s diabetes treatment program.MethodsA prospective-retrospective chart review of patients (n=140) enrolled at the SLFMC between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2021, was performed. Patients were stratified as having controlled (hemoglobin A1c<7.0, n=53) or uncontrolled (hemoglobin A1c≥7.0, n=87) diabetes relative to a therapeutic hemoglobin A1c target of 7.0, which is recommended by the American Diabetes Association. For both controlled and uncontrolled groups, baseline hemoglobin A1c values were compared to subsequent readings using a Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. Results from the SLFMC population were compared to the published literature on hemoglobin A1c from other free clinics.ResultsPatients with uncontrolled diabetes experienced significant reductions in median hemoglobin A1c at both 6 months (P=.006) and 1 year (P=.002) from baseline. Patients with controlled diabetes showed no significant changes. Black and Hispanic patients with uncontrolled diabetes experienced a 1.0% mean improvement in hemoglobin A1c over the study window. The SLFMC’s wholly uninsured patient population showed a population rate of controlled diabetes (42%), which was similar to recent nationwide averages for adults with diabetes (51% to 56%), as reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The clinic’s Hispanic population (n=47) showed the greatest average improvement in hemoglobin A1c of any ethnic group from baseline. Additionally, 61% of the SLFMC’s Black population (n=33) achieved a hemoglobin A1c of <7.0 by the end of the study window, which surpassed the nationwide averages for glycemic control.ConclusionsWe present free clinic hemoglobin A1c outcomes obtained through a retrospective chart review. Uninsured patients treated for diabetes at the SLFMC show a reduction in hemoglobin A1c, which is comparable to nationwide standards, although average hemoglobin A1c levels in this study were higher than nationwide averages. Black and Hispanic patients with uncontrolled diabetes showed a mean 1% improvement in hemoglobin A1c levels. These results represent some of the first in the literature emerging from a free clinic that is not affiliated with a major medical school.
Use of Artificial Intelligence as a Predictor of the Response to Treatment in Alopecia Areata
Authors: Alarcón-Soldevilla Fernando , Hernández-Gómez Francisco José , García-Carmona Juan Antonio , Campoy Carreño Celia , Grimalt Ramon , Vañó-Galvan Sergio , Pardo Sánchez José , Hernández Gómez Tamara Amanda , Ruffin Villaoslada Luis Francisco Javier , López Avila Ángel , Allegue Gallego Fernando Javier , Arcas-Tunez Francisco 
Published: December 2021

Background
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged in dermatology with some studies focusing on skin disorders such as skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and onychomycosis. Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatological disease whose prevalence is 0.7%-3% in the United States, and is characterized by oval areas of nonscarring hair loss of the scalp or body without evident clinical variables to predict its response to the treatment. Nonetheless, some studies suggest a predictive value of trichoscopic features in the evaluation of treatment responses. Assuming that black dots, broken hairs, exclamation marks, and tapered hairs are markers of negative predictive value of the treatment response, while yellow dots are markers of no response to treatment according to recent studies, the absence of these trichoscopic features could indicate favorable disease evolution without treatment or even predict its response. Nonetheless, no studies have reportedly evaluated the role of AI in AA on the basis of trichoscopic features.

Objective
This study aimed to develop an AI algorithm to predict, using trichoscopic images, those patients diagnosed with AA with a better disease evolution.

Methods
In total, 80 trichoscopic images were included and classified in those with or without features of negative prognosis. Using a data augmentation technique, they were multiplied to 179 images to train an AI algorithm, as previously carried out with dermoscopic images of skin tumors with a favorable response. Subsequently, 82 new images of AA were presented to the algorithm, and the algorithm classified these patients as responders and non-responders; this process was reviewed by an expert trichologist observer and presented a concordance higher than 90% with the algorithm identifying structures described previously. Evolution of the cases was followed up to truly determine their response to treatment and, therefore, to assess the predictive value of the algorithm.

Results
In total, 32 of 40 (80%) images of patients predicted as nonresponders scarcely showed response to the treatment, while 34 of 42 (81%) images of those predicted as responders showed a favorable response to the treatment.

Conclusions
The development of an AI algorithm or tool could be useful to predict AA evolution and its response to treatment. However, further research is needed, including larger sample images or trained algorithms, by using images previously classified in accordance with the disease evolution and not with trichoscopic features.

Conflicts of Interest
None declared.
Some aspects of mastering practical skills by students at the departament of otorhinolaryngology
Authors: V. V. Berezniuk  , A. V. Kovtunenko  , A. V. Zaitsev  , A. A. Chornokur  
Published: December 2021

The article reflects the current requirements for the study of «Otorhinolaryngology" against the background of the introduction of the European system of education into the Ukrainian one. In order to optimize the learning process and for the most effective mastering practical skills by students, a constant introduction of qualitatively new methodological support: guidelines, tests, computer technology, training videos, are needed.
Ways of improving the teaching of surgical disciplines cycle for students specializing in «Nursing» specialty (ECL – «junior specialist»)
Authors: S. Yu. Karatieieva  , O. I. Khomko  , R. I. Sydorchuk  , O. M. Plehutsa  
Published: December 2021

According to the principles of credit-module system in educational process, we developed new curricula for teaching "Nursing in surgery". This article presents possible ways to improve the efficiency of the practical classes with students enrolled into specialty «Nursing» (ECL – «junior specialist»). In particular, the use of interactive classes model of didactic process effectively improves the digestion of thematic material. The main aim is to encourage active potential of students by involving them in the dialogue, open conversation, discussion of surgical patients’ clinical problems, evidence, and argumentation of their own view, analysis of their actions while dealing with situational and clinical tasks as well as working in the medical office and with patients. In the process of interactive teaching, students learn to think critically, make thoughtful decisions, communicate with each other.
The disturbance of large intestinal microbiota in patients with HIV/AIDS
Authors: V. D. Moskaliuk  
Published: December 2021

In 76 patients with HIV-infection/AIDS a disturbance of microbiocenosis of the large intestine showing up the deficit of obligate microflora, and an increase of opportunistic microorganisms have been found. At all of the clinical stages of HIV-infection frequency of development of dysbiosis/disbacteriosis was significantly higher than in practicallyhealthy individuals (P<0,05-0,001). Strong direct correlation of dysbiosis/disbacteriosis depth with progress of HIVinfection has been established, which represent its clinical stages (r=0,74...0,91).
Pathogenetic features of hypertension treatment in patients with concomitant abdominal obesity and underweight
Authors: V. K. Tashchuk  , V. I. Denysiuk  , H. I. Hrebtii  
Published: December 2021

The study analyzed the performance of the structural remodeling of the myocardium and vascular endothelial function in patients with hypertension and varying body weight during the 3- and 6-month antihypertensive (lisinopril, amlodipine) and lipid-lowering (atorvastatin) therapy. Results of the study show that the smallest speaker regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and improvement of endothelial function of the vessels is determined in patients with deficiency of body weight.
Medical Centre for Infertility Treatment spermograms results
Authors: K. A. Vladychenko  
Published: December 2021

Semen analyses, made in Chernivtsi Medical Centre for Infertility Treatment from 2010 through 2012 have been studied. Parameters were evaluated as recommended by WHO, 2000. 1,935 men were involved in the study. A general tendency of increasing asthenozoospermia by B category was established.
Evaluation of life quality in patients with acnes vulgaris
Authors: N. O. Voloshyna  
Published: December 2021

Abstract. Preliminary few studies indicate that age, gender and duration of acne vulgaris (acne) affect the quality of life of these patients.Objective - to assess the impact of the duration and severity of acne on quality of life of patients in gender, age and professional aspects in connection with the treatment.Material and methods: 98 patients with acne aged 18-29 years, among whom 36 were males (36,73 %), and 62 (63,26 %) females have been examined. The assessment of acne severity classification was carried out according to the classification of the American Academy of Dermatology, while the quality of their life was assessed by means of SF- 36 questionnaire.Results. Mild acne was found in 6 (6,12 %) patients, moderate one in 72 (73,47 %), severe one in 20 (20,41 %) cases. It was established that clinically significant severity of acne was more common in younger male patients (22 years). However, a greater impact on quality of life was found in female patients, older than 22 years, with professions associated with being among a large group of people and in case of long course (more than 4-5 years) of dermatosis. Mild acne had little impact on quality of life.Standard complex acne treatment during two months significantly improved quality of life indicators of patients with moderate degree of acne and most of the indicators in those with severe disease, which, however, didn’t reach the indicators in the people of the control group, and it shows the necessity to improve the programme of treating and preventive measures concerning such patients.Conclusion: Patients with acne have significant changes in life quality, depending on their gender, age and professional peculiarities as well as on the severity of dermatosis course. Determining the indicators of life quality by means of SF-36 questionnaire is an important aspect of the patient’s physical and psychiatric health assessment as well as a reliable criterion of their treatment efficacy.
Effect of intestinal microflora on the pathogenesis of recurrent anal fissure chronic complications
Authors: A. H. Iftodii  , I. M. Kozlovska  , O. A. Olenovych  , O. V. Bilyk  , S. P. Brodovs’kyi  
Published: December 2021

We study the influence of the stool microflora on the formation of anal fissures microorganisms and the role of the latter in the pathogenesis of chronic disease. Conducted bacteriological studies suggest that the pathogenesis of chronic anal fissure involved opportunistic and pathogenic organisms. General bacterial contamination of fissures was 3,75±0,27 lg CFU/sm3 in discharge, and quantitative content of certain bacterial species varied from 1,95±0,18 to 2,63±0,21 lg CFU in discharge. Therefore, the treatment of this pathology should include the therapy aimed at eradication of microorganisms by various antibacterial agents and methods.
Multimodal treatment of patients with advanced cervical cancer
Authors: O. V. Lukianchuk  , V. V. Lysenko  , M. A. Lysenko  
Published: December 2021

Local progressive tumor growth involving the urinary tract with no distant metastases is known to be one of the features of cervical cancer in the advanced stages. Approximately 68 % of patients in stage T3-T4 have various uroevolution disorders. The severity of their condition often is caused by an increasing renal failure or a fever, those are associated with obstructive pyelonephritis and often are interpreted as the carcinogenic intoxication. Therefore, any special antineoplastic therapy methods are considered as unpromising even for patients without concomitant diseases. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 11 patients with the treatment of advanced non-metastatic cervical cancer, which included both surgery and neoadjuvant polychemotherapy (PCT). Our results demonstrate the advisability of multimodal phasing treatment of those patients, compared with palliative radiotherapy and symptomatic treatment.
Prospects for the implementation of the international classification of chronic diseases of the lower limbs veins (CEAP) (review of the references)
Authors: M. M. Voloshyn  
Published: December 2021

This paper analyzes the international classification for chronic venous disease of the lower extremities (system CEAP) and delineates its potentialities for routine use in everyday practice of modern surgeons, with special attention to benefits and shortcomings of this scoring system. Using CEAP will allow researchers to integrate into the international scientific programs and practitioners - to unify approaches to the treatment of this disease.
Molecular-genetic aspects of pathology - modern scientific area of Bukovinian State Medical University: the new research school formation
Authors: L. P. Sydorchuk  , O. V. Kushnir  , S. A. Levytska  , A. A. Sokolenko  , I. Yu. Haborets  , J. V. Ursuliak  , O. M. Iftoda  , S. I. Ivashchuk  , L. V. Melnychuk  , Y. M. Yarynych  
Published: December 2021

A new research area of molecular genetic studies of human pathology has been discovered by Bukovinian State Medical University ( BSMU ) since 2006, namely, arterial hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, intestinal dysbacteriosis, chronic sinusitis, congenital and acquired deafness and sensory deafness in children, open-angle glaucoma, chronic periodontitis, bronchitis, acute and exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fattyliver disease, cirrhosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease without/with type 2 diabetes mellitus, miscarriage, teen menorrhagia with thyroid gland's problem etc. In less than a decade in this area two doctoral and six PhD’s theses have been defended. MD, Professor Larysa Sydorchuk became a pioneer and a founder of the new perspective scientific school of molecular genetic studies at BSMU.
Technological progress spillover effect in Lithuanian manufacturing industry
Authors: Markauskas Mantas , Baliute Asta 
Published: December 2021

Research background: Various methods for technological progress assessment and evaluation exist in the context of economic development. Each of the methods possesses distinct advantages and disadvantages in analysis of technological progress fluctuations. For most neoclassical growth theories, technological progress measures are included as exogenous variables, thus excluding evaluation of factors influencing technological progress variation throughout time.
Purpose of the article: The aim of this article is to offer improvements on classical technological progress evaluation methodologies for manufacturing industries, separating effect of intersectoral technological progress spillover effect from internal factors influencing technological progress growth and perform analysis in the case of Lithuanian manufacturing industry.
Methods: Earlier research papers used linear time series regression and vector autoregression methods to assess technological progress values and define equations explaining effect of different manufacturing level indicators on technological progress measure growth. This research paper uses results of previously mentioned methods and performs simulation analysis applying agent-based modelling framework.
Findings & value added: The conducted vector autoregression analysis has showed that two variables which influence technological progress most significantly are labor productivity measure and gross profit value. Sensitivity analysis emphasizes that effect of these two variables on technological progress growth is substantially different. Increase in gross profit value affects technological progress growth for wider range of sectors from Lithuanian manufacturing industry (15 out of 18 analyzed sectors? technological progress measure values are affected by changes in gross profit, while changes in labor productivity influence technological progress values in the case of 9 sectors). Rising gross profit values also produce intersectoral technological progress spillover effect more significantly, while growth in labor productivity measure has stronger effect on technological progress fluctuations for sectors which are able to exploit this effect. Presented research suggests improved methodology for intersectoral technological progress spillover effect assessment in the context of manufacturing industries.