bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulators as objects of the pharmaceutical market. Message III. The product conjuncture of immunosuppressants and their place in the state guarantees program of medical care of the population
Authors: Брух М. І. , Левицька О. Р. , Городецька І. Я. , Корнієнко О. М. , Громовик Б. П. 
Published: January 2024

Immunosuppressants (ІS) are used to prevent a number of autoimmune diseases, non-autoimmune inflammatory diseases and rejection of transplanted organs. Global ІS market is characterized by high growth rates.
The aim of the work: analyze the immunosuppressants product nomenclature on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, as well as their characteristics from the point of view of state guarantees of medical care of the population.
The research materials: the sources of special and scientific and methodical literature; The State Register of Drugs of Ukraine (as of February 1, 2023), the Register of Drugs that are subjects to reimbursement by the state guarantees program of medical care of the population, as of February 14, 2023. The methods of information search, analysis, generalization, and marketing research have been used.
It has been established that 27 INN of immunosuppressants in the form of 134 trade names had been registered in Ukraine. Almost half of the studied drugs consisted of lenalidomide (23.13%), tacrolimus (15.67%) and mycophenolic acid (9.70%). Immunosuppressants are presented in the shape of 7 dosage forms, mostly in capsules (55.22%).
It has been found that immunosuppressants are characterized by absolute import dependence, 127 foreign manufacturers from 27 countries have registered 133 trade names (99.25%), and the Ukrainian manufacturer (JSC "Farmak") - only one position (0.75%) and even that is from products in bulk. Germany is characterized as the country that has the highest production activity of immunosuppressants (22.83% of the enterprises had an indicator of production activity of 20.81%), and among the producers there are two pharmaceutical enterprises: Novartis Pharma Stein AG, Switzerland and Sinton Hispania S.L, Spain (production activity indicator 3.76% both).
The Register of drugs subjects to reimbursement under the state guarantees program of medical care of the population has included 5 INN of immunosuppressants in the form of 21 trade names for people in the post-transplantation period. Four-fifths (80.95%) of them belong to expensive drugs, as evidenced by their retail price per package of UAH 1,000 or more. However, patients can receive 15 trade names free of charge, for the other 6 trade names patient’s payment ranges from 8.09 to 33.95% of retail value.
The obtained results can serve as a prototype for the formation of the product nomenclature of drug manufacturers, wholesale pharmaceutical enterprises and pharmacies.
Pharmacoeconomic analysis of edaravone usage in the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke in Ukraine
Authors: Юринець З. В. , Московко С. П. , Заремба Н. І. , Прийма М. Ю. , Мисак З. С. , Герасимович І. М. 
Published: January 2024

Every year, the number of new cases of strokes is increasing all over the world. More than 62% of all strokes are ischemic strokes. Ischemic stroke is a serious medical and social problem and one of the main causes of death and disability in Ukraine and around the world. The use of drugs, the main task of which is to increase the safety of nervous tissue, has the great importance in the pharmacotherapy of ischemic stroke.
The aim of the study was to analyze the results of cost-effectiveness calculations and the impact on the budget during the use of the drug Xavron® for the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke in Ukraine.
Research materials: regulatory and legal framework of Ukraine, scientific and methodological guidelines for the medical use of medicines, clinical trials and relevant recommendations, analytical materials, data on drug prices from drug aggregators and the electronic public procurement system, tariffs for medical services under the program of state guarantees of medical care for the population. Research methods: cost analysis (bottom-up and decision tree methods), cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis, cost-effectiveness plane method, and sensitivity analysis.
It was established that the method of treatment using Xavron® in combination with standard therapy is less expensive and more effective: the «cost-effectiveness» indicator for medical therapy based on Xavron® amounted to UAH 84,639.24, while for standard therapy – UAH 88,340.62.
The results of the analysis of the incremental efficiency indicator (ICER) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke based on Xavron® amounted to UAH 24,838.69. This indicates that the method of treatment using Xavron® in combination with standard therapy is more effective and less costly.
The conducted sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of pharmacoeconomic calculations regarding changes in the main parameters of the model.
The method of treatment using Xavron® in combination with standard therapy and inpatient rehabilitation is the best strategy in terms of budget impact analysis. It results in savings of UAH 237,641,992.50 from the Ukrainian healthcare budget for all patients and additional costs of UAH 6,804.10 per patient.
According to the results of the forecast, the amount of saved funds from the healthcare budget of Ukraine for 2023–2027 (5 years) for all patients will amount to UAH 1,247,480,956.10.
The implementation of the proposed methods of treatment will make it possible to improve the results of treatment of patients with ischemic stroke, as well as reduce the social and economic burden of this disease.
Effects of ovarian phase on oocyte quality in cows
Authors: P Matubber , A Sarker , A Roy , D Biswas , AK Paul 
Published: January 2024

The effect of ovarian phase on oocyte quality in slaughterhouse material of cows was studied. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from all visible follicles. COCs were graded on the number and intensity of the cumulus cells and the homogeneity of the ooplasm as A (4 – 5 layers compact cumulus with a homogeneous ooplasm), B (1 - 2 layers compact cumulus with homogeneous ooplasm having a coarse appearance), C (slightly expanded cumulus with irregular cluster ooplasm), and D (denuded oocyte or expanded cumulus, irregular ooplasm). The overall aspiration rate of COCs was 37.2%. The aspiration rate was significantly higher (P<005) in follicular (41.2%) than in luteal phase (28.6%). The percentage of grade A and B oocytes was significantly (P<005) higher in the follicular phase (20.4 and 28.6%) than luteal phase (11.1 and 22.2%). The proportion of grade A COCs in the indigenous cows was significantly (P<005) higher (29.0%) than in crossbred cows (8.3%). Ovaries with diameter of 2.0 cm or more had higher proportion (P<005) of grade A and B COCs than others. It is suggested that follicular phase of the sexual cycle had significant effect on COCs quality.
Bangl. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1-2, 1–7
Role of Computed Tomography in Differentiating between Benign and Malignant Gallbladder Masses with Histopathological Correlation
Authors: Mukthadira  , Yasmin Salma , Farzana MN , Islam Mahzabeen , Sharma Netay Kumar 
Published: January 2024

A cross-sectional study was done to evaluate computed tomography (CT) scans as a diagnostic tool for distinguishing between benign and malignant gallbladder masses corroborated by histopathological findings. The study was conducted in the Department of Radiology & Imaging of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between January and December of 2013. The study included a total of 45 patients who were ultrasonographically diagnosed with gallbladder masses. Later, those patients underwent CT scans using a 16-slice helical CT scan machine. All CT scan findings were interpreted by the specialist radiologists, focusing on lesion involvement, contrast enhancement characteristics, and invasion into adjacent structures. Postoperative tissues were examined histopathologically, and these findings were correlated with the CT scan results. The study revealed a higher prevalence of GBC in females (73.33%) and in the age group of 40-60 years. CT scans indicated malignancy in 84.44% of cases, which was confirmed as adenocarcinoma in 88.89% of cases through histopathology. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT scans for detecting malignant gallbladder masses were 90.24%, 75.00%, and 88.89%, respectively. For benign masses, the corresponding values were 75.00%, 90.24%, and 88.89%. The positive predictive value was notably high at 97.37% for malignant masses but lower at 42.86% for benign masses. CT scans demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of malignant gallbladder masses, corroborated by histopathological findings. The study underscores the utility of CT scans as an effective, non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection and management of gallbladder masses, although caution is advised in interpreting benign results due to a lower positive predictive value.
CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 22-27
Correlation between the Maximum Length and the Weight of the Human Humerus Bone
Authors: Haque Shah Md Atiqul , Mehataz Tasnova , Afros Farzana , Mili Dilruba Afrose , Islam Shamima , Siddiquee Tasnoma , Tanzeem Sabiha , Debnath Dhrubajit , Ahmed Muntasir , Sultana Arifa 
Published: January 2024

The humerus bone of the humans is frequently used in anatomical science, forensic medicine and anthropological studies. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done on 100 (43 right and 57 left) fully ossified dry human humerus in the Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, between July 2021 to June 2022. A non-random, purposive sampling technique was adopted. The maximum length was determined by measuring the distance between the most superior point on the head of the humerus and the most distal point of the trochlea of the humerus. The length was measured with a metallic scale, while the weight of the humerus was measured using a digital weighing machine. The mean (±SD) maximum length of the right humerus was 304.139 (±17.652) mm, while the left humerus was 300.42 (±20.779) mm. The mean (±SD) weight of the right humerus was 91.069 (±26.944) gm and the left humerus was 93.965 (±32.227) gm. A positive correlation was observed between the maximum length and the weight of the human humerus through regression analysis (r=0.653 and r=0.824 on right and life side respectively). The differences were statistically significant on both sides (P<0.001).
CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 60-65
A Rare Case of Virilizing Ovarian Fibrothecoma in A Teenage Girl
Authors: Ansari Nazma Parvin , Biswas Joy Prokas , Sen Swagota , Abrar Shakib , Spriha Fabiha Rahman 
Published: January 2024

Ovarian fibrothecomas comprise tumors in the spectrum of ovarian sex cord / stromal tumors where there are components of both an ovarian fibroma and an ovarian thecoma. They account for 3-4% of all ovarian tumors. Most occur in adult women, with 65% in postmenopausal women. However, it represents only 2% of pediatric ovarian tumors. They are the most common benign solid ovarian tumor. The tumors are usually hormonally inactive but can be estrogenic or sometimes androgenic. Here we are reporting a rare case of a 15-year-old girl presenting with primary amenorrhea, severe hirsutism and finally diagnosed with ovarian fibrothecoma. After surgical removal of the tumor, a dramatic response was observed as the patient developed menarche. She was relieved of her hirsutism by laser therapy later, but her deep voice remained the same.
CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 95-97
Relative comparison of the benefits of wall envelope insulation materials in the South African energy zones, subject to the new national building energy efficiency standards
Authors: Kabundu Emmanuel , Mbanga Sijekula , Botha Brink , Ayesu-Koranteng Emma 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: South Africa is ranked among the 20 highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters worldwide, mainly due to its heavy reliance on coal for energy. The residential building industry can play a significant role towards the minimization of both GHG emissions and energy consumption. This research assesses the beneficial impacts of utilizing wall envelope insulation measures using five insulation materials, for a detached residential building, within the seven energy zones of South Africa in accordance with the South African National code for Building energy efficiency (SANS10400-XA).Methods: Lifecycle analysis (for 50 years), regression methods and sequential search techniques of building energy modelling were used to determine both the energy saving implications of adopting the insulation materials (at various levels of thickness), and their corresponding energy payback periods. The study area consisted of eight selected locations representing all the seven energy zones in South Africa (Welkom, Witbank, Thohoyandou, Cape Town, Pretoria, Ixopo, Sutherland, and Fraserburg).Results: Sutherland (zone 6), Cape Town (zone 4) and Fraserburg (zone 7) benefitted most from energy savings due to application of insulation measures. Witbank (Zone 2), Thohoyandou (zone 3) and Pretoria (zone 5) never benefitted from application of wall envelope insulation (in terms of energy savings). Cellulose and straw yielded the lowest payback periods. Generally, polyurethane yielded the highest net energy savings at lower insulation thickness levels, while cellulose was preferable at higher insulation thickness levels in Welkom (zone1) Cape Town (zone 4), Ixopo (zone 5H), Sutherland (zone 6) and Fraserburg (zone 7).Discussion: Lower optimal wall envelope insulation thicknesses (that maximized energy savings) appeared to correspond to locations with higher annual temperature ranges. Higher temperature ranges (hence, higher degree days) would ensure that more energy is saved in order to keep the indoor temperatures within the acceptable comfort limits, due to application of insulation. However, the selection of insulation material is also influenced by other factors such as resistance to insect and mould attack (which easily affect bio-insulation materials), fire retardancy, durability (which affects cellulose), sound proofing, structural strength, and resistance to water vapour.
Single-cell transcriptome profiling highlights the role of APP in blood vessels in assessing the risk of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy developing Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Cheng , Tang Guoyi , Wang Ning , Feng Yibin 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been found to be associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer‘s disease (AD). In addition to the common properties of neurodegeneration, their progressions are involved with abnormal vascular functions. However, the interactions between them have not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the key factor for the underlying interactions and shared signaling pathways in the vasculature of DR and AD.Methods: We retrieved single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data regarding human fibrovascular membrane (FVM) of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and human hippocampus vessels of AD from the NCBI-GEO database. GSEA analysis was performed to analyze AD-related genes in endothelial cells and pericytes of PDR. CellChat was used for predicting cell-cell communication and the signaling pathway.Results: The data suggested that amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) signaling was found crucial in the vasculature of PDR and AD. Endothelial cells and pericytes could pose influences on other cells mainly via APP signaling in PDR. The endothelial cells were mainly coordinated with macrophages in the hippocampus vasculature of AD via APP signaling. The bulk RNA-seq in mice with PDR validated that the expression of APP gene had a significant correlation with that of the AD genome-wide association studies (GWAS) gene.Discussion: Our study demonstrates that the vasculopathy of PDR and AD is likely to share a common signaling pathway, of which the APP-related pathway is a potential target.
Clinical characterization of a hypersensitivity mixed bacterial and fungal dermatitis in a translational model of porcine NASH
Authors: Felgendreff Philipp , Lawrence Josephine M. , Hosseiniasl Seyed M. , Jacobs Julie F. , Amiot Bruce P. , Felgendreff Lisa , Minshew Anna , Sultan Ahmer , Ahmadzada Boyukkhanim , Rahe Michael C. , Nyberg Scott L. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe development of animal models of chronic liver disease via diet modification is a promising avenue for translational research but can lead to unexpected side effects that impact model adoption. While these side effects are well characterized in rodent models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), limited knowledge of these effects exists for novel porcine models of NASH. To close this gap, the present study investigates the side effects of diet-based NASH induction in pigs, with a systematic analysis of the pathologic mechanisms underlying dermatitis development and evaluation of treatment approaches.MethodTwelve pigs (10 large domestic pigs, 2 Goettingen minipigs) were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient, high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce NASH. A retrospective review of each animal’s clinical record was performed to identify the side effects of the diet. Following the identification of diet-associated dermatitis, severity was judged by using a novel gradation system that characterized the individual lesions and body regions resulting in a cumulative evaluation. In addition to this clinical assessment, the etiology of the dermatitis was investigated via histopathologic and microbiologic testing. Furthermore, the success of prophylactic and therapeutic treatment approaches was evaluated by considering dermatitis development and clinical course.ResultsAll study animals demonstrated unexpected side effects of the methionine- and choline-deficient, high fat diet. In addition to marked dermatitis, study pigs showed impaired weight gain and developed steatorrhea and anemia. Based on the skin gradation system, five animals developed severe dermatitis, four animals moderate dermatitis, and three animals mild diet-associated dermatitis. Histological and microbiological evaluation of the affected skin showed signs of a hypersensitivity reaction with secondary infection by bacteria and fungi. The analysis showed that preemptive bathing extended the lesion-free duration by nearly 20 days. Furthermore, bathing in combination with a targeted antibiotic treatment represented a helpful treatment approach for diet-associated dermatitis.ConclusionThe provision of a methionine- and choline-deficient, high fat diet represents an effective approach for inducing NASH liver disease in pigs but predisposes study animals to multiple side effects. These side effects are universal to animals on study but can be adequately managed and do not represent a significant limitation of this model.
Algorithm for predicting valvular heart disease from heart sounds in an unselected cohort
Authors: Waaler Per Niklas , Melbye Hasse , Schirmer Henrik , Johnsen Markus Kreutzer , Donnem Tom , Ravn Johan , Andersen Stian , Davidsen Anne Herefoss , Aviles Solis Juan Carlos , Stylidis Michael , Bongo Lars Ailo 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the ability of state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to detect valvular heart disease (VHD) from digital heart sound recordings in a general population that includes asymptomatic cases and intermediate stages of disease progression.MethodsWe trained a recurrent neural network to predict murmurs from heart sound audio using annotated recordings collected with digital stethoscopes from four auscultation positions in 2,124 participants from the Tromsø7 study. The predicted murmurs were used to predict VHD as determined by echocardiography.ResultsThe presence of aortic stenosis (AS) was detected with a sensitivity of 90.9%, a specificity of 94.5%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.979 (CI: 0.963–0.995). At least moderate AS was detected with an AUC of 0.993 (CI: 0.989–0.997). Moderate or greater aortic and mitral regurgitation (AR and MR) were predicted with AUC values of 0.634 (CI: 0.565–703) and 0.549 (CI: 0.506–0.593), respectively, which increased to 0.766 and 0.677 when clinical variables were added as predictors. The AUC for predicting symptomatic cases was higher for AR and MR, 0.756 and 0.711, respectively. Screening jointly for symptomatic regurgitation or presence of stenosis resulted in an AUC of 0.86, with 97.7% of AS cases (n = 44) and all 12 MS cases detected.ConclusionsThe algorithm demonstrated excellent performance in detecting AS in a general cohort, surpassing observations from similar studies on selected cohorts. The detection of AR and MR based on HS audio was poor, but accuracy was considerably higher for symptomatic cases, and the inclusion of clinical variables improved the performance of the model significantly.
Blood nesfatin-1 levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Mei , Tong Jiao , Zhu Qing , Tang Huaiyun , Tang Lisha 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have investigated the relationship between nesfatin-1 level and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, these studies have produced conflicting results. Thus, in this meta-analysis, we aimed to clarify the association between blood nesfatin-1 levels and PCOS, and the ability of nesfatin-1 as a biomarker in PCOS.MethodsMeta-analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software. We computed standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) regarding the comparison of blood nesfatin-1 in patients with PCOS and controls.ResultsThe present meta-analysis showed no significant difference in blood nesfatin-1 level between patients with PCOS and controls with a random effects model (SMD = 0.03; 95%CI: -0.71, 0.77; I2 = 97.1%, p value for Q test &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis for different ethnicities reported no significant difference in blood nesfatin-1 level between patients with PCOS and controls in both Caucasian and Asian populations. Subgroup analysis for different sample types reported no significant difference in serum nesfatin-1 level between patients with PCOS and controls. Subgroup studies reported no significant difference in blood nesfatin-1 level between PCOS and controls in both obese and non-obese populations.ConclusionIn conclusion, there is no significant relationship between blood nesfatin-1 levels and PCOS.