The Impact of the Foveal Bulge on Visual Acuity in Resolved Diabetic Macular Edema and Retinal Vein Occlusions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of foveal bulge presence on visual acuity (VA) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were conducted on 22 DME patients and 20 RVO patients. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was employed to analyze the association between VA and the presence of the foveal bulge, as well as factors such as sex, age, central foveal thickness, various line scans of the fovea, and the external limiting membrane (ELM).

The temporary impact of COVID-19 on semen deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by impact on different systems of human body. Recently, several anti-COVID vaccines have been developed.

Material And Methods: In our study, we included two groups of males: GROUP1, anti-COVID vaccinated males, n = 46, and GROUP2, n = 43, non-vaccinated males, who all fell ill with the Coronavirus infection.

Diagnostic Modalities in Heart Failure: A Narrative Review.

Heart failure (HF) can present acutely or progress over time. It can lead to morbidity and mortality affecting 6.5 million Americans over the age of 20.

Enhanced osteointegration and osteogenesis of osteoblast cells by laser-induced surface modification of Ti implants.

Dental and orthopedic implants have become routine medical technologies for tooth replacement and bone fixation. Despite significant progress in implantology, achieving sufficient osseointegration remains a challenge, often leading to implant failure over the long term. Nanotechnology offers the potential to mimic the natural patterns of living tissues, providing a promising platform for tissue engineering and implant surface design.

UTILIZATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR PREDICTIVE MODELING IN DENTAL IMPLANTOLOGY.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in dentistry, with applications in predicting dental implant success. AI models analyze patient data (X-rays, medical history) to identify factors influencing implant viability. The aim is to identify existing research on the use of AI-based predictive models in dental implants.

RNA Polymerase Inhibitor Enisamium for Treatment of Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Double-Blind Phase 3 Clinical Trial.

Enisamium is an orally available therapeutic that inhibits influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 replication. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of enisamium treatment combined with standard care in adult, hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 requiring external oxygen. Hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were randomly assigned to receive either enisamium (500 mg per dose, four times a day) or a placebo.

Evaluation of functional interaction masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles affected by TMJ dysfunction.

Objective: Aim: To evaluate the functional connection and the bioelectrical state of the m.masseter and m. sternocleidomastoid using functional tests before and after treatment.

Clinical efficiency and stability of surface-modified implants: acid modification versus photoactivation.

Objective: . Aim: To study the stability of surface-modified dental implants, with the usage of sandblasting/acid modification vs. photoactivation.

Ukrainian Consensus on Diagnosis and Management of Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global problem, however, there were no Ukrainian guidelines devoted to its screening, prevention, and treatment, which became the reason for the Consensus creation. This article aimed to present the Consensus of Ukrainian experts devoted to VDD management. Following the creation of the multidisciplinary Consensus group, consent on the formation process, drafting and fine-tuning of key recommendations, and two rounds of voting, 14 final recommendations were successfully voted upon.

REVIEW OF THE NATURE OF ANTI/INFLAMMATORY AND PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE REGULATION IN DIFFERENT PERIODS OF PLASMA CELL MYELOMA NATURAL HISTORY IN THE CHORNOBYL NPP ACCIDENT SURVIVORS.

Objective: identify the nature of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine regulation in different periods of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) natural history with evaluation of its role as a prognostic criterion for the disease course in the Chornobyl NPP (ChNPP) accident survivors.

Materials And Methods: Levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines both with their relationship were studied in the stage I-II and stage III PCM patients (n = 74) in different periods of the disease natural history i.e.

The Interplay Between Sleep Disorders and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the predominant cause of global mortality, resulting in a substantial annual loss of human lives. Among these conditions, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) stand out as the primary cause of death. The majority of CVD cases can be attributed to certain factors that, upon modification, have the potential to significantly decrease both the incidence and severity of the disease.

Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets.

Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) represent a global challenge and are regarded as one of the leading causes of mortality. The role of inflammation as a risk factor in these disorders has been studied, with the accelerated atherosclerotic process being a crucial factor in the pathogenesis. Several inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukins (ILs), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and others have been identified that play a role in the atherosclerotic process, thus linking systemic inflammatory conditions with CVDs, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), chronic heart failure (CHF), venous thromboembolism (VTE) and others.

Advancing Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Versus Routine Colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rapidly escalating public health concern, which underlines the significance of its early detection and the need for the refinement of current screening methods. In this systematic review, we aimed to analyze the potential advantages and limitations of artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer-aided detection (CADe) systems as compared to routine colonoscopy. This review begins by shedding light on the global prevalence and mortality rates of CRC, highlighting the urgent need for effective screening techniques and early detection of this cancer type.

Modified-Release Phosphatidylcholine (LT-02) for Ulcerative Colitis: Two Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LT-02, a novel modified-release phosphatidylcholine (PC) formulation, for induction and maintenance of remission in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) and inadequate response to mesalamine.

Methods: LT-02 was evaluated in a multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study comprising a 12-week induction trial (PCG-2), followed by a 48-week maintenance trial (PCG-4). In PCG-2, patients were randomized 1:1:1 to treatment with 0.

Genotype Distribution and Characteristics of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine: The RESPOND-C Study.

Since 2013, highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has become available, with cure rates exceeding 95%. For the choice of optimal CHC treatment, an assessment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) and liver fibrosis stage is necessary. Information about the distribution of these parameters among CHC patients in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (the Baltic states) and especially in Ukraine is scarce.

Effectiveness of a new approach to minimally invasive surgery in palliative treatment of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction.

Background: Palliative endoscopic biliary drainage is the primary treatment option for the management of patients with jaundice which results from distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO). In this group of patients, decompression of the bile duct (BD) allows for pain reduction, symptom relief, chemotherapy administration, improved quality of life, and increased survival rate. To reduce the unfavorable effects of BD decompression, minimally invasive surgical techniques require continuous improvement.

A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey.

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health.

The Use of Remdesivir in Patients with COVID-19.

Remdesivir has appeared to be the most effective medication against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and is broadly administered to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients around the world. Remdesivir is an RNA polymerase inhibitor with a broad spectrum of antiviral activities against RNA viruses in in-vitro and in-vivo models of SARSCoV, the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and SARS-CoV-2. Remdesivir is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatment for adult and pediatric patients and has been used for not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT STRUCTURES AFFECTED BY TMJ DYSFUNCTION.

Objective: The aim: To investigate the individual anatomical features of the temporomandibular joint structures affected by TMJ disorders and compare them with those of asymptomatic patients.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 41 patients. The study group included 29 patients.

EFFECTS OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID ON GLYCEMIC STATUS IN 2 TYPE DIABETES PATIENTS WITH СHRONIC CORONARY SYNDROME.

Objective: The aim: To study the possibilities of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to control the parameters of carbohydrate metabolism.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: We examined 80 people with type 2 DM and coronary heart disease who suffered non-Q-myocardial infarction (non-Q-MI). All patients at the time of inclusion in the study received oral hypoglycemic agents, ACE inhibitor, β-blocker, statin and antiplatelet agent.

GUT MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION AND ITS METABOLITES CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION.

Objective: The aim: To check changes of gut microbiota composition and its metabolites in atherosclerosis (AS) patients with or without atrial fibrillation (AF) and special connections between them and important clinic and laboratory features of investigated groups.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: 300 patients were investigated. All investigated were divided into 3 groups: control group (CG) - 27 patients without AS and arrhythmias; mean group - 149 patients with AS but without arrhythmias; comparable group - 124 patients with AS and AF paroxysm.

National medical specialty guidelines of HIV indicator conditions in Europe lack adequate HIV testing recommendations: a systematic guideline review.

BackgroundAdequate identification and testing of people at risk for HIV is fundamental for the HIV care continuum. A key strategy to improve timely testing is HIV indicator condition (IC) guided testing.AimTo evaluate the uptake of HIV testing recommendations in HIV IC-specific guidelines in European countries.

COMPLEX ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF CYTOKINE GENE POLYMORPHISMS AS PROGNOSTIC FACTOR OF THE RISK OF PLASMA CELL MYELOMA IN PERSONS SUFFERED AFTER THE CHORNOBYL NPP ACCIDENT.

Objective: to provide a comparative characterization of the prevalence of polymorphic variants of cytokine genes in plasma cell myeloma (PCM) patients suffered after the Chornobyl disaster and patients who were in contact with ionizing radiation within the natural radiation background, based on comparison with population controls to determine their contribution as genetic markers of disease risk.

Materials And Methods: Molecular genetic studies of polymorphism of cytokine genes (TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ) and complex frequency analysis of occurrence in three-, four-, and five-locus combinations of their allelic variants as prognostic markers of the risks of plasma cell myeloma was carried out in 102 patients - 56 victims of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident and 46 patients irradiated within the limits of the natural radiation background, in comparison with the control group (364 practically healthy people, residents of the Central geno-geographical region of Ukraine).

Results: The same probable increase in the prevalence of the TGF-β genotype codon10 T/T of the TGF-β1 gene was established in the groups of patients irradiated after the Chornobyl NPP accident and non-irradiated patients.