Polyurethane–poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi- IPN–nanooxide composites

Two sets of hybrid polyurethane–poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi-interpenetrating polymer network–nanooxide composites with 0.25 or 3 wt% nanosilica or nanoalumina functionalised with OH, NH2 or CHLCH2 groups were prepared. A combination of atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermally stimulated depolarisation current measurement, differential scanning calorimetry and creep rate spectroscopy analysis of the nanostructure and properties of the composites was performed. The pronounced dynamic heterogeneity and the strong impact of oxide additives, basically suppression of the dynamics and temperature-dependent increasing modulus of elasticity, were observed. The effects correlated with either interfacial interactions (for silica) or the nanostructure (for alumina). A low oxide content strongly affected the matrix due to the formation of an unusual cross-linked, via double covalent hybridisation of three components, structure of the nanocomposites

Epidemiological features of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (literature review)

Primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is characterized by progressive accuimulation of neurological deficit without exacerbations and remissions. Pathomorphological studies indicate the predominance of neurodegenerative processes over the inflammatory. PPRS points to worse prognosis compared with remitting and secondary-progressive MS. Immunomodulatory treatment and courses of corticosteroids are not effective. There are no genetic and immunological markers of PPRS, so the results of epidemiological studies are very important.Первично-прогрессирующий рассеянный склероз (ППРС) характеризуется прогрессирующим нарастанием неврологического дефицита с момента дебюта заболевания, без четких обострений и ремиссий. Патоморфологически нейродегенеративные процессы преобладают над воспалительными. При ППРС отмечается худший прогноз, в сравнении с ремитирующим и вторично-прогрессирующим PC, известные препараты, изменяющие течение рассеянного склероза (ПИТРС) и курсы кортикостероидов не эффективны. До сих пор не существует генетических и иммунологических маркеров ППРС, в связи с чем результаты эпидемиологических исследований имеют важное научное значение

Хроническая обструктивная болезнь легких и COVID-19: актуальные вопросы

The problem of comorbidity of new coronaviral infection (COVID-19) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is acute, considering similarity of clinical manifestations, diagnostic difficulties, the potential severe disease course. Patients with COPD represent a vulnerable group of infected SARS-CoV-2, with a complicated disease course and frequent adverse outcome. Features of the spread of the virus limit treatment and diagnosis for patients with COPD, making it difficult to provide medical care during the pandemic. The negative results of some clinical studies of antiviral drugs for patients with COVID-19 indicate the need for a search for new drugs; for this reason, analysis of the anti-inflammatory effect on the lungs in infection COVID-19 of drugs of basic COPD therapy is promising.Актуальность проблемы коморбидности новой коронавирусной инфекции COVID-19 и хронической обструктивной болезни легких (ХОБЛ) обусловлена схожестью клинических проявлений, сложностью диагностики, потенциальной тяжестью течения и взаимоотягощением этих патологий. Больные ХОБЛ, инфицированные SARS-CoV-2, представляют собой уязвимую группу лиц с осложненным течением и часто неблагоприятным исходом болезни. Особенности распространения вируса накладывают значительные ограничения на многочисленные диагностические и лечебные мероприятия при ХОБЛ, затрудняя оказание медицинской помощи больным данной категории в период пандемии на всех ее этапах. Необходимость поиска новых терапевтических решений продиктована отрицательными результатами текущих клинических исследований по изучению эффективности применения ряда препаратов у больных COVID-19; перспективным представляется изучение действия на SARS-CoV-2 препаратов базовой терапии ХОБЛ с доказанным противовоспалительным действием на бронхолегочную систему

Cerebral neurotrophic factor as a predictor of the severity of hypertensive complications in pregnancy

Purpose of the study — determination of quantitative serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a possible predictor of the severity of preeclampsia and its complications.Цель исследования — определить количественное содержание мозгового нейротрофического фактора в сыворотке крови как возможного предиктора тяжести преэклампсии и ее осложнений

Analysis of the dynamics and structure of morbidity of athletes of the national teams of Moscow based on the results of medical examination

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the structure and dynamics of morbidity of athletes, members of sports teams of the city of Moscow based on the results of an in-depth medical examination in the period 2017–2021.Materials and methods: The data of the medical examination of athletes, which took place at the Moscow scientific and Practical Center for Medical Rehabilitation, restorative and sports medicine, including instrumental, functional and laboratory studies from 2017 to 2021, were analyzed. In 2017, 15176 athletes were examined, in 2018 and 2019, 11200, in 2020, 10080 people and in 2021–11922 athletes.Results: The results of the study showed an increase in the proportion of amenorrhea within the triad of athletes, an increase in general therapeutic morbidity, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, among which the proportion of secondary hyperbilirubinemia in 2021 increased 3 times compared to 2020, which, in our opinion, is also due to the impact of the pandemic and quarantine restrictions.The high prevalence of ophthalmological morbidity of athletes and changes in the cardiovascular system is shown. During 2017–2021, a change in the structure of cardiac morbidity was revealed in the form of an increase in the proportion of cardiac arrhythmias and hypertensive response to stress.An increase in the endocrine morbidity of athletes in 2021 was revealed due to an increase in the proportion of hypothyroidism and more frequent detection of hyperthyroidism, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires further research.There was also an increase in diseases of the skin and genitourinary system in athletes. Psychological problems of athletes increased during the observation period from 2017 to 2021. There was no significant dynamics of surgical and traumatological diseases, otolaryngological pathologу.Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the importance of regular full-fledged examination of athletes, identification of various functional disorders and diseases for their timely prevention and treatment in order to preserve the health of athletes and improve athletic performance

Применение нового нутрицевтика для улучшения переносимости адъювантной химиотерапии

Introduction. Treatment of malignant neoplasms often requires adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). In real-life clinical practice, a high proportion of patients develop serious toxicities of anticancer therapy. Thus, the need to reduce treatment toxicity while maintaining the same dose levels of chemotherapeutic agents is a pressing challenge in oncology. This article presents the results of the study assessing the effects of the complex nutraceutical Oncoxin on ACT tolerability.Materials and methods. The study included 133 patients aged 50 to 70 years with stage IIB — IIIC gastric cancer or stage IIB — IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer; 84 patients received Oncoxin, and 49 were in the control group.Results. The study revealed that after two weeks, patients receiving Oncocoxin had a twice higher chance of significant (obvious) improvement in their quality of life (ESAS questionnaire) compared to the control group: OR 2.07 [95% CI 1.00-4.29]. By the end of the follow-up period (3 weeks), patients receiving Oncoxin had a significantly higher albumin level compared to the control group (38.1 [95% CI 37.1-39.1] g/L and 35.5 [95% CI 33.9-37.0], р =0.03, respectively). Moreover, the use of Oncoxin allowed significant reducing ACT-related liver toxicity.Conclusions. This study conducted within our current clinical practice showed for the first time a high efficacy of Oncoxin in improving the quality of life of patients and reducing ACT toxicity.Введение. Лечение злокачественных новообразований часто требует применения адъювантной химиотерапии (АХТ). В реальной клинической практике доля пациентов, имеющих серьёзные проявления токсичности противоопухолевого лечения, достаточно высока. Таким образом, необходимость снижения токсичности терапии и сохранение интенсивности дозы химиопрепаратов являются актуальной задачей онкологии. Данная статья посвящена результатам исследования влияния многокомпонентного нутрицевтика Онкоксин на переносимость АХТ.Материалы и методы. В исследование было включено 133 больных раком желудка МВ-ШС или немелкоклеточным раком лёгких ПВ-ША в возрасте 50- 70 лет; 84 получали Онкоксин, 49 составили контрольную группу.Результаты. Было установлено, что через две недели шансы больных, получавших Онкоксин, на значимое (безусловное) улучшение качества жизни (вопросник ESAS) были в два раза выше в сравнении с группой контроля: ОШ = 2,07 [95% ДИ 1,00- 4,29]. К окончанию периода наблюдения (3 недели) в группе пациентов, использовавших Онкоксин, уровень альбумина был значительно выше в сравнении с контрольной группой (38,1 [95% ДИ 37,1- 39,1] г /л и 35,5 [95% ДИ 33,9-37,0], р = 0,03, соответственно). Кроме этого, применение Онкоксина позволило существенно снизить печёночную токсичность АХТ.Выводы. Данное исследование, проведённое в рамках существующей клинической практики, впервые показало высокую эффективность Онкоксина в улучшении качества жизни пациентов и снижении токсичности АХТ

Effect of sitagliptin on cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Data are lacking on the long-term effect on cardiovascular events of adding sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, to usual care in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind study, we assigned 14,671 patients to add either sitagliptin or placebo to their existing therapy. Open-label use of antihyperglycemic therapy was encouraged as required, aimed at reaching individually appropriate glycemic targets in all patients. To determine whether sitagliptin was noninferior to placebo, we used a relative risk of 1.3 as the marginal upper boundary. The primary cardiovascular outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 3.0 years, there was a small difference in glycated hemoglobin levels (least-squares mean difference for sitagliptin vs. placebo, -0.29 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.32 to -0.27). Overall, the primary outcome occurred in 839 patients in the sitagliptin group (11.4%; 4.06 per 100 person-years) and 851 patients in the placebo group (11.6%; 4.17 per 100 person-years). Sitagliptin was noninferior to placebo for the primary composite cardiovascular outcome (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.09; P<0.001). Rates of hospitalization for heart failure did not differ between the two groups (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.20; P = 0.98). There were no significant between-group differences in rates of acute pancreatitis (P = 0.07) or pancreatic cancer (P = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, adding sitagliptin to usual care did not appear to increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalization for heart failure, or other adverse events

Effects of Once-Weekly Exenatide on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular effects of adding once-weekly treatment with exenatide to usual care in patients with type 2 diabetes are unknown. METHODS: We randomly assigned patients with type 2 diabetes, with or without previous cardiovascular disease, to receive subcutaneous injections of extended-release exenatide at a dose of 2 mg or matching placebo once weekly. The primary composite outcome was the first occurrence of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. The coprimary hypotheses were that exenatide, administered once weekly, would be noninferior to placebo with respect to safety and superior to placebo with respect to efficacy. RESULTS: In all, 14,752 patients (of whom 10,782 [73.1%] had previous cardiovascular disease) were followed for a median of 3.2 years (interquartile range, 2.2 to 4.4). A primary composite outcome event occurred in 839 of 7356 patients (11.4%; 3.7 events per 100 person-years) in the exenatide group and in 905 of 7396 patients (12.2%; 4.0 events per 100 person-years) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 to 1.00), with the intention-to-treat analysis indicating that exenatide, administered once weekly, was noninferior to placebo with respect to safety (P<0.001 for noninferiority) but was not superior to placebo with respect to efficacy (P=0.06 for superiority). The rates of death from cardiovascular causes, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal or nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, and hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, and the incidence of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and serious adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with type 2 diabetes with or without previous cardiovascular disease, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events did not differ significantly between patients who received exenatide and those who received placebo. (Funded by Amylin Pharmaceuticals; EXSCEL ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01144338 .)

Epidemiology and characteristics of urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients

Introduction. Data on the epidemiology and nature of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in multiple sclerosis (MS) are contradictory: the prevalence rate ranges from 50 to 90% according to different authors.Purpose of the study. To assess the frequency and nature of urination disorders in patients with various forms of multiple sclerosis.Materials and methods. We analyzed the data of patients observed in the Regional Centre of Multiple sclerosis at Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1. The study included 160 patients aged 42.6±12.3 years, of which 64% were men and 36% were women. The primary progressive course of the disease occurred in 5% of patients, the secondary progressive course in 39%, and remitting in 56%. The average score according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was 3.94±2.10. The nature of neurogenic dysfunction of the lower urinary tract was evaluated using questionnaires (NBSS, SF-Qualiveen) and urodynamic studies.Results. NLUTD were detected in 65% of MS patients. The average score according to the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Scale (NBSS) in patients with NLUTD was 26.93±13.12, which was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) exceed than the value of this indicator among patients without pelvic disorders (6.43±2.34). Symptoms of emptying were noted in more than half of patients with a neurogenic bladder in the presence of multiple sclerosis: poor urine flow (63%), abdominal straining during urination (76%). Complaints of storage symptoms, such as urgency and frequency, were presented by 98% of patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Urinary incontinence was diagnosed in 84% of cases. The values of the «incontinence», «storage and voiding» and «complications» domains of NBSS were 8.66±7.17, 12.18±3.7 and 3.48±4.21, respectively. The total score of SF-Qaliveen questionnaire in patients with MS with urinary disorders was 2.93±1.13, in patients without NLUTD, 1.03±0.91 (р &lt; 0,001).Conclusions. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction occurs in patients with multiple sclerosis with a frequency of 65%. These urinary disorders have a significant impact on the patients` quality of life