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Objective: The main objective of the current study was to examine the outcome of critically ill patients in relation to clinical and thoracic injuries. The secondary objectives were to assess the role of CT in the evaluation of the diaphragm and to provide an analysis of prognostic abilities with respect to diaphragm changes.

Type I collagen, prevalent in the extracellular matrix, is biocompatible and crucial for tissue engineering and wound healing, including angiogenesis and vascular maturation/stabilization as required processes of newly formed tissue constructs or regeneration. Sometimes, improper vascularization causes unexpected outcomes. Vascularization failure may be caused by extracellular matrix collagen and non-collagen components heterogeneously. This study compares the angiogenic potential of collagen type I-based scaffolds and collagen type I/glycosaminoglycans scaffolds by using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and IKOSA digital image analysis. Two clinically used biomaterials, Xenoderm (containing type I collagen derived from decellularized porcine extracellular matrix) and a dual-layer collagen sponge (DLC, with a biphasic composition of type I collagen combined with glycosaminoglycans) were tested for their ability to induce new vascular network formation. The AI-based IKOSA app enhanced the research by calculating from stereomicroscopic images angiogenic parameters such as total vascular area, branching sites, vessel length, and vascular thickness. The study confirmed that Xenoderm caused a fast angiogenic response and substantial vascular growth, but was unable to mature the vascular network. DLC scaffold, in turn, produced a slower angiogenic response, but a more steady and organic vascular maturation and stabilization. This research can improve collagen-based knowledge by better assessing angiogenesis processes. DLC may be preferable to Xenoderm or other materials for functional neovascularization, according to the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: A real challenge for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rheumatologists is primary nonresponse status (PNRS) or secondary nonresponse status (SNRS) to various therapies. Despite their detrimental influence on patient life quality, PNRS and SNRS have no accurate definition and no early predictive criteria for their development exist. Patients with RA under 40 years of age are rare, hence PNRS and SNRS data for this age group are scarce. This study examined the PNRS and SNRS according to sex, age, BMI, therapy type, and duration. Patients and Methods: Retrospectively, 115 patients with RA having PNRS and/or SNRS were stratified by age (22-39, 40-59, and 60-81). The association between body mass index (BMI), proinflammatory cytokines inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and TNF-alpha inhibitors, sex, age, and PNRS and SNRS was examined. Results: All three proinflammatory cytokine inhibitors (rituximab, tocilizumab, and abatacept) were associated with PNRS and SNRS in women with a high BMI aged 40-59 years. Abatacept-related PNRS and SNRS was significant in women with normal BMI aged 60- 81 years. Adalimumab, infliximab, and golimumab affected SNRS differently in women with normal BMI aged 22-39 years and women with high BMI aged 60-81 years. Etanercept and infliximab were associated with SNRS status in men with highBMI aged 40-59 years. Conclusion: PNRS and SNRS development in patients with RA is significantly influenced by age, sex, and BMI, but most importantly is closely and differentially related to therapy type and duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exoskeletons surface as useful devices in alleviating the Intensive Care Units (ICU) medical stuff's quality of life. A goal of manufacturers and users of exoskeletons is to determine the probability of proper functioning and increase their lifespan. Considering the extremely small number of exoskeletons for which the durations (cycles) of operation are known, in order to be able to make predictions on the characteristics of the average durations of operation, we used the bootstrap method. Through this method, starting from a small number of data collected from the exploitation of exoskeletons, a desired number of data "similar" to real data is obtained. We used the data of 10 exoskeletons of the same type and their operating times with which 2000 replicates were generated. The data were processed using the EasyFit program and the functional probabilities of the exoskeletons were deduced. A pilot study was performed in order to find the usefulness of using a passive or active torso support exoskeleton in the ICU for prone positioning. It demonstrated a lower degree of fatigue in the subjects who used the exoskeletons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Therefore, AS can have a significant impact on the QoL of affected individuals. Biological therapy is a type of treatment that uses genetically engineered proteins or antibodies to target specific molecules or cells involved in the immune response. In the case of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), biological therapy is used to target cytokines, which are proteins that play a key role in the inflammatory process that causes the disease. Objective: This study objective is to create a concise collective presentation of multiple past studies performed by different researchers about the effectivity of biologics in the treatment of adult patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Material and methods: Using 3 past studies that analyzed the data of 1000+ cases of AS patients treated with different kinds of DMARDs across the world. Hence, the relevant data according to the aim of the study were collected. The study is a network meta-analysis of the efficacy of biologics in the treatment of adult patients with AS. Results : Study 1 demonstrated sustained efficacy and an acceptable safety profile of upadacitinib in bDMARD-IR patients with AS over a 1-year period, supporting its potential as a treatment option for this patient population. Study 2 the study highlighted the potential of IL-17 A/F dual variable domain inhibitor (bimekizumab) as a promising future treatment option for AS, while TNF-α inhibitors, particularly infliximab, were identified as effective first-line therapies for patients with active AS. Study 3 found that all three IL-17 inhibitors (SEC, IXE, and NTK) showed comparable clinical efficacy in terms of response rates to treatment (ASAS 20/40 and BASDAI 50). However, NTK showed the best combination of price and clinical efficacy among the IL-17 inhibitors registered in the Russian Federation, both after 16 weeks and after one year of therapy. Conclusions: DMARDs/biologics play a crucial role in improving the quality of life of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The use of biologics has been associated with reduced pain, improved physical function, and enhanced overall well-being. However, it is important to note that biological therapy is not suitable for all patients with AS, and the decision to use this treatment should be made on a case-by-case basis. This meta-analysis supports existing research and literature, providing further evidence of the positive impact of biologics on quality of life within the AS patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Chloride intracellular channel protein 1 (CLIC1) activates inflammasomes in rheumatoid (RA) and psoriatic (PsA) arthritis. We studied CLIC1 expression in RA and PsA patients’ skin with vasculitis and its variability depending on the therapy used. Materials and Methods: CLIC1 immunoexpression was evaluated in the vascular (CLIC1-V) and stromal (CLIC1-S) compartments of the RA and PsA skin biopsies of patients treated with methotrexate (MTX), leflunomid (LFN), corticotherapy (CT), or biological therapies. Results: MTX significantly reduced CLIC1-S expression (p=0.016), whereas LFN decreased CLIC1-V (p<0.001). LFN therapy duration also correlated with CLIC1-V (p<0.001). CT decreased CLIC1-S expression (p=0.006). CLIC1-S expression persisted in skin biopsies despite of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, p=0.018) and C reactive protein (CRP, p=0.0026) normalisation. For PsA, CLIC1-S expression significantly related to MTX (p<0.022). Both CLIC1-S (p<0.001) and CLIC1-V (p=0.007) decreased by biological therapies in RA. Conclusion: CLIC1 expression is strongly influenced by the therapy used. Our data strongly support the extensive evaluation of CLIC1 in RA as a potential marker of inflammation and tool to predict therapy response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]