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Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex of interrelated risk factors, associated with several serious chronic diseases like diabetes. The goal of this study was to find dietary factors of successful weight loss for MetS outpatients. We performed a 90-day dietary intervention in a telemedically supported, pre- and post-test, controlled trial in Hungary involving 132 MetS patients; 67 were in the intervention, and 65 were in the control group. Patients in the intervention group used wireless smart devices, a dietary logger, and a lifestyle app. During the trial, we recorded the patients’ weight loss and diet composition. For analysis, t-tests were used, and the temporal trends of diet composition in the intervention group were analyzed between two sub-groups according to weight loss success. Correlation and regression models were used to find predictors of success. The intervention group achieved more weight loss, and the success in this group was linked with more consumption of raw fruits/vegetables, poultry and potato dishes, while age had a negative effect. We conclude that telemedically supported dietary coaching is an efficient alternative for interventions directed at weight loss. Future trials should investigate the therapeutic application of diets rich in raw fruits, especially apples, and vegetables, as well as poultry dishes.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition. There are many therapeutic options for its treatment; however, none of them is completely effective. Tapinarof is a promising new active substance; it was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of psoriasis. The aim of our study was to prepare topical nanoformulations of the active substance to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic effect. The biocompatibility investigation of the formulations was carried out by MTT assay, and the size distribution of the preparations was investigated by DLS. In parallel, the rheological properties and the texture were examined, and the in vitro release of tapinarof was assessed by the Franz diffusion method. An in vitro wound healing assay was also carried out to study the drug’s properties. Our results show that the preparations were safe on HaCaT cells. The particle size of the formulations was proven to be in the nanoscale range. In the in vitro release studies, nanogel II. showed greater release of the active substance. According to the wound healing assay, incorporation of the drug into nanoformulations increases the antiproliferative and antimigration activity of the drug. Overall, nanoformulations of tapinarof were successfully prepared, and our results suggest that they can be a useful addition to the current therapeutic practice of psoriasis.

Abstract Inequalities in diet quality are increasingly reported, but such studies among Roma are scarce and challenging. Here we attempt to examine diet quality and adherence to food based dietary guidelines among Hungarian Roma (HR) ethnic minority living in segregated settlements while comparing a sample of Hungarian adults from the general population (HG). Data were obtained from a complex comparative health survey conducted in Northeast Hungary in 2018, including sociodemographic and physical examination data. Dietary data were collected using two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. We assessed diet quality based on using a 13-component Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015, range 0–100). Differences in median intakes of food and nutrients and HEI-2015 scores were evaluated by Mann–Whitney test or Kruskal–Wallis test. Quantile regression was used to adjust HEI-2015 scores for socioeconomic factors including age, sex, educational status, and perceived financial status. This analysis included 393 and 415 subjects, aged between 18 to 70 years, of HR and HG populations, respectively. Results showed overall low median HEI-2015 scores for both HR and HG, with significantly lower total score among HR participants (41.6, interquartile range (IQR): 39.5–42.8) compared to HG (47.2, IQR: 45.7–51.1). Scores for individual components, such as intake of fruits, greens and beans, whole grains, seafood, and plant proteins were particularly suboptimal among both groups, but significantly lower among the HR population. Scores for refined grains, sodium, saturated fats and added sugar reflected high intakes of these components but did not differ between study groups. Our findings revealed an unfavorable diet quality among the HR compared to HG and a potentially increased risk for diet-related NCDs. Future health intervention programs are warranted to address dietary disparities of segregated minorities in Hungary while considering ethnic and cultural differences.

Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with treatment‐resistant hypertension and high cardiovascular risk. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) fails to reduce cardiovascular risks consistently. Obesity and OSA show reciprocal association and they synergistically increase hypertension via different pathways. Our meta‐analysis aimed to assess the cardiovascular benefits of combining weight loss (WL) with CPAP (vs. WL or CPAP alone) in OSA. Outcomes included systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and blood lipid parameters. We explored Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus. Eight randomized controlled studies (2627 patients) were included. The combined therapy decreased systolic BP more than CPAP alone. Weighted mean difference (WMD) for CPAP + WL versus CPAP was −8.89 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (95% CI; −13.67 to −4.10, p

Abstract Objectives The aim of this national population-based, retrospective database study is to compare the comorbidity profiles of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and general population controls matched for age, gender, and region and assess the risk of depression or anxiety when controlled for age, gender and adjusted for the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Methods Claims data of 1051 patients diagnosed with SLE (full population between January 01, 2011, and December 31, 2014) from the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund have been analyzed against matched controls (1:5 ratio) with a follow-up of 30 months. The first record of SLE diagnosis was considered the diagnosis date. The odds ratio (OR) and 99.9% confidence interval (CI) of having depression or anxiety among patients with SLE vs. controls have been assessed using logistic regression models. Results SLE patients report more comorbidities than the matched general population both in pre- and post-index periods (mean CCI 1.79 vs. 1.15 and 2.78 vs. 1.22 [both p

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex of interrelated risk factors, associated with several serious chronic diseases like diabetes. The goal of this study was to find dietary factors of successful weight loss for MetS outpatients. We performed a 90-day dietary intervention in a telemedically supported, pre- and post-test, controlled trial in Hungary involving 132 MetS patients; 67 were in the intervention, and 65 were in the control group. Patients in the intervention group used wireless smart devices, a dietary logger, and a lifestyle app. During the trial, we recorded the patients' weight loss and diet composition. For analysis, t-tests were used, and the temporal trends of diet composition in the intervention group were analyzed between two sub-groups according to weight loss success. Correlation and regression models were used to find predictors of success. The intervention group achieved more weight loss, and the success in this group was linked with more consumption of raw fruits/vegetables, poultry and potato dishes, while age had a negative effect. We conclude that telemedically supported dietary coaching is an efficient alternative for interventions directed at weight loss. Future trials should investigate the therapeutic application of diets rich in raw fruits, especially apples, and vegetables, as well as poultry dishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition. There are many therapeutic options for its treatment; however, none of them is completely effective. Tapinarof is a promising new active substance; it was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of psoriasis. The aim of our study was to prepare topical nanoformulations of the active substance to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic effect. The biocompatibility investigation of the formulations was carried out by MTT assay, and the size distribution of the preparations was investigated by DLS. In parallel, the rheological properties and the texture were examined, and the in vitro release of tapinarof was assessed by the Franz diffusion method. An in vitro wound healing assay was also carried out to study the drug's properties. Our results show that the preparations were safe on HaCaT cells. The particle size of the formulations was proven to be in the nanoscale range. In the in vitro release studies, nanogel II. showed greater release of the active substance. According to the wound healing assay, incorporation of the drug into nanoformulations increases the antiproliferative and antimigration activity of the drug. Overall, nanoformulations of tapinarof were successfully prepared, and our results suggest that they can be a useful addition to the current therapeutic practice of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ gels have been developed as an innovative strategy to prolong corneal residence time and enhance drug absorption compared to traditional eye drops. Our study aimed to formulate an ophthalmic in situ gel with a combination of two thermosensitive poloxamers, P407 and P188, in an optimal ratio not only to increase the time of action but also to increase the solubility of selected antibiotics for the treatment of ophthalmic infections. Two BSC II class substances, Azithromycin and Ofloxacin, with different mechanisms of action, have been incorporated into the in situ gel system after determining their solubility. The antibiotics-loaded in situ gel formulation was evaluated for its clarity, pH, rheological properties, and gel characteristics of gelling time, temperature, and capacity. The formulation demonstrated satisfactory clarity, appropriate pH, effective gelation properties in simulated tear fluid, and suitable rheological characteristics. In addition, APIs release insight has been studied through a dissolution test, and the effectivity against sensitive and resistant bacterial strains has been proved through the antimicrobial study. Therefore, our in situ gel system based on thermosensitive poloxamers, with two hydrophobic antibiotics, AZM and OFX, can be considered a valuable approach for ophthalmic drug delivery with an enhancement of the antibiotics bioavailability through increasing the contact time with the ocular surface and enhancing patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the determination of the absolute errors of a small time of flight (ToF) distance sensor with respect to coloured surfaces at different illumination intensities. The aim was to determine the absolute error of the measured distance by the VL53L1X sensor when set to short-mode and long-mode at different illumination intensities: 10 lx and 350 lx depending on the coloured surface using regression analysis methods. The research was performed using 7 colour samples with different spectral colours determined according to the CIE Lab colour model. Based on the performed experiments, it was found that the error at different sensor settings, change of colour surface and different illumination intensity is approximated by a linear function only up to a certain measured distance. The process is influenced by proposed factors such as: illumination intensity, coloured surface with different illumination reflectance and signal-noise parameters of the tested sensor during the experiment.

Abstract Intoduction Childhood intelligence is an important predictor of later outcomes in life such as socioeconomic status or health. Hence, a deeper understanding of predictors of child intelligence should suggest points of intervention for children facing adversities. Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the predictive value of demographic, perinatal and neonatal variables after birth and developmental characteristics at age 2 for 4-year intelligence as outcome among low birth weight children. Methods We designed a panel study with a 2-year follow-up with 114 child-mother pairs. The outcome variable was IQ intelligence quotient at 4 years of age of LBW low birth weight children measured by the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scales of Intelligence. Potential predictors were maternal education, family wealth, ethnic identity; sex, twin pregnancy, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, maternal smoking during pregnancy; diagnosis of intravetricular haemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia after birth and cognitive, language and motor development at age 2 measured by one composite score of the three Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development aggregated. Results Stepwise backward regression was carried out including significant variables from the bivariate analysis. The best model included 4 predictors which accounted for 57% of the variance of the full IQ intelligence at 4-years of age. Maternal higher education was significant positive, below average family wealth and neonatal diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were significant negative predictors in the model after birth. 2-year developmental characteristics such as cognitive, motor and language skills were positive predictors of the IQ intelligence at age 4. Conclusion Sociodemographic assessment at birth and developmental assessment at two years of age are of crucial importance to recognize children at high risk for delayed cognitive development. High-risk children should be directed to supportive interventions and their development should be regulary monitored.

Abstract Objectives A Primary Care Model Programme had been implemented in Hungary between 2013 and 2017 in which group practices were established that employed—among others—nonprofessional health workers (health mediators, similar to community health workers) to facilitate access for the most disadvantaged population groups. The health of mediators, themselves mostly disadvantaged ethnic Roma, was monitored every odd year of the Programme. Methods A repeated cross-sectional health interview survey had been implemented inviting all health mediators who were employed at the time of the survey. The same questionnaire was used in all 3 surveys with items from the European Health Interview Survey 2009 and validated versions of other scales. Results Positive changes occurred in the health status of mediators during 5 years of follow-up. Significant improvement in mental health occurred among those who completed on-the-job vocational training. By 2017, significant increase in sense of coherence was observed among those who obtained vocational qualification as opposed to those who did not. The proportion of highly stressed mediators showed a significant increase among those with no vocational training. Improvement was detected in all mediators in health awareness, dysfunctional attitudes, psychological stress and smoking prevalence. Conclusions Significant improvement in mental status among those who obtained on-the-job vocational qualification were observed during follow-up of ethnic Roma health mediators in the programme in which they were equal members of the primary health care team. Employment of health mediators in primary care teams not only contributed to improving access to care for disadvantaged groups, but also improved the mental health of mediators themselves.

Diesel and petrol powered vehicles are contributors to the magnetic fraction of atmospheric particles in the urban atmosphere. For an assessment of the health effects of vehicle-emitted magnetic particles, the mineralogical characters of particles present in engine exhaust vs. those produced by braking need to be understood. We collected magnetically separated individual particles directly from both brake wear and engine exhaust, from the air inside a car cabin while driving on a motorway, and from the ambient urban atmosphere. The morphologies, sizes, chemical compositions and spatial associations of magnetic particles with other constituents of vehicle emissions were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques.Magnetic separates typically contained particles that were aggregates of a large number of nanocrystals. Particles from engine exhaust, car cabin and urban air were similar, with diameters ∼1–4 μm, consisting predominantly of ∼10 nm-sized, randomly oriented crystals of magnetite and minor hematite. In contrast, brake debris particles were larger (∼1–10 μm in diameter) and contained mostly ∼7 nm-sized hematite, in addition to metallic iron and minor goethite. Particles in all samples comprised carbonaceous constituents besides iron oxides. In the exhaust and ambient particles carbon was present in both amorphous and semi-ordered forms, encompassing the nanocrystals, suggesting a high-temperature formation. In contrast, only amorphous carbon was found in brake wear. Besides the main components (Fe, O, C) several additional elements, including Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Sn, Ca, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Zr occurred in the particles, with some minor differences between the distinct types of samples.Whereas the overall characteristics of magnetic particles in exhaust emissions were similar to those of ambient particles, the brake emissions produced slightly different particle types, particularly in terms of size and mineralogy. Thus, based on the qualitative assessment of particle properties in direct emissions and ambient air, a significant portion of magnetic particles in urban air appears to originate from vehicle emissions. Although the aggregate particles have sizes in the μm range, they still may represent a potential health risk on inhalation.