Tbilisi State Medical University

The electrochemical and spectrophotometric behavior of Olanzapine (OLZ) was studied for its optimal concentration ratio towards citrate buffer solution, the half-wave potential of a mercury dropping electrode, and electrochemical and spectrophotometric calibration curves for the qualitative and quantitative determination of OLZ. The influence of various solvents on the ability of OLZ to form complexes with metals has been evaluated using the quantum-chemical semi-empirical AM1 method. The energetic, electronic, and structural characteristics of the molecule have been calculated, and the donor atoms in the OLZ molecule and the rules of its coordination with the metal atom have been identified. These studies are vital for further research evaluation of OLZ presence in blood plasma and urine. The removal of OLZ from model solutions was tested using the carbonaceous materials of hazelnut and walnut shells (obtained by our method), and their adsorption capacity was compared with industrial carbon material - Activated Birch Carbon (BAU-A) - showing compatible results.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease (MOGAD) are the major types of demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Demyelinating disorders impact women disproportionately and frequently present during reproductive years. These conditions can cause significant neurological disability and psychosocial challenges, especially for women. Because they often present during reproductive years, clinicians frequently manage contraception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period alongside disease control. Sex-specific evidence, therefore, becomes especially important for treatment decisions. Despite this, sex-specific differences in epidemiology, immunopathology, clinical features, and therapeutic response remain inconsistently addressed in both clinical practice and research. In this review, we synthesize current evidence on the factors underlying the female predominance observed in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD, and discuss the clinical consequences of these findings. We investigate the influence of sex hormones, X-chromosome–mediated immune regulation, and immunological changes associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as disease-specific mechanisms. We also examine how these factors affect diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic decision-making, pregnancy management, and quality of life. Finally, we highlight important gaps in knowledge and underscore the necessity for a sex-informed approach to the diagnosis, management, and research of autoimmune demyelinating diseases.

Robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) was developed to overcome technical limitations of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), yet uncertainty persists regarding oncologic adequacy, learning-curve effects, and outcomes in high-risk subgroups. We synthesized current evidence to address these gaps. We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, from inception to 2025 to identify comparative studies of RDP versus LDP. Using random-effects models, we calculated weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes, and performed subgroup analyses, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), along with meta-regression to explore heterogeneity sources. Sixty-four studies comprising 15,790 patients (5,723 RDP; 10,067 LDP; mean age 60.5 years; BMI 26.1 kg/m²) were included. RDP resulted in lower blood loss (WMD − 52.0 mL; p < 0.00001), fewer conversions (RR 0.49; p < 0.00001), and fewer unplanned splenectomies (RR 0.59; p < 0.0001). Operative time was longer (WMD + 24.06 min; p < 0.00001). Postoperative morbidity, POPF, PPH, infection, reintervention, and mortality were comparable. Length of stay was shorter with RDP (WMD − 0.57 days; p < 0.00001). Although lymph node yield appeared higher with LDP in the overall and PDAC cohorts, this difference was no longer significant in a sensitivity analysis, and R0 resection rates remained comparable. Costs were higher with RDP, with substantial heterogeneity. RDP and LDP demonstrate comparable safety and oncologic outcomes. RDP reduces blood loss, conversions, and splenectomy but increases operative time and cost. The operative time disadvantage likely reflects learning-curve. Selective use in high-risk and complex resections is supported; cost-effectiveness warrants further study.

Abstract Background Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet approximately 30–40% of patients exhibit an inadequate therapeutic response. Early identification of MTX non-responders remains a clinical challenge. Cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are central to RA pathogenesis and may serve as predictive biomarkers of treatment outcomes, therefore, the study aimed to investigate the association of serum levels of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-alpha, and GM-CSF with disease activity and methotrexate response in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve RA patients. Methods This prospective observational study included 40 newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve RA patients who initiated MTX monotherapy. Serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and GM-CSF were quantified at baseline and after 12 weeks using ELISA. Disease activity was evaluated by the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). Patients were stratified into responders and non-responders according to EULAR criteria. Comparative and correlation analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between cytokine profiles and treatment response. Results Baseline serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels were significantly different in MTX non-responders and responders (p < 0.0172, and 0.0096, respectively), whereas TNF-α and GM-CSF did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.6121 and p = 0.1840, respectively). Conclusions Levels of IL-6 and IL17 at onset were significantly higher in the group of patients that did not respond on methotrexate compared to those who did, but their clinical utility as prognostic biomarkers for MTX responsiveness appears limited.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin and mucosal dermatosis caused by molluscum contagiosum virus. It predominantly affects children, sexually active adults, and immunocompromised patients. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected skin or autoinoculation and via contaminated objects. These lesions can appear in any part of the body and are presented as firm, round, non-tender, dome-shaped papules with sunken centres containing a white, curdy-type material. Although generally Molluscum contagiosum is self-limiting and benign, its occurrence on the nipple-areola complex is exceedingly rare, documenting less than 6 cases worldwide. We report a rare case of dermatosis of the nipple in a healthy 31-year-old female who presented with a 3-month, solitary, non-tender lesion on her right breast, with no similar lesions observed elsewhere on the body. She was referred to the plastic surgery department for further evaluation of breast carcinoma. Upon recommendation, the lesion was excised and sent for histopathological examination, which confirmed the diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum. Diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum of the nipple is rare and often poses a clinical dilemma in treatment.