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Aim: To study the clinical status and data of laboratory and instrumental examination of patients with non-obstructive ischemic heart disease (IHD) and multifocal atherosclerosis (MFA) included in the KAMMA registry., Material and Methods: The subanalysis included 1,893 IHD patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and ultrasonic examination of peripheral arteries. Based on the CAG data, patients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients with obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (CA) (maximum stenosis ≥50% and/or history of percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass grafting, n=1728; 91.3%) and group 2, patients with non-obstructive CA (maximum stenosis <50%, n = 165; 8.7%)., Results: A comparative analysis based on the degree of coronary obstruction in patients with verified IHD who were included in the KAMMA registry showed that 8.7% of them had coronary artery stenosis of less than 50%. The overwhelming majority of patients with non-obstructive CA had MFA affecting the brachiocephalic arteries in 94.3% and the lower extremity arteries in 40.2%. Among patients with non-obstructive IHD, women predominated; risk factors such as smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus were less frequent in this group than in the obstructive IHD group. Patients with non-obstructive CA more frequently had a history of dyslipidemia; they had higher total cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and they more frequently received moderate-intensity statin therapy than patients with obstructive CA (55.8% vs. 34.5%). Characteristic features of patients with non-obstructive CA were less severe IHD and less frequent history of acute coronary syndrome. However, the incidence of stroke, peripheral arterial thrombosis, and chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities did not differ in groups 1 and 2, whereas the incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was higher in the non-obstructive IHD group., Conclusion: IHD patients without coronary obstruction also require assessment of the peripheral arterial status, as they may have advanced MFA, which should be taken into account when choosing the "aggressiveness" of therapy.

Aim: To analyze the prevalence of nonspecific UTI in patients with tuberculosis and to evaluate the efficiency of therapy and prevention measures., Material and Methods: A total of 936 patients with tuberculosis of various localizations aged from 18 to 96 years were examined. There were 447 men (47.8%) and 489 women (52.2%). A diagnosis of nonspecific UTI was done using following criteria: the presence of characteristic symptoms, leukocyturia and bacteriuria detected by microscopic examination of the urine sediment, positive urine culture for nonspecific species, negative urine tests for Mycobacterium tuberculosis., Results: The prevalence of nonspecific UTI among 936 patients with tuberculosis was 18.6% (n=174). Non-specific species were determined in all forms of tuberculosis, but most often in urogenital tuberculosis (74.1%). Proposed therapeutic and prophylactic tactics included antibacterial therapy, herbal drug Kanefron N and sanitary measures. The efficiency of treatment was 94.6%. It should be noted that patients received anti-tuberculosis therapy, and there were no adverse reactions associated with a combination of drugs., Conclusion: When choosing treatment tactics, it is necessary to take into account the presence of structural and functional changes in the urinary tract, which reduce treatment efficiency.

The manuscript is devoted to Sauerbruch F. as a great innovative surgeon, scientist and one of the founders of thoracic surgery in the world. Little-known facts from his life and joint work with the mentor and "master" of German surgery (Mikulicz I.). The authors discuss the issues related to invention and presentation of the "Sauerbruch chamber" with reduced pressure for intrathoracic surgeries. A long-awaited article appeared under a modest but promising title in the sixth issue of this journal (January, 1904). It was supposed to make a revolution in intrathoracic surgery, put end to the danger of surgical pneumothorax, bring thoracic surgery onto the "high road" of scientific progress and immortalize its author (scientific assistant of the Royal Surgical Clinic in Breslau, Ferdinand Sauerbruch). Sauerbruch F. as one of the founders of thoracic surgery and authoritative school of surgeons is rightfully recognized as one of the patriarchs of German surgery in the first half of the 20 th century.

Effective and atraumatic removal of a soft lens nucleus requires different surgical techniques compared to phacoemulsification of a dense nucleus., Purpose: This study was conducted to develop a non-ultrasound technique for emulsification of a soft lens nucleus., Material and Methods: Fifty-seven patients (57 eyes) underwent surgery. In 23 cases, early or immature cataracts were detected, and in 34 cases, lens removal was performed for refractive purposes in high myopia and complex myopic astigmatism. Phacoemulsifier Centurion Vision System (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA) was used for the surgery. Aspiration of soft lens nucleus was done using a rotational technique. The following aspects were evaluated in the course of the surgery: the volume of the required irrigation solution, and the frequency needing to involve ultrasound for complete emulsification of the lens nucleus. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also assessed., Results: The surgery was uneventful in all cases. There were no violations of the integrity of capsulorhexis edge. The need for short pulses of minimal power ultrasound during the removal of the soft lens using this technique arose only in 11 (19.3%) cases. The effective ultrasound time was less than 1 second. The required volume of irrigation solution was 33.0 (24.0; 43.0) ml, which does not differ significantly from that in ultrasonic phacoemulsification., Conclusions: The use of modern phacoemulsifiers providing a high vacuum level allows successful removal of a soft lens without using ultrasound, which prevents its negative impact on the ocular tissues. The use of adequate surgical techniques, including the optimal direction of rotation of the lens nucleus in the rotational technique, improves the efficiency of soft lens nucleus removal.

Fragmentation and aspiration of soft cataracts require different surgical techniques and approaches compared to the removal of dense nuclei, including when using a femtosecond laser., Purpose: This study was conducted to develop a non-ultrasound technique for aspiration of a soft lens nucleus after its preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation., Material and Methods: The study included 63 patients (63 eyes) aged 23 to 40 years who underwent surgery. In 27 cases, early or immature cataract was observed, and in 36 cases, cataract removal was performed for refractive purposes in high myopia and complex myopic astigmatism. The VICTUS femtosecond laser surgical system (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH, Germany) was used for preliminary fragmentation of the lens nucleus. Surgeries were performed using the Centurion Vision System phacoemulsifier (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA). The volume of the required irrigation solution was evaluated during the surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed., Results: The surgery was performed without complications in all cases. Capsulorhexis edge was completely preserved along its entire circumference. The study showed the fundamental possibility of aspirating a cataract with a nucleus of grade I-II density without low-frequency ultrasound after preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a "grid" pattern, which ensures minimal fragment size in the central zone of the nucleus. The volume of irrigation solution required for aspiration of the nucleus was 36.0 (27.0; 44.0) ml, which does not significantly differ from the volume of solution during ultrasound phacoemulsification of a nucleus of such density., Conclusions: Femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus with a "grid" pattern and phacoemulsifier systems with a high vacuum level allow effective aspiration of a soft lens without using low-frequency ultrasound.

Prevention and treatment of anterior capsular contraction syndrome (ACCS) is a relevant problem in cataract surgery., Purpose: The study was performed to develop a femtosecond laser-assisted technique for anterior capsulotomy in anterior capsular contraction syndrome and assess its preliminary results in preventing the progression of pathological changes in the capsular bag., Material and Methods: The examination and femtosecond laser-assisted treatment without additional surgical intervention was performed in 6 patients (6 eyes) aged 69 to 73 years with anterior capsular contraction syndrome. Femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulotomy was performed using the VICTUS system (Technolas Perfect Vision, Germany). Capsulotomy diameter was 4.0-4.5 mm, laser radiation energy - 9000 nJ, laser exposure depth 900-1000 μm., Results: The diameter of the anterior capsulotomy before treatment was 2.85 mm [2.75; 2.93]. After 1 month, the diameter of the anterior capsular opening was 2.88 mm [2.78; 2.96] ( p >0.05). One year after femtosecond laser intervention, the anterior capsulotomy opening was almost the same shape and diameter - 2.84 mm [2.74; 2.94] ( p >0.05)., Conclusion: Femtosecond laser-assisted circular capsulotomy is an effective and safe method for preventing the progression of anterior capsular contraction syndrome in the absence of severe IOL decentration and for maintaining the diameter of the anterior capsular opening of at least 2.5-3.0 mm.

Dry eye disease (DED) is pathogenetically based on inflammation of the ocular surface. A step-by-step approach to DED treatment involves early initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy, including instillation of cyclosporine A (CsA). However, recommendations for the use of topical CsA in clinical practice are limited. This article presents an expert consensus on practical recommendations for the management of patients with DED, including indications, time of initiation and duration of CsA therapy, comparison of CsA forms currently registered in the Russian Federation, as well as issues of patient education.

Presents an overview of domestic and foreign sources on the diagnosis of neuroinfections in children of different etiologies based on epidemiological, physical, cerebrospinal fluid, etiological, radiation and other methods. Their combination makes it possible to establish the syndrome of neuroinfection (meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, polyradioloneuritis, etc.), the severity, the presence of complications, the nature of the course, etiology. Cytological and biochemical examination of CSF is still of great importance in diagnosis. To establish the etiology, both well-known methods (microbiological, serological, immunocytochemical) and molecular genetic methods, including PCR and next-generation sequencing, are used. Radiation methods, especially MRI with the use of modern programs, are also important in the diagnosis of neuroinfections. Using the example of diagnosing viral encephalitis in children, the need for an integrated approach to establish a probable, possible and reliable diagnosis is demonstrated, which ensures the earliest possible prescription of not only etiotropic, but also pathogenetic therapy using drugs with a multimodal mechanism of action, for example Cytoflavin, which helps improve the outcomes of neuroinfections.

The influence of various patterns of preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus on the energy and hydrodynamic parameters of phacoemulsification remains insufficiently studied., Purpose: This study evaluates the influence of various patterns of preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus on the energy, hydrodynamic parameters of phacoemulsification, and the degree of corneal endothelial cell loss., Material and Methods: Hybrid phacoemulsification was performed in 336 patients (336 eyes) with grade IV immature cataract according to the Buratto classification in three age-matched groups. Group 1 included 103 patients (103 eyes) who underwent hybrid phacoemulsification with preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a «pizza» pattern (division of the nucleus with 10 radial cuts). Group 2 included 112 patients (112 eyes) who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a «cylinders» pattern (division of the nucleus with 8 radial cuts in combination with 5 circular cuts). Group 3 included 121 patients (121 eyes) who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the nucleus with a «grid» pattern (division of the nucleus with 8 radial cuts in combination with multiple mutually perpendicular cuts in the central zone in the form of a grid with a 0.5 mm cell). Effective ultrasound time and the volume of irrigation solution for emulsification of the lens nucleus fragments were determined during the operation. The loss of corneal endothelial cells was assessed 3 months after surgery., Results: The minimum effective ultrasound time was noted after using the "grid" pattern - 4.05 (2.88; 4.74) s, which was significantly less than with the "cylinders" pattern - 4.97 (3.78; 5.88) s and the "pizza" pattern - 6.15 (4.52; 7.75) s ( p <0.05). The effective ultrasound time when using the "cylinders" pattern was significantly less than with the "pizza" pattern ( p <0.05). The volume of irrigation solution used for emulsification of the lens nucleus fragments was significantly less in the "grid" pattern - 41.5 (33.5; 49.5) ml compared to the "cylinders" patterns 58.5 (51.0; 66.0), p <0.05 and "pizza" pattern 75.0 (66.0; 83.5), p <0.01. The volume of irrigation solution when using the "cylinders" pattern was significantly less than when using the "pizza" pattern ( p <0.05). The loss of corneal endothelial cells after using the "grid" pattern was 8.82 (7.59; 9.87)%, which was significantly less than after the "cylinders" patterns - 9.97 (8.81; 10.83)%, p <0.05 and "pizza" - 11.70 (10.62; 12.97)%, p <0.05. At the same time, the loss of endothelial cells after using the "cylinders" pattern was significantly less than after the "pizza" pattern ( p <0.05)., Conclusions: The choice of the optimal pattern of preliminary femtosecond laser-assisted fragmentation of the lens nucleus provides a significant decrease in the energy and hydrodynamic parameters of phacoemulsification and, accordingly, the loss of corneal endothelial cells.

A meeting of Interdisciplinary Expert Panel with leading specialists in the field of orthopedics/traumatology, surgery, rheumatology, and neurology was held in Moscow on February 10, 2023. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current status of local injection therapy (LIT) in Russia and the rationale behind the use of collagen-based products for various musculoskeletal disorders. The experts considered the following issues: (1) General contraindications to the use of medical products based on tropocollagen as well as an algorithm for actions in case of adverse events; (2) Guidelines regarding LIT in general and LIT using tropocollagen in particular, including in combination with other LIT products; (3) Particular indications and approaches to the treatment of patients with abnormal changes in appendicular joints and spine with damage to both intra-articular structures and periarticular soft tissue.

Aim: To analyze the condition of the cardiovascular system in oncological patients receiving immune antitumor therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) based on results of laboratory and instrumental examinations during a 3-month follow-up., Material and Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study included 49 patients (25 men and 24 women aged 65.6±8.7 and 64.3±9.6 years, respectively). A laboratory screening (C-reactive proteins, troponin I, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide), EchoCG, and carotid ultrasound were performed for all patients. 27 patients were followed up at 3 months after the antitumor therapy initiation. Statistical analysis was performed with the StatPlus 8.0.3 software., Results: Incidence of cardiovascular complications was 16.3 %. The following significant changes in EchoCG parameters were observed: LV EF; (p=0.017), increased LV end-systolic volume (ESV) (р=0.023), and increased LV index of myocardial performance (LIMP; р=0.016). The degree of changes in ESV (ΔESV) depended on a history of chronic heart failure (р=0.03), whereas the degree of changes in EF (ΔEF) depended on the patient's age at the initiation of antitumor therapy (р=0.006). Ultrasound showed an increase in maximum carotid stenosis (р=0.018)., Conclusion: The study showed a high incidence of newly developed cardiovascular complications associated with the CPI treatment as well as the presence of changes in EchoCG parameters and data of carotid ultrasound.

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality with low five-year survival rates. The role of the E3 ligase Makorin ring finger protein 2 (MKRN2) in ovarian cancer is unknown. This study investigated the impact of MKRN2 on the growth of ovarian cancer. MKRN2 expression in ovarian cancer tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Overexpression of MKRN2 was induced in two ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3 and CAOV3) by lentivirus transfection, and expression levels were verified by western blotting. Proliferation and growth were determined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays, while migration was examined using transwell assays and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Xenograft tumors of transfected SKOV3 cells were established in mice, and immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays measured MKRN2 levels and apoptosis in tumor cells. Reduced levels of MKRN2 in cancerous tissue relative to non-cancerous ovarian tissues. Lentiviral-based MKRN2 overexpression in SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells reduced tumor-associated behavior while inducing apoptosis in vitro. In xenograft tumors, MKRN2 overexpression inhibited ovarian cancer growth and increased apoptosis in vivo. These findings imply the MKRN2 involvement in ovarian carcinogenesis and suggest its potential for treating the disease.

The article presents authors' original methods of phaco surgery that can be used in disorders of the capsular-zonular apparatus of the lens. The cataract surgery techniques for lens subluxation developed and introduced into clinical practice allow using the most physiologically correct intracapsular intraocular lens (IOL) fixation in the vast majority of cases. The introduction of femtosecond laser at key stages of phacoemulsification in complicated clinical situations reduces the dependence of the results on the human factor and allows performing removal of complicated cataracts at a qualitatively new level.

Anterior capsule contraction syndrome is a specific complication of continuous circular capsulorhexis in various phacoemulsification techniques. Surgical, laser and combined methods have been proposed for its treatment. All approaches in the treatment of anterior capsule contraction syndrome have some advantages, as well as certain problems and difficulties. This review presents the current state of this problem of cataract surgery and possible prospects for improving the treatment.

Purpose: This study compares the trends of changes in corneal asphericity, corneal and total aberrations and peripheral refraction in myopic eyes after excimer laser and orthokeratology correction., Material and Methods: Aberrometry (OPD-Scan III; Nidek, Japan) was performed in 63 patients (126 eyes) with moderate and high myopia before and after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Femto-LASIK; 88 eyes, group 1) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK; 38 eyes, group 2). Peripheral refraction (Grand Seiko AutoRef/Keratometer) at 15° and 30° from the center of the fovea was observed in 12 patients of group 1 and in 18 patients with a background of orthokeratology correction (group 3)., Results: Corneal asphericity factor Q transitioned to positive values after PRK and Femto-LASIK. Corneal aberrations: root mean square higher order aberration (RMS HOA) increased in both groups, Tilt 1 increased in group 1 and became negative in group 2, Tilt 2 increased in group 2 and went negative in group 1. Trefoil 6 did not change in group 1 and decreased in group 2. Coma 7 and 8 increased synchronously in both groups. Spherical aberrations (SA) increased in group 1, and went negative in group 2. Total aberrations changed to a lower degree, and these changes were not synchronous with the corneal ones; RMS HOA decreased in group 1 (while corneal RMS increased significantly), and in the PRK group it increased, but much less than the corneal. Total SA increased in group 1 and did not change in group 2. Peripheral myopic defocus formed in all cases, after Femto-LASIK the maximum was in the zone of 30º, after orthokeratology lenses - in the zone of 15º., Conclusion: Using excimer laser and orthokeratology to reshape the cornea in full accordance with its different profiles have different effects on the wavefront and peripheral refraction of the eye. The internal optics of the eye partially compensates corneal aberrations induced by the excimer laser.

This review describes hereditary diseases in which ectopia lentis may be present as one of the symptoms, considers the basic diagnostic concepts of lens disposition, and analyzes the options in surgical treatment of ectopia lentis and optical correction of aphakia.

Contact lenses are widely used for correction of myopia due to their accessibility, effectiveness and relative safety., Purpose: This study evaluated the potential effects of conventional hard contact lenses (HCL) and orthokeratological contact lenses (OKL) on anatomical and functional condition of the cornea in myopia correction., Material and Methods: The study included 80 patients (159 eyes) with low, moderate and high myopia. Group 1 consisted of 40 patients (79 eyes) who used conventional HCL; group 2 included 40 patients (80 eyes) who used OKL. All patients underwent topographic keratometry, corneal pachymetry mapping (Pentacam, Oculus, Germany; Visante OCT, Carl Zeiss, Germany), high-order aberrometry (OPD Scan, Nidek, Japan), confocal microscopy (Confoscan 4, Nidek, Japan), evaluation of corneal biomechanical properties (ORA, Reichert Technologies, USA) and corneal light scattering (Pentacam, Oculus, Germany). Examinations were taken before the treatment started and after 8-12 months of contact lens wear., Results: Group 1 showed corneal thickness increase in all zones (by 0.9-1.1%), no significant changes in corneal refraction, and increase in corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor. OKL wear led to a significant flattening of anterior surface of the cornea and steepening of its paracentral area, decrease in central corneal thickness (by 2.8%) and increase in mid-peripheral thickness (by 2.2%). No significant changes in posterior corneal surface were observed in the study patients. More significant increase in higher-order aberrations and the degree of light scattering was observed in group 2, while changes in subepithelial nerve plexus and stromal structure were more significant in group 1., Conclusion: Long-term OKL wear shows more significant morphological and functional corneal changes compared to RGP lens.

Modern trends in advancement of phaco surgery techniques in patients with ectopia lentis (including patients with Marfan syndrome) are characterized by the transition from complete removal of the lens (lensectomy) to aspiration of the lens substance and attempts to preserve and reposition the capsular bag. This case study analyzes the results of surgical treatment of bilateral ectopia lentis in a 6-year-old patient with Marfan syndrome. The specifics of microinvasive phaco surgery consisted in capsular bag preservation and endocapsular fixation of the intraocular lens. The article presents the results of ophthalmological observation over a seven-year period.

Functional status and biological properties of connective tissues significantly depend on the mineral elements involved in their metabolism. Connective tissue portion of the corneal stroma makes up most of its thickness; pathological changes in collagen fibers and the stroma can cause a range of corneal diseases, some of which are specifically associated with disorders of mineral metabolism. The article considers impairments of mineral metabolism as possible pathophysiological mechanisms in certain diseases and disorders of the cornea, and describes in detail the abnormalities associated with mineral dysmetabolism observed in patients with keratoconus.

This review presents basic information about the state of corneal nerve fibers and Langerhans cells before and after keratoplasty. Keratoplasty is a common corneal surgery that carries a risk of graft rejection. The state of corneal nerve fibers can vary after different types of keratoplasty. Corneal confocal microscopy allows in vivo evaluation of the cornea, which can help assess the condition of corneal nerve fibers, as well as reveal the presence of Langerhans cells. Further research in this direction would contribute to identifying the relationship between the state of corneal nerve fibers, the presence of Langerhans cells, and graft rejection.

The article reviews the findings on the anatomy, morphological and biomechanical features of the accommodation apparatus. Modern methods of imaging and biometry confirm the validity of the Helmholtz lenticular theory of accommodation, according to which its mechanism involves three main components: the ciliary body, the zonular fibres and the lens capsule, the lens itself. Based on this, there is certain interest in studying the degree of participation of each of these components in the development of age-related changes in accommodation (presbyopia).

For the moment, the refractive outcomes of out-of-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation remain insufficiently studied., Purpose: To study and compare the refractive outcomes of retropupillary implantation of an iris-claw lens and transscleral suture fixation of IOL in complicated phacoemulsification., Material and Methods: The study included 70 patients (73 eyes) after complicated phacoemulsification in combination with grade 2 lens subluxation. The first group included 36 patients (39 eyes) who underwent complicated phacoemulsification using torsional ultrasound and retropupillary implantation of an iris-claw lens. The second group included 34 patients (34 eyes) after complicated phacoemulsification using torsional ultrasound and transscleral suture fixation of an elastic hydrophobic IOL. In the postoperative period we performed a comparative evaluation of uncorrected visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity, the average absolute error of IOL optical power calculation, the precision of postoperative refraction within ±0.5 diopters, the degree of induced astigmatism, and the tilt of the IOL., Results: At three months after surgery uncorrected visual acuity of 0.8-1.0 was achieved in 33.3% of cases in the first group and 17.6% in the second group, the average absolute error of IOL optical power calculation was 0.34±0.08 diopters in the first group and 0.63±0.19 diopters in the second group, the precision of postoperative refraction within ±0.5 diopters was 94.9% in the first group and 85.3% in the second group, the tilt of the IOL was 0.69±0.21° in the first group and 3.19±0.97° in the second group ( p <0.05). There were no significant differences in best corrected visual acuity and the degree of induced astigmatism 3 months after surgery., Conclusion: Implantation of an iris-claw lens in the course of complicated phacoemulsification in lens subluxation significantly improves refractive outcomes of the implantation in comparison with transscleral IOL fixation.

There are usually two main techniques of vessel anastomosis called as; end-to-end or end-to-side. The aim of this study was to investigate surgical vascular anastomotic and its correlation with early outcome after kidney transplantation. Data including gender, age, hospital stay, living or deceased donor, evidence of acute tubular necrosis, preference of artery or vein in addition to biochemical variables were noted analysed by SPSS. The study population was comprised of 84 females and 176 males (174 living versus 86 deceased donor). Surgical vascular anastomic techniques were based on; first artery second vein (FASV; n=209) or first vein second artery (FVSA; n=51). Vascular anastomic were performed as follow; group 1 (FASV with end-to-end; n= 52%), group 2 (FASV with end-to-side; n=29%), group 3 (FVSA with end-to-end; n=15%) and group 4 (FVSA with end-to-side; n= 5%). Comparison of groups showed that; deceased/living donor (group 1 versus group 3; p=0.02), ATN (group 1 versus group 2; p=0.002, group 1 versus group 4; p=0.03). Despite the higher use of deceased donors, those with vascular anastomic technique based on FASV (end-to-end) revealed a lower rate of ATN when compared to other techniques. Further studies in this direction recommended.

Analysis of routine clinical practice of hypertensive patient management represents one of the important tools in the search for further ways to minimize hypertension-associated cardiovascular and renal adverse outcomes., Aim: To compare the strategies for hypertension management and features of clinical use of I1-imidazoline receptor (I1-IR) agonists in the Russian Federation and other countries where the STRAIGHT (Selective imidazoline receptor agonists Treatment Recommendation and Action In Global management of HyperTension) study was conducted., Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional online study involving physicians of various specializations. The study was conducted from January 18 to July 1, 2019, in seven countries with a high rate of I1-IR agonist prescription, including Russia., Results: A total of 125 (4.5%) responders filled out the survey in the Russian Federation, which was somewhat lower than in other countries (6.8%). The participants were mostly general practitioners (54.0%) and cardiologists (42.0%), while in other countries greater diversity was seen. Most Russian physicians (83.0%) seemed to rely on national clinical guidelines in their routine practice, while in other countries the US guidelines were more popular (66.0%). The majority of responders stated that they took into account the traditional risk factors of hypertension when initiating the therapy; every second responder noted if sleep apnea was present. Awareness of I1-IR agonists, their prescription rate and their preference were higher in Russia. The main reported benefits of I1-IR agonists were their efficacy, including in resistant hypertension, and their metabolic effects (in Russia). Most participants preferred I1-IR agonists as third-line therapy (65.0% in Russia vs 60.0% in other countries) and in combination with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) (55.0% in Russia vs 54.0% in other countries). Compared to responders from other countries, Russian physicians prescribe I1-IR agonists as first-line (15.0% vs 5.0%) and second-line (48.0% vs 21.0%) therapy more often., Conclusion: Russian physicians were the most aware of I1-IR agonists and tended to prescribe drugs of this class for hypertension management more often, and I1-IR agonist combination with ACEi was preferable compared to physician responders from other countries. Antihypertensive efficacy and metabolic effects were reported as the major benefits of I1-IR agonist therapy.

Studying the use of femtosecond laser in patients with complicated cataracts remains a topical issue in phaco surgery., Purpose: To comparatively analyze the results of using hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification in hypermature cataract in patients with lens subluxation., Material and Methods: The study included 78 patients (78 eyes) with hypermature cataract in combination with lens subluxation of I-II degree. In the 1 st group (45 eyes) capsulorhexis was performed using a femtosecond laser. In the 2 nd group (33 eyes) manual capsulorhexis was performed., Results: On the first day after surgery, best corrected visual acuity of 0.8-1.0 was obtained in 57.8% of cases in the 1 st group and 33.3% in the 2 nd group. Transient corneal edema during the first 1-3 days was noted in 4.4% of cases in the 1 st group and in 15.2% - in the 2 nd group of patients. Pachymetry in the center of the cornea showed an increase in its thickness on the 1 st day after surgery from 0.564±0.027 mm to 0.591±0.033 mm in the 1 st group and from 0.561±0.023 mm to 0.637±0.043 mm ( p <0.05) in the 2 nd group of patients. The loss of corneal endothelial cells amounted to 10.9±1.8% in the 1 st group and 17.4±2.9% in the 2 nd group ( p <0.05). Macular edema with decreased visual acuity confirmed by OCT was detected in the 1 st group of patients in 2.2% of cases, in the 2 nd group - in 9.1% of cases. With a follow-up period of up to 3 years, IOL optics decentration by more than 1 mm was detected in 2.2% of cases in the 1 st group of patients and in 12.1% of cases in the 2 nd group., Conclusion: Femtosecond laser-assisted capsulorhexis significantly improves the results of surgery in patients with hypermature cataract combined with lens subluxation.

In this age of technological advancement, an increasing number of people is being exposed to external risk factors of damaging their ocular surface (wearing contact lenses, electromagnetic radiation from computers, mobile devices, etc.). However, the presence of external factors does not lead to a 100% risk of developing the dry eye disease (DED). The trigger mechanism in the development of autoimmune lesions of the ocular environment in some systemic diseases is known to be associated with molecular genetic factors. The search for molecular genetic disorders is based on the analysis of polymorphic markers of a number of genes responsible for the state of the eye surface., Purpose: To study the relationship of polymorphic markers rs7947461 of the TRIM21 gene and rs33996649 of the PTPN22 gene with the risk of developing dry eye syndrome of exogenous etiology., Material and Methods: The study included 57 people with exogenous risk factors for DED development. The control group included volunteers without a history of ophthalmic pathologies ( n =75). Genotyping was done by real-time polymerase chain reaction followed by melting curve analysis. Statistical processing of data was done using the Statistica 6.1 RUS software for statistical analysis., Results: In the course of the study, 31 patients of the main group were diagnosed with DED and separated into the 1st subgroup; DED diagnosis was not confirmed in 26 patients, who were put into the 2nd subgroup. The 1st subgroup showed a significant increase in the frequency of predisposing genotypes of the TRIM21 and PTPN22 genes. The relative risk of developing DED turned out to be 2.5 and 4.86 times higher, respectively. In the 2nd subgroup, no statistically significant data was found on the presence of predisposing genotypes of polymorphic markers of the TRIM21 and PTPN22 genes ( p =0.3)., Conclusion: The revealed association of polymorphic markers rs7947461 of the TRIM21 gene and rs33996649 of the PTPN22 gene with the risk of developing DED of exogenous etiology puts these loci as possible markers for diagnosing this pathology.

Purpose - to comparatively analyze the wavefront aberrations and biometric parameters of the eyes with various degrees of myopia., Material and Methods: The study included 134 eyes of 67 patients with mild, moderate and high myopia aged 7-28 (mean age 19.3±1.5 years). The following biometric parameters were examined: anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), as well as corneal and total aberrations. The parameters were studied on the Galilei G6 system (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, Switzerland) and the OPD-Scan III aberrometer (Nidek, Japan). Spherical aberration (SA) was estimated as the sum of Z4+Z8+Z12., Results: As the refraction increased, the root mean square higher-order aberrations (RMS HOA) also increased significantly: from 0.24±0.02 μm in mild myopia to 0.45±0.03 μm in high myopia, and in eyes with AL of ≥27.0 mm - to 0.57±0.02 μm ( p =0.01). An increase in vertical tilt, vertical coma and vertical trefoil were also observed. Total SA was positive and increased in eyes with moderate myopia compared to those with low myopia (from 0.02±0.01 μm to 0.06±0.02 μm, p =0.02), which coincided with changes in the internal optics of the eye: an increase in ACD and a decrease in LT. At the same time, no differences in corneal aberrations were observed among patients with low and moderate myopia. A significant decrease of SA occurred in high myopia (from 0.06 μm in low myopia to 0.015±0.02 μm in high myopia). The average value of SA was 0.005±0.01 μm in eyes with AL of ≥27.0 mm and appeared to be negative in 40% of cases. The average value of corneal SA was negative (-0.002±0.01μm) in eyes with AL of ≥27.0 mm. This group had predominantly patients with congenital myopia., Conclusion: An increase of total positive SA in patients with moderate myopia compared to those with low myopia is associated with changes in the internal optics of the eye (ACD, LT). Significant increase of higher-order aberrations and decrease of SA with the transition to negative values was observed in patients with high axial myopia.

Studying the modern capabilities of femtosecond laser in the treatment of complicated cataracts is a topical problem in cataract surgery., Purpose: To develop a technique for femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification of hypermature cataract in patients with degree I-II lens subluxation., Material and Methods: Phacoemulsification of hypermature cataract with comorbid lens subluxation was performed in 78 patients (78 eyes) divided into two groups. In the 1st group (45 eyes), capsulorhexis was performed using a femtosecond laser. Patients of the 2nd group (33 eyes) underwent manual capsulorhexis. The study assessed the possible frequency of using modern methods of capsular bag fixation and complete all-in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, as well as the number of various types of intraoperative capsular bag ruptures., Results: In all patients of the 1st group, capsulorhexis of the correct round shape and the required diameter was achieved, allowing the use of modern methods of fixation and centering of the capsular bag. Insignificant tear of the edge of the capsulorhexis after IOL implantation was detected only in 1 (2.2%) patient. Vitreous prolapse was noted in 1 (2.2%) case. In the 2nd group, manual technique resulted in oval capsulorhexis with a smooth edge, allowing the use of modern methods of fixation of the capsular bag only in 7 (21.2%) cases. Vitreous prolapse was noted in 4 (12.1%) cases. The complete in-the-bag IOL implantation was possible in 44 (97.8%) cases in the 1st group and only in 7 (21.2%) in the 2nd group., Conclusion: The use of femtosecond laser in patients with hypermature cataract and lens subluxation allows achieving capsulorhexis of ideally round shape with a smooth edge. This creates the necessary conditions for the use of modern methods of fixation of the capsular bag and provides the possibility of complete all-in-the-bag IOL implantation.

Purpose: To assess the state of corneal nerve fibers (CNF) based on quantitative parameters after laser correction of myopia using LASIK., Material and Methods: The study examined 141 eyes - 80 eyes with myopia and 61 emmetropic eyes. In 47 cases a microkeratome was used to form a corneal flap, and in 33 cases a femtosecond laser was used (LASIK and FemtoLASIK, respectively). Confocal microscopy was performed before, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after correction. Objective analysis of CNF involved automatic calculation of the anisotropy ( K ΔL ) and symmetry ( K sym ) coefficients of CNF orientation in the Liner 1.2S software., Results: Lower values of K ΔL were revealed in myopia as compared to emmetropia. Regardless of the method of flap formation, no CNF could be detected in the central cornea 1 month after myopia correction. In all cases after FemtoLASIK and in 2 cases after LASIK, CNF in the central cornea were first visualized after 3 months, and after 6 months CNF could be detected in all cases. At a similar observation time, CNF were visualized both after LASIK and after FemtoLASIK in the superior and inferior peripheral portions of the cornea. Analysis of long-term postoperative changes in K ΔL and K sym revealed a decrease in the former and an increase in the latter., Conclusion: Evaluation of the state of CNF after corneal refractive correction should take into account the initial changes in CNF in myopia that are possibly associated with an increase in axial eye length. A more dynamic restoration of innervation was noted in cases where the flap was formed with the femtosecond laser, which may be explained by the fact that the mechanism of tissue separation when using this type of coherent radiation is gentler. Considering the changes in the quantitative indicators characterizing the state of CNF, the question of «completeness» of the restored CNF as a result of reinnervation remains open.

Studying the possibilities of hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification in complicated situations is a relevant problem in cataract surgery., Purpose: To develop a technique for hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification in patients with a combination of hypermature cataract, small pupil and lens subluxation., Material and Methods: Hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification of hypermature cataracts was performed in 36 patients (36 eyes) aged 63 to 78 years with grade I-II lens subluxation in combination with small pupil. The initial circular femtolaser capsulotomy was performed within the small pupil using the VICTUS system (Technolas Perfect Vision, Germany). After dilating the pupil with retractor hooks, the capsulorhexis was manually expanded to the required diameter., Results: In all cases, the resulting capsulorhexis had a regular round shape with a smooth edge, without radial ruptures. This made it possible to apply modern methods of fixation and centration of the capsular bag in case of lens subluxation and to perform intracapsular implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). Complete intracapsular fixation of the IOL with optics edge fully covered by the edge of the capsulorhexis in the postoperative period was achieved in 34 (94.4%) cases. In 2 (5.6%) cases in the postoperative period, the edge of the capsulorhexis exceeded the edge of the IOL optics. The loss of corneal endothelial cells 3 months after surgery was 8.8±1.9%., Conclusion: The use of the proposed combined technique of capsulorhexis made it possible to perform the most physiologically appropriate intracapsular IOL implantation in all patients with hypermature cataract, small pupil and lens subluxation.

Presented herein is a clinical case report concerning successful simultaneous surgical treatment of a female patient with a complication after transcatheter treatment for chronic dissection of the descending portion of the thoracic aorta. The woman was subjected to elective transcatheter isolation of chronic dissection of the descending thoracic aorta using a stent graft with complete coverage of the zone of the origin of the left subclavian artery. Repeat control imaging studies several months after the intervention revealed residual blood flow through the false channel, directed retrogradely from the distal edge of the stent graft to the left subclavian artery. Besides, the patient was also found to have local dissection of the distal part of the ascending aorta (zone 0). An operative intervention was performed: sternotomy, prosthetic repair of the ascending portion of the aorta and part of the aortic arch, as well as transposition of the left subclavian artery to the left common carotid artery. The control imaging studies confirmed radical removal of the false aneurysm of the ascending aorta and the presence of total thrombosis of the false channel at the level of the stent graft.

The term systemic amyloidosis unites a group of diseases with a single pathogenetic mechanism involving diffuse deposition of a pathological fibrillar protein (amyloid) in the intercellular space of various organs. Among the systemic forms of amyloidosis, light chain amyloidosis (AL-amyloidosis) occurs most often in clinical practice, while transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR-amyloidosis) is its most common hereditary form. Laser corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) allows for in vivo and non-invasive assessment of the state of corneal nerve fibers (CNF)., Purpose: To assess the state of CNF in systemic amyloidosis by confocal microscopy data obtained in vivo ., Material and Methods: The main study group included 16 patients (6 men and 10 women, mean age 60.5±11.6 years) with morphologically confirmed primary AL-amyloidosis, and 14 patients (5 men and 9 women, mean age 59.4±11.3 years) with genetically and morphologically confirmed hereditary TTR-amyloidosis. The control group included 23 healthy volunteers of the same age range without any neurological pathologies. The state of CNF was assessed by in vivo CCM data recorded on the HRT III system and its consequently processing using authors' self-developed program Liner 1.2. The criteria for neuropathy intensity was the degree of CNF tortuosity characterized by coefficients of anisotropy (K ΔL ) and symmetry (K sym ) of CNF orientation., Results: According to the NIS scale, the manifestations of neuropathy in the subgroup of patients with TTR-amyloidosis were significantly more pronounced compared to AL-amyloidosis patients. The severity of clinical manifestations of neuropathy did not depend on the duration of TTR-amyloidosis and AL-amyloidosis (Spearman R r s =0.21, p =0.58 and r s = -0.49, p =0.055, respectively). Changes in the quantitative indicators (a decrease in the anisotropy coefficient and an increase in the symmetry coefficient of the fibers orientation) confirm increased tortuosity of CNF in systemic amyloidosis., Conclusion: The clinical picture of systemic amyloidosis is characterized by polymorphism of neurological manifestations that include various symptoms of damage to the peripheral somatic and autonomic nervous system. In vivo CCM can be used to reveal qualitative and quantitative changes in CNF in patients with systemic amyloidosis. However, statistical unreliability of the identified quantitative changes allows considering the state of CNF in amyloidosis only as a component of the disease monitoring algorithm, but not as a biomarker of the disease.

Most subjects with the COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms, but approximately 10% of cases suffer from severe course of disease. IL-6 inhibitors are actively used to neutralize and prevent the cytokine storm. Olokizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody belonging to the G4/Kappa immunoglobulin isotype that selectively binds to human IL-6 and effectively neutralizes it., Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Artlegia (olokizumab) for the treatment of subjects with a disease caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus in a real-world clinical setting., Materials and Methods: The analysis included data of 610 subjects aged 55.0812.68 years who received olokizumab at a single dose of 160 mg/mL 0.4 mL subcutaneously as a preemptive anti-inflammatory therapy. The comparison group included 511 subjects aged 55.2311.23 years who received standard therapy without IL-6 inhibitors. Control Endpoints: 1. Positive clinical changes on Day 7. 2. Changes in the CRP levels on Days 1, 2, and 7. 3. Duration of oxygen therapy. 4. Number of days in hospital. 5. Number of adverse events. 6. Disease outcome., Results: If a cytokine storm occurs, immune regulatory events will trigger the development of either a protective immune response or an exacerbated inflammatory response. The use of preemptive anti-inflammatory therapy has both a short-term and, most importantly, a long-term effect on the T and B parts of the immune process. These aspects definitely require further research and observation., Conclusion: The use of olokizumab to treat the new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has demonstrated a positive effect on clinical and laboratory parameters. Primarily, it affects the severity of clinical parameters by improving the general condition already on the first day of observation, and decreasing body temperature to normal values. The changes in the C-reactive protein levels show a significant effect of the IL-6 inhibitor on the systemic inflammatory response.

Introduction: Hepatitis E (HE) is an important public health problem worldwide and is especially significant for pregnant women, among whom the associated mortality rate reaches 25%. The distribution of HE serological markers in this cohort in the endemic regions of Central Asia is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of HEV among pregnant women in the region of Kyrgyzstan where an increased incidence of HE is reported., Material and Methods: Blood serum of pregnant women, obtained from medical institutions in Bishkek, city of Osh and Osh region in the period from September 2016 to October 2019, and the control group of clinically healthy women were tested using the test systems "DS-IFA-ANTI-HEV-G" and "DS-IFA-ANTI-HEV-M" (NPO "Diagnostic Systems", Russia)., Results: IgG antibodies to HEV were detected in 87 (5.9%) of 1472 examined pregnant women, IgM antibodies -in 64 (4.8%) of 1378, while 5 (0.34%) samples were simultaneously positive for IgG and IgM antibodies. The rates of detection of antibodies to HEV in women of three age categories from 17 to 36 years old in the studied and control groups were similar. The analysis of the seasonal dynamics of HEV seroprevalence in pregnant women in the period from February to September 2019 showed a tendency towards an increase in the values of the positivity coefficient of specific IgM antibodies by the beginning of the autumn. Antibodies to HEV were detected with highest frequency in women from Osh region., Conclusions: A high risk of HEV infection for pregnant women in the surveyed region had been shown.

Aim: To determine the dependence of adiponectin gene expression by subcutaneous, epicardial and perivascular adipocytes on the degree of coronary lesion in coronary heart disease., Materials and Methods: 84 patients with coronary artery disease were examined. Of these, 39 people showed a moderate degree of atherosclerotic lesion of the coronary bed (less than or equal to 22 points) on the SYNTAX Score scale, 20 severe (2231 points), and 25 extremely severe (more than 32 points). Upon admission to the hospital, all patients underwent an echocardiographic study (Echocardiography, Acuson, Germany) with the calculation of the ejection fraction (EF) of the left ventricle (LV) to assess its systolic function. During a planned surgical intervention (coronary bypass surgery, CABG), adipocytes of subcutaneous, epicardial (EAT) and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) were taken. Adiponectin gene expression was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) using TaqMan probes. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 9.0., Results: The maximum level of adiponectin expression was detected in adipocytes of PVAT, and the minimum EAT. With an increase in the degree of atherosclerotic lesion of the coronary bed, the expression of the adiponectin gene in adipocytes of local depots significantly decreases r=-0.82; p=0.023. Moreover, the low level of gene expression in EAT correlated with a decrease in LV EF by r=0.73; p=0.03. In adipocytes of subcutaneous and especially PVAT, gene expression was the highest in patients with a moderate degree of coronary lesion., Conclusions: Low adiponectin gene expression in EAT is associated with an increase in the degree of atherosclerotic lesion of the coronary bed and a decrease in LV EF.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of preoperative cardiology consultation on the risk of perioperative cardiac complications in patients undergoing cancer surgery., Materials and Methods: 74 patients with bronchial, lung, mediastinal and gastrointestinal cancer were referred to the cardiologist as a part of the preoperative management. Patients were assigned either to Group 1 (n=21), who required non - invasive testing or invasive coronary angiography (CAG), or to Group 2 (n=53), who did not have any indications to additional testing., Results: The median age was 65.8 years in Group 1 and 64.5 years in Group 2, p=0.408. Group 1 patients had higher RCRI than Group 2 patients (7.4±4.5 vs. 2.9±4.5, respectively, p=0.002). Four (19.05%) patients in Group 1 underwent minimally invasive examination without any further indications to CAG. 16 (76.2%) patients underwent CAG. Of them, 5 (23.8%) patients had severe coronary artery stenosis, and 4 (19.0%) patients had severe brachycephalic artery stenosis (≥50%). After CAG findings, one carotid artery and three coronary arteries (14.3%) were stented. Drug therapy was prescribed to one patient. One patient required stenting after the treatment of the underlying disease. Group 2 patients were more likely to achieve the endpoints - heart rhythm disturbances, decompensation of chronic heart failure, cardiac death (5.45% in Group 2 vs. 4.76% in Group 1, p>0.05). Multivariate analysis reported that angina pectoris was an independent factor to refer patients to the additional testing (p.

The review presents the data and evidences from recent clinical studies on the frailty syndrome - one of the most relevant clinical syndromes, though not studied well yet. The latest data on the prevalence of frailty and various factors contributing to its onset are reported. The presence of frailty is considered as an independent predictor of poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The role of frailty in the development of cardiovascular diseases, their progression and complicated course has been analyzed using the latest studies. In addition, the tendency towards higher incidence of frailty among the population of different countries and the poor prognosis of frail patients requires a series of clinical studies aimed at developing measures for primary and secondary prevention, as well as effective treatment strategies for frailty. The PubMed was used for a literature review.

Introduction: Potential changes in corneal nerve fibers (CNF) induced by cataract phacoemulsification remain insufficiently studied. The need for research in this direction is dictated by a number of circumstances: introduction of corneal confocal microscopy into clinical practice, the need for phaco surgery in the presence of corneal changes of various genesis, the possible negative impact of laser radiation during hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification., Purpose: To assess the changes in CNF after various methods of microinvasive cataract surgery., Material and Methods: The studies were conducted in patients aged 50 to 60 years who underwent standard ultrasound and hybrid phacoemulsification; the patients were respectively divided into two groups (30 surgeries each). The algorithm for assessing the state of CNF involved laser confocal microscopy using original software. To quantify the state of the nerves, two coefficients were used: CNF orientation anisotropy (KΔL) and CNF orientation symmetry (K sym )., Results: Regardless of the surgery technique, tendencies were noted for the orientation anisotropy coefficient to decrease and the orientation symmetry coefficient to increase, which are conditionally comparable with previously identified age-related changes in CNF. After hybrid phacoemulsification, a decrease in the orientation anisotropy coefficient 2-2.5 months after the intervention turned out to be statistically less significant compared to the standard ultrasound technique., Conclusion: Further research should be aimed at analyzing the long-term results of both microinvasive phacosurgery techniques and the «classical» extracapsular cataract extraction, which remains the method of choice in a number of clinical situations.

Rosacea is a chronic, recurrent skin disease. It may be aggravated by various factors. An increased incidence of rosacea has been reported in those who carry the stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The purpose of this study was determination of the relationship of this infection with rosacea and to investigate effectiveness of eradication therapy of H. pylori. As our results showed, 80.9% of study patients were infected with H. pillory. There was correlation between infection rates and rosacea severity. In most cases the positive test results for H. Pylori was found in patients with moderate to severe form of disease. The results of the treatment of different forms of rosacea confirmed the effectiveness of the eradication therapy of H. Pylori, regarding as one of the pathogenic cause of rosacea and the way in the choice of treatment. More wide studies of pathophysiological aspects of causes of rosacea will be promising and help in treating rosacea. These data indicate the important role of H.Pylori in the development of rosacea and recommend taking into account in the therapy of this dermatosis.

The application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in ophthalmology is considered with respect of the classical anatomical division of the eye into anterior and posterior segments. The review presents the findings of published research studies that involved AFM as a method for assessing anatomical and functional condition of the structures of anterior eye segment. One significant line of research is related to the use of AFM technologies for evaluation of morphological and biomechanical characteristics of various parts of the eye lens. That topic draws interest due to the need of furthering the understanding of cataractogenesis, as well as the significance of the anatomical and functional characteristics of the lens capsule in the mechanism of accommodation and modern phaco surgery.

Intravitreal drug administration is a procedure that has become widespread in modern ophthalmology. However, there is no global consensus on certain aspects of this manipulation, and practitioners feel the need for guidelines. In the Russian Federation, until now, such a document was not available. The expert council on diseases of the retina and optic nerve of All-Russian public organization «Association of Ophthalmologists», with participation of invited specialists, has studied and analyzed the existing foreign guidelines for performing intravitreal injections, as well as the regulatory framework in Russia. As a result, this Protocol was developed and approved for use in the healthcare system of the Russian Federation. The document regulates the requirements for specialists and organizations, the conditions for performing the procedure and the necessary material resources and presents an algorithm for performing intravitreal drug administration, a patient examination check-list for various conditions of the procedure, as well as parameters for evaluating and monitoring the quality of the procedure.

One of the research directions of the so-called non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with the assessment of structural and functional changes in the organ of vision. An assessment of the state of thin non-myelinated corneal nerve fibers (CNF) in Parkinson's disease seems to be promising considering the neurodegenerative nature of the disease, as well as the possibility of objective intravital assessment of both functional and structural changes in CNF., Purpose: To analyze the changes in the course and structure of corneal nerve fibers in the early stages of Parkinson's disease based on an objective algorithm of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM)., Material and Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 16 patients aged 39 to 66 years with verified diagnosis of PD. In addition to standard neurological and ophthalmological examinations, all patients underwent IVCCM on a Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph device with special Rostock Cornea Module (HRT3 RCM), followed by processing of the obtained images using a uniquely designed analysis algorithm., Results: A significant decrease in the directional anisotropy coefficient and an increase in the directional symmetry coefficient of the nerve fibers of the cornea were established (average values 3.15±1.08 and 0.92±0.04, respectively); in healthy individuals of the identical age range these indicators are 3.5±0.85 and 0.86±0.11, respectively. In addition, qualitative structural changes were noted, which consisted of an increase in the number of branches from the main nerve trunks, an increase in the tortuosity of CNF, multidirectionality, and "beaded" shape. In 9 cases, the presence of macrophages was revealed - dendritic Langerhans cells, which is an indirect sign of the inflammatory process., Conclusion: The preliminary nature of the results obtained in this study and the need for further research in this area are related, on the one hand, to a small sample of observations and, on the other hand, to the criterion used to assess the status of CNF based on a comparative analysis with conditionally normal indicators. In the future, in order to solve the problem of the uniqueness of changes in CNF and the possibility of using these changes as a marker for PD progression, longitudinal studies are required to reveal the presence or absence of a correlation between the stage of the disease, the results of known monitoring methods (e.g. electromyography) and quantitative indicators of the status of CNF.

Exactly 30 years ago, hepatitis C virus was identified. Over the years, tremendous success has been achieved in the treatment of hepatitis C, which is currently considered to be an almost completely curable disease. The review presents the main stages in the development of hepatitis C antiviral therapy, the efficacy of various treatment regimens. The greatest progress in treatment was noted over the past 5 years when drugs with direct antiviral action appeared and began to be widely used, including in Russia, which ensure the elimination of the virus in 90-95% of cases.

In the cell, protein folding begins during protein synthesis/translation and thus is a co-translational process. Co-translational protein folding is tightly linked to translation elongation, which is not a uniform process. While there are many reasons for translation non-uniformity, it is generally believed that non-uniform synonymous codon usage is one of the key factors modulating translation elongation rates. Frequent/optimal codons as a rule are translated more rapidly than infrequently used ones and vice versa. Over 30 years ago, it was hypothesized that changes in synonymous codon usage affecting translation elongation rates could impinge on co-translation protein folding and that many synonymous codons are strategically placed within mRNA to ensure a particular translation kinetics facilitating productive step-by-step co-translational folding of proteins. It was suggested that this particular translation kinetics (and, specifically, translation pause sites) may define the window of opportunity for the protein parts to fold locally, particularly at the critical points where folding is far from equilibrium. It was thus hypothesized that synonymous codons may provide a secondary code for protein folding in the cell. Although, mostly accepted now, this hypothesis appeared to be difficult to prove and many convincing results were obtained only relatively recently. Here, I review the progress in the field and explain, why this simple idea appeared to be so challenging to prove.

Recurrent and bilateral varicocele represent two least studied aspects of the disease. There is no recommendation in current urological and andrological guidelines in various countries on the diagnosis and treatment of such patients. The first experience of successful surgical treatment of a patient with recurrent varicocele due to May-Thurner syndrome is presented in this paper. The patient had a severe form of the disease and admitted with the varicocele recurrence after 5 previous intervention with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, erectile dysfunction, chronic calculous prostatitis and varicose veins of the pelvic organs. The patient underwent balloon angioplasty and stenting of the left iliac vein on 28th March, 2017 in the City hospital named after E.O. Mukhin. There was almost complete resolution of pelvic pain in the immediate postoperative period (within 1 hour). One week after surgery the patient noted a recovery of erection without any therapy. Three months later, a 45% reduction in the maximum diameter of the prostatic veins was noted according to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) as well as a lack of antegrade blood flow according to the color Doppler TRUS at rest and during Valsalva's test. There was no deterioration of symptoms during follow-up. Overall, the venous blood flow in prostate was decreased which accompanied by the reducing in pain syndrome and restoration of sexual function without medical therapy. The reduction of diameter of testicular and epididymal varicose veins was seen 6 months after surgery. The diameter of veins of pampiniform plexus in supine position at rest was less than 2 mm. There was no retrograde flow neither in supine, nor in stand position during Valsalva maneuver. Thus, X-ray endovascular angioplasty and stenting of the iliac veins in case of arterio-venous crossing at the lower level is a pathogenetically justified and highly effective treatment of varicocele and varicose veins of the pelvic organs in men.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the features of expression and adiponectin content in the adipocyte culture of subcutaneous, epicardial, and perivascular adipose tissue and the effect of various doses of rosuvastatin on these processes. 29 patients with coronary artery disease were examined. Adipocytes were isolated from the samples of SAT, EAT and PVAT which were taken during coronary artery bypass surgery, followed by cultivation in the presence of rosuvastatin and evaluation of gene expression and adiponectin concentration. Adipocytes SAT, EAT and PVAT differed in the level of adiponectin secretion and expression of its gene. On day 1 of cultivation the expression of the adiponectin gene in the EAT was 2.3 times lower than in the PVAT. On day 2 of cultivation the expression of the adiponectin gene was reduced both in the EAT and the PVAT as compared to the SAT. When rosuvastatin was added at a concentration of 1 mmol/L, adiponectin gene expression in PVAT was higher than when rosuvastatin was added at a concentration of 5 mmol/L, in the adipocyte culture of SAT effect was opposite. Thus, the adipocytes of EZhT and, to a greater extent, PAS, can be a therapeutic target for statins in the case of the pathological activation of adipose tissue.

Objective - according to WHO, acute poisoning is one of the important public health global problems. At the same time, each geographic region is characterized by a unique epidemiological situation on acute poisoning. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the main toxic-epidemiological parameters of the two largest cities of the South Caucasus - Baku and Tbilisi, and on the basis of the obtained data to develop a program on chemical safety and prevention of acute poisoning among population of the region. Data on all acute poisoned patients undergoing in-patient treatment in the hospitals of Baku and Tbilisi in 2009-2016 were placed in the standard forms and subjected to a comparative analysis. Diagnoses of toxicological patients were unified in accordance with ICD-10 (T36-T65). The total number of patients in this study was 13,292 in Baku and 14,229 in Tbilisi. The results of the study showed that in the both cities among toxicological hospitalizations dominated by cases of toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source (62.13% in Tbilisi and 53.75% in Baku). However, with a detailed analysis of individual nosological units, we found significant and fundamental differences in the toxic-epidemiological profile of non-medicinal chemical poisoning in two capitals. For example, acute alcohol poisoning in Tbilisi was accounted for 24.26% of all intoxications, or 39,865 cases per 100,000 population. At the same time, alcohol intoxications in Baku were significantly less frequent, amounting to 4,454 hospitalizations per 100,000 population or 5.73% of all poisoning cases. Corrosive substances poisoning in Baku amounted 10.77% of all intoxication, while in Tbilisi it was significantly less - 3.86%. In Baku, the hospitalizations rate of acetic acid poisoning was 5.724 cases per 100.000 population, while in Tbilisi it was only 0.023 cases per 100.000 inhabitants. Toxic effects of carbon monoxide in Baku occupied 24.36% and in Tbilisi - 4.53% of all poisoning cases, which was 18.951 and 7.449 hospitalizations per 100.000 population, respectively. According to pesticide poisoning, hospitalization rates in Baku was 2,710 and in Tbilisi 6,906 cases per 100,000 population. Hospitalization of patients with envenomation in Tbilisi amounted to 5,901; and in Baku - 2,622 cases per 100,000 residents, respectively. In general, the hospitalization rate of intoxication with substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source use in Tbilisi was 102,088 cases per 100,000 population, and in Baku - 41,817 cases per 100,000 residents respectively. This prospective toxic-epidemiological study revealed a significant incidence of acute intoxication in the two largest cities in the South Caucasus. However, there are considerable differences in the comparative profile and frequency of hospitalizations in patients with acute poisoning in Baku and Tbilisi over the period 2009-2016. The observed cases of mass and unusual intoxication during the study period make it necessary to create the unified network for the monitoring toxic-epidemiological situation and rapid information exchange on emerging toxicological risks in the South Caucasus region.

Purpose: to assess diagnostic capabilities of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the detection of obstructive coronary artery (CA) lesions, depending on the meeting appropriate use criteria., Materials and Methods: We used in this retrospective analysis data from 107 patients with previously diagnosed ischemic heart disease (IHD) or in need to exclude it, who were hospitalized in inpatient departments of the Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases in the period from 2012 to 2015. All patients underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and SPECT (the time interval between the studies did not exceed 3 months) for detection of hemodynamically significant CA stenoses. Patients were distributed into two groups according SPECT imaging appropriateness score: group 1-88 patients with score 7-9 (in whom SPECT imaging was appropriate), group 2-19 patients with score 1-6 (in whom SPECT imaging was uncertain, possibly appropriate, or inappropriate., Results: Clinical signs and symptoms of angina pectoris were predominantly found in group 1 patients (p=0.499). Asymptomatic patients were more likely to be found in group 2 (p&lt;0.001). Group 1 patients commonly had high pretest probability (PTP) (over 90 %, p&lt;0.001), whereas group 2 patients commonly had low PTP (5-10 %, p&lt;0.001). Mean PTP was 77 and 58 % in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.003). According to positive SPECT imaging, significant CA lesions were more often found in group 1 compared to group 2 (31.8 and 10.5 %, respectively, p=0.060). Two- and three-vessel disease prevailed in group 1 (25 % and 14.7 %) according the analysis of prevalence and location of hemodynamically significant CA lesions, although the data did not reach statistical significance (p=0.057 and p=0.073). Stenoses &gt;70 % were more commonly detected in group 1, compared to group 2: in anterior descending artery 52.3 vs. 5.3 % (p&lt;0.001), circumflex artery 35.2 vs. 10.5 %; (p=0.034), right coronary artery 34.1 vs. 10.5 % (p=0.041). The sensitivity in both groups was rather low (40 % vs. 25 %), whereas specificity was 83 % in group 1 and 93 % in group 2., Conclusion: According to clinical examination, patients with IHD and indications for SPECT imaging more often had obstructive CA lesions (63.6 %), than patients with questionable or no indications (21.1 %). However, rate of positive findings during stress tests with SPECT imaging was low in both groups and did not differ significantly (p=0.06). Despite high specificity of SPECT imaging, its sensitivity was low in both groups.

Introduction: Prevention of intraoperative miosis in hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification is a relevant problem of cataract surgery., Purpose: Development and clinical study of an effective method for preventing intraoperative miosis in hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification., Material and Methods: Hybrid phacoemulsification was performed in 300 patients (300 eyes). The first group (100 eyes) 3 days prior to the surgery was prescribed instillations of 0.1% indomethacin 3 times a day and 3 times in 2 hours before surgery at 30 minute intervals. The second group (100 eyes) 3 days prior to the surgery was prescribed instillations of 0.1% indomethacin 3 times a day, 3 times in 2 hours before the surgery at 30 minute intervals, and 1 hour before the surgery an additional intramuscular injection of diclofenac. The third group (control, 100 eyes) 2 hours before the operation was prescribed instillations of 0.1% indomethacin, 3 times at 30 minute intervals. The diameter of the pupil was evaluated before the beginning of femtosecond laser stage and before the opening of anterior chamber during the second stage of the operation., Results: When the interval between the femtosecond laser stage and emulsification of the nucleus fragments was maintained at less than 15 minutes, pronounced decrease of the pupil (more than 2 mm) was noted in 8.2% of cases in the first group, 6.7% in the second group and 14.1% in third (control) group; mean values of pupil narrowing were 0.68±0.27 mm in the 1st group, 0.63±0.25 mm in the 2nd group, and 0.93±0.39 mm (p<0.05) in the third group., Conclusion: The clinical study showed high efficiency of the proposed methods for prevention of intraoperative miosis in hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phaco surgery. An important factor affecting intraoperative narrowing of the pupil is the time interval between the femtolaser stage of the operation and emulsification of the nucleus fragments, which should not exceed 15 minutes.

The patient was 62-year-old male who successfully underwent an anatomic repair of aortic coarctation at the age of 15 and an extra-anatomic ascending aorta- to-descending aorta bypass (graft size 20 mm) and an extra-anatomic ascending aorta to the left subclavian artery bypass (graft size 10 mm) at the age of 49. As he grew older he started presenting clinical symptoms of aortic stenosis. The echocardiogram showed a bicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis and a mean gradient of 65 mm Hg. Despite the high surgical risk, we decided to perform an open valve replacement with installing the CPB prior to re-sternotomy with a simultaneous cannulation of the axillary and femoral arteries by reason of interrupted descending aorta. The postoperative course was uneventful.