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Background. Rising global concerns about COVID-19 recently gained more research attention due to the ease of person-to-person transmission, various symptoms after healing, and the shortage of effective antiviral therapy. The study aims to analyze post-COVID conditions and clinical manifestations of cardiovascular lesions in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. Methods. A practical examination of post-COVID conditions manifestation was conducted in a prospective cohort study, involving 250 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021. The study specifically focused on analyzing the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19, utilizing data from a subgroup of 200 patients previously discharged from the hospital with elevated troponin levels. The cardiovascular variables assessed included tachy-cardia, ischemia, heart attack, myocarditis, hypertension, blood clots, and heart failure. Results. It has been observed that among surviving patients, the following symptoms persisted: anosmia/ageusia (59%), severe dyspnea (36.7%), palpitations and complaints related to the cardiovascular system (15.8%), headaches (13.2%), arthralgia (11.7%), myalgia (9.8%), and hair problems (≥5%). By the 60th day, a reduction in symptoms by 5-10% was noted, and by the 90th day, a decrease in activity by 25-35% was observed. Patients aged 40-60 years exhibited the highest percentage of cardiovascular diseases (75%). Conclusions. Consequently, the SARS-CoV-2 virus underscores the critical importance of cardiological attention in patient care. Cardiac screening results in individuals with COVID-19 reveal a significant prevalence of serious heart problems, affecting over half of the patients. This emphasizes the necessity for heightened vigilance and specialized cardiac care when managing patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beginning of organized breeding work in Russia concretized at the end of the 19th century in two capitals of the Russian Empire: in 1877 at St. Petersburg and in 1881 in Moscow, where seed quality control stations first opened. The stations' work transfer to scientific-based functions commenced in the first half of the 20th century by N.I. Vavilov. Under his leadership, the People's Commissariat of Agriculture of the RSFSR organized an extensive network of 115 breeding and experimental stations. The 20 to 30 years of the 20th century displayed epoch-making discoveries by Russian scientists in the field of genetics. In 1920, N.I. Vavilov discovered and formulated the law of homological series in hereditary variability. In 1925, pioneering worldwide, Russian scientists, under the influence of ionizing radiation, received mutations in yeast fungi. During the same years, S.S. Chetverikov and his students laid the foundation for evolutionary genetics, which became an impetus for developing the modern genetic breeding theory. Later, in the 1930s of the 20th century, A.A. Serebrovsky and N.P. Dubinin proved the divisibility of the gene and substantiated the theory of its complex structure. Based on this discovery, geneticists globally, studying the patterns of inheritance and variability, have discovered and continue to uncover new breeding means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a reconstruction of the initial system of ordinary differential equations from a single observed variable. The suggested approach is applied to a certain class of systems which includes, in particular, the Rössler system and other chaotic systems. We develop relations and a method to pass from a model that involves the observable and its time derivatives to a real original system. To this end, we first find a set of candidates of the system in an analytic way. After that, by additionally studying the system, we make a choice for the sought system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rationale, Aims and Objectives: This research aims to develop an effective algorithm for diagnosing COVID-19 in chest X-rays using the transfer learning method and support vector machines., Method: In total, data was collected from 10 clinics, including both large city hospitals and smaller medical institutions. This ensured a diverse range of geographical and demographic information in the sample. An extensive data set was collected, including 10,000 chest X-ray images. 5000 images represent normal cases, 3993 images represent pneumonia cases, and 1007 images represent COVID-19 cases. Machine learning methods were applied to develop a classification model, and the results were compared with seven state-of-the-art models and a lightweight CNN architecture., Results: The results showed that the proposed method achieves high accuracy values (Accuracy): 0.95 for COVID-19, 0.89 for pneumonia, and 0.92 for normal images (p < 0.05). Comparison with other models demonstrates statistically significant superiority of our method in accuracy across all three classes. The EfficientNet-B0 model surpasses our method only in accuracy for normal images with p < 0.01, confirming the advantages of our method. Our method demonstrates high sensitivity values (Sensitivity): 0.96 for COVID-19, 0.88 for pneumonia, and 0.93 for normal images (p < 0.05), outperforming most of the compared models. Correlation analysis showed Pearson coefficients of 0.92, 0.89, and 0.94 for COVID-19, pneumonia, and normal images, respectively, confirming a high degree of consistency between predicted and true class labels. In addition, the model was validated on external datasets to assess its generalizability. This validation confirmed its high level of effectiveness in a variety of clinical settings., Conclusion: This study confirms the importance of applying machine learning methods in medical applications and opens new perspectives for early diagnosis of infectious diseases. The practical application of the obtained results can enhance the efficiency of diagnosis and control the spread of COVID-19, as well as contribute to the development of innovative methods in medical practice., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: To define the role of clinical, endoscopic, laboratory and immunomorphological parameters in predicting the occurrence and course of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with diverticular disease of the colon (DDC)., Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy five people with DDC were examined, divided into 3 groups: group 1 - 85 patients with DDC; group 2 - 45 with DDC in combination with adenomatous polyps (AP); 3rd group - 45 with DDC with established CRC (I or II stage). The control group consisted of 30 practically healthy people. Patients and healthy people were examined according to a single program: clinical, laboratory, instrumental data and immunomorphological research methods [use of primary antibodies to p53 (mAb clone DO-7 product no. PA0057, Leica Biosystems, Leica Bond III) and Ki-67 (Ab16667, Abcam, UK)]., Results: Among the main complaints in patients with DDC and CRC, constipation was more common than in patients with DDC and DDC with AP ( p< 0.05). In patients with DDC and colorectal neoplasia, a positive reaction to occult blood in the feces was more often verified, compared with the group with DDC ( p< 0.05). Higher levels of glucose and cholesterol in blood plasma, as well as body mass index were found in patients with DDC with AP and CRC, compared with the DDC group ( p< 0.05). A higher level of expression of Ki-67 and p53 was found in patients with DDC combined with AP and CRC, compared with patients with DDC without colorectal neoplasia ( p< 0.05). At the same time, in patients with DDC with CRC, the expression level of Ki-67 and p53 was higher than in patients with DDC with AP ( p< 0.05) Conclusion. In patients with DDC combined with AP and CRC, higher levels of glucose, plasma cholesterol, as well as body mass index were observed compared to the group of patients with DDC alone ( p< 0.05). Of note, the results of the determination of Ki-67 and p53 in the mucous membrane of the colon should be considered important prognostic markers for the development of CRC in patients with DDC.

Background: Rising global concerns about COVID-19 recently gained more research attention due to the ease of person-to-person transmission, various symptoms after healing, and the shortage of effective antiviral therapy. The study aims to analyze post-COVID conditions and clinical manifestations of cardiovascular lesions in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection., Methods: A practical examination of post-COVID conditions manifestation was conducted in a prospective cohort study, involving 250 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021. The study specifically focused on analyzing the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19, utilizing data from a subgroup of 200 patients previously discharged from the hospital with elevated troponin levels. The cardiovascular variables assessed included tachycardia, ischemia, heart attack, myocarditis, hypertension, blood clots, and heart failure., Results: It has been observed that among surviving patients, the following symptoms persisted: anosmia/ageusia (59%), severe dyspnea (36.7%), palpitations and complaints related to the cardiovascular sys-tem (15.8%), headaches (13.2%), arthralgia (11.7%), myalgia (9.8%), and hair problems (≥5%). By the 60th day, a reduction in symptoms by 5-10% was noted, and by the 90th day, a decrease in activity by 25-35% was observed. Patients aged 40-60 years exhibited the highest percentage of cardiovascular diseases (75%)., Conclusions: Consequently, the SARS-CoV-2 virus underscores the critical importance of cardiological attention in patient care. Cardiac screening results in individuals with COVID-19 reveal a significant prevalence of serious heart problems, affecting over half of the patients. This emphasizes the necessity for heightened vigilance and specialized cardiac care when managing patients with COVID-19.

Background: In recent years, researchers have focused on developing precise models for the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using deep neural networks. Forecasting the progression of AD through the analysis of time series data represents a promising approach., Objective: The primary objective of this research is to formulate an effective methodology for forecasting the progression of AD through the integration of multi-task learning techniques and the analysis of pertinent medical data., Methods: This study primarily utilized volumetric measurements obtained through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), trajectories of cognitive assessments, and clinical status indicators. The research encompassed 150 patients diagnosed with AD who underwent examination between 2020 and 2022 in Beijing, China. A multi-task learning approach was employed to train forecasting models using MRI data, trajectories of cognitive assessments, and clinical status. Correlation analysis was conducted at various time points., Results: At the baseline, a robust correlation was observed among the forecasting tasks: 0.75 for volumetric MRI measurements, 0.62 for trajectories of cognitive assessment, and 0.48 for clinical status. The implementation of a multi-task learning framework enhanced performance by 12.7% for imputing missing values and 14.8% for prediction accuracy., Conclusions: The findings of our study, indicate that multi-task learning can effectively predict the progression of AD. However, it is important to note that the study's generalizability may be limited due to the restricted dataset and the specific population under examination. These conclusions represent a significant stride toward more precise diagnosis and treatment of this neurological disorder.

A significant prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 infection is also associated with its fecal-oral transmission, which leads to a progressive increase in the number of patients with diseases of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. In addition, intestinal infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 may be one of the main causes of functional long-term stress-related gastrointestinal disorders, united in the concept of post-COVID syndrome.

Purpose: Influenza is the most common seasonal infectious disease that causes permanent social, economic, and medical problems worldwide. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent influenza is through vaccines. The aim of this study is to identify the influence of factors that determine the refusal of influenza vaccine among three subjects groups., Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted amongst the three high-risk groups in 2018-2019 (Moscow, Russia). The survey involved 1,620 parents and pregnant women (group 1), 324 doctors (group 2), and 433 students (group 3). Poor vaccine uptake was observed among respondents in all three groups., Results: According to the survey results, only 22.2% of children and 13.8% of adults were vaccinated against influenza. Group 2 showed increased rates with 36.7% of vaccinated adults and 58.7% of children. The lowest adherence to annual vaccinations was recorded in group 3 (only 17.3%). There is also a negative correlation between adherence to vaccination and smoking (-0.66), unhealthy diet (-0.73), poor oral hygiene (-0.61), and insufficient awareness of the need for influenza vaccine as well (-0.81)., Conclusion: Thus, a general lack of vaccination awareness has a fundamental role in forming a negative attitude toward influenza vaccine. It is necessary to conduct research to promote vaccination against influenza to improve vaccine uptake among high-risk groups, particularly students., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (© Korean Vaccine Society.)

The goal was to determine ways to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic measures for various types of melasma in the outpatient setting of the dermatovenerological ambulatory clinic. The study involved 112 women with a confirmed diagnosis of facial melasma whose disease lasted for at least 2 years. The severity of patient pigmentation was evaluated using the Melasma Area Severity Index and the Melasma Severity Scale. There was a significant increase in melanin levels across all melasma types, an increase in erythema in the dermal type, and an increase in sebum production in the epidermal type.

Background: The aim of this study is to identify the influence of factors that determine the refusal of influenza vaccine among three subjects groups., Methods: A survey was conducted amongst three high‑risk groups in years 2018-2019 (Moscow, Russia). The survey involved 1,620 parents and pregnant women (group 1), 324 doctors (group 2) and 433 students (group 3). The analysis revealed a poor vaccine uptake among respondents of all three groups., Results: According to the survey results, only 22.2 % of children and 13.8 % of adults were vaccinated against influenza. The group 2 showed higher rates for vaccinated adults and children, namely 36.7 % and 58.7 % , respectively. The lowest adherence to annual vaccinations was recorded in group 3 (only 17.3 %). There is also a negative correlation between adherence to vaccination and smoking -0.66), unhealthy diet -0.73), poor oral hygiene -0.61) as well as insufficient awareness of the need of influenza vaccine -0.81)., Conclusion: The general lack of vaccination awareness has a fundamental role in forming a negative attitude toward influenza vaccine. It is necessary to conduct research to promote vaccination against influenza to improve vaccine uptake among high‑risk groups, particularly in students (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 32).

The hepatic consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection are now recognized as an important component of CoronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This aspect is most clinically relevant in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease (CKD), who are at extremely high risk of severe COVID-19 and death. Risk factors for severe CKD, especially in people with liver cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are the direct and indirect cytotoxic effects of coronavirus against the background of systemic inflammation, blood clotting disorders and immune dysfunction. The severe negative impact of the pandemic in the presence of CKD and the difficulties of patient relationships contribute to the progressive increase in the global burden of liver disease on the health system.

Aim: To establish the role of the main risk factors and endocrine cells of the antrum of the stomach producing motilin (M-cells) in the occurrence of cholelithiasis., Materials and Methods: The first group included 122 patients with cholelithiasis. The second group consisted of 30 healthy individuals who underwent medical examination. The groups were matched for gender and age. The work analyzed anamnestic, biochemical and anthropometric data. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with targeted biopsy of the mucous membrane from the antrum. Biopsies were subjected to cytological and immunohistochemical studies in order to verify Helicobacter pylori and estimate the number of M-cells., Results: Patients with cholelithiasis more often belonged to the group of people of mental labor, had low physical activity, were committed to inappropriate nutrition and more often indicated the presence of aggravated heredity for cholelithiasis. Patients with gallstone disease had higher body mass index, waist volume, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, H. pylori infection was more often verified and M-cell hypoplasia in the mucous membrane was established. stomach in comparison with the representatives of the second group., Conclusion: Our results suggest that certain external factors, nutritional characteristics of the metabolic syndrome components, hypoplasia of M-cells in the gastric mucosa are important factors in the formation of calculi in the gallbladder.

Erosive and ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract are one of the most pressing problems in the clinic of internal diseases due to the extremely widespread prevalence, the presence of severe complications, often fatal, diagnostic difficulties due to the presence of a large number of asymptomatic pathologies and difficulties in the rational choice of therapy. Particularly noteworthy is the data that during the global pandemic of Covid-19 infection, it is capable, quite often, of causing the development of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, it seems important to use drugs that can not only prevent the occurrence of erosive and ulcerative lesions and strictures throughout the gastrointestinal tract, but also effectively achieve epithelialization of injuries to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine. One of them is Rebamipid-CZ, which has a fairly high safety and efficacy profile. It seems important to consider the issues of optimizing the prevention and treatment of erosive and ulcerative lesions of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract of various etiologies, taking into account the possibility of using rebamipide both as part of complex therapy and in isolation.

Background and Aim: At present, tick-borne borreliosis is the most common infectious disease transmitted by ticks in Europe, Asia, and North America. This study aimed to examine the epizootiological aspects of the natural nidality of tick-borne borreliosis in Moscow region (the Russian Federation)., Materials and Methods: A total of 2,537 ticks representing two species were collected, namely, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus . The activity, number of ticks, and Borrelia infestation rates were investigated during a high season, that is, from early spring to mid-autumn., Results: In May, amount of I. ricinus spp. was found 2.5 times more than those representing D. reticulatus spp. (p≤0.01). In June, August, and September, the amount of I. ricinus was 9.0 (p≤0.0001), 2.0 (p≤0.05), and 5.0 times higher, respectively, compared to D. reticulatus . In the first 10 days of April, the amount of D. reticulatus was 3 times higher than that of I. ricinus (p≤0.02); in the next 10 days, their amounts were equal (p≥0.05) and in the last 10 days the amount of I. ricinus exceeded that of D. reticulatus (p≤0.05) by 1.5 times. In general, Borrelia afzelii , and Borrelia garinii , were detected. In addition, the naturally occurring tick-borne borreliosis pesthole was revealed in the Moscow region., Conclusion: Borrelia infection rates for ticks comprise 30%. An increase in Borrelia tick infestation was detected within the vicinity of populated areas. The amount of ticks directly depends on the temperature (20°C-25°C) and moisture (from 50%) values., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Mukhametov, et al.)

The article presents the views on dyspepsia in world practice, data on the difficulties of diagnosis and the problem of the effectiveness of various therapy regimens. Particular attention is paid to the use of fixed forms of drugs for functional dyspepsia, in particular Omez DSR.

In the clinical classification of cholelithiasis, biliary sludge (BS) is distinguished as the pre-stone stage. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a drug with an evidence base for effective and safe effects on BS. The therapeutic equivalence of various UDCA drugs remains an important issue for clinical practice., Aim: To conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the use of UDCA: Ursofalk with other UDCA drugs for the treatment of BS in a fixed dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight., Material and Methods: The observation group consisted of 225 patients with various types of BS. In randomized groups, the comparison of the effectiveness of UDCA drugs in the dissolution of BS was determined by the data of ultrasound of the gallbladder. Dynamic ultrasound cholecystography using a standardized technique was performed to study the effect of the compared drugs on the contractile function of the liver. When analyzing the impact of ursotherapy on the clinical manifestations of BS, the dynamics of biliary pain syndrome and dyspeptic disorders were evaluated., Results: A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of UDCA drugs for BS lysis with a high degree of confidence established the advantage of Ursofalk: after 3 months in 80%, and after 6 months of therapy in 95.65% of patients, a regression of BS was detected. In the group of patients who took other UDCA, the corresponding indicators were 46.36% and 67.27%. The greatest effectiveness of ursotherapy was demonstrated in the BS variant by the type of suspension of hyperechogenic particles, the lowest in the variant by the type of putty-like bile in the form of mobile or fixed clots. In the last variant of BS, the relationship between the success of lysis with the extension of the UDCA intake period to 6 months and the preferred choice of Ursofalk was traced. Normalization of the contractile function of the gallbladder was noted in patients who took Ursofalk., Conclusion: From the standpoint of therapeutic effectiveness, the drug of choice for the treatment of BS, regardless of its type, is Ursofalk, which has proven the best dynamics of BS litolysis, recovery of the contractile function of the gastrointestinal tract, and relief of clinical symptoms.

Low patient compliance due to the development of adverse events in the form of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is considered as the main reason for the failure of the eradication of optimized anti-Helicobacter therapy regimens. A key mechanism for the development of AAD is to reduce the number and species diversity of bacteria that form butyric acid., Aim: The purpose of this study was to study the comparative effect on the clinical effectiveness of eradication therapy (ET) of Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic changes in the colon microbiota of additional inclusion in the optimized treatment regimen of the combined prebiotic Zakofalk (inulin + butyrate) with probiotics (lacto- and bifidobacteria in an amount of at least 1017 СFU)., Materials and Methods: 120 patients with chronic gastroduodenal diseases and infected H. pylori were еxamined. A comparative analysis of the effect of a combined prebiotic and lacto-bifid-containing probiotics on improving the effectiveness of the optimized ET scheme and improving its tolerability, as well as on the quantitative and qualitative content of short-chain fatty acids (SFA) in feces. The success of eradication was controlled by a 13C urease breath test., Results: According to the results of the study in randomized groups of patients, an excellent percentage of eradication (95%) was achieved in patients who performed ET with the addition of the prebiotic Zakofalk. In the same group of patients, there was an increase in the absolute content of SFA and a significant increase in the concentration of butyric acid. In the group of patients who received ET with the addition of probiotics, an acceptable level of eradication was achieved (85.7%), but no changes in SFA were found indicating an increase in the number or activity of the butyrate-producing flora. Patients who performed ET without the addition of pre-probiotics did not achieve the target percentage of successful eradication (83.3%), and a significant quantitative decrease in SFA was found with a significant decrease in the proportion of butyric acid., Conclusion: The inclusion of Zakofalk in the ET scheme, in comparison with probiotics, significantly increases the probability of successful eradication, more effectively restores the metabolic potential of the microbiota, and prevents the development of AAD.

Aim: To determine approaches of the exacerbations treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP) with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)-like syndrome., Materials and Methods: 312 patients with exacerbation of CP were observed and received standard therapy: antispasmodics, enzymes, proton pump inhibitors. 85 (27.2%) patients had no response to treatment. After excluding obstructive CP, celiac disease, decompensation of diabetes (DD), ischemic and microscopic colitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) as a cause of abdominal pain and intestinal dysfunction, a group of 54 patients with exacerbation of CP and IBS-like syndrome was isolated. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1 persons receiving with standard treatment of CP ciprofloxacin in a dose of 500 mg 2 times a day for 10 days (26 patients), group 2 rifaximin 400 mg 3 times a day for 10 days (28 patients). The dynamics of clinical picture, biocenosis indices, endoscopic, morphological features of the colon, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-8 concentration in the colon mucosa (CA) were evaluated., Results: IBS-like syndrome was determined in 54 (63.5%) patients with prolonged (more than 4 weeks) exacerbation of CP. A modification of therapy is proposed with the results of clinical and instrumental, laboratory, bacteriological studies. 68% of patients with exacerbation of CP, receiving in addition to the standard regimen rifaximin, achieved clinical improvement, normalization of intestinal biocenosis, reduced concentrations of cytokines in tissues, reducing signs of chronic inflammation in the colon mucosa with reducing concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 in colon mucosa (p0.05)., Conclusion: Exacerbation of CP, resistant to standard therapy, may be associated with the formation of IBS-like syndrome. The inclusion of rifaximin in the complex therapy of prolonged exacerbation of CP contributes to the relief of intestinal dysfunction, abdominal pain of intestine, improves biocenosis, reduces inflammatory modifications, and reduces the concentration of cytokines in the colon mucosa.

Functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract cause significant damage to the health care system. Their frequent combination in the same patient with the migration of clinical symptoms throughout the digestive tube is accompanied by continuous exacerbations, refractory to the therapy and severe psychosocial disorders. This review provides data on the main etiopathogenetic factors, clinical manifestations, course features and management tactics for patients with overlapping for the most common functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The development of peptic ulcer (PU) and gastric cancer (GC) is the result of the interaction of various internal and external factors. Moreover, if the role ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) in the development of diseases of the stomach is fully established, the significance of many other factors continues to be discussed. Serious controversy is caused by the participation of various strains ofH. pyloriin the development of PU and GC. First of all, these are Vac- and Cag-positive strains ofH. pylori. The role of genetic human polymorphism in the development of this pathology is debatable. Especially the interleukin genes and necrotizing tumor factor alpha. The role of environmental factors in the formation of PU and GC is not fully understood. So, the role of alcohol, occupational hazards and drugs in the development of these diseases continues to be discussed. Further study of risk factors for various diseases of the stomach will optimize their prevention and treatment. The review presents a modern view of individual issues in the pathogenesis of PU and GC.

Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract are widespread among the population and cause significant damage to the health care system. In order to improve the strategy of preventive measures and the detection of oncological diseases at the early stages, it is necessary to provide timely impact on possible risk factors contributing to the onset and progression of malignant neoplasms. This review demonstrates the association between the pathology of the biliary tract and oncological diseases of the digestive system, discusses the possible mechanisms of the influence of cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy on the development of malignant neoplasms of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

From the standpoint of evidence - based medicine, the ability of various drugs to induce the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophagitis is considered. Thus, all known drugs can be divided into 3 groups: drugs that have the ability to reduce pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, for example, β-adrenoreceptor agonists, α-adrenoreceptor antagonists, anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, benzodiazepines (diazepam), estrogen, progesterone, aminophylline (theophylline), tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, glucocorticosteroids; means providing a direct damaging effect on the esophageal mucosa, as well as lowering its resistance reflyuktatu, e.g., bisphosphonates, acetylsalicylic acid / non - steroidal anti - inflammatory agents, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, iron preparations, ascorbic acid, potassium chloride, quinidine, phenytoin, calcium dobesilate, 131I sodium iodide, antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, ornidazole, clindamycin, rifampicin), antitumor agents; drugs that impede gastric emptying: calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics. These data can be used in practice in the choice of treatment tactics, especially in individuals with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of prophylactic administration of mineral-vitamin complexes &quot;Feroglobin-B12&quot; and &quot;Complivit iron&quot; with different degrees of Fe valence., Materials and Methods: 120 female subjects were examined. To determine the quality of life, the SF-36 questionnaire was used. The presence of anxiety was determined on the Spielberger-Khanin Alarm Scale. 30 women with a deficit of Fe were divided into 2 groups of 15 people each. The first group received &quot;Ferroglobin-B12&quot;, the second - &quot;Complivit iron&quot; for a month., Results: In a month after the initiation of preventive therapy in women of the 1 group the content of Fe serum was normalized. In the second group, its concentration approached the control values. The difference in Fe content in the 1 and 2 groups was of a reliable nature., Conclusion: The intake of &quot;Ferroglobin-B12&quot; was not accompanied by side effects, and performance indicators, social activity and mental health reached control values, unlike the group of patients taking Complivit iron.

The review analyzes the main etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of NSAID-enteropathy. Particular attention is paid to the role of intestinal microbiota in the manifestation and progression of NSAID-enteropathy. The special role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of NSAIDs enteropathy is considered.

The review demonstrated results and prospects of non-pharmacological and drug therapy patients with liver disease, not associated with a viral infection. The presented data emphasize the relevance of studying the problem of effective therapy of diseases of the liver and its role in improving the course and outcomes of liver disease.

Background: The relevance of this ensues from the fact that despite the numerous currently available health promotion training programs for the reduction of body weight, there is still the need for the development of the new forms of the efficacious physical training programs and the methods of motivation for compliance with them among the people of different age, sex and social status., Aim: The objective of the present study was to determine the role of motivational factors, including the assessment of the biological age, in the improvement of the effectiveness of the health promotion training programs for the reduction of the excess body weight., Material and Methods: A total of 82 students with overweight and first-degree obesity at the age from 17 to 21 years (average age 18.5±1.4 years) were examined. 42 girls included in the first (main) group spent 9 months performing health promotion training programs on an individual basis developed taking into consideration the motivational factors. The physical training programs included the aerobic exercise in the form of dance classes. 40 students in the control group were engaged in physical training envisaged by the academic curriculum of the university. The third group (the group of comparison) was comprised of 36 practically healthy girls having the normal body weight. We studied the components of the body composition with the use of bioimpedanceometry, evaluated the physical working capacity (the PWC-170 test) and the adaptive reserves of the body (heart rate variability test as proposed by R.M. Baevskyi, Garkavi test). In addition, the psycho-emotional status of the participants was estimated making use of the Lusher test and SAN. The biological age was determined by the original method based on the combination of the morphological and functional indices., Results: The excess body weight in the students comprising group 1 was reduced by 10% on the average; simultaneously the physical working capacity among these students increased by an average of 24.5% while the level of emotional stability and self-esteem increased by 20% and 24%, respectively. We also documented a decrease in the initially increased biological age by 5 years on the average. The students included in group II did not experience any significant changes in the parameters of interest., Conclusion: The consideration of the motivational factors for the development of the training programs designed to promote the reduction of the excessive body weight significantly increases their effectiveness, as evidenced by the improvement of the morpho-functional and psychological characteristics in the students of the first group and its absence in their counterparts included in group II.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of laxatives with different pharmacological effects in the combination therapy in patients with chronic constipation (CC) concurrent with obesity, hypertensive disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM)., Subjects and Methods: A total of 110 people (45 men, 65 women) aged 45 to 72 years with CC in the presence of concomitant diseases: grade 1 or 2 hypertensive disease + obesity + type 2 DM. The investigators determined the severity of abdominal pain syndrome and flatulence, by indicating the mean frequency of defecations per week and fecal consistency according to the Bristol stool scale; anthropometric parameters; serum biochemistry tests; and serum lipoprotein phenotyping. Quality of life was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. The patients were divided into 3 groups according their use of agents: 1) dietary fiber (psyllium); 2) osmotic laxatives (disaccharides); 3) osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol)., Results: The patients taking psyllium to treat constipation showed an increasing frequency of defecations and normalization of stool consistency. Incorporating psyllium into combination therapy was accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A similar trend was observed for serum triglycerides. The patients receiving combination therapy including other laxatives displayed no significant differences between lipid metabolic parameters at the beginning and after the end of treatment., Conclusion: The whole complex of properties of psyllium (Mucofalk) can be fully realized in patients with comorbidity and chronic constipation, which is accompanied not only by the normalization of bowel emptying, but also by marked positive changes in the main lipid metabolic parameters and by a reduction in overweight.

We present the analytical review of non-cardial effects of statins used in gastroenterology with the data illustrating their high antibacterial activity as exemplified by combined therapy of conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Special emphasis is laid on anti-inflammatory and oncoprotective mechanisms of statin action that are successfully made use of for the treatment of liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and biliary system diseases. Prophylactic aspects of statin application to overcome an addiction to fast food are discussed.

The aim of the study was to analyse publications on practical aspects of the management of microscopic colitis (MC) as a common manifestation of diarrheic syndrome in aged subjects. Many etiopathogenetic issues remain debatable. Major difficulties are encountered in differential diagnostics. Of special importance is the relationship between MC, autoimmune and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Approaches to MC therapy vary from the use of antidiarrheal agents to comprehensive immunosuppressive treatment.

Aim: To study the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ki-67, BCL-2, and endocrine cells (EC) of gastric mucosa producing somatostatin (SS), glucagon (GL), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori. To use the data obtained to develop early diagnostic criteria for the progress of structural changes in gastric mucosa of the patients with stomach ulcer disease [SUD), chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), gastric adenomatous polyps (GAP), and gastric cancer (GC) before and after surgical intervention and eradication of H. pylori., Materials and Methods: We examined 104 patients with gastric pathology associated with Helicobacter pylori including 30 with SUD, 30 with CAG, 20 with GAP and CAG, 24 with stage II noncardia GC. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated 2 months after alleviation of inflammation in the stomachfollowing polypectomy in case of GAP or gastrectomy in case of GC. Material for immunohistochemical studies was taken from the fundus. Monoclonal antibodies against VEGF SS, GL, PP Ki-67, BCL-2 (1:100, Novocastra) were used. Histobacterioscopy was conducted using antral mucosal smears stained by the Romanowsky-Giemsa procedure., Results: Exacerbation of SUD was accompanied by a decrease in the number of epithelial cells and EC producing VEGF glucagon (GL), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) with the increase in the number of SS-secreting EC along with intensification of proliferative processes determined from the number of Ki-67 and BCL-2 immunopositive epithelial cells. CAG and GC were associated with persistence of H. pylori, hyperplasia of EC producing VEGF glucagon (GL), pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and hypoplasia of SS-secreting EC along with high proliferative activity of epitheliocytes expressed via Ki-67 and BCL-2., Conclusion: Endothelial growth factor (VEGF), somatostatin (SS), glucagon (GL), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) are of importance for the prognostication of development and clinical course of diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori since their pathological properties are realized either directly or indirectly through H. pylori, Ki-67 and BCL-2. Eradication of H. pylori does not result in the disappearance of intestinal metaplasia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism (s) of action of gastrointestinal hormones in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the correlation between gastrointestinal hormones and psychological factors. Patients with IBS were divided into IBS with normal emotional state ratings and IBS in anxiety-depressive states groups. The two groups were then subdivided into IBS-constipation predominant (IBS-C) and IBS-diarrhea predominant (IBS-D) groups. Non-IBS patients with normal depression and anxiety ratings were recruited as controls. The expression of somatostatin (SS) and vasointestinalpeptid (VIP), motilin in the colonic mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay. The anxiety-depression scores of patients with IBS were significantly different from those of the control group. The expression levels of SS and VIP, motilin colonic mucosa of the patients with IBS were higher compared with those of the control.group. Furthermore, the expression level of SS in the IBS-C group demonstrated a significantly larger increase than that in the IBS-D group; however, there was no significant difference in the expression of VIP between the IBS-C and IBS-D groups. In addition, the expression levels of SS and VIP, motilin in the IBS groups with normal emotional state ratings were notably different from those in the IBS groups in anxiety-depressive states. Anxiety-depressive states may lead to changes in the secretion of SS and VIP, motilin, and subsequently to changes in gastrointestinal motility and function.

The aim of this work was systematization of the currently available data on pathological physiology and morphology of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) underlain by combined changes of neuroendocrine and neural regulation related to genetic polymorphism and external provoking factors (in the first place, stress). Altered function and morphology of diffuse neuroendocrine system and expression of certain regulatory molecules (nitric oxide, interleukin-1) in the patients with functional GIT disorders induce inflammation and changes in epitheliocyte regeneration, i.e. morphological substrate of the disease. Verification of various morphofunctional and structural changes accompanying functional pathology of GIT necessitates further improvement of classification criteria for functional diseases as reflected in the forthcoming Rome criteria IV.

The study included 60 patients with chronic Halicobacter gastritis (30 with chronic non-atrophic and 30 with atrophic Halicobacter gastritis (CNAHG and CAHG)). The control group was comprised of 15 practically healthy subjects. The aim of the work was to elucidate the role of Helicobacter infection, disturbances of regeneration, endothelin-1 and melatonin-secreting neuroendocrine cells of gastric antrum in progression of chronic Helicobacter gastritis (CHG). It was shown that CHG is due to H. pylori persistence and that patients with CNAHG undergo grade III microbial contamination while in CAHG patients atrophic changes are accompanied by metaplasia of gastric mucosa (GM) and inflammation of different severity. Patients with CNAHG has an increased number of melatonin-positive gastric cells and enhanced apoptotic activity of GM epitheliocytes. Patients with CAHG experience a reduction of melatonin-positive cells correlated with enhanced apoptotic activity of GM epitheliocytes. The number of endothelin-1 positive cells in patients with CNAHG and CAHG was similar to that in controls. Adequate eradication promoted normalization of the number of gastric endothelin-1 and melatonin-secreting neuroendocrine cells in patients with CHG. The apoptotic index reached the control value within 1 month after eradication in CNAHG patients but remained relatively high in CAHG patients.

The present study included 104 patients with gastric disorders associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Thirty of them presented with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 30 with gastric ulcer (GU), 20 with adenomatous gastric polyps (AGP), and 24 with gastric cancer (GC). The control group was comprised of 12 practically healthy subjects. We elucidated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endocrine cells of gastric mucosa producing glucagon (GC) and pancreatic polypeptide (PPP) in the patients with GAG, GU, AGP and GC prior to and after the surgical intervention and following eradication therapy. It was shown that GAG, AGP, and GC were associated with the persistence of Helicobacter pylori infection and accompanied by hyperplasia of GC and PPP-secreting endocrine cells of gastric mucosa. GU was characterized by hypolasia of VEGF-secreting epithelial cells of the stomach and GC and PPP-secreting endocrine cells of gastric mucosa. The levels of VEGF, GC and PPP that directly or indirectly realize their pathological properties through H. pylori, Bcl-2, and proapoptotic protein BAX proved to be of high prognostic value as regards the evolvement and clinical course of gastric disorders associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. The study demonstrated that adequate eradication therapy in patients with H. pylori-associated diseases of the stomach significantly reduces the number of gastric cells secreting VEGF and has practically no effect on the amount of GC and PPP-producing endocrine cells of gastric mucosa.

The study included 100 patients with duodenal ulcer (DU), 30 with chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG), 30 with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and 12 practically healthy subjects. All patients with DU and CNAG had morphologically confirmed H. pylori infection. The patients with DU were divided into 2 groups each including age-matched subjects with endoscopically, morphologically, immunohistochemically identical characteristics. Those of group 1 underwent eradication of H. pylori by a traditional 7-day procedure including the use of omeprazole (20 mg BID), claritromycin (500 mg BID) and amoxicillin (1000 mg BID). In group 2 this scheme was supplemented by melatonin (3 mg before bedtime). Patients of group 1 continued to use omeprazole and those in group 2 omeprazole + melatonin till the end of the second month. Healthy subjects and patients with CAG served as controls. All patients underwent FGDS on weeks 2 and 4, immunohistochemical study was conducted to detect endothelin-1 and melatonin-positive cells, apoptotic activity of mucosal epitheliocytes from gastric antrum was determined before and 6 weeks after the onset of therapy. It was shown that introduction of melatonin in the scheme of eradication therapy increases efficacy of H. pylori elimination and accelerates DU cicatrization. Two-month therapy with omeprazole + melatonin more effectively normalizes immunohistochemical parameters (endothelin-1 and melatonin-positive cells) and epitheliocyte apoptotic activity, than omeprazole alone.

Exacerbation of duodenal ulcer disease (DUD) is associated with elevated number of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 positive endtotheliocytes and apoptotic activity. Inhibition of endotheliocyte proliferation and apoptotic activity in gastric mucosa (GM) upon eradication of Hp in DUD patients promotes ulcer healing. Combination of eradication with melaxen therapy substantially enhances efficiency of Hp elimination and reduces cicatrization time. Antirelapse treatment with melaxene and omeprazole normalizes endotheliocyte homeostasis on GM to a greater degree than omeprazole monotherapy.

The results of comparative analysis of apoptotic and mitotic indices in groups of patients (20 persons in each group) with rheumatologic diseases and ulcerative disease of duodenum (UDD) are shown in the article. It was established, that both apoptotic and mitotic indices in UDD patients were significantly higher than in rheumatologic patients. Indices of necrosis of gastric mucous membrane epithelial cells in UDD patients were also higher than in rheumatologic patients.

60 patients with irritable colon syndrome (ICS) were examined. They were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 30 patients who had ICS with dominating constipation (ICSc). Group 2 consisted of 30 patients with ICS and dominating diarrhea (ICSd). 12 practically healthy persons composed control group. The patients were being observed in dynamics (in periods of aggravation and remission), under uniform program including clinical, endoscopic, morphologic and immunohistochemical methods. It was established that ICSc development related to hyperplasia and hyperfunction serotonin producing cells together with decrease of number and functional activity of VIP-producing cells and mast cells. It was detected significant increase of colonocytes proliferative activity, shown throw number of immunopositive to cycline Dl epithelial cells, and compensatory increase of apoptosis activity. In patients with ICSd it was registered increase of number and functional activity of general population of apudocytes, serotonin-, melatonin- and VIP-produsing cells and mast cells. It was detected decrease of number of colonocytes immunopositive to cycline D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and growth of colon epithelial cells apoptosis activity. More significant changes of diffuse endocrine system in patients with ICSd set conditions for progress of changes of cell renovation with frequent colon mucous tunic atrophy, acting as a background for carcinogenesis.

It is established, that chronic atrophic gastritis adenomatous polyps and gastric cancer are consecutive stages of gastric mucous tunic cell renovation disturbance, manifests itself in progressive delay its apoptosis activity from proliferation, which reflects increase in expression Ki-67 and Bcl-2. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori shorts activity and reduces intensity of inflammatory process in gastric mucous tunic and improves indices of cell renovation.

One hundred twenty eight patients with irritated bowel syndrome (IBS) were included in the study and divided into two equal groups. Group one consisted of patients with type II IBS (without atrophic changes in the colon mucosa, CM); group II consisted of patients with type II IBS (with atrophic changes in the CM); the control group consisted of 24 practically healthy individuals. All the subjects, including the healthy ones, were examined using clinical, endoscopic, immunohistochemical methods, and electron microscopy. The study found that the development of type IIBS was connected with hyperplasia and hyperfunction of serotonin-producing cells with intensification of apoptosis. The number of colonocytes with nuclei that are immunopositive to D1 cycline increases, and the number of colonocyte nuclei that are immunopositive to proliferating cell nuclear antigen decreases. The onset of type II IBS is associated with hyperplasia and hyperfunction of all apudocyte populations, including those producing melatonin and serotonin, and simultaneous reduction of the number and functional exhaustion of VIP-producing and mast cells. Colonocyte apoptosis intensifies; their proliferative potential decreases.

The subjects of the study were 104 patients with Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated gastric pathology, including 30 patients with gastric ulcer (GU), 30 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 20 patients with CAG plus adenomatous polyps (AP), and 24 patients with gastric cancer (GC). All the subjects were examined dynamically; the comparison group consisted of 12 practically healthy people. The study revealed that GU, CAG, AP, and GC were consequent stages of gastric mucosal epithelial cell regeneration disorder which manifested by the fact that the apoptotic activity of these cells was lower than their proliferation rate, and this difference grew with time; the reflection of this was the growth of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression. HP eradication improved the process of cell regeneration. Epithelial cell apoptosis/proliferation ratio tended to normalize, which suggests that the processes of mucosal atrophy and metaplasia, and initial signs of gastric mucosal dysplasia in patients with HP-associated pathology may be reversible.

One hundred twenty patients with nonspecific ulcerative colitis (NUC) were examined. The patients were divided into three groups equal in number according to the severity of the disease. The controls were 24 practically healthy individuals, 64 patients with irritated bowel syndrome (IBS) without pathological changes in the colon mucosa, and 64 IBS patients with atrophic or inflammatory changes in the colon mucosa. The study showed that the development of NUC was associated with an abrupt decrease in the level of proliferation markers (cycline D, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen - PCNA) in the epithelial cells of the sigmoid colon. Their number progressively decreases in more severe cases, while cell apoptosis intensifies. Such changes in cell renewal are closely connected with the functional and structural rebuilding of the diffuse endocrine system, which manifests in an increase of the total number of apudocytes as well as serotonin- and melatonin-producing cells together with a decrease in the number of VIP-producing cells.