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Growing concern about the supply of goods under the COVID pandemic due to border restrictions and community lockdown has made us aware of the limitations of the global supply chain. Fertilisers are pivotal for the growth and welfare of humankind and there is more than a century history in industrial technology. Ammonia is the key platform chemical here which can be chemically diversified to all kinds of fertilisers. This paper puts a perspective on production technologies that can enable a supply of ammonia locally and on-demand in Australia, for the farmers to produce resilient and self-sustained fertilisers. To assess the validity of such a new business model, multi-objective optimisation has to be undergone, and computing is the solution to rank the millions of possible solutions. In this lieu, an economic optimisation framework for the Australian ammonia supply chain is presented. The model seeks to address the economic potential of distributed ammonia plants across Australia. Different techniques for hydrogen and related ammonia production such as thermal plasma, non-thermal plasma, and electrolysis (all typifying technology-disruption), and mini Haber-Bosch (typifying scale-disruption) are benchmarked to the central mega plant on a world-scale using conventional technology; verifying that ‘Moore’s Law’1 of growing bigger and bigger is not the only path to sustainable agriculture. Results show that ammonia can be produced at $317/ton at a regional scale using thermal plasma hydrogen generation which could be competitive to the conventional production model, if credit in terms of lead time and carbon footprint could be taken into account.

The article presents the results of the study of material entrainment (erosion) of the most heatstressed nodes of the three-phase alternating current plasma torch "Zvezda" of megawatt power: electrodes and confusers. The data on entrainment were obtained by weighing the studied nodes after their cycles of operation at fixed modes. Air was used as the working fluid. The operating modes of the plasma torch varied in the ranges of arc power 0.5–1.2 MW, cur-rents 160–400 A, gas flow 70–170 g/s. When using different output nozzles, the pressure in the plasma torch varied from 0.2 to 1.65 MPa. The influence of various parameters of the operat-ing mode on the service life of the plasma torch is shown. Using the obtained data on the ero-sion of electrodes and confusers, their resource was evaluated.

The paper presents results of experimental studies aimed at introducing laser ignition of fuel mixtures into aero-space design practice. The source of ignition energy was a semiconductor laser featuring fibre radiation output, operating in a quasi-continuous wave mode. We carried out experiments for oxygen--hydrogen and oxygen--methane fuel types. The purpose of our research was to demonstrate the fundamental possibility of implementing fuel ignition by means of this type of laser, using a rocket engine igniter and a low-thrust rocket engine as examples. Employing semiconductor lasers directly as an ignition source for fuel mixtures in aerospace technology is attractive as it may feasibly reduce the requirements for thermal conditions during operation of the laser ignition system on board a rocket or spacecraft, as well as expand the range of permissible vibration and shock loads. The paper presents experimental results that delineate operating parameter ranges and operation cyclograms for the devices under consideration that ensured stable ignition of oxygen--hydrogen and oxygen--methane fuel mixtures; we also list the required power parameters for a semiconductor laser. The investigation revealed the specifics of using a semiconductor laser-based ignition system, which will be useful in developing laser rocket launching devices, ensuring reliable repeated on-off functionality

Aim: to study parameters of arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) without clinically manifest cardiovascular pathology depending on the presence of anemia.Material and methods. 102 patients with axSpA (mean age – 37.7±9.8 years, axSpA duration – 13.5±8.7 years, 66 (64.7%) men) were included. The BASDAI index and C-reactive protein (CRP)-based ASDAS score were measured, the hemogram, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the level of CRP were studied. Parameters of arterial stiffness were studied by oscillography and photoplethysmography, intima-media thickness (IMT) was evaluated by B-mode ultrasound according to standard protocols.Results. During analysis of pulse wave properties, no statistically significant differences in parameters of vascular wall stiffness were found in axSpA patients with and without anemia. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) in patients with anemia was 7.4±1.5 m/sec, aortic augmentation index (Aix-ao) was 19.1±13.7%, stiffness index (SI) was 8.2±1.7 m/sec; in patients without anemia – 7.4±1.4 m/sec, 17.3±10.6% and 8.8±2.0 m/sec, respectively (p >0.05 for all). IMT in patients with anemia was 0.70±0.13 cm, in patients without anemia – 0.73±0.16 cm (p >0.05). Correlation analysis was performed and significant correlations were noted between Aix-ao, PWVao, SI, IMT and age (r=0.488, r=0.516, r=0.289, r=0.461, respectively, p Conclusion. The present study did not confirm the negative effect of anemia on vascular wall stiffness parameters and IMT in patients with axSpA. We consider that potential protective effect of anemia, due to well-known pathophysiological patterns — a decrease in blood viscosity and the induction of nitric oxide synthesis, plays an important role. Further studies are required to assess relationship between hemoglobin levels and markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with axSpA.

The use of hyaluronic acid fillers in aesthetic medicine has changed over the years and the procedure became one of the most common in the world. Understanding the ageing process of the face and the anatomical interrelationships in the face have dramatically influenced the use of the hyaluronic acid fillers and the assessment of the patient. It was supported by a new technology of products and by the delivery of tools (eg, blunt cannulas), face imaging, and innovative injection techniques. The whole-face approach challenges the practitioner to look at the face as a whole, and the patient to trust and rely on the treatment plan. Over the years, we have understood, that the most important outcome of aesthetic procedures is what does the whole face look like not static but in motion, and how do people read emotions from it. Nowadays, the result changes “the face information” and makes aesthetic procedures more satisfactory. In this manuscript, we reviewed essentials of the current treatment approach including patient’s consultations, product selection and injection techniques used in different parts of the face. One size fits none; thus, we provided a general overview of hyaluronic acid fillers used in different indications and presented several treatment approaches to each region of the face.

Objective — to study the frequency and characteristics of the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with cardiovascular diseases hospitalized in the emergency departments of cardiology. Materials and methods . Examined 190 patients hospitalized in the emergency cardiology departments of the State Healthcare Institution Regional Clinical Hospital of Saratov from January to March 2020. The study was continuous, a questionnaire was conducted for all patients hospitalized during the specified period. The study involved 103 (54%) men and 87 women, the average age of the patients was 62.05 ± 11.11 years. The reason for hospitalization in most patients was acute coronary pathology — 116 (61%) patients, 34 (18%) patients — decompensated heart failure, 21 (11%) patients — various rhythm disturbances; in 15 (8%) patients — hypertensive crisis against the background of uncontrolled arterial hypertension, in 4 (2%) patients — pulmonary embolism. Results . During the last month, 92 (48%) patients took NSAIDs for various reasons: 42 men (46%) and 50 women (54%). The average age of patients taking NSAIDs is higher than that of patients who did not take NSAIDs (63.98 ± 11.62 years and 60.20 ± 10.27 years, respectively, p = 0.018). Among patients forced to take NSAIDs over the past month, joint pain — 43 (47%) patients, headache — 40 (43%) patients, back pain — 30 (33%) were indicated as the main cause or one of the reasons sick. In 15 (16%) patients, the reason for taking NSAIDs was toothache, in 14 (15%) patients — chest pain, musculoskeletal pain — in 11 patients (12%). Several reasons for taking NSAIDs were indicated by 40 (43%) patients, the majority — a combination of joint pain and back pain. Conclusion . Almost half of patients admitted to emergency cardiology departments had taken NSAIDs in the previous month. Most patients have to take NSAIDs often, regularly, for a long time. More than a third of the examined patients used various methods of drug administration, including unreasonably frequent and prolonged parenteral use or the simultaneous use of various methods of administration of various drugs.

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is in high demand during epidemics and pandemics. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has demonstrated that the global industry had insufficient capacity for providing people with high-efficiency respirators. In this context, it is important to assess the protective properties of equipment designed to prevent the spread of infections. In this review, the hydrodynamic and filtering characteristics of modern RPE types present in the market, as well as their consumer performance, are analyzed taking into account the properties of virus-bearing aerosols. Approaches to developing novel, more efficient fiber-based RPE are proposed.

Aim: to assess changes in parameters of vascular stiffness, central aortic pressure (CAP) as well as reflected pulse wave in women in different phases of the climacteric period.Materials and Methods. An open non-randomized single-center comparative study was conducted with 384 menopausal women subdivided into: Group 1 – 168 women at menopausal transition, Group 2 – 216 women at early postmenopause. A 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring was performed with assessing daily dynamics of parameters of arterial stiffness, CAP and reflected pulse wave. The aortic pulse wave velocity and local aortic stiffness were estimated.Results. It was found that women in early postmenopausal period vs. menopausal transition showed significantly higher values of daily central BP combined with more prominent changes in vascular stiffness. Menopausal women were characterized by lowered difference between nocturnal central and peripheral BP level (less amplified nocturnal vs. diurnal peripheral BP magnitude), which is associated with a greater augmented CAP at this time point. Such pattern was more pronounced in women at postmenopausal period.Conclusion. Women in climacteric period were found to have increased vascular stiffness combined with elevated CAP, decreased amplification of pulse pressure and increased amplitude of the reflected pulse wave may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Much more prominent changes were noted in women in early postmenopausal period.

The agreement of experts of the Eurasian Association of Therapists (EAT) discusses pathogenesis and treatment of COVID-19. Modern data on the characteristics of cardiovascular, kidney, respiratory damage in SARS-infected CoV-2 are presented. The tactics of managing patients initially having cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, chronic kidney disease are discussed in detail. The article presents data on drug interaction of drugs.В соглашении экспертов Евразийской ассоциации терапевтов (ЕАТ) обсуждаются вопросы патогенеза и лечения COVID-19. Представлены современные данные об особенностях поражения сердечно-сосудистой системы, почек, органов дыхания у инфицированных SARS-Cov-2. Подробно обсуждена тактика ведения пациентов, исходно имеющих сердечно-сосудистые заболевания, сахарный диабет, хроническую обструктивную болезнь легких, бронхиальную астму, хроническую болезнь почек. В статье представлены данные о лекарственном взаимодействии препаратов.

Aim of the study. Evaluation of treatment adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and comorbidity.Materials and methods. One hundred thirty-two women (mean age: 55.5 ± 10.5 years) with proven RA (mean duration of disease: 10.2 [4; 14] years) were included in this study. Patients with moderate and high disease activity were prevalent (average DAS28: 5.0 [4.3; 5.8]). All patients had comorbidities. All patients underwent clinical examination, laboratory evaluation and imaging. Functional capacity was assessed using the Steinbroker classification (functional class — FC) and Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Pain severity was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS). Patients’ social status was assessed. Baseline adherence to treatment was evaluated using two questionnaires. Morisky-Green questionnaire was used to evaluate general adherence to treatment among 132 (100%) patients. Quantitative evaluation of treatment adherence was performed in 82 (62.1%) patients using N.A. Nikolaev questionnaire.Results. Analysis of adherence to treatment as assessed by Morisky-Green questionnaire has established that 68 (52.3%) of patients are non-adherent to treatment. Low treatment adherence as assessed by Nikolaev questionnaire was found in 33 (40.3%) of patients. Lifestyle modification was characterized by lowest adherence. Young age, lower duration of disease and lower income were predictive of higher adherence to treatment. Non-adherent patients had higher RA activity index and lower functional capacity.Conclusion. Simultaneous use of several methods to assess treatment adherence is a reasonable way to get more information about the patient and to implement therapy as planned. Evaluation of baseline adherence to treatment among patients with rheumatoid arthritis allows to develop an optimal plan for follow-up and treatment control.

This article discusses relevant aspects in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Up-to-date information about principles for administration of statins, antithrombotics, and antiarrhythmics is presented. The authors addressed in detail specific features of reversing heart rhythm disorders in patients with coronavirus infection and the interaction of antiarrhythmic and antiviral drugs. Recommendations are provided for outpatient and inpatient antithrombotic therapy for patients with COVID-19. Issues of antithrombotic and antiviral drug interaction are discussed.

Aim — to study the frequency of peripheral joint damage and the incidence of osteophytes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Materials and methods. 124 patients with ankylosing spondylitis corresponding to the international New York criteria of 1984 were examined; 84 men (67,7%). There are two groups of patients: patients aged under 40 years (n=61, men — 44 (72,1%) and over 40 years (n=63, men — 40 (63,5%). In the first group, the median age was 34 [29;38] years, in men — 34,5 [30;37,5] years, in women — 31 [27;38] year; in the second group — 50 [45;56] years, in men — 51,5 [46;54] year, in women — 48 [44;59] years. The activity of the disease was determined, and the results of radiography of the affected joints were evaluated. Results. Clinical and instrumental symptoms of arthritis at the time of study or in history had 82 (66,1%) of the 124 patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Among all patients 111 (89,5%) revealed osteophytes in the peripheral joints, of whom 72 (64,9%) patients had signs of arthritis. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis have both osteoresorption and osteoproliferation on the x-ray. Conclusion. Peripheral arthritis occurred in more than half of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and was associated with higher disease activity. Patients younger than 40 years of age are more likely to have asymmetric arthritis. Most patients had signs of osteoproliferation in the peripheral joints, and the defeat of large joints of the lower extremities prevails. In patients older than 40 years osteophytes are more often detected, more groups of joints are involved in the process, the joints of the hands and feet are affected.

Relevance. Liver abscesses remain one of the most urgent problems in abdominal surgery, reaching 2-3 cases per 100,000 people. A wide range of causes, the complexity of diagnosis and the imperfection of treatment methods reaching a high mortality, from 2 to 31% according to different authors. The abscesses developing as a complication in the postoperative period are the greatest difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. The advantage of minimally invasive technologies at the present stage of development of surgery is indisputable. However, the question remains of the indications for their use, phasing and technology of implementation. Purpose of the study. On the clinical example, to show the possibility, logic and sequence of minimally invasive treatment in a patient with multiple liver abscesses. Materials and methods. Presented a clinical case of minimally invasive treatment of postoperative complications in a patient receiving primary treatment for multiple primary cancer - cholangiocarcinoma and kidney cancer with the development of multiple liver abscesses of the ambiguous nature (cholangiogenic, pyogenic, traumatic, ischemic). Result. In the presented clinical case are presented the possibilities of a staged, minimally invasive treatment of multiple liver abscesses

Probabilistic estimates are numerical representations of chances of random event occurrence. The classical theory of probability is based on the assumption that probabilistic estimates are deterministic. If available initial data are sufficient, this kind of estimates can be really obtained. However, when such data are not available, probabilistic estimates become uncertain. This paper analyses and compares three widespread approaches to modelling uncertain estimates and provides practical recommendations on their use.

An online meeting of experts held on November 6, 2020 describes the results of EMPA-REG OUTCOME and EMPEROR-Reduced trials on sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin. We analyzed cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving empagliflozin. A number of proposals and recommendations have been adopted regarding the further study of the cardiovascular and renal effects of empagliflozin and its practical use in patients with heart failure, regardless of the T2D presence.

Summary Background Etrolizumab is a gut-targeted anti-β7 integrin monoclonal antibody. In an earlier phase 2 induction study, etrolizumab significantly improved clinical remission relative to placebo in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The HIBISCUS studies aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of etrolizumab to adalimumab and placebo for induction of remission in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Methods HIBISCUS I and HIBISCUS II were identically designed, multicentre, phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled studies of etrolizumab, adalimumab, and placebo in adult (18–80 years) patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (Mayo Clinic total score [MCS] of 6–12 with an endoscopic subscore of ≥2, a rectal bleeding subscore of ≥1, and a stool frequency subscore of ≥1) who were naive to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. All patients had an established diagnosis of ulcerative colitis for at least 3 months, corroborated by both clinical and endoscopic evidence, and evidence of disease extending at least 20 cm from the anal verge. In both studies, patients were randomly assigned (2:2:1) to receive subcutaneous etrolizumab 105 mg once every 4 weeks; subcutaneous adalimumab 160 mg on day 1, 80 mg at week 2, and 40 mg at weeks 4, 6, and 8; or placebo. Randomisation was stratified by baseline concomitant treatment with corticosteroids, concomitant treatment with immunosuppressants, and baseline disease activity. All patients and study site personnel were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was induction of remission at week 10 (defined as MCS of 2 or lower, with individual subscores of 1 or lower, and rectal bleeding subscore of 0) with etrolizumab compared with placebo. Pooled analyses of both studies comparing etrolizumab and adalimumab were examined for several clinical and endoscopic endpoints. Efficacy was analysed using a modified intent-to-treat population, defined as all randomly assigned patients who received at least one dose of study drug. These trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02163759 (HIBISCUS I), NCT02171429 (HIBISCUS II). Findings Between Nov 4, 2014, and May 25, 2020, each study screened 652 patients (HIBISCUS I) and 613 patients (HIBISCUS II). Each study enrolled and randomly assigned 358 patients (HIBISCUS I etrolizumab n=144, adalimumab n=142, placebo n=72; HIBISCUS II etrolizumab n=143; adalimumab n=143; placebo n=72). In HIBISCUS I, 28 (19·4%) of 144 patients in the etrolizumab group and five (6·9%) of 72 patients in the placebo group were in remission at week 10, with an adjusted treatment difference of 12·3% (95% CI 1·6 to 20·6; p=0·017) in favour of etrolizumab. In HIBISCUS II, 26 (18·2%) of 143 patients in the etrolizumab group and eight (11·1%) of 72 patients in the placebo group were in remission at week 10, with an adjusted treatment difference of 7·2% (95% CI –3·8 to 16·1; p=0·17). In the pooled analysis, etrolizumab was not superior to adalimumab for induction of remission, endoscopic improvement, clinical response, histological remission, or endoscopic remission; however, similar numerical results were observed in both groups. In HIBISCUS I, 50 (35%) of 144 patients in the etrolizumab group reported any adverse event, compared with 61 (43%) of 142 in the adalimumab group and 26 (36%) of 72 in the placebo group. In HIBISCUS II, 63 (44%) of 143 patients in the etrolizumab group reported any adverse event, as did 62 (43%) of 143 in the adalimumab group and 33 (46%) in the placebo group. The most common adverse event in all groups was ulcerative colitis flare. The incidence of serious adverse events in the pooled patient population was similar for etrolizumab (15 [5%] of 287) and placebo (seven [5%] of 144) and lower for adalimumab (six [2%] of 285). Two patients in the etrolizumab group died; neither death was deemed to be treatment related. Interpretation Etrolizumab was superior to placebo for induction of remission in HIBISCUS I, but not in HIBISCUS II. Etrolizumab was well tolerated in both studies. Funding F Hoffmann-La Roche.

To assess the diagnostic value of the detection of soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) and ferritin index (sTfR/log Fer) in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and anemia for the revealing absolute iron deficiency (ID).The study included 68 patients with SpA: median age 39 [34; 47] years, men: 38 (55.9%). Hemogram, C-reactive protein levels and ferrokinetics parameters were assessed, including sTfR testing by the method of quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Monobind Inc., USA). We also calculated sTfR/log Fer. Based on ferrokinetics parameters and C-reactive protein levels, chronic disease anemia (CDA), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), or their combination (CDA/IDA) were diagnosed.CDA was diagnosed in 16 patients, CDA/IDA in 32 patients, and 20 patients had no anemia. An increase in sTfR concentration in patients with CDA/IDA (1.7 [1.4; 2.2] mg/L) compared with patients with CDA (1.5 [1.1; 1.7] mg/L, p0.05) was revealed. sTfR/log Fer in patients with CDA/IDA (0.93 [0.82; 1.24]) was higher than in patients with CDA (0.64 [0.48; 0.75], p0.0001). When evaluating the ROC curves, it was found that sTfR levels 1.39 mg/L and sTfR/log Fer levels 0.83 indicate the presence of absolute ID. The area under the ROC curve for sTfR was 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.600.82, p0.001), for sTfR/log Fer 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.740.92, p0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of sTfR/log Fer (75 and 83%, respectively) were higher compared with sTfR (53 and 81%, respectively).In patients with SpA having CDA/IDA, sTfR and sTfR/log Fer are statistically significantly increased. The results obtained indicate the possibility of diagnosing ID by using these parameters.Цель. Определить диагностическую значимость исследования растворимых рецепторов трансферрина (sTfR) и ферритинового индекса (sTfR/log Fer) у пациентов со спондилоартритами (СпА) и анемией для выявления абсолютного железодефицита (ЖД). Материалы и методы. В исследование включены 68 больных СпА: медиана возраста 39 [34; 47] лет, 38 (55,9%) пациентов мужчины. Оценены гемограмма, уровень С-реактивного белка, параметры феррокинетики, в том числе исследованы sTfR методом количественного иммуноферментного анализа (Monobind Inc., США). Произведен расчет sTfR/log Fer. В зависимости от показателей феррокинетики и уровня С-реактивного белка диагностировали анемию хронического заболевания (АХЗ), железодефицитную анемию (ЖДА) или их сочетание (АХЗ/ЖДА). Результаты. АХЗ диагностирована у 16 пациентов, АХЗ/ЖДА у 32, у 20 пациентов анемия отсутствовала. Выявлено увеличение концентрации sTfR у пациентов с АХЗ/ЖДА (1,7 [1,4; 2,2] мг/л) по сравнению с больными с АХЗ (1,5 [1,1; 1,7] мг/л, p0,05). Ферритиновый индекс sTfR/log Fer у пациентов с АХЗ/ЖДА (0,93 [0,82; 1,24]) был выше, чем у больных с АХЗ (0,64 [0,48; 0,75], p0,0001). При оценке ROC-кривых установлено, что уровни sTfR1,39 мг/л и sTfR/log Fer 0,83 свидетельствуют о наличии абсолютного ЖД. Площадь под ROC-кривой для sTfR составила 0,72 (95% доверительный интервал 0,600,82, p0,001), для sTfR/log Fer 0,85 (95% доверительный интервал 0,740,92, p0,001). Наиболее высокие чувствительность и специфичность отмечены у sTfR/log Fer (75 и 83% соответственно) по сравнению с sTfR (53 и 81% соответственно). Заключение. У больных СпА с АХЗ/ЖДА статистически значимо повышены sTfR и sTfR/log Fer. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о возможности диагностики ЖД с использованием данных параметров.

Background: Anemia is a frequent comorbid conditions in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Its development is associated with the activity of the underlying disorder, and in some cases can be a complication of medical treatment. Investigation into the particulars of the anemia, its prevalence in SpA patients is of considerable interest due to the long-term inflammatory process, on the one hand, and high frequency of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage, on the other.Aim: To assess the incidence of NSAID-induced lesions of upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with SpA and anemia.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 107 patients with proven SpA (mean age, 44 [36; 53] years; SpA duration, 16 [9; 21] years; men, 61.9%) who were treated in the Department of Rheumatology, Saratov Regional Clinical Hospital, from 2017 to 2018. We assessed their blood cell counts, C-reactive protein levels, iron kinetic parameters (serum iron, transferrin, ferritin, transferrin saturation). Anemia was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. Two groups were formed depending on the presence of absolute iron deficiency: group 1, 13 patients with anemia of chronic disease (ACD), group 2, 3 patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and 26 patients with ACD + IDA. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) was performed to assess mucous membranes of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with anemia.Results: Anemia was found in 42 (39.3%) patients, 38 (90.5%) of them had mild anemia. The increase in the activity of the underlying disorder judged by changes in the laboratory markers of systemic inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels) significantly correlated with a decrease in hemoglobin concentration (r = -0.5715 and r = -0.3498 respectively, pConclusion: Anemia was found in more than one third of SpA patients, with 29 of them (69%) having laboratory signs of iron deficiency, but only 1 (3.4%) patient had NSAIDs-induced gastropathy confirmed at EGDS. NSAIDs-associated enteropathy could be the cause of iron deficiency in these patients that would require additional patient examination. The development of iron deficiency can be pathophysiologically associated to prolonged inhibition of alimentary iron absorption against the background of persistent systemic inflammation and depletion of the iron pool in the absence of gastrointestinal blood losses.

The new Sumy nuclear microprobe for high resolution applications has the same beam line with the present microprobe and uses the same object and aperture collimators. The new probe-forming system is based on five magnetic quadrupole lenses of integrated design with four independent power supplies. It consists of quadrupole doublet of the present microprobe and quadrupole triplet which is allocated after the target chamber of the present microprobe. The electrostatic scanning system of a dog-leg type is located before the triplet. The new target chamber of rectangular design has an optical microscope, secondary electron detector, charged particle detector, target stage and possibility to equip additional devices. Such configuration allows one to install two microprobes for different applications at one beam line, that significantly reduces the cost of the new facility. The present paper describes the status of the new Sumy microprobe, its beam optics and design.

Spondyloarthritides (SpAs) is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the spine, joints, and entheses characterized by common clinical, radiological, and genetic features. According to international guidelines, one of the main goals of SpA treatment is to ensure the longest possible preservation of the patient's quality of life (QOL). The use of biological agents (BAs) allows rapid clinical improvement and positively affects QOL in patients.Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of BAs on QOL in patients with SpA in real clinical practice.Patients and methods. A total of 280 patients with SpA were examined. The inclusion criteria were ≥18 years of age; compliance of the clinical picture of the disease with the ASAS criteria for axial SpA (2009) or peripheral SpA (2011); and signing the informed consent form. Disease activity was assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS); the functional status of the patients was estimated by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and their spinal mobility was evaluated by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI); ASAS HI was used to comprehensively evaluate the impact of SpA on the patient's health. The European QL EQ-5D-5L and the SF-36 questionnaire were applied to determine quality of life in the patients.Results and discussion. The patients' mean age was 40.19±11.9 years; there was a male preponderance (64%); the HLA-B7-pisitive patients were 78%. The median scores were 5.40 [3.12; 6.80] for BASDAI, 3.37 [2.58; 4.15] for ASDAS, 5.30 [2.60; 7.50] for BASFI, 4.00 [2.60; 6.15] for BASMI, and 9.00 [7.00; 12.00] for ASAS HI. Forty-four patients received a variety of BAs. Patients receiving and not receiving BAs were matched for age and gender; however, the patients on biological therapy (BT) had longer disease duration and lower disease activity according to the ASDAS. There were no statistically significantly difference between the two groups in disease activity according to the BASDAI and in functional disorders according to the BASFI; but there was a tendency towards lower values in the patients on BT. Comparison of QOL in the patients of the two groups revealed statistically significant differences in SF-36 pain scale scores (p=0.02) and EQ-5D-5L indicators (pConclusion. BT makes it possible to successfully achieve one of the main goals of treating patients with SpA, namely to preserve QOL. The patients receiving BAs had longer disease duration, while they were comparable to those not receiving this treatment in terms of the degree of functional disorders.

Introduction.The incidence of cholangitis varied from 9 % to 33 % after the insertion of transpapillary external-internal endobiliary drainage. In case of proximal bile obstruction, the method of suprapapillary insertion of external-internal drainage were widely used for prevention of purulent complications. But it was impossible to use this method in case of distal bile obstruction. The choice of initial decompression method for distal bile duct obstruction (external only or transpapillary external-internal drainage) was unclear.The objectivewas to improve results of primary percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with jaundice and distal bile duct obstruction.Material and methods.As a primary decompression method, percutaneous transhepatic endobiliary interventions under ultrasound and X-ray control were performed in 81 patients with distal bile duct obstruction. External-internal transpapillary drainage were performed in 30 patients, only external drainage – in 21 patients and in 31 patients we used original combined technique (compilation of external and external-internal transpapillary drainage).Results.Intraoperative and early postoperative complications were noticed in 23 patient (28 %). Complications in the group of external endobiliary drainage were observed in 4 (19 %) patients. In the group of external-internal drainage, complication rate was 53.3 % (16 patients). At the same time, purulent complications were noted in 30 % of cases (9 people). In case of using combined external-internal drainage, no purulent complications was diagnosed. In the treatment of all complications, minimally invasive methods were successfully used.Conclusion.Our results showed advantages of the original combined technique due to the absence of the risk of purulent complications, and ensuring transpapillary access at the same time.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death throughout the world. Early detection of target organ damage is important for more successful prevention of cardiovascular diseases and improvement of patient outcomes. One of these target organs is the vascular wall, and its damage consists in loss of elastic properties and increase in stiffness. Many studies have shown that the increasing stiffness of the vascular wall is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Objective: To evaluate parameters of the ambulatory arterial stiffness monitoring in patients with bronchial asthma. Materials and methods. The study enrolled 119 patients with asthma. The group of control included 30 practically healthy volunteers comparable by gender and age with the patients of the main group. Each patient underwent ambulatory blood pressure and arterial stiffness monitoring using BPLab MnSDP-2 device (Petr Telegin, Russia). Results: In patients with asthma higher values of augmentation index, arterial stiffness index and pulse wave velocity in the aorta in comparison with patients of the control group, as well as violation of the 24-hour profile of arterial stiffness were noted. Conclusion. Patients with asthma demonstrated significantly increased arterial stiffness in comparison with control group.

The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) Health Index (HI) is a comprehensive tool for quantifying the health of patients with axial (ax) spondyloarthritis (SpA), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS). ASAS HI was developed on the basis of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The questionnaire contains 17 questions, each of which is associated with a specific ICF pool (pain, emotions, sleep, sexual function, ambulation, self-care, and communication).Objective: to study the psychometric properties of the Russian-language version of ASAS HI.Subjects and methods. Examinations were made in 245 patients older than 18 years with axSpA or peripheral SpA, who met the ASAS criteria. The main psychometric properties of a questionnaire, such as validity, reliability (reproducibility), and sensitivity, were evaluated. SpA activity was assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS); the functional status of the patients was estimated by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and their spinal mobility was evaluated by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). The short-form 36 (SF-36) health questionnaire and the 5-dimensional EQ-5D version (EuroQoL) were used to assess quality of life in SpA patients. Patient satisfaction with their health status was estimated using the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) index.Results and discussion. The median age of the patients enrolled in the investigation was 39.5 [28.00; 48.00] years; disease duration – 102.5 [23.0; 196.5] months; there were 64.58% of men were and 78% of HLA-B27 positive patients. The median scores were for: BASDAI, 5.40 [3.20; 6.80]; ASDAS, 3.19 [2.55; 4.15]; BASFI, 5.60 [2.60; 7.50]; BASMI, 4.20 [3.00; 6.60]; ASAS HI, 9.00 [7.00; 12.00]; ASAS EF Items Set, 4.00 [3.00; 7.00]. There were statistically significant relationships between ASAS HI scores and C-reactive protein levels (Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.56), BASDAI (r=0.62), BASFI (r=0.67), ASDAS (r=0.38), BASMI (r=0.46), and patient's global assessment on a visual analogue scale (VAS) (r=0.49; pConclusion. This study confirmed validity, reproducibility, and sensitivity to changes of the Russian-language version of ASAS HI for patients in the Russian Federation.

The objective of the study — to describe a clinical case of severe juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis in a patient with persistently recurrent uveitis.Materials and methods. Patient I., 43 years old, was constantly monitored since the age of 26 at the Department of Reumatology of the Saratov Regional Clinical Hospital with ankylosing spondylitis, an early onset of exstra-skeletal manifestations in the form of frequently recurring uveitis, and a number of complications.Results. Some complications, which caused complete loss of vision in both eyes, occurred during the observation period due to poor treatment adherence.Conclusion. The clinical observation presents some features of the disease, course treatment and the development of complications in the patient with ankylosing spondylitis and recurrent uveitis.

Objective: to study the efficacy and safety of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment with monoclonal antibodies to interleukin 6 receptors (IL6R) – sarilumab (SAR) in combination with methotrexate (MT).Subjects and methods. The study included adult patients with moderate or severe RA and inadequate effect of MT monotherapy. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to subgroups receiving SAR (at doses of 150 or 200 mg) or placebo (PL) every 2 weeks in combination with a weekly intake of MT for 52 weeks. The primary endpoints of the study included the achievement of ACR20 after 24 weeks, the change of HAQ-DI after 16 weeks and assessment of radiological progression of joint destruction (modified total Sharp score mTSS) after 52 weeks.Results and discussion. In general, the initial characteristics of patients were similar in all groups. A statistically significant improvement of all three primary endpoints was found in the groups of patients treated with SAR 150 and 200 mg compared to the group of PL. ACR20 response after 24 weeks was achieved in 53.6% (pConclusion. Both doses of SAR (150 and 200 mg every 2 weeks) in combination with MT demonstrated sustained clinical efficacy in patients with RA, which was confirmed by a significant improvement in symptomatic, functional and radiographic outcomes. SAR therapy was generally well tolerated. The adverse events observed in this study were consistent with the effects of the IL6 blockade.

Aim.To elucidate clinical and diagnostic features of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Materials and methods.The study included 239 patients with COPD and 42 patients with CHF without COPD. The first subgroup consisted of 60 patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and the second subgroup consisted of 79 patients without a history of MI. A general clinical examination, EchoCG, measurements of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), galectin 3, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were performed for all patients.Results.The risk group for excluding HF as a cause of progressive dyspnea in COPD patients consisted of patients with the bronchitic phenotype who belonged to GOLD groups C and D with frequent exacerbations, increased hsCRP, reduced oxygen saturation, and impaired exercise tolerance. Patients with a history of MI constituted a special group of risk. Measuring specific biomarkers, primarily BNP or NT-proBNP, is recommended to confirm the presence/absence of CHF and to evaluate CHF severity in patients with these risk factors.Conclusion.A combination of COPD and CHF produces a number of clinical and, specifically, diagnostic problems, which have not been completely solved so far.

ASAS health index (ASAS HI) is a comprehensive tool developed on the basis of the international system of ICF (the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) to quantify the health of patients with spondyloarthritis (SPA), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS). ASAS HI is a questionnaire containing 17 questions, each related to a specific ICF pool (pain, emotions, sleep, sexual function, mobility, self-care and communication). ASAS HI additionally includes 9 questions (ASAS EF Item Set) to assess the impact of environmental factors on the health of the patient with SPA. The aim is a Russian translation and adaptation of the ASAS HI (including ASAS EF Item Set). Material and methods. Translation of ASAS HI and ASAS EF Item Set from English into Russian and its adaptation were carried out in five stages: the stage of direct translation; the stage of synthesis of translations and formation of the Russian version; the stage of reverse translation from Russian into English; the stage of comparison of the original English-language questionnaire with the result of reverse translation and the formation of the final Russian-language version; field test. Results and discussion. Three researchers performed an independent translation of ASAS HI (including ASAS EF Item Set), after which the fourth researcher created and agreed on a single Russian version of the questionnaire. Then two volunteers, for whom English is the main language, performed a reverse translation of ASAS HI from Russian into English (reverse translation). An independent researcher has compared the original and the resulting reverse translated English version of the ASAS HI, and then the three translators performed the joint correction of the text of the three questions, differing in English-language versions. The obtained second Russian-language version of ASAS HI (including ASAS EF Item Set) was tested by 10 patients with SPA: AS – 60%; non-radiological axial spondylitis (NR axSPA) – 40%, men – 60%; mean age – 32±12 years; duration of symptoms – 7.5±2.2 years; BASDAI index – 3.39±3.04; ASAS HI – 6,96±3,35.The average time to fill the questionnaire – 2,2±1,18 min. Patients rated the Russian version of the questionnaire as clear, easy to fill in and comprehensively characterizing health problems related to SPA. The results of testing Russian-speaking patients are comparable with the results obtained in testing 206 patients with SPA from 19 non-English-speaking and 4 English-speaking countries (AS – 65%; men – 59.7%; mean age – 42.4±13.9 years; duration of symptoms – 11.2±11.0 years; BASDAI – 3.8±2.3; ASAS HI – 7.1±4.4; filling time – 2.6±1.6 min). Conclusion. During the study translation and adaptation of the Russian version of ASAS HI, which is a tool for comprehensive assessment of health and function of patients with SPA, including AS were performed.

Objectives. To analyze the causes of the non-use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID) and discontinuation of previously used NSAID treatment in patients with chronic nonspecific back pain (CBP). Materials and methods. Treatment was analyzed in 250 patients with CBP initially and at one and two years. Results and conclusions. A total of 52 CBP patients (20.8%) did not receive NSAID, 38 patients (15.2%) consistently received NSAID frequently (on four or more days per week), 44 patients (17.6%) received NSAID consistently at low frequency (on three or fewer days per week), 62 patients (24.8%) received courses of NSAID, and 54 (21.6%) received NSAID as needed. The absence of NSAID treatment in CBP was associated with older age, the presence of comorbid states, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity. Discontinuation of previously used NSAID was equally linked with resolution of pain and the failure to respond to treatment, with excess body weight, and use of nonselective NSAID. Continuation of effective anti-inflammatory treatment was associated with the use of coxibs, use of Neurobion, normal body weight, and achievement of reductions in pain syndrome even if complete resolution was not attained. Increases in treatment compliance could be achieved by increasing efficacy by using NSAID (especially coxibs) in complex with group B vitamins (B1, B6, B12), normalization of body mass index, and effective control of liver function.

Quality by Design encouraged by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the continuous flow synthesis requires tight monitoring of all the reaction input and output parameters to improve reproducibility and eliminate the process rejects. The reaction monitoring, however, relies on costly (above 10,000$) process analytical technology (PAT) – one of the factors that prevents a wider utilisation of continuous processes. In the work, we show that gas-liquid reactions can be monitored using low-cost (10$) hardware – optical liquid inline sensors – that allows instantaneous analysis of gas fraction in the moving stream. We discuss the application of the sensor for various gas-liquid reactions. The gas-consuming reactions such as hydrogenation are the easiest to implement because the sensor without calibration provides accurate readings close to complete consumption of the gas. The gas-evolving reactions can be monitored but require sensor calibration to determine the gas fraction accurately. Operation of the sensor was demonstrated for various hydrogenation reactions self-optimised using a proportional-integral (PID) algorithm which adjusted the substrate concentration to provide high (but not full) pre-defined hydrogen consumption. The optimised hydrogen consumption agreed with the product analysis for a range of the substrates hydrogenated under various pressures and with different selectivities. The optical sensor was also proven to be an efficient tool in adapting the reaction condition to the catalyst deactivation in the reaction of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol semi-hydrogenation – the autonomous reactor allowed reaching a turn-over number (TON) of 2.7·106 with the value of 1.5·107 expected till a twofold decrease in the catalyst activity. The TON values demonstrated are significantly higher than those observed in batch reactors (~103) even in case of catalyst re-use (105) demonstrating a substantial improvement of process sustainability operating with the process control.\ud \ud

Progress and significant changes in the approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis determine the need for a comprehensive study of comorbidities in rheumatologic patients. Aim. The evaluation the occurrence of comorbidities in patients with inflammatory diseases of the spine and joints and the assessment of the general changes in comorbidities at the beginning of the XXI century compared to previous period. Materials and methods. Comorbidity was analyzed in 245 patients with spondyloarthritis who participated in the scientific program PROGRESS. Validated comorbidity assessment indices were used in the study. The analysis of 96 sources of literary bases RISC and PubMed were used in literature analysis. The results of their own observation and literary search were compared. Results and discussion. According to the patients’ cards, an analysis of the structure of comorbidities was conducted in 221 patients: 207 (93.66%) patients with spondyloarthritis had two or more comorbidities. The most common diseases were diseases of gastrointestinal tract (60.6%) and cardiovascular pathology (58.3%), secondary osteoarthritis (60.2%). According to literature sources, most of the comorbidities and spondyloarthritis are interrelated pathogenetically and undergo a change in the profile of rheumatic and/or related diseases undergo simultaneous changes. The emergence of new diseases in the structure of comorbidity and new drugs requires the development of recommendations that take into account the presence of comorbidity in patients with a rheumatic diseases. Conclusion. Most patients with spondyloarthritis has comorbidity. The change in rheumatic and non-rheumatic diseases that occurs in the 21st century has a mutual influence, changing the profile of patients and determining the change in the tactics of their management.

Introduction Structural and functional changes of the vascular wall in women occur already at the very early stages of reproductive aging. An emergence of applanation tonometry made it possible to evaluate arterial stiffness and central hemodynamic parameters non-invasively, which considerably expanded the information that had been provided previously by invasive methods used for studying these parameters during cardiac catheterization. Whereas a few studies have assessed central aortic pressure (CAP) parameters and reflected pulse wave in women at different phases of their reproductive aging, none investigated the daily profile of CAP and reflected pulse wave parameters in women undergoing different stages of the menopause. Background: assessment of the daily variability in CAP and daily profile of amplification and augmentation of pulse blood pressure (PBP) in women at different menopause phases. Methods The study involved 384 climacteric women. The first group included 168 women undergoing perimenopause, the second group comprised of 216 women in their early postmenopausal stage. A 24-h blood pressure (BP) monitoring in the brachial artery and aorta (BPLab® Vasotens® system, Petr Telegin LLC, Russia) was performed via the measurements of the following indicators: systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse blood pressure (PBP), central aortic systolic pressure (CASP), central aortic pulse pressure (CAPP), aortic augmentation index (AIxao), and pulse pressure amplification (PPA). Results When investigating PPA values in the brachial artery and aorta, we detected smaller amplification and higher aortic augmentation index at night than in daytime, which reflected a disproportionately higher CAP level during night hours. This pattern was more pronounced in postmenopausal women. We calculated the logistic regression equation (adjusted R2 = 0.49, log-likelihood = − 50.3, chi-square (19) = 97.6, p Conclusion Rising CAP, in combination with declining PPA and augmenting reflected pulse wave amplitude, may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.