bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a herbal preparation in the therapy of acute tonzillopharyngitis in children
Authors: Borisova O. V. , Bochkareva N. M. , Polezhaeva N. S. , Frank A. A. , Yashkina O. N.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Tonsillopharyngitis often accompanies the course of acute respiratory infections in children (up to 12-15%). The use of systemic antibacterial drugs for viral etiology of the disease has not been shown, therefore, the interest of researchers in the use of herbal products is increasing. In numerous clinical trials conducted around the world, the liquid extract of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides EPs® 7630 has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of acute respiratory infections, acute tonsillopharyngitis, rhinosinusitis, acute bronchitis in adults and children.

Objective of the study: assessment of the efficacy and safety of the drug EPs® 7630 (Umckalor) in acute tonsillopharyngitis of non-streptococcal etiology in children 2-6 years old on an outpatient basis.

Materials and methods. A prospective analysis of cases of treatment with Umckalor for acute tonsillopharyngitis of non-streptococcal etiology against the background of acute respiratory infection in children 2-6 years old (n = 23, group 1) was carried out.

The comparison group (2) consisted of children receiving standard therapy (n = 22). Systemic antibiotics and antiviral drugs were not used in all patients. The study was conducted over 6 months (2019-2020). The research results were processed using the Statistica 7.0 software (StatSoft, USA).

Results and discussion. Therapy with Umckalor in children with acute tonsillopharyngitis contributed to the elimination of the main clinical symptoms of the disease on the 4th day of treatment (efficiency was 69.9%, p < 0.05). The most persistent symptom was hyperemia of the tonsils and oropharynx. The period of convalescence occurred 2 days earlier than in the children of group 2 (p < 0.05). Umckalor was well tolerated, no side effects of the drug were identified.

Conclusions. The drug Umckalor can be recommended for monotherapy for 7 days in patients with acute non-streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis on an outpatient basis with mild and moderate disease.
Experience of using synbiotics in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children
Authors: Malanicheva T. G. , Ziatdinova N. V. , Gataullina G. S.
Published: November 2021

In current conditions, traditional antiallergic therapy for atopic dermatitis does not always help to achieve timely remission, so the development of effective therapy methods is a very topical task. The promising direction of probiotics in combination with prebiot-ics, including the original mono-strain synbiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® at optimal high concentration of 4 х 109 CFU and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides 800 mg is drawing attention. This article presents data in a clinical case format. This article presents its own data in a clinical case format. The clinical case 1 showed that administration of synbiotic in 1 sachet 1 time per day for 14 days in the composition therapeutic diet during the period of complex antiallergic therapy to a 5-month-old child with a moderate course of atopic dermatitis resulted in a pronounced positive dynamics and achievement of remission on the 10th day after the treatment start against normalization of stool. Prior to this, the child had received only antiallergic therapy, which led to improvement of the skin process, but full clinical remission could not be achieved. Clinical case 2 showed the effectiveness of synbiotic in the composition therapeutic diet during the period of comprehensive antiallergic therapy in a 10-month-old child with a mild course of atopic dermatitis. From day 2 of treatment there was a significant positive dynamics in the skin process. On day 12, remission was achieved: relief of acute inflammatory elements on the face and at the elbows on the background of increased lactobaciUus content from 104 to 106 CFU/g of feces and bifidobacteria from 107 to 109 CFU/g of feces. Clinical case 3 demonstrates the efficacy of synbiotic in 2 sachets once a day for 14 days in a 9-year-old child with atopic dermatitis of moderate severity with a continuously relapsing course. From the 4th day of the beginning of the complex therapy positive dynamics in the skin process was noted, on the 14th day partial remission was achieved: erythematous elements on the back and extremities were eliminated, signs of hyperemia, infiltration and scratching disappeared against the background of stool normalization. Signs of dryness and slight lichenification persisted. Thus, these clinical examples demonstrate a high efficacy of synbiotic treatment in the complex antiallergic therapy of atopic dermatitis in children.
The efficacy and safety of the cytomucoprotector gelatin tannate in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children
Authors: Meskina E. R. , Ushakova A. Yu. , Khadisova M. K. , Stashko T. V. , Antonenko A. N.
Published: November 2021

Introduction.Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality. The use of cytomuco-protectors that stabilize the intestinal barrier can increase the effectiveness of treatment.

The aimis to determine the gelatin tannate (GT) clinical efficacy, safety and antiviral activity in AGE in children admitted to the hospital.

Materials and methods.An open, prospective, randomized study included 52 children <7 years of age with AGE. The intervention group (n = 28) received GT, which was administered orally at 250 mg to children <3 years of age and 500 mg to children £ 3 years of age 4 times a day for 7 days. The severity of AGE (Vizikari scale: 10-14 points and CDC: 1-5 points) in parallel groups was significant. Standard treatment included rehydration and probiotic B. bifidum 1 (15 * 108 CFU / day in three divided doses). Antibiotic therapy (ABT) was received by 50% of children from each group. Fecal samples at screening and on the 7th day of treatment were examined in Real-time PCR with the determination of nucleic acids of rotaviruses A, noro-, adeno-, astro- and enteroviruses. The viral etiology of AGE was confirmed in 53.8%, salmonellosis - in 3.8% and campylobacteriosis - in 1.9% of patients.

Results.GT reduced the risk of diarrhea on day 5 by 32% [95% confidence interval 14-50%] OR 0.25 [0.11-0.25] and by 14% [4-24%] by day 7. In the GT group, on day 7 of treatment, all patients had normal stool consistency. GT reduced the time for stool normalization by 1.3 days [0.2-2.3]. A more significant effect was obtained in patients with risk factors for insufficient treatment efficacy and in patients with inflammatory AGE requiring ABT. In those who received GT, a decrease in the concentration of viruses in feces was found, in the control - no statistical differences. The recurrence of AGE symptoms during hospital treatment was recorded with a frequency of 3.6% and 16.7%, respectively (p = 0.111).

Conclusions.GT significantly reduced the risks of incomplete therapy effect by day 7 of treatment and the average positiveness of stool normalization. Trends in the antiviral action of GT and its positive effect on the incidence of nosocomial viruses.
Clinical and echographic signs of acute kidney injury in premature babies born with very low and extremely low body weight
Authors: Zakharova I. N. , Sugian N. G.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. One of the urgent issues in the first stage of nursing premature infants is acute kidney injury. The incidence of neonatal acute kidney injury in developing countries is 3.9/1000 live births, with 34.5/1000 among neonatal intensive care patients.

The aim of the study was to establish echographic signs of acute kidney injury in deeply premature infants in the neonatal period.

Materials and methods. 24 children with clinical and laboratory signs of acute kidney injury “AKI+” and 76 children without signs of acute kidney injury “AKI-“. All the children included in the study were born with a body weight of less than 1500 g and a gestation period of less than 32 weeks and were in the neonatal intensive care unit. To clarify the nature of the detected changes, a scientific analysis of the results of pathoanatomic studies of 55 deceased preterm infants was carried out.

Results. In all children from the “AKI+” group, there was a pronounced diffuse-uneven increase in the echogenicity of the parenchyma, there was a depletion of the vascular pattern in the subcapsular zone and/or in the cortical layer of the parenchyma, in 25% of patients on the 5th-15th day of life, anechogenic formations without signs of blood flow, with a diameter of 1-3 mm in the cortical layer were noted. The changes had a bilateral nature of the lesion, with further observation they were gradually reduced and by 3 ± 2 months of life they were not determined during ultrasound of the kidneys.

Discussion. Acute kidney injury is an urgent problem of preterm infants born with very low and extremely low body weight. The article presents the results of ultrasound examination of the kidneys in comparison with clinical and laboratory indicators and the results of pathomorphological studies. As a result of the study, the most characteristic ultrasound signs of acute kidney injury were identified, which are an uneven diffuse increase in the echogenicity of the renal parenchyma, small anechoic avascular inclusions (cysts) of the parenchyma, depletion of renal blood flow.

Conclusions. Renal ultrasonography is an informative method, but echographic changes may be labile depending on the clinical course of the disease, and the absence of anechogenic masses in the parenchyma may be due to technical limitations of the ultrasonography method. It requires further monitoring and continued vigilance of the pediatrician and pediatric nephrologist.
Topical therapy of dermatoses in children with complex localizations
Authors: Kovaleva J. S. , Orobei M. V. , Zyablitskaya N. K. , Bishevskaya N. K.
Published: November 2021

The skin of children has its own anatomical and physiological characteristics, the epidermis is much thinner than in adults, the layers of the dermis and basement membrane are poorly developed and differentiated, the rate of transepidermal water loss is increased and the level of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is reduced. Such a structure of the skin predisposes to a violation of its barrier function, contributes to the occurrence of skin diseases, provides an increased resorptive capacity of the skin and requires special attention when prescribing external therapy. The use of high-quality emollients is an important part of the basic treatment of chronic dermatoses and has its own characteristics in childhood. The use of emollients prevents the development of exacerbations and reduces the need for anti-inflammatory topical drugs. With the localization of the inflammatory process on the face, neck, genitals and large folds, it is necessary to give preference to short courses of topical glucocorticosteroids (THCS) with sufficient anti-inflammatory activity, rapid onset of action, minimal side effects. Given the high risk of side effects in children in these areas of the skin, strong fluorinated THCS, high-potency THCS, and the use of THCS under occlusive dressings are not recommended. The Russian experience of using 0.1% methylprednisolone aceponate in children of various age groups in the treatment of allergic dermatoses, including those with localization in sensitive areas, has shown good efficacy, tolerance and the absence of side effects. he article presents own clinical observations of the effectiveness of the use of combination therapy: an emollient agent - a special cream with physiological lipids omega 3-6-9 and cream methylprednisolone aceponate (with ceramides in the base) in the treatment of skin diseases in children with an emphasis on complex localizations, such as face, folds, genital area.
Use of topical reparative creams for sensitive and atopic skin in children
Authors: Kovalevskaya-Kucheryavenko T. V.
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in allergy pathology among the pediatric population. One in five children at a pediatrician’s consultation has an allergic disease or has a history of allergy, or manifestations of an atopic constitution. Also, in recent years, the term «sensitive skin» has become increasingly common in the medical literature. It is an independent syndrome that manifests itself in two forms: objective, in which the syndrome clinic is observed in parallel with the skin disease, and subjective when the manifestations of the syndrome occur in healthy skin. The main manifestations of sensitive skin syndrome are burning, itching, and tingling sensations, as well as thickening and dryness of the skin in response to environmental factors. Often, sensitive skin is associated with the most common skin pathology of childhood - atopic dermatitis. This association obliges the use of combined external therapy in practice. Topical glucocorticosteroids in the form of monotherapy or combination with antibacterial and/or antifungal agents are designed to control the dynamics of inflammation and lead to the achievement and prolongation of remission. However, the combination of anti-inflammatory agents with reparative creams is more effective because it enhances the healing processes of the damaged skin.

The article describes clinical cases of skin treatment in children with a history of allergies, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome. The therapy used restorative agents of dermocosmetics in the example of reparative cream. Clinical examples showed high efficacy of the combination of topical anti-inflammatory agents and reparative cream. This combination led to a more rapid reduction of dryness and itching, the intensity of inflammation, contributed to the rapid recovery of damaged skin, increased adherence to treatment by patients and patient’s parents.
Features of neurological and psychomotoral development of premature children born by IVF and naturally
Authors: Druzhrnina N. A. , Merzlyakova D. R. , Akhmetshin R. Z. , Khafizova N. R. , Shiryaeva G. P. , Shagarova S. V.
Published: November 2021

Introduction.The use of in vitro fertilization methods plays an important role in overcoming the childlessness of families, but they must be combined with the success of nursing premature newborns to increase the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies. Children with very or extremely low body weight are at risk of increased rates of infant mortality and disability. The study of the state of health and the analysis of the psychomotor/neurological status of such children is extremely important due to the study of the possibilities of reducing the frequency of negative outcomes.

Aim.A study during the first 3 years of neurological/psychomotor development in premature infants diagnosed with extremely low/very low body weight, born as a result of in vitro fertilization and naturally.

Materials and methods.Studies of neurological/psychomotor development in premature infants have been carried out. The study included 189 infants diagnosed with prematurity at birth. The studies were carried out on the basis of the intensive care unit and the department of prematurity and neonatal pathology at the Republican Children’s Clinical Hospital (Ufa). Then, for 3 years, regular observation was carried out in the follow-up room in the same institution. Dynamic assessment of neurological and psychomotor status was performed using the Clinical Adaptive Test and Clinical linguistic and auditory milestone scales, as well as Gross Motor testing.

Results and discussion. It was found that the incidence of neurological morbidity related to developmental delay is significantly higher in children born as a result of in vitro fertilization than in those conceived naturally. Thus, the number of children lagging behind in speech development at the age of up to 1 year is 59.1/59.6 and 52.1/52.3% when diagnosed with very low and extremely low body weight.

Conclusion.The dynamics of the average coefficient of speech development in children conceived artificially did not reach (less than 75) normal values by the age of 3, and in the control group, the coefficient of speech development was normalized. There is no significant difference between very low and extremely low body weight children.
A case report of Potter’s syndrome in a newborn
Authors: Shidakov I. H. , Shavtikova A. T. , Dzhibabova F. A.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Potter’s sequence is a very rare and severe syndromic complex that includes congenital kidney defects leading to oligohydramnios, lung hypoplasia and structural skeletal disorders. Clinical case presentation: observation of a boy born from the 5th pregnancy to the mother at 37 weeks. Antenatally, the fetus was found to have bilateral renal and urinary bladder agenesis, malformations of the limbs, but the parents refused to terminate the pregnancy. After birth, the child was diagnosed with Potter’s syndrome with severe hypoplasia of the lungs, which required mechanical ventilation. In 2 hours after birth, the child developed a tension pneumothorax, which was arrested by performing drainage of the pleural cavity. During the day, the patient received complex treatment in the intensive care unit, despite which, by the 2nd day of life, the death of the child occurred. Currently, there are no guidelines for the treatment of Potter syndrome with proven positive long-term outcomes.

Discussion. Children with Potter syndrome do not have the same set of symptoms, but they develop a chain of events leading to a common ultimate result - decreased amount of amniotic fluid. Abnormalities leading to oligohydramnios may include severe hypoplasia, dysplasia, polycystic, obstructive uropathy or renal agenesis. In most cases, the disease occurs sporadically, but there are also forms with transmission of the disorder through successive generations: autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance of polycystic disease, hereditary renal dysplasia caused by mutations in RET, UPK3A genes and other chromosomal abnormalities.

Conclusion. Potter syndrome is a set of severe syndromes manifested by abnormalities in the development of kidneys, oligohydramnios, leading to lung hypoplasia, skeletal disorders and other congenital anomalies. The severity of congenital defects included in the set depends on the time periods when oligohydramnios occurred. Despite the availability of experimental therapies, the disease is now considered to be fatal.
Pulmonary hypertension in children with chronic bronchopulmonary pathology: a pulmonologist’s perspective to the problem
Authors: Shudueva A. R. , Mizernitskiy Yu. L. , Groznova O. S. , Agapitov L. I.
Published: November 2021

The respiratory diseases are consistently ranked first in the morbidity pattern among children and adolescents in the Russian Federation. Registry data show that 10-12% of children with pulmonary hypertension have PH-associated chronic lung pathology. Pulmonary hypertension as a life-threatening complication of such chronic lung diseases as hypersensitive pneumonitis, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma, etc. aggravates the severity of their clinical course and has a great impact on the outcome of the disease. The article summarizes modern data on pulmonary hypertension in children of various ages associated with chronic bronchopulmonary pathology. The issues of classification, pathogenetic mechanisms, criteria and modern methods of diagnosis and treatment, as well as prognosis are considered. The authors come to the conclusion that despite the in-depth study of the pathogenetic aspects of the development of pulmonary hypertension in chronic bronchopulmonary pathology in children, which has recently made it possible to shed light on the understanding of many of its aspects, it should be admitted that the problem as a whole is far from being resolved. Early detection and treatment of pulmonary hemodynamic pathology is extremely important to prevent the formation of cor pulmonale. Pulmonary hypertension, which complicates the chronic lung diseases, is still incurable and is associated with high mortality. Now, young patients with pulmonary hypertension are still often examined and treated using guidelines for adult patients. However, differences in etiology, clinical presentations and diagnostic capabilities require a special approach to studying this problem in children, which raises the question of the need to develop separate clinical guidelines for pediatric practice.
Non-pharmacological therapy for infantile colic
Authors: Zhdanova S. I. , Mustafina-Bredikhina D. M. , Levadnaya A. V. , Sadykova D. I. , Babintseva A. A.
Published: November 2021

Infant colic is an inconsolable cry of unknown cause in healthy babies. Observed in about 20% of infants, the most common reason for seeking medical attention at an early age. Colic is associated with maternal stress and the most significant risk factor for shaken baby syndrome, and can also cause premature breastfeeding termination. Informing and supporting parents with crying babies is increasingly important, and some guidelines recommend it as a cornerstone of intervention in families with a baby with colic. Because of the high quality randomized trials, none of the behavioral, dietary, pharmacological, or alternative interventions can be recommended as the only effective treatment. Unfortunately, many mothers around the world associate their child’s anxiety with “dietary mistakes” in their diets, leading to further dietary restrictions as a preventative measure. At the same time, according to the recommendations of the experts of the IV Rome Criteria, dietary restrictions for infant colic in breastfeeding mothers can be recommended only if there is a suspicion of suspicion of tolerance of cow’s milk protein. It is also possible for any type of feeding to prescribe fennel and chamomile preparations, in particular, in the form of aqueous infusions, and when breastfeeding it is desirable to use a bottle and excessively large volumes, which can reduce the amount of milk in a woman. It is desirable to exclude unreasonable dietary restrictions in breastfeeding mothers by excluding the so-called “gas-forming products” and ineffective therapy, in particular simethicone preparations.
How to relieve a baby’s teething pain?
Authors: Safina A. I.
Published: November 2021

Teething of temporary teeth in children is a natural and physiological process. However, in some cases, it can be accompanied by numerous unpleasant symptoms, such as fever, decreased appetite, anxiety in the child, sleep disturbance and indigestion. Knowledge of the physiology of teething, anatomical and physiological characteristics and factors affecting the process of teething of temporary teeth in children is important for the timely provision of assistance to such children. The article describes in detail the duration of teething, mechanisms, age and constitutional peculiarities during teething, the causes of pathological teething (dentitio difficiLis). The authors provided symptoms and differential diagnosis of delayed eruption of the teeth - the teething syndrome and presented methods and techniques for reducing pain intensity. The advantages and disadvantages of the main drugs that are used to treat the teething syndrome are also outlined: anti-infLammatory drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), topical drugs (gels, ointments), homeopathic preparations. Particular attention is paid to the advantages of homeopathic combination preparations, which are highly effective, safe and provide a minimal pharmacological Load on the child’s body. CLinicaL cases of children aged 6.5 months and 8 months with teething symptoms and the use of a homeopathic combination preparation are presented. Positive changes were observed: heaLth improvement, anxiety reLief, fever reLief, appetite improvement. This case has demonstrated how non-drug measures, mother support and homeopathic preparations can effectiveLy heLp treat the baby’s teething syndrome without using non-steroidaL anti-infLammatory drugs and topicaL preparations.
Topical antibiotics for acute rhinosinusitis in children
Authors: Karpova E. P. , Tulupov D. A. , Grabovskaya V. A.
Published: November 2021

The authors presented an overview of the existing data on inhalation therapy with antibacterial drugs in acute rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis in children. The overview includes general information about the etiology and features of the course of acute rhinosinusitis. It also contains indications for systemic and topical antibiotic therapy in acute rhinosinusitis specified in the Russian clinical guidelines. The advantages of using a combination preparation of thiampheni-col and N-acetylcysteine by inhalation therapy for acute rhinosinusitis in children and adults are considered separately. A clinical case of a 15-year-old female patient with complaints of persistent rhinitis over the past 4-5 years is discussed. Historical information: a patient had a runny nose over the last 4-5 years: persistent, viscous nasal discharge with moderate nasal congestion. Nasal symptoms worsened with episodes of acute respiratory illness, and nasal discharge became mucopurulent. The child was preliminarily diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (incomplete remission), moderate course. To reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease, which were present at the time of examination, the following were recommended: daily one-to-two irrigation of the nasal cavity with slightly hypertonic (1.5-3%) solutions of sea water, followed by a toilet of the nasal cavity; in case of episodes of colds with the appearance of mucopurulent secretions, inhalation therapy in a pulsating mode of the inhaler with a solution of thiamphenicol and N-acetylcysteine at a dose of 500 mg once a day (in the first half of the day) for the next 10 days and further; the use of a nasal spray of mometasone furoate, 200 mcg per day during inhalation therapy for another 3 weeks. At the follow-up examination after 10 days of treatment, the patient reported a significant decrease in the severity of nasal symptoms, which coincided with an improvement in the rhinoscopic status. It can be concluded that the use of topical antibacterial drugs by inhalation therapy for acute rhinosinusitis, despite all its advantages, is not an equivalent substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in the treatment of severe and especially complicated forms of the disease. The inhalation therapy is recommended in the presence of indications for systemic antibiotic therapy, since it is an auxiliary method of treatment, the action of which is aimed at enhancing the effect of systemic antibiotics.
Application of hypertonic saline in children with acute bronchitis
Authors: Denisova A. R. , Kolosova N. G. , Grebeneva I. V. , Denisova V. D. , Glukhova M. V. , Lurie E. V.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Cough is the most common manifestation of respiratory infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract and indicates impaired mucociliary clearance. The cause of cough must be determined to choose the management tactics for children with cough. The most commonly used mucoactive drugs liquefy sputum as a result of a direct action of the components on the tracheobronchial secretion and/or mucosa of the respiratory tract. Given the mucoactive effect of hypertonic salines, we conducted an open clinical study of the effectiveness of 3% hypertonic saline with hyaluronic acid in acute bronchitis in children.

Aim of the study. To evaluate the clinical effect of 3% hypertonic saline with hyaluronic acid in acute bronchitis in children.

Materials and methods. Clinical efficacy and safety of 3% hypertonic saline with hyaluronic acid in 50 patients aged 3 to 12 years old with acute bronchitis were evaluated in the dynamics on the 1st, 3rd, 7th days of treatment with the score assessment of symptoms (cough, stuffy nose, auscultation data) and an indication of adverse events (if any).

Results. Improvement of condition was noted in most patients by the 3rd day of therapy (mean score 1.88 ± 0.3), temperature normalized in all patients, manifestations of rhinitis decreased. By the 5th day of treatment, the intensity of cough did not exceed 1 point in all patients (0.7 ± 0.14 points). According to the patient’s diary data, by the 7th day of treatment 74% of the children had no cough. On the 7th day of treatment, some children had a rare residual cough (0.36 ± 0.06 points), minor rhinitis (0.16 ± 0.1 points). No rales were heard in the lungs in all patients, rigid breathing was heard in 11 patients (mean score 0.22 ± 0.05).

Conclusions. The conducted study demonstrated that 3% hypertonic saline with hyaluronic acid is an effective drug in the treatment of cough in acute bronchitis in children.
Invasive technologies in the complex treatment of tuberculosis in children and adolescents: from the past to the present (literature review)
Authors: Ovsyankina E. S. , Panova L. V.
Published: November 2021

Invasive technologies in the complex treatment of tuberculosis in children and adolescents have a long history, which began in the pre-antibiotic period. This is the way of their improvement from independent use of artificial pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum to the use of these techniques in the complex treatment of respiratory tuberculosis during the development of chemotherapy for the disease. New technology uses valvular bronchial blocking. That procedure creates hypoventilation and atelectasis in the affected region of the lung with preservation of drainage function of the blocked bronchus and destruction cavity, which allow reducing indications for surgical treatment as a method with a high level of injury rate. The approaches to surgical intervention in children and adolescents with respiratory tuberculosis have also changed. It is also part of the comprehensive treatment of the disease. Minimally invasive accesses under the control of video-assisted thoracoscopy are used, which significantly reduced the risk of surgery and increased the immediate efficiency of surgical treatment. New technologies combined with all types of surgeries are being widely developed: electro- and argon plasma coagulation and pleurodesis, vaporization of the tuberculous lesion, and encapsulated pleura by high-energy CO2 laser, new materials (polypropylene implants) are used. Further development of invasive technologies with multiple and extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to children and adolescents compensates for the lack of efficiency of conservative chemotherapy and is an urgent problem at the present stage of pediatric phthisiology.
Optimal Power Flow Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Prioste Fernando Buzzulini
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problems, optimizing electricity generation fuel cost. The GA based OPF is a derivative free optimization technique that relies on the evaluation of several points in the parameter search space strictly on the objective function. A 3 bus system and the IEEE 30 bus test system are used to validate the developed GA based OPF by means of comparisons with an interior point based optimal power flow.
Artifact, Natural, and Ideological Symbolic Signs in the Structure of the Happiness Concept
Authors: Kaftan I. I.
Published: November 2021

The article describes the symbolic features of the concept happiness as part of the Russian linguaculture. The study made it possible to recreate the ideas, superstitions, and customs behind the concept of happiness. The author analyzed linguistic data obtained from the Russian National Corpus (www.ruscorpora.ru) and classified them into four thematic blocks: 1) artifact symbols of happiness: horseshoe, straw shoes, objects of petty bourgeois life; 2) ornithological signs of happiness: mythical birds Alkonost / Sirin, bird of happiness, stork on the roof; 3) natural symbols of happiness: clear (peaceful) / seventh sky, flowers, rainbow in the sky; 4) ideological signs of happiness: Motherland, Stalin. Symbols and amulets, which combine mythology and everyday life, reflect the mentality of the Russian people with their desire to merge with nature.
The microorganism-plant system for remediation of soil exposed to coal mining
Authors: Drozdova Margarita , Pozdnyakova Anna , Osintseva Maria , Burova Nadezhda , Minina Varvara
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Coal mining causes a radical transformation of the soil cover. Research is required into modern methods and complementary technologies for monitoring technogenic landscapes and their remediation. Our study aimed to assess soil and rhizosphere microorganisms and their potential uses for the remediation of technogenic soils in Russian coal regions.

Study objects and methods. We reviewed scientific articles published over the past five years, as well as those cited in Scopus and Web of Science.

Results and discussion. Areas lying in the vicinity of coal mines and coal transportation lines are exposed to heavy metal contamination. We studied the application of soil remediation technologies that use sorbents from environmentally friendly natural materials as immobilizers of toxic elements and compounds. Mycorrhizal symbionts are used for soil decontamination, such as arbuscular mycorrhiza with characteristic morphological structures in root cortex cells and some mycotallia in the form of arbuscules or vesicles. Highly important are Gram-negative proteobacteria (Agrobacterium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Burkholderia, Bradyrizobium, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Rizobium), Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus), and Grampositive actinomycetes (Rhodococcus, Streptomyces, Arhtrobacter). They produce phytohormones, vitamins, and bioactive substances, stimulating plant growth. Also, they reduce the phytopathogenicity of dangerous diseases and harmfulness of insects. Finally, they increase the soil’s tolerance to salinity, drought, and oxidative stress. Mycorrhizal chains enable the transport and exchange of various substances, including mineral forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic forms of C3 and C4 plants. Microorganisms contribute to the removal of toxic elements by absorbing, precipitating or accumulating them both inside the cells and in the extracellular space.

Conclusion. Our review of scientific literature identified the sources of pollution of natural, agrogenic, and technogenic landscapes. We revealed the effects of toxic pollutants on the state and functioning of living systems: plants, animals, and microorganisms. Finally, we gave examples of modern methods used to remediate degraded landscapes and reclaim disturbed lands, including the latest technologies based on the integration of plants and microorganisms.
Effect of the coexistence of SO32− and PO43− on the adsorption performance of zeolite-loaded FeOOH@ZnO for S2−
Authors: Li Fen , Li Youjing , Ge Baocai , Hu Jinguang , Yu Cailian , Meng Fanzhu
Published: November 2021

The present study deals with the synthesis of zeolite-loaded FeOOH@ZnO by hydrothermal method and investigates the effects of coexisting SO32− and PO43− ions in the aqueous solution on the adsorption performance for S2−. The results showed that the HNO3-modified zeolite loaded with FeOOH@ZnO (FeOOH@ZnO/HZ) resulted in a maximum S2− removal rate of ≈98%. The adsorbent's performance on removing S2− was significantly enhanced, compared with NaOH and ZnCl2-modified zeolites loaded with FeOOH@ZnO, and the adsorption was proved to be a heat-absorbing process. When SO32− and PO43− coexisted with S2−, SO32− and PO43− had a significant influence on the adsorption properties of FeOOH@ZnO/HZ. When three ions of S2−, SO32− and PO43− were present simultaneously, the adsorption performance of FeOOH@ZnO/HZ on S2− was further, and the removal rate dropped to about 80%. Moreover, FeOOH@ZnO/HZ also adsorbed PO43− and SO32− in the system containing multiple ions, but the adsorption rates of PO43− and SO32− were much lower than S2−. This indicated that the adsorption of S2− in the presence of FeOOH@ZnO/HZ dominates under competitive conditions.
MÜZİK EĞİTİMİ ANABİLİM DALLARINDA MANDOLİNİN BİREYSEL ÇALGI EĞİTİMİ DERSLERİNDE KULLANILMASINA YÖNELİK ÖĞRETİM ELEMANLARININ GÖRÜŞLERİ
Authors: Aktürk Zhanna , Yıldız Gökay
Published: November 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı, müzik eğitimi anabilim dallarında mandolinin bireysel çalgı eğitimi derslerinde kullanılmasına yönelik öğretim elemanlarının görüşlerini incelemektir. Bu betimsel araştırmada tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini, 2020-2021 eğitim-öğretim yılında Türkiye’deki üniversitelerin eğitim fakültelerine bağlı güzel sanatlar eğitimi bölümü, müzik eğitimi anabilim dallarında görevli olan öğretim elemanları; örneklem grubunu ise, geri dönen cevaplara göre 23 üniversitede görev yapan 59 öğretim elemanı oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin toplanması için öncelikle konuyla ilgili literatür taraması yapılmış, sonrasında veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilmiş beş dereceli likert tipi sorular ile açık uçlu sorulardan oluşan anket kullanılmıştır. Sonuç olarak öğretim elemanları, mandolinin, müzik öğretmeni adaylarına mesleki/sanatsal yeterlilik kazandırabileceğini, müzik öğretmenleri tarafından müzik derslerinde kullanılabileceğini, bir çalgı olarak müzik derslerinde kullanılması için işlevsel olduğunu düşünürken mesleki ve genel müzik eğitiminde kullanılma olanaklarında ise eksikliklerin olduğunu düşünmektedirler.
The Abuja Declaration on cells, tissue and organ donation and transplantation
Authors: Assounga Alain
Published: November 2021

Special Article by the participants of the Regional Consultation in the African Region on Cells, Tissue and Organ Donation and Transplantation, Legal and Organisational Aspects, Abuja, Nigeria, July 29-31, 2009.
La declaration DAbuja sur le don et la transplantation de cellules, tissus et organes
Authors: Assounga Alain
Published: November 2021

Special article by the participants of the Regional Consultation in the African Region on Cells, Tissue and Organ Donation and Transplantation, Legal and Organisational Aspects, Abuja, Nigeria, July 29-31, 2009.
Integrated management: chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension
Authors: Naicker Sarala
Published: November 2021

The increasing burden of chronic kidney disease and end stage kidney failure presents a challenge for both developed and emerging countries. While dialysis and transplantation consumes an ever-increasing proportion of the health budget in countries such as the United States, Japan and Taiwan, there is limited availability of these expensive therapies in the majority of emerging countries and more so in African nations. Aims: To review the prevalence, causes and integrated strategies for treatment and prevention of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Materials and Methods: Review of literature and information received from colleagues in Africa. Results: Approximately 70% of the least developed countries of the world are in SSA. Rapid urbanisation is occurring in many parts of the continent, contributing to overcrowding and poverty. While infections and parasitic diseases are still the leading cause of death in Africa, non-communicable diseases are coming to the forefront. There is a continuing brain drain of healthcare workers (physicians and nurses) from Africa to more affluent regions, resulting in large rural areas of Africa having no health professionals to serve these populations. There are no nephrologists in many parts of SSA; the numbers vary from 0.5 per million population (pmp) in Kenya to 0.6 pmp in Nigeria, 0.7 pmp in Sudan and 1.1 pmp in South Africa. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects mainly young adults aged 20-50 years in SSA and is primarily due to hypertension and glomerular diseases. HIV-related chronic kidney disease is assuming increasing prominence and often presentslate, with patients requiring dialysis. Diabetes mellitus affects 9.4-million people in Africa. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy is estimated to be 6-16% in SSA. The current dialysis treatment rate is <20pmp (and nil in many countries of SSA), with in-centre haemodialysis the modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for the majority. Transplantation is carried out in a few SSA countries: South Africa, Sudan, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda, with most of the transplants being living donor transplants, except in South Africa where the majority are from deceased donors.Prevention programmes are in their infancy in most of SSA, due to lack of personnel and resources. Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease care is especially challenging in SSA, with large numbers of ESRD patients, inadequate facilities and funding, and lack of national or regional registries. Integrated management of CKD and its risk factors is necessary to impact on the burden of ESRD.
Chronic kidney disease and the aging population
Authors: Tonelli Marcello , Riella Miguel
Published: November 2021

The proportion of older people in the general population is steadily increasing worldwide, with the most rapid growth in low- and middle-income countries [1]. This demographic change is to be celebrated, because it is the consequence of socio-economic development and a better life expectancy. However, population aging also has important implications on society – in diverse areas including health systems, labour markets, public policy, social programmes, and family dynamics [2]. A successful response to the aging population will require capitalising on opportunities this transition offers, as well as effectively addressing its challenges.
Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis presenting with haemorrhagic ascites after transfer from peritoneal dialysis to haemodialysis
Authors: Chothia MY , Davids MR
Published: November 2021

A patient with end-stage kidney disease due to chronic glomerulonephritis was initiated on continuous ambulatoryperitoneal dialysis. After three years he was transferred to haemodialysis following recurrent episodes of peritonitis. After the commencement of haemodialysis the patient developed progressive abdominal distension; paracentesisrevealed bloody ascites. Radiographic imaging revealed features of small bowel obstruction with bowel loops matted tothe posterior abdominal wall. A diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis was made. Treatment with prednisonewas initiated but the patients condition steadily worsened and he demised a year later due to severe malnutrition andsepsis.
Abstracts of the South African Renal Congress 2016 (Cape Town, 9-11 September 2016)
Authors: Jacobs Julian
Published: November 2021

the following abstracts were presented as oral or poster presentations. Abstracts are published as received. those abstracts which were accepted for presentation at the Congress but were later withdrawn by the authors have been omitted.
Management of urinary tract infections in adults: An overview
Authors: Tamimi Nihad A. M. , Mikhail Ashraf I.
Published: November 2021

Urinary tract infections(UTIs)remain one of the most common infections observed in community and hospital based practice. They result in significant morbidity and mortality while consuming large amounts of national resources. It is estimated that 7 million episodes of cystitis occur annually in the United States and the cost of caring for such infections exceeds $1 billion[I]. Although most adult (UTIs) are uncomplicated and respond rapidly to antimicrobial therapy, they occasionally cause serious and permanent renal damage. Due to the anatomical continuity of the system infection may extend throughout part or all of the urinary tract, and more rarely, may involve the perinephric spaces[2].The incidence of (UTIs)in women is 10 times that in men and amounts to an annual general practice consultation rate of 62.5per 1000[3,4]. In institutionalised elderly patients the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteruria approaches 20-50% in women and 5-20% in men[5]. Clearly on the basis of their prevalence alone (UTIs) warrant careful consideration by clinicians.
Abstracts of the 14th Congress of the African Association of Nephrology (Yaoundé, 14-18 March 2017)
Authors: Ashuntantang Gloria
Published: November 2021

Abstracts of the joint AFRAN, AFPNA and SOCANEPH Congress held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, 14-18 March 2017.Abstracts published as received.
Irreversible acute kidney injury following efavirenz/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine overdose
Authors: Ensor Jason , Malaka Shumani , Barton Benita , Black John , Freercks Robert
Published: November 2021

Nephrotoxicity due to chronic use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is well described, but very little is known or published about the effects of acute toxicity or the clinical management of this condition. We present here a case of acute and irreversible renal failure that followed an intentional overdose of fixed dose combination antiretroviral therapy containing efavirenz, TDF and emtricitabine. The renal histology findings are discussed and a rationale for the use of emergency haemodialysis in the management of TDF overdose is presented.
Uraemic optic neuropathy – a rare presentation of uraemia
Authors: Solarin Adaobi Uzoamaka , Adesanya Adetola M. , Adekunle Moturayo , Oladimeji Alaba , Gbelee Olusegun Henry , Animashaun Barakat Adeola
Published: November 2021

Uraemic optic neuropathy (UON) is an acute but reversible loss of vision in patients with end-stage renal failure. Hypoperfusion of the posterior ciliary arteries, the major blood supply to the optic nerve head, results in ischaemic injury to the nerve. Anaemia, hypertension and elevated nitrogen urea level have been identified as factors contributing to optic nerve neuropathy. Toxic uraemic metabolites affect nerve conduction and their removal with dialysis results in improved vision. Optic neuropathy is a rare complication of uraemia in children. This is the first case of optic neuropathy related to uraemia in a child with end-stage renal disease in Nigeria.
Retraction notice: Daily versus post-dialysis administration of calcimimetics for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in haemodialysis patients: an interventional, multi-centre study
Authors: Assounga Alain G.
Published: November 2021

The authors of this paper [1] contacted the Journal on 1 May 2020, shortly after its publication on 25 April 2020, and requested that it be retracted because of the following reasons:- the authors did not have permission from the dialysis provider company to publish the data- some data were from different time frames and the related results are therefore inaccurate- consent was not obtained from all patients- some co-authors who should have been included, were not.The editors of the Journal, after consultation with senior members of the editorial board, have decided that the article be retracted and that the relevant institutions and ethics committee be informed.The metadata of the article has been amended to indicate the retraction and the PDF version of the paper, which will remain on the Journal website, now has a watermark indicating “RETRACTED”. Reference1. Demerdash TM, Abdelsalam M, Assem M, Shaheen MM, Marie MA. Daily versus post-dialysis administration of calcimimetics for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in haemodialysis patients: an interventional, multi-centre study. Afr J Nephrol. 2020; 23(1):81-84.
In memoriam: Mohamed Said Abdullah
Authors: Twahir Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Professor Mohamed Said Abdullah, a pioneer of Kenyan and African nephrology, died on 28 May 2020 at the age of 76. A teacher, father and friend to many in the nephrology community, to me he was always Dr Abdullah, my mentor.