Russian Science Citation Index Research Articles

Soft tissue surgical reconstruction of distal phalanges in children. Review

Distal phalangeal traumas are among the most common injuries in children. Nowadays, no unified approach has been established for the treatment of children with distal phalangeal defects. Very few domestic publications have devoted to fingertip injuries in children. To date, one of the most common methods of treating children with distal phalangeal defects is the shortening of the finger with stump formation. In cases of distal phalangeal injuries, the most complete restoration of their length, contour, and sensitivity with the preservation of the widest range of motion, and lowest donor site morbidity are necessary. In this literature review, conservative and surgical treatments of patients with distal phalangeal defects are described. The main advantages and disadvantages of different treatment methods are highlighted. The systematic search was performed in databases of PubMed, Web of Science, eLibrary, Russian Science Citation Index, and CyberLeninka, and 86 publications devoted to the surgical treatment of patients with fingertip defects were selected. This problem and its treatment require wider coverage and introduction into domestic healthcare.

Open access and open licensing by Russian journals

In the circumstances of transforming institution of intellectual property, the journals have to find balance between the open science initiatives and legal regulations. The purpose of the study is to define whether Russian academic journals conform to open science initiatives and, in particular, to the open access principles and open licensing terms. The author discusses the findings of the study encompassing 450 journals in the Russian Science Citation Index database (as of December 1, 2022) using the following criteria: journal allocation site, archive depth, access principle, license terms and the website section on licensing terms. Based on the obtained data systematization and analysis, the trends for Russian academic journals are formulated: in general, they are ready for introducing open access principles. By choosing open licensing, most of the Russian academic journals are ready to offer maximum freedom in using their publications. The author developed several recommendations for the journals as the sites of scientific data exchange, and for the researchers as the users, generators and disseminators of these data.

Surgical stabilization for degenerative lesions of the lumbar spine in patients with reduced bone mineral density: a systematic literature review

Objective. To analyze methods contributing to the improvement of clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical stabilization of the lumbar spine in conditions of reduced bone mineral density (BMD).Material and Methods. A search for publications presenting the results of clinical studies of surgical treatment of patients with degenerative lesions of the lumbar spine and reduced BMD was conducted in English and Russian in the MEDLINE and Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) databases using key words “osteoporosis”, “osteopenia”, “spinal surgery”, “spinal fusion” and related terms in titles and abstracts with a search depth of 20 years. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 clinical studies were selected for analysis.Results. Among the large number of techniques and implant-associated factors affecting the success of surgical intervention for degenerative lesions of the lumbar spine and reduced BMD, high-quality clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of expandable screws, spinal fusion with cortical screw placement and cement augmentation with polymethyl methacrylate.Conclusion. The combination of techniques for cortical pedicle screw placement, cement augmentation and the use of expandable screws makes it possible to achieve results in surgical treatment of patients with degenerative lesions of the lumbar spine with reduced BMD comparable with those in patients with normal BMD. Of particular importance is the preoperative assessment of the regional state of bone tissue, which should be carried out using quantitative CT or MRI studies.

Results of ultrasonic examination of patients with internal bleeding and multiple injury at the prehospital stage: a literature review

Purpose: review and systematisation of publications in scientific medical literature devoted to ultrasound examination of trauma patients at the prehospital stage.  Materials and methods: a   search in scientific databases SCOPUS, Cochrane, PubMed, Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) by key words: polytrauma, haemorrhage, evacuation of victims, ultrasound examination (US) was carried out. We analysed 46  literature sources  —    2   domestic and 44  foreign,  including data of meta ‑ analyses and systematic reviews; 23   studied articles were published in the last 5  years.  Results:  according to a   number  of scientific studies, ultrasound examination can be successfully used in patients with polytrauma at the prehospital stage, including during air ambulance evacuation on board a   helicopter. Ultrasound examination according to the FAST protocol reduces the time to surgical intervention by 64–76%, reduces the need for radiation exposure, the incidence of complications after injury and the duration of the patient’s hospital stay. According to some authors, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the method in detecting intra–abdominal injuries and haemorrhage are 28–76%, 83–97%, 87–96% and 37–94%, respectively, which makes it an important tool for examination of an urgent patient, especially with unstable haemodynamics, influencing the treatment tactics. For the paediatric population in the diagnosis of haemoperitoneum, according to a   meta‑analysis, the specificity of US leaves 95%, sensitivity   —  66%.  The method can be successfully applied in the work of aeromedical teams on board an air ambulance helicopter: according to a   systematic  review and meta‑analysis, the overall sensitivity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pneumothorax during air ambulance evacuation is 61%, specificity  —  99%.  Conclusion: considering the analysed data from large randomised trials, meta‑analyses and systematic reviews, the use of ultrasound allows to make the right decisions regarding the tactics of treatment of the urgent patient, its transportation and choice of hospital, reduces the number of examinations, shortens the time to get the patient to the operating room and the duration of hospital stay, positively affects the outcome of the disease.

Estimating the burden of vitiligo: a systematic review and modelling study

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by depigmented skin patches, which can pose substantial psychosocial challenges particularly in individuals with dark skin tones. Despite its impact on quality of life, there is an absence of standardised global epidemiological data. We sought to address this gap with the present study. In this study we did a systematic review and modelling analysis to estimate the global, regional, and national prevalence and incidence of vitiligo. We did a comprehensive search of nine digital libraries (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online, KCI Korean Journal Database, Russian Science Citation Index, Western Pacific Region Index Medicus, Informit, and Health Research and Development Information Network) from inception up to May 25, 2023. We included cross-sectional or cohort studies reporting the incidence rate or prevalence of vitiligo, or data from which incidence rate or prevalence could be calculated, in the general population of a country or area of a country. Summary estimate data were extracted. A main outcome was to estimate the worldwide, regional, and country-specific lifetime prevalence of vitiligo diagnosed by physicians or dermatologists among the general population and in adults and children (as per age groups defined in included studies). We used a Bayesian hierarchical linear mixed model to estimate prevalence, and calculated number of affected individuals using the UN population structure in 2022. In estimating lifetime prevalence, studies reporting point or period prevalence were excluded. Our other main outcome was to estimate incidence rates of vitiligo, but due to a small number of studies, the data on incidence were presented in a descriptive summary. This study was registered on PROSPERO, CRD42023390433. Our search identified 22 192 records, of which 90 studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these studies, six focused on the incidence of vitiligo, 79 reported on the prevalence of vitiligo, and five provided data on both incidence and prevalence. 71 studies reported on lifetime prevalence. In the most recent years studied, incidence rates in the general population ranged from 24·7 cases (95% CI 24·3-25·2) per 100 000 person-years in South Korea in 2019, to 61·0 cases (60·6-61·4) in the USA in 2017. In individual studies, incidence rates showed an increasing trend over the periods studied. The global lifetime prevalence of vitiligo diagnosed by a physician or dermatologist was estimated at 0·36% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0·24-0·54) in the general population (28·5 million people [95% CrI 18·9-42·6]), 0·67% (0·43-1·07) in the adult population (37·1 million adults [23·9-58·9]), and 0·24% (0·16-0·37) in the child population (5·8 million children [3·8-8·9]). Vitiligo prevalence was higher in adults than in children across all regions. Central Europe and south Asia reported the highest prevalence (0·52% [0·28-1·07] and 0·52% [0·33-0·82], respectively, in the general population). This study highlights the need for standardised epidemiological data collection globally to inform public health policies and improve vitiligo diagnosis and management. Emphasis on the impact on individuals with darker skin tones is crucial to reducing stigma and improving quality of life. Furthermore, our study highlights the need to conduct more research in regions and populations that have been historically under-represented, to effectively address the worldwide burden of vitiligo. None.

A brief literature review of low-level laser therapy for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and confirmation of its effectiveness.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a steadily progressive course due to the death of central and peripheral motor neurons responsible for voluntary movements. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment method unique in its universality and efficacy, particularly for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the effect and application of LLLT in the treatment of ALS. A literature search for English and Russian publications for the keywords "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis", "Low-Level Laser Therapy" was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) databases. The article provided a brief literature review, substantiated the potential use of low-level laser therapy for ALS. The particular techniques of LLLT were developed. Based on the results of several studies and many years of successful experience with low-level laser therapy in Russia we conclude that a LLLT technique, including intravenous laser blood illumination (ILBI), noninvasive laser blood illumination (NLBI), and local exposure, is a promising treatment method for ALS.

Analysis of the top global emergency and disaster databases

Relevance. Despite advancements in industrial production technologies, no decrease is observed in global statistics for disasters and emergencies, as well as their identified precursors. Reliable and comprehensive inventory of global and regional disaster databases reinforces the development of effective national emergency prevention policies, improving the resilience of industrial facilities against adverse and thus generating extensive evidence for research. The objective is to study top global disaster information management databases and their inventory.Methods. The Internet, state reports, research papers available in the Russian Science Citation Index, Scopus and Web of Science bibliography databases were the major sources of data regarding top global disaster and emergency databases.Results and discussion. EM-DAT: OFDA/CRED (Emergency Events Database), NatCatSERVICE, SIGMA, GLIDE (Global IDEntifier Number), CatNat Global (The natural disasters database (NATDIS)), DesInventar (Disaster Inventory System) are among the top global databases, having quantitative assessment for disaster risk indexes and consequences. Comparative studies of emergency data entries across databases was performed to allow countries and regions to develop common global assessment tools for emergency consequences.Conclusion. Consistent terminology and uniformity of data submission procedures across top global international databases allows Russian and international experts to develop the most effective tools to predict and prevent various emergencies and build common consequence assessment strategies for countries and regions of the world.

Pathogenesis, predictors and prognostic scales for assessing the risk of reccurence of atrial fibrillation after catheter treatment: a literature review

The review presents current data on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after catheter-based interventional treatment. The most significant predictors described in various foreign and domestic sources are considered, and the most common in clinical practice scales for assessing the development of AF recurrences after intervention at the pulmonary vein orifices are presented. Unfortunately, currently there is no clear exhaustive validated scale to assess the occurrence of very late arrhythmia recurrence, but due to the high social and medical significance of this problem, the development of this scale represents an actual and demanded direction of modern arrhythmology. An analysis of clinical studies was carried out based on articles indexed in the Scopus, Higher Attestation Commission, Russian Science Citation Index, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. 

The role of laboratory markers in predicting the effectiveness of catheter treatment for atrial fibrillation: a literature review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia among the adult population. There are many possible causes of AF: structural heart disease, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, obesity, alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea and old age. The ectopic activity of pulmonary vein couplings lies in the pathogenesis of paroxysmal and persistent forms of AF. The role of AF itself in triggering the inflammatory process in the atrium myocardium has also been proven. Despite the large amount of existing data, the search for the causes of AF continues. Previously, AF was considered the outcome of prolonged hemodynamic stress, arterial hypertension and valvular heart disease. Recently, views on the pathogenesis of AF have changed, since patients with metabolic diseases, without hypertrophy and dilatation of the left ventricle, but with disturbances in the structure and function of the atria, most often the left atrium, are increasingly encountered. There is an active search for laboratory markers to identify groups of patients most susceptible to developing AF. Determining the cause of atrial fibrillation and pathogenesis in each patient is important for selecting therapy and determining treatment tactics. Currently, a search is underway for laboratory markers that may be associated with the manifestation of atrial fibrillation, with atriopathy, and the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of catheter treatment for atrial fibrillation. An analysis of clinical studies was carried out based on articles indexed in the Scopus, VAK, Russian Science Citation Index, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.

Пути и механизмы влияния COVID-19 у матери на развитие нервной системы плода

Immunoneuropsychiatry is a field of science that reflects the influence of the immune system on the nervous system and acts, in addition to genetic and environmental factors, as a component of the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric development. In this aspect, the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on the fetus may be expressed both as a direct effect of the infectious agent and as an indirect effect of the components of the maternal immune response to the infectious process on the fetal development. Objective. To review the research literature on the factors of susceptibility of pregnant women to viral infections, mechanisms of the immune defense in pregnant women and COVID-19 infection, neurological outcomes, and their impact on the development of the fetal nervous system and the impact of sexual dimorphism on these processes. Material and methods. Full-text scientific publications were searched in the electronic databases Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the following key words: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; immune system; immunopathology; pregnancy; neurodevelopmental pathology; neurological diseases; sex of the fetus. The authors independently analyzed relevant studies. In addition to the analysis of the main publications found, the authors analyzed the reference lists of review articles, the selection was made according to the scientific value, with the formation of the final reference list according to the relevance of the analyzed material. Results. Immunopathological reactions in pregnant women during the infectious process, in particular COVID-19, may have a negative impact on the development of the fetal nervous system, which is expressed in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders of varying severity, given the influence of numerous genetic factors, including sexual dimorphism. Key words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, immune system, immunopathology, pregnancy, neurodevelopmental pathology, neurological diseases, sex of the fetus

Greater Eurasia at the Epicenter of Scientific Research: On the Pages of Russian Journals

Aim . Presentation of the results of the analysis of bibliometric data of Russian scientific journals, thematically covering Eurasian topics, which are available in the bibliographic database of the scientific electronic library eLIBRARY.RU.Tasks. Comparative analysis of the publication activity of journal authors. Analysis of the main thematic areas of research on economic, legal and political processes taking place in the Eurasian space. Identification of ways to solve strategic tasks of countering sanctions by “Western partners”. Methods. The calculations are based on the methods of scientometric analysis of bibliographic data to determine the volume of scientific publications in the field under study. Results . The data on the national share of scientific periodicals, their thematic structure and distribution depending on the status of the publication are presented (Russian Science Citation Index — RSCI, Higher Attestation Commission   — HAC, international databases   — MNBD). The trends of publication activity are revealed and the bibliometric data of the authors of scientific journals are analyzed.Conclusions . The conducted research is of interest to scientists in the field of regional studies, law, politics, world and national economy.

The Conceptual Basis of Popular Science Events in the Modern Library Space

The article is devoted to the methodological analysis of the concept of “popular science event”. The study begins with a bibliometric analysis of publications from Russian Science Citation Index and scientific electronic library eLIBRARY.RU, selected by the search prescription “popular science event”. The main research method was the analysis of the flow of publications related to the thematic area “popular science events” from January 1, 2008 to September 14, 2023. A total of 75 relevant articles were selected for the research topic. Based on the general bibliometric indicators of the selection of publications on the topic of popular science events, conclusions were drawn about the local nature of the analyzed topic. The greatest interest in this topic was aroused by specialists in the field of pedagogy, cultural studies and economics. In general, this area of activity is now relevant, but it is not sufficiently developed in methodological terms. There is no definition of this concept in publications, however, due to the development of communicative practices in which the genre of popular science event is used, its introduction into the terminological range is required. Therefore, the next stage of the research is the operationalization of the concept under study. The greatest attention is paid to the analysis of publications from the field of library science. The dictionary articles devoted to the interpretation of the main component of the considered concept “event”, including the specific context of use — “library event”, are also regarded. Popular science events held in libraries have different goals, objectives, content and composition of participants. Depending on the content of the listed characteristics, such events become important for self-education of people and assistance to the scientific community in popularization of science.The article may be useful for specialists whose work is related to the organization of popular science events in libraries and popularization of scientific knowledge in general.

Mitral allografts in tricuspid valve position in modern surgery of acquired heart defects: a systematic review

Introduction: In severe recurrent infectious lesions in the right heart, one of the alternative options for bioprosthetics is to implant mitral allografts (donor heart valves) in the tricuspid valve position. Allografts offer numerous benefits, including a configuration that closely resembles a native valve, adaptability to high systemic pressure, absence of foreign elements that can could act as entry points for infections, and antibacterial treatment without lifelong anticoagulant therapy.Objective: To study the feasibility of using a mitral allograft in the tricuspid position based on the analysis of literature data and our own experience.Methods: Searches were conducted in Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Russian Science Citation Index databases using search queries, keywords, and logical operators. The last session was conducted on December 21, 2022. In the initial selection of aforementioned search queries, a total of 4,446 results were obtained (Google Scholar — 3,080, Medline — 1,050, Russian Science Citation Index — 316). After analyzing titles and abstracts, 4,390 studies were excluded due to the insufficient data. Of the remaining studies, 25 scientific papers were excluded due to their duplication. The final group included 31 studies.Results: Based on a systematic literature review, the article presents aspects of the explantation, preparation, and implantation of the mitral allograft in the tricuspid position at the present stage of biotechnology development. The article highlights the main complications, rare clinical observations, and immediate and long-term postoperative results of mitral allograft implantation in the tricuspid position.Conclusion: This technique presents an interesting solution for patients with severe structural changes in the tricuspid valve, but further research is necessary at this stage of biotechnology development. Received 9 March 2023. Revised 7 September 2023. Accepted 11 September 2023. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Contribution of the authors: The authors contributed equally to this article.

Belarusian scientific journals as a source of professional communication

Publishing the findings of scientific research in reputable scientific publications affects the rate of knowledge dissemination. At the same time, most Belarusian scientific journals has been revising their publishing concept to meet the criteria set by citation indexes.The paper aim is to determine the status of the Belarusian scientific periodicals in the conditions of the developing model of electronic scientific communication in the post-Soviet states.At the first stage, the stream of publications by Belarusian researchers was identified, and the positive dynamics in 2011 to 2021 was recorded. Documents were analyzed by type and thematic categories. At the second stage, the list of Belarusian scientific journals was analyzed for their indexation in the science citation databases, the availability of the periodical website, the positive dynamics of the titles on the List of scientific publications for publishing the findings of dissertations recommended by the Higher Attestation Commission of Republic of Belarus (List of publications of the Higher Attestation Commission), etc.Based on the analysis, it was revealed that Belarusian scientific journals are widely represented in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI); at the same time, there is a certain “stagnation” in their entering the international citation indices – Scopus or Web of Science. The authors emphasize the challenge of Belarusian scientific periodicals insufficient presence in the Internet, and of the absent websites of some periodicals.

Medical and biological support of elite sports: recovery and rehabilitation measures

Purpose of the study: to analyze the content and systematize the scientific and methodological materials on research in recovery and rehabilitation in the medical and biological support (MBS) of elite sports. Materials and methods. The research included content analysis of literature sources. Articles included in the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Russian Science Citation Index databases were examined. Total of 97 articles were analyzed, and 44 were selected. Results and discussion. Recovery and rehabilitation in sport includes a set of medical, professional, psychological, and pedagogical measures aimed at the restoration or compensation of impaired body functions and sports performance. Among the existing set of means and methods of rehabilitation used in medical practice in the medical and biological support of sports at the present time, the methods that allow quickly eliminating signs and consequences of physical and psychoemotional tension (stress) observed during sports activities, and restoring psychofunctional state through direct impact on regulatory systems (nervous, humoral, and hormonal systems) of the human body are of particular interest. There are active studies on the use of transcranial methods of electrical and magnetic stimulation, as well as biofeedback, which allow the development of the ability to control one’s psychophysiological functions. The analysis of recovery and rehabilitation methods of local impact on the musculoskeletal system has shown that there are very few developments and studies associated with the use of modern physiotherapy and mechanotherapy equipment adapted for application in sports. The use of natural healing resources for recovery and rehabilitation of the human body is sufficiently studied and substantiated by research conducted over the years. However, there are few studies on the influence of natural healing factors on the functional state of the body and the performance ability of athletes. Conclusion. The study has shown various recovery and rehabilitation technologies with application of total and local impact methods. However, there are gaps regarding a lack of studies on the scientific justification of applying natural healing resources and modern mechanotherapy measures with great possibilities for recovery and rehabilitation of the human body’s functional systems, adapted for use in sports, as well as the absence of a formed system for recovery and rehabilitation of athletes in conditions of training in middle altitude.

Regional anesthesia in coronary artery bypass grafting: a narrative review

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in modern cardiac surgery because it is indicated in most patients with coronary artery disease. Currently, there are no standard methods for regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery. The purpose of this review was to describe the available techniques for regional anesthesia in post-CABG. Studies published in the databases PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Russian science citation index were included. Techniques reported in the literature were local blockade of the postoperative wound with local anesthetics in the anteromedial chest wall (parasternal-intercostal plane blocks), anterolateral chest wall (interpectoral plane blocks, serratus anterior plane block), and posterolateral chest wall (erector spinae plane block, thoracic paravertebral block, retrolaminar block, rhomboid intercostal block). Numerous studies demonstrate that the use of regional anesthesia as a component of multimodal anesthesia after coronary artery bypass grafting significantly improves pain relief. Blockade of the peripheral nerves of the chest wall under ultrasound guidance can be considered not only as an alternative to epidural anesthesia when not indicated or not feasible. It also contributes to early tracheal extubation, reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, adequate pain control, and a decrease in the need for narcotic analgesics, reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting, and reduced length of stay in the intensive care unit. Further research is needed to determine the optimal technique for performing interfascial blockades of the chest wall post-CABG, which would require data on the effectiveness, safety, and dosing regimen for each specific blockade.

Minimally-invasive and non-invasive methods of thermal destruction in the treatment of patients with aggressive fibromatosis

The purpose of the study was to characterize various methods of local physical destruction used in the treatment of patients with aggressive fibromatosis and demonstrate international experience of their use.Material and Methods. literature search was conducted in the electronic databases Rsci (Russian science citation index) and NcBi (National centre for Biotechnology information) in the interval time between 2002 and 2022. The review was devoted to the thermal ablation modalities (radiofrequency, microwave ablation, cryodestruction, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablations) used in therapy of patients with desmoid fibromas of various locations, as well as their safety and efficacy.Results. The review presents the current data on safety and efficacy of minimally-invasive and non-invasive methods of hypo- and hyperthermic local destruction in patients with aggressive fibromatosis, gives the characteristics of exposure and biological effects when performing radiofrequency and microwave ablation, cryodestruction, high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy, describes the main limitations of the methods, indications and contraindications for their application, as well as the methods of prevention of the development of desmoid fibromas.Conclusion. The described methods of local destruction are used in clinical practice mainly for palliative and symptomatic purposes, in case of persistent tumor growth or recurrence, ineffectiveness of other treatment options or contraindications to them due to concomitant somatic pathology or functional status of the patient. Inclusion of these methods in the treatment plan of patients with aggressive fibromatosis can contribute to the reduction of pain syndrome, improvement of functional status of patients as well as long survival with no evidence of tumor progression.

Суд с участием присяжных в оценках ученых-юристов: различия в профессиональном опыте

The paper presents the differences in the legal scholars’ attitudes on the acceptability of jury trial in Russian legal system. Based on qualitative observations in district courts and expert conversations with law enforcement officers and judges, a sceptical attitude towards jury trials is revealed. This scepticism was tested in a questionnaire survey of legal scholars in 2022 (3,766 Russian authors registered in the Russian Science Citation Index were included). Statistically significant differences were found in the opinions on jury trial among those legal scholars who have experience in law enforcement and the court system (30 and 27%, respectively, have a negative attitude towards this institution) and as defence lawyers (14% of negative opinions). Among those who continue their professional activities in these status, the differences are even higher. With former law enforcement officials representing a third of the legal academy and legal education in Russia, and former defence lawyers representing less than a tenth of it, the scepticism about jury trials is expected to spread further.

Chronic endometritis and infertility — in vitro fertilization outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background. The relevance of the problem is related to the high prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE); its role in female infertility, implantation failures during assisted reproductive technology procedures, and recurrent miscarriage; as well as the lack of a unified strategy in the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. The present systematic review with a meta-analysis focuses on evaluating the impact of CE and its therapy on the outcome of in vitro fertilization. In addition, the effect of CE of various severity on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies is analyzed. Objective. To analyze the effect of CE of varying severity and its treatment on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization. Methods. Using PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, ELibrary, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry, and Russian Science Citation Index, a systematic search was conducted for articles published over the past 12 years that met the following criteria: randomized controlled trial examining the effect of CE of varying severity on fertility and ways to treat it. The following indicators were calculated: ongoing pregnancy/live birth, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates. A total of 4145 patients (from ten studies) were included. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 11.0 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). The heterogeneity was considered low at I2 <30%, moderate at 30–50%, and high at >50%. Results. Women with CE exhibited lower ongoing pregnancy/live birth (OR 1.97; p = 0.02) and clinical pregnancy rates (OR 2.28; p = 0.002) as compared to women without it. CE treatment increased the ongoing pregnancy/live birth (OR 5.33; p < 0.0001) and clinical pregnancy rates (OR 3.64; p = 0.0001). In vitro fertilization outcomes were comparable in women treated for CE and women without CE (ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate: p = ns). Women with severe CE exhibited lower ongoing pregnancy/live birth (OR 0.43; p = 0.003) and clinical pregnancy rates (OR 0.40; p = 0.0007). Mild CE showed no significant effect on in vitro fertilization outcomes (ongoing pregnancy/ live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate: p = ns). Conclusion. The conducted meta-analysis showed that CE significantly reduces the ongoing pregnancy/live birth and clinical pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Noteworthy is that antimicrobial therapy in such patients improves the results of assisted reproductive technologies, which are comparable to those of patients without CE. The negative impact of this pathology on the implantation capacity of the endometrium is most often observed in the severe form, while its mild form has virtually no effect on the in vitro fertilization outcome.

The air traffic control training process: A review of research

Air traffic control (ATC) is a complex part of the air transport system. Training in this activity takes more than one year and requires special qualities and abilities from all participants in this process. Recent studies consider the learning process as one of the determining factors that further influences the efficiency of aviation personnel. The purpose of this review article was to describe the available researches on the ATC training process and related areas, to analyze them, to identify gaps and areas where further research can be conducted. The studies were divided into several areas: studies analyzing ATC training programs (at the FAA Academy and other organizations); research related to simulator training; instructor methods in ATC training; related to ATC instructor competence; interaction between the instructor and the student, etc. In preparing this review, literature sources were used in publications included in Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cyberleninka and Russian Science Citation Index. Preference was given to sources published in the last 17 years. The work can be useful for researchers of psychological, pedagogical aspects of the work of ATC instructors, students, as well as all those who are interested in finding methods to improve the efficiency of ATC and reduce the impact of the human factor on their work.