Reconstructions of deltaic environments from Holocene palynological records in the Volga delta, northern Caspian Sea

This article was made available through open access by the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund.New palynological and ostracod data are presented from the Holocene Volga delta, obtained from short cores and surface samples collected in the Damchik region, near Astrakhan, Russian Federation in the northern Caspian Sea. Four phases of delta deposition are recognized and constrained by accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon ages. Palynological records show that erosive channels, dunes (Baer hills) and inter-dune lakes were present during the period 11,500–8900 cal. BP at the time of the Mangyshlak Caspian lowstand. The period 8900–3770 cal. BP was characterized regionally by extensive steppe vegetation, with forest present at times with warmer, more humid climates, and with halophytic and xerophytic vegetation present at times of drought. The period 3770–2080 cal. BP was a time of active delta deposition, with forest or woodland close to the delta, indicating relatively warm and humid climates and variable Caspian Sea levels. From 2080 cal. BP to the present-day, aquatic pollen is frequent in highstand intervals and herbaceous pollen and fungal hyphae frequent in lowstand intervals. Soils and incised valley sediments are associated with the regional Derbent regression and may be time-equivalent with the ‘Medieval Warm Period’. Fungal spores are an indicator of erosional or aeolian processes, whereas fungal hyphae are associated with soil formation. Freshwater algae, ostracods and dinocysts indicate mainly freshwater conditions during the Holocene with minor brackish influences. Dinocysts present include Spiniferites cruciformis, Caspidinium rugosum, Impagidinium caspienense and Pterocysta cruciformis, the latter a new record for the Caspian Sea. The Holocene Volga delta is a partial analogue for the much larger oil and gas bearing Mio-Pliocene palaeo-Volga delta.Funding for the data collection and field work was provided from the following sources: 1 – IGCP-UNESCO 2003–2008 (Project 481 CASPAGE, Dating Caspian Sea Level Change); 2 – NWO, Netherlands Science Foundation and RFFI, Russian Science Foundation 2005–2008 (Programme: ‘VHR Seismic Stratigraphy and Paleoecology of the Holocene Volga Delta’); and 3 – BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Sea Ltd. (Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli) 2005–2008 (‘Unravelling the Small-Scale Stratigraphy and Sediment Dynamics of the Modern Volga Delta Using VHR Marine Geophysics’). The palynological work was funded jointly by BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd., Delft University of Technology and KrA Stratigraphic Ltd. Ostracod analyses were funded by StrataData Ltd. and funding for two additional radiocarbon dates provided by Deltares

Modern Approaches to <i>H. pylori</i> Eradication Therapy in Adults (Literature Review and Resolution of Experts Council)

Aim: to analyze current approaches to H. pylori eradication therapy in adults and present the materials of Experts Council held on December 9, 2022 in Moscow.General statements. H. pylori infection is the main etiological factor of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Eradication of H. pylori is recognized as a necessary measure to reduce the incidence of these diseases. The approaches to selecting an eradication regimen should be optimized to take into account epidemiological trends and achieve better treatment outcomes. The updated Maastricht VI Consensus Report presents the means to overcome the difficulties in selecting an approach to the treatment of H. pylori infection. However, eradication therapy remains challenging due to adverse events (primarily antibiotic-associated diarrhea), poor treatment tolerance and patient compliance. Eradication therapy can be optimized by supplementing treatment regimens with strain-specific probiotics that reduce adverse events, improve patient compliance and eradication rates, such as Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 strain with established efficacy.Conclusion. The inclusion of certain probiotics in eradication regimens improves treatment tolerance, reduces the risk of adverse events, improves patient compliance and eradication rates

Pleiotropic effects of rabeprazole at acid-related diseases

Aim of investigation. To study association interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene (rs16944), interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene (rs1800795), interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene (rs1800896) polymorphisms with development of acute pancreatitis (AP) in the Russian population. Material and methods. Whole blood samples were received from 297 AP patients and 238 healthy controls. Genotyping of IL-1 gene (rs16944) polymorphisms, IL-6 gene (rs1800795), IL-10 gene (rs1800896) was carried out by polymerase chain reaction with allele discrimination by TaqMan-probes. Results. The genetic polymorphism combination 511СТ×174GC of IL-1 and IL-6 genes was associated to high risk of AP development (OR=2.25, 95%-CI 1.45-3.49; p=0.0018). According to stratification analysis smoking patients with 511CT genotype had higher AP risk, then the patients with other genotypes (OR=2.22, 95%-CI 1.3-3.79; p=0.003). Paired combination of genotypes to disease risk analysis demonstrated that at 511СT×174GС genotype combination the AP risk is highest at alcohol abuse history for over 10 years (OR=2.88, 95%-CI 1.59-5.23; p=0.0004). Conclusion. Interleukin genetic polymorphism investigation may be useful at assessment of cytokine status in AP patients to predict the outcomes and to develop the personalized approach to treatment and prophylaxis

Esophageal adenocarcinoma: risk factors and modern screening strategy

Aim of review. To present the modern concepts on epidemiological pattern and risk factors of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and analyze the modern screening approach. Summary. In developed countries EAC is characterized by rapid increase of mobidity, as well as by high mortality level. As a rule, EAC is diagnosed at the late stage: diagnosis is often made at the 3rd or 4th stage of the tumor that is a major contributing factor for high mortality as treatment options at these stages are significantly limited. The basic established risk factor for EAC is the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EAC develops usually as a complication of the Barret's esophagus (BE) being a consequence of the long-standing GERD. Male gender, Caucasian race, obesity and metabolic syndrome, tobacco smoking, and series of genetic markers are considered to be significant EAC risk factors. A main goal of EAC screening programs is the early diagnosis that allows to improve patient survival. Conclusion. Only GERD patients develop EAC, with the highest risk in males, Caucasians, smokers, overweight patients and those with uncontrolled symptoms. Timely diagnosis of GERD, its effective treatment and follow-up of BE cases can prevent EAC development

Evaluation of the functional gastrointestinal diseases concept from standpoints of Rome IV (2016) diagnostic criteria (review)

Aim of review. To present the modern concept of functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGID) and to analyze the basic clinically relevant changes made in Rome IV criteria (2016) in comparison to the previous edition. Summary. According to the due definition that was proposed by the Rome IV advisory council, FGID are the brain-gut axis interaction disorders. It was proposed to exclude the term «functional» from the definition. The new nosological entities with known causative factor (opioid-induced gastrointestinal hyperalgesia, opioidinduced constipation, cannabinoid induced hyperemesis syndrome), hypersensitive reflux syndrome, nausea and vomiting syndrome (that encompasses previously separate nosological forms: chronic idiopathic nausea and functional vomiting) were added to the new version of the classification. In the new edition of Rome criteria the management approach to patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is specified, along with diagnostic criteria of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Conclusion. The classification of FGID is revised in updated Rome criteria, diagnostic features of several nosological entities were specified

The effectiveness of H. pylori therapy in patients with helicobacter pylori related functional dyspepsia

The article presents the results of a study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of eradication schemes with macrolides and bismuth in the treatment of patients with Helicobacter pylori related functional dyspepsia (postprandial distress syndrome)

New Prospects of Cytoprotection in the Treatment and Prevention of Gastric and Intestinal Diseases (Resolution of an Expert Council and Literature Review)

Aim. To generalize up-to-date information on the possibilities of cytoprotection in the treatment and prevention of gastric and intestinal diseases, as well as to present the materials of an Expert Council meeting held on February 8, 2020 in Moscow under the support of the Alium company.General provisions. The conducted Expert Council meeting was aimed at discussing the importance of improving the cytoprotective properties of the gastric and intestinal mucous membrane in the treatment of its lesions. It was shown that Rebamipide exhibits positive effects on various parts of the protective barrier of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), primarily due to its stimulating action on the production of prostaglandins playing a key role in maintaining the cytoprotective properties of the gastrointestinal mucosa. The possibilities of applying Rebamipide for the treatment and prevention of erosive and ulcerative gastrointestinal lesions caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and antithrombotic drugs were demonstrated. In the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Rebamipide is recommended for patients refractory to therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and for those with non-acid reflux. The efficacy of Rebamipide in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, as well as functional dyspepsia and chronic gastritis, was confirmed.Conclusions. Rebamipid is a highly effective drug positively affecting various cytoprotection links, thus being suitable for the treatment and prevention of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as gastroenterological diseases of various etiologies.Conflict of interest: The Expert Council meeting was supported by the Alium company

Diagnostics and treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease: Guidelines of the Russian gastroenterological association

Aim of publication. To present with clinical guidelines of the Russian gastroenterological association on Clostridium difficile-associated disease management to practical doctors. Summary. Clostridium difficile-associated disease develops at disorders of intestinal microbiome with excessive colonization of C. difficile which toxins cause colonic inflammation and damage. C. difficile toxins A and B are major virulence factors causing damage of intestinal wall and inflammation due to damage of intestinal epithelial barrier, induction of proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis and a necrosis of epithelial cells. Current epidemiologic trends of C. difficile-associated disease are characterized by growth of both inpatient and community-acquired morbidity, expansion of risk groups, increase in number of more severe cases including those, caused by more virulent BI/NAP1/027strain, tendency to relapsing, increase in lethal outcomes. C. difficile infection is the most common cause of intrahospital diarrhea leading to significant mortality. Risk factors of C. difficile-associated include antibacterial therapy, hospital admission, elderly age, comorbidity and immunosuppressive treatment. At the present time several laboratory methods for diagnosis of Clostridial infection exist: fecal ELISA test for toxins A and B, PCR, test for C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase. Detection of densely adhered to underlying mucosa greenish or creamy deposits (pseudomembranes) is the endoscopical marker of severe C. difficile-associated disease i.e. pseudomembranous colitis. C. difficile-associated disease treatment includes vancomycin and metronidazole, the choice of drug and dose depends on disease severity. Significance of sorbents and probiotics in patient management is under discussion. Prophylaxis requires rational application of antibiotics, decrease, whenever possible, of terms of hospital stay, timely diagnosis and observance of sanitary and epidemiologic rules in medical institutions. Conclusion. Epidemiologic growth, risk of significant morbidity made C. difficile-associated disease a socially important disease. The present guidelines direct the doctor to correct diagnosis and adequate treatment of C. difficile infection

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: mainstream and innovations (Review of the literature and Russian gastroenterological association Advisory council resolution, May 19, 2017)

Aim of review. To present data of clinical trials, systematic reviews and metaanalyses which allow to optimize eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Summary. Standard triple therapy including proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin and amoxicillin is the first­line treatment for H. pylori eradication. At prescription of standard triple therapy various measures increasing its efficacy should be utilized. Classical fourcomponent bismuth tripotassium dicitrate­based treatment or quadrotherapy without bismuth including PPI, amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole may be alternative options for the first line eradication therapy. Quadrotherapy with bismuth tripotassium dicitrate is applied as the basic mode of second line therapy at failure of standard triple therapy. Alternative mode of the second line therapy includes PPI, levofloxacin and amoxicillin. Levofloxacin­based triple therapy can be prescribed only by specialist in gastroenterology at strict indications. Third line therapy is personalized according to the choice of the previous treatment modes. The choice of H. pylori eradication therapy in the Russian Federation is based on empirical approach. The rate of clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori strains in Russia does not exceed 15% in the majority of regional studies. There are data indicating absence of significant metronidazole resistance of H. pylori and low level of double clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance. Efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy may be enhanced by increasing treatment duration to 14 days. Prescription of new generation PPI or increase of PPI dose are targeted to provide the maximum acid suppression, highly important for successful H. pylori infection eradication. Additional prescription of bismuth tripotassium dicitrate, probiotics or rebamipid increases efficacy of antihelicobacter therapy. Significant decrease of adverse events rate at H. pylori eradication treatment is reached at combined prescription of probiotics. Rebamipid may potentiate reparative processes in the stomach mucosa. Conclusion: Methods of H. pylori eradication optimization can be applied for enhancement of both standard triple therapy and other concomitant treatment modes, and the combination of these methods provides best result for the given patient