The Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Russian Federation: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) worldwide over the past decades. Studies have shown that the number of confirmed diagnoses correlates with the awareness of the disorder among the general public and the professional community, in particular, as well as the availability of formalized screening procedures and modern medical and educational tools for families raising children with ASD in regional population centers. Thus, comparing autism prevalence rates in regions of the same country helps identify regions with limited access to diagnostic services and adequate medical care. AIM: To estimate the overall number of individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria for ASD in Russia and determine the differences in the number of registered individuals with established diagnosis in the constituent territories of the Russian Federation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study and analyzed data from official statistical reports (form 12 Information on the Number of Diseases Registered in Patients Residing in the Service Area of a Healthcare Institution for 20202021). RESULTS: A steady upward trend in the number of individuals with autism has been observed since 2014 in the Russian Federation as a whole and in the federal districts, although the prevalence rates differ from the global median prevalence of ASD (all-Russian figure by almost 40 times). In addition, regional differences (by 104.5 times) in the frequency of the diagnosis have been revealed: from a minimum of 1.7 to a maximum of 177.7 per 100,000 population. The percentile distribution of the number of individuals with ASD that are followed-up at healthcare facilities in the constituent territories of the Russian Federation was in the interquartile range (2575th percentile), below the 25th percentile, and above the 75th percentile in 38, 26 and 21 regions, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study has shown significant differences in the ASD diagnosis rates by regions in the country against a backdrop of a low (compared to international data) number of registered cases of autism. The presented data suggest that, due to the lack of proper diagnosis, a significant number of individuals with ASD do not receive adequate medical care, nor do they receive social, psychological, or pedagogical support. Possible reasons for this probably include low awareness of new diagnostic approaches among psychiatrists; low level of involvement of pediatrics professionals in screening activities; and fear of stigmatization because of a psychiatric diagnosis in the absence of a developed medical care infrastructure that encompasses a social, psychological, and pedagogical support system for people with ASD

Web environment of distance learning

This article examines the use of various Internet resources in education in the context of the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The relevance of the research topic is determined by new requirements and trends in education in the era of distance learning. That is why recently it has become extremely important to introduce new educational technologies in the educational process, in particular in teaching a foreign language. The aim of the article is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of online learning and the impact of information technology on the learning process. The research was carried out using the analytical method and questionnaires. The article also raises the issue of using Internet resources and multimedia tools, which is the main way to provide distance learning using various communication platforms (Zoom, Hangouts, Teams, Skype, Moodle, and others) and social networks (Viber, Skype, WhatsApp, etc.). The result of the research presented in this article is the conclusion that the use of Internet resources and modern teaching aids of the new generation allows teachers to fill professional educational activities with new creative content and form, actively apply problematic, variable, innovative teaching methods, intensively use educational Web -sites, Internet portals

Using Screencasts in Computer Science Classes at a Technical University

The information technologies applications in various fields of human activity are developing exponentially now. The article considers possibility of using screencasting in a computer science course at a technical university. Screencast is a video that contains a record of actions performed on a computer with the author’s comments. The advantages and disadvantages of this technology in the learning process are considered. It is noted that the technology of on-screen video is distinguished by information richness and strong emotional effect on the student. The application of screencasting in computer science classes at the Tomsk Polytechnic University using the mathematical package MathCad, which has the means to solve all kinds of problems associated with symbolic operations, is presented. The motivation for this study is to increase the student learning process effectiveness. Therefore, the objectives of the study are: to study the possibility of screencasting in the student learning process organization, to study the possibility of using this technology during studying a computer science course, to find out how effectively this method allows to master knowledge in the relevant discipline. The results of study using this technology and the traditional method are analyzed. It is shown that the use of screencasting allows to improve the test results in comparison with the group trained by the traditional method

Особенности гастроинтестинальных нарушений у детей с расстройствами аутистического спектра: обзор литературы

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are common neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by heterogeneity and high variability in severity of mental, neurological, and somatic symptoms. Such gastrointestinal malformations as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux, nutritional disorders, intestinal microbiota disorders are common in autistic children. The association between the severity of gastrointestinal malformations and the severity of behavioral symptoms in ASDs was revealed. Early diagnosis and assessment of gastrointestinal malformations in ASDs is crucial for their further correction to optimize nutrition, to develop individual complex treatment and management with the involvement of multidisciplinary specialists.Расстройства аутистического спектра (РАС) — распространенные нарушения развития нервной системы, отличающиеся неоднородностью с высокой вариабельностью и гетерогенностью по тяжести психических, неврологических и соматических симптомов. Гастроинтестинальные расстройства, такие как абдоминальная боль, запор, диарея, гастроэзофагеальный рефлюкс, расстройства питания, нарушения кишечной микробиоты, часто встречаются у аутичных детей. Выявлена взаимосвязь между степенью выраженности желудочно-кишечных нарушений и тяжестью поведенческих симптомов при РАС. Существует необходимость ранней диагностики и оценки гастроинтестинальных нарушений при РАС, возможности их коррекции с целью оптимизации питания, разработки индивидуального комплексного лечения и тактики ведения с привлечением специалистов различных профилей

Risk Prediction of Early and Late Acquired Glomerular and Tubular Dysfunctions in Patients with Disorders of Carbohydrate Metabolism

The purpose of this study was to create a new system for predicting the risk of glomerular and tubular dysfunctions (GTD) in patients with disorders of carbohydrate metabolism (DCM) based on standard parameters and new molecular markers for the development of kidney damage in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Material and Methods: The study included 69 patients: 16 patients with IGT (Group 1), 28 T2DM patients with MAU (Group 2), and 25 T2DM patients with MacAU (Group 3), according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria in the research. All patients were stratified by the MDRD. The control group (Group 4) included 11 healthy individuals. The duration of DN was 10.5 years. At the stage of data collection and screening, the standard methods of identification of IGT, DM and DN were applied. Additional methods are included quantitative analysis of the level of α-GST and π-GST, MMP-9 in urine by ELISA. Result: Analysis of the correlation interactions of the level of standard risk factors for the development of renal damage in patients with IGT and DN with the level of new molecular markers in urine and blood allows us to identify and introduce into clinical practice new screening tests reflecting the key molecular interactions that underlie the development of GTD in patients with DCM

Awareness and Competence of Pediatricians on Child Abuse: Preliminary Results of the International Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Many social problems have worsened nowadays especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that child health professionals have all the necessary knowledge for detection of child abuse in modern society. Aim of the study is to study the awareness and competence of pediatricians on child abuse. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted using the international standardized questionnaire (22 questions). The study has included practicing pediatricians from inpatient and outpatient (95% of all respondents) clinics in Kazan. Results. The data from questionnaire survey of 73 pediatricians has shown that 29 (40%) and 39 (53%) of all respondents encountered physical and psychological abuse against children, respectively. Physical abuse was considered as the most common form of abuse by 38 (52%) pediatricians. The child abuse was revealed during routine examination in 33 (45%) cases. 20 (28%) respondents have initiated proceedings for every case of physical abuse, and 23 (31%) — for psychological abuse. One in three pediatricians, 23 (31%), consider the present legislation comprehensive enough in the sphere of children protection against abuse. Meanwhile, 50 (68%) pediatricians regarded their own level of awareness in this topic as insufficient. Conclusion. The study has shown insufficient competence of pediatricians (especially in the visiting services) in the detection and maintenance of children abuse cases (physical and psychological). It is crucial to enhance and continuously improve education of pediatricians on pre-graduate and continuing professional education levels in issues of children abuse