Topical issues of physical medicine and rehabilitation

On the 30th of August, 2024 – The Constitution Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan – the 3rd International Conference “TOPICAL ISSUES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION” was held in Astana in a hybrid format and was organized with the support of the Federation of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Kazakhstan.

According to WHO, currently about 2.4 billion people in the world suffer from diseases that require rehabilitation. The purpose of this conference is to focus on the development of rehabilitation services in the Republic of Kazakhstan, modern methods of rehabilitation treatment, further improvement of the system of training and professional growth of specialists in the field of physical medicine and treatment. The conference highlighted the latest guidelines and innovative approaches in the field of neurorehabilitation, cardio rehabilitation, on core habilitation based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, as well as issues of legal protection of a medical worker. The conference was attended by leading rehabilitation specialists in neurology, cardiology, oncology, traumatology of Kazakhstan and foreign countries, such as South Korea, the USA/Japan, Russia. Speakers and participants had the opportunity to share the achievements of practical rehabilitation in Kazakhstan.

The teaching staff of the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University took an active part in this event. Turuspekova S.T., Head of the Department of Nervous Diseases, chief non-stuff neurologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan was the moderator of the Neurorehabilitation section and made a report “Possibilities of drug support in the rehabilitation of patients with central nervous system damage”, assistant of the Department of Nervous Diseases Demesinova B.K. introduced the audience to the modern view in the treatment and rehabilitation of acute and chronic pain in the lower back. Seidanova A.B., Chief non-stuff specialist of the Almaty Health Department, head of the Department of Neurorehabilitation of the State Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Almaty, assistant of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, devoted her speeches to the latest review of neurorehabilitation algorithms, as well as robotic therapy in early post-stroke rehabilitation of the upper limb. The report of Ibraeva O.S., Master of Medical Sciences, Assistant of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, was devoted to the algorithm of cardiorehabilitation based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. Dosybaeva A.Zh., head of the Department of Neurorehabilitation of the State Clinical Hospital No. 7 in Almaty, assistant of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, spoke about the use of Bimeo Biofeedback therapy in restoring the function of the upper extremities.

According to forecasts, due to changes in the field of health and demographic composition of the population, estimated rehabilitation needs around the world will increase. As a result of increased life expectancy, the population over the age of 60 is expected to double by 2050, with more and more people suffering from diseases such as diabetes, stroke and cancer. At the same time, indicators of the frequency of injuries and developmental disorders (for example, cerebral palsy) in children remain. These pathological conditions can negatively affect the functional capabilities of a person and contribute to an increase in disability rates, which therefore necessitates rehabilitation. In many regions of the world, the growing rehabilitation needs are largely not being met. In some low- and middle-income countries, more than half of the people who need rehabilitation services do not receive them.

Currently, great attention is paid to the development of the rehabilitation service of Kazakhstan and great importance is attached. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2022, 130 thousand people received special social services, including more than 10 thousand people with disabilities received them in 32 state rehabilitation centers of the country. However, given that the total number of disabled people in the -republic exceeds 711 thousand, the creation of new rehabilitation centers is an urgent issue.

This conference highlighted important aspects of the theoretical and practical part of the work of practitioners in the field of rehabilitation, which is of great educational and practical importance.

Implementation of visiting professor Melakhat Atasever program at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Asfendiyarov KazNMU

From 18.06.24 to 29.06.24, the training program of visiting professor Melahat Atasever from Turkey was held. Professor Melahat Atasever stands out with a unique combination of extensive medical experience, deep scientific knowledge, and an active role in the international community of obstetrics and gynecology specialists. Her professional path began with medical education at the prestigious Ankara University, after which she continued through various scientific and practical sites both in Turkey and abroad. During her professional career, she demonstrated unique skills in various aspects of the specialty, including surgical treatment methods and innovative approaches to infertility and ART. She is a developer of innovative methods for the treatment of infertility and ART, including the use of stem cells and exosomes. Professor Atasever has more than 29 scientific publications in journals included in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, Hirsch Index – 7. Number of citations in Google Akademik 206; Scopus 88; Web of Science 90.

The professor’s visit took place in the form of lectures, seminars, scientific and methodological work for residents (specialty obstetrics and gynecology), teachers, as well as for practicing doctors and mentors of the department’s clinical bases. The training session included the following current topics in obstetrics and gynecology.

“The project of the visiting professor’s effectiveness includes the introduction and development of innovative methods of treating infertility in women with repeated failures of the ART program in Kazakhstan, which will increase the effectiveness of ART. It is planned to conduct scientific research in this area and publish scientific articles.”

Satbayev University congratulates Olympic champion Alexandra Le

Alexandra Le returned today from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, winning a bronze medal for shooting in a 10-meter air rifle mixed pair together with her partner Islam Satpayev.

Satbayev University is proud of such a student, because she not only brought Kazakhstan the first medal at this Olympiad in a competitive sport in which Kazakhstanis have not achieved victory since 1996, but also did it in the year of University’s 90th anniversary.

“It is a great honor for me to participate on behalf of my alma mater and on behalf of Kazakhstan,” Alexandra said.

Alexandra, an international master of sports and a member of National team of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a student at Satbayev University Project Management Institute. She is studying Business Engineering here and practicing the shooting at the same time. Her teachers are confident that the girl will achieve great heights both in sports and in business.

Congratulations to Alexandra Le and Islam Satpayev with the bronze medal! We wish you strong health and good luck!

A new chapter in Kazakhstan’s medical history: KazNMU celebrates its first pediatricians’ graduation

Today marked a historic milestone for the healthcare system in Kazakhstan as the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) celebrated the graduation of its first class of pediatricians in 17 years. This significant event saw 132 specialists receiving their diplomas, including top graduates with honors, winners of international competitions, and the best graduates of 2024.

Addressing the graduates, KazNMU Rector Marat Shoranov highlighted the challenging seven-year journey that demonstrated the dedication of both the faculty and the pioneering students of the School of Pediatrics. He praised their hard work, perseverance, and commitment, emphasizing that these qualities have led to the reinforcement of the healthcare system with newly qualified pediatricians. “This journey was not easy, but through your effort, determination, and devotion, we have reached this important milestone. This is a new chapter in the history of our university. Today, you are making history!” Rector Shoranov congratulated the graduates.

The history of KazNMU’s Pediatric Faculty dates back to 1938, making it one of the first faculties of its kind in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Over its 84-year history, it has trained more than 8,000 specialists, with graduates contributing across all sectors of the healthcare system. Currently, 1,080 students are enrolled in the Pediatrics program, continuing the legacy of excellence.

XXV Anniversary scientific and practical conference held at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University

The vibrant city of Almaty buzzed with excitement as it hosted the XXV International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Actual Problems of Clinical, Experimental Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurophysiology,” celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Department of Nervous Diseases at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medial University.

The conference was a dynamic gathering where leading experts in neurology and neurosurgery shared groundbreaking presentations on various nervous system disorders and cutting-edge techniques in investigation, diagnosis, management, and prevention. This event saw a convergence of specialists from across Kazakhstan, including Almaty, Karaganda, Aktobe, Taldykorgan, Shymkent, Semey, and Astana, all coming together to tackle the pressing issues in neurology.

Adding an international flair, the conference welcomed distinguished participants from Australia, Austria, the United States, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Uzbekistan, New Zealand, and Germany. This global collaboration highlighted crucial health issues and fostered discussions on future strategies for growth, showcased through insightful presentations and compelling case studies from our foreign colleagues.

Attendees were engaged in several breakout sessions, delving into topics like “Rare Diseases: Improving Lives,” “Neurology in the 21st Century: Old Challenges, New Questions,” and “Neurorehabilitation and Pain Management Issues.” Additionally, a symposium focused on “Multiple Sclerosis and Current Aspects of Orphan Diseases” and “Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): From Assessing Opportunities to Obtaining Results” captivated the audience.

The conference culminated with the Young Scientists’ section, where emerging professionals, neurologists, and neurosurgeons showcased their innovative perspectives on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of nervous system disorders.

All participants, from speakers to guests, left with a renewed commitment to ongoing collaboration, eager to elevate professionalism and competence in the healthcare field.

Almaty police, emergency services officers complete first aid courses at the Asfendiyarov KazNMU Simulation Center

At the Simulation Center of Asfendiyarov KazNMU, a charity event for free training for police officers and the Department of Emergency Situations of Almaty was completed. For three months, law enforcement officers and rescuers took first aid courses.

The training “School of First Aid “Golden Hour” was organized on the initiative of the Chairman of the Board and Rector of KazNMU Marat Shoranov. The purpose of the courses is to improve the training of first responders in critical situations. The rule of the “Golden Hour” is to quickly stabilize the victim’s condition and prevent the deterioration of his condition in order to provide medical care, including emergency care, to the victim as quickly and effectively as possible.

The purpose of first aid is to save the victim, that is, to eliminate the threat to his life, to prevent further damage and possible complications. The strong earthquakes that occurred in Almaty revealed the need to improve knowledge and skills in providing first emergency aid to the population. World experience shows that seismic safety of the population depends not only on the quality of the seismic service, but also on the general level of seismic education and psychological preparedness of the population, including in providing first emergency aid.

The training is conducted by employees of the Simulation Center and the Institute of Additional and Professional Education of Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University. These are certified trainers who have been trained in international organizations, in particular Israel, the USA and Russia. They are practicing physicians who have extensive clinical and teaching experience. In total, over three months, 1,300 employees of the emergency services and traffic police in Almaty completed the training. All training participants were given certificates.

KazNARU’s International Summer School 2024 focuses on climate change

The Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) hosted an International Summer School-2024 from June 3-15. The event attracted over 400 students, both online and offline, from 14 countries including China, Turkey, South and Central Asia. The summer school offered 10 sections focusing on innovative approaches to addressing climate change and technology adaptation for sustainable agricultural development. Topics included agribusiness development, dry land and forest management, food security, and veterinary issues.

The event featured more than 20 speakers from 12 countries who delivered lectures on the major challenges related to climate change. Additionally, practical seminars provided participants the opportunity to work on developing innovative “green” startups in the agro-industrial sector and food processing and preservation.

During the seminars and brainstorming sessions, students discussed the adaptation of new technologies and technology transfers to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics. Foresight sessions focused on exploring future challenges related to the introduction of new technologies in the agricultural sector and capacity building for sustainable livelihood and food security.

Akhylbek Kurishbayev, the Chairman of the Board and Rector, emphasized that the International Summer School serves as a unique opportunity for leading scholars and experts from around the world to address complex issues related to the transformation of agriculture in response to global realities. He highlighted that KazNARU provided students with access to labs, experimental stations, and greenhouses, offering both theoretical learning and practical experience.

The International Summer School aims to bring together lecturers and students from the region to discuss the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national and regional levels. With challenges such as water shortages, deforestation, and desertification transcending national boundaries, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and effectively implement SDGs.

International Youth Conference “Model UN – New Silk Road” 2024 held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

On June 8, 2024, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) launched the international youth conference “Model UN – New Silk Road” 2024, dedicated to empowering youth in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference, which underscores climate action, gender equality, and the attainment of all 17 SDGs, also commemorates the 90th anniversary of the university and the 10th anniversary of its designation as a Global Hub for the United Nations Academic Impact program.

Yerkin Duyssenov, Chairperson of the Sustainable Development Committee and Vice-Rector for Operational Activities at KazNU, inaugurated the event. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the crucial role of youth as a vital component of human capital and the evolving demands on universities. He highlighted the need for universities to go beyond imparting academic knowledge and focus on preparing graduates to adapt to change and embrace continuous development. Today’s students, he noted, must be leaders capable of making unconventional decisions and addressing contemporary challenges.

“As a Global Hub of the UN Academic Impact program on sustainability since 2012, KazNU has actively supported the international youth platform Model UN ‘New Silk Road’ and has been committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals through education, scientific research, and cooperation with international organizations,” stated Vice-Rector Duyssenov. He also noted the successful operation of two UNESCO chairs at the university, the Academic Regional Resource and Information Center of the UN at the Faculty of International Relations, and the reinstatement of the Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development.

The conference aims to educate students in international diplomacy and develop their skills in addressing global issues through international law. Participants are tackling critical topics such as climate action, gender equality, and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Esteemed speakers at the conference included Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan; Dr. Amir Piric, Acting Director of the UNESCO Cluster Office; Dr. Vlastimil Samek, Head of the UN Department of Global Communications; Dr. Serik Naryssov, Chairman of the Asian Diplomatic Society; Mr. Fayzulla Nurullayev, Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Almaty; Dr. Rustem Kurmanguzhin, Associate Professor at Narxoz University; and Dr. Rafis Abazov, Vice-Rector of KazNARU.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in three committees to discuss the significance of education in promoting human rights and reducing inequality, enhancing the resilience of Central Asian economies amidst climate change, preserving cultural heritage, and amplifying the role of women.

The conference concluded with all active participants receiving certificates and commemorative prizes, underscoring the pivotal role of youth in solving global problems and strengthening international cooperation.

KAZNMU Pharmacy Team Developed a Plant-based drug

At the School of Pharmacy of the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, was completed the scientific project “Development of a phytosubstance from domestic plant raw materials with a cardiotonic effect”, funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan to develop a plant-based drug of medicinal herb Ziziphora bungeana Juz., which has many pharmacological effects.

The object of the study was the annual or perennial, herbaceous or sub-shrub plant Ziziphora bungeana, which grows in central Asia, western China, Altai, Mongolia and other countries.

The genus Ziziphora L. of the Lamiaceae family includes about 30 plant species.

Plants of Ziziphora are rich in essential oils, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, resins, tannins, and organic acids are also isolated.

As part of the project, joint scientific research to study the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of this herb was carried out with the State Medical University of Lublin (Poland), St. Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University (Russia), and Masaryk University (Czech Republic). Based on the results of research using in vivo methods, The antimicrobial, antioxidant and cardiotropic properties of Z. bungeana extracts have been established in vitro. The cardiotropic activity was confirmed by the results of Echocardiography, Electrocardiogram, and histological analysis. The results obtained confirm the prospects of the research object for the development of effective drugs from natural raw materials.

The results of studies on the medicinal herb by Z. bungeana were published in the highly rated scientific journals: Ethnopharmacology, Molecules with quartiles Q1, Q2 and a patent was received from the Eurasian Patent Office.

Medicines based on domestic natural raw materials help reduce import dependence and allow expanding the arsenal of domestic products on the pharmaceutical market of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Republican scientific and practical conference with international participation at Children’s City Clinical Hospital

In Almaty, at the Children’s City Clinical Hospital No. 2, the two-day (April 18-19) Republican scientific and practical conference with international participation “Barlybaev Readings” completed its work today. Dedicated to the 135th anniversary KazNMU and the 100th anniversary of the outstanding pediatrician, scientist, one of the founders of the national pediatric school and science of Kazakhstan Nina Barlybaeva.

It should be noted that the conference was held to support the scientific interest of practical healthcare doctors in the health problems of the children’s population. Pediatricians, pediatric anesthesiologists and resuscitators, and pediatric cardiologists took part in it.

The main scientific directions of the conference covered clinical aspects of childhood pathology; rare diseases in pediatric practice; socially significant diseases in pediatric practice; vaccine prevention in pediatrics; medical rehabilitation in pediatric practice; nutrition of a healthy and sick child; emergency conditions in pediatrics and pediatric surgery.

As part of the conference, a master class was held with the participation of the director of the National Children’s Specialized Hospital ” Okhmatdit ” of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, pediatric resuscitator, professor Vladimir Zhovnir on the topic “Heart rhythm disorders in children – according to ECG.”

The organizers of the conference were Children’s City Clinical Hospital No. 2 of Almaty, the School of Pediatrics and the Department of Childhood Diseases named after Professor Barlybaeva of the KazNMU. As the organizers noted, the conference will be annual and will become a traditional platform for the exchange of experience and innovative technologies in pediatrics between leading experts, young scientists and practicing physicians.