Vol 104, No 3 (2025)

Introduction. The paper presents the results of studies aimed at assessing epidemiological risk to the health of the population residing in the territories contaminated as a result of production activity of Production Association “Mayak” in the South Urals. The objective of the work is to estimate mortality rates from lung cancer (LC) in the population chronically exposed to radiation in the South Urals. Materials and methods. The South Urals Population Exposed to Radiation (SUPER) Cohort of sixty two thousand five hundred ninety two people (27,789 are men, 34,803 – women) includes all persons exposed to radiation in the South Urals from 1950 to 1960 on the Techa River and the South Urals Radioactive Trace. The follow-up period is 71 years (from 1950 to 2020). Results. Over a 71-year follow-up period, 925 LC-related death cases have been registered in the cohort in the follow-up territory. The number of person-years at risk was 1,964,140. The results of analyzing the trends in LC mortality rates between 1950 and 2020 showed a statistically significant increase. Both crude and age-standardized mortality rates in men are statistically significantly higher than in women (by a factor of about 13.5). A significant increase in LC mortality rates was found in men from 2016 to 2020 compared to earlier 10-year periods. LC mortality rate among women is increasing slowly and differences by periods are statistically unreliable. Standardized LC mortality rates are statistically significantly higher in the Slavs (predominantly Russians) compared to the Turkic group (Tatars and Bashkirs) over all follow-up periods, except for the last one from 2016 to 2020. Standardized LC mortality rates in the SUPER cohort in smokers are significantly higher compared to non-smokers (more than 20-fold). Limitations. Relatively high percentage of unknown causes of death in the current study of the analyzed cohort is characterized by a high percentage of the unknown causes of death, as well as of the population lost to follow-up. The latter includes people who migrated from the catchment area and people whose vital status is unknown as of the end of the follow up period. All these factors could decrease the statistical power of the study but would not lower the quality since the exact date of the entry to and exit from the catchment area, the number of person-years and deaths from lung cancer are known for the compared groups. Conclusion. The analysis of LC mortality rate in the cohort of the exposed population for the period from 1950 to 2020 revealed the following trends, typical for the general population of Russia as well: an increase in LC mortality rate in the recent follow-up years, age-standardized mortality rates are statistically significantly higher in men than in women, in smokers than in non-smokers.

Introduction. Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Chikungunya persist as alarming global health threats. This paper aims to examines Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Chikungunya before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia for understanding epidemiological trends and developing evidence-based strategies of climate change impact. Materials and methods. Data were collected since 2017-2022 from various sources, including national health surveys and meteorological agencies in Indonesia. Statistical analyses and correlations were conducted to understand the relationships between disease incidence, temperature, rainfall, and pandemic-related measures Results. In Indonesia, Dengue fever incidence rose significantly from 26.1% in 2017 before the COVID-19 pandemic to 52.1% in 2022, malaria’s annual parasite incidence (API) increase by 0.6, from 1.0 per 1,000 population in 2017 to 1.6 in 2022 during the pandemic. Chikungunya cases surged by 23,6 times, increasing from 126 cases in 2017 to 2974 cases in 2022 From 2017 to 2019, temperature and rainfall showed a decreasing trend. However, between 2020 and 2022, both indicators fluctuated, with a notable spike in 2022 where rainfall reached 550 mm and temperatures increased by 1°C compared to previous years. An anomaly occurred in 2019 when both temperature and rainfall decreased, yet Dengue Fever Malaria, and Chikungunya cases increased. Limitations. One limitation of this study is the potential for incomplete or inconsistent data reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic due to total lockdowns in Indonesia, which may affect the accuracy of the observed epidemiological trends. Conclusion. Dengue Fever cases rose, possibly due to increased exposure at home. Malaria displayed a fluctuating trend, initially decreasing due to travel restrictions and possibly reduced testing coverage, then experiencing a rebound post-pandemic. Chikungunya’s surge during the pandemic and subsequent fluctuations underlines the need for ongoing disease surveillance. The correlation with environmental factors like temperature and rainfall underscores climate’s role in disease prevalence.

Introduction. The paper presents the results of a study of environmental and hygienic assessment of soils in urban administrative centers of the Vladimir region for the content of heavy metals and arsenic. Materials and methods. The object of research is the upper horizons of urban soils in eighteen administrative centers of the Vladimir region. Soil samples were taken in the summer of 2022-2023 in various functional zones of cities. The soil cover was studied using the X-ray fluorescence method to determine the content of heavy metals and arsenic. Results. The maximum, minimum, and median values ​​of concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic in the soils of the administrative centers of the region were established. Soil contamination with heavy metals and arsenic across cities is characterized by significant differentiation. The highest concentrations of pollutants were recorded in urban soils of industrial zones, the minimum – in landscape and recreational zones. The priority soil pollutants in the cities of the Vladimir region are As and Pb. The maximum values ​​of the total indicator of soil pollution were identified in such cities as Gus-Khrustalny, Kovrov, Melenki, which makes it possible to classify them as extremely dangerous. The city of Suzdal turned out to be the most favourable in terms of soil pollution, positioned primarily as a historical and tourist center, in which there are practically no industrial enterprises. Limitations. The calculation methodology, which is focused on soil types and their granulometric composition, which differ in different administrative centers. Conclusion. An assessment of the contamination level of urban soils in the administrative centers of the Vladimir region in terms of the content of heavy metals and arsenic showed the majority of the urban population to live in an area with soils of a moderately hazardous and permissible category. The maximum values ​​of the total indicator of soil pollution are associated, first of all, with abnormal local technogenic chemical pollution caused by the activities and specifics of industrial enterprises using heavy metal compounds in technological processes. The likelihood of high risks to public health and the environment of the urban space of the administrative centers of the Vladimir region determines the need to manage constant environmental and hygienic monitoring of their soil cover, since soil pollution may result in a deterioration in the safety and comfort of the living environment of urban residents.

Introduction. During operation, the passenger rooms of the stations and the rolling stock of the subway are subjected to intense complex effects of mechanical, chemical, and biological factors. According to the literature data of domestic and foreign researchers, on surfaces in the Subway there are found various genera of microorganisms including Dietzia, Brevundimonas, Pseudomonas, Arsenicicoccus, Stenotrophomonas. However, there is no data on the degree of surface contamination in the available literature. However, information about such studies is necessary to take sanitary, hygienic, and anti-epidemic measures to prevent and reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases in crowded places. The purpose of the study. To study bacterial contamination of surfaces of the Moscow metro to develop criteria for assessing the degree of contamination of surfaces. Materials and methods. The assessment of contamination of subway surfaces was carried out according to sanitary and bacteriological indicators by the method of prints and flushes with the determination of the total microbial number (TMN) and bacteria of the E. coli group (Escherichia coli) by classical microbiological methods (Methodological guidelines MUK 4.2.2942–11 "Methods of sanitary and bacteriological studies of environmental objects, air and sterility control in medical organizations"). The obtained results were processed using indicators of variation statistics and determining the degree of reliability according to the Student’s criterion. Results. The highest level of microbial contamination was detected on the surfaces of the vestibules and passages between the vestibules and the halls of the stations. The contamination of the lobby floor (with a microbial contamination level of 105–107 CFU/100 cm2) was 93% of the total number of samples, while the percentage of samples with the same contamination level in the station halls corresponded to 72%; microbial contamination of the lobby walls (105–107 CFU/100 cm2) was 100%, while in the station halls the percentage of samples with this level of pollution was only 33%. The microbial contamination of the counters at the cash registers turned out to be significantly higher than the contamination of the entrance doors (respectively: 100% and 40%). Limitations. The research was carried out only at twelve stations (Kurskaya-Radial. Kursk-Koltsevaya, VDNKh, Medvedkovo, Sviblovo, Vykhino, Krestyanskaya Zastava, Proletarskaya, Novokuznetsk, Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhov). Conclusion. Based on the results obtained, for assessing the contamination of surfaces (walls, ceilings, floors, columns, window panes, etc.) at Moscow Metro there have been developed criteria including high, medium, and relatively clean pollution levels.

Introduction. The veterinary profession in Algeria has traditionally been male-dominated, largely due to the perceived complexity and high-pressure work environment. The purpose. This study aims to identify the primary risks confronting female veterinary professionals. Materials and methods. An online questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was published online. A total of 108 female veterinary practitioners mainly in the private sector from various departments in Algeria have participated. Results. Work-related problems were present in 61.1% of responders, which caused much more flu, heatstrokes and frostbites. A very close percentage was observed for dogs and cats bites and/or scratches (59.2%), primarily observed in the front limb. Even allergies were present in 56.5% of cases, especially to desinfectants. A lower degree of infectious and/or parasitic disease occurrence (38.0%) was observed and dermatophytosis was preponderant. Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders were extremely common and concerned 54.6%, with a predominance of low back pain. A percentage of 19.4% reported road accidents during the round trip between the workplace and the residence, mainly causing work stoppages of around a month. A majority of female practitioners had psychological concerns (70.3%), stress was the most reported, as well as social difficulties (59.2%) and is especially the problems with the family environment, in addition to insufficient financial income. Limitations. The study could be continued and extended to other professional categories related to the veterinary sector. Conclusions. This study helped to identify problems faced by women practitioners in Algeria, and propose solutions to enhance veterinary practices and strengthen women’s position in society.

Introduction. The end of 2019 was marked by the worldwide spread of a new potentially severe acute respiratory infection caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (2019–nCoV). Due to its aggressive spread, the World Health Organization announced the presence of a pandemic, as a result of which people were forced to urgently change their usual lifestyle. The aim of this work was to study the effect of a two-month regime of forced self-isolation on the functional state and mental performance in students and teachers of a humanitarian university. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on the basis of a pedagogical university with the participation of elderly teachers and second-year undergraduate students. At the first stage of the study, three groups of subjects were formed: group 1 ‒ teachers (55–70 years old), group 2 ‒ second‒year undergraduate students (19–20 years old), group 3 – university administration staff (20–25 years old). All subjects underwent an initial examination using the methods of SAN, Spielberger ‒ Khanin, “black and red table”, “Landolt rings”, “compasses”, “Stange test”, “tremorometry”, “Starr index”. At the second stage, the subjects of groups 1 and 2 performed functional duties while in the mode of forced self-isolation. The individuals in group 3 continued to work in their usual mode. At the final stage of the experiment, all subjects were re-examined in the original volume, after which the examination was repeated after one, two, and three months. The received data was processed in accordance with GOST R 8. Results. A two-month regime of forced self-isolation has been established to worsen the indicators of the functional state and working capacity in all participants in the educational process, while more pronounced changes are observed in the elderly. After the cancellation of the forced self-isolation regime, the psychophysiological indicators of the subjects return to their initial values, while the recovery of indicators occurs faster in the subjects of group 2 (students). Limitations. Thirty six people among teachers, students, and administrative staff of the pedagogical university were examined. The activity and examination of the experimental groups of subjects took place remotely at home. The age restrictions of the group of students (19–20 years old, second year) are dictated by the fact that sophomores are adapted to the new conditions of activity at the university and did not spend their psychophysiological reserves on this. The age restrictions of the group of teachers (55–70 years old) are dictated by the fact that this age category is currently the most widely represented in the humanities universities of the country. The choice of methods was determined by the extensive practice of their application and detailed description in the relevant manuals, the absence of any negative impact on the subjects. Conclusion. The two-month regime of forced self-isolation negatively affects the indicators of the functional state and mental performance of both second-year undergraduate students and elderly teachers of the humanities university. A more pronounced deterioration in psychophysiological parameters was noted among older teachers. After the abolition of the forced self-isolation regime, the indicators of the functional state and working capacity gradually returned to their initial values, while a faster and more pronounced trend was observed among the second-year undergraduate students.

Introduction. In this study, we estimated features of modifying effects produced by benzo(a)pyrene well as by vaccine antigens of the SARS-CoV-2 and Influenzavirus viruses on the cytokine profile indicators under experimental conditions in vitro. Materials and methods. To assess the cytokine-producing function, there was studied a mixed population of immunocytes, which was cultured for 72 hours, followed by analyzing the cytokine profile by enzyme immunoassay. Benzo(a)pyrene and viral vaccine antigens S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and hemagglutinins of Influenzaviruses of types A and B were used as inducing factors (modifiers). Results. For exposure to benzo(a)pyrene in vitro there was noted multidirectional modification of cytokine mediator production with activation of IL-8 expression and suppression of IL-6 production (p=0.003–0.047). Similar changes in cytokine expression persisted under combined load with SARS-CoV-2 and Influenzavirus viral antigens. SARS-CoV-2 antigens predominantly stimulated the expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-8), while activation of the cytokine profile by Influenzavirus antigens was limited by an increase in IL-8 expression with its maximum achieved under combined (SARS-CoV-2 + Influenzavirus) viral load (p=0.002–0.047). Simultaneous introduction of benzo(a)pyrene and viral antigens into the cell culture involved an increase in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α (p=0.004–0.038). Limitations. The limitations of the in vitro methodological approach are associated with ambiguity as regards translation and extrapolation of the results and conclusions obtained using cellular and subcellular models to processes formed within a macroorganism. Conclusion. The results of the study clarify and supplement the ideas about participation of cytokine compartments of intercellular interactions in development of immune and inflammatory processes associated with persisting SARS-CoV-2 and Influenzavirus and modifying effects of benzo(a)pyrene. This made it possible to verify features of combined effects produced by chemical and biological factors in experimental models in vitro (imbalance in expression of IL-8 and IL-6), to identify markers of their effects for evaluating effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing socially significant viral infections under destabilization of the environment.

Introduction. Currently, a promising direction in water sample toxicity research involves conducting screening analysis on human cell lines. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of model drinking water pollutant on the metabolic activity of the human duodenal adenocarcinoma cell line HuTu-80 to justify its further use as a test object for evaluation the toxicity of drinking water samples. Materials and methods. The research object is the standard culture of the duodenal adenocarcinoma cell line HuTu-80. To assess the toxic effect of chloride, sulfate, and nitrate ions on the cell culture, their sodium salts were used: NaCl in concentrations ranging from 100 to 10000 mg/L, Na2SO4 from 20 to 2000 mg/L, and NaNO3 from 2 to 200 mg/L. The toxic effects of pollutants on the HuTu-80 cell culture were determined using the MTT assay. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using the Statistica 10 software (Statsoft, USA). Results. The study evaluating the influence of model drinking water pollutants on the metabolic activity of the HuTu-80 duodenal adenocarcinoma cell culture revealed a dose-dependent effect of chloride, sulfate, and nitrate ions, resulting in a decrease in their metabolic activity. Limitations. The application of this research method is feasible only in a specially equipped laboratory with qualified personnel. Conclusion. The data obtained from this study may serve as a basis for the development of a test system utilizing the human intestinal cell culture to assess the toxicity of drinking water samples.