ISSN Print 2713-0878    ISSN Online 2713-0886
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL OF ERMC EASTERN EUROPEAN

New articles

Microplastic pollution, which exerts both direct and indirect effects on human health, has emerged as one of the most pressing global environmental threats. We performed systematic analysis of pathways for microplastics migration through food chains, assessed the impact of microplastics on body’s physiological systems, estimated the existing risk reduction strategies. The review encompassed publications from the past decade, selected based on their relevance to the issue of microplastics intake with water and food products. Plastic waste, synthetic textiles, and food products have been identified as primary sources of pollution. Identification of microplastics in 93% of bottled water samples, along with the presence of hundreds of microparticles per kilogram of sea salt, confirms the magnitude of the exposure. It has been found that particles sized 0.1–150 µm can damage the intestinal epithelium, thereby inducing inflammation and oxidative stress; particles sized 2.5–10 µm reduce functional lung capacity; nanoplastics capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier exerts neurotoxicity. Membrane water purification methods exhibit efficiency of up to 99.9%. A comprehensive approach, including regulatory frameworks, technological solutions, and hygiene practices designed to disrupt the pathways through which microplastics enter the body, is necessary.
VIEWS 190
The high prevalence of smoking and consumption of energy drinks among students is a significant medical and social problem. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these harmful habits on the quality of life of students of the Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, and to assess their awareness of the risks associated with such bad habits. We invited 442 second- and third-year students from the medical, pediatric, and dental faculties to complete O.I. Gubina's Quality of Life Assessment questionnaire. Energy drink drinking was found to be more prevalent than smoking; male participants practiced these habits significantly more often than female. Electronic cigarettes were the most common form of nicotine consumption. We established significant correlations of smoking with respiratory symptoms (the closest — with cough, r = 0.489; p < 0.05), and consumption of energy drinks — with tachycardia (r = 0.864; p < 0.05), sleep disorders (r = 0.251; p < 0.05), and headache (r = 0.217; p < 0.05). The quality of life was significantly lower in the groups of students with harmful habits, and the median values were minimal when the said habits were combined, especially on the "Health" and "Spirituality and Healthy Lifestyle" scales. Despite the awareness of harm, a significant part of students do not intend to give up harmful habits. The results of the study emphasize the need to develop prevention programs aimed at risk groups, primarily young men and people with combined addiction.
VIEWS 466

Popular articles

At the current stage of societal development, there is an increasing need to introduce innovative approaches to the pedagogical process to enhance the quality and accessibility of postgraduate education. The specifics of modern education are the widespread use of computer technology and the Internet, which provide connection to intelligent information systems and technologies. Such tools enable training when there is a significant distance between the student and the teacher. Telecommunication and network technologies are well integrated into postgraduate education, including programs for paramedics. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of distance learning in delivering advanced training programs in "Hygiene and Sanitation" and "Hygienic Education" to postgraduate paramedics enrolled in a part-time curriculum. We surveyed 30 general hygiene assistants. The main research methods were logical analysis, generalization, systematization of published information, and reflection on digitalization experience. In the survey ranking, the highest mean score — 6.84 (6.77; 6.91) — was assigned to three questions related to the organization of the advanced training cycle and the clarity of learning goals and content. The lowest score, corresponding to the third rank, was given to the question on the effectiveness of distance learning. Although this question received a mean score of 5.37 (5.23; 5.51), it was still above the neutral level of 4 points. The results of the survey allowed suggesting that the introduction of distance learning significantly increases motivation to learn and reduces the time spent on periodic professional development.
VIEWS 759