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

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One of the pressing current issues requiring investigation is the adverse effect of prolonged exposure of schoolchildren to substandard indoor climates and elevated CO2 levels, which can impair their well-being, hinder cognitive performance, and disrupt the body's adaptive capabilities. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of mental performance of students depending on the said parameters, the indoor climate and CO2 levels. The temperature, humidity, and CO2 datapoints (n = 673) were recorded using an Engineering Technical Module in two rooms. Mental performance was assessed by the performance quotient and indicators of short-term memory and attention (n = 352); for this purpose, we used an NS-Psychotest hardware and software complex. In statistical processing, the threshold of significance was set at p < 0.05. We registered an increase of temperature up to 25.7 °C, a decrease of humidity to 31.3%, and a steady growth of the concentration of CO2 from the normal 1000 ppm to substandard 2586 ppm. By the end of the day, the proportion of schoolchildren capable of high-level mental performance had dropped by 30%. We identified significant, moderately strong inverse correlations between performance level and CO2 concentrations (r = −0.464, p < 0.001), as well as weak inverse correlations with temperature (r = −0.327, p < 0.001). A strong inverse relationship was found between fatigue and CO2 levels (r = −0.599, p < 0.001); schoolchildren's functional state was poorest when the CO2 concentration was highest. The study identified a correlation between the deterioration of air quality parameters and reduced mental performance among students, highlighting the necessity for monitoring and preventive interventions.
VIEWS 315
The persistently high rate of infectious diseases requires constant monitoring, in-depth analysis of age-related characteristics of the disease spread and dynamics, and also necessitates improving the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population, specifically, children, adolescents, and their parents. The study aimed to to study epidemiological trends and identify the most vulnerable age groups among the pediatric population in the context of the incidence of key infections, such as acute intestinal infections (AIIs), enterovirus infection, viral hepatitis A, measles, whooping cough and enterobiasis. A retrospective epidemiological analysis of official statistical data over a seven-year period (2018−2024) was carried out covering the pediatric population of the Western Administrative Okrug (ZAO) of Moscow. Age differences in the structure of infectious morbidity have been determined. In children under one year, viral AIIs (rotavirus, norovirus) and airborne infections prevailed. A similar trend for viral AIIs is reported in children aged 1−2 years. High prevalence of enterobiasis is reported for children aged 3−6 years (attending preschool educational institutions), and a significant increase in the incidence of enterovirus infection and airborne infections is reported in all age groups, especially in school students and adolescents. As for the viral hepatitis A incidence, the situation remains stable throughout the assessed period in all age groups. High incidence of key infections among children persisting in all age groups demonstrates an urgent need for the development and implementation of the targeted and adapted hygiene education programs for pediatric population and parents.
VIEWS 320
Novokuznetsk and Kemerovo, major industrial centers in Kuzbass, participate in the "Clean Air" federal project. Since 2018 and 2023, respectively, they have been implementing Comprehensive Action Plans devised to decrease contaminating emissions and thus improve the quality of the air and the quality of life of the population. The Plans are part of the "Ecology" national project. This study aimed to hygienically assess the quality of atmospheric air as part of the implementation of the "Clean Air" federal project, which involves improving the air monitoring system in the industrial centers of Kuzbass. Hazard identification and assessment of exposure levels were performed using the methodology provided in MR (methodological recommendations) 2.1.6.0157-19. In Novokuznetsk, air pollutant emissions decreased by 18.1%, while in Kemerovo they increased by 12.4%. The atmospheric pollution index was rated as "extremely high" and "high", respectively. As part of the study, we evaluated the spatial relationship between stationary and route air quality monitoring stations, identified emission impact zones for major industrial complexes, assessed the rationality of observation point locations, and implemented the necessary adjustments. Improving air quality monitoring will make it possible to obtain adequate and timely information on air quality and develop measures to improve the living environment and public health.
VIEWS 328
Currently, there is an increase in the consumption of caffeinated beverages, including coffee, in all age groups, including adolescents and young adults.  The health risks associated with caffeine consumption are especially high in the youth, which results from the features of their physiological development and behavioral factors. For many age groups, including children, adolescents, and young adults, safe daily caffeine intake levels have not been established. The study aimed to perform hygienic assessment of coffee and caffeinated beverage consumption by medical students, as well as to determine possible health risks. A questionnaire survey of students of the medical and pediatric faculties (n = 300) was conducted using the standardized quastionnaire. Statistical data processing was performed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings highlight the heterogeneity of caffeine consumption patterns among students. Along with those who do not experience any noticeable effects from coffee, there is a significant group that experiences both positive (energy boost, calmness) and negative (tachycardia, sleep problems) consequences. The study found that frequent consumption of caffeinated beverages has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system and sleep. The regular consumption of those causes anxiety and leads to tolerance. The findings emphasize the relevance of the problem uncontrolled and early consumption of caffeine among young people. It is recommended to develop and implement the measures to inform the youth about safe levels of caffeine consumption.
VIEWS 432

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 610
The paper presents a scientific biography of the well-known scientist and teacher, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Head of the Department of General Hygiene and Ecology of the Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Dr Sci. (Med.), Professor Yury Yu. Eliseev, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The main stages of the Professor's activities over the entire period of his research and teaching work are analyzed. Yu.Yu. Eliseev carries out extensive research, educational, methodological, expert and consulting work. Under the Professor's supervision, more than 70 doctoral and PhD theses have been prepared and successfully defended. A total of 76 monographs, textbooks, and teaching aids have been issued, 32 copyright certificates for inventions, Russian Federation patents, certificates for registration of electronic databases, computer programs have been implemented, a number of production regulations, pharmacological articles, instructions for the use of new preventive medical immunobiological preparations (vaccines and diagnostic serums), and hygienic regulatory documents have been developed. The launch of two postgraduate courses in the specialties "Hygiene" and "Allergology and Immunology" managed by Yu.Yu. Eliseev has been initiated. Professor is a member of editorial boards of seven journals, he has state awards of various levels. The results of the Yu.Yu. Eliseev’s work presented have made it possible to respond to numerous challenges faced by scientific community in different years, and the vector of scientific and pedagogical work that he has set is promising in terms of solving hygienic problems, as well as resolving the issues of training and education.
VIEWS 505