Vol 35, No 7 (2024)

This article examines the concept of a personal brand as a way of personal and career growth. An analysis of the problem of shortage of scientific personnel was carried out. The possibilities of development, the first steps in formation, as well as the goals that can be achieved through the formation of a personal brand are determined.

Kimmerle anomaly is a variant of the first cervical vertebra, which is an additional bony arch extending from the posterolateral part of the lateral mass of the atlas above the furrow of the vertebral artery to the posterior arch, as well as ossification of part of the Atlanto-occipital ligament. The article presents general information about the Kimmerli anomaly. The work describes in detail the epidemiology, clinical picture, pathogenesis, diagnosis of this disease. Aspects of modern methods of treatment are also considered: from conservative to various surgical methods.

Fixed orthodontic equipment used in aesthetic dentistry, in particular various brace systems, can improve facial proportions and smile aesthetics. Currently, there are a variety of brace systems, which entails the problem of choosing the right one. Orthodontic structures must have high functionality, be easy to use, comfortable for the patient and minimize the risk of complications after removal of the system. This literature review examines issues related to the use of various brace systems in the treatment of malocclusion pathologies. Studies from 2015-2024 were selected for study. in Russian and English in electronic databases eLibrary, Medline/Pubmed, Google Scholar.

Bracket systems differ from each other in various ways: depending on the material of manufacture (metal, ceramic, sapphire, etc.), the type of fixation (vestibular, lingual) and the type of structure (ligature, self-ligating). Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. An important aspect of seeking orthodontic treatment is the patient’s minor psycho-emotional state against the background of dental anomalies. When choosing a brace system, it is necessary to take into account not only the cost of the structure and the aesthetic preferences of the patient, but also factors related to oral hygiene, the risks of caries and periodontal disease, and the stability of treatment results after removal of the orthodontic structure. It is important to take an individual approach to choosing a brace system, paying attention to all aspects to ensure effective and safe orthodontic treatment.

Despite the popularization of a healthy lifestyle, the relevance of smoking in the modern world does not lose its position. In addition to smoking traditional cigarettes, today there are many alternative options. However, the types of smoking behavior are not uniform.

Рurpose. To identify differences in groups of smokers using different tobacco delivery devices.

Materials and methods. 57 smokers were interviewed, who were form to three groups: group 1 used regular cigarettes (n=19; 33.3%; mean age, 40.2±1.8 years); group 2 used electronic cigarettes (EC)/vapes (n=19; 33.3%; mean age, 39.6±2.0 years); group 3 used tobacco heating products (THP) (n=19; 33.3%; mean age, 35.4±2.2 years). The author's questionnaire on the use of various means of tobacco delivery, a test to determine the type of smoking behavior by D. Horn, the Fagerström test, and an assessment of motivation to quit smoking were used.

Results. In all groups, smokers predominated, using tobacco delivery devices to gain emotional self-control, which made it possible to regard this as a type of “support” smoking behavior. The “relaxation” type was the second most common in all groups, but prevailed among vapers. In the group using THP, the “thirst” type occurred 1.5 and 2 times more often than in groups 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusions. Smoking behavior patterns differ depending on the tobacco delivery method. This factor should be taken into account when developing individual smoking cessation programs.

In the prevention and complex anti-relapse therapy of gastritis, a special place is given to the intake of functional foods and supplements containing prebiotics. The article discusses in detail the mechanism of action of these funds. Particular emphasis is placed on inulin, as a highly effective and safe prebiotic of natural origin. The prospects for using the herbal prebiotic drug Mesi-Vit Plus in improving the state of intestinal microflora and combating pathologies of the digestive system are assessed.

The possibilities of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) application in clinical practice are evaluated. Statistical analysis of data from modern Russian and foreign literature sources, as well as recent scientific works in the field of pharmacology of UDCA was carried out. UDCA has a significant potential, as it can affect both the body as a whole and its individual organs, systems and processes. This effect is realized either by immunomodulating properties of the acid or directly on the cells themselves through bile acid receptors (bile acids together with UDCA are able to perform the role of signaling molecules). It should be noted that in many studies antagonism of UDCA and other bile acids was observed.

Patients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are an extremely heterogeneous group in terms of the nature and severity of symptoms, the level of sensitivity and the nature of external influences. The QEESI questionnaire is used to evaluate it in foreign practice.

Objective. To validate the Russian-language version of the QEESI questionnaire to assess the MCS syndrome.

Materials and methods. Using the QEESI questionnaire, 468 patients (232 men, average age 34.2±9.3 years and 236 women, average age 42.9±13.8 years) who underwent preventive medical examination were surveyed. Statistical processing was performed using the SPSS statistical software package for Windows, version 10.0.

Results. The proportion of the surveyed whose total score exceeded the threshold of 40 points was 211 (45.1%) people, of whom 98 (46.4%) reached or exceeded the threshold in any two of the three subscales. The questionnaire validation procedure consisted of the following stages: translation, preliminary testing, reliability assessment, and validity assessment. The assessment of the reliability of the questionnaire, performed using the calculation of the α-Kronbach coefficient, showed a high degree of internal consistency: 0.7806 for intolerance to inhaled chemicals, 0.8043 for severity of symptoms and 0.8745 for life effects. The criterion validity of the questionnaire was determined by the Spearman correlation method. In most cases of paired correlation, a statistically significant influence and direct dependence have been established.

Conclusion. The data we obtained showed the reliability and validity of the Russian version of the QEESI questionnaire. This questionnaire can be used to identify MCS in patients presenting non-specific complaints and to assess the dynamics of treatment.

Chronic constipation is characterized by a constant violation of the act of defecation lasting at least 3 months. According to various epidemiological studies, the problem affects a significant proportion of the world's population, while its exact prevalence is not known and depends on the geographical region, age group and diagnostic criteria used. Violation of the rhythm of defecation can cause a number of negative consequences for human health. Ensuring a regular bowel movement rhythm should be a priority in the prevention of digestive disorders, including chronic constipation. The latter can significantly reduce the quality of life, causing physical and psychological discomfort. In addition, it can be a symptom of serious diseases. The importance of diagnosis and effective treatment of chronic constipation cannot be overestimated, especially in the context of preparation for procedures such as colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for the diagnosis of many diseases of the colon. Colonoscopy plays a particularly important role in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The problem of preparing for colonoscopy in patients with chronic constipation is due not only to the high prevalence of this condition, but also to the need for a specialized approach to its implementation to ensure sufficient visualization and minimize risks.

Some people of retirement age continue to work today, which motivates domestic scientists to study the characteristics of their health status.

Рurpose. To study the ratio of working pensioners and non-working pensioners in the context of age-associated diseases.

Materials and methods. The materials used were accounting and reporting documentation on the issuance of certificates of incapacity for work in the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution “City Multidisciplinary Hospital №2” from 01.01.2019 to 12.31.2023. The study included patients over working age hospitalized for cardiological, ophthalmological and endocrinological diseases.

Results. The data obtained indicate that the ratio of working pensioners to non-working ones remained approximately the same in both the pre-COVID (2019) and post-COVID (2022–2023) periods. Moreover, this ratio remained stable even during the COVID period (2020–2021). According to Rosstat, among the population over working age, the ratio of the number of working pensioners to the number of non-working people was 0.25, which is statistically significantly (p<0.05) different from the same indicator among patients of a comparable age category with age-related diseases.

Conclusion. A protective effect of the status of a “working pensioner” was discovered in terms of reducing the risk of developing age-associated diseases. From 2019 to 2022 There was a downward trend in the share of employed people over working age.