Despite more than one-third of tobacco users attempting to quit tobacco each year, only 4–6 % of them succeed to remains abstinent after one year. The aim: This study aims to estimate the proportion of smokers who attempt to quit tobacco smoking and determine factors associated with quitting behaviour. Methods: This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 smokers aged 18 years and above residing in a rural area of Haryana state of India. A chi-square test determined the association between various variables under study and quitting attempts among study subjects. Factors found to be statistically significant using a chi-square test were entered into a binary logistic regression analysis to obtain determinants of smoking quitting attempts among the respondents. Results: 28.5 % of the respondents had attempted to quit smoking during the past 1 year. The majority of them, i.e., 73.7 %, had attempted once, whereas 21.0 % and 5.4 % of respondents had made 2 and 3 attempts, respectively, to quit smoking during the last 1 year. Factors independently associated with quitting behaviour were educational level (AOR=1.851, p=0.028), age of initiation (AOR=0.620, p=0.026), reasons for smoking (AOR=1.681, p=0.016), money spent on smoking (AOR=1.700, p=0.003), family pressure to quit smoking (AOR=1.725, p=0.006) and advice from health professionals to quit smoking (AOR=2.104, p<0.001). Conclusion: Around one-third of smokers have attempted to quit tobacco smoking in the past year. Hence there is a need to formulate policies towards a targeted intervention for smokers who have not attempted to quit smoking in the past 1 year for effective tobacco control

Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized newborns and premature infants. Therefore, knowledge of essential newborn Care (ENC) is important for a newborn's survival, growth and development.
 The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of nurses regarding essential newborn care in our Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCNU).
 Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 1st September 2021 and 30th November 2021 among the nurses working in SNCU of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Data were was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire by purposive sample. Collected data were checked, and coding was done and analyzed using SPSS 20 software.
 Results: 72.0 % of nurses were of the age group of 21–30 years. The majority (74 %) were females, 78 % had completed B Sc Nursing, and 66 % had experience of 2 to 4 years. Most of the nurses had good knowledge about ENC, about basic equipment’s used in SNCU, and about advanced equipment’s or procedures had less knowledge. All nurses answered bacteria correctly as a causative organism of neonatal sepsis.
 Conclusions: Most of the nurses working in the SCNU of GMC Doda had good knowledge regarding ENC. The knowledge appeared irrespective of their age, gender, religion, educational status, working place and special courses/training in neonatology.

The aim. Study of the features of retrochoir hematomas (RHG) and their influence on the formation of the placenta, the course of pregnancy, as well as the occurrence of premature birth. Materials and methods. 2 groups of pregnant women were selected depending on the frequency of RHG formation: 1 group – 60 pregnant women with recurrent RHG, group 2 – 50 pregnant women with RHG, which was detected only in the early stages of pregnancy. extragenital and genital pathology did not differ reliably. All the women studied were anamnesis, examined, and ultrasound and dopplerometry were performed. Statistical methods included an assessment of statistical significance using Student's t-criterion and criterion X2 and were considered significant at p<0.05. Results. Supracervical localization of hematomas prevailed in the studied pregnant women, namely: in group 1 – 51.7 % (in 31 pregnant women) and 68 % (in 34 women) in group 2. The same pattern was observed regarding the involution of hematomas. Changes in the yolk sac were found in both groups with RHG (in 6.7 % of women (i.e., in 4 pregnant women) of group 1 and 4 % (in 2 pregnant women) of group 1. Mean values of the pulsation index (PI) of blood flow velocity curves in the uterine arteries (UA) and umbilical cord artery (UCA) in pregnant women with RHG were higher than the standard average for gestational age. In pregnant RHGs, a history of various types of fetal growth retardation (FGR) is detected. The number of early forms of URP was higher in group 1 (16.7 %, i.e. in 10 pregnant women) as opposed to group 2 (2.0 %, i.e. 1 case). The late form was approximately the same amount in both groups. Also, group 1 was characterized by a significantly larger number of FGR of 2-3 centuries. In addition, in both groups with RHG, such pathological conditions were identified during pregnancy as the threat of premature birth, premature placental maturation, placental hypoplasia, oligohydramnios, and hydramnios. Conclusions. Pregnant women with recurrent RHG compared to pregnant women with sporadic RHGs have a greater number of complications during pregnancy, including the threat of preterm labour, premature placental maturation, placental hypoplasia, oligohydramnios, hydramnios, FGR, impaired uterine-placental and placental-fetal blood flow.

The study aimed to assess the regional peculiarities of the respiratory profile of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Dnipro region (Ukraine). Methods. Children living in the Dnipro region and aged younger than 18 years old with molecular-genetic confirmation of CF were enrolled in the study. Lung colonization was evaluated using a culture-dependent method. Sputum, mucus from the posterior pharyngeal wall and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were utilized. Results. The Firmicutes phylum was the most common and occupied 54.00 % of the general proportion. On the other hand, the Proteobacteria phylum demonstrated overexpression in CF airways and kept the second rank with 28.87 %. Sorensen's species similarity coefficient showed an allied affinity between the microbial burden of oropharyngeal samples with nasopharyngeal and sputum, QS = 0.61 and 0.91, respectively. However, the species composition within the nasal cavity was distinct from sputum and BALF (QS=0.47). The primary pathogens in childhood were S. aureus, H. influenza, P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus. In contrast to gram-negative non-fermenters (GNNF), the prevalence of S. aureus isolates by age had a non-linear character. The commensal microbiota changed negatively with age. Among children under 12 years, the Streptococcus genus was identified in 23.08 % of the samples, but among the age category older than 15 – only in 9.22 %. 11.06 % of S. aureus had small colony variants (SCVs) morphotypes. Isolates of P. aeruginosa with the properties of SCVs were also found in children who underwent prolonged antimicrobial treatment. However, the most prominent was the mucoid phenotype – 34.31 % of isolates. Conclusions. Along with conventional microbiological properties, obligate pathobionts in children with CF exhibited changes, resulting in difficulties in identification. These included auxotrophic modification into SCVs and mucoid transformation. The culture-dependent technique gives crucial data about the profile of pathogens usually associated with CF, although it is sufficiently limited

The aim of the research: to study pathophysiological mechanisms of adenomyosis development by determining the role of macrophages in the uterine microenvironment. Materials and methods: a prospective study has been conducted on 35 women. There were 20 (57.1 %) who had adenomyosis of I degree. The control group consisted of 15 (34.3 %) gynecologically healthy women. The patients underwent general clinical, instrumental (ultrasound, hysteroscopy) examinations. Fragments of the uterine wall obtained by hysterorectoscopy were used for morphological study. The method of immunohistochemical determination of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages was used to analyze the characteristics of phenotypic equivalents of M1 and M2 macrophages in uterine tissue samples. Results: The increase in the number of macrophages in the myometrium of patients with adenomyosis revealed in this study, which is found in large numbers in the areas of infiltration of the stroma of myometrial cells in close association with the perivascular region, can be regarded as the basis of the mechanism for the formation of endometrioid heterotopia. Furthermore, distortion of the CD68/CD163 ratio of macrophages is characterized by proinflammatory shift. Conclusions: The study's main result is an increase in the quantitative indicators of CD68+ macrophages associated with adenomyosis, which indicates an immunopathological process in adenomyosis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a reduced glomerular filtration rate and/or increased urinary albumin excretion. The worldwide prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) ranges from 8 to 16 %, and the prevalence of CKD is rising. The aim: To study the association between CKD stages, proteinuria, and lipoprotein (a) levels among the study participants. Materials and methods: This study was an institution-based observational case-control study involving CKD patients as study group and healthy volunteers as control one. Blood samples were tested for urea, serum creatinine, uric acid levels, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and serum lipoprotein. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 20.0. Result: In our study, the most common age group affected among cases was 41 to 50 years (5th decade), and there was a male preponderance in CKD. CKD patients had a higher mean protein creatinine ratio than controls, and this difference was statistically significant. In addition, CKD patients had significantly higher total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels than controls. Also, they had significantly elevated serum lipoprotein (a) levels than controls. Conclusion: Based on our study findings, we can conclude that because of the potential role of lipoprotein (a) in the development of cardiovascular disease, it is imperative to include an estimation of lipoprotein (a) levels in all CKD patients, especially in later stages to give a targeted therapy for dyslipidemia among CKD patients

Depressive disorders are widespread nowadays. First of all, this was affected by social isolation related to covid-19, and starting from 2022 – the war in our country. Depression and sexual life are connected and important, because a person with a depressive disorder cannot fully live a social and sexual life. As a result, the birth rate in the country and the population in general decreases. Therefore, the issue of studying the occurrence of depressive disorders in young sexually active and inactive people is extremely relevant. The aim. The main objective of this work was to explore the different areas of sexual life of residents and its association with mental health. Additionally, differences in sexual life and mental health (depression) based on gender were also analyzed. Materials and methods. An anonymous survey of 506 medical students of NPMMU, V has been conducted using a questionnaire that included 25 questions on various aspects of the sexual life of the respondents. The analysis of the obtained results of the study was carried out on the basis of the computer programme “Statistica 6.1” using nonparametric methods to evaluate obtained results. The results. We found a statistically significant association between sexual activity and condition of mental health. Results regarding young adults, presented lower levels of sexual satisfaction and greater depression, whereas young women also exhibited higher levels of depression. Conclusions. Sexual life has a positive effect on the mental and psychological health of respondents. This information should be conveyed to young people.

Despite defining the acceptable postpartum haemoglobin levels, there is neither consensus, nor a strong statistically proven analysis of its minimum safe level and its influence on systemic haemodynamic and oxygen metabolism in particular. The aim. Therefore, this study aimed to determine statistically minimal allowable haemoglobin levels in postpartum women in case of postpartum haemorrhage which allows the cardiac functional status and oxygen metabolism to be maintained on the lower margin of the physiological range. Materials and methods: Clinical research was on 113 postpartum women who had received blood transfusions for postpartum haemorrhages were selected for this study. The following circulation parameters were assessed: heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (BPs), diastolic blood pressure (BPD), mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac index (СІ), contractility index (ΔS), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), systemic oxygen delivery index (IDО2), systemic oxygen consumption index (IVО2), tissue oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER). Results: Through a comparison of hemodynamic parameters depending on haematocrit and haemoglobin levels in patients with postpartum blood loss it was discovered that in case of blood loss and consequent intensive therapy aimed at TBV (total blood volume) restoration statistically significant changes of BPs, MAP, СІ and SVRI were observed. Also, during this study linear high-degree correlations between СІ, ΔS and Hb levels were found. Analysis of systemic oxygen transport dependence on haematocrit and haemoglobin levels for patients during the early postpartum period demonstrates significant differences in cardiac indexes with a strong positive statistically significant correlation between these parameters and haemoglobin levels. Conclusion. From the calculation of the minimum allowable haemoglobin level in postpartum women in case of blood loss using linear regression with coefficients calculated through the method of least squares the Hb=82.5 g/L value was obtained, which can be considered the minimum allowable level in postpartum women in case of postpartum blood loss which allows the cardiac functional status and oxygen metabolism to be on safety physiological range

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) transmission significantly affected Healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. As a result, they have paid a heavy toll to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the literature on its transmission routes and risk factors in HCWs is limited. The aim. The authors seek to characterize and know the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 infection in the HCWs of our hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by the authors. Staff records and virology testing results were used to identify SARS-CoV-2 positive HCWs and study the demographic characteristics and transmission dynamics over one and a half years. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results: A total of 169 healthcare workers were positive for SARS-CoV-2. 6 doctors were positive from non-clinical branches, and 17 were positive from clinical branches. One health worker also died of cardio-pulmonary compromise. 88.2 % of healthcare workers got infected while managing patient’s positive for COVID-19. The most frequent clinical manifestation was myalgias in 90.53 % of health workers, followed by arthralgia in 86.98 %. The least common symptoms were loss of taste/smell followed by radiographic changes, and only 19 (11.24 %) presented with shortness of breath. 79.88 % have taken self-medication to relieve COVID symptoms. Maximum number of health workers got infected from July to September. Conclusions: Universal masking, reinforcement of hand hygiene, PPE kits with medical masks, appropriate infection control measures and testing of both clinical and non-clinical staff were essential measures for reducing transmission amongst HCWs

The use of lasers in oncology is constantly evolving. In recent years, the mechanisms of the effect of laser radiation, particularly of the infrared spectrum, on tumour cells in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents have been studied. The aim. To study the effect of laser radiation with a wavelength of 660 and 810 nm on the survival of tumour cell cultures MCF7 and MCF7DOX in the presence of doxorubicin. Materials and methods. Tumour cells of MCF7 and MCF7DOX cultures were cultured in DMEM medium (Biowest, France) with 10 % fetal calf serum (FST) (Biowest, France) and 40 μg / ml gentamicin (Sigma, USA). Doxorubicin was added to the cells to a final concentration of 1 μg / ml. Cells were irradiated with a laser (Photonica-Plus, Ukraine) with a wavelength of 660 and 810 nm (irradiation time – 5 min, power density – 50 mV/cm2, irradiation dose 15 J/cm2). The results were recorded using a multiwell spectrophotometer (Labsystems Multiskan PLUS, Finland). Photomicrographs of cells were taken using a Carl Zeiss microscope, Germany. Results. Cell survival assessment and morphological characteristics in micropreparations indicate the antitumor efficacy of the combined effects of laser irradiation and doxorubicin. The most pronounced cytotoxic effect on MCF7-DOX culture cells was caused by doxorubicin exposure for 90 min in combination with infrared laser irradiation (λ=810 nm). Conclusions. Infrared laser light synergises with the toxic effects of doxorubicin and creates favourable conditions for apoptosis of tumour cells, as evidenced by cytomorphological data.