Introduction. Prostate cancer ranks first among all malignant neoplasms in men. The use of information and analytical tools in comprehending the results of examining and treating verified prostate cancer cases in St. Petersburg is important for implementing measures to increase life expectancy and to improve the quality of men's health. Materials and methods. We analyzed indicator medical statistics on prostate cancer cases in St. Petersburg in 2013-2017 based on the municipal population cancer registry data. Results. The results showed that the increase in prostate cancer incidence rates in the city was not related to poor quality of medical examination or treatment. The latter remained appropriate and was ensured by the proper level of modernization of technological and organizational methods for providing medical care to such patients. Successful mastering of innovative information techniques of cancer data analysis by local specialists is one of the prerequisites for efficient cancer prevention with a full-fledged implementation of actions envisaged by the Russian Healthcare Development Program. Conclusions. Some quality indicators of St. Petersburg oncology service in terms of providing medical care to prostate cancer patients are comparable to those in other Russian regions or turn out to the best in some respects. Targeted measures taken by the City Administration and its Health Department to promote a healthy lifestyle and to inform the citizens about dangers of prostate cancer yield positive results.

Background. Preparation for school is the most important task of preschool education, and its solution can provide a high level of health, harmonious development of the child, and formation of a holistic personality. Our objective was to assess preparedness for systematic schooling of children attending kindergartens in rural areas of the Krasnodar Region. Materials and methods. The studies were conducted in 6 kindergartens attended by 179 preschool children aged 6-7, a year before school admissions and just before entering school. Results. We established that 37% of 6-year-old children were considered to be prepared for systematic schooling, while the rest were either conditionally ready (19%) or not ready at all (44%). In a year, the number of children ready for school increased to 69%, while the percentage of those who were conditionally ready or not ready dropped to 26% and 4.5%, respectively. The parents of those preschoolers who were not ready for school were given appropriate recommendations. Conclusion. The positive dynamics of children's preparedness for school testifies to the efficiency of activities held in preschool educational institutions during the year.

Our objective was to analyze compliance of macro- and micronutrient contents of the diet of modern first-and second-year medical students with physiological and hygienic recommendations. Materials and methods. We conducted a hygienic study of nutrition enumerating 87 junior students of the Ryazan State Medical University who signed an informed consent to participate in the research. Nutrition and physical activity of the students were monitored during 7 days in March-April 2019 and we analyzed the total of 1,729 meals and 532 daily chronograms. Statistical processing of collected data was conducted in order to check a number of statistical hypotheses; at this, the conditions necessary for the application of selected statistical criteria were observed. Results. According to our data, the median energy deficiency in the diet of a modern first- or second-year medical student was 31.3 (12.6:47.7)%. This was mainly related to the deficiency of carbohydrates (48%) caused by low consumption of polysaccharides. Lack of proteins and fats was 10% and 13.3%, respectively. We revealed imbalance of the diet in vitamin composition, which was characterized by the greatest deficiency of vitamins D, K and beta-carotene (less than 15% of the daily requirement). The diets of female and male students were significantly different in the contents of vitamins A, B1, B2, B9 and niacin (p<0.05). Conclusion. The diet of the junior medical students was imbalanced in macro-and micronutrient composition.

Background. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the oldest problems of occupational medicine. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of the development of noise-induced hearing loss in industrial workers of the Murmansk Region in 1988-2017. Materials and methods. We analyzed data on incident cases of occupational diseases in 1988-2017 and socio-hygienic monitoring forms in part of "Working Conditions and Occupational Morbidity" in the population of the Murmansk Region in 2007-2017. Results. We established that in 2007-2017 almost 20% of all workers affected by harmful or hazardous industrial factors were exposed to noise. Over eleven years, their percentage decreased by 5.3% (p < 0.001). In 1988-2017, noise-induced hearing loss was registered in 27.3% of new cases of occupational diseases among industrial workers and made up 16.9% in the general structure of occupational pathology. We observed an increasing tendency in the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss, especially in combination with other occupational diseases of the musculoskeletal, nervous, and respiratory systems. The risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss for miners (RR = 4.50; CI: 4.04-5.01) and ship repair workers (RR = 6.73; CI: 5.54-8.18) was higher than that for other industrial workers of the Murmansk Region. Conclusions. The findings suggest the need for more efficient technical and medical measures aimed at preventing hearing impairment caused by occupational noise.

Introduction. High density of oil-producing and refining facilities in certain areas of Bashkortostan significantly affects the environment including ambient air quality in residential areas. Materials and methods. We analyzed concentrations of airborne toxicants (sulfur and nitrogen oxides, nitrogen and carbon oxides, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, xylenes, toluene, phenol and total suspended particles) and population health status in the cities of Ufa, Sterlitamak, Salavat, Blagoveshchensk, and the Tuymazinsky District in 2007-2016. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were used to establish possible relationships between medico-demographic indicators and air pollution. Results. Republican fuel and energy enterprises contributed the most to local air pollution levels. Gross emissions from such enterprises as Bash-neft-Ufaneftekhim and Bashneft-Navoil reached 43.69-49.77 thousand tons of pollutants per year. The levels of some air pollutants exceeded their maximum permissible concentrations. Elevated concentrations of ammonia, total suspended particles, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide were registered most frequently. High rates of congenital abnormalities, respiratory diseases in infants (aged 0-1), general mortality and morbidity of the population were observed in some oil-producing and refining areas. The correlation analysis proved the relationship between the concentration of carbon monoxide and general disease rates in adults based on hospital admissions (r = 0.898), general incidence rates in children (r = 0.957), and blood disease rates in infants (r = 0.821). Respiratory diseases in children correlated with nitrogen dioxide emission levels (r = 0.899). Conclusions. Further development of oil-producing, petrochemical and oil-refining industries should be carried out taking into account socio-economic living conditions of the population.

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the working-age population including occupational deaths. Materials and methods. We conducted general clinical and biochemical studies among copper industry workers including a complete cholesterol test, blood lead and copper tests, volumetric sphygmography with determination of the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), and ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries with intima-media thickness measurements (IMT). Results. We established that the main cardiovascular disease risk factors among our subjects were smoking (72.2%), different types of obesity (33.3%), total cholesterol levels higher than 4.9 mmol/L (57.9%), fasting hyperglycemia (73.9%), and hypertension stages 1 and 2 (40.7%). We also observed increased arterial stiffness by CAVI in 28.7% of the subjects that became more prevalent with the rise in the total CVD risk by SCORE (p=0.00105). Conclusions. We found correlations between CAVI and blood copper levels (r=0.33), years of exposure to occupational risk factors (r=0.187), and IMT (r=0.41). This finding enabled us to recommend the use of CAVI for identification and follow-up of workers at risk of cardiovascular diseases with a simultaneous decrease in exposures to occupational risk factors.

Introduction. Lead pollution is a common environmental problem. Having no physiological functions, this toxicant has a negative polytropic impact on a body, including neurotoxic, reproductive, and transgenerational effects. The mechanism of lead toxicity is oxidative stress. Flavonoids have active antioxidant properties. They are widely represented in plant foods, are able to restore protective capabilities of cells and have chelating properties with respect to lead. One of the representatives of this group of substances is dihydroquercetin. The objective was to study the effect of dihydroquercetin on behavior of rats with hereditary chemical body burden exposed to lead at 60 mg/ kg during 25 days. Materials and methods. We studied the behavior of rat offspring in an open field and established their blood lead levels by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry. For statistical processing the U-Mann - Whitney test was used. Results. In the present experiment, the effect of lead on the offspring of male albino rats exposed to 60 mg/kg of lead for 25 days caused changes in the activity of animals in the open field. The severity of changes was more pronounced in animals with a hereditary chemical body burden. These animals showed a decrease in orientation and physical activity and increased anxiety. In rats with a hereditary burden, changes in behavior were detected when administering dihydroquercetin. The activity of animals demonstrated a positive dynamics: we observed a statistically significant increase in physical activity and orientation. The number and duration of behavioral acts approached control values. Conclusions. The revealed effects of lead on the offspring of albino rats with a transgenerational chemical body burden require further study to understand the mechanism of the phenomenon.

Relevance. The importance of studying and analyzing contribution of occupational risk factors in musculoskeletal disorders among emergency medical personnel is related to high disease incidence rates and work specifics. The objective of our research envisaged formalization of information obtained for the analysis and assessment of occupational risks of developing musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders in ambulance personnel. Results. According to professional medical examination results, musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders ranked second among all diagnosed diseases. The relative risk of developing those disorders was 70% indicating the link between them and transport vibration (category 1) affecting the backbone during long trips in ambulance cars.

Introduction. The cause of toxicity and damaging effects of uranium and its compounds on the body lies in radioactivity of uranium isotopes and their decay products as well as their high chemical activity. In view of the above, we conducted parallel studies of specific activities and concentrations of uranium in household and drinking water supply sources. Materials and methods. We studied specific activities of uranium-234 and uranium-238 in the centralized drinking water supply sources of the Republic of Khakassia exceeding control levels in terms of specific total alpha activity (A_a) and converted them to mass concentrations of uranium. Parallel analyses of uranium concentrations in water using the luminescent method according to GOST R 54499-2011 were performed. Results. Our assessment of the radionuclide composition of centralized drinking water supply sources showed that A_a levels exceeding control levels were largely due to natural radionuclides uranium-238 (contribution up to 25%) and uranium-234 (contribution up to 69%). Based on the specific activities of uranium-234 and uranium-238, we estimated masses (concentrations) of uranium in water ranging from 0.007 to 0.06 mg/L depending on the water source. In the parallel tests of water samples according to GOST R 54499-2011, uranium concentrations ranged from 0.007 to 0.061 mg/L. Conclusions. The uranium concentrations in the republican centralized drinking water supply sources estimated on the basis of uranium-234 and uranium-238 specific activities differed from the concentrations of uranium measured by the luminescent method according to GOST R 54499-2011 within the error of the test method. In some settlements uranium concentrations in water exceeded the hygienic standard of 0.015 mg/L (GN 2.1.5.2280-07).

Introduction. Gram-positive enterococci are an integral part of the normal intestinal microflora. However, if they get into wounds or sterile cavities of the body, they may induce various diseases including wound infections, urethritis, peritonitis, sepsis, pyelonephritis, or damage other organs. These microorganisms also induce nosocomial infections and are among the causative agents of health care-associated infections (HAIs); thus, it is critical to control the spread of enterococci. Our purpose was to monitor circulation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in health facilities of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KCR) in 2016-2018. Materials and methods. We studied VRE strains isolated in the Microbiological Laboratory of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. During three years, the total of 281 strains of vancomycin-resistant enterococci were isolated from various biological materials received from obstetric, surgical, pediatric, and therapeutic hospitals and from outpatients undergoing treatment in polyclinics of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Results. According to our data, VRE rates per 100 examined patients were 2.34 in 2016, 3.4 in 2017, and 3.03 in 2018, and were comparable to the rates registered in the Russian Federation in the range of 3% to 22.7%. Discussion. When analyzing circulation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci, we established that the highest VRE rate (4.24 per 100 examined patients) was observed in maternity hospitals, while the lowest rate of 0.67% was observed in therapeutic departments. When studying sensitivity of 281 isolated VRE strains to eight antibacterial drugs, no strain resistant to all antibiotics was revealed. Sensitivity to linezolid, ampicillin, and penicillin was observed in 92.6%, 79.0%, and 66.2% of strains. Sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and nitrofurantoin was 50% or less. VRE were mainly isolated from urine and discharge from the cervical canal and pharynx.

The objective of the study was to summarize the experience of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute in securing sanitary and epidemiologic welfare in the cities of Volgograd and Kazan during 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Materials and methods. We analyzed reports of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute and Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET) of Rospotrebnadzor for 2017-2018. Results. We identified key activities of specialists of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute in the preparation period including the analysis of potential epidemiologic risks; epizootological examination and comprehensive preventive measures in the areas characterized by high potential epidemiological hazard; ensuring anti-epidemic preparedness of Rospotrebnadzor bodies and health facilities in terms of methodology, personnel, and regulations, and taking into account external and internal threats of the Championship; ensuring preparedness of the SAET for testing, verification and coordinated response actions in case of biological emergency situations. During the international championship, the laboratories of the SAET mobile complex, groups of specialists in the cities of Volgograd and Kazan, and a stationary laboratory base of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute were first involved in solving the above tasks simultaneously. The prerogative function of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute was to carry out epidemiologic diagnostics when verifying cases of suspected infectious diseases, including new, previously unknown, associated with emergencies of natural and anthropogenic origin, and caused by pathogens of pathogenicity groups I-II ones, as well as in assisting regional health facilities in monitoring the environment including the infrastructure of mass events, and taking sanitary, hygienic, and preventive actions.

The article describes joint experience of the Kaluga Regional Rospotrebnadzor Office and the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Kaluga Region in ensuring sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of participants and guests of the Championship and the population of the Kaluga Region during 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Materials and methods. Based on statistics and open access publications, we analyzed the current epidemiologic situation both in the countries of the football teams coming to the Kaluga Region and in the region itself, predicted possible import of communicable diseases and severity of likely consequences. The assessment enabled us to rank external and internal epidemiologic threats and develop a comprehensive plan of targeted preventive measures. In order to enhance the efficiency of planned activities and to prevent man-made emergencies, we made a comprehensive assessment of environmental safety in the region as a whole paying special attention to placement of the Senegal team, accommodation for the Championship guests, and hazardous industrial enterprises. Results. Careful planning of activities and strict adherence to the plan allowed us to achieve the goals: during preparation and until the end of the championship, no emergency situations were registered in the Kaluga Region, infectious disease rates did not exceed long-term averages, and environmental quality indices proved its safety.

The purpose of the study was a hygienic assessment and generalization of practical experience of the St. Petersburg Rospotrebnadzor Office and the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in St. Petersburg acquired within the framework of the established powers in supervision and control of radiation safety of the population and combating radiation terrorism when preparing and holding mass events of 2018 FIFA World Cup in St. Petersburg. Materials and methods. We used the materials on planning and implementing measures to ensure radiation safety of the population and reports of the St. Petersburg Rospotrebnadzor Office and the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in St. Petersburg for 2016-2018. Results. We made a hygienic assessment of comprehensive measures for supervision and control over ensuring radiation safety of the population in preparation for mass sporting events, summarized the practice and efficient results of organizing and conducting monitoring of the radiation situation, radiation monitoring at infrastructure facilities, including radiological studies during the construction and reconstruction of sports facilities, and radiation control of baggage X-ray inspection systems used at the sites of sporting events for additional security measures. A scheme of organizing radiation monitoring of building materials and products delivered to sports facilities under construction was developed to eliminate excessive costly spectrometric studies while guaranteeing effectiveness of radiation monitoring. We demonstrated that an important step in the integrated approach to ensuring radiation safety was the control over introduction of additional safety measures immediately at the facilities operating on radioactive substances and posing radiation hazard in St. Petersburg, taking into account the category of their potential radiation hazard, as well as the preparedness of specialized Rospotrebnadzor units to promptly respond to emergency situations. Activities of the Regional Interdepartmental Operational Headquarters for Security showed absolute efficiency of interdepartmental cooperation between federal and municipal executive authorities.