The study included 154 patients who underwent surgical and combined treatment for rectal cancer. For the purpose of predicting disease progression, two groups of patients were identified: those without disease progression (83 patients) and those with progression within five years (71 patients). The main prognostic factors investigated were: sex, age, type of treatment, tumor longitudinal size, disease stage, depth of tumor invasion into the bowel wall, presence of lymph node metastases, degree of neoplasm differentiation, antitumor immunity markers, angiogenesis marker, neuroendocrine differentiation marker (chromogranin A), and markers of proliferation and apoptosis. Based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, independent risk factors for progression were identified (disease stage, expression of immunohistochemical markers CD3, CD20, IgA, and tumor longitudinal size). These factors were used to develop a nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated good prognostic performance. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0,972 (95%CI: 0,943–1,000) for the training group and 0,893 (95%CI: 0,798–0,989) for the test group.

A forecasting method has been developed and the doses of external radiation to workers that are expected after the return to agricultural use of lands decommissioned after radioactive fallout have been estimated. The method has been tested for the return of lands that were exposed to radioactive contamination as a result of the Chernobyl accident in 1986. The lands were removed from the category of radiation-hazardous and transferred to the economic use of enterprises of the Gomel region. The radiation doses of workers expected during the organization and conduct of work at these sites will not exceed the statutory intervention level of 1 mSv per year. The sites can be used without restrictions on the radiation factor. The above estimate of the predicted doses for potential workers is conservative and may be overestimated several times. It is recommended to conduct research to determine the current values of dose coefficients for various types of agricultural land (arable land, natural and cultivated pastures) and soil types (peat, sandy loam, loam), as well as depending on the presence of moisture. The research will significantly reduce the uncertainty of estimating the doses of external radiation.

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasm and is often diagnosed in elderly patients. The increase in the average life expectancy of the population in the Republic of Belarus makes it relevant to study the prevalence, incidence, and mortality from chronic oncological diseases, including multiple myeloma. The article presents the results of a statistical analysis of epidemiological indicators of multiple myeloma based on data from the Belarusian Cancer Registry from 2010 to 2024, as well as data from follow-up monitoring of patients with multiple myeloma residing in the Gomel region from 2020 to 2024.

The expression of specific receptors and proteases in each cell type determines the relative preference for different modes of SARS-CoV-2 entry. This includes entry through TMPRSS2-mediated fusion of the viral and host cell membranes, as well as entry through endocytosis, which involves the activity of cathepsin L. Cathepsin L is responsible for cleaving the viral S protein, and its expression level can affect the efficiency of viral entry. The expression level of mRNA for three key proteins involved in SARS CoV-2 entry into host cells (ACE2 receptor, TMPRSS2 serine protease, and cathepsin L) was assessed in human cell lines from various tissues (n=5), and in cell lines derived from the kidneys of different animal species (n=7). The highest level of ACE2 gene expression was observed in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2, and in the Vero and VeroE6 cells (derived from African green monkey kidneys), the expression of this gene was more than four times higher than in the other studied animal cell lines. Among human cell lines, the highest level of TMPRSS2 gene expression was observed in HEK293T (embryonic kidney) and Caco-2 cells, and among animal cell cultures, it was seen in MDBK (domestic bovine kidney) cells. The maximum level of CTSL mRNA expression was found in A549 (human lung cancer) cells. These findings are important for selecting a model system to study the pathways used by the virus to enter target cells and to investigate various aspects of SARS-CoV-2’s interaction with cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. MSCs can be isolated from various sources, such as the placenta-umbilical cord complex, bone marrow, adipose tissue, etc. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of cytokines and growth factors (IL-6, HGF, NGF, VEGF-A, MCP-1, sVCAM-1, MCP-3, BDNF, sICAM, TGFβ, P-selectin and E-selectin) in the supernatants of MSC cultures obtained from placenta-umbilical cord complex tissues (decidual tissue, chorionic plate, chorionic villi, amniotic membrane and umbilical cord), adipose tissue and bone marrow. MSCs obtained from different sources showed significant differences in the levels of secretion of produced growth factors and cytokines.

In this prospective pilot cohort study (November–December 2024, Kadhimiya Hospital, Iraq), 40 patients (26 men, 14 women; ages 25-50) with confirmed epilepsy received oral phenobarbital (10 mg/mL, 12 weeks). CD4+ concentrations (ng/mL via ELISA after MACS isolation) and seizure frequency were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Paired t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were used (p<0.05 significant; effect sizes reported). CD4+ levels increased from 15,2 ± 4,3 ng/mL to 22,8 ± 5,6 ng/mL (p<0,001; Cohen’s d=1,35; 95% CI for difference: 5,9-9,3). Seizure frequency decreased by 78% (8,9 ± 3,79 to 1,93 ± 1,53; p<0,001; Cohen’s d=2,01). Posttreatment CD4+ inversely correlated with seizure frequency (r=-0,62, p<0,001; 95% CI: -0,78 to -0,40) and positively with clinical response (r=0,85, p<0,001; 95% CI: 0,75 to 0,91). Patients with CD4+ >22 ng/mL had 83% response rate versus 42% below. Females showed higher response rates (80% versus 73% males) despite lower CD4+ folds. Thus, PB is associated with CD4+ upregulation and seizure reduction, suggesting potential as a biomarker of therapeutic response.

This clinical case describes a rare complication of retinoschisis – hemorrhage into the bullous cavity – that developed 8 years after the initial diagnosis of degenerative retinoschisis. The patient presented one month after the appearance of «spots» before her eye. Specialists diagnosed hemorrhage into the bullous cavity (in the superior retina). Visual acuity remained high (OU=1.0), and intraocular pressure was within normal limits (Po 11/12 mmHg). Subsequently, a peripapillary retrohyaloid hemorrhage developed, with blood flowing into the inferior retina and forming an intraretinal hematoma. When the patient refused surgical treatment, hemophthalmos developed over time (after 1 month), and after 1.5 months, a proliferative process developed, resulting in vitreomacular tractions.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasmacytic malignant disease of the blood, with bone tissue being one of the target organs. There are several types of bone involvement that can be visualized by radiologic methods. Objective of the study is to establish relationships between the nature of bone involvement, the presence of bone plasmacytoma, and the disease stage, as well as to identify a link between the type of involvement and the presence of plasmacytoma. The study included 131 MM patients aged 42 to 84 years. All patients underwent low-dose whole-body X-ray computed tomography. Single osteodestructive foci of various localizations were detected in 18 patients (13,74%), multiple foci in 31 patients (23,66%). A combination of single and multiple foci was found in 44 patients (33,59%). No osteodestructive foci were found in 38 patients (29,01%). Bone plasmacytomas were detected in 45 patients (34,4%). In correlation analysis, no statistically significant association between MM stage and the type of osteodestruction was found (p = 0,66), and no statistically significant difference in the distribution of plasmacytoma by disease stage was obtained (p = 0,82). There is a statistically significant association between the type of osteodestruction and the presence of plasmacytoma: bone plasmacytoma is more often found in patients with a combination of single and multiple osteodestructive foci (p = 0,00005). The detection of any type of osteodestructive changes does not prove to be pathognomonic for any MM stage. There is a correlation between the type of osteodestruction and the presence of bone plasmacytoma: plasmacytoma is more often found in patients with a combination of single and multiple focal lesions.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by genetically determined congenital defects of one or more components of the immune system. The prevalence of PIDs worldwide is one of the key epidemiological indicators that allows for the formation of optimal public health policies regarding their treatment and prevention at the national and international levels. With the help of registries, it is possible to demonstrate differences in the ethnic and geographical prevalence of PID, and to obtain data on clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options. Since 2005, targeted work has been initiated in the Republic of Belarus to provide medical care to patients with PID. As of the beginning of 2025, the Republican PID Registry of the Republic of Belarus includes 774 patients. The constant annual increase in the detection of new cases of PID highlights the progressive improvement in physicians’ awareness of primary immune system disorders, although additional measures in this direction are clearly necessary.

Microsurgical revascularization procedures on the penis for arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), with proper patient selection, allow for successful outcomes, achieving full erection in up to 85,3% of cases within the first three years of follow-up and up to 65,5% over a five-year period. These results highlight the need for further refinement of indications for such surgeries, as well as improvements in surgical techniques. A total of thirteen revascularization procedures have been performed using the Virag II and Michal II techniques, modified by Sharlip. The introduction of a modified Virag procedure is under discussion, which involves the creation of an epigastric-penile anastomosis between the inferior epigastric artery and the deep vein of the penis, along with an additional disconnection of the deep vein from the superficial vein in its distal part to prevent blood shunting into the superficial venous system of the penis.

The article is devoted to the most formidable complication of hysteroresectoscopy – intravascular absorption syndrome. The analysis of literary data with determination of the causes of the syndrome, clinical manifestations, diagnostic aspects and treatment tactics is carried out. The frequency of occurrence of the syndrome is 0,20%. Clinical manifestations are characterized by the increase of neurological symptoms, which depend on the level of sodium in the blood and can lead to pulmonary edema, cerebral edema with possible lethal outcome. The main principle of treatment is correction of electrolyte disturbances, namely sodium. In case of development of acute kidney injury – timely treatment using hemodialysis, and in case of heart failure – extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

An epidemiological study found that the incidence of type 2 diabetes melitus in men and women increases with increasing biological age, with an earlier onset (by 7–10 years) in men. The peak of DM type 2 in men was observed between the ages of 35 and 39, and in women, between the ages of 45 and 49. Among patients aged 34-39 who did not have a verified diagnosis of DM type 2 at the time of screening, 8.1% had a lipid profile shift toward atherogenesis. Increases in random glycemia above target values were observed in 0,4% of those examined, and glycated hemoglobin levels above target values occurred in 1,8%, demanding establishment of a diagnosis of prediabetes or DM type 2. These biochemical changes indicate an asymptomatic course of DM type 2 and necessity of monitoring of glycated hemoglobin and lipid profile. Patients with a lipid profile shifting towards atherogenesis should be considered as a risk group for the development of DM type 2.

An infectious disease caused by parvovirus B19 is characterized by a diverse clinical presentation. Hematological manifestations of parvovirus infection include red cell aplasia and other types of cytopenias. Children with intense erythropoiesis and immunodeficiencies are at a high-risk group. A study was conducted on the hematological manifestations in six patients with parvovirus B19 infection. In two cases, transient pure red cell aplasia was observed; there was one case each of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia. Aregenerative crisis was identified in one child with hereditary hemolytic anemia. Hematological manifestations are managed with courses of intravenous immunoglobulin, symptomatic therapy, and, if necessary, replacement transfusion therapy. Parvovirus infection with hematological manifestations often requires urgent medical assistance.

Speckle tracking echocardiography is a promising modern technique for assessing structural and functional changes in the myocardium. The indicator of global longitudinal myocardial deformation estimated with its help is more sensitive to early changes in left ventricular contractility. The purpose of this article is to evaluate, based on a clinical case, the role of speckle tracking in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and compare the detected results with ECG data from synchronized perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography of the myocardium and coronary angiography. The data obtained show that standard echocardiography combined with the assessment of longitudinal deformation according to speckle-tracking echocardiography is important and provides additional opportunities in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease.

The development process of thyroid surgery in China is the result of the unremitting efforts and continuous exploration and improvement of generations of thyroid surgeons. Its development process integrates traditional medical wisdom with modern technological innovation, and has undergone a leapfrog development from exploratory surgery to precision and minimally invasive surgery. Traditional thyroidectomy is performed by exposing the thyroid gland through the Kocher incision in the neck. Most patients undergoing thyroid surgery, especially young women, often care about the visible surgical scars on their necks. Recently, with the advancement of technology, surgeons have been able to perform thyroidectomy outside the neck to avoid scarring on the neck. In this article, we summarize our center’s experience in thyroid surgery to demonstrate the transition from traditional thyroidectomy to endoscopic surgery and standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in China.