Northern State Medical University

The spatial localization of plant secondary cell wall polymers is a controversial issue. A relief of parallel-organized cellulose microfibrils was discovered, on the surface of which spherical nanoparticles were visualized. Spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of 20-50 nm were isolated using size exclusion chromatography from an aqueous extract of differentiating xylem of Norway spruce and visualized by SEM and AFM. The composition of isolated nanoparticles was determined by pyrolytic GC-MS, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and nitrobenzene oxidation, followed by separation of the products by liquid chromatography. Lignin was detected in the isolated nanoparticles already at the stage of cell wall formation. The hypothesis about the intracellular synthesis of lignin was proposed based on the results obtained. Lignin in the form of a lignocarbohydrate complex is formed not in the cell wall, but inside the cell. The formation of lignin-carbohydrate complexes occurs in Golgi apparatus and vesicles, which discharged into the inner surface of the cell wall simultaneously with the deposition of cellulose microfibrils. A new model of the structure of secondary cell wall postulates the formation of cellulose microfibrils surrounded by lignin-carbohydrate spherical complexes having a carbohydrate shell and an aromatic core.

Prion diseases (PD) represent a group of rare yet fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by the conformational transformation of the cellular prion protein into its pathological isoform. Despite their low incidence, these diseases remain a significant medical and social challenge due to the lack of effective treatments and the risk of iatrogenic transmission.Purpose of the review was to identify key unresolved issues in PD research, including molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, opportunities for early diagnosis, and promising therapeutic approaches, as well as to outline the most critical directions for future studies.A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary, and CyberLeninka databases for the period 2016–2025. Fifty-one relevant publications were selected, comprising original studies, reviews, and clinical cases. The analysis was performed in accordance with CINAR guidelines and SANRA criteria.Modern diagnostic techniques (RT-QuIC, DWI-MRI) have significantly improved the detection of PD, though their widespread implementation is hindered by high costs and the need for specialized expertise. The most promising therapeutic strategies include monoclonal antibodies (PRN100), antisense oligonucleotides, and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Epidemiological data confirm a decline in variant Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease (vCJD) cases due to enhanced biosafety measures, though risks associated with prolonged incubation periods persist.To enhance the diagnosis and treatment of PD, it is essential to establish a national registry, expand laboratory networks, train specialists, and strengthen biosafety protocols. Future research should focus on combined therapeutic strategies and in-depth exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders.

Significance. Lung, trachea, and bronchus cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in the Russian Federation. The Kemerovo region is characterized by unfavorable epidemiological indicators, which makes a regional analysis particularly important. Purpose. To conduct a comprehensive medical and statistical analysis of the incidence, mortality, and state of oncological care for lung, trachea, and bronchus cancer in the Kemerovo region in comparison with nationwide indicators. Materials and methods. The study is based on official statistical reports from the National Medical Research Radiological Center for 2010-2023 and Rosstat data. The dynamics of standardized incidence and mortality rates, staging indicators, one-year mortality, and 5-year survival were analyzed. Polynomial approximation was used to assess trends. Results. For the period 2010–2023, incidence and mortality rates for lung, trachea, and bronchus cancer in the Kemerovo region consistently exceeded the Russian average. In contrast to the national downward trend, the incidence among the male population of the region shows stagnation at critically high levels. Conversely, among women, there was a pronounced increase in incidence, outpacing the national rate. An analysis of the state of oncological care revealed the dominance of advanced (IV) stages at initial diagnosis, a lack of positive dynamics in reducing one-year mortality, and a sharp drop in 5-year survival rates in 2022–2023, against the backdrop of stable growth of this indicator throughout the Russian Federation. Conclusion. Lung, trachea, and bronchus cancer in the Kemerovo region is characterized by high incidence and mortality rates that exceed the national average. The predominance of stages III–IV at initial diagnosis, high one-year mortality, and a decline in 5-year survival determine a poor prognosis. Improving the situation requires measures to enhance early diagnosis, implement effective screening technologies, and increase access to specialized treatment. Keywords: lung cancer; epidemiology; incidence; mortality; oncological care; Kemerovo region; disease detection; survival rate; advanced stage; late diagnosis.

Introduction. In the context of global aging, working pensioners represent a valuable labor resource. This study evaluates work ability and analyzes associated factors among 60–74 years residents of Arkhangelsk.Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study of a random sample (n=550) was conducted in 2023. Work ability was defined as self-reported employment or ability to work. Six groups of factors were assessed: socio-demographic (age, gender, education, financial status, marital status), behavioral (smoking, alcohol consumption), somatic (presence of chronic diseases), functional (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength), sensory (vision, hearing), cognitive-psychological (MoCA test, Beck test). Sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and education was used to evaluate factors associated with work ability.Results. Of the total participants, 73.5% were classified as able to work, and 33.1% were employed. Each additional SPPB point increased the odds of maintaining work ability by 24% in women (odds ratio [OR] 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.49) and 49% in men (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.15–1.94). In women, a higher in grip strength (kg) was also associated with work ability (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.13). Financial difficulties in women (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.25–0.74) and anemia in men (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.09–0.95) were associated with reduced odds of work ability. Other factors showed no statistically significant associations.Limitations. Cross-sectional design and self-report assessment of work ability.Conclusion. Two-thirds of Arkhangelsk residents maintain work ability at 60–74 years. Work ability in older age is primarily determined by preservation of physical functioning abilities for both genders. Programs for maintaining and improving physical fitness in older adults may contribute to extending working careers and active longevity.Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of Northern State Medical University (Arkhangelsk) of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Protocol No. 03/04-23 dated 26/04/2023).Contribution: Mitkin N.A. – data collection and processing, writing text, editing; Moiseeva A.A. – data collection and processing, writing text, editing; Bulygina L.P. – data processing, writing text; Zelentsov R.N. – data collection and processing, editing; Poskotinova L.V. – study concept and design, data collection, editing; Bebyakova N.A. – study concept and design, data collection, editing; Krivonogova E.V. – data collection, editing; Krivonogova O.V. – data collection, editing; Kudryavtsev A.V. – study concept and design, data collection and processing, writing text, editing. All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.Funding. The study was supported by a grant of Russian Science Foundation No. 23-15-20017, https://rscf.ru/project/23-15-20017/.Received: July 7, 2025 / Revised: March 11, 2026 / Accepted: March 24, 2026 / Published: June 18, 2026

Aim. To assess the associations of regional living conditions with the probability of hypertension (HTN), disease awareness, pharmacotherapy, and blood pressure monitoring in the elderly population, taking into account comorbidity. Material and methods. The analysis utilized individual data obtained from the ESSE-RF3 cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted between 2020 and 2022. Regional living conditions were assessed using socio-geographic, demographic, economic, and production and environmental indices. The "Comorbidity of Patients with Noncommunicable Diseases in General Practice: Eurasian Guidelines" document was used to assess comorbid conditions. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations, calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results. In the sample with comorbid conditions, the HTN probability is associated with an increase in the Demographic Index (OR 1,37; 95% CI: 1,21-1,57). An increase in the Economic Index is associated with a decrease in HTN awareness (OR 0,68; 95% CI: 0,54-0,86). A decrease in pharmacotherapy is associated with an increase in the Production and Environmental Index (OR 0,91; 95% CI: 0,82-1,00). Improvement in blood pressure monitoring is observed with an increase in the SocioGeographical Index (OR 1,21; 95% CI: 1,11-1,32). In a sample without comorbidity, the HTN probability is associated with an increase in the Socio-Geographical Index (OR 1,24; 95% CI: 1,16-1,33), Demographic Index (OR 1,12; 95% CI: 1,04-1,21), and Production and Environmental Index (OR 1,08; 95% CI: 1,02-1,14). Higher awareness is observed with an increase in the Socio-Geographical Index (OR 1,29; 95% CI: 1,121,49). Improved blood pressure monitoring is noted with an increase in the Socio-Geographical Index (OR 1,17; 95% CI: 1,02-1,33). Conclusion. Regional living conditions are associated with the probability, awareness, pharmacotherapy, and monitoring of HTN in the elderly population.