Introduction. The accumulated clinical and morphological data indicate that dust related pathology in miners is not limited to isolated pulmonary fibrosis but represents a systemic process involving damage to the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, and brain. The absence of a unified concept uniting these changes hinders the development of early diagnosis and prevention.

The study aims to substantiate the introduction of the concept of “dust systemic syndrome” as a new clinical pathogenetic entity based on a comprehensive analysis of morphological, experimental, and immunohistochemical data.

Material and methods. The lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and brain of 80 Kuzbass miners with varying work experience (from 1 to 30 years) and 40 individuals from the control group were examined. The scientists have conducted an experiment on 90 rats to model anthracosilicosis (intratracheal administration of coal dust for 1–12 weeks); they have used histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical methods (NAM-56, Ki-67, vimentin, α-SMA, CD31).

Results. For the first time, the synchronous progression of structural changes in all studied organs, correlating with the duration of occupational exposure to coal dust, has been experimentally and morphologically proven. The authors identified universal pathological processes: systemic endothelial dysfunction (endotheliosis), hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells, progressive perivascular fibrosis, and dystrophy of parenchymal cells. Immunohistochemical verification confirmed the activation of epithelial mesenchymal and endothelial mesenchymal transformation as key mechanisms of fibrogenesis. The experiment confirmed the etiological role of dust and the step by step nature of lesion development.

Limitations. The study has a number of limitations related to its retrospective design, the regional sample (Kuzbass), and the use of autopsy material from victims of man made disasters; it requires careful interpretation and may limit the direct extrapolation of the results. The experimental model in rats, despite the reproducibility of key pathogenetic mechanisms, does not fully reflect the chronic inhalation exposure of humans to dust. These limitations determine the need for further prospective studies with in vivo assessment of biomarkers of systemic endothelial damage and fibrogenesis in various coal mining regions.

Conclusion. The data obtained allow us to classify dust pathology as a systemic dust syndrome, a generalized process characterized by persistent macrophage inflammation, systemic endothelial dysfunction, and activation of epithelial-mesenchymal and endothelial-mesenchymal transformation, which leads to fibrous remodeling of all visceral organs. The introduction of the term "dust systemic syndrome" is justified morphologically and experimentally and opens up new prospects for early diagnosis and pathogenetic therapy.

Ethics. The study of the archived autopsy material was conducted in accordance with Order No. 207n of the Ministry of Health of Russia dated April 14, 2025, which does not require obtaining informed consent. The animal experiments were carried out in accordance with national and international standards (Orders No. 708n, No. 199n; Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1996). The research protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Research Institute for Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases” (meeting protocol No. 4, § 2 dated November 18, 2021).

Contributions:
Bondarev O.I. — data collection and processing, statistical analysis, writing the text;
Filimonov S.N. — data processing, editing;
Zhukova A.G. — data collection and data processing;
Gorokhova L.G. — data collection and data processing;
Bugaeva M.S. — data collection and data processing.

Funding. The study had no funding.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 17.06.2026 / Accepted: 24.08.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

Introduction. Occupational respiratory diseases remain the leading pathology among workers in foundries, but data on the contribution of specific aerosol fractions to the development of individual nosological forms are limited.

The aim of the study to analyze quantitative indicators, dynamics, and the structure of primary incidence of occupational respiratory diseases among workers in various sections of a foundry plant for the period 2021–2024, with an assessment of the risks associated with the size fractions of aerosol.

Materials and methods. Scientists conducted a retrospective cohort study of 68 cases of newly diagnosed occupational respiratory diseases among 1,446 workers in the iron and non ferrous casting industries. They carried out their own measurements of average daily concentrations and fractional composition of aerosols (chest, respirable, and ultrafine fractions) using individual samplers and a cascade impactor. To assess the relative risk of developing occupational diseases, the authors used single factor Poisson regression models.

Results. In the morbidity structure, diseases of the upper respiratory tract predominated (64.4 per 10 thousand), followed by chronic non obstructive bronchitis (57.8) and COPD (39.1). The average length of service before diagnosis was 15.67±0.5 years. The highest morbidity levels were recorded in the heavy metals workshop and the molding workshop. The ultrafine fraction (≤0.18 μm) statistically significantly increased the risk of bronchial asthma by 78% (RR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.48–2.14), pneumoconiosis by 80% (RR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.50–2.12), and COPD by 18% (RR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.07–1.31). The respiratory and thoracic fractions were more strongly associated with COPD.

Conclusions. The data obtained substantiate the need for a differentiated approach to hygienic regulation and early diagnosis programs, taking into account the fractional composition of dust at specific workplaces.

Ethics. The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the Kazan State Medical University, Protocol No. 6 dated June 20, 2023.

Contributions:
Volkova M.A. — data collection and processing, statistical data analysis, text writing, editing;
Prokofieva M.V. — concept and design of research, collection and processing of material;
Giniyatova A.M. — concept and design of research, collection and processing of material;
Fatkhutdinova L.M. — research concept and design, material collection and data processing, text writing.
All co-authors — approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 29.06.2026 / Accepted: 05.08.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

Introduction. At the present stage of the development of occupational medicine, vibration sickness (VS) is considered as a chronic systemic disease, which is based on a violation of neurohumoral regulation and the formation of a persistent maladaptation syndrome. Despite the improvement of preventive measures, VS continues to occupy a leading position in the structure of occupational morbidity, which necessitates the search for new molecular genetic markers of pre nosological changes.

The study aims to research the genetic (polymorphic variants rs4680 and rs4633 of the COMT gene) and biochemical markers of the disintegration of catecholamine metabolism in the framework of maladaptation syndrome in patients with vibration disease.

Materials and methods. In a study conducted under a government contract, we examined 75 men of European descent with vibration disease. The authors identified associations between the polymorphic loci rs4680 and rs4633 of the COMT gene and the concentrations of dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase in blood serum.

Results. Evaluation of the concentrations of dopamine and the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase in the blood serum of patients with vibration disease (VD) compared with the control group showed no statistically significant differences (p=0.10, p=0.74).

The serum concentrations of dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase in carriers of the mutant alleles of polymorphisms rs4680 and rs4633 of the COMT gene also did not differ statistically significantly from those of the owners of the main genotype.

Limitations. The main limitation of the work is the relatively small sample size, especially in the control group, which reduces the statistical power of the study. Evaluation of serum concentrations of dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase demonstrates a systemic neurohumoral status, but does not allow us to conclude about the local state of dopaminergic structures and the catalytic activity of tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition, the simultaneous design of the study cannot be used to assess the cause-effect relationships and dynamics of depletion of dopaminergic reserves during the progression of vibration disease. Multiple comparisons in subgroups increase the risk of false positive results, which, despite the use of nonparametric statistical methods, requires verification on independent samples.

Conclusion. The preservation of the serum concentration of tyrosine hydroxylase at the level of the values of the comparison group confirms the preservation of the potential of the catecholaminergic system at this stage of the development of vibration disease. At the same time, the loss of associative links between polymorphic variants of the COMT gene and dopamine levels indicates a mismatch of the regulatory mechanism. A comprehensive assessment of molecular genetic and biochemical markers makes it possible to conclude that neurotransmitter metabolism in VD is moving to a new level of hormonal and metabolic regulation.

Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with the ethical standards of the Helsinki Declaration of the last revision and Order No. 200n of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated 04/01/2016. Conclusion of the local Ethical Committee of the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research No. 5 dated 03/21/2023 All the subjects signed an informed consent to participate in the study.

Contributions:
Chistova N.P. — collecting material, conducting molecular genetic research, statistical processing of material, writing text;
Bodienkova G.M. — design and concept of research, text editing;
Boklazhenko E.V. — conducting research;
Kudaeva I.V. — conceptualization of research;
Naumova O.V. — conducting molecular genetic research;

All co-authors — approving the final version of the article and ensuring the integrity of all parts of the article.

Declaration on the use of artificial intelligence. The authors confirm that artificial intelligence (AI) tools were not used to write semantic content, create research metadata, or generate graphic materials. AI technologies (ChatGPT) were used exclusively at the stage of post-editing the manuscript: for technical formatting of individual text fragments and stylistic correction. The authors exercised full control over the final text and are solely responsible for the originality, scientific reliability and interpretation of the presented data.

Funding. The study had no funding and was carried out within the Framework of the funds of the state assignment of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Economics.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 23.07.2026 / Accepted: 13.08.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

Introduction. Cadmium intoxication remains a pressing issue in ecology and occupational health, especially in conditions of industrial pollution. The development of accessible and safe means of protection against the toxic effects of heavy metals is of great importance for reducing occupational and environmental health risks.

The study aims to investigate the effect of pectin based on hydroxymethyluracil on the expression of metallothionein genes and the histological structure of the rat liver under chronic cadmium intoxication.

Materials and methods. The researchers conducted a study on 60 female outbred rats weighing 190–220 g, divided into 5 groups of 12 animals each, depending on the treatment regimen, which included CdCl₂ (0.1 mg/kg) and pectin based on oxymethyluracil (50 mg/kg). The authors used liver tissue samples as the research material; the level of transcription of metallothionein genes was determined in the homogenate using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and histological examination of liver sections was also carried out to assess the degree of damage.

Results. Chronic cadmium intoxication caused a slight increase in the expression of the Mt1 gene (0.2±0.34; p=2.764) and a moderate decrease in the expression of the Mt2 gene (–0.39±0.48; p=0.959), without significant activation of the Mt3 gene (–0.78±0.47; p=0.622). The use of oxidized pectin led to selective modulation of metallothionein expression. Mt1 expression was significantly reduced in all pectin-based OMU groups compared to the positive control group (group 3 (–1.6±0.57; p=0.044, group 4 (–1.49±0.29; p=0.002, group 5 (–1.36±0.41; p=0.028)), with no significant differences between regimens (p>0.05), indicating stable suppressive effect of pectin regardless of the time of application. Mt2 expression was significantly suppressed in all correction groups compared to both positive and negative control groups (group 3 (–2.59±0.57; p<0.001 vs K–; p=0.015 vs K+), group 4 (–2.02±0.21; p<0.001 vs K–; p=0.011 vs K+), group 5 (–2.45±0.35; p<0.001 vs K–; p=0.004 vs K+)). In contrast, Mt3 expression showed significant stimulation by oxidized pectin, especially with long-term treatment including recovery (1.32±0.39; p=0.005 vs K+, p=0.043 vs K–). In the same group, histology revealed preserved lobular architecture, absence of congestion, and minimal infiltrates, compared to inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis in the positive control group.

Limitations. Only three MT genes (Mt1, Mt2, Mt3) have been studied — this does not provide a complete range of isoforms or cover other stress genes (Nrf2, HO 1, ZIP8). There is no long term observation (lasting more than 4 months) to assess the persistence of the effect; no quantitative measurement of cadmium content in liver tissue has been carried out; biochemical markers of liver damage have not been studied.

Conclusion. In the study, pectin based on OMU demonstrated a corrective potential in the context of cadmium hepatotoxicity, normalizing the expression of the Mt1 and Mt2 genes, activating the expression of the Mt3 gene, and protecting the liver’s histoarchitectonics from damage.

Ethics. The study was conducted in accordance with the protocol of the bioethics commission of the Federal Budgetary Institution "Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology", No. 01-1, dated January 22, 2025, in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the European Convention ETS No. 123, and WHO guidelines. Euthanasia was carried out using controlled CO₂ administration, followed by decapitation to collect biomaterial (Order No. 755 of the USSR Ministry of Health dated August 12, 1977).

Contributions:
Ziatdinova M.M. — data collection and processing, text writing;
Kudoyarov E.R. — editing;
Khmel A.O. — material collection and data processing;|
Smolyankin D.A. — material collection and data processing;
Yakupova T.G. — material collection and data processing;
Karimov D.D. — data processing and statistical processing;
Karimov D.O. — research concept and design, statistical processing;
Zimin Yu.S. — synthesis of pectin based on OMU;
Borisova N.S. — synthesis of pectin based on OMU.
All co authors — approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Funding. The sectoral research program of Rospotrebnadzor for 2021–2025, "Scientific substantiation of the national system for ensuring sanitary and epidemiological well being, managing health risks, and improving the quality of life of the population of Russia", topic 6.1.9. "Experimental substantiation of highly sensitive markers of the effects of heavy metals on the body and the development of preventive measures", No. R&D No. 121062100057-1.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 06.05.2026 / Accepted: 05.08.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

Acute inhalation injuries caused by pulmonary toxicants, particularly chlorine, remain highly relevant for occupational health, clinical toxicology, and intensive care due to the risk of rapid development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and toxic pulmonary edema (TPE). Despite advances in pharmacological and respiratory support, treatment outcomes in severe toxic lung injury remain unsatisfactory, which sustains interest in novel therapeutic approaches, including total liquid ventilation. The study aims to analyze the literature data in order to select the experimental model most suitable for preclinical assessment of the possibilities of using full fluid ventilation of the lungs in TPE. The authors conducted a search and analysis of Russian and foreign publications devoted to models of ARDS of toxic origin and TPE. Special attention was paid to the comparative assessment of chlorine inhalation and intratracheal hydrochloric acid instillation models with respect to pathophysiological relevance, reproducibility, technical feasibility, and suitability for testing respiratory support technologies. Both models allow for the reproduction of the key manifestations of severe acute lung injury; however, the HCl instillation model is characterized by greater standardization, technical simplicity, and economic accessibility. Based on the analysis of the literature, HCl instillation can be considered the most practical surrogate model for preclinical evaluation of modern respiratory support strategies, including full liquid ventilation of the lungs, while maintaining the limitations associated with the incomplete reproduction of all features of chlorine inhalation injury.

Contributions:
Bonitenko E.Yu. — concept and design of research, writing and editing of text;
Isabekov N.R. — collection and processing of information;
Tonshin A.A. — collection and processing of information, writing text;
Kovtun A.L. — information processing, editing;
Bala A.M. — information processing, editing.

Funding. The work was carried out within the project of the Advanced research foundation of code "Ranova".

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 07.07.2026 / Accepted: 25.08.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

The article analyzes the problems associated with assessing the intensity of the labor process in modern conditions. The authors consider the evolution of the structure and content of work, noting the increasing role of psychosocial factors due to new forms of work organization, the intensity of information loads and the introduction of digital management and control tools.

It is emphasized that traditional hygienic approaches developed for other technological conditions may not fully take into account modern cognitive and emotional stresses. In this regard, the issue of updating the methodological framework for assessing working conditions is being considered.

Based on these studies, the relationship between the characteristics of the working environment and the state of the psycho-emotional health of employees is shown.

The researchers are discussing the possibilities of developing a system for assessing psychosocial risks, including the use of standardized survey tools such as the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ).

The article substantiates the expediency of forming a unified methodology for assessing the psychosocial factors of the working environment, integrated into the occupational safety and health management system, which will contribute to the preservation of workers' health.

Ethics. The article is a discussion paper based on an analysis of regulatory documents, scientific literature, and open data. Since the research did not involve working with people or personal data, no special ethical approval was required.

Contributions:
Novikova A.V. — concept and design of research, collection and processing of material, writing text;
Shirokov V.A. — concept and design of research, collection and processing of material, writing, editing.

Funding. The work was carried out within the Framework of the state assignment: Reg. EGISU R&D No.: 124030700017-5.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 29.04.2026 / Accepted: 15.05.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

Introduction. Harmful production factors in most industrial enterprises cause widespread occupational polyneuropathy, manifested by polymorphic sensory and autonomic disorders. The severity of the labor process in the form of stereotypical movements and forced postures can lead to local demyelination of nerves in the tunnels, more often in the area of the carpal canal, which in some cases requires a special approach to treatment with the need for surgery. Therefore, the search for effective methods of treating neuropathies, including those of professional origin, is an urgent clinical task.

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of metabolic therapy and B vitamins in the treatment of occupational polyneuropathy in workers in the main professions of the coal industry.

Materials and methods. The authors have examined 22 men aged 45–55 years with a diagnosis of "vibration disease from exposure to local vibration", as well as "polyneuropathy of the upper extremities from exposure to a complex of harmful industrial factors". The clinical study included an assessment of the severity of pain, sensory disturbances and vibration sensitivity, temperature of the upper extremities and strength in the hands. An ENMG study was conducted to determine the average amplitude of sensory responses, the average rate of propagation of arousal along the motor and sensory fibers of the median and ulnar nerves, and the terminal latency of the median nerves. The specialists performed an assessment of autonomic regulation using the analysis of heart rate variability with the determination of spectral and nonlinear parameters. As metabolic therapy, the researchers used the Cocarnite complex, which included 10 mg of disodium adenosine triphosphate trihydrate, 50 mg of cocarboxylase, 0.5 mg of cyanocobalamin and 20 mg of nicotinamide, which they administered intramuscularly 3 times a week for 2 weeks.

Results. After the treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in the terminal latency of the median nerves, an increase in the average rate of propagation of excitation along the sensory fibers of the median nerves. There was a decrease in the subjective perception of pain by patients, an improvement in vibration sensitivity and an increase in the temperature of the skin of the fingers.The vegetative imbalance in occupational polyneuropathy in the form of increased sympathetic influence is stable, promotes angiospasm and disruption of trophic processes in tissues. The tendency to increase the power of very high frequency oscillations and the nonlinear entropy index of heart rate variability after treatment indicates an improvement in tissue metabolism, increased autonomic control and increased adaptive capabilities of the body.

Limitations. The study is limited to the number of interned workers in the main professions of the coal industry with an established diagnosis of occupational polyneuropathy who underwent in-depth medical examination and treatment at the clinic of the Scientific Research Institute of Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases.

Conclusion. The administration of disodium adenosine triphosphate trihydrate, cocarboxylase, cyanocobalamin and nicotinamide, which are part of the Cocarnit preparation, makes it possible to improve the conduction of impulses along motor and sensory nerve fibers in miners with occupational polyneuropathy, normalize autonomic regulation and reduce the severity of symptoms of polyneuropathy.

Ethics. The study complies with the ethical standards of the Bioethical Committee of the Scientific Research Institute of Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases (Minutes of meeting No. 4, § 2 dated November 18, 2021), developed in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association "Ethical Principles of conducting medical Research involving humans as subjects" as amended in 2013. The choice of therapy is in accordance with the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 16, 2022, No. 1180-R.

Contributions:
Martynov I.D. — data collection, text writing;
Yamshchikova A.V. — data collection and processing, writing text;
Gestikova M.G. — concept and design of research, editing;
Panev N.I. — concept and design of research, editing.

Funding. The study had no funding.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 22.05.2026 / Accepted: 01.06.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026

Introduction. Working posture assessment is important in occupational health and occupational medicine because unfavorable positions of body segments form postural load associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The RULA method provides sequential assessment of the upper limb and hand, neck, trunk, and lower limbs, as well as muscle work and external load. The lack of a unified Russian-language algorithm limits standardized use of the method.

The aim of the study is to present the methodological framework for working posture assessment using the RULA method in Russian and to pilot the method among surgeons.

Materials and methods. The study included a methodological description of the RULA algorithm with preservation of the original calculation structure and pilot application in the analysis of 28 operations. The most unfavorable working posture during the main stage of the intervention was assessed. Operations were grouped by variants of surgical work organization: microscope-assisted, laparoscopic, open, and endovascular procedures. The final RULA score, group A and group B scores, and the ΔA — B index were determined. The Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon tests were used.

Results. In all variants of surgical work, the final RULA score reached 7. In microscope-assisted, laparoscopic, and open operations, group A scores exceeded group B scores (p=0,031; p=0,031; p=0,002), indicating the leading contribution of upper limb and hand position. In endovascular operations, a tendency toward predominance of group B was observed, reflecting a greater contribution of neck, trunk, and lower limb position (p=0,063). Intergroup differences in the component profile were significant (p<0,001).

Limitations. The study was observational, included a limited number of observations, and involved heterogeneous operations within the groups.

Conclusion. The Russian-language presentation of RULA can be used as a standardized tool for ergonomic assessment of working posture. Analysis of the balance between groups A and B makes it possible to clarify the mechanisms of unfavorable posture formation and substantiate targeted preventive measures.

Ethics. The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research (Protocol No. 3 dated March 24, 2025) and was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association, as revised in 2013. All participants provided voluntary informed consent.

Contributions:
Budaev A.E. — study concept and design, manuscript drafting, editing;
Lakhman O.L. — study concept and design, editing.

Use of AI. During manuscript preparation, ChatGPT, GPT-5.5 Thinking (OpenAI), was used for text editing and searching for additional literature sources; date of use: June 9, 2026.

Funding. The study was performed within the funds allocated for the state assignment of the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 31.07.2026 / Accepted: 31.08.2026 / Published: 11.09.2026