INTRODUCTION. The study of dementia is of growing importance due to its increasing prevalence and the lack of sufficiently effective treatments. While research traditionally focused on neurons as the primary targets of this pathology, modern studies demonstrate that glia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various types of dementia. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of neuron-glial interactions opens up new approaches to understanding the pathogenesis of dementia and developing potential therapies.

OBJECTIVE. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of neuronal and glial interactions, as well as their qualitative and quantitative composition, in the neocortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A morphological examination was performed on autopsy material. Tissue samples from the frontal lobe of the right hemisphere were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. To visualize microglial cells, immunohistochemical analysis was performed using rabbit monoclonal antibodies to the Iba-1 antigen, while mouse monoclonal antibodies to the GFAP antigen were used to visualize astrocytes.

RESULTS. The study revealed that patients with Alzheimer's disease were characterized by a more pronounced microglial response, whereas patients with vascular dementia exhibited a more prominent astrocytic reaction in the brain tissue. The pathogenetic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease involved microglia activation and a decline in the neuroprotective function of astrocytes.

CONCLUSION. The astrocytic reaction in the neocortex of patients with vascular dementia exhibited a dual nature: alongside its neuroprotective effects, it exerted a neurotoxic impact by activating reactive microglia. 

INTRODUCTION. In the modern world, ancient biological mechanisms that synchronize circadian rhythms are increasingly being disrupted. The disruption of these biorhythms leads to depression, decreased immunity, and consequently, to neurological, autoimmune, endocrine, and oncological diseases. However, the mechanisms of interaction between serotonin-producing cells and lymphocytes–both under a natural light/dark cycle and in its absence–remain poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different photoperiods on serotonin-containing cells of the diffuse endocrine system and on thymus involution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three-week-old mice weighing 18–20 g were divided into three groups of 20 animals each. The first group was maintained under natural photoperiod conditions (9/15 light/dark), the second under constant darkness (0/24), and the third under constant illumination (24/0) for 4 weeks. An immunocytochemical reaction for serotonin was used to detect serotonin-containing thymus cells. Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (Dianova, Germany) to count lymphocytes. The optical density of the reaction product was measured in 500 cells per experimental group using SigmaScan Pro 5 software.

RESULTS. Constant illumination led to a 1.7-fold increase in the number of serotonin-producing cells at the corticomedullary border and a 1.6-fold increase in serotonin-absorbing cells in the cortex of the thymic lobules. Furthermore, constant illumination resulted in an increased optical density of serotonin in cortical lymphocytes, accompanied by a decrease in the total lymphocyte count. Multivariate factor analysis revealed a strong factor loading between the number of serotonin-positive cells and their serotonin content.

CONCLUSION. The findings demonstrate a clear relationship between the number of serotonin-containing cells, the area of thymus involution, and the duration of photoperiod exposure. In the modern world, ancient biological mechanisms of synchronization of circadian biological rhythms are being disrupted. Violation of the body's biorhythms leads to depression, decreased immunity and, as a result, to neurological, autoimmune, endocrine and oncological diseases. The mechanisms of interaction between serotonin-producing cells and lymphocytes under conditions of a natural change of dark and light phases in the light/dark rhythm and in the absence of this rhythm are poorly studied.  

INTRODUCTION. Body composition analysis allows us to assess the physical status of individuals of different body types and sexes, as well as to establish an anthropometric profile for men and women living in a specific ecological region. Assessing the bone component is relevant for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders, while evaluating the muscle component helps determine the level of physical development. The fat component is significant in diagnosing obesity–a condition that has recently become a leading health issue among the Russian population and serves as a predictor of cardiovascular complications.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of the study was to investigate the fractional body composition of men and women in early adulthood across different somatotypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Anthropometric measurements of 100 men and 249 women in early adulthood living in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region were performed for this study. Age groups were determined in accordance with the age-related periodization scheme of human ontogenesis adopted in 1965 at the 7th All-Union Conference on Age-Related Morphology, Physiology, and Biochemistry (Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of the USSR). Individuals with musculoskeletal disorders were excluded from the study. All subjects underwent standard anthropometric measurements and somatotyping based on the Chernorutsky classification, utilizing the Pignet index and a computer program developed at the department.

RESULTS. It was determined that among both men and women, the muscle component prevailed in absolute and relative values (p < 0.001), while the bone component was the smallest (p < 0.001). The fat component in absolute values was greater in men compared to women (p < 0.001), but did not differ in relative units (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION. The study revealed that individuals of the normosthenic body type predominated among the subjects in early adulthood, in both men and women. The prevalence of the hypersthenic type among men compared to women, combined with the minimal proportion of asthenic individuals among men, indicates a satisfactory level of physical development within the male cohort. 

INTRODUCTION. Hypoganglionosis in children remains an insufficiently studied disease, often considered a variant of Hirschsprung's disease, which complicates its morphological diagnosis and choice of treatment tactics. Data on the dynamics of histological and immunohistochemical changes depending on the duration of the disease, as well as on the role of apoptosis, inflammation, and microcirculation disorders, are limited. In this regard, a comprehensive morphological study taking into account the duration of hypoganglion appears to be relevant and allows us to clarify its pathogenesis and nosological independence. 

OBJECTIVE. To study the morphological and immunohistochemical features of hypoga nglionosis in children depending on the duration of the disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Rectal biopsy specimens from 13 children with hypoganglionosis were analyzed. Morphological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed using antibodies to calretinin, vimentin, GFAP, CD95, and IL-6.

RESULTS. The severity of morphological changes was found to correlate with disease duration. Early stages showed reversible vascular and neuronal alterations, while at 2–3 years signs of progression were observed, including edema, sclerosis, and hypertrophy of nerve trunks. In cases exceeding 3 years, pronounced destructive and neurodegenerative changes were noted. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD95 and IL-6 expression in neurons and endothelial cells, indicating activation of apoptosis and hypoxia.

CONCLUSION. Hypoganglionosis in children is characterized by progressive vascular and neurodegenerative changes, the severity of which depends on disease duration. The findings confirm the role of apoptosis and microcirculatory disorders in its pathogenesis and support considering hypoganglionosis as an independent pathological entity

INTRODUCTION. Severe mechanical trauma of soft tissues induces systemic immunosuppression, yet the role of local sorption therapy in correcting the splenic T-cell response remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the effect of topical sorbent application on CD3+ cell distribution in different zones of the rat spleen following severe soft tissue trauma using nonparametric statistical methods, including correlation and cluster analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The experiment involved 50 male rats. Severe soft tissue trauma of the right hind limb was modeled using a falling weight device. Animals were divided into control (no treatment) and experimental (sorbent on wound) groups, with euthanasia at days 1, 3, 7, and 14 (n = 5 each). The spleen was examined immunohistochemically (CD3⁺ cells) in four zones. Due to small sample sizes and non-normal distribution (Shapiro–Wilk test, p < 0.05), nonparametric methods were applied: Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Dunn's post-hoc test, PERMANOVA, Spearman correlation, hierarchical clustering and methods causal analysis. Results are presented as median and interquartile range.

RESULTS. Non-normal distribution was detected in 78% of groups. In the germinal center, sorbent preserved CD3+ cells at 3.5–4.0 per 10,000 µm² at all time points (p = 0.007–0.041), whereas they disappeared by day 3 in controls. In the mantle zone, sorbent prevented a paradoxical increase in CD3+ cells to 11.0 (p < 0.001). PERMANOVA confirmed significant effects of treatment (p = 0.008), time (p < 0.001), zone (p < 0.001), and the treatment-zone interaction (p = 0.019). Correlation analysis revealed the disappearance of pathological germinal center autocorrelations (R s 0.89–0.91 _→ 0.38–0.42; p = 0.008–0.012) and the emergence of a novel coordinating link between periarterial and marginal zones (R s = 0.72 vs 0.24; p = 0.021) only in the sorbent group. Cluster analysis demonstrated a reorganization of the spatiotemporal response structure: increased compactness (2.34 _→ 1.89) and separability (4.12 _→ 4.56) of clusters with unchanged cluster number (n = 3). 

CONCLUSION. Topical sorption therapy not only preserves the CD3+ cell pool in germinal centers and normalizes their levels in the mantle zone but also restructures correlation links and cluster architecture of the splenic T-cell response, indicating systemic normalization of immune regulation. These findings support early sorbent application in severe soft tissue trauma. 

INTRODUCTION. This study analyzes body shapes and measurements in young women from different ethnic groups to understand their connection to metabolic health risks using modern integrative tools (ABSI and BRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 95 female students (aged 18–20) at Izhevsk State Medical University, including 60 Russian and 35 Udmurt participants. We recorded their height, weight, waist, and chest circumferences to determine body type and density. We then calculated the A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI) to assess metabolic health risks. The data was analyzed using Pearson correlation and standard statistical methods.

RESULTS. The two groups showed distinct differences in body composition. Most Udmurt girls (53.3%) had a proportional (normosthenic) body type, though they generally showed higher body density and chest circumferences. Conversely, Russian girls had a higher risk of metabolic disorders. This is likely because 38.4% of the Russian participants had a broader (hypersthenic) body type, which is naturally more prone to metabolic changes.

CONCLUSION. These findings provide a baseline for preventing metabolic diseases in young adults. Universities should promote healthy lifestyles and tailored nutritional programs starting from the very first year.

INTRODUCTION. Determining the sex of human skeletal remains is a key task in archaeological and forensic anthropology. Osteometric parameters of the foot, particularly the metatarsal bones, can serve as reliable diagnostic markers due to their relative functional neutrality and genetic determinism.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to examine the variability of quantitative osteometric parameters and physical characteristics of the metatarsal bones in the male foot.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The material consisted of 50 identified skeletal specimens from male individuals aged 20–70 years. These were obtained from the repository of the Department of General and Clinical Morphology at Ulyanovsk State University as part of a study funded by a grant from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. Direct osteometric measurements of ten parameters (bone length, diaphysis width and height, base width and height, head width and height, mass, volume, and density) were performed using an electronic caliper (0.01 mm accuracy), electronic scales, and the water displacement method. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the coefficient of variation, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS. Statistically significant differences were found among metatarsal bones I–V for all studied parameters. The greatest length was characteristic of metatarsal bone II (72.7 ± 0.81 mm), while the shortest was for metatarsal bone I (60.5 ± 5.5 mm). The greatest diaphysis width and height, base and head width and height, as well as mass and volume, were recorded for metatarsal bone I. Coefficients of variation ranged from 7.2% (length of bone IV) to 33.1% (diaphysis height of bone II), indicating heterogeneous variability of these characteristics.

CONCLUSION. The identified patterns can be used to establish individual identity in forensic practice and also complement the fundamental understanding of skeletal morphogenesis. 

INTRODUCTION. Objectively quantifying the response of mast cells to homeostasis shifts caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors remains a significant challenge.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to develop and implement web-based calculators for the automated evaluation of mast cell functional activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Online calculators were developed based on previously established algorithms for computing degranulation and sulfation indices. These calculators are officially registered as proprietary software and are publicly accessible online. They enable the automated calculation of mathematical indices required to assess mast cell population status in clinical pathology, histology, forensic medical examinations, and biomedical experiments.

RESULTS. The obtained statistical parameters enable independent quantification and comparison of the effects of xenobiotics, natural compounds, physical fields, electromagnetic radiation, and acoustic stimuli on mast cell populations and pathological processes. This approach ensures an objective assessment of host responses to allergic, autoimmune, infectious, toxic, and physical impacts in clinical practice. Furthermore, it allows for the experimental evaluation of the therapeutic or damaging effects of studied substances and physical phenomena.

CONCLUSION. The developed freely accessible online calculators provide an objective tool for measuring mast cell responses to homeostatic changes induced by diverse internal and external factors. 

INTRODUCTION. In morphological studies, sample size is often extremely limited due to rarity of pathological processes, ethical constraints, and high cost of methods. Correct statistical analysis of small samples remains an understudied problem, and researchers often apply inappropriate tests.

OBJECTIVE. To present the results of a simulation study of statistical methods for comparing independent groups under small sample sizes and to formulate practical recommendations for test selection considering the specifics of morphological data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A simulation study was performed with 10,000 replications per scenario (sample size from 2 to 12 per group). Categorical, ordinal, and metric data were evaluated. Test performance criteria: type I error control, robustness (Bradley’s criterion), statistical power, and minimum sample size to reject the null hypothesis.

RESULTS. For 2×2 tables, the Williams-corrected G-test and Boschloo’s test showed the best performance (minimum n = 4 – 5). For 3×2 tables, the Fisher–Freeman–Halton test with mid-p correction was preferred. Among ordinal tests, the asymptotic Brunner–Munzel test performed best (from 5 observations in total). For metric data, beta regression (with bias reduction) and Welch’s test were the most robust (from 4–5 observations in total).

CONCLUSION. For small samples in morphology, exact and permutation tests should be preferred. Reducing the measurement scale without a strong biological reason is strongly discouraged. The proposed algorithms for selecting criteria take into account the specifics of morphological data and can provide acceptable control of type I errors in the considered scenarios with a limited amount of material.