STATISTICS
| No.1 (43) | 2026 Gasimova Z.V., Tagizadе R.K., Musayeva A.B.
Abstract: The use of removable and fixed orthodontic appliances during treatment creates retentive niches, accelerates maturation of the dental biofilm, and consequently increases the risk of periodontal inflammatory diseases, oral mucosal lesions, and the development of carious lesions. In this context, silver-based approaches to dental biofilm control have been intensively investigated in recent years, including: (1) the application of silver and nanosilver coatings to orthodontic components (plates, archwires, ligatures) and (2) the use of mouthrinses containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an alternative to, or an adjunct to, conventional antiseptic agents. This review synthesizes recent evidence on the impact of silver-containing technologies on microbial colonization and clinical indices of oral hygiene and inflammation in patients treated with removable and fixed orthodontic appliances, with particular emphasis on Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Fusobacterium spp. Mechanisms of action, limitations of the current evidence base, heterogeneity in microbiological assessment methods, and priorities for future research are discussed. Haydarova F.A., Hasanova G.A., Alakbarova L.M., Amrahova A.Z.
Abstract: In this paper the data about antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa against different antibiotics have been analysed. It was shown that, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism, the causative agent of sapronosis infection, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised individuals. Due to their ability to easily adapt to the external environment, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are often the cause of hospital infections. Antibiotic resistance in P.aeruginosa is multifactorial, as it can arise through innate, acquired, or adaptive mechanisms. New therapeutic approaches, such as quorum sensing, phage therapy, and the use of nanoparticles, have shown significant antimicrobial effects against antibiotic-resistant strains of P.aeruginosa in vitro. Mehmani V.R., Mehmani I.G.
Abstract: Background. Dental caries remains one of the most common diseases in pediatric dentistry and significantly affects a child’s health and quality of life. Aim of the study – to analyze modern methods of prevention and minimally invasive treatment of early dental caries in children. Material and Methods. An analysis of contemporary scientific publications and clinical studies devoted to the etiology, prevention, and treatment of early caries in children was conducted. Particular attention was given to remineralization therapy, resin infiltration techniques, and the use of fluoride-containing agents, hydroxyapatite-based products, and biomimetic peptides. Results. The analysis shows that the development of caries in children is determined by a complex of factors, including genetic predisposition, dietary habits, oral hygiene level, and accessibility of preventive care. Modern minimally invasive treatment approaches aim to stop demineralization and restore the mineral structure of enamel without extensive removal of dental tissues. The use of remineralizing agents, infiltration techniques, and biomimetic materials contributes to stabilization of the pathological process and improves both aesthetic and functional outcomes. Conclusion. Effective prevention and treatment of early dental caries in children require an integrated approach combining oral hygiene and dietary measures, educational programs, and the application of modern minimally invasive therapeutic technologies aimed at preserving tooth structure and preventing complications. Gasimova F.N., Nur-Mamedova G.S., Musayeva A.V., Hasanova G.H., Sadigova G.S., Murshudlu N.A.
Abstract: This article presents current data on the clinical features, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of joint manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The main forms of musculoskeletal involvement are reviewed, including type I and type II peripheral arthropathies, axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis. Particular attention is paid to clinical manifestations, the relationship between joint involvement and intestinal inflammatory activity, as well as factors that complicate timely diagnosis. Current approaches to laboratory and instrumental diagnosis of musculoskeletal manifestations of IBD are discussed. The role of inflammatory markers, HLA-B27 testing, ultrasonography of joints and entheses, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the most informative method for the early detection of axial involvement, is highlighted. The main principles of differential diagnosis and contemporary pharmacological treatment strategies are presented. Early recognition of joint manifestations and close interdisciplinary collaboration between gastroenterologists and rheumatologists are essential for preventing structural joint damage, achieving sustained remission, and improving the long-term prognosis of patients with IBD. Musayev T.N.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative analysis of long-term oncological outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC) and trimodal therapy (TMT) in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), as well as to develop a prognostic model for predicting recurrence after RC. Material and methods. A total of 359 patients with MIBC were included in the study, of whom 257 underwent RC and 102 received TMT. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, while prognostic factors were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results. In the RC group, the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 63.1%, 65.3%, and 54.1%, respectively. In the TMT group, the 5-year CSS and OS rates were 33.7% and 31.4%, respectively. The risk of cancer-specific mortality was significantly higher in patients treated with TMT compared with RC (HR=2.37; 95% CI 1.73–3.25; p<0.001). Independent predictors of unfavorable prognosis following RC included tumor stage, lymph node involvement, histological tumor type, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and surgical team experience. Based on these variables, a nomogram predicting 1- and 3-year recurrence-free survival was developed, demonstrating high prognostic accuracy (c-index=0.834). Conclusion. The obtained results confirm the superiority of radical cystectomy as the standard treatment modality for MIBC. Nevertheless, in carefully selected patients with favorable prognostic characteristics, oncological outcomes following TMT were comparable to those observed after RC. Rustamova K.M.
Abstract: Objective. To evaluate the association between serum amylin and osteocalcin levels and bone mineral density parameters in women with early menopause and densitometrically (DXA) confirmed osteoporosis. Materials and Methods. A total of 37 women with early menopause aged 18–46 years (mean age 35.11±9.29 years) were examined. All patients underwent blood testing for parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, and amylin levels, as well as ultrasound bone densitometry. The calcaneus was used as the study site. The following parameters were assessed: SOS, BUA, BQI, and T- and Z-scores. Results and Discussion. In 18.9% of patients, the T-score ranged from –0.8 to –0.9 (borderline value). In 67.6% of patients, the T-score ranged from –1 to –2.3 (osteopenia), and in 13.5% of patients it varied from –2.6 to –3.0 (osteoporosis). The amylin level was 29.35 pmol/L in the borderline group, 33.36 pmol/L in the osteopenia group, and 26.39 pmol/L in the osteoporosis group. Osteocalcin levels were 17.13 ng/mL in women with borderline values, 24.53 ng/mL in osteopenia, and 21.43 ng/mL in osteoporosis. A correlation was found between amylin and SOS (r=0.501, P<0.01), and between amylin and BUA (r=–0.719, P<0.001). Osteocalcin correlated with BUA (r=–0.838, P<0.001) and with the Z-score (r=0.660, P<0.001). Conclusion. In our sample, amylin appears to be a more sensitive marker of impaired bone metabolism in women with early menopause. Its levels reflect both the compensatory activation of bone remodeling at the stage of osteopenia and the depletion of regulatory mechanisms in established osteoporosis. Osteocalcin demonstrates only a tendency toward reduction in severe osteoporosis, whereas amylin more clearly differentiates the stages of deterioration in bone quality. Further studies are required to determine the most informative hormonal marker of bone destruction in patients with confirmed osteoporosis, as amylin or osteocalcin deficiency may serve as a predictor of bone loss and contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Mikailzade P.N., Akperova A.S., Rzaeva L.A., Dadasheva D.T., Azhdarova B.T.
Abstract: Objective. To assess the health status of newborns born to mothers with coronavirus infection. Materials and Methods. The study included 268 pregnant women, of whom 222 (82.8%) had laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical, laboratory-diagnostic, and instrumental examination. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was verified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. Results. A total of 222 pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 at various gestational ages were enrolled in the study. Among them, mild COVID-19 was observed in 117 (52.7%) of cases, moderate in 84 (37.8%), and severe in 21 (9.5%). Of all infected women (n=222), 76 (34.2%) delivered. During the observation period, there were 19 cases of pregnancy loss (25%), 7 cases of antenatal fetal death (9,2%), and 4 spontaneous abortions (5,3%). Among their newborns, 34 (15.3%) were preterm and 42 (18.9%) were born at term. Conclusion. The findings indicate an increased frequency of adverse perinatal outcomes among mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2. The most common clinical problems observed in newborns born to infected mothers were: intrauterine fetal hypoxia – 35.5%; perinatal hypoxic central nervous system injury – 22.4%; respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) – 6.6%; asphyxia – 5.3%; intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) – 3.9%. Abduvakhitova A.N.
Abstract: Aim of the study. To evaluate the relationship between pulmonary artery pressure and hydration status in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and to assess the effect of achieving optimal dry weight on the dynamics of pulmonary hypertension. Material and methods. A total of 52 patients (20 males and 32 females; mean age 55±12 years) with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) were prospectively enrolled. Hydration status and dry weight were assessed by multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (ABC-01 device, MEDAS, Sport-5 software). Pulmonary artery pressure was evaluated by Doppler echocardiography at baseline and after 12 months of HD therapy in accordance with European Society of Cardiology criteria. Echocardiographic parameters included left ventricular mass index (LVMI), ejection fraction (EF), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). Statistical analyses employed Student’s t-test and univariate correlation analysis; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was detected in 58% of patients. After one year of HD, sPAP decreased from 46.3±16.1 to 40.4±11.7 mmHg (p<0.01), LVMI declined from 159.1±35.8 to 129.1±42.2 g/m² (p<0.05), and hemoglobin improved from 106.5±18.7 to 113.9±11.5 g/L (p<0.01). Mean total body water (TBW) was 34.1±6.5 L; extracellular water (ECW) was 21.5±4.4 L. A significant positive correlation was found between ECW and sPAP (r=0.4; p<0.01). No statistically significant relationship was found between arteriovenous (AV) fistula blood flow and pulmonary artery pressure. Conclusion. PH in HD patients at initiation of therapy is closely associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, impaired systolic function, and anemia. After one year of maintenance HD, significant regression of PH and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was observed, attributable to improved volume control and anemia correction. AV fistula function does not independently contribute to PH severity. Bioimpedance-guided hydration monitoring is an important tool for cardiovascular risk reduction in this population. Alili V.G., Nasirova F.J.
Abstract: The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the digital transformation of diagnostic processes in modern healthcare, the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in this field, and the application possibilities of artificial neural networks. The relevance of the research stems from the necessity of analyzing large volumes of visual and digital data generated daily in medical institutions with high accuracy. The main objective of the work is to identify optimal mathematical models that ensure the integration of clinical diagnostics with modern technological solutions. The paper examines technical procedures such as pre-processing of medical images, noise reduction and segmentation, as well as the role of Convolutional Neural Networks in diagnostic accuracy. During the research, mathematical metrics such as sensitivity and specificity were used as the basis for evaluating the effectiveness of neural networks, and the system's ability to minimize false negative results was particularly emphasized. Applying an interdisciplinary approach, the prospects of artificial intelligence in early detection of diseases in fields such as radiology, oncology and ophthalmology are demonstrated. In conclusion, it is substantiated that intelligent systems are not intended to replace physicians, but serve as an effective "second opinion" tool that reduces their workload by 30-40% and minimizes subjective errors in decision-making. The multimodal analysis capabilities of modern ICT infrastructure pave the way for the creation of a "unified digital patient profile" and the development of personalized medicine in the future. Hasanov R.A., Abdullayeva E.J., Babayeva G.H.
Abstract: Background. Chronic viral hepatitis remains a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Conventional fibrosis scoring systems, such as the FIB-4 index, are widely used for risk stratification but may fail to detect subclinical hepatic injury. Increasing evidence implicates gut dysbiosis, particularly small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), in liver disease progression through the gut–liver axis. Aim. To investigate whether SIBO is independently associated with liver disease severity in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, beyond traditional fibrosis scores. Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on over 100 patients with chronic hepatitis B or C. Clinical data included SIBO breath test results, FIB-4 scores, liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP) and demographics. Patients were stratified by FIB-4 score (<1.3 vs. ≥1.3) and SIBO status. Comparative and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the predictive value of SIBO positivity after adjusting for confounders. Results. SIBO prevalence was 38% in patients with low FIB-4 scores and 61% in those with elevated scores. Notably, a subset with normal FIB-4 values but positive SIBO tests exhibited abnormal liver enzymes, suggesting hidden pathological activity. Logistic regression showed SIBO positivity to be significantly associated with hepatic enzyme elevation (p < 0.01) independent of FIB-4, age, and gender. Conclusion. SIBO positivity may serve as a novel, independent marker of hepatic stress in chronic viral hepatitis, complementing traditional fibrosis scores. Prospective studies targeting microbiota modulation could provide new therapeutic avenues. Shyukyurov S.D., Mirzazade V.A.
Abstract: This study is dedicated to the application of the "bootstrap" method for creating virtual models of normo- and hyperprolactinemia, allowing the creation of statistical models based on the empirical distribution of data. The aim of the research was to apply this approach to different patient groups with normoprolactinemia, hyperprolactinemia without pituitary adenoma, microprolactinoma, and macroprolactinoma. Material and Methods. The models were developed using data from patients with different types of prolactinemia. The models were created considering the gender and quantitative characteristics of the patients, followed by statistical analysis. Results. The results showed that the virtual models did not differ significantly from the real groups. However, certain correlations between prolactinemia and anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, as well as pituitary-thyroid system hormones were identified, with variations depending on the group. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the "bootstrap" approach is an effective tool for clinical and statistical modeling and provides more precise analysis of the characteristics of various prolactinemia groups. Mamedova R.Y., Abdullayeva S.R.
Abstract: Background. Chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) is associated with dysregulation of inflammatory and immune responses. In patients with concomitant food allergy, Th2-mediated immune mechanisms may contribute to increased severity of periodontal inflammation. Objective. To evaluate cytokine profile alterations and their relationship with allergic inflammation markers in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis associated with food allergy. Material and methods. Clinical and immunological assessment of patients with CGP was performed, including evaluation of cytokine levels and total IgE concentration. Comparative analysis was carried out between patients with isolated CGP and patients with CGP associated with food allergy. Results. The study demonstrated a pronounced imbalance of cytokine regulation in patients with CGP, reflecting activation of inflammatory and immune responses. Patients with combined CGP and food allergy showed significantly elevated IL-4 and total IgE levels, indicating involvement of Th2-mediated immune mechanisms and enhancement of the allergic inflammatory component. A positive correlation between IL-4 and IgE levels confirmed the relationship between systemic allergic reactivity and severity of inflammatory-destructive periodontal changes. Conclusion. The obtained findings highlight the importance of immune-inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of CGP associated with food allergy and support the need for an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with periodontal diseases and concomitant allergic disorders. Gasimzade G.Sh.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic value, sensitivity, and specificity of X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examinations in the diagnosis of extremity bone injuries of various etiologies. In addition, the influence of age, sex, trauma etiology, and isolated or combined character of injuries on the diagnostic informativeness of these methods was investigated. Material and Methods. The study was conducted between 2016 and 2021 in the traumatology and intensive care departments of the Clinical Medical Center in Baku. The instrumental examination results of 969 patients with different types of trauma were retrospectively analyzed. Digital X-ray examinations were performed in 362 (37.4%) patients, while CT examinations were carried out in 39 (4.0%) patients. Overall, extremity injuries were detected in 307 (31.7%) patients. The diagnostic informativeness of the methods was assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, false-positive, and false-negative results. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-26 software package with Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ) and p-values. Results. The results demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray examination in detecting extremity trauma were 99.0% and 68.6%, respectively (κ=0.753; p<0.001). For CT examination, sensitivity was 97.1%, whereas specificity was 25.0% (κ=0.284; p=0.057). In male patients, X-ray examination showed higher diagnostic informativeness, while in female patients CT demonstrated 100% sensitivity. Age-group analysis revealed that CT provided superior diagnostic results in patients aged 50–59 years. In combined trauma cases, CT demonstrated a specificity of 100.0% and a sensitivity of 96.9%. X-ray examination showed particularly high sensitivity in traffic accidents and fall-related injuries. Conclusion. X-ray examination, due to its high sensitivity and accessibility, may be considered the primary screening method in the initial diagnosis of extremity trauma. CT, on the other hand, provides greater specificity and more detailed visualization in complex and combined injuries. Therefore, the choice of diagnostic method should be individualized according to trauma severity, localization of injury, patient age, and clinical condition. Mammadzada H.A., Mirzazade V.A.
Abstract: Aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of glucose-lowering therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) fasting during Ramadan in Azerbaijan. Material and methods. The study was conducted at Baku Medical Plaza Hospital. A total of 123 patients were enrolled, and 4 were subsequently excluded; therefore, the final analysis included 119 participants. The main group consisted of 68 patients receiving DPP-4 inhibitors, while the control group included 51 patients not treated with these agents. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessment, and laboratory investigations were performed in all participants. Results. The results demonstrated that HbA1c ≥9.0%, insulin therapy, sulfonylurea treatment, and an IDF/DAR score >3 were significantly associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemia. In contrast, the use of DPP-4 inhibitors was associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia and was identified as a protective factor. No significant associations were found between hypoglycemia risk and age, sex, duration of diabetes, body weight, arterial hypertension, ALT level, TyG index, TyG×BMI, SHR1, SHR2, or Glycemic Gap. Conclusion. These findings highlight the importance of individualized risk assessment, implementation of the IDF/DAR risk stratification system, and appropriate selection of glucose-lowering therapy to ensure safe fasting during Ramadan in patients with T2DM. Mehdiyev S.Kh.
Abstract: Atherosclerotic involvement of peripheral arteries is a common and often subclinical vascular complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the ankle-brachial index, as a subclinical marker of peripheral atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk factors, glycemic control, arterial hypertension, microalbuminuria, and sonographic parameters of lower limb arteries in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Azerbaijani population. Material and Methods. The study included 528 patients aged 30–69 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients were evaluated using questionnaire data, physical examination, glycated hemoglobin level, microalbuminuria, blood pressure measurements, and sonographic assessment of lower limb arteries. The ankle-brachial index was used as an objective indicator of peripheral artery disease, and an ABI value ≤0.9 was considered evidence of peripheral arterial involvement. Results. The mean ABI value was 1.061±0.009, while ABI<0.9 was detected in 27.2% of patients. Clinical signs of lower limb atherosclerosis were observed in 66.7% of patients. Inadequate glycemic control was associated with a higher frequency of ABI≤0.9 and more pronounced impairment of peripheral circulation. The severity of stenosis increased toward the distal arterial segments, with signs of decompensation mainly observed in the below-knee–ankle segment. Patients with arterial hypertension had significantly lower ABI values and a higher frequency of peripheral atherosclerosis compared with normotensive patients. Increasing microalbuminuria was also associated with a higher prevalence of peripheral atherosclerotic changes. Conclusion. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the ankle-brachial index may be used as a practical screening marker for peripheral artery disease and cardiovascular risk assessment. Suleymanov T.A., Jabrayilova S.F.
Abstract: This article provides information on the synthesis and biological activity of thiadiazole derivatives.
Thiadiazole derivatives are organic compounds with high reactivity and compounds with high biological activity because they possess various biological properties such as antimicrobial, antiproliferative, antitumor, antituberculosis, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, antipsychotic, antihistaminic, antidepressant, and antihypertensive. Studies show that thiadiazoles are used for various purposes in different fields of science due to their versatile properties. Structural changes affect pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activity. Thiadiazole derivatives are also used in medical practice as diagnostic tools and imaging agents. Both its chemical activity and various pharmacological properties confirm the importance and potential of scientific studies aimed at the synthesis of novel thiadiazole derivatives and the investigation of their biological activity.
Abstract: Early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is of major clinical importance for timely initiation of disease-modifying treatment and reduction of disability risk. Because the clinical onset of MS is heterogeneous, practicing physicians need a structured approach to symptoms suggestive of demyelinating disease. The aim of this article is to present an auxiliary diagnostic pathway for suspected MS, summarizing the stages of initial clinical assessment, neuroimaging, diagnostic supportive evaluation according to the 2024 revision of the McDonald criteria, and exclusion of alternative diagnoses. The article also includes a comparison of symptom profiles during the first and second suspected attacks based on clinical data of MS patients observed during 2013–2022. The comparison showed that, during the second attack, the frequency of visual disturbances, bulbar symptoms, and cerebellar symptoms decreased, whereas speech disturbances and pelvic organ dysfunction became more frequent. No statistically significant change was observed for motor and sensory disturbances. These findings support the importance of assessing not only current clinical manifestations, but also previous neurological episodes and the temporal evolution of symptoms when MS is suspected. The proposed stepwise diagnostic pathway is based on evaluation of the typicality of clinical signs, interpretation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings in relation to the clinical presentation, staged use of additional paraclinical investigations, and exclusion of alternative diagnoses. This approach may help practicing physicians recognize suspected MS in a timely manner, avoid premature diagnosis in atypical cases, and refer patients for appropriate specialized neurological assessment. |
