Background: Echinococcosis, a severe zoonotic helminthiasis, remains a significant medical and veterinary problem in many regions of the world, including Uzbekistan. The Andijan Region, characterized by intensive agriculture and livestock farming, presents a persistent focus of this disease. This study aims to analyze the long-term epidemiological trends and socio-economic impact of echinococcosis in the Andijan Region over a 25-year period (2000-2024).

Materials and Methods: A retrospective epidemiological analysis was conducted based on official statistical data from the Andijan Regional Sanitary and Epidemiological Station and the Ministry of Health. Data on incidence rates (per 100,000 population), patient demographics, localization of cysts, and sources of registration were analyzed. Socio-economic analysis was based on estimates of direct medical costs and indirect losses due to disability.

Results: The analysis revealed a fluctuating but persistently high incidence of echinococcosis in the region. The average annual incidence for the period was 3.8 per 100,000, significantly exceeding the national average for Uzbekistan. Two peaks of elevated incidence were identified: 2005-2008 and 2018-2021. A trend of "aging" of the disease was noted, with an increasing proportion of cases in the adult working-age population (30-60 years). The hepatic form accounted for 65-70% of cases, followed by pulmonary (20-25%) and other localizations. Rural areas demonstrated a 2.5-3 times higher incidence compared to urban centers. The socio-economic burden is substantial, with the average cost of surgical treatment and rehabilitation per patient estimated at $1,500-$2,000, leading to significant long-term disability.

Conclusion: Despite ongoing control measures, echinococcosis remains a serious public health challenge in the Andijan Region. The established long-term dynamics indicate the stability of the natural foci and the insufficiency of current interventions. An effective reduction in the disease burden requires a strengthened One Health approach, integrating enhanced veterinary control of dogs and livestock, active case detection in high-risk groups, and comprehensive public health education.

Background:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains one of the most common complications after general anesthesia, particularly among morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery (1,2). Despite major progress in anesthetic management, the development of effective prophylactic regimens for this high-risk population remains an ongoing challenge (3,4).

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a rational three-agent prophylactic regimen consisting of dexamethasone, ondansetron, and droperidol in preventing PONV among morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Methods:

A prospective, single-center clinical study was conducted from May 2024 to March 2025 at Tashkent State Medical University. A total of 120 patients (75 women, 45 men; mean BMI 45.1 ± 6.3 kg/m²) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery were included. All patients received standardized anesthesia. Participants were divided into three groups: triple prophylaxis (dexamethasone 8 mg, ondansetron 4 mg, droperidol 1.25 mg), dual prophylaxis (dexamethasone + ondansetron), and no prophylaxis (TIVA). The incidence and intensity of PONV were recorded for 24 hours.

Results:

The overall PONV incidence was 26%. Women had significantly higher rates (32%) compared to men (15%, p < 0.05). The triple prophylaxis group showed a PONV rate of 14.2%, while the dual and control groups demonstrated 42.6% and 38%, respectively (p = 0.002). The requirement for rescue antiemetics was lowest in the triple-therapy group (18%) (7,8).

Conclusion:

A rational three-agent regimen (dexamethasone, ondansetron, droperidol) significantly reduces the incidence and severity of PONV in morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Continued research should aim to refine dosing and timing strategies to enhance clinical outcomes.

Background: The intricate three-dimensional nature of facial muscle anatomy presents a significant learning challenge for medical students. While traditional teaching methods like cadaveric dissection and didactic lectures have their merits, there is a growing need for innovative, engaging, and student-centered pedagogical approaches that can enhance spatial understanding and knowledge retention. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a hands-on clay modeling workshop as a supplementary tool for teaching facial muscle anatomy to medical students.

Methods: A mixed-methods study with a pre-test/post-test control group design was conducted with second-year medical students. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=50), which attended a clay modeling workshop, or a control group (n=50), which received a standard lecture. Anatomical knowledge was assessed using a pre-test and post-test. Qualitative data on student perceptions were collected through focus group interviews and surveys and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in post-test scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed three key themes: (1) enhanced spatial understanding, (2) increased engagement and enjoyment, and (3) the value of peer learning and collaboration. Students in the intervention group reported that the tactile and creative nature of the workshop made learning facial anatomy more intuitive and memorable.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that clay modeling is an effective and well-received pedagogical tool that can significantly improve medical students' understanding of complex facial muscle anatomy. Integrating such hands-on, creative learning modalities into anatomy curricula can foster a more engaging and effective learning environment, ultimately leading to better-prepared medical professionals.