This study explores the role of men in the utilization of family planning services in Semien Woreda, Mekelle Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2013. Family planning is a crucial aspect of reproductive health, with men’s involvement playing a significant role in the successful uptake and continued use of these services. The research aims to assess the level of awareness, attitudes, and practices of men regarding family planning and their influence on decision-making processes within households.

Data were collected through structured interviews and surveys with married men, health workers, and community leaders. The study reveals that while many men have basic knowledge of family planning methods, cultural norms, misconceptions, and limited male-targeted educational efforts hinder greater involvement. The findings highlight the importance of increasing male engagement in family planning discussions and decision-making to improve overall utilization rates.

This study provides recommendations for designing male-inclusive family planning programs that address sociocultural barriers and encourage shared responsibility between men and women. The results suggest that involving men more actively could enhance the effectiveness of family planning initiatives in the region.

This study examines the main echocardiographic parameters in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) and analyzes how these parameters are influenced by the presence of concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CCI, associated with reduced cerebral blood flow, can be exacerbated by COPD, which negatively affects cardiovascular and respiratory functions. The study evaluates key echocardiographic markers such as left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular function, and pulmonary artery pressure. The findings indicate that patients with both CCI and COPD exhibit more significant cardiac dysfunction, suggesting that COPD may worsen cardiovascular complications in CCI patients.

Pesticide residues in human blood are a critical concern due to their potential health risks. This study presents the development and validation of a novel assay utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for detecting pesticide residues in human blood. The assay aims to enhance the accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability of pesticide residue analysis, addressing gaps in current detection methods. The assay development involved optimizing sample preparation techniques, including blood extraction and clean-up processes, to ensure minimal interference and maximum recovery of pesticide residues. We employed GC/MS to separate and identify a wide range of pesticides, including organophosphates, carbamates, and organochlorines, based on their unique mass spectra and chromatographic profiles.

Validation of the assay was conducted according to established guidelines, including assessment of specificity, sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility. The method demonstrated high specificity with no significant cross-interference from other compounds. Sensitivity was validated through detection limits well below regulatory thresholds, and linearity was confirmed across a broad concentration range. Reproducibility was ensured with consistent results across multiple runs and different operators. The developed assay provides a robust and reliable tool for the detection and quantification of pesticide residues in human blood, offering improved analytical capabilities compared to existing methods. This advancement is crucial for monitoring pesticide exposure, assessing health risks, and supporting regulatory compliance. The study underscores the importance of accurate pesticide residue analysis in safeguarding public health and contributes to the broader field of environmental and clinical toxicology.

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the effects on the parietal and visceral peritoneum of intact animals and with simulated widespread peritonitis in white mongrel rats weighing 140 180 g. It was found that methylene blue at a concentration of 0.05% in intact animals at exposure of 5 minutes causes desquamation and small foci of necrosis of mesothelial cells, and in peritonitis against the background of photodynamic therapy has a beneficial effect on reparative processes due to the formation of singlet oxygen. The histological picture of the peritoneum in rats after abdominal sanitation by PDT at all stages of the study was qualitatively better than that of the representatives of the group during abdominal sanitation with 0.02% chlorhexidine solution. Based on the results of morphological studies, the authors recommend that the developed method of photodynamic sanitation of the abdominal cavity be introduced into clinical practice.

This study focuses on the comparative analysis of microcirculation parameters in the lower extremities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), considering their body weight. Microcirculation disturbances are common in diabetic patients and are significantly influenced by obesity. The study evaluates how body weight impacts blood flow and tissue perfusion in the lower extremities. Results indicate that patients with higher body weight exhibit more pronounced microcirculation disorders, which can exacerbate complications such as diabetic foot syndrome. These findings highlight the importance of weight management in improving microvascular health in T2DM patients.