bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Na uptake at TiO2 anatase surfaces under electric field control: A first-principles study
Authors: Fasulo Francesca , Massaro Arianna , Muñoz-García Ana B. , Pavone Michele
Published: May 2022

Na-ion batteries (NIBs) are promising devices for large-scale energy-storage facilities. Nanostructured TiO2 is an efficient NIB negative electrode, showing good cycling performance and rate capability, but its activity depends on the crystalline facets exposed by anatase nanoparticles. Hence, we propose here a DFT+U study of Na+ adsorption and insertion at (101), (100) and (001)-TiO2 surfaces under the influence of external electric fields, which are simulated by adding a sawtooth-like electrostatic potential to the bare ionic potential. We find that field polarization affects Na+ uptake as well as titania electronic features, promoting redox processes within Ti sublattice, as in battery charge/discharge cycling. Our results highlight the high-energy (001) surface to be the most active, for both directions of external fields, proving its activity to be exerted reversibly. Besides further insights, these outcomes pave the route for further exploration and design of electrode materials by simulation of battery in operando conditions.

Graphical Abstract
MUSABAQAH TAFSIRIL QUR’AN: A RELIGIOUS SCIENTIFIC CONTESTATION AND CEREMONIAL SYMBOL
Authors: Rahtikawati Yayan , Abdullah Afifi Lu’lu’
Published: May 2022

Artikel ini menjelaskan tentang pengalaman para peserta Musabaqah Tafsiril Qur’an (MTiQ) terutama yang berkaitan dengan motivasi, kompetensi dan manfaat mengikuti ajang kompetisi ini. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori living Qur’an dengan metode kualitatif. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa MTiQ merupakan salah satu cabang yang dilombakan pada ajang Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) di mana penilaiannnya menekankan pada hafalan, penafsiran, pemahaman, terjemahan dan kesimpulan dari seluruh penjelasan tentang isi Al-Qur’an. Ajang kompetisi MTiQ ini menunjukkan bahwa selain berupa kompetisi, ajang ini juga dipandang sebagai sarana untuk mendalami ilmu-ilmu yang berkaitan dengan Al-Qur’an kepada khalayak umum terutama pada aspek bacaan, hafalan dan pemahaman Al-Qur’an. Bagi para peserta, ajang ini tentu saja mengasah kemampuan mereka untuk terus mempelajari isi kandungan Al-Qur’an di bawah bimbingan para mentor yang kebanyakan adalah para Kiai yang ahli dalam bidangnya. Selain datang untuk berkompetisi, ajang ini juga menjadi sarana untuk berteman dengan sesama peserta, dengan para juri dan masyarakat tempat kompetisi berlangsung. Selain itu, kegiatan ini juga memberikan dampak bagi beberapa orang misalnya petugas teknisi dan para pedagang yang mendapatkan imbas dari pelaksanaan ajang kompetisi ini. Kegiatan MTiQ ini memberikan dampak tidak saja sebagai event dua tahunan bagi Muslim tetapi juga bagi pemerintah di mana pada tataran kebijakan dan prestise kedaerahan.
A unified formulation of various shell theories for the analysis of laminated composite spherical shells
Authors: Sayyad Atteshamuddin S. , Ghugal Yuwaraj M.
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the static and free vibration responses of orthotropic laminated composite spherical shells using various refined shear deformation theories. Displacement-based refined shear deformation theories are presented herein for the analysis of laminated composite spherical shells via unified mathematical formulations. Equations of motion associated with the present theory are derived within the framework of Hamilton's principle. Analytical solutions for the static and free vibration problems of laminated spherical shells are obtained using Navier's technique for the simply supported boundary conditions. Few higher order and classical theories are recovered from the present unified formulation; however, many other theories can be recovered from the present unified formulation. The numerical results are obtained for symmetric as well as anti-symmetric laminated shells. The present results are compared with previously published results and 3-D elasticity solution. From the numerical results, it is concluded that the present theories are in good agreement with other higher order theories and 3-D solutions.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF TEACHER L2 USE ON LEARNER SELF-EFFICACY PERCEPTIONS: THE CASE OF CHILEAN ELEMENTARY EFL LEARNERS
Authors: Cancino Marco , Mera Samantha
Published: May 2022

Self-efficacy perceptions on second language settings have been linked to several aspects including learner performance in linguistic tasks, willingness to communicate, and language learning strategy use. These firmly place self-efficacy as a variable affecting cognitive and contextual aspects in language learning settings. However, the amount of L2 used by teachers needs to be researched in their own right, since an approach that makes the L2 compulsory in the language classroom may affect learners’ perceptions of their ability to learn the new language. This relationship becomes even more relevant in low-level EFL school settings where teachers are more willing to use the learners’ L1 in their lessons. Thus, to assess the impact of teacher L2 use on the self-efficacy of primary EFL learners, the present study investigated 58 Chilean 6th-grade EFL students’ self-efficacy beliefs in two contexts: L2-Only instruction (i.e., an approach where lessons are delivered solely in the L2), and L1-L2 instruction. Findings revealed that learners in the L2-Only group did not significantly decrease their self-efficacy when compared to the L1-L2 group, and that the L1-L2 group displayed significantly higher scores in the reading and writing components. It is argued that contextual aspects that include the nurturing of self-efficacy need to be considered to make informed decisions on whether to use the L1 and the L2 in the language classroom.
TRANSLANGUAGING PRACTICES IN A TERTIARY EFL CONTEXT IN INDONESIA
Authors: Emilia Emi , Hamied Fuad Abdul
Published: May 2022

This paper presents partial results of an ethnographic study in 2021, aiming to identify translanguaging (TL) practices (the use of Indonesian and English), their functions and benefits, and the participants’ opinions about such practices in a tertiary English as a foreign language (EFL) context in Indonesia. The study involved 75 participants in four courses organized online (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), in the English Education Study Program of a state university in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. The study drew on the notion of TL, synthesized with principles of effective online teaching. The data were obtained from a phase of teaching with teachers as researchers in 7 meetings (out of 16 meetings required), informal interviews with the participants after the class, and a questionnaire administered online, involving 46 volunteers. The results reveal that TL practices occurred in all courses, which served different functions, including interpretive, managerial, and interactive functions. The practices benefited the students cognitively, socially, and psychologically. Questionnaire and interview data support observation data and previous research about the use of mother tongue in Indonesian EFL classrooms (Emilia, 2010, 2011) that the majority of students (82.6%) wanted mixed Indonesian and English despite few students’ tendency to use English only in the classroom.
FACTORS INFLUENCING EFL STUDENTS’ UTILISATION OF TEACHER WRITTEN FEEDBACK
Authors: Mahfoodh Omer Hassan Ali
Published: May 2022

This qualitative case study investigated factors affecting EFL university students’ use of teacher written feedback. Ten Yemeni EFL university students participated in this study. Data included students’ written essays, teacher written feedback, and semi-structured interviews. Students’ use of teacher written feedback was analysed using an adapted rating scheme. Thematic analysis was used for analysing the interviews. The results revealed that the major factors affecting students’ use of teacher written feedback are feedback-related factors (teachers’ use of correction symbols, legibility of written feedback, explicitness of written feedback, and wording of written feedback) and student-related factors (students’ emotional responses towards teacher written feedback and students’ previous literacy experience). Understanding the impact of these factors on students’ utilisation of teacher written feedback may help teachers to provide constructive and effective written feedback to their students. Training EFL students on how to utilise teacher written feedback successfully is important for improving the practice of teacher written feedback.
Impact of antibiotic administration on the growth and development of silkworm Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Rafiq Iqra , Buhroo Z. I. , Sahaf K. A. , Ganie N. A. , Mir S. A.
Published: May 2022

The present investigation was carried out to assess the rearing performance and total haemocyte count in silkworm Bombyx mori L. on antibiotic supplemented feed at various concentrations. The study was conducted on the silkworm breed APS-45.The worms were reared upto 3rd moult by feeding on mulberry leaves without any treatment. After 3rd moult, three replications were maintained for each treatment and each treatment received different concentration of antibiotics. For each antibiotic three concentrations (0.05%, 0.10% and 0.15%) were prepared and sprayed on the mulberry leaves, a separate batch was also maintained where only distilled water was sprayed and that served as a control. Among the three antibiotics evaluated ceftiofur sodium showed best results followed by oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin which also showed better results in all the parameters and it was found that improved results were obtained with an increase in concentration. The cocoon yield was statistically significant in all the treatments. However, the highest cocoon yield by weight was obtained in ceftiofur sodium. Higher cocoon weight recorded in these antibiotic treated batches indicated a clear difference in their nutrient utilization efficiency. Present investigation reflected that antibiotics have the potential to be used for enhancing the cocoon and raw silk production.
Broad-spectrum use of essential oils in managing stored grain insect pests
Authors: Singh Subash , Kaur Manpreet , Sharma D. K.
Published: May 2022

The essential oils have broad-spectrum use over the world as non-chemical alternatives over the chemical fumigation in managing different stored grain insect pests. Exceptions are for organic products where use of fumigants is not possible then application of essential oils is the best preferred choice. However, their general commercial use needs to be explored over the world. The perusal of literature on essential oils indicated that the use of most effective natural products needs to be fully exploited for their potential use in the context of pest management in household and large scale grain storage.
Variability in Body Condition and Growth Rates for Rehabilitated Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Pups
Authors: Teman Sarah J. , Greig Denise J. , Wilkin Sarah M. , Gaydos Joseph K.
Published: May 2022

In the United States, Canada, and Europe harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups are commonly rehabilitated after stranding and then released. Size at release is likely important to post-release survival; however, data have not been compiled to track the body condition of rehabilitated harbor seals at release across the U.S. To better understand spatiotemporal variations in harbor seal morphometrics during rehabilitation and at release, this study retrospectively analyzed body conditions, weights, lengths, and growth rates of rehabilitated harbor seal pups in the U.S. Body condition index (BCI) was calculated, and weight and BCI were modeled regionally and temporally. There was significant variation in weight, length, BCI, and growth rate for rehabilitated and released seals between the East and West Coasts of the U.S. and among different years. Growth rates during rehabilitation were slower than reported for wild pups from birth to weaning. Length at release was not a strong predictor of weight. Because animals of similar weights can have different lengths, weight alone might not be the best criterion for pre-release body condition. A body condition score incorporating weight, length, and possibly other variables such as age or axillary girth could be more informative; however, data on post-release survival are needed to evaluate these options.
Anti-interferon alpha autoantibodies and their significance in COVID-19
Authors: Petrikov S. S. , Borovkova N. V. , Popugaev K. A. , Storozheva Mayya V. , Kvasnikov A. M. , Godkov M. A.
Published: May 2022

During the last two years, treatment of patients with novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 remains an urgent health problem. Interferon proteins are known to play a significant role in antiviral immunity. Some pathological conditions are accompanied by production of neutralizing autologous immunoglobulins against own host interferons (auto-IFN-Abs). There is evidence that autoantibodies against interferons alpha and omega are detected in patients with life-threatening course of COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of our study was to analyze prevalence of autoantibodies against interferon alpha in patients with COVID-19 coronavirus infection and assess their impact on clinical course of the disease. We examined 70 patients with severe COVID-19, who received inpatient treatment at the intensive care units. Serum autoantibodies against interferon alpha were determined on day 850 after disease onset by using solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with and without (group 2) autoantibodies against interferon alpha (group 1). Anti-COVID serum from 57 donors was used a control. Among patients, autoantibodies against interferon alpha were detected in 13 (18%) subjects, which level ranged from 26.8 to 1000 ng/ml. Among donors, auto-IFN-Abs were detected in 5 (8.8%) subjects at trace concentrations (from 1.65 to 12.0 ng/ml). Respiratory failure developed significantly more often in patients with auto-IFN-Abs. While analyzing laboratory parameters, it was noted that the concentration of C-reactive protein was significantly higher in the group of patients with auto-IFN-Abs. Mortality rate of patients with high auto-IFN-Abs levels was 60%. In conclusion, it was found that serum autoantibodies against IFN alpha in COVID-19 patients caused lung damage that significantly more often required hardware respiratory support, so comparable by duration with it for patients without auto-IFN-Abs. High concentrations of auto-IFN-Abs (more than 100 ng/ml) in patients with COVID-19 can be considered as a predictor of unfavorable disease outcome.
Analysis of the state of immunity in patients with chronic gastritis infected with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Mokhonova Ekaterina V. , Lapin V. A. , Melentiev D. A. , Novikov D. V. , Neumoina N. V. , Perfilova K. M. , Neumoina M. V. , Troshina T. A. , Shutova I. V. , Novikov V. V.
Published: May 2022

Helicobacter pylori is considered an etiological agent of chronic gastritis and a number of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The immune response to H. pylori is characterized by the development of both pro-inflammatory and tolerogenic reactions. Against this background, the possibility of forming autoimmune shifts is also assumed. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the state of immunity in patients with chronic gastritis in the exacerbation stage associated with and not associated with H. pylori infection. There were used whole peripheral blood (n = 50) and serum (n = 49) samples from 162 patients with primary chronic gastritis at the exacerbation stage, in which the presence or absence of H. pylori DNA was tested by real-time PCR in gastric juice. In the peripheral blood of patients, the relative content of CD4+FoxP3+ cells (T regulators) and CD4+CD161+ cells (IL-17 producing cells) was evaluated using flow cytofluorometry and monoclonal antibodies method, the level of mRNA FoxP3 and mRNA IL-17A was determined using real time RT-PCR, and the concentration of IL-2 and IL-23 was determined using enzyme immunoassay. It has been shown that in H. pylori-infected patients with chronic gastritis in the exacerbation stage in comparison with patients not infected with H. pylori, the content of CD4+FoxP3+ cells, CD4+CD161+ cells does not change in the blood, also with the level of mRNA FoxP3 and mRNA IL-17A. Since the equilibrium between the populations of Th17 cells and T regulators is modulated by IL-2, which is important for generating the population of T regulators, but inhibits polarization of the immune response towards Th17 cells, we conducted a comparative assessment of the serum IL-2 level in patients with chronic gastritis. All patients showed an increase in IL-2 content in comparison with the norm. In this case, the concentration of IL-2 in the blood of infected H. pylori patients was statistically significantly higher than in H. pylori-uninfected patients. An important regulator of the function of Th17 cells is also IL-23, which induces the differentiation of naive T lymphocytes into Th17 cells involved in inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. In this regard, we determined the level of this cytokine in the blood of patients with chronic gastritis. Multiple increase of IL-23 concentration in comparison with normal level and higher content of IL-23 in H. pylori-infected patients in comparison with uninfected patients were revealed. On the basis of the obtained data, it can be concluded that an increase in the concentration of IL-23 does not exclude the possibility of forming autoimmune shifts with its participation in persons with helicobacter infection, but the issue requires further study.
Comparative characteristics of the nasal mucosa microflora at different level of allergic inflammation in the respiratory tract
Authors: Lazareva Anna M. , Smirnova S. V. , Kolenchukova O. A.
Published: May 2022

In the modern world, allergic respiratory diseases hold a huge place among all chronic diseases. The annual increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma among the global population makes relevant studies underlying their pathogenesis. Changes in the nasal mucosa alter its most important function protection from aggressive environmental factors allergens and pollutants. Inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity interfere with the normal mucosa functioning as a non-specific barrier, and facilitate their further penetration into the macroorganism. Objective of the study is to provide a comparative microbiological characteristic of the nasal mucosa of patients with respiratory allergies of various origin and level of respiratory tract damage. Patients with respiratory allergies aged 23 to 51 years old as well as sex- and age-matched apparently healthy subjects (n = 120) were examined. The study groups were as follows: atopic rhinosinusitis (AR, n = 28), atopic bronchial asthma (ABA, n = 28), polyposis rhinosinusitis (PRS, n = 68), and asthmatic triad (AT, n = 28). Diagnostics were carried out by an allergist-immunologist as well as an otorhinolaryngologist. Isolation of microorganisms was carried out by placing them on nutrient differential diagnostic media. Seeding was carried out by using the sector method. The culture media were incubated in a thermostat at 37C for 48 hours. Statistical processing was performed using the Statistica 7.0 software package. The study sample is described by calculating median as well as 25 and 75 percentiles. The normality distribution was checked by using the KolmogorovSmirnov method. The significance of differences between parameters of independent samples was assessed by using the nonparametric MannWhitney test. Dominance of opportunistic microorganisms in respiratory atopy (AR, ABA) relative to respiratory pseudoatopia (PRS, AT) was noted. The increased number of bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus on the nasal mucosa characterizes dysbacteriosis, emphasizing the greatest importance of these families in the initiation of allergic pathology in the upper and lower respiratory tract during atopy. A distinctive intergroup feature is a high concentration of the Enterobacteriaceae family members in AR vs. PRS as well as microorganisms of the genus Enterococcus in ABA vs. AT. Thus, regardless of the cause of inflammation, allergic rhinosinusitis and bronchial asthma were featured with a pronounced dysbacteriosis due to rise in the opportunistic microflora on the nasal mucosa compared to the control group.
Topical issues of clinical symptoms and diagnostics of septic shock
Authors: Leplina Olga Y. , Tikhonova Marina A. , Meledina Ilona V. , Zheltova Olga I. , Shevela Ekaterina Y. , Ostanin Alexander A. , Chernykh Elena R.
Published: May 2022

Viral hepatitis remains the most common cause of liver cirrhosis (LC). Monocytes, capable of migrating to the liver and participating in inflammation and fibrogenesis, play an important role in the LC pathogenesis as confirmed by the association of certain monocyte subsets with the disease severity and mortality in alcoholic and biliary LC. However, the clinical and prognostic relevance of monocytes in viral LC remains poorly investigated. This study was aimed to investigate the disturbances in circulating monocytes including classical (CD14++CD16, cMo), intermediate (CD14++CD16+, iMo) and non-classical monocytes (CD14+CD16++, nMo) in patients with viral LC, as well as their correlation with viral characteristics, LC severity and progression of the disease 12 months after combination therapy. A significant increase in iMo and nMo, cMo level tended to decrease, and a two-fold decline in cMo/iMo ratio was revealed in patients with viral LC vs. healthy donors. These changes in monocyte pattern did not depend on the type of virus (HCV vs HBV/HDV) or its replication (replication vs the integrative phase), but were associated with the LC severity. The iMo level was positively correlated with laboratory indicators of liver damage, ChildPugh (rS = 0.57; P = 0.001) and MELD score (rS = 0.41; P = 0.033). ROC analysis showed that the cMo/iMo ratio at 9.5 allowed to predict the risk of LC progression with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 76.2%. Of note, in comparison groups patients with alcoholic or biliary/autoimmune LC also demonstrated increased frequencies in iMo and nMo and decreased cMo/iMo ratio. However, in this case, the LC severity was negatively correlated with CD16+monocytes, particularly with the iMo and nMo subset, respectively, in alcoholic and biliary LC, evidencing the protective role of such cell subsets. Thus in viral LC the changes in circulating monocyte profile to increased iMO and nMo as well as decreased cMo are not associated with the virus type and replication; in contrast to the alcoholic and biliary/autoimmune LC, the level of iMo directly correlates with the indicators of liver damage and LC severity; cMo/iMo ratio is a biomarker of therapy response/disease progression.
Evaluation of the two in-patient hospitals on potential environmental hazard during the period of new coronavirus infection in the Khabarovsk city (december 2020 — march 2021)
Authors: Trotsenko Olga E. , Bondarenko A. P. , Pshenichnaya N. Y. , Zaitseva T. A. , Garbuz Y. A. , Chishagorova Inna V. , Shmylenko V. A. , Bazykina Elena A. , Ogienko Olga N.
Published: May 2022

Microbiological monitoring after infectious diseases in the system of epidemiological surveillance implies simultaneous pathogen identification both among patients and in hospital environment. Our aim is to assess potential hospital environmental hazard for the two in-patient infectious disease hospitals of the Khabarovsk city by using bacteriological and epidemiological analysis during new coronavirus disease pandemic. Materials and methods. Bacteriological assessment of nasopharyngeal microflora in 241 patients suffering from community-acquired pneumonia that were hospitalized in the two prevention and treatment facilities of the Khabarovsk city was performed. Sanitary-bacteriological control of hospital environment (428 hospital environment samples and 91 air samples) was carried out in parallel. Bacteriological assessment was performed with classical methods. Identification of isolated bacteriological pathogens and evaluation of drug-resistant strains were carried out by utilizing bacteriological analyzer Vitek 2 Compact. Results. Nine different pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae, Pantoea, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus haemolyticus) were isolated in 20 out of 428 samples 4.7% [2.76.7]. Half of isolated agents 2.3% [0.93.8] were represented by drug-resistant isolates (10 out of 20 isolates) including 5 carbapenem-resistant isolates (Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and 5 isolates with multiple drug resistance (Enterobacter cloacae, Pantoea, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus haemolyticus). Air samples contained pathogenic biological agents found in 6 out of 91 samples 6.6% [1.511.7], and half of them 3.3% [0.67.9] were identified as drug-resistant variants, including S. aureus и S. haemolyticus. One of the surveyed hospitals was recognized as more hazardous due to microflora isolated from intensive care unit (A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were resistant to 3rd4th generation cephalosporins and carbapenems). Conclusion. Revealed circulation of wide range of microorganisms isolated from environment of two in-patient hospitals indicates high risk of healthcare-associated infections formation. Intensive care units can serve as a reservoir of healthcare-associated infections due to high percentage of patients with severe disease cases (main reservoir of drug-resistant strains).
Genetic polymorphisms of helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in St. Petersburg, Russia
Authors: Svarval A. V. , Starkova Daria A. , Ferman R. S. , Narvskaya O. V.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Helicobacter pylori was proved to be the principal causative agent of gastroduodenal disorders in human. Although Russian Federation is among the countries with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection (6090%), currently there is a very limited number of studies evaluating H. pylori genotypes in Russia. Objective. Based on the assessment of virulence-associated cagA, oipA, and vacA genes, our study was aimed to determine H. pylori genotypes associated with the clinical outcomes in patients with H. pylori infection in St. Petersburg, Northwest Russia. Materials and methods. Using PCR for the detection of cagA, oipA, and vacA s, m, i allelic variants, we analyzed 61 H. pylori isolates isolated and cultured from biopsies collected during endoscopy of patients with chronic gastritis (G), duodenal ulcer (DU), and gastric cancer (GC). Results. The genetic diversity of H. pylori clinical isolates has been revealed (HGDI 0.88): 41 (67%) of 61 H. pylori isolates were cagA-positive, 38 (62%) oipA-positive. The proportions of cagA+ isolates differed in patients with G (56.7%) and DU (80.9%) (p = 0.06). The s, m, and i allelic variants of the vacA gene were detected in all strains, although the vacA s1 allele was significantly dominant in patients with DU (95.2%) rather than with G (64.9%) (p = 0.01). The vacA alleles m1 and i1 in the isolates from patients with G and DU were found in almost equal proportions: 45.9% and 42.8% for m1 allele, 45.9% and 47.6% for i1 allele, respectively. Seven isolates (11.5%) were positive for different mixed combinations of vacA alleles s, m, and i. Noteworthy, all vacA s2 strains were cagA-negative and had the m2 allele. OipA+ strains were found in almost equal proportions in patients with G (62.2%) and DU (57.1%) (p = 0.71). All three cagA- and oipA-positive isolates from patients with GC carried vacA s1/m1/i1 alleles. Different combinations of virulence-associated determinants constituted 17 genetic profiles. The most common combined genotype cagA+/oipA+/vacA s1/m1/i1 comprised 18 (29.5%) H. pylori isolates. Conclusion. We have determined predominant genotypes in the H. pylori population in the Northwest of Russia. The significant association between vacA s1 genotype of the pathogen and clinical manifestations of H. pylori infection has been established in our study.
Lassa fever. Part 2. Laboratory diagnostics, treatment, development of medications
Authors: Kazachinskaia Elena I. , Aripov V. S. , Ivanova A. V. , Shestopalov A. M.
Published: May 2022

Globalization and high-speed means of transportation contribute to the spread of infections dangerous to humans. Airborne pathogens have pandemic potential as currently shown in case of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Natural focal Lassa fever (LF) common in West African countries, in 35 cases was registered in non-endemic geographical areas because any person infected with Lassa virus (LASV) is a long-term source of infection (up to two months). Cases of person-to-person infection in endemic territories are described. In Germany, the facts of secondary virus transmission from patients to doctors have been recorded during the examination and blood collection from an apparently healthy person as well as during the autopsy of a deceased subjects due to severe LF course. Nonspecific malaise symptoms in LF are also characteristic of numerous other diseases common on the African continent, e.g., malaria and typhoid fever or viral infections such as yellow fever, Chikungunya, dengue and Zika, monkey pox and Ebola virus disease. In this regard, there may be similar dermatological manifestations. Timely detection of cases and differential diagnosis are crucial to ensure safe patient care and use of affordable antiviral therapy for LL provided by the drug Ribavirin. Research methods for studying LASV use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting viral RNA, electron microscopy, isolation of infectious virus cultured sensitive cells, indirect immunofluorescence reaction, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic assays for the detection of antibodies and/or antigen as well as immunoblotting. Currently, test kits based on molecular and genetic methods are mainly used for LF laboratory diagnostics. Since the 1980s, ribavirin has been used to treat patients with LF. The serum accumulation of the drug in large quantities causes hemolysis, development of anemia and impaired renal function. In this regard, treatment options are being considered with decline in its concentration due to combined use with other antiviral drugs. A search for new therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting viral replication at disease early stage has been in progress due to lack of any approved vaccines.
Rhino- and RS-viruses in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kiseleva Irina V. , Ksenafontov Andrew D.
Published: May 2022

Acute respiratory viral infections are distributed across the globe and are the most numerous human diseases caused by several hundreds of diverse viruses. Human rhinovirus is one of the most common respiratory pathogens worldwide, causing more than half of all acute respiratory viral infection cases. Seasonal human coronaviruses account for 1015% of common cold cases; respiratory syncytial (RS) virus is the most common cause of respiratory hospitalization in infants; influenza viruses, adenoviruses, human parainfluenza virus, metapneumoviruses, and some other pathogens are also widespread. It is believed that viral common colds are mostly self-limited, causing mild infections that usually resolve within 810 days. However, the role of common seasonal respiratory viruses in total respiratory morbidity should not be underestimated. It turned out that during extraordinary conditions of pandemics, they behave differently. This was clearly demonstrated in the last 2009 influenza pandemic. Whereas some viruses lost relevance under the burden of a new aggressive pandemic strain, others, e.g., rhinovirus, continued to fight for existence and not only circulated along with the pandemic pathogen, but delayed its spread in some cases. For instance, the data from some European countries pointed out that the circulation of the H1N1pdm09 influenza A pandemic virus was interrupted by the annual rhinovirus outbreak. Ten years after the H1N1pdm09 influenza pandemic, a new virus outbreak emerged the COVID-19 pandemic has begun. This pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has disrupted well-established pathogenetic and epidemiological relationships. The level of circulation of many respiratory pathogens has changed dramatically. For instance, global influenza activity has been at a much lower level than expected for the second year from now. In many regions of the world, the flu season has not been started yet. But what is interesting is that rhinoviruses together with RS-virus again showed their unique ability to compete with highly pathogenic and aggressive pathogens. Along with profoundly reduced circulation of many other seasonal respiratory viruses, rhinovirus, and RS-virus are the most frequently detected viruses. In this review, we have brought together the main biological characteristics of such genetically distinct viruses such as rhinovirus, influenza A virus, RS-virus, and SARS-CoV-2. We focused on their main similarities and discrepancies in the attempt to understand why they behave so differently in extreme pandemic conditions as well as what allows rhinoviruses and RS-viruses to coexist with SARS-CoV-2, which in turn almost fully replaced the influenza virus.
Resistance factors of klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kolotova Olga N. , Kataeva L. V. , Bakshtanovskaya I. V. , Stepanova T. F. , Stepanova K. B.
Published: May 2022

Multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae bacterial strains producing extended range of beta-lactamases or carbapenemases are of serious clinical concern. The aim of the study was to determine the resistance factors of K. pneumoniae strains isolated from the lower respiratory tract of patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. The study of resistance to antimicrobial drugs included 138 strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from the sputum of patients treated in infectious diseases monohospitals in the city of Tyumen and the Tyumen region within the period from May 2020 to June 2021. Among the strains examined, 51.4% of them were isolated from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. The presence of resistance genes was determined by PCR in 71 strains of K. pneumoniae (34 strains from COVID-19-positive and 37 strains from COVID-19-negative patients). Identification of isolated bacterial strains was carried out according to the protein spectra by using a desktop time-of-flight mass spectrometer with matrix laser desorption MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker, Germany). The belonging of the strains to the hypermucoid phenotype was determined using the string test. Sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs was assessed in the disk diffusion method on MullerHinton medium. The sensitivity of culture strains to bacteriophage preparations was determined by the drop method (spot-test). In the study, we used Polyvalent Sextaphage Pyobacteriophage and Purified Polyvalent Klebsiella Bacteriophage (JSC NPO Microgen, Russia). Detection of resistance genes to beta-lactam antibiotics by real-time PCR was carried out using the BakRezista kit (OOO DNA-technology, Russia). Results. The results of the study evidence that K. pneumoniae bacteria isolated from COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative patients diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia displayed a high resistance to antimicrobial drugs and commercial phage-containing drugs. Resistance of K. pneumoniae strains was recorded from 50% (to aminoglycosides and carbapenems) to 90% (to inhibitor-protected penicillins). Sensitivity to bacteriophages was noted on average in no more than 20% of strains. It is important to emphasize that strains isolated from COVID-19-positive patients more often showed a hypermucoid phenotype, suggesting a high bacterial virulence, and also showed greater resistance to all groups of antibacterial drugs examined in the study, which is confirmed by the presence of resistance genes of the ESBL group and carbapenemase. The results of the study suggest that the high level of resistance of K. pneumoniae strains isolated from COVID-19-positive patients is associated with immunosuppression provoked by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which contributes to their colonization by more virulent strains.
The circulating immune complexes as a biomarker of the endogenous intoxication in pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Lesnic Evelina V. , Ghinda S. S.
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to establish the concentration of the circulating immune complexes (CICs) with high (CIC 2,5%), medium (CIC 4,2%) and low (CIC 8.0%) molecular weights in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) as biomarkers of the endogenous intoxication and the degree of severity. We investigated 56 patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB and 36 healthy persons (control group). The patients were assigned to 2 groups: the study group 1 (I SG) included 29 patients in which the test established the drug susceptible TB and in the study group 2 (II SG) that included 27 patients with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The inclusion criteria were: primary detected pulmonary TB, age older than 18 years, confirmed drug susceptibility (I SG) and confirmed MDR-TB (II SG). The exclusion criteria were: anti-TB treatment in anamnesis, extrapulmonary TB, age below 18 years, HIV infection, severe somatic diseases. The method of CIC quantification consisted in placing 50 l serum into 3 tubes followed by adding 100 l borate buffer and solution of 2.5%, 4.2% and 8.0% polyethylene glycol. The tubes were incubated 15 minutes at 25C and the optical density was assessed at the wavelength 340 nm. The results were compared with the general blood count and leucocital intoxication index Kalf-Kalif (LIIKK) as an alternative method to identify endogenous intoxication. As the results of the research we established that the peak level was observed for CICs with high and medium molecular weight, wrereas less pronounced it was for CICs with low molecular weight. The high severity of the endogenous intoxication predominated in the I SG and middle degree in the IISG, without achieving the statistical significance. LIIKK was lower in study groups comparing with the control healthy subjects due to increased count of eosinophils.
The third ethical commentary to COVID-19 (two years later) — vaccination, solidarity, and trust
Authors: Kubar O. I. , Mikirtichan G. L. , Vladimirova E. Yu. , Taghi-zade T. G. , Mamedova F. M. , Gadgieva U. K. , Davtyan S. A. , Mavsisyan F. M. , Tilekeeva U. M. , Gramma R. K. , Nasyrova F. Yu. , Tishkova F. H. , Mukhamedova Z. M. , Atamuradova F. S.
Published: May 2022

The systematic monitoring of ethical contents and events related to COVID-19 pandemic, carried out over the last two years, serves to develop a multi-professional discussion on one of the most relevant platforms Russian Journal Infection and Immunity. Two previous articles consistently presented the moral context of historically established regulatory and epidemiological paradigms and the analysis of readiness/unwillingness to follow them in the real-life conditions during the epidemic crisis. The contemporary moral cross-section of the pandemic, characterized by the state of global loss of values of social unity, trust and solidarity leaves virtually no doubt about the dominant role of ethics as a criterion for resolving conflicts of interest. The point of the peak moral tension was vaccine prevention at all levels of its introduction into an effective resource for containing COVID-19. According to the authors personal and professional responsibility, based on long-term scientific research of vaccination-related ethics, embodied in the books Ethics of Infectious Pathology (2014) and Ethics of Vaccination (Criterion of Scientific and Humanitarian Breakthrough (2018), account for our interest in writing this paper. In the Third Ethical Commentary presented to the readers the two ideologically related tasks have been set. First, to consider the ethically verified canon of vaccine prevention specifically exemplified by COVID-19 pandemic. Second, to expand the scope in the discussion of the ethics role by connecting the vaccination in the context of a regional cluster, namely the CIS member states. This opportunity took place owing the long-term cooperation to create ethical evaluation system within the framework of the WHO project Forum of Ethics Committees in the Commonwealth of Independent States (FECCIS) and the practice of developing model laws in the field of social policy and human rights of the IPA CIS. The perspective focus of this work is the need for an innovative approach to develop management decisions by enlarging the interdisciplinary range and expanding the areas of responsibility of social and bioethical meaning while protecting public health in epidemic crisis.
Topical issues of clinical symptoms and diagnostics of septic shock
Authors: Gomanova Liliya I. , Fokina Marina A.
Published: May 2022

Currently, septic shock remains an unresolved public health problem that leads to serious epidemiological, economic and social problems. Septic shock is a common hemodynamic disorder caused by the interaction between pathogenic microbes and host cells, resulting in developing hypoxia, severe metabolic disorders and multiple organ failure. By now, no unified concept for pathophysiology of septic shock are available. However, the aforementioned data prove that one of the key arms in the pathogenesis is endothelial dysfunction and associated ischemic disorders. In the clinical course of septic shock, three stages are distinguished: the stage of compensation, decompensation as well as the stage of irreversible disorders. The initial stage, or the stage of compensation, is characterized by the activated inflammatory response against infectious agents. Clinically, this stage is characterized by the development of warm shock: fever, dermal hyperemia, hyperventilation, increased cardiac output, and tachycardia. The second stage in developing septic shock is characterized by arising cold shock as a consequence of escalating heart and respiratory failure. The final stage is the development of multiple organ failure manifested by emerging shock organs. Multiple organ failure occurs due to microthrombosis and increasing ischemia, which leads to hypoxia and development of mitochondrial dysfunction in immune cells. At this stage patients are characterized by the progressive cyanosis, developing anuria and intestinal obstruction, as well as altered mental status. Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics of septic shock is a promising approach to examine septic shock. The level of serum C-reactive protein, lactate, and proinflammatory cytokines are not highly specific diagnostic parameters of septic shock, because they can be found in any inflammatory process. Today, the promising diagnostic markers are pentraxin-3, high-density lipoproteins, and phosphatidylcholine. The severity of septic shock can be assessed by determining blood schistocytes, central venous pressure, and the ratio of venous-arterial CO2 and arterial-venous O2 pressure. The following diagnostic methods can be used to determine multiple organ failure: level of serum proenkephalin A119159 and heparin-binding protein; echocardiography, troponin I concentration and N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptides; measuring activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Here we discuss the key aspects of pathogenesis, clinical picture and morphological changes of septic shock. The promising methods for diagnosing the disease and its complications have been studied.
The role of increased intestinal permeability markers in developing urinary tract infection in children of the first three years of life
Authors: Sergeeva Elena V. , Nee Antonina , Shumatova T. A. , Bykova O. G. , Prikhodchenko N. G. , Zernova E. S.
Published: May 2022

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the urgent problems in pediatric nephrology and pediatrics. Despite numerous works devoted to the study of pathogenetic mechanisms and development of new diagnostic measures in patients with urinary tract infection, many questions on pathogenesis have not yet been clearly elucidated. Considering that non-specific symptoms prevailing in the disease clinical picture in children of the first three years of life, it is necessary to search for reliable, early, non-invasive methods for diagnosing urinary tract infections. Purpose of the study is to determine diagnostic and pathogenetic significance of proteins that bind fatty acids as well as zonulin in diagnosis of urinary tract infection in children of the first three years of life. Materials and methods. There were examined 120 children, aged from 29 days of life to 2 years 11 months and 29 days inclusive with urinary tract infection. Control group 30 healthy children. All children were tested for serum level of proteins that bind fatty acids L-FABP and I-FABP, and the level of I-FABP, L-FABP and zonulin was measured in urine by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. In the blood serum of children with urinary tract infection, the levels of L-FABP and I-FABP were significantly increased compared with those in children of the control group (L-FABP 753.9426.16 ng/ml vs. 148.719.6 ng/ml, I-FABP 92.971.41 ng/ml vs. 18.033.03 ng/ml, respectively, p 0.001). Fractions of urine proteins L-FABP and I- FABP in sick vs. healthy children were also determined at a higher level (6.960.19 ng/ml and 1.010.25 ng/ml vs. 0.370.01 ng/ml and 0.10.02 ng/ml, respectively, at p 0.001). The level of urine zonulin was increased (2.840.12 ng/ml) in sick vs. healthy children (0.170.04, p 0.05). Conclusion. The study allowed to identify early markers of kidney and urinary tract damage (L-FABP, I-FABP, ZO) involved in developing inflammatory bacterial process, whereas measuring urine I-FABP, L-FABP, zonulin level can be used for non-invasive UTI diagnostics in infants and young children.