bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Формування кислотно-основної буферності бурувато-підзолистого оглеєного ґрунту Передкарпаття за різних режимів зволоження
Authors: Smaga I. S. , Kazimir I. I.
Published: February 2020

Наведено результати вивчення закономірностей формування кислотно-основної буферності бурувато-підзолистого оглеєного ґрунту Передкарпаття за умов штучного створення промивного, водозастійного та застійно-промивного режимів зволоження на протязі одного року, які сприяють переважаючому розвитку процесів опідзолення, оглеєння та глеє-елювіювання відповідно. Імітацію режимів зволоження проводили в лабораторних умовах у ґрунтових колонках. Перед моделюванням та після річної експозиції в зразках ґрунту визначали показники актуальної кислотності, вмісту обмінних катіонів, нейтралізуючої та поглинальної здатності ґрунту щодо кислот в інтервалі від pHCaCl (початкової точки кривих буферності) до рН 3,0, потенційну буферну ємність в кислотному та лужному плечі, а також градієнт рН ґрунтової суспензії при додаванні мінімальних (0,005 н розчин) концентрацій кислоти та лугу. Визначено буферність ґрунтової суспензії в кожному одиничному інтервалі значень рН кислотного та лужного плеча та загальні її значення.
Використання деревних рослин для біологічної рекультивації відвалів фосфогіпсу
Authors: Prysedskyj Yu. G.
Published: February 2020

Вивчено вплив відвалів фосфогіпсу та нанесеного на нього покривного ґрунту, на ростові процеси різних видів деревних рослин. Установлено необхідність використання дренажного шару  або піску та потужного шару родючих ґрунтових сумішей для росту деревних рослин на відвалах фосфогіпсу.
Ecosystem approach to the assessment of land reclamation on the example of Zaporizhzhskiy manganese ore quarry
Authors: Loza I. M. , Pakhomov O. Y.
Published: February 2020

Mining industry is the one of the powerful factors leading to the degradation of native ecosystems. Disturbed ecosystems developed instead the native may be remediated using certain reclamation techniques. The purpose of this work was assessment of the remediation quality within Ordzhonikidze Ore Mining and Processing Integrated Plant on the possibility of their economic use and suitability for the existence of soil biota, as well as providing recommendations for further rational economic use. Technical remediation of the surveyed area included such stages as removal of topsoil with gross method, followed by its storage in piles; reformation and levelling of overburden above-ore dump disposed in the exhaust space of career by gross way; keeping of levelled rocks up to 3 years with the purpose of their subsidence; surface repair after subsidence; application of humic layer; ploughing of reclaimed lands. Assessment of soil quality was carried out by comparing a quality score of reclaimed soils with a quality score of zonal soil. Data collection and processing were carried out on values of humus layer thickness; humus content in filling top layer; content of physical clay in topsoil and subsoil; granulometric composition of one-meter thick fill layer; topsoil and subsoil salinity; composition and properties of underlying rocks. As a result of mining operations, topsoil of remediated soil is depleted in chemical elements necessary for plant growth; as a result, the soil becomes more calcareous, and contains humus 1,5–2 times less than that in topsoil of undisturbed soil. Topsoil thickness is on average 58 cm. Humus content in the filled layer on average is 2.2%. Mechanical composition of the arable layer is middle loamy. The soil is compacted below the plow pan. Mechanical composition of the underlying rock is fine-textured. Salinization with water-soluble salts above the toxicity threshold in the arable layer of the studied soils was not found. Before agricultural use of reclaimed lands, it is essential to repair it with the techniques of biological reclamation. This is achieved through cultivation of salt-resistant perennial grasses for 3–5 years.
Екоморфічна організація ґрунтової мезофауни псамофітного степу на арені р. Дніпрo
Authors: Gudym N. G.
Published: February 2020

Надано характеристику екоморфічної організації ґрунтової мезофауни псамо-фітного степу на арені р. Дніпро у межах природного заповідника «Дніпровсько-Орільський». Степанти складають основну частину ценоморфічної структури тва-ринного населення псамофітного степу. Гігроморфічна структура характеризуєтьсяяк перехідна від ксерофілів до мезофілів. У трофічній структурі безумовними домі-нантами є фітофаги.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING AND ITS TECNOLOGIES: MULTIFORMAT /MULTISENSORY BOOKS IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Authors: de Oliveira Castelini Alessandra Lopes , Sousa Célia , da Silva Denise Quaresma
Published: February 2020

The article aims to give visibility to discussions on inclusion in the interdisciplinary context from the Universal Design for learning-DUA and its technologies in the actions developed under the International Project on Multiformat/ Multisensory Books from a scientific exchange between Brazil and Portugal with financial support from CAPES. The qualitative study (Martins, 2004), of a bibliographic nature with a methodological framework for reviewing the literature and the current educational legislation, including the Brazilian laws and guidelines, CF/88, LDB/96 (Brazil, 1988, 1996, 2008, 2015) , Guidelines of the Ministry of Education of Portugal- Decree-Law No. 54/2018 and international guidelines such as Unesco (1990, 1994, 2000, 2016) and UN (2015). The theoretical backing is based on the studies of Alves, Ribeiro & Simões (2013); Castelini & Quaresma da Silva (2018); Freire (1987); Gatti (2011); Nunes & Madureira (2015); Rapp (2014); Sousa (2012, 2018); Yunes (1995); and others. We found that the DUA approach and its technologies are facilitating resources for inclusion, because they promote affordable and inexpensive pedagogical practices that use different educational technologies. Actions developed in the project were socialized that allow the expansion of access to reading with more flexible and personalized approaches, making it possible to adapt them according to the educational context.
PEDAGOGICAL ASPECTS OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Authors: Maygeldiyeva Sharban , Dimova Emiliya
Published: February 2020

The authors research the intercultural communication in the context of complex education as a special model of communication in the article. They justify from a scientific point of view that the specificity of the conception of “intercultural communication” as a pedagogical phenomenon is associated with the creation of intercultural orientation of education.
This requires the transformation of the content, problems, culture-oriented forms of the educational process and determines the dialogue of the subjects of pedagogical communication in accordance with the cultural standards of the target language affecting the development of personal and professional qualities and skills of students. Based on this, it is important to consider the development of communicative competence as a willingness and ability to implement successful communication, including intercultural communication. The authors emphasize the need of the formation of cultural literacy of the future specialist and provide a rationale for the formation of this process.
STRATEGIES AND INNOVATIONS IN TEACHING EAP TO MEDICAL BACHELORS
Authors: Dagnev Ivaylo
Published: February 2020

The use of new technological tools in the classroom enables many new ways of teaching in foreign languages. Unlike the old methods that rely on unidirectionality, new technologies also require new ways of teaching, managing work, and therefore a new ethos. The introduction of new technologies also leads to a change in the status of the teacher, which also requires a change in the training strategy. This article reflects a pedagogical experiment aimed at testing the readiness of both the teacher and the students to acquire new knowledge and skills in a modern, interactive way. For this purpose, during the whole course of foreign language training over two semesters at the Medical College at the Medical University - Plovdiv, two groups of students in the specialties "Medical Cosmetics" and “Instructor in Food Safety” are taught in two different ways - one studying English in the traditional way with a textbook, while the other using only "interactive" methods without using textbooks or similar tools. At exit, a survey is conducted among one of the groups of students to evaluate their attitude towards the new approaches in learning a foreign language.
Associação entre bruxismo e má-oclusões em crianças – revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Ferreira Meyrianne De Melo , Marangoni Analúcia Ferreira
Published: February 2020

O hábito do bruxismo tem sido alvo de constantes estudos, por ocasionar diversas alterações no meio bucal. Os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes são os desgastes oclusais e/ou incisais, destruição das estruturas de suporte, hipersensibilidade pulpar, mobilidade dentária, fratura de cúspides e restaurações, dores e distúrbios nas articulações temporomandibulares, hipertrofia do masséter, cefaleia ao acordar, entre outros. Dentre estas alterações, o bruxismo vem sendo amplamente citado como fator desencadeador de diversos tipos de má-oclusões. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi fazer um levantamento bibliográfico sobre trabalhos recentes publicados em três bases de dados com o objetivo de verificar se existe correlação entre bruxismo e desenvolvimento de má-oclusões em crianças. A partir dos dados analisados, pode- se concluir que crianças que apresentam bruxismo não necessariamente desenvolverão má-oclusões. Entretanto, a literatura mostra que existem fortes indícios nesta correlação e que ela está associada a diferentes tipos de má-oclusões.
Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects of the bacterial lysate in the in vivo models of aseptic lymphadenitis and pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Kryshen K. L. , Kukharenko A. E. , Vichare A. S. , Gaidai E. A. , Kryshen A. A. , Gushchin Ya. A. , Kalyuzhin O. V. , Makarova M. N. , Makarov V. G. , Mahadevan B.
Published: February 2020

Bacterial lysates may produce immunoregulatory effects in the inflammatory diseases that are not directly caused by infectious agents; they may also stimulate the immune response against pathogens which are not a part of the lysate composition. Imudon® is a polyvalent bacterial lysate that is available in orodispersible tablets. However, the influence of this drug product on aseptic inflammation and immune defense against the infectious agents, the antigens of which are not contained in this preparation have not been studied so far. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects of Imudon® using the models of aseptic lymphadenitis (in Wistar rats) and pneumococcal pneumonia (in Balb/c mice), i.e., the conditions not related to the specific components of the bacterial lysate. Lymphadenitis was induced in rats by administration of λ-carrageenan into a cervical lymph node via an open operative approach. Whereas pneumonia was induced in mice by administering Streptococcus pneumoniae suspension intranasally. The choice of pneumococcus was determined by the absence of pneumococcal antigens in Imudon®, i.e., it cannot be a direct inducer of adaptive immune response against pneumococcal infection. Imudon® was administered intragastrically as a crushed tablet suspension following a therapeutic-preventive regimen (for 14 days daily until the induction of inflammation and for 3 [in the lymphadenitis model] or 5 days [in the model of pneumonia] in three doses thereafter). In the lymphadenitis model, Imudon® demonstrated both local and systemic anti-inflammatory responses manifested in the reduced number of circulating leucocytes and lower TNFα levels and by ameliorated histological features of inflammation in the operated lymph node. In rats, the anti-inflammatory effect was most pronounced when the product was administered at a dose of 2.2 mg/kg (equivalent to a human therapeutic dose) and 6.6 mg/kg. In the model of pneumonia, administration of Imudon® at 4.44 mg/kg (equivalent to a human therapeutic dose) and 13.32 mg/kg demonstrated a trend towards increased survival rate as compared to the control group. On Day 5 after infection Imudon® (4.44 and 13.32 mg/kg) decreased significantly the severity of inflammation and bacterial titer in the lungs. The titer of anti-pneumococcal immunoglobulins A in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were found to be higher in the Imudon® treated group (13.32 mg/kg) compared to control group. The results of this study showed high antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of Imudon® and provided an insight into the mechanisms that underlie the clinical effects of this drug in various inflammatory diseases.
Characteristics of erythropoietin antibodies in patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin
Authors: Kudryashova A. M. , Nesterenko L. N. , Generalova G. A. , Abasheeva T. Yu. , Mikhailova N. A. , Borisova O. V.
Published: February 2020

Our aim was to characterize anti-EPO antibodies in serum samples of the patients treated with erythropoietin. 106 serum samples from the patients treated with erythropoietin (EPO) were collected and assayed. 134 serum samples of patients who did not receive EPO were taken for comparative analysis. The anti-EPO antibody detection was performed in ELISA test with rhEPO, by passive capture on ELISA plates, using steptavidin-biotin immunochemical system. Mouse monoclonal antibodies to human IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 conjugated to horseradish peroxidase were used to detect anti-EPO antibodies, and protein-A peroxidase conjugate was used for quantitative assays. Rabbit anti-human EPO polyclonal antibodies at known concentrations were used as a calibration standard. Six calibration samples at the concentration range of 16-1000 ng/ml were used to plot calibration curves. The lower detection limit was 12 ng/mL, and the quantitative detection limit was 31 ng/ml. Immunochemical capturing led to increasing of total IgG antibody detection by 3.2 times, IgG1 – by 1.1 times IgG2 – by 1.25 times, IgG3 – by 1.5 times, IgG4 – by 1.7 times. Antibodies of mixed isotype were found in most patients. IgG1 or IgG4 antibodies to EPO were determined only in 3 samples. Specific IgM was not detectable among 106 sera samples, whereas total IgG antibodies were detected in 36.8 % of cases. In 34% of sera, their presence was confirmed by detection of at least one of the subclasses. IgG1 antibody was detected in 83.3%; IgG4, in 80.6% of the samples positive for total IgG antibodies. In all cases, IgG2 and/or IgG3 were detected in presence of IgG1 or IgG4 antibodies. The antibody concentration was 3.2 to 35.5 µg/mL in sera from 28 patients, in 8 cases the level of antibodies was > 50 µg/ml, however, being below the limit of quantitative detection in 3 patients. Only 6 samples contained antibodies with avidity index of > 50%. Immunochemical capturing of the antigen led to increased sensitivity for detecting all subclasses of specific antibodies. The specific IgG antibodies to EPO were found in more than 1/3 of serum samples from the patients treated with erythropoietin. Low-avidity antibodies of IgG1 and IgG4 subclasses were determined in most cases.
Effect of erythropoietin on bone marrow mononuclear cells
Authors: Lykov A. P. , Surovtseva M. A. , Poveshchenko O. V. , Chernyavsky A. M. , Fomichev A. V. , Bondarenko N. A. , Kim I. I.
Published: February 2020

Stem/progenitor cells are considered an alternative method of heart failure therapy by promoting regeneration of damaged myocardium in myocardial infarction. Effectiveness of cell therapy depends on the population composition and functional activity of the cell graft, and, in turn, it depends on the conditions of microenvironment. Cultivation of stem/progenitor cells with erythropoietin stimulates proliferative potential causing in vitro resistance to hypoxia, and in vivo stimulation of angiogenesis. We aimed for assessing effects of erythropoietin upon hematopoietic cells. We studied some effects of short-term incubation of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) with erythropoietin upon cellular phenotype, cell cycle, apoptosis and their proliferative potential. BM-MNCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirate from patients with CHD in a density gradient, then incubated for 60 minutes with erythropoietin (33.4 IU/ml). Using flow cytometric assay of the total BM-MNCs pool, we have shown there endothelial progenitor cells at different stages of maturation and differentiation, mesenchymal stem cells are. Their total number did not exceed 30%. Short-term incubation of BM-MNCs with erythropoietin reduces expression of CD184 “homing receptor” molecules on CD34+ cells, and causes increase of CD184 on CD31+ cells in the BM-MNCs pool (p < 0.05). In addition, erythropoietin has been shown to cause a delay of CD34+ cells in the resting phase (G0G1), reduce a proportion of cells in the synthetic phase (S) and mitosis (G2/M) (p<0.05), and does not affect apoptosis, as shown by Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit. Erythropoietin had no significant effects on expression on BM-MNCs surface molecules involved in providing adhesion, such as CD18, CD29, CD44, CD49a, CD54, CD62E, CD146, and CD202b. MTT-method has shown that the short-term preincubation of BM-MNCs with erythropoietin contributed to a significant decrease in proliferative activity of BM-MNCs (p < 0.05). However, there was a tendency towards increased resistance of erythropoietin-pretreated BM-MNCs to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. We have also revealed a correlation between the numbers of endothelial progenitor cells at different stages of differentiation, and numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in the total BM-MNCs pool. The number of CD34+/CD133+, CD34- / CD31+, CD45+/EpoR+, and CD34+/EpoR+ in BM-MNCs pool are dependent on the age of patients. Hence, a short-term incubation of BM-MNCs with erythropoietin promotes the cells to be retained in resting phase of the cell cycle, thus, in turn, helping to reduce proliferative potential of BM-MNCs.
Interleukin-36 family as a novel regulator of inflammation in the barrier tissues
Authors: Sennikova S. V. , Toptygina A. P.
Published: February 2020

The interleukin-36 (IL-36) family was discerned in the superfamily of interleukin-1 (IL-1) ten years ago. This family includes three isoforms of IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ, which have pro-inflammatory activity and a specific receptor antagonist, IL-36ra, which implements anti-inflammatory function. All of them bind to the same IL-1R6 receptor. The pro-inflammatory isoforms also involve an accessory IL-1RAcP protein into signaling; resulting into conduction of a signal into the cell via the assembling heterodimer receptor. In contrast, IL-36ra inhibits the formation of a heterodimer and blocks the signal transmission. The cytokines of the IL-36 family and appropriate receptors are normally expressed on epithelial cells in barrier tissues such as the respiratory, intestinal tract and skin. Like all cytokines of the IL-1 superfamily, IL-36 is synthesized as inactive form and requires activation, but not due to caspases, but being mediated by neutrophil enzymes, such as cathepsin G, proteinase-3, and elastase, which are constantly present in barrier tissues. In this regard, IL-36 is involved in homeostasis of barrier tissues. Apparently, the IL-36 cytokine system appeared in response to the developing ability of some microorganisms to avoid immune recognition and activation of innate immune response, and, in particular, the IL-1 pro-inflammatory system. An imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways readily causes inflammation in the corresponding tissue. This review discusses participation of cytokines from the IL-36 family in homeostasis of barrier tissues, as well as potential role of the IL-36 family in pathogenesis of bacterial, viral, and fungal skin diseases, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The role of IL-36 family cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis has been well studied. This review is presenting the modern ideas about immune pathogenesis of psoriasis. The special role of cytokines from the IL-36 family was shown both for induction of psoriatic inflammation and evolving a positive feedback loop that supports and enhances the immune component of inflammation, which leads to progression of the disease. Moreover, modern methods of treating psoriasis are discussed, in particular, a possible promising approach to IL-36 blockade, or usage of recombinant IL-36ra for the treatment of psoriatic patients. Experimental studies in this area in mice provide some grounds for optimism.
Lymphoid tissue pattern in the walls of small and large intestines in American mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Panfilov A. B. , Pestova I. V.
Published: February 2020

When breeding minks, a lot of problems are associated with disturbances of reproduction, birth of weak offspring, metabolic disorders, weakening of immunity. Poor knowledge of the morphology of mink and lack of detailed information about their immune system is among appropriate reasons. The largest variety of antigens enter the body with food and water, through the wall of gastrointestinal tract. The first barrier to their penetration is lymphoid tissue associated with mucous membranes, thus causing changes in immune structures. Our purpose was to study the syntopia, morphology and quantitative characteristics of intestine-associated lymphoid tissue in American mink (Neovison vison). A biomaterial for the study was organocomplex of the small and large intestines from 11 American Minks at the age of 8 months, obtained from the fur farm “Vyatka” (Zonikha, Slobodsky district, Kirov region). In the walls of small and large intestines, both single and grouped lymphoid nodules are found. Single lymphoid nodules are detected in lamina propria of the mucous membrane and in the submucosa, along the entire length of the intestines, except of the ileum. Lymphoid nodules are round or oval, distributed diffusely, their density per 1 cm2 is in duodenum – 0.62±0.08; in jejunum – 1.88±0.32; in colon – 9.21±0.28; in rectum – 24.2±0.42. At the border of pyloric part between the stomach and duodenum, single lymphoid nodules form an intestinal-pyloric lymphoid ring; at the site of transition from rectum to the anal sphincter, the rectal lymphoid ring is observed. Abundance of lymphoid nodules in rectal area is associated with semi-voluntary management of animals, and retention of fecal mass in this part of intestine. By two lymphoid plaques are found in the duodenum; 6 to13, in the jejunum; one large striped (lingual) lymphoid plaque is found in the ileal wall; 1 to 3 plaques are found in the colonic wall. Presence of lymphoid plaques in colonic wall of American mink should be considered a protective/adaptive phenomenon, due to absence of coecum in the animals from Mustelid family. The revealed patterns of lymphoid tissue syntopia in American mink are associated with antigenicity of food substances and terms of their presence in the ileum, colon and rectum.
T cell thymic selection and peripheral homeostatic proliferation in infectious diseases
Authors: Kozlov V. A.
Published: February 2020

There is no doubt that infectious agents and host undergo multilayered yet not fully understood interactions. This is primarily due to at least mechanisms resulting in chronic course of infectious process. Acute infection proceeds in parallel with primary immune response and its typical phases, each of which manifests as certain stage in clinical picture featured with disease onset and subsequent recovery. A whole process of immune response developing against infectious agent occurs in peripheral lymphoid organs and immune tissues. With regard to the role of immune system in infectious process, process, two main outstanding issues still remain unanswered: 1) what are the mechanisms of host death in the case of acute infectious process? 2) what is a “fault” of immune system in it? In its inferiority or in abruptly suppressed functions induced by infectious agent, when it “does not have time” to mount an immune response of sufficient power? So far, no answer is still found yet. The second question concerns mechanisms of converting to chronic course of infectious process. The obtained available in publications evidence about an intimately involved thymus as the central immune organ in infectious process of, the main function of which is to ensure developing central immune tolerance to self-antigens accomplished via T-cell positive and negative selection. It turned out that in case of some examined infections due to pathogens, which entered the thymus, such intimate events such as partial tolerance to pathogens and autoimmune reactivity are altered. Moreover, these processes are further aggravated by homeostatic proliferation, which is also induced by an infectious agent. In both cases, it accounts for decreased magnitude of immune response against a certain pathogen, burdened by emergence of autoimmune reactions.
Features 2016–2018 current human influenza A(H3N2) viruses circulating in Russia
Authors: Petrova P. A. , Konovalova N. I. , Vassilieva A. D. , Eropkina E. M. , Ivanova A. A. , Komissarov A. B. , Eropkin M. Yu. , Danilenko D. M.
Published: February 2020

Influenza A(H3N2) viruses demonstrate the highest level of evolutionary variability compared to other influenza viruses circulating in human population. The strains of this subtype affect a large number of people belonging to highrisk groups: children under three years of age, pregnant women, people over 65 years, medical professionals, and persons with chronic nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses result in high mortality rate in subjects over 65 years causing the most severe course, accompanied by serious complications. Here, we present the data on analyzing antigenic and biological properties of human influenza A(H3N2) viruses which circulated in 2016–2018 epidemic seasons in Russia. The data on the neuraminidase activity (MUNANA test) of recent influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated on MDCK and MDCK-Siat1 cell cultures are presented to compare with NA sequencing data in order to assess possible influence of the isolation system on NA activity. Due to changes in virus receptor properties, a choice of optimal isolation conditions is of high importance. The WHO recommended cell cultures differing in receptor properties were used. Efficiency of virus isolation on MDCK and MDCK-Siat1 cell lines was also analyzed. It has been established that the efficiency of influenza A(H3N2) virus isolation in MDCK-Siat1 cell culture was 77.3%, whereas in MDCK — 71.3%. It was shown that the majority of isolated strains (68.6% in 2016–2017 and 44.6% in 2017–2018) exhibited a NA-induced erythrocyte agglutination. It was found that current A(H3N2) strains isolated in Russia displayed no significant antigenic differences regardless of cell cultures used; however, adaptive substitutions in neuraminidase may emerge. While studying antigenic properties of influenza A(H3N2) viruses by using the HI assay and the microneutralization assay (cell-ELISA), it was noted that the majority of strains isolated in the 2017–2018 epidemic season was antigenically related and interacted with antiserum against the reference strain A/Singapore/INFIMH-16–0019/2016 (MDCK-Siat1) at a homologous titer. According to the sequencing data, it was established that during the 2017–2018 epidemic season, viruses of subclade 3C.2a2, as well as 3C.2a3 and 3C.2a1b were detected in Russia. Thus, an increasing genetic heterogeneity of A(H3N2) viruses was revealed in Russia.
Prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumonia in Gomel Region of Belarus and their sensitivity to antibiotics, antibiotic combinations, and decontaminants
Authors: Tapalski D. V. , Savchenko O. I. , Bonda N. A.
Published: February 2020

Here, we characterized in public health organizations prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitivity to antimicrobial agents (AMAs), combined antimicrobial agents, and decontaminants. For this, there were selected 58 clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems and/or polymyxins and examined within the microbiological monitoring program. Genes encoding KPC, OXA-48, VIM, IMP, NDM carbapenemases were detected by real-time multiplex PCR. Sensitivity to antimicrobial agents was determined by an automated method on a microbiological VITEK-2 Compact analyzer (bioMérieux, France) and by serial broth microdilution method. Sensitivity to 11 dual antimicrobial agent combinations was determined by a modified method of multiple combination bactericidal antibiotic testing. As a part of combinations, AMAs at pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) threshold concentrations (meropenem — 8 μg/ml, amikacin — 16 μg/ml, levofloxacin — 1 μg/ml, tigecycline — 0.5 μg/ml, phosphomycin — 32 μg/ml, colistin — 2 μg/ml) were tested. Susceptibility to 7 combined decontaminants of different composition was determined by the suspension method. Carbapenemase genes were detected in 22 K. pneumoniae clinical isolates, of which 19 isolates contained a blaOXA-48 gene and 3 isolates — gene blaNDM. Carbapenemase producing K. pneumoniae were identified in 10 Gomel public health organizations and five regional centers of the Gomel region. The majority of such strains were isolated from patients in ICU (63.6%) and surgical departments (27.3%). Tigecycline (100% of the sensitive isolates, МIC50 — 1 μg/ml, MIC90 — 1 μg/ml) and colistin (86.4% of the sensitive isolates, МIC50 — 0.5 μg/ml, MIC90 — 4 μg/ml) exhibited the highest activity against carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae, whereas aminopenicillins, cephalosporins, aztreonam, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol (no sensitive isolates) had exhibited the lowest efficacy. Bactericidal activity of all antibiotic combinations containing colistin was shown against 86.4–95.5% of K. pneumoniae isolates. At least 3 distinct combinations of antimicrobial agents with bactericidal activity were efficient against 21 K. pneumoniae isolates (95.5%). Only 1 bactericidal combination (meropenem–amikacin) was unveiled for one isolate (producer of NDM MBL with MIC of colistin 32 μg/ml). Geksadekon, duacid, oksidez, hlorocid and diajsid exerted a bactericidal effect at 1/4 work dose against all isolates. Duacid, oksidez, hlorocid and diajsid showed bactericidal effect at 1/16 work dose against 95.5–100% isolates. Thus, several decontaminant groups (oxidizing agents, chlorine-containing preparations) were characterized by bactericidal activity against multidrug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant of K. pneumoniae even at 4–16 times lower than recommended concentration.
Characteristics of immune response in patients with acute chronic maxillary sinusitis associated with intra-cellular bacterial infections
Authors: Parilova O. V. , Kapustina T. A. , Markina A. N. , Belova E. V.
Published: February 2020

Currently, chronic inflammatory pathology of paranasal sinuses mostly affecting maxillary antrum is one of the pressing issues for health care. Over the last two decades, a great etiological importance in inducing inflammation in paranasal sinuses was referred to bacterial intracellular infections caused by Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. In particular, Chlamydia, whose life cycle is closely linked to residence inside host cells defines them as pathogenic obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria, whereas Mycoplasma is a membrane-associated microorganism able to self-replication and long persistence on host cellular membranes. Increased incidence of chronic pathology in paranasal sinuses associated with intracellular infection is shaped by a range of circumstances, primarily increased prevalence of immunocompromised subjects, worsened social and ecological conditions, uncontrolled and unjustified administration of available of antimicrobials and anti-septic agents, hormone preparations altering community of extracellular microbe populations (microbiocenoses), inhabiting natural biotope in the upper respiratory tract mucosa. These factors contribute to the lowering colony resistance, entrance and propagation of Chlamydia and Mycoplasma as a monoor mixed infection. Upon that, mixed variants of Chlamydia-Mycoplasma infection are characterized by development of more severe sinusitis accompanied with diverse complications in the lower respiratory tract, digestive tract, urinary and nerve system. There were examined 189 subjects for assessing epidemiologic characteristics and features of systemic and mucosal immune responses in patients with exacerbated chronic maxillary sinusitis associated with intracellular bacterial infection. Presence of intracellular bacterial infection was confirmed by laboratory tests: direct immune fluorescent analysis and PCR. It was found that high prevalence of Сhlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in patients with exacerbated chronic inflammatory pathology of paranasal sinuses. Comparing laboratory test data for patients with identified intracellular bacterial pathogens vs. those with negative results revealed a common trend in pathologic immune-related changes that fits to typical host anti-infection response manifested by inflammatory process. Besides, we described features of immune reactivity in patients with verified Chlamydia infection including more pronounced unbalance in Т cell immunity as well as evelated parameters of humoral immunity in patients with verified Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infection.
Biological microchip for assessing tetracycline-resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae clinical isolates in Russian Federation
Authors: Dementieva E. I. , Shaskolskiy B. L. , Leinsoo A. T. , Gryadunov D. A. , Petrova N. P. , Chestkov A. V. , Kubanov A. A. , Deryabin D. G.
Published: February 2020

A total of 399 Neisseria gonorrhoeae clinical isolates collected in different regions of the Russian Federation in 20152017 were analyzed for tetracycline susceptibility and genetic markers of resistance. Drug susceptibility testing was performed by serial dilution method in agar and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured according to the Russian “Guidelines for microbial susceptibility testing for antibacterial agents No. 4.2.1890-04”. Tetracycline resistance determinants were studied by using hydrogel microarray with immobilized oligonucleotide probes able to identify a series of chromosomal mutations and detect plasmid tetM gene. Different resistance determinants were found in 193 isolates (48.4%). Mutation in codon 57 in the rpsJ gene (41.2%) was most common that decreases tetracycline affinity to ribosome 30S subunit, mainly due to Val57Met substitution both as a point mutation as well as in combination with others. Mutations in the rpsJ gene were found in strains with the intermediate tetracycline susceptibility. Mutations in the porB gene (lower tetracycline influx) held the se cond place in prevalence pattern (23.1%); the Gly120Lys substitution usually led to emergence of tetracycline resistance either as a point mutation or in combination with other substitutions. Substitutions of Gly120 for other residues (Asp, Asn, and Thr) and Ala121 for Asp, Asn, and Gly had much less effect on resistance level. The –35 delA deletion in the promoter region of mtrR gene (increased expression of MtrC-MtrD-MtrE efflux pump) was observed in 11.3% strains. The tetM gene was found in 27 strains including 17 American and 10 Dutch type tetM determinants. Evolutionary tree was constructed for the tetM genes with the estimation of their homology with similar genes in genera Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Mycoplasma. Mutations in chromosomal genes resulted in increase of tetracycline MIC up to 2–4 mg/L; 4 mg/L MIC was observed in case of simultaneous presence of several mutations. Strains bearing tetM gene-containing plasmid showed extremely high resistance level: MIC ≥ 8 mg/L (64 mg/L for the two samples). Thus, long-lasting withdrawal of tetracycline use for treatment of gonococcal infections in Russia (since 2003) resulted in decreased percentage of resistant strains (including strains with intermediate susceptibility) from 75% down to 45.4%. However, currently tetracycline resistance in Russia remains elevated that is explained by the presence of different resistance determinants in the half of isolates under study.
Next-generation sequencing of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates in low-incidence countries
Authors: Sodja E. , Toplak N. , Koren S. , Kovač M. , Truden S. , Žolni-Dovč M.
Published: February 2020

Drug resistant tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB, is still a serious problem in global TB control. Slovenia and North Macedonia are low-incidence countries with TB incidence rates of 5.4 and 10.4 in 2017, respectively. In both countries, the percentage of drug resistant TB is very low with sporadic cases of MDR-TB. However, global burden of drug-resistant TB continues to increase imposing huge impact on public health systems and strongly stimulating the detection of gene variants related with drug resistance in TB. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can provide comprehensive analysis of gene variants linked to drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the feasibility of a full-length gene analysis for the drug resistance related genes (inhA, katG, rpoB, embB) using Ion Torrent technology and to compare the NGS results with those obtained from conventional phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) in TB isolates. Between 1996 and 2017, we retrospectively selected 56 TB strains from our National mycobacterial culture collection. Of those, 33 TB isolates from Slovenian patients were isolated from various clinical samples and subjected to phenotypic DST testing in Laboratory for Mycobacteria (University Clinic Golnik, Slovenia). The remaining 23 TB isolates were isolated from Macedonian patients and sent to our laboratory for assistance in phenotypic DST testing. TB strains included were either mono-, poly- or multidrug resistant. For control purposes, we also randomly selected five TB strains susceptible to first-line anti-TB drugs. High concordance between genetic (Ion Torrent technology) and standard phenotypic DST testing for isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol was observed, with percent of agreement of 77%, 93.4% and 93.3%, sensitivities of 68.2%, 100% and 100%, and specificities of 100%, 80% and 88.2%, respectively. In conclusion, the genotypic DST using Ion Torrent semiconductor NGS successfully predicted drug resistance with significant shortening of time needed to obtain the resistance profiles from several weeks to just a few days.
Surveying children and adult vaccination program against diphtheria, tetanus, measles and viral hepatitis B in the Russian Federation
Authors: Galina N. P. , Mindlina A. Ya. , Polibin R. V.
Published: February 2020

Over the last years, incidence of vaccine-preventable infections tended to increase both in Russia and multiple European countries due to diverse reasons, including loss of alertness in medical workers to ensure proper quality of immunization. Currently, vaccination is considered to be the most efficient means for preventing infectious diseases. However, vaccination efficacy is directly related to population coverage and proper timeframe for its application.Materials and methods. Diphtheria, tetanus, measles and hepatitis B vaccination coverage and timeframe were analyzed for population of Russia, Moscow as well as the three pediatric and adult out-patient hospitals.Results. It was found that compared to adults, pediatric subjects were vaccinated better. However, in case of 95% or higher coverage against all infections, shortcomings in vaccination timeframe were uncovered. In 2017, despite pediatric subjects should be vaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus at the age of 3-to-6 months, coverage was as low as 46.9% in Russia, 48.7% in Moscow that ranged in some polyclinics from 21.8% in 2012 down to 1.7% in 2017. Moreover, this situation was even more unfavorable in case of revaccination program. In particular, it was found that at the age of 18 months only 50, 54, and 49–55% underwent revaccination in the Russia, Moscow 54%, and some out-patient hospitals, whereas at the age of 7–14 years in Russia there were revaccinated up to 97% population. Likewise, at the age of 6 months there were covered with vaccination against hepatitis B as few as 49% population in Russia and Moscow, whereas more than 90% coverage was achieved only at the age of 1 year. Immunization coverage reaching more than 85% of adult population against hepatitis B is superior to diphtheria and tetanus. Immunization coverage against measles in Russia at all age groups was over 90% population. Thus, it is necessary to optimize activities on adhering to vaccination timeframe, as decline in quality of vaccination inevitably leads to elevated incidence rate of vaccine-preventable infections. This and vaccination coverage might be adjusted by introducing a Preventive Vaccination Surveillance and Reporting Automated System in the Russian Federation.
Stochastic Fuzzy Algorithms for Impairment of Assets Management
Authors: Bolos Marcel Ioan , Bogdan Victoria , Bradea Ioana Alexandra , Sabau Popa Claudia Diana , Popa Dorina Nicoleta
Published: February 2020

The present paper aims to analyze the impairment of tangible assets with the help of artificial intelligence. Stochastic fuzzy numbers have been introduced with a dual purpose: on one hand to estimate the cash flows generated by tangible assets exploitation and, on the other hand, to ensure the value ranges stratifications that define these cash flows. Estimation of cash flows using stochastic fuzzy numbers was based on cash flows generated by tangible assets in previous periods of operation. Also, based on the Lagrange multipliers, were introduced: the objective function of minimizing the standard deviations from the recorded value of the cash flows generated by the tangible assets, as well as the constraints caused by the impairment of tangible assets identification according to which the cash flows values must be equal to the annual value of the invested capital. Within the determination of the impairment value and stratification of the value ranges determined by the cash flows using stochastic fuzzy numbers, the impairment of assets risk was identified. Information provided by impairment of assets but also the impairment risks, is the basis of the decision-making measures taken to mitigate the impact of accumulated impairment losses on company’s financial performance.
Molecular prevalence and factors associated with Babesia vogeli infection in dogs in the Cerrado Mato-Grossense region of Brazil
Authors: Castro Vanessa Vieira , Ayres Eveline da Cruz Boa Sorte , Canei Darlan Henrique , Pereira Mariana Elisa , Sousa Valéria Régia Franco , Chitarra Cristiane Silva , Dutra Valéria , Nakazato Luciano , Almeida Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT: Canine babesiosis is a common haemoparasitosis in Brazil. Caused by parasites of the genus Babesia, it is transmitted by ixodid ticks and affects domestic and wild canids. The objective of this study was to verify the prevalence of Babesia species (spp.) using molecular methods in dogs living in urban and rural areas of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, and to identify the main factors associated with infection. A total of 407 samples from 407 dogs were evaluated using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, among which Babesia species (spp.) was amplified in 10 (2.5%). Although, no statistical association was found among the variables studied (p>0.05), greater positivity was observed in dogs<1 year of age, male sex, those with free access to the street, and the presence of ticks. PCR samples positive for Babesia spp. were submitted to sequencing and compared in GenBank and exhibited a high degree of similarity with Babesia vogeli sequences.
Componentes do apoio matricial e cuidados colaborativos em saúde mental: uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Saraiva Sonia Augusta Leitão , Zepeda Jorge , Liria Alberto Fernández
Published: February 2020

Resumo Cuidados colaborativos entre saúde mental e atenção primária são efetivos em melhorar desfechos de saúde. O apoio matricial tem semelhanças com cuidados colaborativos pouco exploradas na literatura. Este artigo compara os dois modelos e analisa o apoio matricial a partir de evidências sobre cuidados colaborativos. Revisão narrativa. Componentes de cada modelo (atividades e dimensões) foram identificados e comparados. Evidências sobre cuidados colaborativos informaram análise de componentes semelhantes do apoio matricial. Foram identificadas dimensões do apoio matricial – suporte educacional, cuidado especializado, regulação, cogestão – e dos cuidados colaborativos – cuidado multiprofissional, comunicação sistemática, cuidado estruturado, suporte organizacional. A principal semelhança entre os modelos está nas atividades colaborativas diretas em torno de problemas clínicos, relacionadas a efetividade em estudos sobre cuidados colaborativos. Atividades colaborativas diretas são ponto positivo do apoio matricial. Cuidado estruturado e suporte em nível organizacional devem ser encorajados. Futuros estudos devem refinar as categorias propostas e explorar seu uso para desenvolvimento do apoio matricial.
Physical violence inside female prisons in Brazil: prevalence and related factors
Authors: Gama-Araujo Isabelle Silva , Bezerra Filho José Gomes , Kerr Ligia , Kendall Carl , Macena Raimunda Hermelinda Maia , Mota Rosa Salani , Ferreira Marcelo , Pires Neto Roberto da Justa
Published: February 2020

Abstract The present study aims to identify the prevalence of physical violence against female prisoners in Brazil, as well as related factors. This is a cross-sectional national survey conducted in 15 female prisons in five regions of Brazil selected in multiple stages. The following types of analysis were performed: univariate analysis; stratified analysis relating the outcome (suffer physical violence inside prison) to predictor variables, using the Pearson chi-square test; calculation of the Odds Ratio (O.R.); and multiple logistic regression. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used for analysis of goodness of fit and adequacy of the model. The prevalence of physical violence inside female prisons was 37.4%. There was a correlation between physical violence victimization in prison and the following variables: physical victimization prior to arrest (p = 0.013), solitary confinement (p = 0.000), mental suffering (p = 0.003), current or previous abusive intake of alcohol (p = 0.011), current or previous injection of cocaine (p = 0.002) and not performing prison labor (p = 0.003). Physical violence has become inherent in the Brazilian female prison system. Continued studies are needed to monitor the situation and to develop interventions to prevent physical violence inside the facilities.