Efficacy of Antimicrobial Dry Fog in Improving the Environmental Microbial Burden in an Inpatient Ward.

In healthcare environments with high microbial loads, effective infection control measures are critical for reducing airborne and surface contamination. One of the novel modalities in the achievement of these goals is the use of antimicrobial mists, such as droplets, in the form of dry fog. Although the usage of dry fog in the disinfection of contained healthcare microenvironments is well known, the effect of such a system in terms of a meaningful reduction in the microbial burden in an open inpatient ward is unclear.

First report of nosocomial outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infection among COVID-19 patients hospitalized in a non-intensive care unit ward in Slovakia.

Background: Enterococcus species account for most of the human enterococcal HAI and multidrug-resistant infections and have become a major threat to modern public health. We examine the rise in the number of vancomycin resistant E. faecium blood stream and urinary tract infections in a COVID-19 department during an epidemiologic outbreak investigation to detect and eliminate nosocomial clusters of the bacteria.

Emergence of Novel Sequence Types among Chlamydia Patients in the Republic of Belarus.

(CT) is a major cause of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. The multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of clinical samples from random heterosexual chlamydia patients who were either asymptomatic or reported clinical manifestations of genital chlamydiosis ( = 63) in each of the seven major regions of the Republic of Belarus in 2017-2018 revealed 12 different CT sequence types (STs). We found seven known STs, ST4, ST6, ST9, ST13, ST38, ST95 and ST110, and five novel variants, namely ST271-ST275, which have not been detected elsewhere thus far.

SNP-Based Analysis Reveals Authenticity and Genetic Similarity of Russian Indigenous Grape Cultivars.

9 Russian grape varieties and the European variety Muscat Hamburg were sequenced and genotyped using 527 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) with high minor allele frequency for the first time. The data were coupled with previously identified genotypes of 783 varieties and subjected to parentage and population analysis. As a result, contrary to the historical and ampelographic data published in many sources from 1800 to 2012, only two of the nine Russian varieties (Pukhlyakovskiy Belyi and Sibirkovyi) were related to foreign ones and were obviously imported from Europe to the Russian Empire.

Genetic Evidence of Multiple Introductions of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus into Saratov Region, Russia.

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is the causative agent of lumpy skin disease (LSD) that has been recently reported in the South-East and North Asian parts of the Russian Federation. During 2017-2019, there were more than 30 LSD outbreaks in Saratov Region despite active inoculation of cattle with heterologous vaccine. Importantly, the first case of the novel recombinant LSDV strain was reported here in 2017.

Fluorescence polarisation immunoassays for strobilurin fungicides kresoxim-methyl, trifloxystrobin and picoxystrobin.

Fluorescence polarisation immunoassays (FPIAs) based on monoclonal antibodies for detection of three strobilurin fungicides - kresoxim-methyl (KM), trifloxystrobin (TF) and picoxystrobin (PC), were developed and optimised. Fluorescein-labelled derivatives of target antigens (tracers) were synthesised and purified by thin-layer chromatography. Influence of tracer structures on the assay parameters was investigated.

Viral hepatitis B and C outbreak related to parenteral treatment at an oncological department in Slovakia.

The Regional Public Health Authority was notified about four cases of viral hepatitis (B and C) among patients with pre-event history of hospitalization at an oncological ward. An outbreak investigation was commenced in response. Forty-seven cases of viral hepatitis B and C in 39 patients hospitalized during the period from September 2009 to July 2010 were registered.

[Radiobiological Human Tissue repository: progress and perspectives for solving the problems of radiation safety and health protection of personnel and population].

Radiobiological Human Tissue repository was established in order to obtain and store biological material from Mayak PA workers occupationally exposed to ionizing (α- and/or γ-) radiation in a wide dose range, from the residents exposed to long term radiation due to radiation accidents and transfer of the samples to scientists for the purpose of studying the effects of radiation for people and their offspring. The accumulated biomaterial is the informational and research potential that form the basis for the work of the scientists in different spheres of biology and medicine. The repository comprises 5 sections: tumor and non-tumor tissues obtained in the course of autopsies, biopsies, surgeries, samples of blood and its components, of DNA, induced sputum, saliva, and other from people exposed or unexposed (control) to radiation.

[Outbreak of viral hepatitis B and C in hospitalized cancer patients].

The Regional Public Health Office recorded 47 cases of hepatitis B and C in 39 patients hospitalized in the regional hospital between September 2009 and July 2010. The outbreak cases included in the study met the previously set standard definition. Based on the epidemiological investigations a hypothesis was formulated on the route of infection transmission through the administration of parenteral solutions using a peripheral venous cannula during hospitalization.

Evaluation of the effect of mycotoxin binders in animal feed on the analytical performance of standardised methods for the determination of mycotoxins in feed.

Recently, the use of substances that can suppress or reduce absorption, promote the excretion of mycotoxins or modify their mode of action in feed, so-called mycotoxin binders, has been officially allowed in the European Union as technological feed additives. The influence of the addition of mycotoxin binders to animal feed on the analytical performance of the official methods for the determination of mycotoxins was studied and the results are presented. Where possible standardised methods for analysis were applied.

[The immune stressor effects of T-regulatory cells under infiltrative tuberculosis of lungs].

The article deals with the characteristics of sup-population composition of T-regulator: cells with suppressor activity and production of immunoregulatory cytokines suppressing immune response (IL-10, TGF-beta) in patients with infiltrative tuberculosis of lungs. It is proved that the leading role in formation of immunodepression and tuberculin anergy under infiltrative tuberculosis of lungs is played by T-regulatory, cells with phenotype CD4+CD25+Foxp3+. It is demonstrated that the immunodepression mediated by cytokine production is connected with increasing of both basal and BCG-induced secretion of IL-10 on the background of decrease of level of production of TGF-beta by mononuclear leukocytes in vitro.

The use of ultralow doses of antibodies to C-terminal fragment of angiotensin II AT1 receptor (kardos) in the therapy of arterial hypertension.

Kardos monotherapy allows attaining the target levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with high-risk and very-high-risk hypertension. We demonstrated excellent tolerability of the preparation in combination with reliable blood pressure decrease over 24 h, during day and night hours.

Allelic polymorphism of cytokine genes during pulmonary tuberculosis.

Modern immunological and molecular genetic studies showed that tuberculosis is accompanied by an imbalance in the production of immunoregulatory cytokines by mononuclear leukocytes. T allele and homozygous TT genotype of T-330G polymorphism in the IL2 gene, T allele and TT genotype of C-590T polymorphism in the IL4 gene, and CC genotype of A-1188C polymorphism in the IL12B gene are immunogenetic factors that have protective activity against susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. Susceptibility to tuberculous infection is associated with A1A2 genotype of the polymorphic region +3953 A1/A2 in the IL1B gene; G allele and TG and GG genotypes of T-330G polymorphism in the IL2 gene; C allele and CC and CT genotypes of C-590T polymorphism in the IL4 gene; and AC genotype of the polymorphic region A-1188C in the IL12 gene.

[Modulatory effect of isoniazid and rifampicin in vitro on cytokine secretion in pulmonary tuberculosis].

The effects of isoniazid and rifampicin on the peripheral mononuclear production of IL-2, IL-12, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta were evaluated in patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis. Irrespective of the susceptibility of the causative agent to the essential antituberculous drugs, rifampicin was ascertained to initiate increased IL-2 secretion and to reduce the generation of IL-12, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta. Isoniazid suppressed the mononuclear leukocytic production of IFN-gamma in drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis, and conversely, stimulated it in the drug-resistant type.

[The molecular-genetic aspects of tubercular infection forecasting and immunotherapy].

In article is presented, the analysis of the data of the literature and own researches, concerning molecular-genetic mechanisms of antimycobacterial immunity infringements. The role of the factors defining features of a current and an outcome of a tubercular infection, namely of immunity system condition, feature of infecting microbic Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain biological properties (a genotype, a spectrum of drag sensitivity/resistance), influence of combined antitubercular chemotherapy is disc issed. The opinion is expressed that the given factors are necessary for taking into consideration for working out methodology the personalised preventive maintenance and correction of immunity infringements during pulmonary tuberculosis.

Lateral-flow colloidal gold-based immunoassay for the rapid detection of deoxynivalenol with two indicator ranges.

A lateral-flow immunoassay using a colloidal gold-labelled monoclonal antibody was developed for the rapid detection of deoxynivalenol (DON). Different parameters, such as the amount of immunoreagents, type of the materials, composition of the blocking solution and of the detector reagent mixture, were investigated to provide the optimum assay performance. The experimental results demonstrated that such a visual test had an indicator range rather than a cut-off value.

[Role of cytokines in the modulation of lymphocytic subpopulational composition in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis].

The parameters of the lymphocytic CD-population composition and the production of cytokines in the cell cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied in patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis. A marked reduction in the relative and absolute count of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes and an increase in the level of CD8- and CD16-positive cells were established in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant types of the disease. A significant increase in the production of IL-12 and a reduction in the spontaneous elaboration of interferon-gamma were observed in all the examinees.

Molecular and cellular effects of food contaminants and secondary plant components and their plausible interactions at the intestinal level.

The intestinal mucosa is not simply a barrier allowing entry of compounds such as nutrients or chemicals, and restricting that of others. Intestinal cells and activities perform selective absorption, biotransformations and efflux back to the lumen. Furthermore, food substances affect both bioavailability and intestinal function.

Development of a colloidal gold-based lateral-flow immunoassay for the rapid simultaneous detection of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol.

A multianalyte lateral-flow technique using colloidal gold-labeled monoclonal antibodies was developed for the rapid simultaneous detection of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA). The results of this qualitative one-step test were interpreted visually. A very simple and fast sample preparation was used, and the assay procedure could be accomplished within 10 min.

Immunochromatography using colloidal gold-antibody probe for the detection of atrazine in water samples.

An immunochromatography (ICG) strip test for rapid detection of atrazine in water samples was developed. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific to atrazine was produced from the cloned hybridoma cell (AT-1-M3) and used to develop a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DC-ELISA) and ICG strip. MAb conjugated to colloidal gold, and that was applied to the conjugate pad of the ICG strip.

Investigation of several parameters influencing signal generation in flow-through membrane-based enzyme immunoassay.

Rapid-response analytical tests that can be performed at the point of sampling are based on a visual detection system. The influence of different factors on the signal generation in a membrane-based enzyme immunoassay was investigated. The research was applied to a flow-through immunoassay for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA).

Development of monoclonal antibodies against pirimiphos-methyl and their application to IC-ELISA.

To detect the organophosphorus (OP) pesticide pirimiphos-methyl in grain samples, a monoclonal antibody-based indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IC-ELISA) was developed and optimized. By the active esters method, pirimiphos-methyl hapten A was conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin to be used as the immunogen for the production of monoclonal antibodies, and pirimiphos-methyl hapten B was conjugated to ovalbumin to be used as coating antigen. By using the monoclonal antibody and the coating antigen, an IC-ELISA has been developed.

Direct competitive ELISA based on a monoclonal antibody for detection of aflatoxin B1. Stabilization of ELISA kit components and application to grain samples.

A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a monoclonal antibody has been developed and optimized for detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and an ELISA kit has been designed. This immunoassay was highly specific, sensitive, rapid, simple, and suitable for aflatoxin monitoring. AFB1 concentrations determinable by ELISA ranged from 0.

Fluorescence polarization immunoassay based on a monoclonal antibody for the detection of the organophosphorus pesticide parathion-methyl.

A fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) based on a monoclonal antibody for the detection of parathion-methyl (PM) was developed and optimized. Fluorescein-labeled PM derivatives (tracers) with different structures were synthesized and purified by thin-layer chromatography. The influence of immunogen and tracer structures on the assay characteristics was investigated.