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Objective: To identify the association between cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) among patients over 50 years old in two independent populations of Moscow and Tyumen., Material and Methods: The study included 94 patients with MS in combination with CVD (main group) and 90 age-and sex-matched patients with MS without a vascular history (comparison group). An analysis of parameters such as disease duration, EDSS at different time points, disease progression index, duration of first remission in each population separately and in both populations together was carried out., Results: The presence of CVD in patients with MS was associated with the presence of other diseases that are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebrovascular pathology. In the main group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the duration of the first remission and an increase in the disease progression index. In addition, other diseases and syndromes were identified in the main group that, in combination with CVD in patients with MS, could lead to a worsening of the course of MS. These included arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, chronic venous insufficiency, and regular use of proton pump inhibitors., Conclusion: Comorbid vascular pathology can affect the severity of MS from the very beginning of the disease. It can lead to a shorter duration of the first remission and a higher disease progression index, increasing the degree of disability. The combination of autoimmune-inflammatory, demyelinating, and vascular processes can worsen the prognosis for MS.

Dementia is one of the main challenges to modern society. According to estimated data, as of 2019, there were 1.949.811 people living In Russia with dementia of various etiology. At the same time, there have been no large epidemiological studies of dementia in the Russian Federation. The article provides an overview of the available data on the epidemiology of cognitive impairment (CI) In Russia given from various sources. Not only estimated, but also available clinical data were analyzed. In general, the obtained prevalence values for CI are comparable to global values. Thus, in an epidemiological study of people over 60 years of age in a separate district of Moscow, the prevalence of dementia was 10.4%, Alzheimer's disease 4.5%. A study of outpatients aged 60 years and older showed a high prevalence of both dementia and non-dementia CI at general medical appointments (incidence of dementia 7.8%, MCI 49.6%). It has been shown that the problem of non-dementia CI is already relevant in people of pre-retirement age (the prevalence of non-dementia CI in patients 55-64 years old is 36.8-44.8%). Unique data obtained in a population of institutionalized centenarians (prevalence of dementia 69%), as well as data on the relationship of CI with both somatic and demographic factors are presented.

Tat, the trans-activator of transcription, is a multifunctional HIV-1 protein that can induce chronic inflammation and the development of somatic diseases in HIV-infected patients. Natural polymorphisms in Tat can impact the propagation of the inflammatory signal. Currently, Tat is considered an object for creating new therapeutic agents. Therefore, the identification of Tat protein features in various HIV-1 variants is a relevant task. The purpose of the study was to characterize the genetic variations of Tat-A6 in virus variants circulating in the Moscow Region. The authors analyzed 252 clinical samples from people living with HIV (PLWH) with different stages of HIV infection. Nested PCR for two fragments ( tat1 , tat2 ) with subsequent sequencing, subtyping, and statistical analysis was conducted. The authors received 252 sequences for tat1 and 189 for tat2. HIV-1 sub-subtype A6 was identified in 250 samples. The received results indicated the features of Tat1-A6 in variants of viruses circulating in the Moscow Region. In PLWH with different stages of HIV infection, C31S in Tat1-A6 was detected with different occurrence rates. It was demonstrated that Tat2-A6, instead of a functional significant 78 RGD 80 motif, had a 78 QRD 80 motif. Herewith, G79R in Tat2-A6 was defined as characteristic amino acid substitution for sub-subtype A6. Tat2-A6 in variants of viruses circulating in the Moscow Region demonstrated high conservatism.

Background: Despite implemented measures and general favourable trend, number of patients with myocardial infarction remains high, younger people are increasingly becoming ill and dying. The study purpose: to estimate age-sex mortality dynamics from acute and recurrent myocardial infarction in adults in Moscow compared to Russia's average in 2007-2021 to reveal patterns of mortality change within the implementation period of state prevention programs., Material and Methods: Standardized adult mortality rates for Moscow and Russia, mean expected age at death within interval 20-85 years and gain in life expectancy when eliminating this cause calculated and analyzed., Results: Moscow morbidity rates for acute and recurrent myocardial infarction are twice lower than Russia's, there are higher reduction rates for both diseases - by 16% and 58% respectively. During study period, mortality from myocardial infarction in men was by 45% higher than in women. In 2007 Moscow male-female difference estimated 3% and in 15 years it became 32% due to faster female mortality reduction. Whereas Russia's average age of death from myocardial infarction in 2021 returned to 2010-2011 levels, then in Moscow during 2020-2021 female rates returned to 2008's and male rates fall out the study period., Conclusions: Since implementation of the first programs on reducing mortality from chronic non-infectious diseases during the 15 years period morbidity and mortality rates from myocardial infarction reduced in Russia and Moscow in all ages. Acute and recurrent myocardial infarction have rejuvenated both in men and women as a negative effect of the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study: to determine the main threats to the health of the population of Moscow based on the analysis of the medical and demographic situation in Moscow and the Russian Federation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to develop management decisions at the regional level., Material and Methods: Materials of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), as well as statistical collections of the Russian Research Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health of Russia for 2013-2022 were used., Results: Coronavirus infection has changed the morbidity and mortality rates of the population of the Russian Federation and its constituent entities. In the Russian Federation mortality in 2019-2021 increased from 12.3 to 13.6‰, while in Moscow the increase in the indicator is significant - from 9.5 to 16.7‰. The incidence of COVID-19 in Moscow in 2020-2021 (over the two COVID years) increased from 6191.0 to 8976.0‰oo. The noted decrease in incidence rates across almost all classes of diseases during the COVID period (2019-2020) was associated with the lower medical check-ups and preventive activities, while during 2019-2021 there was an increase in disease incidence of the following classes: mental disorders, behavior disorders; diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism, etc., indicating the need for rehabilitation of this group of patients., Conclusions: The need to counter the threats to the health of the population of Moscow caused by the coronavirus infection requires the development of management decisions aimed at strengthening preventive activities and rehabilitation of patients in the post-COVID period.

Economic and social losses due to epidemics of non-communicable diseases have put prevention and control of them on the first line in the field of sustainable development of the United Nations. The tasks of combating NCDs and risk factors within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals require targeted actions on the part of States in the field of policy and legislation and provision of health systems with appropriate resources. In the Russian Federation, such work is being implemented within the framework of the national project "Healthcare", federal programs to combat oncological and cardiovascular diseases. Each subject takes into account the peculiarities of economic development, staffing, implementation of informatization processes, etc. The rapid pace of transformation of Moscow healthcare, its unique institutional structure allowed to form the basis for the effective development of a system of proactive dispensary monitoring of patients suffering from chronic diseases. The authors describe the process of formation of preventive work and organization of dynamic dispensary observation in Moscow. The paper presents in detail the organizational, administrative and technological resources used to create a unique system of dynamic dispensary observation. In addition, the article illustrates the personalized subsystem of dynamic dispensary observation in EMIAS and the institute of "physician assistant". The introduction of a proactive dispensary monitoring system will reduce premature mortality and disability among residents of the city. Moscow through an individual monitoring program and motivation for the responsible attitude of metropolitan patients to their health.

Objective: To analyze the work of the Center for the Treatment of Cerebrovascular Pathology in Children and Adolescents, operating on the basis of the Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital of the Moscow Health Department for the period 2018-2021 and to assess the peculiarities of organizing the provision of specialized care to children and adolescents with acute cerebrovascular accident (ACA)., Material and Methods: Annual reports of the Center for the period 2018-2021; included children and adolescents aged 1 month to 17 years 11 months 29 days, with new onset ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS), cerebral venous thrombosis (sinus thrombosis), confirmed clinically and radiologically., Results: Statistical data on stroke and organization of care for children with this pathology in Moscow are presented. The incidence of IS in Moscow for the period 2018-2021 ranged from 1.6 to 2.5 per 100.000 children, HI - from 2.35 to 3.3 per 100.000, sinus thrombosis from 0.5 to 1.38 per 100.000. When assessing the main etiological factors of stroke in The Center for International Pediatric Stroke Research categories, we noted a prevalence of chronic head and neck diseases (20-37%) and chronic systemic conditions (conditions or diseases with known changes in coagulation or vascular structure, including connective tissue dysplasia, genetic, hematological, inflammatory or diseases of the immune system) (15-20%). In addition, data on reperfusion therapy carried out at the Center are presented. From 2018 (first thrombolysis was performed) to 2021, 7.3-14.7% of all patients with IS underwent thrombolysis., Conclusion: The experience of functioning of the Center for the Treatment of Cerebrovascular Pathology in Children and Adolescents has shown that the creation of such centers in the regions of the Russian Federation is relevant, but requires taking into account the characteristics of the pediatric population when organizing their work.

Background: Currently, obesity is considered one of the most significant health problems, representing a common chronic disease leading to the development of severe comorbidities, accompanied by the loss of disability-adjusted life years and high mortality. Due to the fact that obesity is one of the leading risk factors for a number of non-communicable diseases, such as diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the endocrine system and malignant neoplasms., Aims: assessment of adult mortality dynamics from obesity-associated causes in Moscow compared to the Russian Federation in 2011-2020., Materials and Methods: data from the analytic package FAISS (internal use program): standardized mortality rates for population of Moscow and the Russian Federation as a whole., Results: Over the 10-year period under study, mortality in the class of diseases of the circulatory system and malignant neoplasms was decreasing, while mortality from diseases of the endocrine system was increasing. Adult mortality from the diseases of the circulatory system in Moscow reduced by 12%, in the Russian Federation - by 25%. It should be noted, that mortality rate in Moscow (302.5 per 100,000) is significantly (by 34%) lower than in Russia (460.3), at the same time, the rate of mortality reduction over a 10-year period is equal and amounts to 23-25%. Myocardial infarction is the most serious obesity-associated disease characterized by high mortality in the class of the diseases of the circulatory system, it has a declining trend in Moscow and in the Russian Federation as a whole. Adult mortality from the diseases of the endocrine system in Moscow increased by 3 times, and in the Russian Federation - by almost 5 times, while the annual increase during the first year of the pandemic was 88% in Moscow and 24% in Russia. In Moscow, more than a half (66%) of deaths from endocrine causes belongs to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, in the Russian Federation - about 80%. Compared to the Russia's average, in Moscow mortality rates from neoplasms are lower by 8%, but at the same time, the decline happens at a similar rate (11-12%)., Conclusions: Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Moscow demonstrates slowdown of growth of mortality rates from obesity-associated diseases compared to the Russian Federation, which could have been positively affected by prevention programs of noncommunicable diseases and promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Background: Despite a considerable reduction in alcohol consumption, Russia has one of the highest levels of alcohol-attributable burden of disease worldwide due to heavy episodic drinking patterns. Further improvement of alcohol control measures, including early provision of screening and brief interventions (SBI), is needed. The legislative framework for delivering SBI in Russia was introduced in 2013. As part of the creation and validation of a Russian version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the present contribution explored challenges in using the AUDIT in Russia to inform a subsequent validation study of the tool., Methods: Qualitative in-depth expert interviews with patients and healthcare professionals from four primary healthcare and narcology facilities in Moscow. A total of 25 patients were interviewed, 9 from a preventive medicine hospital, 8 from a polyclinic, and 9 from narcology clinics. Also, 12 healthcare professionals were interviewed, 5 of whom were primary healthcare doctors and 7 were narcologists., Results: Patients and healthcare professionals expressed difficulties in dealing with the concept of a "standard drink" in the AUDIT, which is not used in Russia. Various patients struggled with understanding the meaning of "one drinking occasion" on the test, mainly because Russian drinking patterns center around festivities and special occasions with prolonged alcohol intake. Narcology patients had specific difficulties because many of them experienced zapoi-a dynamic drinking pattern with heavy use and a withdrawal from social life, followed by prolonged periods of abstinence. Surrogate alcohol use was described as a common marker of alcohol dependence in Russia, not accounted for in the AUDIT., Conclusions: The provided analyses on the perception of the Russian AUDIT in different patient and professional groups suggest that a series of amendments in the test should be considered to capture the specific drinking pattern and its potential harms., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests., (Copyright: © 2022 Neufeld et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Russia suffers from high alcohol-related mortality. Most forensic autopsies in Russia include blood alcohol tests, but a systematic analysis of these data has never been conducted for children's deaths., Methods: We performed an analysis of juvenile mortality using autopsy reports from the Moscow Region Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018., Results: Despite a decrease in incidence ( Rs = -0.661), the number of cases of alcohol intoxication in minors was still high. The mean age of children in our study was 14.77 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.31-15.23). Death was predominantly among boys (72%) and those with higher blood alcohol concentrations (mean difference [MD], 0.295; 95% CI MD , 0.012-0.58). The number of cases of unnatural death increased with age ( Rs = 0.746, P = 0.001). Accidents were the most predominant cause of death, followed by suicide, homicide, and natural causes. Fatal alcohol intoxication was observed at an average blood alcohol concentration of 3.58 g/L (95% CI, 1.46-5.7), without any specific signs on autopsy. Even a strong smell of alcohol is an unreliable sign in the clinic., Conclusion: A systematic study of alcohol in forensic autopsy shows that the number of children who die with alcohol intoxication is high. Teenagers are the predominant age group experiencing alcohol intoxication. In our opinion, an alcohol blood test should be performed in all suspicious cases, especially in teenagers., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

On June 2325, under the auspices of the Year of Science and Technology in Russia, the 17th International Interdisciplinary Congress of Allergology and Rhinosinusitis was held in Moscow. The 17th International Interdisciplinary Congress of Allergology and Immunology, where the results of current research, approaches to therapy and prevention of diseases based on modern clinical guidelines were presented. The event included a symposium "Breathe freely it is possible! How to help patients with bronchial asthma and polyposis rhinosinusitis?" with the participation of leading Russian specialists.

The article presents the experience of the city children's polyclinic No. 133 of the Moscow Department of Health in a difficult epidemiological situation associated with a new infection COVID-19. A description of the stages of the organizational work of a polyclinic in a pandemic is given, including such areas as: a) conducting lectures and webinars for doctors and nurses of a medical organization, introducing recommended methods for diagnosing and treating COVID-19, creating and observing conditions for the personal safety of employees; b) the formation of tools and a database for analytical work; creation of registers of patients and employees of the polyclinic in order to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of work; characteristics of the structures of age-specific morbidity in children who have undergone a new coronavirus infection and community-acquired pneumonia with substantiated confirmation for them of compulsory dispensary observation and rehabilitation measures; description of the development of routing of healthy and sick children, operational identification and continuous analysis of difficulties in the work of the polyclinic during this period; c) the formation of distance technologies in treatment and prophylactic work with patients, organized group and individual exercise therapy classes, including respiratory rehabilitation gymnastics for children who have undergone a new coronavirus infection; development of an organizational algorithm for the formation of medical and nursing teams for visiting patients with COVID-19 at home and individual teams for visiting patients for patronage. The organization of this treatment and prophylactic work was approved and a confirmation was received from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation of the right to replicate the experience gained from the work of the polyclinic in the conditions of COVID-19.

It is known that the oral cavity is an epidemiological hazard due to the high level of viral and bacterial contamination. Despite the narrow specialization and distant connection with the problem of viral pneumonia, dentists, nevertheless, are at risk of contracting the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. To reduce the epidemiological activity the provision of routine dental care was suspended in the vast majority of regions of the Russian Federation including the Moscow region, from the end of March 2020 to June 20, 2020. During the entire period of routine medical care suspended, the Moscow region chief dentist's team was daily monitoring information about applied patients. The suspension of routine medical care has reduced the number of cases of COVID-19 infection contact transmission in medical organizations during the period of the most active increase in the morbidity. In addition, the decrease in the number of patients enabled medical organizations to reduce the number of medical personnel, which contributed to a decrease in the percentage of morbidity among doctors.

Aim        To analyze first results of using the Aterostop calculator for a comprehensive evaluation of the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Material and methods        A cross-sectional study analyzed major and additional risk factors in 460 subjects without apparent disease and in patients with documented CVD of atherosclerotic origin using the application (calculator) Aterostop developed in the National Medical Research Center of Cardiology in Moscow, Russia.Results   45.4% of evaluated persons belonged to the categories of very high and extreme risk. Age and frequencies of smoking, arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM) increased with the increase in risk; the growth of DM was exponential. 129 (28%) individuals used lipid-lowering medications at the time of study. Their plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly lower than in those who did not received this treatment. However, achieving the target level was inversely proportional to the risk: the greatest proportion of individuals who reached the LDL-C target was in the category of low risk and the smallest proportion was in the category of extreme risk (75 % vs. 3.7 %, respectively).Conclusion            The results obtained with the calculator Aterostop were consistent with earlier reports of insufficient effectiveness of primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVDs, which requires more tight and fruitful cooperation of the physician and the patient.

To preserve the country's population is among one of the most vital tasks over the period of existence of the new Russia and constitutes the subject of national security. The article presents the results of analysis of population mortality rate of the Russian Federation, the Central Federal Okrug and City of Moscow during the first eight months of 2020 towards to concurrent period of 2019. In January-March 2020, the population total mortality rate, retaining prevalent trends of number of preceding years, decreased in the Russian Federation by 3.8%, in the Central Federal Okrug by 3.0% and in City of Moscow by 3.9%. However, since April-May the situation has changed dramatically and, according to the results of January-August, mortality by this time has increased, and its growth made up to 6.5% in the Russian Federation, 7.8% in the Central Federal Okrug and 15.6% in the City of Moscow. In May 2020, the gain of absolute number of the deceased in the Russian Federation by months (towards to concurrent month of 2019) made up to 11.9%, in June to 18.6%, in July to 19.7% and in August to 9.6%. In Moscow, the peak values of this increase were noted in May - 57.2% and in June - 41.6% In the conditions of new coronavirus infection pandemic, the share of COVID-19, as main cause of death (ICD-10 codes U07.1 and U07.2), in the structure of total mortality in April-August consisted 3.2% and in the structure of excess deaths in May-August - 28.6%. The increase of mortality and continued decrease of birth rate resulted in increasing of natural population loss by 1.5 times and more and reached such values as -3.6 in the Russian Federation, -4.9 in the Central Federal Okrug and -1.6 in the City of Moscow (per 1000 of population). The process of depopulation of the Russian nation not only retained, but significantly has become significantly aggravated.

Objective: To study the prevalence of somatic diseases in patients with mental disorders based on the results of medical examination in Moscow mental health clinics in 2018., Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the results of the clinical examinations of 6492 outpatients, which accounted for 79.5% of patients who underwent medical examination in this time period., Results: Comorbid somatic diseases were found in 4883 (75%) patients. Hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were most frequent with the prevalence higher than in the general population of the Russian Federation. Patients with diagnosed schizophrenia, along with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, have found to be at increased risk of diseases of the endocrine system and metabolic disorders. The incidence of the mentioned diseases is not higher than that reported in literature., Conclusion: The higher prevalence of socially relevant diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus) among patients with mental disorders demands the development of strategies for prevention, early detection and treatment of these diseases in psychiatric patients.

Aim: In a retrospective study, we evaluated factors associated with the early development of septic shock in patients with severe COVID-19., Materials and Methods: We collected medical records of the intensive care unit patients submitted by the local COVID-19 hospitals across Russia to the Federal Center for the Critical Care at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University). Septic shock in crticially ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation was defined as a need in vasopressors to maintain blood pressure., Results: We studied 1078 patients with severe COVID-19 who were admitted to the intensive care units for respiratory support. There were 611 males and 467 females. The mean age was 61.013.7 years. Five hundred twenty five medical records (48.7%) were received from the Moscow hospitals, 159 (14.7%) from the Moscow region, and 394 (36.5%) from the hospitals located in 58 regions of the Russian Federation. In 613 (56.9%) patients, diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by PCR, and in the other cases it was established on the basis of the clinical picture and the results of the chest CT scan. Septic shock developed in 214 (19.9%) of 1078 patients. In the logistic regression model, the risk of septic shock in patients older than 50 years was higher than in patients of a younger age (OR 2.34; 95% CI 1.533.67; p0.0001). In patients with more severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, there was an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes and malignant tumors. The risk of septic shock in patients with three or more concomitant diseases was higher than in patients without any concomitant chronic diseases (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.762.70)., Conclusion: The risk of septic shock in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by SARS-CoV-2 is higher in patients older than 50 years with concomitant diseases, although a severe course of the disease is also possible in younger patients without any concomitant disorders.

Aim      To study changes in markers for myocardial direct injury and dysfunction and endothelial dysfunction (ED) indexes in patients with indolent lymphoma during the antitumor treatment.Material and methods  Current antitumor therapy for lymphoma is often associated with cardio- and vasculotoxicity, studying of which is a relevant scientific direction. Markers for myocardial direct injury and dysfunction and ED indexes were studied in patients with indolent lymphomas receiving polychemotherapy (PCT). The study included 77 patients with newly diagnosed indolent type lymphoma. The main group (n=52): mean age, 63.4±2.8 years, 15 (28.8 %) men who had received one course of PCT. The comparison group (n=25): mean age, 61.8±3.7 years, 8 (32 %) men who had not received PCT. Troponin I (TnI), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-сTnI), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (h-FAВР), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-prоBNP) were measured in patients of both groups. ED was evaluated by measuring the level of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) and by assessing the structure and function condition of small blood vessels using photoplethysmography. In both groups, the study parameters were determined at the start of the study (T1) and following the PCT course in the main group; if the PCT schedule included anthracycline antibiotics, the second point (T2) was assessed at 6 h following the drug administration.Results In both groups, the level of NT-proBNP was increased. This increase was significantly more pronounced in the comparison group (49.896±23.228 vs 20.877±8.534 pmol/l, respectively, p=0.011) whereas a tendency to its increase was observed after the PCT course. Before the start of the treatment, laboratory and instrumental signs of ED were noticed: the level of VCAM was 4951±1297 and 3225±757 ng/ml in the comparison group and the main group, respectively (р=0.246); reflection index was <1.8 in 23 (44.2%) patients of the main group and in 16 (64%) patients of the comparison group (р=0.098). During the PTC course, the endothelial function significantly improved; the level of VCAM decreased by 748 ng/ml (p=0.016), which was associated with significant decreases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate by 2.71 mm/h (р=0.027) and lactate dehydrogenase level by 62.38 U/l (р=0.026). Statistically significant decreases in other inflammatory markers (alpha-2-globulin, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, neutrophil count) were not observed.Conclusion      The level of NT-proBNP showed the highest sensitivity in assessing the cardiotoxic effect of PCT. The dynamics of VCAM level suggested a possible role of the disease itself in the development of ED in this patient group.

Accuracy of statistical registration of mortality in Russia, especially in times of crisis, is a pressing and relevant issue; this problem was challenging Moscow in the 2000s: until recently, the capital was a complete outsider in terms of accuracy of statistical registration of mortality. The purpose of the study was to identify peculiar features of evolution and the structure of mortality from an event of undetermined intent among Moscow working-age population in the 2000s against the background of the processes taking place in Russia. The article analyzes mortality from an event of undetermined intent among Moscow population of young and old working age in the 2000s, as well as its nosological aspects in 2011-2018, when certain events of undetermined intent were separated as individual nosological units. A sharp decline in indicators in 1999-2000 and their growth in 2015-2017 have been identified. It is shown that these shifts were due to all leading events of undetermined intent (falls/jumps from a high place, hanging/strangulation/suffocation, medicament, alcohol and drug poisoning as well as specified and unspecified events). As a result, the structure of mortality after 2015 has significantly changed due to a sharp increase in the significance of alcohol, medicament and especially drug poisoning. It should be emphasized that in the 2010s the significance of latent suicide in all age and gender groups of Moscow working-age population is significantly higher than in Russia.

The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases and first-time preliminary diagnoses during the medical examination of the adult population of Eastern and South - Eastern administrative districts of Moscow. Determine the risk factors that cause the most significant effect for the development of diseases of the endocrine system and eating disorders and metabolic disorders. The analysis of the medical examination data with a comprehensive assessment of the data from industry statistical reports, including the report form N 131, approved by the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. It was found out that the risk factors identified during the medical examinations cause the development of chronic non-communicable diseases and the dynamics of indicators for the identified risk factors for obesity and established preliminary diagnoses of obesity from endocrine system diseases, eating disorders and metabolic disorders are equally directed. These percentages of preliminary diagnoses established during the medical examinations can be used for rapid assessment of the quality of the medical examinations and the adoption of cross-sectoral connections and measures aimed at preventing the development of this pathology at the regional level, with a broader implementation of preventive measures to improve public health, including monitoring and measures to reduce the impact of risk factors associated with insufficient physical activity, poor nutrition through the involvement of agencies, responsible for maintaining urban planning and transport policies and requirements for the urban environment, as well as the availability of medical care.

Objectives : To estimate the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Moscow by investigating multiple sources of cases. Incidence rates from previous Russian studies ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 per 100,000/year. Methods : A retrospective study of the incidence of ALS was performed in the South district of Moscow (population, 1,760,000, 2015). Several data sources were investigated. The medical records of the calendar year 2015 were examined by an ALS expert who accepted only patients with definite or probable ALS according to the revised El Escorial criteria. Crude and standardized incidence rates were calculated, the latter adjusted to the Russian and the European population. Results : Twenty-two patients were found, accounting for a crude incidence of 1.25/100,000/year (95% CI 0.78-1.89) and a standardized incidence of 1.22 (Russia) and 1.28 (Europe). The sample included 11 men and 11 women aged 36-73 years (mean 56). Five patients (23%) had bulbar onset ALS. The mean diagnostic delay was 12.8 ± 9.2 months (8.5 ± 4.8 in men and 17.2 ± 10.6 in women) ( p  = 0.02). Family history of ALS was present in two cases. Conclusion : The incidence of ALS in the Russian Federation is higher than previously reported but lower than in other countries. Poor diagnostic ascertainment, particularly in women, and the shorter life expectancy of the Russian population are possible explanations.

Background: A number of factors can lead to differences in infectious disease morbidity in children versus adults after a trip abroad. We aimed to investigate the epidemiological and etiological features of infectious diseases in children after international travel., Methods: we analyzed the medical records of 2135 patients (416 children) who were hospitalized during the period 2009-2017 after return from international travel., Results: Hospitalized children were under the age of 1 year in 8.7% of cases, 1-3 years - 39.4%, 4-6 years - 17.3%, 7-11 years - 16.8%, 12-17 years - 17.8%. Children were hospitalized after visiting the following main destinations: Turkey (15%), Egypt (12%), Central Asia microregion [11%] and Thailand (9%). Hospitalizations among children occurred mainly in summer (38.0%; CI 33.3-42.4). In adults there were no significant seasonal differences. Children were more likely to have acute diarrhea (18.3 vs 11.1%), acute respiratory tract infections (51.2 vs 41.2%) and enterovirus infections (8.2 vs 3.1%). Among the non-endemic infections for Russia, 8 children were diagnosed with dengue fever, 1 with typhoid, 1 with malaria, and 1 with wild-poliovirus excretion., Conclusion: children were mainly hospitalized during summer. Among hospitalized children, almost half was under 3 years old. In children acute respiratory infection and intestinal infections predominated, while in adults, vector-borne diseases were more frequently observed., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The article presents the results of analysis of indices of total morbidity of population of the Central Federal Okrug (CFD) of the Russian Federation in 2010-2017. The significant differences in indices of total morbidity between the CFD subjects in certain ICD-10 classes were established. The indices of total morbidity of population during study period (8 years) in the Central Federal District factually didn't altered, while dynamics of indices in other subjects was characterized by multidirectionality. The gap in levels of total morbidity of population in the subjects was significant: from 115,123.6 per 100,000 of population in the Kursk Oblast to 194,404.1 per 100,000 of population in the Orel Oblast. The significant difference in rates of increase/ decrease of indices is noted. Thus, in Moscow decrease rate made up to 10%, while in the Orel Oblast morbidity increased up to 13.1%. Besides, in 2017, the Orel Region took a leadership in rate of increasing of total morbidity in such classes of diseases as infectious and parasitic diseases (39.3%), diseases of blood and blood-forming organs (49.1%), diseases of endocrine system (59,1%), diseases of nervous system (26.8%), diseases of respiratory system (28.2%), diseases of musculoskeletal system (16%), malformations (56%). It is very likely that this trend developed under influence of demographic situation in the subject due to significant increasing of percentage of people older than able-bodied age. The city of Moscow occupies leading position in decreasing of rate of prevalence of diseases and last but one place in level of total morbidity being inferior only to the Kursk Oblast. Thus, in Moscow was noted the most significant decreasing of morbidity in classes of infectious and parasitic diseases (26%) and diseases of digestive system (20.6%). The diseases of blood and blood-forming organs (235.2 per 100,000 population) and mental disorders (2353.5 per 100,000 population) were registered the less. The main contribution into trends of increasing or decreasing of indices is made by persons aged 18 years and older (74.1%).

The association of latent toxoplasmosis with mental disorders in general and with schizophrenia in particular was noticed in the mid-1950s. In subsequent years, the role of Toxoplasma gondii was established based on its ability to survive for long periods of time in the nerve cells of the brain. The acute manifestations of the infection include psychopathic symptoms resembling those of schizophrenia. In the former USSR, and in other parts of the world, a number of studies were performed with respect to the association of latent toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia. However, with the dissolution of the USSR at the beginning of the 1990s, studies on the subject were halted due to financial problems and have resumed only recently. The reasons for the resumption of such studies in contemporary Russia are related to the progressively increasing incidence of schizophrenia over the last 25-30 years in the country. According to official data, approximately 550 000 persons reported suffering from the disease in 2014. There are reasons to believe that this is only a fraction of the real burden of the disease. Economically, it cost the state no less than approximately US $10 billion. The purpose of the study was to identify the level of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in patients with verified diagnoses of schizophrenia in comparison to healthy people in Moscow City and in the Moscow region. A total of 155 persons constituted the patients group and 152 healthy people were in the control group. An integrated approach to the diagnosis and comparison of data from the entire spectrum of serological markers of infection was used, including the detection of specific IgM and the determination of IgG concentrations. It was found that among persons with neuropsychiatric disorders, the incidence of cases with latent toxoplasmosis was higher than in the control group. The effect of toxoplasmosis was significant and similar for men and women. Further statistical analyses revealed that among patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the incidence of latent toxoplasmosis was significantly higher than in the control group. These data are in agreement with the results of similar studies in other countries., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

In Russia, Muscovites are in second place in terms of life expectancy (76,77 years), second only to the Republic of Ingushetia (80,05 years). Possible factors for the successful aging of Muscovites are considered, among which the main role is presumably played not by environmental factors, but by social factors in the form of various forms of leisure that allow them to maintain high intellectual and physical activity. The possible participation of the regional branches of the Gerontological Society in information and educational programs on gerontology for the public and medical staff is discussed.

Objectives: Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection is critical to improving clinical outcomes for HIV-infected individuals. We sought to characterise the HIV care continuum and identify correlates of being unaware of one's HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Moscow, Russia., Methods: Participants (N=1376) were recruited via respondent-driven sampling and completed a sociobehavioural survey and HIV testing from 2010 to 2013. Sample and population estimates were calculated for key steps along the HIV care continuum for HIV-infected MSM and logistic regression methods were used to examine correlates of being unaware of one's HIV infection., Results: 15.6% (184/1177; population estimate: 11.6%; 95% CI 8.5% to 14.7%) of participants were HIV infected. Of these, only 23.4% (43/184; population estimate: 13.2; 95% CI 11.0 to 15.4) were previously aware of their infection, 8.7% (16/184 population estimate: 4.7; 95% CI 1.0 to 8.5) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 4.4% (8/164; population estimate: 3.0; 95% CI 0.3 to 5.6) reported an undetectable viral load. Bisexual identity (reference: homosexual; adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.69; 95% CI 1.19 to 11.43), having ≥5 sexual partners in the last 6 months (reference: ≤1; AOR: 4.23; 95% CI 1.17 to 15.28), and employer HIV testing requirements (reference: no; AOR: 15.43; 95% CI 1.62 to 147.01) were associated with being unaware of one's HIV infection. HIV testing in a specialised facility (reference: private; AOR: 0.06; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.53) and testing ≥2 times in the last 12 months (reference: none; AOR: 0.17; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.73) were inversely associated with being unaware of HIV infection., Conclusions: There is a steep gradient along the HIV care continuum for Moscow-based MSM beginning with low awareness of HIV infection. Efforts that improve access to acceptable HIV testing strategies, such as alternative testing facilities, and linkage to care are needed for key populations., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/)

For the purpose of investigating Behcet's disease (BD) in Russia, 250 consecutive patients (177 men and 73 women) diagnosed with BD between 1990 and 2010 at the Research Institute of Rheumatology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow were enrolled in this study. The ethnic backgrounds of the patients were reported as follows: 23.2% (58 cases) from Russia, 12.8% (32 cases) from Azerbaijan, 14.4% (36 cases) from Armenia, 8.8% (22 cases) from Chechnya, and 21.6% (55 cases) from Dagestan. The remaining 19.2% (48 cases) were from other regions or of unknown origin. More than half (57.6%) of the Behcet's disease patients originated from Central Asia, specifically Azerbaijan, Armenia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. The mean age at disease onset was 31.5 ± 9.38 (13-60) years old, and the most typical initial manifestations were oral aphthous ulcers. Patients aged 20-39 years old were more commonly affected and displayed a wide clinical spectrum of the disease, with varieties of severe internal organ involvement. The manifestations observed throughout the course of the disease included oral aphthous ulcers (100%), various cutaneous lesions (88.8%), genital ulcers (81.2%), and ocular lesions (54.0%). Besides these, many organs/systems were implicated in patient cases, namely joint (53.2%), vascular (25.2%), neurological (8.0%), gastrointestinal (25.2%), and cardiac (5.6%) systems. Involvements of ocular (p < 0.01) and skin (p < 0.01) lesions were more frequent in men than in women. HLA-B51 and HLA-A26 typing was performed in 127 patients and 508 healthy controls. HLA-B51 was found in 63.0% of BD patients compared to 20.7% of the healthy control subjects (p < 0.001), and HLA-A26 was present in 11.3% of BD patients and 18.9% of the control group. This study shows the presence of BD in Russia, and it is suggested that its prevalence in Central Asian people is much higher than that in White Russian.

Aim: To characterize the 2013-2014 epidemic season from the results of detection of influenza infection in patients; to provide the molecular genetic characteristics of the strains isolated from deceased patients., Subjects and Methods: The investigators examined 1203 patients (387 children, 509 people older than 16 years of age, 307 pregnant women) admitted to Moscow Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital One with the clinical signs of acute respiratory viral diseases. Nasal lavage and autopsy specimens were used to isolate viral strains, then to sequence genomic fragments, and to determine receptor specificity., Results: Out of the 1203 examinees, 284 (23.6%) were influenza-positive: 221 (77.8%), 24 (8.5%), and 39 (13.7%) patients had influenza A(H3N2), influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and influenza B, respectively. Influenza was notified in 42,7% of the pregnant women. There was a preponderance of its moderate form; its severe form developed in single cases having comorbidities. One fatal outcome was registered. The intake of antiviral medications in the first 48 hours of the disease could prevent complications. The investigators revealed mutations in the strain isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a patient with severe pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome., Conclusion: There is evidence that there are mutant A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses that have high pneumotropicity. The high risk of their circulation in the population and the risk of severe influenza forms involving the lower respiratory tract remain. Early antiviral therapy in the first 36-48 hours diminishes the clinical manifestations of influenza and reduces the risk of developing complications.

The evaluation of prevalence and intensity of vitamin D3 deficiency in preschoolers and schoolchildren residing in Moscow and St. Petersburg was implemented. It is established that 63.6% of all Moscow children and adolescents of and 43% of St. Petersburg minors live in conditions of vitamin D3 deficiency. Regardless of the residence region, the vitamin D3 deficiency prevalence is more typical for schoolchildren as compared with preschoolers. The higher prevalence of vitamin D3 deficiency demands to change the policy of vitamin D3 supply among minors.

Objectives: In order to evaluate a Norwegian-Russian clinical cooperation, this study sought to compare the incidence, early mortality and morbidity of surgically treated patients with atrial septum defect (ASD), ventricular septum defect (VSD) and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in Norway and Archangels region in Russia., Design: A retrospective analysis of patient records of all those surgically treated for ASD, VSD and TOF in Norway and from Archangels region from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005., Results: The Norwegian cohort consisted of 191 ASDs, 227 VSDs and 126 TOFs. The Russian cohort counted 128 ASDs, 77 VSDs and nine TOFs. Thirty-days mortality was 0.4% in the Norwegian VSD, 1.6% in the Norwegian TOF and 1.3% in the Russian VSD cohort. Postoperative complications in the Norwegian cohorts were 18.3% (ASDs), 15.9% (VSDs) and 34.1% (TOFs). The corresponding findings in Archangels were 4.7%, 11.7% and 0%., Conclusion: Surgery for ASDs, VSDs and TOFs can be carried out with minimal early mortality in both countries. The discrepancy in early postoperative morbidity illustrates the challenges in comparative studies between different countries, cultures and health care systems. The establishment of a decentralized surgical facility has increased the access to cardiac surgery to the population in Archangels region.

Aim: Studies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype and subtype structure in patients with chronic hepatitis C in 3 regions of the Central federal district of Russia., Materials and Methods: Hepatitis C virus genotype and subtype structure was determined in patients with chronic HCV infection in Moscow (1993 - 1995 and 2005), Moscow region (2008) and Vladimir region (1993 -1995, 2005-2007). HCV genotype was determined by using A. Widell et al. (1994) technique, PCR (AmpliSens diagnostic kits), Genotype C test system., Results: In all studied regions and during all the time periods the first position in rating belonged to HCV 1b subtype. In 1993 - 1995 and 2005 - 2007 period changes in HCV genotype and subtype structure were registered that consisted of relative weight of 1b subtype decrease and 3a subtype increase. Subtype 1b in females with chronic hepatitis C was registered more often than in males. In Vladimir region 3a subtype in males was detected more often than in females. In males older than 30 years the first rating position belongs to 1b subtype and in males younger than 30 years--subtype 3a. In females older than 30 years in Moscow region and Vladimir region, as well as in females younger than 30 years in Vladimir region subtype 1b was detected more often, while in Moscow region HCV subtypes 1b and 3a were detected with the same rate of 47.6%., Conclusion: Currently there is an urgent need to include mandatory monitoring of hepatitis C virus genetic variants into the system of hepatitis C epidemiologic control in Russia. This approach will allow for a significant increase in quality of hepatitis C serological diagnostics, and can be used in the prognosis of evolution of the epidemic process of this disease.

Urethral specimens from 172 men who attended sexually transmitted disease clinics in the Moscow Oblast were examined for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium by nucleic acid amplification tests. N. gonorrhoeae was detected in the urethra of 41 (24%) of the 172 men and C. trachomatis in 57 (33%). The latter occurred in 15 (36%) of the 41 men who were infected by N. gonorrhoeae and in 42 (32%) of 131 uninfected by gonococci. Of the 42 men uninfected by gonococci but chlamydia infected, 39 (93%) had symptoms and/or signs of urethritis. M. genitalium was detected in 45 (26%) of the 172 men, in nine (22%) of the 41 men infected with N. gonorrhoeae and in 12 (21%) infected with C. trachomatis. M. genitalium was detected alone in 25 (28%) of the 89 men uninfected by either gonococci or C. trachomatis. Of these 25 men, 24 (96%) had urethral symptoms and signs of inflammation, a proportion significantly more than experienced by the 64 men uninfected by any of the microorganisms. Of the 31 men who apparently had no symptoms or signs of urethritis, only three (10%) were infected by M. genitalium. The data provide evidence for the pathogenicity and frequent occurrence of M. genitalium in men in Moscow and presumably elsewhere in Russia.

Repeated epidemiological morphological investigations of atherosclerosis of the aorta and coronary arteries were performed in apparently healthy men aged 20-59 years in Moscow, Ryazan and Yakutsk at a 40-year interval. More severe atherosclerosis and different rates of its progression were revealed in males of these towns over 40 years.

Human herpes virus type 6 (H HV-6) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence among HIV-infected and healthy women of childbearing age from Chelyabinsk and Moscow was measured with ELI - SA test-system for detection of antibodies to respective viruses. Seropositivity to HHV-6 was detected in 93.5% of HIV-infected women, that is 1.2 times more often than in healthy woman of child-bearing age. Seropositivity to CMV was detected in 87% of HIV-infected women, that is 1.05 times more often than in healthy woman of childbearing age. Low titers to HHV-6 and CMV were detected in seropositive healthywomen more frequently (in 44.1 and 48.4% respectively) whereas intermediate and high titers prevailed in HIV-infected women (in 73.9% for HHV-6 and 31.4% for CMV).

Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) continue to be one of the most actual medical and social-economic problem. But problem of high incidence of ARVI often regarded as problem of influenza only. Information about methods of prognosis of massive spreading of ARVI complex and universal system of their prophylaxis including influenza is presented in the article.

HIV has been spreading over the territories of our countries for 18 years, and it is still possible to resist the epidemic in a unique and efficient way. In June 2001, the UNO General Assembly Special Session was devoted to the problem of HIV/AIDS in full. Its Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (Resolution S-26/2) defines main directions of this work both in world-wide, regional, and international scopes. It should be stressed that first of all the Declaration emphasizes the necessity to improve management and coordination of efforts at the global, regional, and national levels, which is of special importance to Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where a new phase of HIV infection epidemic has begun and the spread of the virus grows and very soon may gain uncontrollable character. As for the countries of our region, here the epidemic process has been developing mostly through sexual way of transmission for 8 years since 1987, when the first case of HIV infection was revealed. More than 350000 HIV-infected people, including more than 15,000 children, have been registered in Russian Federation. More than 9000 people have died. The proportion of childbearing age women constantly grows, and the number of children born to mothers with AIDS has now exceeded 15,000. To realize the component "Prevention of HIV infection, B and C hepatitis, and revealing and treatment of HIV patients" of the priority national health project, 3.1 billion rubles are allocated for the prophylaxis of and fight against HIV and AIDS. The measures that are planned to take will allow for principle changes in the present situation with medical aid providence of contemporary antiretroviral medicines. Russian Orthodox Church with its parishes, monasteries etc. carries out numerous projects of primary HIV prophylaxis among children and young people in different regions; these projects are directed towards forming moral values.

The results of a medical genetic study of the spread of congenital morphogenetic types (CMGT) among 3-7-year-old children living in Magnitogorsk whose territory is highly polluted with chemical compounds are presented. In Magnitogorsk, the mean of CMGT cases per child is 2.89, which is much greater than the respective values for environmentally favorable cities and towns in Russia. The most common signs are as follows: diastema (137.79 cases per 1000 children), clinodactyly (135.98 per 1000), epicanthus (122.44 per 1000), and wide umbilical ring (110.71 per 1000).

From 1991 to 2002 10 patients with rabies were treated, all the patients died. Epidemiology, clinical picture, specific symptoms are described, rarity of this severe disease is noted. The necessity of urgent preventive vaccination immediately after bites is emphasized.

During the period of 1953-2001 scarlet fever morbidity level fluctuated from 670.3 to 65.9 per 100,000 of the population in Moscow and from 531.9 to 35.0 per 100,000 of the population of the Russian Federation. In recent years an increased morbidity was more pronounced in Moscow than in the Russian Federation as a whole. Children formed the greater part of scarlet fever patients, the cases of scarlet fever among children in Moscow occurring more often than, on the average, in Russia. As before, annual morbidity among children attending children's institutions was higher 3- to 4-fold than among children brought up at home. This difference was most sharply pronounced among young children during the first two years of their life. In contrast to morbidity observed during previous 20-30 years, a drop in morbidity among children during the first two years of their life was registered, while morbidity level among children aged 3-6 years and 7-14 years increased. Scarlet fever morbidity had a pronounced seasonal (autumn-winter) pattern. In a group of children aged 3-5 years who attended organized groups, on the average, 78.6% of scarlet fever cases fell on seasonal morbidity, the most prolonged one.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic lesion of the skeleton involving a reduced osseous tissue weight and an impaired microarchitectonics, which worsens the bone strength and contributes to a higher risk of bone fractures. An essential spread of OP and of osteoporotic fractures among populations in various countries, including Russia, a high-severity outcome, and big economic expenses related with treatment and rehabilitation are indicative of a high social OP significance. OP is a multi-factor pathology provoked by impaired processes in osseous remodeling with a higher resorption of osseous tissue and a reduced osteogenesis. A study of molecular mechanisms of intercellular interaction in OP resulted in discovering new elements in the family of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and their ligands and receptors (RANKL-RANK-OPG), which are of primary importance in osteoclastogenesis and which are molecular mediators in many regulatory effects. The key drugs applicable to prevention and treatment of OP are also described in the article. The current methods of OP prevention and treatment improve the bone quality and reduce the incidence rate of fracture in an essential share of patients.

The role of hepatitis E (HE) in sporadic morbidity at an endemic territory (Southern Uzbekistan) and the incidence of anti-HEV in different populations of a nonendemic region (Russia) were evaluated. Antibodies to HEV were detected in 22.1% of patients with acute HE, including mixed infections (+ HA or HB), in the Dekhkanabad district of Kashkadarya region in 1993. The estimated incidence of acute HE was 51.7 per 100,000 population. Analysis of monthly incidence of acute HE demonstrated a seasonal pattern of the morbidity: more than 80% of total recorded cases occurred in August-September. These data indicate the presence of group HEV infections and an important role of this infection in the structure of acute viral hepatitis at the endemic territory. Anti-HEV were found in some population groups at a nonendemic territory: in free-of-charge blood donors in Surgut (4%), in patients with HIV infection (1.6%), and in medical workers in Moscow (1.1%).

The paper contains data on prevalence of low, normal, excessive body mass and obesity among urban male populations aged 20-54 years in different regions. Relative risk of death associated with body mass was estimated on the basis of a twenty years prospective study of sample populations in Moskva and St-Peterburg and level of attributed risk was used for assessment of contribution of body mass to cardiovascular mortality and mortality from other chronic diseases. Levels of main risk factors, smoking intensity and alcohol consumption were studied in deciles of body mass index distribution.

An explosive epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been documented among injecting drug users (IDUs) in the former Soviet Union republics. In 1999, the two largest local IDU outbreaks of HIV-1 infection in the Russian Federation were registered in the Moscow and Irkutsk regions, where 13,004 HIV-1 cases were identified (44% of the total number of HIV-1 infections in Russia in 1999). To study the prevailing genetic variants and to estimate the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in these outbreaks, 60 samples from Moscow (n = 36) and from Irkutsk (n = 24) were analyzed using the gag/env heteroduplex mobility assay, and the env gp120 V3 encoding regions obtained from 23 individuals were sequenced. Both virus populations were highly homogeneous (the means of pairwise nucleotide distance were 1.75 +/- 0.83 and 2.35 +/- 1.59 for Irkutsk and Moscow, respectively), and similar to the subtype A viruses obtained earlier from IDUs in the former Soviet Union. The subtype A HIV-1 variant thus dominates in the largest HIV-1 outbreaks among IDUs in the Russian Federation.

There is analysis of liver and biliary tract diseases epidemiology in Moscow during 1993-1998 years. The data of Moscow Health Department's Medical Statistical Bureau were used. The diseases of digestive system (diseases are in percents) are 9.3% of common diseases among the adults persons (18 years old and more) in Moscow, and are 8.1% in teenagers. (15-17 years old). Increase of the diseases of digestive system prevalence was demonstrated in Moscow during this time from 10,692 to 13,929 for 100,000 persons among adults and from 9251 to 12,496 among teenagers. Morbidity of the diseases of digestive system was increased among adults from 1550 to 1953 and from 2512 to 3312 among teenagers at the same time. Prevalence of cholangitis among adults was increased on 40.8% at the same time. This index in teenagers is high as well, but it isn't even. The most high increase was demonstrated in 1997 year (821 cases for 100,000 teenagers). Increase of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis and cholangitis morbidity among the adults and teenagers was 66.2% and 73.1% accordingly in 1997 year. Prevalence of chronic liver diseases and liver cirrhosis was increased on 104.9% (in two times) during 6 years (1993-1998). Morbidity of these diseases was increased in 2 times as well at the same time.

Patients with ENT and CNS inflammation living in the Moscow Region have been examined for pathogenic contamination of relevant clinical samples. The microflora changes were followed up, pathogenic agents of high and moderate priority were identified. It is shown that for Moscow Region, ENT and CNS purulent inflammation is associated primarily with coagulase-negative staphylococci, E. coli, meningococci, S. viridans and yeast fungi.