Search

The ability of autochthonous microbiota from different water bodies in the northwestern part of the Russian Federation to degrade the highly toxic microcystin-LR (MC-LR) was shown for the first time. The maximum rate of degradation of MC-LR was noted in water samples from Sestroretskij Razliv Lake and Lower Suzdal Lake during the period of mass development of cyanobacteria. In water samples from Lake Ladoga, where no toxic cyanobacterial blooms were previously noted, MC-LR biodegradation proceeded at a much lower rate and with a longer lag phase. The composition of MC-LR biodegradation products indicates the presence in the autochthonous microbiota of the studied objects of microorganisms capable of degrading microcystins both by the mlr mechanism and by the biochemical pathway involving glutathione. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main results of scientific research and development in the field of atmospheric radiation in Russia for the period 2019–2022 are considered. The main attention is paid to research in the field of radiative transfer theory, atmospheric spectroscopy, radiation climatology, aerosol and radiation forcing, remote sensing of the atmosphere and surface, interpretation of satellite measurements Lists of major publications in these areas for this period are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is revealed that there was a significant increase in the Bowen ratio in the Volga, Southern, and North Caucasian federal districts in the second half of the 20th century–beginning of the 21st century. This indicates a strengthening of sensible heat flux and a reduction of latent heat flux in the heat and moisture balance. These changes are caused by a significant temperature rise, especially in the south of European Russia, with a regional decrease in precipitation. The Bowen ratio is inversely proportional to precipitation and NDVI and directly proportional to temperature. In the steppe zone represented by the Volga, Southern, and North Caucasian federal districts the long periods of predominance of the Bowen ratio anomalies of a certain sign can be distinguished for June and July: the positive ones in the 1950s and until the mid-1960s, the negative ones after that until the early 2000s, and the positive ones since the middle of the first decade of the 21st century. Since the second decade of the 21st century, the positive anomalies of the Bowen ratio have become more frequent in some years and have exceeded the standard deviation. An increase in the contribution of heat to the heat and moisture exchange balance led to a degradation of vegetation conditions in the Volga, Southern, and North Caucasus federal districts. In the south of the Siberian Federal District, the fluctuation of the Bowen ratio anomalies is less pronounced than in European Russia, which suggests some stability of heat and moisture supply in summer over the past 70 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of geological, geochemical, and geochronological studies of granophyre rocks from the Jarva-Varaka Massif (Kola region) are presented. The 2-km section of the massif is composed of mafic and felsic norites, hypersthene diorite, pigeonite-augitic diorite, quartz diorite, and granodiorite. All these rocks contain a variable amount of granophyre (micropegmatite), from ~10% in norites that compose the lower part of the massif, to ~45% in quartz diorite and granodiorite of the upper part. The Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) is the only known case of a similar 2-km thick section of granophyre rocks whose composition varies from mafic at the bottom to felsic at the top. The SIC has an impact origin, which suggests a similar formation mechanism for the Jarva-Varaka Massif. The norites contain micro-xenoliths of the host high-alumina gneisses, which were transformed to rocks of the high-grade hornfels facies. Such gneisses are absent among the country rocks of other mafic intrusions in the area, and it suggests that the parental melt for mafic norites could have assimilated the host rocks. Given the relatively small size of the massif, the formation of hornfelses could have occurred if the xenoliths would be entrained by a melt under near-surface conditions, and the melt was hot enough to cause the formation of hornfelses. Spinifex-like structures in the diorites of the very marginal contact zone of the Jarva-Varaka Massif indicate very rapid cooling of a high-temperature melt, which is typical of near-surface conditions. A pseudotachylitic breccia, planar deformations in quartz, kink-bands in biotite and clinozoisite, zircon and inclusions of sillimanite and plagioclase all transformed into diaplectic glasses detected in the host rocks of the Jarva-Varaka Massif are interpreted as distinct signs of shock metamorphism. Geophysical data show no signs that beneath the Jarva-Varaka Massif there exists a large mafic intrusion that could have contaminated large volumes of crustal material, and magmatic differentiation of which could have produced a large volume of enriched melt whose crystallization could resulted in the formation of granophyre rocks from the bottom to the top of the magma chamber. All of the aforementioned data indicate that the impact origin of the 2.5 Ga Jarva-Varaka Massif is very likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The best way to understand the environmental status of a certain region involves thorough non-target analysis, which will result in a list of pollutants under concern. Arkhangelsk (64° 32′ N 40° 32′ E, pop. ~ 344,000) is the largest city in the world to the north of the 60th parallel. Several industrial enterprises and the "cold finger" effect represent the major sources of air contamination in the city. Analysis of snow with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry allows detecting and quantifying the most hazardous volatile and semivolatile anthropogenic pollutants and estimating long-term air pollution. Target analysis, suspect screening, and non-target analysis of snow samples collected from ten sites within the city revealed the presence of several hundreds of organic compounds including 18 species from the US EPA list of priority pollutants. Fortunately, the levels of these compounds appeared to be much lower than the safe levels established in Russia. Phenol and dioctylphthalate could be considered as the pollutants of concern because their levels were about 20% of the safe thresholds. ChromaTOF® Tile, MetaboAnalyst software platform, and open-source software protocols were applied to process the obtained data. The obtained clusterization results of the samples were generally similar for various tools; however, each of them had certain peculiarities. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) hexanedioate, benzyl alcohol, phthalates, aniline, dinitrotoluenes, and fluoranthene showed the strongest influence on the clusterization of the studied samples. Possible sources of the major pollutants were proposed: car traffic and pulp and paper mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. As fighting intensifies throughout Ukraine, there is an increasing concern that the Russian Federation may consider the direct use of chemical or radiological weapons against military personnel and civilians in Ukraine. Despite prohibition of chemical weapons from the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1997, recent evidence has demonstrated that state actors will continue to use these agents as weapons of war and terror, despite publicly denying their use. We review chemical weapons produced and used by the Russian Federation (or its allies) to identify plausible risks in the Russian war in Ukraine. We also provide rapid assessment and treatment guidelines to recognize and manage these acute exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong seasonal variations in the radon exhalation rate from the soil surface were revealed during a two-year monitoring cycle in a fault zone on a slope of Mount Beshtau in the Caucasus Mineral Water Resort area, Russia. The variations are characterized by very high radon levels in summer and low levels in winter. In the warm season (from late April to early October), the radon exhalation rate values ranged from 4.5 to 23.8 Bq m–2 s–1. During the cold period (from November to March), the radon levels decreased to 0.04–0.17 Bq m–2 s–1. A strong correlation was found between the radon exhalation and atmospheric air temperature (the Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.8). The simulation results show that seasonal fluctuations in the radon exhalation rate are caused by an inversion of the convective radon transport direction in the fractured zones of the rock massif. In summer, the convective flow of radon is directed from the rock massif to atmosphere, whereas this flow in winter comes from the atmosphere to rock massif. The rate of convective transport varies from 5 to 28 m day–1 during the warm season and from –2 to –4 m day–1 during the cold one. Seasonal radon anomalies in fault zones are most probably caused by thermally induced convective air flows in the highly permeable rock zone due to the temperature difference between the rock air and atmospheric air. Seasonal radon anomalies should be taken into account both when mapping radon risk and when using radon as a tracer of gas transport in geochemical and geophysical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanisms of stress response of Planktothrix agardhii, one of the dominant cya-nobacteria in the basins of the Northwestern Russia and other regions during "blooming," on the effect of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), a hormone-like xenobiotic of anthropogenic origin, were studied. In the presence of OP, an increase in the permeability of P. agardhii cell membranes occurred, one of the reasons for which was the oxidation of membrane lipids under conditions of oxidative stress caused by generation of reactive oxygen species. A dose-dependent increase of the activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in P. agardhii was registered in response to octylphenol-induced oxidative stress, indicating OP action as an activator of expression of stress regulons genes. Due to the structural similarity of 4-tert-octylphenol and alkylresorcinols (AR), the natural microbial regulators controlling development of microbial populations, OP released into the environment may imitate the functions of AR, interfering with the communication process of microbial cells in the population, which may adversely affect the succession and stability of functioning of microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the characteristics features of isolates of Pigeon Paramyxovirus Serotype-1 (PPMV-1) from the Russian Federation from 2001 to 2009. It informs about the usage of monitoring programs that detected 77 samples, that were PCR positive for avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (APMV-1). It mentions that detected samples were from sick or dead feral and domestic pigeons that possed avian diseases in the Russian Federation in Russia. Information on isolates of Newcastle disease virus, that were recovered from the pigeons sublineage. It also provide information on the determination of complete nucleotide sequence of the genome for the Pigeon/Russia/Vladimir/687/05 isolate of sublineage VIb/2.

Copyright of Stratum Plus Journal is the property of P.P. Stratum plus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a study that describes an empirical model of the vertical profiles of aerosol optical characteristics. The study develops a model based on data acquired from multi-year airborne sensing of optical and microphysical characteristics of the tropospheric aerosol over West Siberia in Russia. It also performs numerical experiments to determine preliminary estimates of the direct radiative effect for typical summer conditions in the region.

The article reports the new geochronological data on igneous and metamorphic rocks from Gridino village in Russia. It informs that mafic rocks demonstration presents distinct successive stages of metamorphic transformations under eclogite with elevated pressure granulite and amphibolite facies conditions. It mentions that the high pressure rock complexes in the village are characterized by relatively low bulk rare earth element (REE) contents and an insignificant positive europium (Eu) anomaly. It reveals that pressure of estimated by the phengite geobarometer which amounts nearly 14-16 kilobar (Kbar) and temperature of 650 degree celsius corresponds to synmetamorphic crystallization of granite melts under eclogite facies conditions.

The article reports on the study concerning the Paleoproterozoic layered Monchetundra Massifs of the Kola Region, Russia. It notes that the study of Monchetundra Massif, which is one of the objects promising with regard to economic Pt and Pd concentrations, made it possible to define the Kola platinum-bearing province. It uses the method of cumulative stratigraphy, which allows mafic and ultramafic rocks of the Monchetundra Massif to be subdivided into three zones wherein the lower zone composed of norites. It assumes that all lithologically similar igneous rocks of the complex in question were formed during several stages synchronously with the Monchegorsk Pluton and Fedorov-Pana Massif, taking into consideration all the new geological-geochronological data.

The requirements for the minimum content and level of training to give the supplemental Expert in Environmental Safety qualification to graduates of classical universities specializing in chemistry (specialty no. 011000) were developed. An educational program is proposed. The program can be used as an efficient supplement of the professional training of students specializing in analytical chemistry; it allows the level of stating analytical problems and interpreting analytical results (for environmental samples) to be improved. The program has been approved by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. It has already been launched at the Chemical Faculty of the Kuban' State University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of its title, Professor Gaston Rimlinger's book is not concerned with welfare policy in a broad sense, and it deals with Europe mainly through the example of a single country. Its principal theme, as the author explains in his introductory chapter, is the development of social security, that is, of those policies and measures which are designed to relieve the specific economic hardships resulting from unemployment, retirement from work, accident, or sickness. The broader aspects of social welfare, such as education, housing, children's services, the provision of social amenities, and policies to deal with more general problems of poverty and of depressed areas and regions, are excluded from consideration. The comparison between countries which Rimlinger undertakes is more or less confined to Germany, the United States, and the Soviet Union. Notwithstanding these omissions, the comparisons which Rimlinger does make, on the basis of a very full account of social security legislation in the countries which he selects for study, raise some interesting questions. One of the comparisons is between the United States and the West European countries (although, as noted, the main emphasis is on Germany). Rimlinger points out that the resistance to social security measures was very much stronger in the United States, and that it was only in the 1930's, as a result of the economic depression, that major legislation was enacted to provide the kind of services which were already well-established in the European countries.

Rice grain damage due to dark spots was noted more than 10 years ago in Russia. However, this phenomenon has long existed in other rice-growing countries. The factor limiting high rice yields are insect pests and pathogenic microorganisms, the vital activity of which leads to the occurrence of dark spots on the grain shells. This study hopes to assess the effects of dark spots on rice grains of six rice cultivars bred in Russia, i.e., Rapan, Khazar, Romans, Favorit, Trio, and Prestige. The study was carried out in 2020-2021 at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Federal Scientific Rice Centre, Krasnodar, Russia. With an increase in the content of damaged grains from 5% to 10% and 20%, the mass of 1000 absolutely dry grains, vitreosity, and head rice content decrease, the filminess increased, and the content of damaged grains negatively affecting the quality traits of rice grains. If the content of damaged grains is up to 5%, grain quality decreases giving no impact of the parameter. The need to predict rice grain yield and quality based on grain damage intensity caused by dark spots ensures the profitability of growing various cultivars in rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of Pernatoe Lake sediments in the south of Paramushir Island has enabled us to obtain the first continuous pollen record of climate and vegetation changes in the north of the Kurile archipelago during the Holocene. Series of radiocarbon datings of between 10 000 ± 40 and 2180 ± 40 years ago are evidence that the beginning of sediments accumulation, found after borehole development, is related to the Early Holocene. Diatom analysis has shown several stages in the lake development: raised bog on the border of the Pleistocene and Holocene, lagoon formation resulting from the sea level rise over 9–6 ky, and freshwater lake formation 6 ky and up to the present. Climate warming during the period attributed to the boreal and Atlantic periods of the Holocene is reflected by the dominance of Pinus pumila and Alnus serrulata assemblages in vegetation cover. Wide dune fields were formed in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific shores of Paramushir Island 5–4 ky. Strengthening of atmogenic processes is related to cooling of the climate and drying of some areas of the underwater slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study on medicinal mushrooms in Southwest Siberia, Russia. Number of known species of macromycetes that are grown in the area; Medicinal and stimulating effects of Inonotus obliquus; Classes of medicinal mushrooms in Siberia.

Aim      To evaluate the role of iron deficiency (ID) identified by various criteria, anemia, and the combination of ID and anemia in determining the severity of the clinical course of chronic heart failure (CHF) in a retrospective analysis of data from 498 patients who participated in the ID-CHF-RF Russian multicenter program.Material and methods  ID was diagnosed by the following three criteria established by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the Russian Society of Cardiology (RSC): 1) ferritin concentration <100 μg/l or ferritin concentration 100-299 μg/l in combination with a decreased transferrin saturation (TS) <20%; 2) ID criteria that showed a high sensitivity and specificity when compared with bone marrow morphology (BMM): TS ≤19.8% or serum iron (SI) ≤13 μmol/l; and 3) a composite index including a ferritin concentration <100 μg/l in combination with TS <20% and SI ≤13 μmol/l. The presence of anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration of less than 12.0 g/dl in women and less than 13.0 g/dl in men according to the criteria of the World Health Organization.Results Concomitant anemia was detected in 40.3% of patients with CHF; in 85.1% of cases, anemia was combined with the SI concentration below normal. CHF patients with concomitant anemia were significantly older and had low levels of not only red blood cells and hemoglobin but also all parameters of iron metabolism, i.e., SI, ferritin concentration, and TS. The mean deviation of the red blood cell size, that characterizes the degree of anisocytosis, was significantly increased in patients with anemia, especially with a low SI. These patients had a higher CHF functional class, elevated levels of N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and walked a shorter distance in the 6-minute walk test, which reflects significantly more severe manifestations of CHF with concomitant anemia, particularly in combination with a low SI. The incidence of ID was 83.1% (including 23.3% in combination with anemia) according to the ESC/RSC criteria; 74.5% (including 43.3% with anemia) according to the BMM criteria; and 51.6% (including 51.7% with anemia) according to the composite index, which seems to be stricter compared to the first two criteria. Regardless of the assessment method (by total weighted average data), in ID combined with anemia, not only the hemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced but all three analyzed parameters of iron metabolism were also significantly reduced (SI 9.0 μmol/l vs. 10.4 μmol/l; ferritin 41 μg/l vs. 59 μg/l; TS 8.5% vs. 12.9%) compared to ID without anemia, respectively. The CHF severity and the NT-proBNP concentration were also maximum for the combination of ID and anemia, in contrast to ID without anemia, regardless of the ID criterion used. A more accurate comparison of the methods for determining ID in CHF in the context of their prognostic value will be obtained by analyzing the data of a two-year follow-up of patients in this study, which will be the subject of the next article.Conclusion      This analysis suggests that the presence of concomitant ID without anemia or anemia without ID moderately affects the severity of clinical manifestations of CHF and may be rather markers than factors determining the course of the disease, and in this case, does not require special correction with iron medications. And only ID anemia (a combination of ID with anemia) in patients with CHF can be considered a condition requiring special correction (for example, with intravenous medication) in addition to optimal therapy for CHF. This conclusion does not change depending on the used criteria for ID and requires verification in new RCTs.

Aim: Comparative analysis of clinical, anamnestic, and laboratory and instrumental data of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and iron deficiency (ID) diagnosed according to the AHA/ESC/RSC criteria, and CHF patients diagnosed with ID based on decreased transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤19.8% or serum iron (Fe) ≤13 μmol/l., Material and Methods: An additional analysis of the ID-CHF-RF study was performed. The analyzed population included 498 patients (198 women) with CHF. In addition to the ID criteria provided by the protocol (AHA/ESC/RSC criteria: ferritin <100 μg/l or ferritin from 100 to 299 μg/l and TSAT<20%), concentrations of ID biomarkers were assessed, which showed high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ID compared to the morphological picture of the bone marrow (TSAT<19.8% or Fe ≤13 μmol/l). Subgroups of patients with ID determined only by the AHA/ESC/RSC criteria, only by the TSAT≤19.8% and Fe ≤13 μmol/l criteria, and by both were analyzed., Results: ID diagnosed by the AHA/ESC/RSC criteria was found in 83.1% of patients. The TSAT ≤19.8% and Fe ≤13 μmol/l criteria revealed ID in 74.5% of patients. In 341 patients (76.8%), ID was diagnosed using both criteria. Patients with ID diagnosed by the TSAT≤19.8% and Fe≤13 μmol/l criteria, compared with patients with ID diagnosed by the AHA/ESC/RKO criteria, had a 50% lower Fe (9.8 μmol/l vs. 19.4 μmol/l) and a higher incidence of anemia (43.3% vs. 23.3%) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (36.7% and 24.7%). Also, these patients had higher values of body mass index (BMI) and NT-proBNP concentration (2317 [1305;9092] vs. 1691 [709;3856] pg/ml), and lower LV EF values (41.5 [29.0;54.5]% vs. 45.0 [34.0;54.0]%), respectively. The most severe course of CHF and the greatest changes in laboratory tests associated with ID and anemia were observed in patients with ID determined by two criteria. Patients in this group were older, with a higher BMI, more frequent presence of atrial fibrillation, and higher NT-proBNP (4182 [1854;9341] pg/ml)., Conclusion: Patients with isolated low ferritin are characterized by less severe clinical and functional impairment compared to patients with low TSAT or Fe. At the same time, patients with ferritin higher than 300 μg/l and low TSAT and/or Fe were characterized by very severe CHF and a low functional status, although this may not be related with ID. Thus, the use of the ferritin-based criteria of ID may lead to overdiagnosis of ID in some patients and, at the same time, miss some of the most "severe" patients who likely require the ID correction. Patients with ID who show a decrease in all three parameters are likely to benefit most from Fe supplementation. It is advisable to perform additional studies on the effect of Fe supplements on the course and prognosis of the disease in this cohort of patients.

Previously, differences in the thyroid profile of Arctic residents were shown depending on the vitamin A blood level. However, dietary habits and metabolism peculiarities in the aboriginal and Caucasian representatives of the North population may be the cause of different retinol supply and therefore be one of the reasons for changes in their thyroid activity. The purpose of the research was to assess vitamin A and thyroid blood levels in the aboriginal and local Caucasian population representatives of the Russian Arctic territories. Material and methods . In the single-center observational cross-sectional study, apparently healthy residents of villages in the Arkhangelsk region were examined (n=281): 145 representatives of the local Caucasian population and 136 representatives of the aboriginal population, with the proportion of tundra nomadic aborigines at 34%, village aborigines at 66%. Vitamin A blood serum level was determined by the fluorometric method, and the thyroid content [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free T4, free T3] was determined by enzyme immunoassay. The integral thyroid index (ITI) as well as the index of peripheral conversion of iodothyronine (IPC) total and free fractions were calculated. Results . The level of retinol in the indigenous population of the Arctic was lower than that in the local Caucasian population (1.84 [1.26; 2.56] versus 2.10 [1.70; 2.42] μmol/L, p=0.014). However, its deficiency was found only in village aborigines (20.5% of women and 11.8% of men). At the same time, they have the maximum tension of the pituitarythyroid system: lower level of free T3 and free fractions' IPC than in the nomadic and Caucasian population, and TSH levels were higher than in the Caucasian population. Increased vitamin A levels prevailed among the nomadic population: in 60.7% of men and 11% of women retinol level exceeded the norm. At the same time, they have increased metabolic activity of thyroid hormones: higher levels of free T3 and free fractions' IPC compared with sedentary aboriginal population. No pronounced features of the thyroid profile were found in local Caucasians at normal blood concentrations of vitamin A. Conclusion . The lowest retinol levels are observed in settled aborigines (especially young women) living in villages and experiencing the greatest transformation of traditional lifestyle and nutrition, which is combined with higher TSH blood levels and decreased thyroid hormone metabolism. The highest retinol levels were found in nomadic aborigines (especially young men), which increase the reserves of antioxidant defense and support high metabolism of thyroid hormones. However, the high percentage of people with excessive vitamin A blood level in this group raises concerns due to the possible negative consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor fat soluble vitamin levels among Arctic aboriginal populations. Social support measures should be taken for settled residents of villages, enabling them to consume more traditional foods rich in vitamin A. The causes of excessive blood retinol in nomadic aborigines require further study and control., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright© GEOTAR-Media Publishing Group.)

Given the socio-economic, political and epidemiological changes in the regions of the Russian Federation, the issue of modernizing the training of medical personnel and planning to provide medical organizations with qualified specialists has remained extremely important for several years. The analysis of the survey showed that at present the highly topical issue of staffing the population with endocrinologists and pediatric endocrinologists does not have an unambiguous effective solution. The above measures to reorganize the educational environment require additional revision and correction for the most effective work in the field of medical education. Ultimately, these activities will have an impact on improving the level of training of specialists, improving the personnel situation in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and improving the quality of medical care for the population of the country.

The efficiency of health care and the quality of medical care can be improved by implementing modern management methods and technologies. It requires modern and high-quality training of medical management personnel. Qualified personnel are the key factor in the organization and transformation of the health system. Human resources ultimately ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire health sector. Requirements to economic management methods are changing and increasing, and specialists with skills in managing medical organizations at different levels of the healthcare system are becoming in demand. At the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the role of medical personnel who possess strategic methods of healthcare management is increasing. Available training programs in leading higher educational institutions of medical profile do not fully fulfill these tasks due to limited time, a large volume of lecture material, and frequent changes in the conditions and tasks of health care. These problems can be solved by optimizing training programs for retraining and advanced training of health care organizers, introducing active training methods such as business games, case methods, and project activities into the curriculum. The paper describes the system of training students for training courses in the field of healthcare and public health through planning and implementation, project management in the context of military educational organizations of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the statistical analysis of the training effectiveness, the factors that influence the success of development programs.

The seasonal variations of radon exhalation rate from soil surface were studied in two seismically active regions of the Russian Federation - the Baikal rift and the North Caucasus. In each region, monthly measurements of the radon exhalation have been carried out at two relatively proximal sites, one of which was located within the active fault zone and the other outside of the fault zone. The Open Charcoal Chamber Method was used. Very high radon exhalation rate values were found in the fault zones at both regions. At the Baikal rift, the radon exhalation reached 1.4 Bq m -2 s -1 , and at the Caucasian region in some periods it even achieved 24 Bq m -2 s -1 , which is an extremely high value. The same pattern of seasonal variations of radon levels with abnormal high radon exhalation rate values in summer and extremely low in winter were observed in both the Baikal and Caucasus regions. Clear correlation between radon exhalation and air temperature were also revealed. The obtained data and simulation results indicate that seasonal fluctuations in the radon exhalation rate are caused by the inversion of the direction of convective air flow in the fractured zones of the rock massif. In summer, the convective air flow is directed from the rock massif to the atmosphere and in winter, vice versa, from the atmosphere to the rock massif. This phenomenon is similar to the well-known "chimney effect", i. e. in winter there is a direct draft in the system of fractures, and in summer - the reverse one. Thus, the detected radon anomalies are due to near-surface convective air circulation in permeable zones of the mountain ranges and most probably are not associated with deep crustal or mantle degassing. Seasonal thermally induced radon anomalies should be taken into account both in the radon risk mapping and in the application of radon as a tracer of natural processes in various fields of geology and geophysics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Pathogenic variants in the HINT1 gene lead to hereditary axonopathy with neuromyotonia. However, many studies show that neuromyotonia may remain undiagnosed, while axonopathy is the major clinical finding. The most common cause of neuromyotonia and axonopathy, especially in patients of Slavic origin, is a c.110G>C (p.Arg37Pro) pathogenic variant in homozygous or compound heterozygous state. In this study, we analyzed a peripheral neuropathy caused by pathogenic variants in the HINT1 gene and evaluated its contribution to the hereditary neuropathy structure. The studied group included 1596 non-related families diagnosed with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN). The results show that HINT1 gene pathogenic variants make a significant contribution to the hereditary neuropathy epidemiology in Russian patients. They account for at least 1.9% of all HMSN cases and 9% of axonopathy cases. The most common HINT1 pathogenic variant in Russian patients is the c.110G>C (p.Arg37Pro) substitution. Its allelic frequency is 0.2% (95% CI 0.19-0.21%), carrier frequency is 1 in 250 people in Russian Federation, and the estimated disease incidence is 1 in 234,000 individuals. It was determined that the cause of this pathogenic variant's prevalence is the founder effect.

Purpose: To study best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and identify its relationship with various factors in eyes with pseudophakia in long-term periods after removal of congenital cataract (CC) in the first year of life., Material and Methods: The study included 54 children (72 eyes) aged 4 to 12 years who had undergone CC removal with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation at the age of 2-11 months. Examination included: visual acuity testing, Flicker ERG 30 Hz electroretinography (MBN, Russia), optical coherence tomography (HRT-OCT) on the Heidelberg Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) platform., Results: The best results were obtained after removal of bilateral congenital cataract (BCC): BCVA in 58.0% of cases was 0.15-0.3, and in 12.0% of cases - 0.4-0.8. BCVA was 0.1 or less in 95.5% of cases and only one child had 0.2 after removal of unilateral congenital cataract (UCC). The best BCVA was achieved in children operated on the 2-5 month of age (BCVA more than 0.3 in 68.7%; only children from that group had 0.5-0.8), without any concomitant pathology and with normal indicators of ERG Flicker 30 Hz. Deviations from physiological formation of the macula were revealed using OCT. The direct relationship was shown between BCVA, and the maximal retinal thickness in parafovea and choroidal thickness in the subfoveal area., Conclusion: BCVA significantly varies after CC removal with IOL implantation in infancy: 0.02-0.8. The main factors influencing BCVA in that case are: laterality of cataract, child age at the time of operation, duration of visual deprivation, concomitant eye pathology and refractive amblyopia accompanying incomplete correction of aphakia.

Aim: To study the links between the standard mortality rate of the population from circulatory system diseases (CSD) with factors: weather-climatic (inter-day jumps in air temperature and atmospheric pressure by seasons and for the year) and social (average annual income per person and the number of doctors of all specialties) in Russia for the period 1995-2015., Materials and Methods: According to station data and data of reanalysis, seasonal and annual amounts of day-to-day jumps in air temperature were calculated more than the absolute value of 4° and 6°C and the atmospheric pressure more than the absolute value of 8 GPa. The links between climate variables and the mortality rate of the population, taking into account social factors, were investigated using factor analysis, including regression and variance analyses., Results: Annual amounts of temperature (pressure) jumps of different signs vary greatly on the territory: the maximum amounts are 3-4 times higher than the minimum ones. The geographical distribution of air temperature fluctuations differs from the distribution of atmospheric pressure fluctuations. The sum of temperature jumps in the absolute value of more than 6°C is about twice less than the sum of jumps more than 4°C, but they are characterized by similarity of geographical distribution. The sum of the jumps of temperature (pressure) is reduced during the summer is approximately two times compared to the winter. The maximum jumps are observed mainly in the Northern regions with low population density, but with high per capita income, while the minimum is observed in the South-Western parts of the European part of the country with high population density, as well as middle and low income. Global warming does not significantly affect the reduction of annual amounts of temperature (pressure) jumps. Factor analysis of social and climatic variables in the territory for each year indicates the dominance of the influence of the social factor (per capita income) on the mortality rate from CSD., Conclusion: Factor analysis is integrated in the annual scale climatic and social variables showed a dominant effect on the coefficient of mortality from CSD, the factor of standard of living (per capita income of the population). Then the significance of the impact factors is consistently reduced: negative atmospheric pressure jumps, average seasonal pressure, health care level, positive pressure jumps. The significance of temperature variables is the smallest.

The purpose of the research was to investigate the association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (hereinafter MTHFR) genetic polymorphism 677C>T with schizophrenia in the Russian population in comparison with the control group of healthy blood donors. Also some characteristics of schizophrenia were examined in patients with/without defective T-allele of MTHFR677C>T polymorphism. 500 patients with schizophrenia and 499 blood donors were examined for T-allele carriage of polymorphism MTHFR677C>T by PCR method. 150 archival medical records were studied (in the first patients included in the study). The carriage of T-allele of genetic polymorphism MTHFR677C>T was significantly more common in patients than in healthy donors: 255/500 versus 219/499 (p=0,0287, χ2=4,79; OR=1,33, 95%CI [1037; 1707]). The number of patients with chronic type of schizophrenia onset was significantly more among T-allele carriers (n=77) than among normal CC-genotype carriers (n=73): р=0.038. The number of "incapacitated" persons in the group of patients with defective T-allele (n=77) was significantly higher than in patients with normal genotype (n=73, p=0.0439; OR=2.878, 95%CI=1.111-7.456). The results suggest that T-allele of genetic polymorphism MTHFR677C>T in the population of European Russia may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and its unfavorable prognosis, which requires further investigation., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of development of this clinical practice guidelines was to provide evidence-based protocols that help the practitioner and the patient make the right decision for the health assessment, treatment and prevention of pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis is the interstitial lung disease of occupational origin caused by prolonged inhalation of inorganic dust, characterized by chronic diffuse aseptic inflammation in lung tissue with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, thereare no treatment that provide a cure pulmonary fibrosis and changes in the dynamics of decline in lung function. Regular, individually tailored treatment should be directed to the pathogenic mechanisms and some clinical symptoms of pneumoconiosis, as well as the prevention of complications. To enhance the effect of pharmacotherapy is recommended to use non-drug therapies that enhance the functionality of the respiratory system.

Objective: To study clinical/genetic characteristics of congenital muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the LMNA gene in 5 patients from the Russian population., Material and Methods: DNA samples of 42 probands, aged from 2 months to 9 years, with characteristic signs of congenital muscular dystrophy from nonrelated families were studied. The diagnosis was based on the results of genealogical analysis, neurological examination, serum creatine phosphokinase activity, results of electroneuromyography., Results and Conclusion: In the Russian population, the frequency of congenital muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the LMNA gene is not less than 12% of all cases of this group of diseases. The results indicate the presence of major mutation c.94_96delAAC in the LMNA gene. Specific phenotypic features of this form of congenital muscular dystrophy with symptoms of progressive flaccid paralysis with predominant lesions of axial muscles and plantar flexor muscles of the foot are described.

There is evidence that in 1923-2014 the sharp aggravations of the epizootic situation of plague in the area of its Caspian sandy natural focus after long interepizootic periods are in time with the ups of the Caspian Sea in the extrema of 11-year solar cycles. There were cases of multiple manifestations of plague in the same areas in the epizootic cycles of 1946-1954, 1979-1996, 2001, and 2013-2014. The paper considers the possible role of amebae of the genus Acanthamoeba and nematodes, the representatives of the orders Rhabditida and Tylenchida in the microfocal pattern of plague manifestations.

Although the water bodies of southern Russia experience the most extreme effects of cyanobacterial blooms, molecular genetic data on the composition of toxigenic cyanobacteria in this region have been absent. Screening for the genes responsible for the synthesis of hepatotoxins (microcystins and cylindrospermopsin) and neurotoxins (anatoxin-a and saxitoxins) in cyanobacteria from the Tsimlyansk reservoir on the Don River was carried out. The presence of microcystin-producing Microcystis and Planktothrix populations, as well as of cyanobacteria capable of synthesis of a neurotoxin anatoxin-a was revealed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A hypothesis of the presence of anatoxin-a-producing Planktothrix rubescens population in the phytoplankton of the Tsimlyansk reservoir is proposed. The obtained PCR data were confirmed by the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography/mass-spectrometry (LC/MS). Anatoxin-a and five microcystin variants were identified in the phytoplankton biomass.

The article presents the results of analysis of spectrum of agents of community-acquired infections of urinary tracts in Moscow The prevalence of resistance these infections to antibiotics applied in treatment of the mentioned pathology are considered.

Unlabelled: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) food-borne infections are reported worldwide and represent a serious problem for public healthcare. In the Russian Federation there is little information on epidemiology and etiology of STEC-infections as well as on molecular-genetic peculiarities of STEC pathogens., Objective: Our aim was to describe a food-borne outbreak as hemorrhagic colitis (HC) along with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), enterocolitis, and acute gastroenteritis in children in St. Petersburg in 2013., Methods: Epidemiological, microbiological, molecular-genetic and bioinformatic methods were applied., Results: Objects to study were clinical specimens, milk and food samples, as well as STEC strains isolated during the outbreak. The outbreak of food-borne infection was found to be caused by STEC-contaminated raw milk as confirmed by epidemiological analysis, detection of STEC DNA and isolation of relevant pathogens in milk and sick children fecal specimens. The whole-genome sequencing revealed two groups ofpathogens, E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O101:H33 among collected strains. Group I strains were attributed to the previously known sequence type ST24, while group II strains belonged to the previously non-described sequence type ST145. In strain genomes of both groups there were identified nucleotide sequences of VT2-like prophage carrying stx2c gene, plasmid enterohemolysin gene, and gene of the STEC main adhesion factor intimin. Gene of intimin gamma was identified in E. coli O157:H7 strains and intimin iota 2 in E. coli O101:H33 strains. The latter previously was identified only in enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains., Conclusion: The additional knowledge of epidemiology and biology of STEC pathogens would assist clinicians and epidemiologists in diagnosing, treating and preventing hemorrhagic colitis.

To reveal major principles in system of occupational lung diseases prevention among workers engaged into extraction and usage of chrysotile asbestos, the authors specified main criteria for diagnosis of asbestos-related pulmonary diseases and signs of exposure to chrysotile dust, with identification of risk groups for occupational diseases development. The authors formulated main principles of prevention and rehabilitation for workers with asbestos-related pulmonary diseases. Special attention was paid to harmonization of all medical and technical measures aimed at prevention and liquidation of occupational asbestos-related diseases.

In the paper there are presented the results of a study of anxiety and balance ofparts of autonomous nervous system in healthy children 5-7 years old, residing in different parts of Magnitogorsk. It is shown that state of heightened and high alert was shown to be more common among children living on the left bank of the Urals river around the Magnitogorsk Metallurgical Integrated Plant. In these children an imbalance in the work of the parts of the autonomic nervous system was detected more frequently, at that shifts were observed mainly in the direction to ergotropic tone. At the same time balanced work of the parts of the autonomic nervous system was observed more frequently in children living on the right bank of the Urals river. Discovered psychosomatic features of examined children turned out to be associated with both the social characteristics of family lifestyle and the emotional stress of parents, and the contents of some organic compounds in total snow samples collected in the territories of kindergartens which they attended. One ofthe most significant results ofthe work we consider the detection of a correlation relationship between emotional stress of parents and activity of key enzymes in their children, reflecting the protective and adaptive reactions of the organism. On the basis of these and previously obtained data, we suggest that social and psychological factors of the family are not only a potential source of maladaptation of the child, but, probably, can have an impact on the stability and sensitivity of the genome of children.

Occupational therapy is topical and attracts attention of various medical specialists, for being on junction between clinical, hygienic, social and economical sciences. The authors present major directions of research and practical work of the Institute from its foundation till nowadays.

Background: Complete following existing guidelines for management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is known to be associated with better outcomes. Partly this is explained by lesser adherence to recommendations in high risk patients. Aim of our study was to assess relationship between degree of following current guidelines and in hospital outcomes independently from initial assessment of risk., Methods: Each key recommendation from guidelines issued between 2008 and 2011 (13 for STE ACS, 12 for NSTE ACS) was given weight of 1. Sum of these units constituted index of guideline adherence (IGA). IGA was retrospectively calculated for 1656 patients included in Russian independent ACS registry RECORD-2 (7 hospitals, duration 04.2009 to 04.2011). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to quartiles of IGA distribution: 1) low adherence group (quartiles I-II); 2) high adherence group (quartiles III-IV)., Results: In low adherence compared with high adherence group there were significantly more patients more or equal 65 years (=0.0007), with chronic heart failure [CHF] (<0.0001), previous stroke (<0.0001), atrial fibrillation [AF] (=0.0002), Killip class more or equal II (=0.0065), high risk of death by GRACE score (=0.035). Inhospital mortality was 9.3 and 2.4% in low and high adherence group, respectively (p<0.0001). The following independent predictors of inhospital death were identified: IGA quartiles I-II (odds ratio [OR] 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-7.1; <0.0001), high GRACE score (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.8-6.0; <0.0001), admission systolic BP less or equal 100 mm Hg (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.8-5.4; <0.0001), admission serum glucose more or equal 8 mmol/l (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.8-4.7; <0.0001), age more or equal 65 years (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3-4.0; =0.005), ST elevation more or equal 1 mm on first ECG (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.5; =0.013). From groups with low and high adherence to guidelines we selected pairs of patients (n=588) with similar (or close) age, type of ACS, GRACE score, Killip class, presence of other important risk factors (CHF, AF, previous stroke), and formed 2 equal subgroups without significant differences in important demographic, anamnestic, clinical and laboratory data. Hospital mortality was 7.8 and 2.7% in low and high adherence subgroup, respectively (p<0.0001)., Conclusions: In RECORD-2 ACS registry low adherence to guidelines was more frequent among high risk patients and was independent predictor of inhospital death. Association between degree of guidelines adherence and outcomes persisted after equalizing groups by some factors of risk of mortality.

Aim of the study was to investigate role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in assessment of prognosis of repetitive cardiovascular events during hospital stay of patients with ST-elevation (STE) myocardial infarction (MI). We consecutively included into this study 175 patients with diagnosis of STEMI. Content of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in blood serum was measured at admission and on day 12 after onset of disease. Levels of all MMPs on day 12 were 1.1-1.6 times higher than on day 1 of MI (<0.05). Comparison of groups of patients with favorable and unfavorable outcome showed that patients with unfavorable outcome had higher median concentrations of MMP-3 and MMP-9 on day 1; this tendency was maintained on day 12. However these differences were significant only for MMP-9. Compared with patients with favorable outcome levels of this marker in patients with unfavorable outcome were higher by 19.4% (=0.04) on day 1 and by 48.8% (=0.03) on day 12. At logistic regression analysis for MMP-9 and unfavorable outcomes during hospital stay area under ROC-curve did not exceed 0.5. But when only inhospital deaths were considered 2 for MMP-9 (day 1) was 14.3 (<0.0001) while area under ROC-curve was 0.72 (0.64; 0.78; =0.02). Thus in patients with STEMI high concentrations of MMP-9 on day 1 of STEMI can come forward as independent marker of unfavorable outcome during hospital stay.

The complete nucleotide sequences of more than 100 isolates of PSTVd collected from locations in the territory of Russia and the former USSR have been determined. These sequences represent 42 individual sequence variants, each containing 1-10 mutations with respect to the "intermediate" or type strain of PSTVd (GenBank Acc. No. v01465). Isolates containing 2-5 mutations were the most common, and 24 sequence variants are described here for the first time. Twenty one isolates contained a mutation found only in Russian and Ukrainian isolates of PSTVd up till now; i.e., replacement of the adenine at position 121 with cytosine (A121C). Many of these isolates contained two mutations--deletion of one of the three adenine residues occupying positions 118-120 plus replacement of the adenine at position 121 with either uracil or cytosine (A120, A121U/C). Both combinations of mutations were phenotypically neutral, i.e. symptom expression in Rutgers tomato was unaffected. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of different PSTVd isolates presented in work together with sequences of other naturally-occurring isolates obtained from Internet databases suggesting that known PSTVd isolates may be divided into four groups: i) a group of isolates from potato, tomato and solanaceous ornamentals where the type strain of PSTVd (PSTVd.018) may be considered to represent the ancestral sequence, ii) a group of isolates from potato, tomato and solanaceous ornamentals where PSTVd.123 play the same role as PSTVd.018 for the first group, and iii) a group of potato isolates where PSTVd.125 is a possible ancestral sequence. The fourth and most divergent group of PSTVd isolates differs significantly from these first three groups. The majority of isolates in this group originate from New Zealand and Australia and infect different solanaceous hosts (tomato, pepper, cape gooseberry, potato, and others).

The algorithm for the choice of potentially carcinogenic compounds (PCS) among emitted into air and results of the study, undertaken for realization of this algorithm are presented. The investigation was carried out in Magnitogorsk - Russian town of black metallurgy - in frames of the other study, aimed to evaluation of the influence of atmospheric pollution on children's health and genomic instability. The 11 PCS for further profound study of biological activity were selected out of more than 300 PCS, persisting in the air. The carcinogenic activity for 6 compounds out of these 11 ones was already have been found out before, that testifies correctness of the created approach and its adequacy for detection PCS in atmospheric air.

In the paper the results of a comparative evaluation of the Russian and the standard, recommended by US EPA, factors of population exposure in seven areas of different federal districts of Russia are presented. Concerning the adult population differences reach 3.5 times, for children (1-6 years) - 4.2 times. An example of the effect of regional differences and standard factors on levels of exposure and risk is considered. Promising areas for further research on regional factors to improve the accuracy and reliability of the forecast assessments of the risks to public health have been identified.

Aim: Complex characteristic by phenotype signs and main virulence genes of Yersinia enterocolitica strains circulating in various regions of Russian Federation., Materials and Methods: 46 strains of Y. enterocolitica of 2 - 4 biotypes and 401 strains of Y. enterocolitica IA biotype isolated in 15 administrative territories of Russian Federation (Siberian, Far Eastern, Northwestern, Urals Federal Districts) from infected people, rodents, agricultural animals, birds, the environment were studied. Phagotyping was performed in the reference laboratory of the Pasteur Institute (Paris). All the Y. enterocolitica cultures were studied for the presence of ail, ystB and ystA genes by PCR method. Presence of virulence plasmid pYVwas determined by gel electrophoresis by T. Kieser method., Results: 447 strains of Y. enterocolitica biotype 1A and 2 - 4 were studied. Most of the strains belonged to serotypes O:3; O:9; O: 5; O: 6,30; O:6,31; O:7,8. Phagotyping was performed for part of the strains. Phagotypes Xz and Xo were determined in biotype 1A strains. 2 - 4 biotype strains circulating in Siberia and the Far East were characterized by phagotype VIII, X3 that are present in other countries, and phagotype Xz that is spread only in Russia. Phagotypes IXa, IXb, II that are characteristic for strains from Canada, South Africa, Japan were not detected in Russian Federation. All the strains of 2 - 4 biotypes had ail and ystA genes. Most of the recently isolated strains had pYV. The only pathogenicity factor detected in 81.3% of biotype 1A strains including 14 strains from patients was ystB gene. These infections were accompanied by an expressed clinical symptomatology of enteritis and enterocolitis., Conclusion: Isolation of 1A biotype strains from patients necessitates execution of diagnostic studies of intestinal yersiniosis in patients with diagnosis "acute intestinal infection of undetermined etiology".

The exposure of the combined occupational hazards on the workers of aluminum plants results in the development of the occupational chronic diseases of bronchopulmonary and bone systems and oncopathology. Pathogenetic mechanisms of the toxic exposure of fluorides on the body as well as molecular and cellular structures are presented.

The antioxidant system of blood is the important factor that characterizes the adaptive possibilities of human organism. The estimation of state of the antioxidant protection and lipid peroxidation systems at men and women of two Baikal Lake ethnic groups was carried out. Spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods were used during the study. Increase of by-products of lipid peroxidation with decrease of activity of the antioxidant protection system was observed at men of the Buryat ethnicity in comparison with Russian ones. At women of the Buryat ethnicity was observed the increase of the primary products of lipid peroxidation with the adequate antioxidant response in comparison with Russian ones.