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In medicine, the issue of the use of effective antibacterial substances against drug-resistant microorganisms remains relevant. Most publications on microcins show undoubted prospects for the further development of these pharmacological agents of bacterial origin with multidirectional action (antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, etc.). One of the features of microcins is their specific inhibitory activity against gram-negative microorganisms (Escherichia, Proteus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, etc.). This review aimed to briefly summarize current information about one of the groups of microcins (class II) to assess their possible use in practical medicine and scientific research. The review uses sources from the Russian Science Citation Index, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases.

BACKGROUND: Every year, a steady, progressive increase in the number of atypical chronic, active forms of infections caused by herpesviruses is recorded. Diagnosing and selecting adequate therapeutic strategies for treating these infections present significant difficulties for physicians due to the polysyndromicity and many clinical manifestations. AIMS: This study determines the prevalence of atypical chronic, active infections caused by herpesviruses among patients infected with herpesvirus infections and studies the etiological structural features and clinical manifestations/criteria and signs of atypically occurring chronic forms of herpes viral infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under our supervision at the Clinical and Diagnostic Center Medsi in Belorusskaya (Moscow), 98 patients of both sexes aged 23 to 60 years suffering from atypical chronic, active forms of infections caused by herpesviruses comprised the herpesviruses group. The comparison group consisted of 30 conditionally healthy subjects comparable in sex and age to patients. In addition to traditional methods (history collection, physical examination, general blood test, and others), serodiagnostic methods with ELISA were used to detect herpesvirus infections. ELISA was also used for detecting the genome of viruses in biomaterials. The study was approved by the ethics committee, and all patients received informed consent to participate in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using adequate methods. RESULTS: The study of the etiological structure of herpesvirus infections in patients with atypical chronic, active forms of infections caused by herpesviruses, mixed herpesvirus infections were shown to occur in 83.4% of patients, and mono herpesvirus infections in 16.6% of cases. It was shown that the EpsteinBarr virus was the dominant virus among patients with mono and mixed herpesvirus infections. A high rate of EpsteinBarr virus DNA detection was demonstrated in saliva (84.2%), posterior pharyngeal wall scrapings (73.5%), tonsils (42.9%), urine (12.6%), and blood (8.3%) is a marker of the high replicative activity of the virus. The primary clinical syndromes associated with mono and mixed atypical chronic and active forms of infections caused by herpesviruses were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified and quantitatively assessed the viral load associated with the severity of the course and clinical manifestations of atypical chronic, active forms of infections caused by herpesviruses. Clarifying the features of clinical manifestations and syndromes in patients suffering from various mono and mixed herpesvirus infections will allow us to outline the goals for the further development of an adequate diagnostic algorithm for these atypical forms of herpesvirus infections and the concept of targeted, personalized etio- and immunopathogenetic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs (AMP) is one of the global problems of modern medicine, which poses a serious threat to human health. The formation of the resistance of pathogens to AMP forces us to look for new ways to combat them. Probiotic therapy is one of the promising and safe methods of treating many infectious diseases. AIM: This study assesses the sensitivity of clinical strains of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria and fungi to microorganisms that are part of probiotic preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sensitivity of 93 cultures of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms (UPM) isolated from the feces of patients with intestinal dysbiosis to strains of probiotic bacteria isolated from commercial probiotic preparations was studied: Lactobacillus plantarum 8RA-3, Escherichia coli M-17, Bacillus subtilis strain VKPM B-10641, Enterococcus faecium SF-68, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 by the delayed antagonism method. RESULTS: Pathogenic microorganisms showed low and moderate sensitivity to the probiotic strain of L. plantarum. Sensitivity to the probiotic strain of B. subtilis was detected in Staphylococcus aureus strains, low or completely absent in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Serratia marcescens. The most sensitive to the probiotic strain were clinical strains of E. coli. CONCLUSION: UPM and pathogenic microorganisms isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of patients with dysbiosis have different sensitivity to probiotic strains: from high to several probiotics to its complete absence. The empirical approach to prescribing a probiotic does not guarantee a therapeutic effect, which makes it prudent to individualize the selection of a probiotic based on an assessment of its antimicrobial activity against isolated pathogens.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of the regional features of the etiological structure of nonpolio enterovirus infection before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic were evaluated. AIM: To assess the monitoring of the etiologies of enterovirus infection in the prepandemic and pandemic periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the forms of statistical observation for 20132022 and the results of molecular genetic studies of nonpolio EVI were used. RESULTS: The dynamics of the incidence of enterovirus infection in the KhantyMansi Autonomous Okrug before the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by high activity levels of the epidemic process, exceeding the average for the Russian Federation by 56 times. The urban population, with a predominance of children aged 6 years, mainly contributed to the total incidence of enterovirus infection. During the period with the highest incidence rates in 2017 and 2019, Coxsackie A6 viruses in combination with ECHO30, Coxsackie A9 dominated, and during the period of their decline, the proportion of enterovirus A71, Coxsackie A16 increased. During the pandemic, the calculated trends of dynamics for 2022 were confirmed for dominant viruses and enterovirus A71. In the same year, Coxsackie B2 and ECHO6 viruses were increasingly identified, which were previously circulated irregularly and in isolated cases. The prevalence of CV-A6 in the epidemic process was accompanied by clinical manifestations of infection, mainly as enterovirus vesicular stomatitis, with a high frequency of ECHO30, computer cases were recorded in most cases. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of monitoring the etiological structure of nonpoliomyelitis enterovirus infection in the prepandemic period, a further increase in morbidity in enterovirus infection is predicted in the KhantyMansi Autonomous Okrug. Genotyping of the detected strains makes it possible to determine the spectrum of enterovirus strains endemic to the territory and predict their prevalence, which is necessary to prevent the spread of enterovirus infection and ensure sanitary and epidemiological well-being in the region.

The EAC Guidelines represent the views of the EAC, and were produced after careful consideration of the scientific and medical knowledge, and the evidence available at the time of their publication. The EAC is not responsible in the event of any contradiction, discrepancy, and/or ambiguity between the EAC Guidelines and any other official recommendations or guidelines issued by the relevant public health authorities, in particular in relation to good use of healthcare or therapeutic strategies. Health professionals are encouraged to take the EAC Guidelines fully into account when exercising their clinical judgment, as well as in the determination and the implementation of preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic medical strategies; however, the EAC Guidelines do not override, in any way whatsoever, the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate and accurate decisions in consideration of each patient’s health condition and in consultation with that patient and, where appropriate and/or necessary, the patient’s caregiver. Nor do the EAC Guidelines exempt health professionals from taking into full and careful consideration the relevant official updated recommendations or guidelines issued by the competent public health authorities, in order to manage each patient’s case in light of the scientifically accepted data pursuant to their respective ethical and professional obligations. It is also the health professional’s responsibility to verify the applicable rules and regulations relating to drugs and medical devices at the time of prescription.

Despite of great number of investigations in the area of tinea pedis, question is opened: to what extent dermatophyte fungi are spread among modern population and does their occurrence interrelated with host age? Investigated group included 99 volunteers from 14 to 73 years old. Skin scales were collected from heel area of foot, and signs of heel skin trouble were expressed in points. In contrast to usual laboratory microscope magnification x900 we worked at x1750, what allowed to estimate not only fungal, but bacterial forms too. Average abundances of microbial morphotypes were expressed in points. Heel skin trouble increased in the process of aging (Pirsons` coefficient r=0.954). Bacilli occurred in all persons independently from age, but their abundance increased with aging (0.821). On the contrary cocci were more common and abundant in young person`s feet (-0.620). Occurrence of dermatophytes increased with age (0.891), at that relatively high values took place in young persons (10.5% with mycelium and 73.7% with spores) and in group without any heel skin trouble symptoms (7.7% and 76.9%), what allow to refer these fungi to normal habitats of foot skin.

Community-acquired bloodstream infections (CBSIs) occur in the out-of-hospital setting (44%) and increase the overall mortality from bloodstream infections (BSIs) by 7.2% per year. The development of CBSIs depends on both comorbid and polymorbid diseases and the patients’ age. The causes of CBSIs are: respiratory, hepatobiliary gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and dental interventions. The etiology of CBSIs is characterized by the isolation of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) (32%), E. coli (27%). To investigate community-acquired bloodstream infection in therapeutic patients. The study included out-of-hospital patients (n=382). 4.5 ml of blood were taken intravenously into a closed vacuum system in order to obtain a buffy coat of blood, which was put on glasses for microscopy and Petri dishes with blood agar for cultivating under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Microorganisms were identified by mass spectrometry. Microscopy of blood smears was used for rapid diagnosis of infection in the bloodstream. BSI was diagnosed in 183 (48.0%) out of 382 out-of-hospital patients. The etiology of CBSIs was studied on 297 isolated strains of microorganisms. CBSIs rather often complicated the underlying disease in women and young people. The spectrum of CBSI pathogens included aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. Gram-positive cocci with the leadership of S.epidermidis (25.7%) were more often isolated among bacteria. 70% of all isolated pathogens grew under anaerobic conditions. CBSIs were characterized by polymicrobiality (33.5%) of two to four different microorganisms in one blood culture; the species of associates of polymicrobial blood cultures are shown. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed microorganisms in 97.1% of cases, including associations of bacteria with fungi (66.9%). CBSIs occurred after contour plastic, in diseases of the respiratory system, genitourinary system, oral cavity, skin and subcutaneous tissue. Microbiological examination of the buffy coat is an alternative microbiological method of CBSIs diagnosis, which includes microscopy and blood cultivating and has a high diagnostic efficiency (97.1% and 48% respectively). It can become an option for replacing imported blood culture automated systems.

The widespread use of traditional removable prosthetics is explained by the relative simplicity of the technological stages of manufacture and determines its availability. The development of prosthetic stomatitis of the oral cavity is facilitated by poor fixation and stabilization of removable orthopedic structures. Microbiome biofilms formed on the surface of dental orthopedic structures can help reduce their service life and cause an inflammatory process of the oral cavity of microbial etiology during dental prosthetics in the process of orthopedic rehabilitation. The purpose of the study: to assess the level of adaptation of patients during orthopedic rehabilitation based on the study of the microbiome and the assessment of the degree of fixation of removable lamellar dentures. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the microbiome of prostheses at the stages of orthopedic pealitation were assessed; facultative anaerobic species belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Klebsiella prevailed;noted the elimination of microorganisms of the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacterium, yeast-like fungi of the species Candida albicans were isolated. An analysis of the index of fixation of prostheses showed an increase depending on the duration of use; a good level of fixation of prostheses was established in groups of patients.

The relationship between multiple sclerosis and the state of the human microbiome was studied, namely, the change in the representation of microbiota phylotypes, the proportion of coccal flora, the proportion of anaerobic, gram-negative, proteolytically active microflora, as well as the concentration of markers of bacterial plasmalogen and endotoxin in the blood. Microbiome studies were carried out by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry of microbial markers in the blood. A statistically significant increase in blood concentrations of the total level of microbial markers of bacterial plasmalogen and endotoxin was determined in multiple sclerosis, which may be associated with an increase in the permeability of the intestinal wall. In multiple sclerosis, the proportion of coccal, gram-negative, anaerobic microflora with a proteolytic type of metabolic activity increases. The correlations of the representation of microbiota phylotypes change due to the switching of the direct relationship Proteobacteria-Bacteroides to Proteobacteria-Firmicutes. In multiple sclerosis, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria increase and Firmicutes decrease. Conclusion. The multiple sclerosis disease may be associated with pathological changes in the structure of the microbiome and the growth of endotoxemia, which may be one of the factors in the pathogenesis of the disease. New laboratory markers for diagnosing and predicting the course of MS have been proposed.

The Ebola epidemic, the spread of HIV infection, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate warming, the activation of natural foci of dangerous infections, the destabilization of the situation in the world, and the threat of bioterrorism are the realities of today. Threats to biological safety are caused by the activation in the last decade of a number of biological risks, such as an increase in the probability of importation into the territory of the Russian Federation of rare or previously unknown infections, in particular polio caused by wild poliovirus, malaria, cholera, tuberculosis, and so forth; activation of natural foci of dangerous and especially dangerous infections; the spread of infections associated with the provision of medical care; the possibility of accidents or sabotage at facilities where work is carried out with pathogenic microorganisms, biological terrorism in all its manifestations. Increasing the readiness of medical organizations to counter biological threats is one of the priorities for improving the biological security system of the country. The readiness of medical organizations is based on timely and effective sanitary and anti-epidemic (preventive) measures to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, including those capable of causing sanitary and epidemiological emergencies, and ensuring the safety of the population living in the adjacent territory. This article is devoted to the issues of readiness of medical organizations to carry out measures in an emergency situation of a sanitary-epidemiological (biological) nature. Special attention is paid to the algorithm of actions of a medical worker in identifying a patient with cholera and smallpox monkeys.

Introduction. Listeria monocytogenes is an important human pathogen causing various forms of listeriosis, including foodborne infections, meningitis, neonatal sepsis, and abortion. Listeria are common all over the world.The purpose of the study was to conduct microbiological monitoring of L. monocytogenes in water reservoirs near livestock premises in the Vologda district of the Vologda region.Materials and methods. Bacterial cultures were isolated using two methods, titration and filtration, followed by analysis using methods of conventional bacteriology, serotyping, and species identification by instrumental procedures such as whole genome sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis.Results. Three isolates of L. monocytogenes and one isolate of Listeria innocua were isolated from 12 analyzed water samples (wastewater — 6, river water — 4, and storm water — 2 samples). whole genome sequencing of three L. monocytogenes strains attributed them to the evolutionary line II, and to three sequence types and two serogroups ST425(1/2a-3a), ST20(1/2a-3a), ST7 (4a-4c). The strains are shown to belong to multiple drug resistant ones conferring resistance to three functional groups of antibacterials such as tetracyclines, macrolides, and sulfonamides. Antibiotic resistance genes (fox, psp-like, lin,norB,sul), virulence Islands LIPI-1 and LIPI-2, and virulence genes inlABCJ, oatA, ami, gtcA, vip, and lisK in genomes of the strain were identified. Stress tolerance Island SSI-1 was identified in one strain.Conclusions. The data obtained indicate contamination of water sources near the livestock premises with L. monocytogenes strains possessing high pathogenic potentiality for outbreaks of listeriosis in humans. This shows the necessity of careful monitoring of water sources for the presence of the causative agent of listeriosis as well as the implementing of anti-epidemic measures.

BACKGROUND: Despite the proven importance of secondary bacterial infections influencing the severity of viral respiratory diseases, their etiology is still not well understood. There is a gap in knowledge about the nature, frequency, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial pathogens in the current COVID-19 pandemic. AIM: To describe the species spectrum of microorganisms in patients of the COVID-19 Hospital on the basis of a multidisciplinary federal medical institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical samples (blood, lower respiratory tract discharge, urine, other biological materials) from patients with COVID-19 who were treated at the COVID-19 Hospital at a multidisciplinary federal medical institution were obtained and processed. RESULTS: The bacteriological laboratory received 1821 samples of biomaterial from 452 patients, microorganisms were isolated from 620 (38.0%) samples. Most of the biomaterial was represented by blood 35.9% and discharge from the lower respiratory tract 31.7%. The structure of microorganisms was dominated by Candida albicans 19.7%, Staphylococcus aureus 10.2%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 10.1%, Enterococcus faecalis 7.9%. At the beginning of the period of operation of the Hospital, the most frequently identified microorganisms were S. aureus and Haemophilus influenzae 19.7% and 7.9%, respectively, while in the final period there was a change in the spectrum of microorganisms to nosocomial ESKAPE -pathogens with multiple drug resistance, the structure was dominated by Acinetobacter baumannii 24.3%. Antibiotic consumption in the hospital increased from 18.3 DDD/100 patient days in 2019 to 28.8 DDD/100 patient days in 2020. CONCLUSION: Significant colonization of various loci of patients with COVID-19 by fungi of the genus Candida was revealed. There has been a change in the microbial spectrum of infectious agents from community-acquired (H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae) to nosocomial ESKAPE pathogens with multiple drug resistance. The consumption of antibiotics has increased significantly.

In 1999, at the conference of the European Working Group on Nosocomial Infections, the term "bloodstream infection" was proposed in the presence of clinical symptoms and microorganisms in the bloodstream. The first classification of bloodstream infection consisted of 3 categories: hospital, iatrogenic and out-of-hospital. Then theywere classified into 5 categories. At the same time, bloodstream infection that occurred during the first 48 hours after the patient's admission to the medical organization were divided into 4 groups (AD). "Group C" included bacteremia associated with invasive procedures and was classified into 5 subgroups. The number of episodes of IR. The number of episodes of bloodstream infection in the world is growing depending on the geographical location of the country (from 1995 to 2002 increased by 40%, by 2007 ― by 14.3%). Among the sources of infection, the role of the respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, urogenital and urinary tracts, the presence of intravascular devices and pneumonia. Bloodstream infection is characterized by frequent infestation of men, staphylococcal etiology, catheter-association, and the presence of comorbid diseases. Re-episodes of Gram-negative bloodstream infection are more likely to occur within 3 months. Until 2004, Staphylococcus aureus was the leading pathogen of bloodstream infection; after 2005, Escherichia coli dominated. These two pathogens succeeded each other in different years. Currently, pathogens of bloodstream infection in patients with therapeutic profile are gram-positive cocci, including CNS, S. aureus, enterococci, fungi and anaerobes. Bloodstream infection is characterized by polymicrobiality (35.7%), including bacterial-fungal (22%).

Currently, spermogram parameters are routine criteria for assessing male fertility. There are two methods of semen analysis: traditional manual and automated. The concentration of spermatozoa of various motility categories is important in predicting physiological conception, as well as in choosing fertilization methods in assisted reproductive technology programs. The introduction of automatic semen analyzers has shown that their use can be considered as an alternative to the routine manual analysis method, which can contribute to laboratory standardization. Initially, these devices demonstrated difficulty in accurately indicating sperm concentration due to the presence of sperm aggregation and large amounts of cellular debris. In the present study, the main focus was on the analysis of sperm concentration by manual and automated methods. A total of 50 sperm samples were analyzed from patients participating in assisted reproductive technology programs. Manual analysis was performed in a Makler's chamber according to the standard method in 10 small squares. The motility of each spermatozoon was classified into categories. Automated analysis was carried out using the CASA sperm analyzer computer analysis system (MICROPTIC, Spain), which uses the principle of microscopic imaging and processing to detect motile and immobile spermatozoa through fast and consistent images. Statistical methods for independent variables were chosen to evaluate the obtained data. As part of the study, by the method of determining confidence intervals, a statistically significant difference was found between automated and standard or manual methods of analysis when evaluating spermatozoa with the highest speed of 0,025 mm/sec and rectilinear and translational movement, as well as with a lower speed, either aging or with broken morphology. Most likely, this is due to the objective difficulty of visual assessment of spermatozoa of such motility categories. The data obtained suggest that automated analysis has a higher degree of objectivity in assessing mobile biological objects, in particular male germ cells.

The development of mycotic colonization of the base surface with further biodegradation of acrylic plastics is currently of undoubted interest. The oral cavity is a favorable ecological niche for colonization by fungi and their subsequent possible invasion into the epithelium of the oral mucosa. The method of modulation interference laser microscopy is of considerable interest to researchers in medicine in the context of obtaining the necessary information about the morphological characteristics of microbial cells and the microbiome community as a whole during the colonization of a certain ecological niche in the human body. Purpose of the study: to analyze the microrelief of the biofilm of yeast-like fungi of the species Candida albicans of base plastics of the hot type of polymerization using the method of laser modulation interference microscopy. An experimental study was carried out in order to study biofilms of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida on samples of basic plastics, an image of a biofilm of yeast-like fungi of the species Candida albicans was obtained on the surface of a plastic of a hot type of polymerization (polymethyl methacrylate) in the visualization of the phase portrait, a description of its horizontal and vertical bioprofile. As a result of the research, the heterogeneous structure of the biofilm was determined, due to the different density and accumulation of cells along the surface, the characteristics of the surface were established in accordance with the roughness criteria. The microrelief parameters on a separately arbitrarily selected section line allow one to determine the characteristics of the biofilm in the required area and make it possible to judge the nature of its formation in a certain biological niche.

Results from research on isolation, identification, and study of biological properties of L. monocytogenes clinical isolates and Listeria spp test strains are presented. Peculiarities of modern research methods for indicating and identifying pathogenic listeria to improve the quality of laboratory studies of clinical material are studied. The culture method provides reliable results of microbiological analyses upon detecting Listeria spp. The presented list and algorithm of the laboratory diagnostic methods can be used as a basis for elaborating regulatory documents for carrying out microbiological research on any biological material for the presence of bacteria of the genus Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes species in it.

BACKGROUND: In modern conditions of the development of healthcare and humanity as a whole, the prevention of healthcare associated infections is one of the global world problems. Identification of risk factors for the development of infections associated with the provision of medical care in patients in various types of medical organizations is an integral part of epidemiological surveillance. To determine the health index of a nation, it is enough to indicate the level of infectious morbidity, in the formation of which healthcare associated infections plays an important role. Currently, the attention of medical workers of various specialties is attracted to this problem: hygienists, health care organizers, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and heads of nursing staff. AIM of this study was to identify possible risk factors for the development of healthcare associated infections in puerperas and newborns in the perinatal center in Makhachkala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective, observational, single-center, continuous study was conducted based on the data of birth histories and individual maps of the development of newborns. The main group consisted of 125 puerperas and newborns with signs of HL. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive results of bacteriological examination of puerperas and newborns. The sanitary and hygienic background of the hospital was determined by samples of swabs from the surfaces of equipment, inventory, medical products, underwear and bed linen, dishes, hands of staff and puerperas. RESULTS: It has been established that possible risk factors for the development of infections associated with the provision of medical care in newborns and maternity hospitals include the carrying of hospital ecovars of microorganisms in workers of all categories; contamination by conditionally pathogenic microorganisms of various surfaces of the hospital environment, equipment, tools, inventory; invasive medical and diagnostic interventions (vascular catheterization, urinary tract, endoscopic studies, transfusions, punctures, injections), artificial lung ventilation, artificial feeding, etc. The multiplicity and duration of procedures are important. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening control over the epidemiological safety of medical care using the risk assessment of hospital infections, as well as strengthening microbiological monitoring of circulating strains of topical pathogens are leading in the prevention of infections associated with the provision of medical care.

We present a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy characterized as acute transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction in a patient with persistent atrial fibrillation, that occurred after cryoballoon pulmonary vein ablation procedure.

The work characterizes the intestinal microbiota of patients with ischemic stroke, including the spectrum, frequency and number of microorganisms, as well as the spectrum and amount of gas signaling molecules secreted by lactobacilli. It was found that in patients with ischemic stroke, the frequency of the main representatives of normal microflora, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Escherichia coli, decreased in 2-3 times, and the same time the prevalence of Clostridia spp., Bacillus spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Klebsiella spp. increased in 2-3 times; yeast like fungi C. albicans was isolated in 25% of cases. Lactobacilli isolated from the intestinal microbiota of patients with ischemic stroke were represented by a wide variety of species: L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, L. plantarum, L. brevis, L. pentosus, L. curvatus, L. salivarius. In most cases, they did not produce NO, they released CO 2 times less compared to healthy people. The most active NO producers - L. plantarum, CO - L. rhamnosus.

The purpose of this work was the examination of microstructural evolution during the fabrication of an Al/Al2O3 composite by friction stir processing (FSP). In order to obtain new insight into this process, a longitudinal section of the produced composite was studied, and advanced characterization techniques (including electron backscatter diffraction and microhardness mapping) were applied. It was found that the reinforcing particles rapidly rearranged into the “onion-ring” structure, which was very stable against the subsequent dispersion. Specifically, the remnants of the comparatively coarse-scale particle agglomerations have survived even after 12 FSP passes. Therefore, it was concluded that three or four FSP passes, which are often applied in practice, are not sufficient to provide a homogeneous dispersion of the reinforcing particles. It was also revealed that the gradual distribution of the nanoscale Al2O3 particles throughout the aluminum matrix promoted a subtle reduction in both the portion of high-angle boundaries and the average grain size. These observations were attributed to the particle pinning of grain-boundary migration and dislocation slip.

Aim.We aimed to assess safety and effectiveness of class III antiarrhythmic drug Refralon for conversion of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and flutter (AFl) in post-registration trial and to compare data of primary center (National medical research center in cardiology) with data of other hospitals.Material and Methods. We performed retrospective cohort study in 727 patients (451 enrolled in primary center and 276 enrolled in other hospitals) admitted between June 24, 2014 and June 24, 2019. Refralon was administered for conversion of AFib and AFl in intense care units in escalating doses (10-30 micrograms/kg) intravenously.Results.Conversion of AFib and AFl into sinus rhythm was achieved in 53,6% after administration of 10 mcg/kg dose, in 73% after administration of 20 mcg/kg dose and in 91,6% after administration of Refralon in dose up to 30 mcg/kg. No mortality and no major adverse cardiac events registered in our study. Asystole >3.0 sec observed in 5% (35 of 727) of patients): in 5% (24 of 451) of patients enrolled in primary center and in 4% (11 of 276) of patients enrolled in other hospitals; 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.09; 0.113]. Asystole> 5.0 s observed in 1.7% of patients who further required non-urgent implantation of a permanent pacemaker due to manifestations of sinus node dysfunction. Cardiac conduction disturbances (exclusively sinus bradycardia) were registered in 7% (53 of 727) patients: in 8% (37 of 451) of patients enrolled in primary center and in 6% (17 of 276) of patients enrolled in other hospitals; 95% CI: [-0.1; 0.15]. Only 0.14% of patients had symptomatic sinus bradycardia that resolved after atropine injection. Ventricular arrhythmias (exclusively Torsade de pointes tachycardia in excessive QT interval prolongation) were registered in 1.7% (12 of 727) patients: in 2% (9 of 451) of patients in primary center and in 1% (3 of 276) of patients of other hospitals; 95% CI: [-0.06; 0.08]. QTc interval prolongation to values >500 ms documented in 19% (138 of 727) of patients: in 21% (95 of 451) of patients in primary center and in 16% (43 of 276) of patients in other hospitals; 95% CI: [-0.13; 0.24].Conclusion:In post-registration multicenter trial Refralon demonstrated good safety profile in conversion of AFib and AFl. Potential risk of TdP tachycardia mandates precautions with the use of the drug. In other hospitals Refralon did not demonstrate lower safety than in primary medical center.

We present two cases of successful pharmacological cardioversion using antiarrhythmic drug refralon in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein cryoablation and ineffective electrical cardioversion. These clinical cases represent the first experience of successful use of refralon in patients who underwent cryoablation.

The concentration of bacterial plasmalogen 18a and endotoxin in the blood of elderly people 45-90 years old with the pathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) - the main group and without diabetes mellitus - the comparison group was investigated. The concentration of both plasmalogen 18a and endotoxin in the blood of individuals with DM 2 pathology is statistically significantly higher than in the blood of individuals without DM 2 pathology. To assess the state of microbiocenosis and predict type 2 diabetes mellitus, decisive rules have been determined in the form of threshold values of plasma concentrations 18a and endotoxin in the blood of elderly people with a suspected or established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Using ROC analysis, it was found that values above 20.66 μg / ml for plasmalogen 18a, and 0.48 nmol / ml for endotoxin, determine the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus pathology in the 45-90 age group.

A concept of the front-end system of the XCELS (eXawatt Center for Extreme Light Studies) facility is presented. Its design is aimed at achieving high stability of laser radiation parameters and possibility of their control in a wide range. Optically synchronised chirped signal (wavelength 910 nm, bandwidth more than 100 nm, and duration ∼3 ns) and pump (wavelength 1054 nm, bandwidth ∼1 nm, and duration ∼4 ns) pulses for XCELS parametric amplifiers will be implemented at the output of the front-end system. Chirped femtosecond pulses with energies above 100 mJ [no more than 15 fs long after compression, with carrier-envelope phase (CEP) stabilisation] will have a repetition rate up to 100 Hz, which will allow one to implement active energy stabilisation and to minimise the angular jitter of the emitted beam at the XCELS output. The application of picosecond pumping in the parametric amplifier of the front-end system should provide a high contrast of femtosecond pulses. The pump pulse will be linearly frequency-modulated; this approach will not affect the parametric amplification efficiency but make it possible to use spectral methods to control the pump pulse shape in order to form a pulse of specified shape at the output of power amplifiers, even under conditions of their strong saturation.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the modified refralon administration protocol for the relief of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).The study included 39 patients (19 men, mean age 6312.8 years). All patients, after excluding contraindications in the intensive care unit, were injected intravenously with refralon at an initial dose of 5 mg/kg. If AF was preserved and there were no contraindications, after 15 min, repeated administration was performed at a dose of 5 mg/kg (total dose of 10 mg/kg). After another 15 min, while maintaining AF and the absence of contraindications, the third injection of the drug was performed at a dose of 10 mg/kg (total dose of 20 mg/kg). In the absence of relief and the absence of contraindications, another injection of refralon at a dose of 10 mg/kg was performed after another 15 min (in this case, the maximum total dose of 30 mg/kg was reached). After each injected bolus and before the introduction of the next one, the ECG parameters and the general condition of the patient were assessed. The patient was monitored for 24 hours to exclude the arrhythmogenic effect and other possible adverse events.Restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) was noted in 37 patients out of 39 (95%). Of these, 19 people (48.7%) had SR recovery after the administration of a minimum dose of refralone of 5 mg/kg. The effectiveness of the total dose of 10 mg/kg was 76.9%, the dose of 20 mg/kg was 89.7%, and the dose of 30 mg/kg was 95%. Only two patients did not recover HR after administration of the maximum dose of refralon 30 mg/kg. Pathological prolongation of the QTc interval (500 ms) was recorded in 5% of patients. Not a single case of ventricular arrhythmogenic action (induction of Torsade de pointes) has been reported. Bradyarrhythmias (pauses, bradycardia) were registered in 13% of cases, were of a transient nature.Refralon has a high efficiency of relief (95%) of paroxysmal AF, while in almost half of cases (48.7%), SR recovery is achieved using the minimum dose of refralon 5 mg/kg. Despite the prolongation of the QTc500 ms recorded in 5% of cases, none of the patients developed Torsade de pointes after administration of the drug.Цель. Оценка эффективности и безопасности применения модифицированного протокола введения Рефралона для купирования пароксизмальной формы фибрилляции предсердий (ФП). Материалы и методы. В исследование включены 39 больных (из них 19 мужчин, средний возраст 6312,8 года). Всем пациентам после исключения противопоказаний в условиях блока интенсивной терапии вводился внутривенно Рефралон в первоначальной дозе 5 мкг/кг. При сохранении ФП и отсутствии противопоказаний через 15 мин производили повторное введение в дозе 5 мкг/кг (суммарная доза 10 мкг/кг). Еще через 15 мин при сохранении ФП и отсутствии противопоказаний производили третье введение препарата в дозе 10 мкг/кг (суммарная доза 20 мкг/кг). При отсутствии купирования и противопоказаний еще через 15 мин производили еще одно введение Рефралона в дозе 10 мкг/кг (в этом случае достигалась максимальная суммарная доза 30 мкг/кг). После каждого введенного болюса и перед введением последующего проводилась оценка параметров электрокардиограммы и общего состояния пациента. Наблюдение за пациентом продолжалось в течение 24 ч для исключения аритмогенного эффекта и других возможных нежелательных явлений. Результаты. У 37 (95%) из 39 пациентов отмечено восстановление синусового ритма (СР). Из них у 19 (48,7%) человек восстановление СР произошло после введения минимальной дозы Рефралона 5 мкг/кг. Эффективность суммарной дозы 10 мкг/кг составила 76,9%, дозы 20 мкг/кг 89,7%, дозы 30 мкг/кг 95%. Лишь у 2 пациентов восстановления СР после введения максимальной дозы Рефралона 30 мкг/кг не произошло. Патологическое удлинение интервала QTc (500 мс) регистрировалось у 5% больных. Не зарегистрировано ни одного случая желудочкового аритмогенного действия (индукции Torsade de pointes). Брадиаритмии (паузы, брадикардия) зарегистрированы в 13% случаев и носили преходящий характер. Заключение. Рефралон обладает высокой эффективностью (95%) купирования пароксизмальной формы ФП, при этом почти в 1/2 (48,7%) случаев восстановление СР достигается при использовании минимальной дозы Рефралона 5 мкг/кг. Несмотря на зарегистрированное в 5% случаев удлинение интервала QTc (500 мс), ни у одного из больных после введения препарата не отмечалось развития Torsade de pointes.

A PCR assay has been developed to identify the DNA of the human herpes virus type 7. The search and selection of conserved regions was carried out by comparing the whole genome nucleotide sequences of HHV-7. A fragment duplicated in the HHV-7 genomes was chosen as a target for amplification. The performance of the assay was tested on a synthetic matrix and clinical samples. The developed assay has high sensitivity and specificity and showed good efficiency in detecting HHV-7 DNA in clinical samples.

The purpose of the work is to evaluate the cultural and morphological properties of colonies of clinically significant corynebacteria on culture mediums for the isolation of corynebacteria. The study used 9 culture mediums for the isolation of corynebacteria: a culture medium for the isolation of corynebacteria (Corynebacagar); Tellurite-containing blood agars on base - Culture medium № 1 GRM, Culture agar for the cultivation of microorganisms (GRM agar), Culture medium for determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibacterial preparations - AGV, culture agar for the cultivation of dry microorganisms (SPA), Clauberg medium II, Hoyle Medium agar (Oxoid), Blood agar base (Conda), Columbia Agar Base (Conda). The work used 7 test strains of microorganisms from the State collections of pathogenic microorganisms - C. diphtheriae biovars gravis, mitis, intermedius, belfanti and subspecies lausannense, C. ulcerans and C.pseudotuberculosis. Studies were carried out in accordance with MUK 4.2.3065-13 «Laboratory diagnosis of diphtheria infection». We describe culture-morphological properties of strains on all tested culture mediums the isolation of corynebacteria after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Analysis of the results on the growth properties of culture mediums showed that all culture mediums had high sensitivity - from dilution 10-7 for all test strains. Colonies of corynebacteria were visually detected on culture mediums after 19-20 hours of cultivation. When cultivating a suspension of corynebacteria from breeding 10-6 on culture mediums, the number of colonies ranged from 95±5 to 120±10. Conclusion. All culture mediums had differential diagnostic properties that ensure the growth of corynebacteria after the day of incubation.

The investigation aims - a quantitative assessment of cervical surface changes with digital analysis and computer technologies in dysplasia. Colposcopy was made in 90 women from 21 to 52 years (avr. age 33,9±8,13 y.o.) with mild epithelial dysplasia (CIN1), moderate dysplasia (CIN2), severe dysplasia (CIN3). The algorithm detected indicators which provide the cervical dysplasia classification on pre cytological and pre molecular-genetic patients investigations. The outcome of an algorithm was the identification of the cervix surface condition severity by an objective quantification. The cervical dysplasia type (CIN) was classified as IndGV values. The mild dysplasia (CIN1) had IndGV=8,5, moderate dysplasia (CIN2) - IndGV=13, severe dysplasia (CIN3) - IndGV=15,6. The cervical affected surface area (IndInt) equalled 0,17 in CIN1, 0,19 in CIN2, 0,22 in CIN3. A change severity has a direct relation with a grey color value. It demonstrates quantify classification in digital analysis. The algorithm is used in real-time mode and no requires considerable material outlays. This makes it possible to use an algorithm after clinical examination and predict patient management.

The destruction of a superinsulating state by pulsed voltage in thin NbTiN films is studied. A delay of the destruction of the superinsulating state after the rising edge of the pulse is discovered. The time of recovery and the time of destruction of the superinsulating state are determined.

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of quality control of transport environments in accordance with the requirements of domestic and international standards using aerobic and optional anaerobic microorganisms. The results of a comparative assessment of the survival of 10 strains of aerobic and optional anaerobic microorganisms after storage in the semi-liquid transport environment of Ames for 24 and 48 hours at temperatures (4-8)0 C and (20-25)0 C in accordance with the requirements of domestic and international standards are presented. The methodology described in ICC 4.2.2316 causes a number of technical difficulties leading to non-reproducible results. The survival rate of microorganisms in semi-liquid transport environments under ISO 11133-2016 is of high quality. The quantitative assessment is based on two Swab Elution and Roll Plate methods recommended by the CLSI M40-A2 standard.

Aim.We aimed to assess safety and effectiveness of class III antiarrhythmic drug Refralon for conversion of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and flutter (AFl) in post-registration trial and to compare data of primary center (National medical research center in cardiology) with data of other hospitals.Material and Methods. We performed retrospective cohort study in 727 patients (451 enrolled in primary center and 276 enrolled in other hospitals) admitted between June 24, 2014 and June 24, 2019. Refralon was administered for conversion of AFib and AFl in intense care units in escalating doses (10-30 mcg/kg) intravenously. Primary endpoints: restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) within 24 hours after the start of infusion of the study drug in a total dose of up to 30 pg / kg; registration of SR on an electrocardiogram (ECG) 24 hours after the start of the study drug infusion. Secondary endpoints: restoration of SR after infusion of the study drug at a dose of 10 pg / kg; restoration of SR after infusion of the studied drug in a total dose of up to 20 pg / kg; no recurrence of AFib/AFl after restoration of AFl within 24 hours of observation after the start of the study drug infusion.Results.Conversion to SR was achieved in 53,6% (391 of 727) after administration of 10 mcg/kg dose, in 73% (531 of 727) after administration of 20 mcg/kg dose and in 91,6% (666 of 727) after administration in dose up to 30 mcg/kg. SR was restored in 89% (402 of 451) of patients in primary center, and in 96% (264 of 276) of patients in other hospitals; 95% confidence interval (CI): (-0,1;-0,03). SR preserved 24 hours after conversion in 98% (650 of 666) successfully converted patients. In primary center SR preserved in 97% (390 of 402) successfully converted patients. In other hospitals - in 98,5% (260 of 264) successfully converted patients. 95 CI: (-0,09;0,06).Conclusion:In post-registration multicenter trial Refralon demonstrated high effectiveness in conversion of AFib and AFl to SR. In other hospitals Refralon did not demonstrate lower effectiveness than in primary medical center.

Bloodstream infection (BI) is the cause of high mortality. Hospital bloodstream infection (HBI) complicates hemodialysis, pneumonia, oncohematological diseases. Positive hemoculture obtaining depends on the volume of blood inoculation, the number of blood samples, the incubation time. To test the principles of microbiological culturomics in the diagnosis BI of hospital patients with a therapeutic profile. 848 hospital cardiac patients with suspected BI were included. 10 ml of blood were taken intravenously with a syringe, blood was inoculated into 200 ml of the heart-brain medium (HBM) in an anaerobic bottle. It was incubated for 7 or more days in a thermostat at +37º C. The hemocultures were obtained in 64.3% of cases with paired blood sampling with an interval of 30 minutes whereas an increase in the number of blood samples reduced the effectiveness of obtaining hemocultures to 9.1%. When incubating bottles for more than 7 days there were obtained 200 additional hemocultures containing 239 strains of microorganisms. Episodes of HBI were observed more often in the cases of the circulatory system (77.8%), including infectious endocarditis (IE) (47.0%), rheumatism (22.1%), myocarditis (14.6%). Episodes of HBI occurred more often in men with IE and coronary heart disease, in women - with rheumatism and myocarditis. Patients aged 45-75 were in the group of risk with a probability of complications of HBI up to 73.7%. When examining the blood of 848 hospital patients of cardiological profile HBI was detected in 38.3% of cases. Among clinical isolates gram-positive cocci with a great number S.epidermidis prevailed. Polymicrobial hemocultures (16.3%) were characterized by two and three associates in one blood sample. Among the hematological indicators in HBI there were: leukocytosis, increased ESR, lymphocytosis, decreased hemoglobin; increased values of fibrinogen, CRP, γ-globulin, α2-globulin, low levels of total protein and A/G coefficient. The techniques of microbiological culturomics were used. HBI was diagnosed in 38.3% of the therapeutic patients of cardiological profile. The etiology of HBI was characterized by polymicrobicity in 16.3% of cases. Hematological markers of HBI were identified.

The results of evaluating the effectiveness of the use of liquid transport media at the preanalytical stage of bacteriological diagnosis of diphtheria infection are presented. A typical toxigenic strain of C. diphtheriae biovar gravis № 665 was used. The experiments were carried out using a laboratory-prepared medium based on GRM-broth (State research center for applied biotechnology and microbiology, Obolensk), a transport system with a fleecy probe swab (DELTALAB) and a transport system ∑-Transwab ® with a polyurethane Sigma-swab (Medical Wire & Equipment Co. (Bath) Ltd.). The tampons were pooled with a 24-hour bacterial culture of C. diphtheriae, then immediately seeded on Tellurite-containing blood agar. Storage conditions were simulated for 6-24 hours: at room conditions +(20-25)° C, in the refrigerator +(4-8)° C, in a thermostat +(37±1)° C. Storage of C. diphtheriae was most optimal on two liquid transport systems in a refrigerator +(4-8)° C for 6 and 24 hours; in room conditions +(20-25)° C - there was a decrease in seeding after 6 hours and loss of pathological material after 24 hours, more pronounced on a fleecy probe swab; under thermostat conditions +(37±1)° C on both transport systems, a decrease in seeding was noted after 6 hours and a complete loss of pathological material after 24 hours. The results obtained demonstrated the efficiency of using the Amies liquid transport medium and justify the need to develop a domestic analogue of the transport system based on the Amies liquid medium for the bacteriological diagnosis of diphtheria infection.

The microbiome of oral cavity in healthy people and patients with periodontitis was analyzed to determine their adhesive properties and the ability to form biofilms. The study involved 2 groups: healthy, 18 people, and an experimental group, 20 patients with chronic generalized periodontitis moderate severity of the disease. The average age of the studied people was 35-45 years. Material - dental plaque, scraping from the mucous membrane of the back of the tongue, the contents of the periodontal groove and periodontal pocket, as well as oral fluid. The main method of diagnostic was bacteriological. The average adhesion index (AAI) was used to determine adhesion level of microorganisms to epithelial cells of oral cavity’s mucous membrane. The microbiota’s ability to form biofilm was tested on glass and plastic surface. The microbiota of oral cavity of patients with periodontitis was characterized by decrease in the frequency of bacteria of the genera: Streptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Peptococcus, and an increase in Staphylococcus aureus, Veillonella spp., Bacillus spp. The microbiota of the oral cavity of patients with generalized periodontitis has a greater ability to adhere to the cells of the mucous membrane than in healthy people, while their ability to form biofilms and exhibit pathogenic properties is enhanced. The biofilm formation of microorganisms in healthy and sick people differs both on glass and on plastic surfaces.

A new series of Ba2RE2Ge4O13 (RE = Pr, Nd, Gd, Dy) germanates and Ba2Gd2−xEuxGe4O13 (x = 0.1–0.8) solid solutions have been synthesized using the solid-state reaction technique and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. All compounds crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, Z = 4. The crystal lattice consists of RE2O12 dimers, zigzag C2-symmetric [Ge4O13]10− tetramers, and ten-coordinated Ba atoms located in voids between polyhedra. The density-functional theory (DFT) calculations performed on a rich set of Ba2RE2Ge4O13 compounds have confirmed the high thermodynamic stability of monoclinic modification. Under ultraviolet (UV) light excitation Ba2Gd2−xEuxGe4O13 phosphors exhibit an orange-red emission corresponding to the characteristic f–f transitions in Eu3+ ions. The highest intensity of lines at 580 nm (5D0 → 7F0), 582–602 nm (5D0 → 7F1), 602–640 nm (5D0 → 7F2), 648–660 nm (5D0 → 7F3), and 680–715 nm (5D0 → 7F4) is observed for the samples with x = 0.4–0.6. The possibility of their application has been assessed by studying their color characteristics, quantum efficiency, and thermal stability. The obtained data indicate that Ba2Gd2−xEuxGe4O13 solids can be considered as promising materials for UV-excited phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (LEDs) if an aluminum nitride substrate (λex = 255 nm) is used as a semiconductor chip.

The purpose of the work was to assess the state of bacteriological diagnosis of diphtheria infection in Russia in order to establish possible reasons for the decrease in the release of C. diphtheriae. The Reference Center for Monitoring the Pathogens of Measles, Rubella, Mumps, Pertussis and Diphtheria in 2018 in 85 subjects of Russia conducted a questionnaire of laboratories of medical organizations and the Centers for Hygiene and Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, carrying out bacteriological studies for diphtheria infection. It was found that the number of studies conducted over the five-year period decreased by 1.2 times. The tendency to decrease the number of bacteriological studies for diphtheria is observed in the territories of almost all federal districts. In 99% and 29% of cases, the institutions of the FBUZ Centers for Hygiene and Epidemiology and medical organizations (MO) and use in their work documents regulating bacteriological studies for diphtheria infection. In a number of territories, the list of documents used includes documents that are invalid or do not define such studies. Most organizations use dry tampons when examining for diphtheria, however, 13.1% and 53.4% of FBUZ Centers for Hygiene and Epidemiology and medical organizations (respectively) use commercial transport environments, which does not comply with regulatory documentation. Analysis of the quality of work of bacteriological laboratories showed shortcomings at the stage of preparation of media (use of donor blood, or absence of addition of blood and potassium tellurite), Elek tests (addition of horse serum or absence of serum to the medium), setting of incomplete biochemical series (absence of tests for urease and nitrate reductase), absence of standard control strains, incomplete volume of internal laboratory quality control. Given the continuing circulation of the pathogen in various countries of the world and in our country, as well as the possibility of imported cases of infection from endemic regions, the analysis was aimed at drawing the attention of specialists to the problem of improving the quality of laboratory diagnosis of diphtheria in Russia.

Under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, special attention should be paid to minimize the morbidity risk of all infections controlled by specific prophylaxis. During preparation for the epidemic season, the organization and conduct of vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infection is a particularly crucial task of public health. Priority immunization should be provided to patients from epidemiological and social risk groups. This article presents an overview of the data on pneumococcal infection vaccination efficiency in various population groups as well as on its reasonability for preventing superimposed infection development in COVID-19 infection. In addition to children and decreed groups of the adult population, vaccination against pneumococcal infection is indicated for patients with chronic diseases. This enables us to reduce the risk of complications in case of a new coronavirus infection. Particular attention should be paid to immunizing medical personnel, who are at high risk of infection, play a significant role in controlling the pandemic, and need protection. With the continuous spread of COVID-19, vaccination is necessary in compliance with additional measures to ensure safety (patient routing, disinfection intensification in vaccination rooms, etc.).