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Orthodontic treatment with transparent aligners is popular with patients. Any alteration of the plastic material, as subjected to the oral environment, could influence the treatment's durability, the aligner's aesthetic appearance, and the patient's safety. This study concerns the physicochemical properties of ClearCorrect® aligners before and after intraoral use, focusing on transparency, surface topography, leachable, polymer glass transition temperature, and viscoelastic properties. Aligners were collected after two weeks of intraoral use. Unused samples were obtained from the manufacturers. Transparency was measured by UV–visible spectroscopy. Chemical modifications were studied using infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Thermal degradation, glass transition (T g), and storage modulus (E') were characterized by thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, DMA). Surface morphology and roughness were studied thanks to SEM and AFM. Aligners were immersed in water-based solutions to identify and quantify organic leachable by HPLC chromatography and trace elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy. ClearCorrect® aligners have a three-layer structure (outer PETG/inner PU layers). Slight chemical alterations occurred after aging. There was also no significant evolution in T g and thermal degradation temperatures and only a minimal evolution of E'. Surface and transparency alterations occurred. A difference in organic compound and trace element release levels between new and used aligners was evidenced, suggesting an intraoral release during use. Intra-oral aging mainly impacts the aligner transparency and surface. The leachable study suggests significant ingestion of organic and non-organic compounds by the patient: investigations are needed to assess the impact of the long-term use of trays on patient health. • Intraoral aging modifies aligner surface with deposition of dental plaque. • Polymer thermomechanical properties and chemical structures are only slightly modified. • Aligner transparency is significantly reduced. • Leaching of organic and inorganic compounds occurred during usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents brief information on the organization, evolvement and modernization of the Department of Educational Programs and Training of Specialists at the Russian Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor, the first specialized unit in the country to train personnel to work with pathogens of particularly dangerous infections, participate in research activities and anti-epidemic measures in Russia and abroad. The accumulated experience has made it possible to create an effective system for training specialists in microbiology, epidemiology, and laboratory diagnostics of particularly dangerous infections, combining traditional principles of developing skills and abilities in safely handling pathogens with modern information, methodological, and material-technical bases, minimizing the bio risk of educational technologies. Over the past decade, the department’s staff has been actively involved in international activities to train personnel for the CIS and foreign countries, including within the framework of the WHO Collaborating Center on responding to sanitary and epidemiological emergencies at the Russian Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor. An analysis of the current stage of the department’s activities has made it possible to draw plans and outline the prospects for improvement.

The optimal extraction process of phytoglycogen (PG) from sweet corn by ultrasound-assisted method was studied, and the physicochemical properties and biological activities of PG were evaluated in this paper. The effects of solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time on the yield of PG were investigated and the process parameters were further optimized by orthogonal experiment. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of PG obtained by ultrasound-assisted method were investigated. Meanwhile, the antioxidation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and hemolysis of PG were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: Solid-liquid ratio of 1:9 (g/mL), ultrasonic power of 160 W and ultrasonic time of 80 min, the actual yield was 14.31%±0.38%. The PG particle size obtained by ultrasound-assisted method was lower than that obtained by traditional water extraction and alcohol precipitation method. In vitro antioxidant experiment showed that PG had a certain antioxidant capacity, especially it was more sensitive to DPPH free radicals, and the clearance rate reached 54.58%±1.39% at 20 mg/mL. The results of biosafety evaluation showed that the survival rate of mouse fibroblasts (3T3) was higher than 95% after incubation with different concentrations of PG for 24 or 48 h. Meanwhile, PG had no obvious apoptotic effect on cells, and the apoptotic rate was lower than 7% at the maximum concentration. After 2 h of co-incubation, the hemolysis rate caused by PG on red blood cells was also much lower than the national standard (5%), which confirmed that PG had good biocompatibility with normal cells and red blood cells. Overall, this study showed that ultrasound-assisted method could improve the yield and physicochemical properties of PG, and also confirmed that PG was a non-toxic natural nanoparticle, which had great application potential in drug or food factor delivery.

The optimal extraction process of phytoglycogen (PG) from sweet corn by ultrasound-assisted method was studied, and the physicochemical properties and biological activities of PG were evaluated in this paper. The effects of solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time on the yield of PG were investigated and the process parameters were further optimized by orthogonal experiment. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of PG obtained by ultrasound-assisted method were investigated. Meanwhile, the antioxidation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and hemolysis of PG were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: Solid-liquid ratio of 1:9 (g/mL), ultrasonic power of 160 W and ultrasonic time of 80 min, the actual yield was 14.31%±0.38%. The PG particle size obtained by ultrasound-assisted method was lower than that obtained by traditional water extraction and alcohol precipitation method. In vitro antioxidant experiment showed that PG had a certain antioxidant capacity, especially it was more sensitive to DPPH free radicals, and the clearance rate reached 54.58%±1.39% at 20 mg/mL. The results of biosafety evaluation showed that the survival rate of mouse fibroblasts (3T3) was higher than 95% after incubation with different concentrations of PG for 24 or 48 h. Meanwhile, PG had no obvious apoptotic effect on cells, and the apoptotic rate was lower than 7% at the maximum concentration. After 2 h of co-incubation, the hemolysis rate caused by PG on red blood cells was also much lower than the national standard (5%), which confirmed that PG had good biocompatibility with normal cells and red blood cells. Overall, this study showed that ultrasound-assisted method could improve the yield and physicochemical properties of PG, and also confirmed that PG was a non-toxic natural nanoparticle, which had great application potential in drug or food factor delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of the article is to familiarize specialists working in the field of medical devices (MDs) with existing approaches to the study of their biocompatibility, set out in the standards of the GOST (State Standard) ISO 10993 series. The concept of the GOST (State Standard) ISO 10993 series of standards lies in establishing the biological safety and functional effectiveness of MDs in the terms of biological risk, as necessary and sufficient conditions for biocompatibility of MDs in clinical application. The main attention in the general scheme of assessing the biological safety of MD is paid to the program of toxicological studies (tests), consisting of a set of methods that take into account the category, purpose, and duration of MD functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hunger problem is a significant issue arising from global challenges in the 21st century. It is a consequence of inadequate food safety and poor strategic food storage. This makes innovations and improvements in these areas particularly crucial, especially for developing countries and regions affected by military conflicts and natural disasters. Obgectives: We aimed to study carbonate limestone caves as potentially safe locations for constructing strategic food storage facilities. Results: The preliminary results from Magellan Cave (Magill Cave) in the Areni region of the Republic of Armenia indicate that the cave has suitable conditions for use as a potential site for strategic food storage, particularly for cereal grains. Biological studies have proved the absence of mesophilic microbes in rock minerals and in soil samples from its inner space. Additionally, psychrophilic microbes, thermophilic algae, and representatives of Cyanobionta were found in waters that meet underground hot springs. Chemical analyses revealed no toxic compounds in the rock minerals, poisonous gases, or radon accumulation. The radiation levels were also found to be safe. Conclusions: Physical, chemical, and biological research have demonstrated the absence of risk factors for health and food safety in Magellan Cave. No spoilage microbes or human pathogenic bacteria were found. Additionally, no fungi were detected. The results suggest that this cave could be a promising location for constructing underground food storage for strategic reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Experimental Technology & Management is the property of Experimental Technology & Management Editorial Office 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.)

In vivo skin sensitization tests are required to evaluate the biological safety of medical devices in contact with living organisms to provide safe medical care to patients. Negative and positive reference materials have been developed for biological tests of cytotoxicity, implantation, hemolysis, and in vitro skin irritation. However, skin sensitization tests are lacking. In this study, polyurethane sheets containing 1 wt/wt % 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB‐PU) were developed and evaluated as a positive reference material for skin sensitization tests. DNCB‐PU sheet extracts prepared with sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses for in vivo sensitization potential in the guinea pig maximization test and the local lymph node assay. Furthermore, DNCB‐PU sheet extracts prepared with water and acetonitrile, 10% fetal bovine serum‐containing medium, or sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses as alternatives to animal testing based on the amino acid derivative reactivity assay, human cell line activation test, and epidermal sensitization assay, respectively. These data suggest that the DNCB‐PU sheet is an effective extractable positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro skin sensitization testing in medical devices. The formulation of this reference material will lead to the development of safer medical devices that contribute to patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject. A comprehensive study of Russian legislation in the field of biological safety indicates the need to update and systematize the legal framework for protecting the health of citizens and ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population as an important part of the mechanism of legal regulation of the national security of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the article is to confirm or refute hypothesis that there is a possibility and necessity of systematization and codification of public health legislation.The methodology. The authors analyze the practice of applying international law acts regulating the prevention of the spread of dangerous infectious diseases, the conclusions and recommendations of the WHO, the UN and other international organizations, as well as Russian public health legislation.The main results, scope of application. The current problems of Russian public health legislation are investigated, problems, prospects and main directions for its improvement are considered. The issues of theory and practice of legal regulation of public administration in conditions of emergency situations of a biological nature, topical aspects of strategic planning in the field of ensuring the epidemiological safety of regions are studied. Based on the results of a study of the current state of public health legislation, the main directions for its improvement and prospects for further development are substantiated, the position of the authors on the systematization and possible codification of sectoral legislation is presented. Conclusions. Codification of public health legislation is necessary, taking into account the new goals and objectives of the strategy for ensuring biological safety, the experience of applying domestic and international health regulations in a pandemic. This type of systematization of legal norms seems to be the most appropriate for improving the efficiency of the system for ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population of the Russian Federation.

[Objectives] To determine the biological safety of BT protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) fermentation broth to mammals at high doses. [Methods] Healthy mice were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 mice in each group. The experimental groups were fed with Bt fermentation supernatant at 0.2, 0.6 and 1.0 mL/kg, respectively, once a day for 7 consecutive days. The blank control group was fed normally without intragastric administration. [Results] There was no significant difference in blood routine and blood biochemical analysis between the experimental group and the control group. After intragastric administration, the mice were dissected, and no obvious pathological changes were found; the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney were taken to make tissue sections, and no pathological changes were found by microscopic observation. [Conclusions] Mice can tolerate high doses of BT protein from B. thuringiensis fermentation broth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the study is driven by the need to elucidate the essence of veterinary and sanitary control over the movement of animals at the national level to facilitate its further correlation with the experiences of European countries. The purpose of the study is to analyse the state of the legal provision in the defined sphere and formulate suggestions for enhancing the legal regulation of state veterinary and sanitary control over the movement of animals. The paper uses a system of general scientific methods of cognition (dialectical, formal-logical, analysis, and synthesis), and a special formal-legal method. The paper analyses the national experience of legal regulation of state veterinary and sanitary control over the movement of animals through the disclosure of its features. The essence of state veterinary and sanitary control during the movement of animals is established and its place in the legal system is determined. The boundaries of the legal regulation of this issue are outlined, legal forms of implementing such control, subjects and objects of such activity, the sequence of procedures required by veterinary-sanitary legislation for animal movement, and the specificities of legal responsibility for violations of veterinary and sanitary requirements during animal transportation are defined. The need to develop normatively established requirements for the safe movement of animals is substantiated, which encompass not only the procedures for protecting animals from epizootics and cruel treatment during their preparation for transportation or during transportation itself but also ensure the population’s access to quality and safe food products while guaranteeing the well-being of the animals. The practical importance of the paper lies in a number of proposals for improving Ukrainian legislation in this area.

Background and Aim: One of the key components of the O ne Health approach to epidemic preparedness is raising awareness and increasing the knowledge of emerging infectious diseases, prevention, and risk reduction. However, related research can involve significant risks to biosafety and biosecurity. For this purpose, we organized a multidisciplinary biosafety hands-on workshop to inform and increase the knowledge of infectious diseases and risk mitigation. This study aimed to describe the process and outcome of a hands-on biosafety training program using a One Health a pproach across a multidisciplinary and multi-specialty group in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A face-to-face hands-on training for 48 participants was organized by the West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (WAC-EID) at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, serving as a lead institution for the Nigeria project site. Topics covered included (1) an overview of the WAC-EID research; (2) overview of infection prevention and control; (3) safety in animal handling and restraint, sample collection, and processing; (4) safety in field studies including rodent, bird and bat handling; (5) safety practices in the collection of mosquito and other arthropod vectors; (6) personal protective equipment training (disinfection, donning and doffing); and (7) safety in sample collection, labeling, and transportation. The program was executed using a mixed method of slide presentations, practical hands-on sessions, and video demonstrations. Pre- and post-course evaluation assessments and evaluation measures were used to assess training. Results: A total of 48 trainees participated in this training, with 12 (25%), 16 (33.3%), 14 (29.2%), 6 (12.5%) categorized as ornithology, entomology, mammalogy, and clinical interest groups, respectively. The pass rate for the pre-test was 29.4%, while for the post-test, it was 57.1%, or a 28% improvement. 88.6% of the trainees rated the training as relevant to them. Conclusion: Didactic and hands-on biosafety training is relevant in this era of zoonotic epidemics and pandemic preparedness. During this training program, there was a clear demonstration of knowledge transfer that can change the current practices of participants and improve the safety of infectious diseases research.

The paper covers the issues of organization of live animal transportation process in the Russian Federation as one of the factors of epidemiological risk associated with the spread of infectious animal disease pathogens. The legal framework, regulating the organization of live animal transportation using different vehicles, as well as quantitative data on live animal movements, taken from state veterinary information system “VetIS” (“Mercury” and “Cerberus” components) were analyzed. The analysis showed that live farmed animals are moved using all transportation means available, motor vehicles, planes, trains, ships as well as by driving. It was established that the major means of transport used to move live animals in the territory of the Russian Federation are motor vehicles. According to the analysis results 4.49 billion animals, including 4.41 billion poultry, 79.8 million large and small ruminants, pigs, horses, fur animals and bees were moved within the country in 2021. At the same time the number of issued veterinary accompanying documents for movements of cattle, poultry and pigs (i.e. in fact the transportations themselves) is much higher than the number of movements of other species. It was revealed that today only the movement of animals by railway is regulated in one way or another. The paper presents the suggestions to introduce the procedures aimed at improvement of biological safety and animal welfare during transportation. The results of the analysis performed can be used to optimize the control of animal transportation in the territory of the Russian Federation by competent authorities.

The purpose of the work was to consider in the article certain features of ensuring biological safety in the Russian Federation, legal novelties in this area, general trends, analysis of possible identified problems. With the help of general philosophical methods, as well as with the help of the formal legal method, the ethical aspect of ensuring biological safety in the context of countering the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated. The general characteristics of bioethics and its principles are given, individual political decisions and regulations are analyzed in the context of these principles. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that there are problems in compliance with the principles of bioethics during the period of countering COVID-19, these problems are listed and commented on.

Soil pollution is a global environmental problem. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) as a kind of emerging remedial material is used for contaminated soil, which can quickly and effectively degrade and remove pollutants such as organic halides, nitrates and heavy metals in soil, respectively. However, nZVI and its composites can enter the soil environment in the application process, affect the physical and chemical properties of the soil, be absorbed by microorganisms and affect the growth and metabolism of microorganisms, thus affecting the ecological environment of the entire soil. Because of the potential risks of nZVI to the environment and ecosystems, this paper summarizes the current application of nZVI in the remediation of contaminated soil environments, summarizes the various factors affecting the toxic effects of nZVI particles and comprehensively analyzes the toxic effects of nZVI on microorganisms, toxic mechanisms and cell defense behaviors to provide a theoretical reference for subsequent biosafety research on nZVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Science & Technology & Economy is the property of Grain Science & Technology & Economy Editorial Office 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.)

Low fertilizer quality and remediation ability are considered the major factors hampering the land application of anaerobic digestate. Therefore, the role of Myrothecium verrucaria treatment in enhancing the fertilizer quality and remediation ability of digestate for land application was explored. Higher content of humic acid (7.5 g/L) with a higher degree of humification index and oxygen-containing functional groups was observed in the digestate receiving Myrothecium verrucaria treatment. Likewise, humic acid formed from Myrothecium verrucaria treatment had a higher capacity of heavy metal binding. Moreover, the viable and culturable count of S. faecalis, S. typhi, C. perfringens, and E. coli pathogens in the digestate decreased to approximately 12.50%, 41.70%, 18.87%, and 50.00% and 25.97%, 64.44%, 37.51%, and 75.27%, respectively, after treatment with Myrothecium verrucaria. This study provided a novel strategy to enhance the fertilizer quality, remediation ability, and biological safety of anaerobic digestate for land application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of persistent postoperative pain still remains a clinical challenge currently. Although ropivacaine (RVC) is widely used for postoperative analgesia as a local anesthetic, the short half‐life makes it difficult to achieve the desired duration of analgesia. Herein, a RVC sustained‐release microspheres encapsulated by zeolite imidazole framework‐8 (RVC@ZIF‐8) was synthesized for the first time, which prolonged the sustained‐release of RVC and decreased the resulting drug toxicity. RVC can continuously release in vitro for at least 96 h with high drug loading of 30.6 % and RVC@ZIF‐8 had excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. In sciatic nerve block model, the sensory block time of RVC@ZIF‐8 was significantly prolonged compared with RVC, achieving more than 72 h post injection and no inflammation or lesion were found. Based on high drug loading, ideal sustained‐release and superior biological safety, RVC@ZIF‐8 will be a novel delivery material for local anesthetic with potential application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technology for the formation of porous tubular polymer scaffolds (PTPS) made of polycaprolactone (PCL) with the necessary physical and mechanical characteristics (Young's modulus of 5.5 ± 1.1 MPa, tensile strength of 10.9 ± 1.6 N, and maximum elongation 477 ± 38%) has been developed. Samples obtained by electrospinning from 2 mL of a 10% PCL solution in dichloromethane (voltage between electrodes of 25 kV, solution delivery rate of 4 mL/h, distance to the collector of 100 mm, rotation speed of the substrate rod of 1000 rpm) showed a minimum surgical permeability of 30.4 ± 1.5 mL/(cm2 min). It is proved that the proposed bioactive coating based on heparin and platelet lysate does not affect the surface structure and physical and mechanical characteristics of the scaffold. It has been shown in vitro that samples of modified PTPS do not exhibit cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, and improvement of hemocompatible properties occurs owing to a decrease in the number and degree of activation of adhered platelets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim – based on the analysis of accidents when working with pathogenic biological agents (PBA) of pathogenicity groups I–II, draw conclusions about the causes of their occurrence and formulate recommendations for improving biological safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents.Materials and methods. The subject of the study was the data on accidents that happened during the work with PBA, stated in protocols of the commission for monitoring compliance with biological safety requirements of the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute over the period of 1986–2020. Assessed were the type of emergency, their number, main causes and prerequisites for occurrence, professional category of a worker who participated in an accident.Results and discussion. During the specified period 3 types of accidents were recorded: accidents with spraying, accidents with skin lesion, accidents without spraying. There were no accidents with damage to the insulating suit and the pneumatic suit during the entire period under investigation. Of the total number of accidents, 42.85 % of cases were associated with skin lesion due to the bite of an experimental animal due to its incorrect fixation during infection, feeding, care, or due to autopsy of animals. Spillage accidents were recorded in 42.85 %; accidents without spraying amounted to 14.2 %. The categories of employees who made the greatest number of accidents have been identified: laboratory assistants – 39.2 % of cases, researcher officers – 14.2 %, disinfectors – 14.2 %. The causes of accidents and the prerequisites contributing to their realization have been pinpointed. The main ways and measures to reduce the risks of emergency situations for personnel when working with pathogens of particularly dangerous infectious diseases are put forward.

The design and development of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers hold the promise of the smart delivery of pesticides to target organisms. Herein, we successfully prepared mesoporous silica nanoparticles using the self-templating method, which were grafted with both N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and cyclodextrin (CD) and loaded with indoxacarb (IN) to afford a pesticide release system with a dual-stimulated response of temperature and α-amylase, referred to as IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD. Physicochemical characterisation revealed the successful preparation of IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD with 46.30 % indoxacarb loading. The results showed that IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD was able to release IN rapidly in the environment of high temperature and α-Amylase, with excellent dual-responsive property. The UV resistance evaluation showed that IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD could effectively improve the photodegradation resistance of indoxacarb. Fluorescent inverted microscope showed that FITC@MSNs@NIPAM@CD has excellent uptake and translocation properties in corn plants. Bioactivity tests showed that at 14 d, IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD (LC 50 = 9.83 mg L−1) exhibited higher insecticidal activity and longer effective duration than IN@EC (LC 50 = 14.64 mg L−1). Acute toxicity test revealed that the IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD nanoparticles were less acutely toxic to earthworms, zebrafish, BEAS-2B cells and MSNs@NIPAM@CD nanocarriers were safe for the growth of corn. Thus, the dual-responsive nano-controlled-release formulation of IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD can provide an effective way of achieving the precise delivery and reduced use of pesticides. [Display omitted] • Indoxacarb in IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD is intelligently released in the insect gut. • IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD has excellent UV shielding properties. • IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD improve IN efficacy and duration against Spodoptera litura. • IN@MSNs@NIPAM@CD showed superior biocompatibility to non-targeted organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: One of the key components of the O ne Health approach to epidemic preparedness is raising awareness and increasing the knowledge of emerging infectious diseases, prevention, and risk reduction. However, related research can involve significant risks to biosafety and biosecurity. For this purpose, we organized a multidisciplinary biosafety hands-on workshop to inform and increase the knowledge of infectious diseases and risk mitigation. This study aimed to describe the process and outcome of a hands-on biosafety training program using a One Health a pproach across a multidisciplinary and multi-specialty group in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A face-to-face hands-on training for 48 participants was organized by the West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (WAC-EID) at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, serving as a lead institution for the Nigeria project site. Topics covered included (1) an overview of the WAC-EID research; (2) overview of infection prevention and control; (3) safety in animal handling and restraint, sample collection, and processing; (4) safety in field studies including rodent, bird and bat handling; (5) safety practices in the collection of mosquito and other arthropod vectors; (6) personal protective equipment training (disinfection, donning and doffing); and (7) safety in sample collection, labeling, and transportation. The program was executed using a mixed method of slide presentations, practical hands-on sessions, and video demonstrations. Pre- and post-course evaluation assessments and evaluation measures were used to assess training. Results: A total of 48 trainees participated in this training, with 12 (25%), 16 (33.3%), 14 (29.2%), 6 (12.5%) categorized as ornithology, entomology, mammalogy, and clinical interest groups, respectively. The pass rate for the pre-test was 29.4%, while for the post-test, it was 57.1%, or a 28% improvement. 88.6% of the trainees rated the training as relevant to them. Conclusion: Didactic and hands-on biosafety training is relevant in this era of zoonotic epidemics and pandemic preparedness. During this training program, there was a clear demonstration of knowledge transfer that can change the current practices of participants and improve the safety of infectious diseases research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Applied Biotechnology is the property of National Center for Biotechnology 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.)

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped coliform bacterium which is widely used as an indicator of biological safety of water. Currently, 'gold' standard for the detection of E. coli (and other pathogens) are microbiological culture-based tests. Microbiological tests are very robust for the detection of live pathogens however it can take several days to get the results. A prospective option for the detection of E. coli in recreational waters in addition to the genetic PCR analyses can be an immunobiosensor, allowing to detect E. coli in 20 min and to issue timely warnings of the safety of water. To compare different methods – microbiological culturing, quantitative PCR analysis and antibody-based immunobiosensor for the analysis of bathing water samples from a popular urban beach Anne Canal in Tartu, Estonia were used. The median value of biosensor results for E. coliwas considerably higher than the results of microbiological cultivation and qPCR: for 40 times, and 4 times, respectively. In addition, the biosensor results were in significant correlation with the number of total coliforms. Considering the current requirements for the biological safety of bathing water, we propose that the indicative safety threshold for bathing water usingimmunosensor analyses is in the range 4 × 103–4 x 104E. coli cells/100 mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to develop a method for modifying composite small-diameter porous tubular biopolymer scaffolds based on bacterial copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and gelatin modified with a double-layered bioactive coating based on heparin (Hp) and platelet lysate (PL) that promote adhesion and proliferation of cell cultures.Materials and methods. Composite porous tubular biopolymer scaffolds with 4 mm internal diameter were made by electrospinning from a 1 : 2 (by volume) mixture of a 10% solution of poly(3-hydroxybutyrateco- 3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer, commonly known as PHBV, and a 10% solution of gelatin, respectively, in hexafluoro-2-propanol. The structure of the scaffolds was stabilized with glutaraldehyde vapor. The scaffolds were modified with a bioactive Hp + PL-based coating. The surface morphology of the samples was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Biological safety of the modified scaffolds in vitro (hemolysis, cytotoxicity) was evaluated based on the GOST ISO 10993 standard. Interaction with cultures of human endothelial cell line (EA. hy926) and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) was studied using vital dyes.Results. We developed a method for modifying small-diameter composite porous tubular biopolymer scaffolds obtained by electrospinning from a mixture of PHBV and gelatin modified with double-layered bioactive coating based on covalently immobilized Hp and human PL. The modified scaffold was shown to have no cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity in vitro. It was also demonstrated that the developed coating promotes hADMSC adhesion and proliferation on the external surface and EA.hy926 on the internal surface of the composite porous tubular biopolymer scaffolds in vitro.Conclusion. The developed coating can be used for the formation of in vivo tissueengineered small-diameter vascular grafts.

The relevance of this study is determined by the fact that at present legal regulation of genetic research is not comprehensive and does not provide a complete regulation of social relations in the focus. Оne of the factors hindering the development of genetic technologies is the absence of a basic law On genetic technologies. The purpose of the study . The article is devoted to the analysis of modern legal problems and the search for optimal solutions to the organizational and legal problems of the program for the development of genetic technologies implementation. Materials and methods of research . In order to understand modern approaches to relevant problems of improving the organizational and legal mechanism of the program for the development of genetic technologies implementation associated with environmental and biological risks and threats, a comparison of various methods of legal regulation and management, including dialectical, logical, and predictive methods, as well as the method of system analysis, is carried out. Results. Application of these methods allowed to conduct a comprehensive legal analysis of the current legislation and state strategic planning documents, work out a theoretical and legal basis for the development of the basic law On Genetic Technologies and formulate other proposals to improve the current legislation. The core powers of the National (federal) Bioresource Center, the network of federal and regional centers of genetic technologies, as well as the National Center for Biosafety have been identified and grounded by the authors.

In Russia, the aim to attain biosafety is declared in the strategic political documents without being adequately addressed in law relating to interaction between human communities and natural systems. To involve the ecological approaches into environmental legislation it seems reasonable to include into the general concept of beneficial quality of the environment the biological health of nature, when the impact of pathogenic, disease generating factors emanated by nature shall be minimized. The legal regulation should be based on the ecosystem and nature-based approach assuming that social development should follow and be in harmony with laws of nature. This approach will allow to upkeep the biological balance and biological health of nature and ensure biological safety of nature for human communities.

Infectious disease outbreaks, such as 'Coronavirus disease 2019′ (COVID-19), can constitute major global health threats with far-reaching consequences. As outbreaks develop, the international scientific community must provide high-quality scientific research-ready biological samples to solve the existing clinical and epidemiological questions to better combat the pandemic. Such examples are provided by dedicated biobank facilities, the latter collecting increasingly high volumes of biological samples. However, the more significant concentrations of infectious or potentially infectious biological materials can create a safety risk. The current short report describes the first attempt to identify the published scientific works on biobanking and safety. Three broad thematic areas have been identified: the physical security relevant to staff and sample integrity, the data safety aspects, and the governance parameters relating to the previous two. While the current publications reflect a broad alignment with existing standards and best practices in the biobanking field, they also demonstrate an opportunity for further in-depth work on this field in the post-COVID-19 era.

Soil pollution is a global environmental problem. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) as a kind of emerging remedial material is used for contaminated soil, which can quickly and effectively degrade and remove pollutants such as organic halides, nitrates and heavy metals in soil, respectively. However, nZVI and its composites can enter the soil environment in the application process, affect the physical and chemical properties of the soil, be absorbed by microorganisms and affect the growth and metabolism of microorganisms, thus affecting the ecological environment of the entire soil. Because of the potential risks of nZVI to the environment and ecosystems, this paper summarizes the current application of nZVI in the remediation of contaminated soil environments, summarizes the various factors affecting the toxic effects of nZVI particles and comprehensively analyzes the toxic effects of nZVI on microorganisms, toxic mechanisms and cell defense behaviors to provide a theoretical reference for subsequent biosafety research on nZVI.

Low fertilizer quality and remediation ability are considered the major factors hampering the land application of anaerobic digestate. Therefore, the role of Myrothecium verrucaria treatment in enhancing the fertilizer quality and remediation ability of digestate for land application was explored. Higher content of humic acid (7.5 g/L) with a higher degree of humification index and oxygen-containing functional groups was observed in the digestate receiving Myrothecium verrucaria treatment. Likewise, humic acid formed from Myrothecium verrucaria treatment had a higher capacity of heavy metal binding. Moreover, the viable and culturable count of S. faecalis, S. typhi, C. perfringens, and E. coli pathogens in the digestate decreased to approximately 12.50%, 41.70%, 18.87%, and 50.00% and 25.97%, 64.44%, 37.51%, and 75.27%, respectively, after treatment with Myrothecium verrucaria. This study provided a novel strategy to enhance the fertilizer quality, remediation ability, and biological safety of anaerobic digestate for land application.

[Display omitted] Dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) is the most widely used PVC plasticizer today. However, the poor migration and volatility resistance of toxic DOTP in PVC films lead to hazards for both the environment and human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new, environmentally friendly, and multifunctional filler of PVC to improve the overall performance of PVC and reduce the release of toxic DOTP. Here the alkaline and neutral-modified Mg-based layered double hydroxides (PMgLaCe-LDH Ne/Ae) with various La/Ce doping ratios was successfully synthesized through a co-precipitation method and used as multifunctional filler for PVC. Subsequently, composite membranes of PMgLaCe-LDH/PVC were prepared using the blending method, and their comprehensive properties were further investigated. The results demonstrated that the composite membrane, specifically 20Mg10Ce-LDH Ae /PVC, exhibited exceptional qualities. These included improved plasticized flame retardancy, photo-thermal stability, hydrophobicity, low-temperature resistance, volatility resistance, and migration resistance. Furthermore, the short-term and long-term safety evaluation, cytotoxicity assay and intradermal irritation response test on SD rats revealed that the addition of the new environmentally friendly and non-toxic compound, 20Mg10Ce-LDH Ae , effectively inhibited PVC degradation and the release of toxic substances. This research offers a potential solution to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with PVC products, making them safer and more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve issues related to hypertrophic scars, such as the risk of bacterial infections, due to the wearing of compression garments for extended periods of time, we prepared an antibacterial compression garment fabric (CGF) with a graphene oxide (GO)/chitosan (CS) composite. First, the GO/CS composite was prepared and used as an antibacterial agent for antibacterial finishing of the CGF. Then, silane coupling agent γ-(methacryloxy) propyl trimethoxysilane (KH570) was used to modify the GO/CS-finished CGF to improve the washing fastness properties of the antibacterial fabric. Finally, the durability, physical properties, and biological safety of the antibacterial finished fabrics were studied. We found that the GO/CS composite was successfully synthesized, and the antibacterial finished fabrics were endowed with antibacterial activity against both gram-negative bacteria Esherichia coli (E. coli, AATCC 6538) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, AATCC 25922), with bacteriostatic rates of 92.09 % and 99.33 %, respectively. Moreover, the durability of the finished fabric was effectively improved by KH570 treatment. One disadvantage was that the comfort of the antibacterial finished fabric was affected to a certain extent; however, biological experiments showed that the CGF finished by GO/CS/KH570 showed no potential cytotoxicity on the human body and did not cause skin irritation. The prepared antibacterial finished CGF based on the GO/CS/KH570 composite could effectively reduce the bacterial infection rates of patients wearing compression garments, which could significantly alleviate patient suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A controlled‐release formulation based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) provides an effective way for reducing pesticide use and protecting the ecological environment. In this study, MSNs loaded with pyraclostrobin (PYR@MSNs) were prepared using a one‐pot method. RESULTS: The characteristics of PYR@MSNs were systematically investigated, including morphology, loading content, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, release behavior, control effects against pathogens, and safety to nontarget organisms. The results show that the prepared PYR@MSNs presented characteristics of regular spherical shapes, uniform particle size (200 nm), high drug loading (38.9%), and enhanced UV resistance. Compared with traditional formulation, PYR@MSNs exhibited improved control effects against Fusarium graminearum, an extended control period, and lower toxicity to zebrafish, earthworms and BEAS‐2B cells. CONCLUSIONS: This research will facilitate the development of efficient and safe pesticide delivery systems. The PYR@MSNs has showed its potential as a new controlled‐release formulation with increased efficacy and is expected to benefit the sustainable development of agriculture. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the “Sterius 60” microwave disinfection system (Russia) for decontamination of objects infected with PBA of groups I–IV emerging as a result of working with infected laboratory animals.Materials and methods. Effectiveness verification of disinfection of biological waste generated as a result of the life of laboratory animals by SHF radiation was carried out in the microwave system “Sterius 60”, recommended by the manufacturer for disinfection of epidemiologically hazardous and extremely dangerous medical waste, including biological ones (classes B and C), by volumetric SHF heating. Carcasses of uninfected laboratory animals (white mice, Guinea pigs, suckling rabbits), granulated feed and bedding material (wood shavings), which are objects directly in contact with biomodels, were used as vivarium waste to be decontaminated. The following microorganisms were utilized as model test ones: Bacillus subtilus VKM B-911, Bacillus stearothermophilus VKM B-718, Bacillus licheniformis G VKM B-1711-D, Alcaligenes faecalis 415, Yersinia pestis EV, Bacillus anthracis STI. Laboratory utensils (plastic Petri dishes, porcelain mortars and pestles) were used as a mock-up chamber filler for model test microorganisms.Results and discussion. As a result of the study, data were obtained indicating that the microwave system for disinfection of medical waste “Sterius 60” is ineffective for decontamination of biological waste in laboratories working with biomodels infected with PBA of groups I–II. The established standard mode of disinfection of this system was effective only for non-spore forms of microorganisms, pathogenicity groups III–IV. Therefore, in our opinion, it is advisable to use it for decontamination of laboratory utensils infected with PBA of groups III–IV, directly at sites of waste generation.

Objective of the study was to select the criteria and methodological approaches to reclassify avirulent strains of plague agent from pathogenicity (hazard) group I into pathogenicity group III. Materials and methods. We have reviewed domestic and foreign normative, methodological documents, scientific publications in the field of laboratory diagnostics of plague and biosafety provision while working with pathogenic biological agents.Results and discussion. A complex of criteria for reclassification of Y. pestis strains from hazard group I into hazard group III has been substantiated; the methods for their assessment identified. Validation has revealed the grounds for reassignment of a number of avirulent Y. pestis strains included into the training kit which is compiled for mastering the training module “Microbiology and laboratory diagnostics of plague” into pathogenicity group III. We have demonstrated the feasibility of combining the structured methods of assessment of pathogenic properties in plague microbe with additional informative ones; in particular, evaluation of cytotoxicity of Y. pestis strains in relation to leucocytes of whole human blood in vitro. Analysis of a strain virulence should be built on complex characterization of major pathogenicity factors using advanced molecular-genetic research methods, the data on phenotypic manifestations of their functioning, as well as the level of pathogenicity for sensitive laboratory animals. The review of the utilized quantitative indicators for differentiation of plague microbe strains by virulence taking into account LD50 values for Y. pestis EV NIIEG strain is a relevant task. It is practical to supplement the complex approach with informative research methods, notably, characterization of strain cytotoxicity which shows high correlation with virulence criterion LD50.

Objective of the study was to review the current normative-methodological documentation on the matters of safe handling of pathogenic biological agents (PBA) of the III–IV pathogenicity groups. Materials and methods. We used analytical method for the study. We carried out comparative analysis of the provisions contained in the current regulations approved at different times for different agencies on the matters of air filtering system equipping, usage of microbiological safety cabinets, ensuring hand washing station provision for laboratories, inspection of disinfectants entering a lab, and waste decontamination procedures. Results and discussion. We have considered the provisions of the current documentation that require further refinement and clarification for the future editions of sanitary regulations. Two aspects draw increasing attention: the problem of regulating the inlet and exhaust ventilation system setup in the laboratories of microbiological specialization for work with PBA and the need to devise a consistent coordinated regulatory framework. Examples provided in the paper demonstrate the necessity of adhering to the integrated unified approach to the requirements for biosafety provision in the documents of various agencies; clear wording; harmonized system of normative and technical specifications for laboratory equipment, stating the basic characteristics of microbiological safety cabinets and ventilation systems. The documents should be in compliance with the requirements of various agencies. The maintenance of technical-engineering systems should be performed by the specialists with an appropriate qualification on a regular basis.

Basic characteristics of African swine fever, being one of the most significant transboundary infections with a devastating potential for pig production, are presented in the paper. It occurred in Georgia for the first time in 2007 and spread among domestic pigs and wild boar in the European part of the Russian Federation. After that, ASF virus was detected in Belarus, Ukraine and since 2014, the disease has been reported in the European countries. Having spread in Europe, African swine fever became an epizooty, caused by ASFV genotype II and exhibiting a deteriorating trend. Modern ASF infected areas in the Russian Federation, Europe, China and Asia are described. Currently the disease is the most serious epidemiological problem due to huge losses (high mortality among susceptible animals); ability to occur and spread in the most unexpected parts of the world and absence of specific prevention tools and means. Russia has developed a high level of expertise in the disease prevention, control and eradication. A scientifically justified set of measures to prevent and eradicate ASF, which has proved its effectiveness in the disease control, was developed and introduced. The core of this set is formed by biosafety assurance along the whole production chain at the establishments of any type of ownership involved into breeding, keeping, slaughter, processing, storage, movement and marketing of live pigs and pig products; by wild boar population control and improvement of waste management approaches. Other ASF infected countries can benefit from the Russian Federation’s experience in ASF control by adapting it to the concrete region with due regard to local social and economic conditions.

The use of biostimulants to enhance microbial activity has been extensively reported. However, their regulatory properties on the ecological security of in situ composting have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, the effects of two biostimulants (fermentation agent [FM] and fulvic acid [FA]) on in situ composting were investigated under field conditions. The abundances of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), as well as those of the microbial communities and the activities of enzymes, were comprehensively investigated. The addition of biostimulants significantly reduced the abundances of streptomycin and sulfonamide resistance genes by 79%–97% and decreased the abundance of Gammaproteobacteria. This was particularly true for species that are members of the Enterobacteriaceae and contain many ARGs. The addition of biostimulants promoted the succession of bacterial communities toward enhancing the solubility of phosphorus, promoting the degradation of aromatic compounds, and reducing the emissions of NO x gas. The application of FA and FM resulted in distinct bacterial network structures, and many negative correlations were associated with ARGs in the temperature subnetwork in the FM treatment. This study provides an effective strategy for the in situ treatment of agricultural waste and underscores the significance of biostimulants in improving the biological safety of medium-temperature in-situ composting. [Display omitted] • Biostimulants significantly optimizes in situ combined composting. • Biostimulations increased the available phosphorus content in the compost. • FM promoted the environmental safety of compost by reducing the abundance of ARGs. • FA resulted in bacterial network integration, and FM in network differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinically, open wounds caused by accidental trauma and surgical lesion resection are easily infected by external bacteria, hindering wound healing. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy has become a promising treatment strategy for wound infection. In this study, a novel antibacterial nanocomposite material (QMC NPs) was synthesized by curcumin, quaternized chitosan and mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles. The results showed that 150 μg/mL QMC NPs had good biocompatibility and exerted excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after blue laser irradiation (450 nm, 1 W/cm2). In vivo, QMC NPs effectively treated bacterial infection and accelerated the healing of infected wounds in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Division of infections into the constituting individual and population danger taking into account the territorial and seasonal risks of distribution at their drift is proved in article and the differentiation of the last on threat of emergence of emergency situation of biological character at epidemic manifestations that will allow to optimize algorithms of reaction and the organization of antiepidemic actions. The new relative criterion «orient number of infections from one source» reflecting potential ability of the activator to be transferred in human population is offered. Assessment of risk of distribution and threat of emergence of emergency situation at the drift on the territory of the Russian Federation of some diseases constituting population danger is carried out: plagues (in pulmonary and bubonic forms), cholera, hemorrhagic fevers with the leading contact mechanism of transfer of the activator, especially dangerous the ortopoxvirus and the coronavirus of infections, the Crimean hemorrhagic fever, poliomyelitis.

The review expounds the main content issues of biological safety in the modern period. Theproblems of postgraduate education in the field of biological safety through professional retraining and advanced training programs, as well as training of highly qualified specialists were discussed. The need to form a separate specialty “Biological Safety”for specialists in medical and biological profiles was noted.

Objective – assessment of effectiveness of the measures for biological safety provision at potentially hazardous facilities in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan in the process of preparation and holding of FIFA World Cup-2018 in Kazan. Materials and methods. Regulatory-legal acts covering the requirements to the provision of biological safety during the work with pathogenic biological agents, international guidelines and documents determining inter-agency collaboration between the Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Republic of Tatarstan and other departments and inter-agency task forces (Office of the Federal Security Bureau of Russia in the Republic of Tatarstan, Counter-Terrorism Commission in the Republic of Tatarstan, etc) were studied. Results and discussion. Considered were managerial-methodological approaches and matters of inter-agency cooperation on biological safety provision during preparation and holding of FIFA World Cup-2018 in Kazan. Biological safety was examined through the prism of its provision while working with pathogenic biological agents at potentially hazardous biological facilities and counterterrorism integrity of the objects. The guiding, directive document in the performance of the complex of measures on biological safety provision and inter-agency collaboration was the Order of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 09, 2017 No 202 “On peculiarities of application of reinforced security measures during holding of FIFA World Cup-2018 and FIFA Confederations Cup-2017 in Russia”. As the result of the measures conducted, biological safety, including counter-terrorism security of potentially hazardous biological objects and sanitary-epidemiological welfare, was fully provided.

Danofloxacin is a veterinary fluoroquinolone used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases of birds, pigs and cattle. The literature reviewed shows some analytical methods to quantify this fluoroquinolone, but microbiological and biological safety studies are limited. The analytical methods were validated by the Official Codes. The LC-DAD method was developed and validated using an RP-18 column, mobile phase containing a mixture of 0.3% triethylamine (pH 3.0) and acetonitrile (85:15, v/v). The microbiological assay was performed by agar diffusion method (3 x 3) and Staphylococcus epidermidis as a microorganism test. Forced degradation studies were performed in both methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed by test microdilution and toxicity studies were evaluated using in silico study, cell proliferation, cell viability test, micronuclei and comet assay. LC and a microbiological assay proved linear, accurate, precise, and robust to quantify danofloxacin, but only the LC method showed selectivity to quantify the drug in the presence of its degradation products. These results demonstrate that the LC method is suitable for stability studies of danofloxacin, but a microbiological assay cannot be used to quantify the drug due to the biological activity of the photoproducts. Ex-vivo cytotoxicity and theoretical and experimental genotoxicity were also observed.