Effect of Biocides on the Activity of Extracellular Enzymes Produced by Degrader Fungi from Technical Objects Used in Tropical Climates (Vietnam).

Activity of extracellular enzymes was assessed in 20 strains of microscopic fungi involved in biodegradation of technical objects exploited under tropical climate conditions (Vietnam). It was found that 19 strains possessed catalase activity, 18 strains had phenol oxidase activity, and eight strains had protease activity. The effect of industrial biocides on the activity of these enzymes was also assessed. The biocides Bior-1, Bioneutral A 10, and Bioneutral A 101 were shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity to various extent. All biocides inhibited extracellular catalase activity in most fungal strains studied. The inhibition of protease and phenol oxidase activity of same test strains was less pronounced. The response to biocides varied at the strain level; its characteristics could differ significantly even between strains of the same species. In several cases, it was observed that exposure to biocides resulted in an increase in enzyme activity.

Hepatitis C subtype distribution in chronically infected patients with mild liver fibrosis in France: the GEMHEP study.

Treatment options for Hepatitis C infection have greatly improved with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) combinations achieving high cure rates. Nevertheless, the cost of this treatment is still high and access to treatment in many countries has been preferentially reserved for patients with more severe fibrosis (F3 and F4). In this French nationwide study, we investigated the epidemiological characteristics and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in treatment-naive patients with METAVIR fibrosis stages between F0 and F2 in order to identify patient profiles that became eligible for unrestricted treatment in a second period. Between 2015 and 2016 we collected data from nine French university hospitals on a total of 584 HCV positive patients with absent, mild or moderate liver fibrosis. The most represented genotypes were genotype 1b (159/584; 27.2%), followed by genotype 1a (150/584; 25.7%); genotype 3 (87/584: 14.9%); genotype 4 (80/584; 13.7%). Among genotype 4: 4a was predominantly encountered with 22 patients (27.5% of genotype 4). Genotypes 1b and 1a are currently the most frequent virus types present in treatment-naive patients with mild fibrosis in France. They can be readily cured using the available DAA. Nevertheless, non-a/non-d genotype 4 is also frequent in this population and clinical data on the efficacy of DAA on these subtypes is missing. The GEMHEP is the French group for study and evaluation of viral hepatitis on a national scale. Data collection on epidemiological and molecular aspects of viral hepatitis is performed on a regular basis in all main French teaching hospitals and serves as a basis for surveillance of these infections. Analysis and trends are regularly published on behalf of the GEMHEP group. Data collection was performed retrospectively over the 2015-2016 period, covering nine main university hospitals in France. A total of 584 hepatitis C positive patients were included in this study. Genotyping of the circulating viruses showed a high prevalence of genotypes 1b and 1a in our population. The epidemiology of hepatitis C is slowly changing in France, particularly as a consequence of the rise of 'non-a non-d' genotype 4 viruses mainly originating from African populations. More data concerning treatment efficacy of these genotypes is needed in order to guide clinical care.

[Mixed infections and inflammatory ophthalmic diseases: clinical and laboratory observations]. / Mikst-infektsii i vospalitel'naia oftal'mopatologiia: kliniko-laboratornye nabliudeniia.

In recent years, all medical specialists, including ophthalmologists, have been facing the problem of mixed infections. Recurrent inflammation in the anterior and posterior eye segments is often a result of infection by more than one variety of pathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the period 2013-2016, 34 patients (14 men and 20 women) with different inflammatory processes in the eye who appeared DNA-positive for mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum) and/or chlamydiae (Chlamydia trachomatis) (PCR testing of tear fluid and/or urine) were followed up. All patients were examined for intensive production of herpesvirus, adenovirus, and enterovirus DNA in biological fluids. After being consulted by related specialists, all the patients started local and systemic (antibacterial and antiviral) therapy. In the end of the latter, laboratory tests were repeated. RESULTS: Among all the clinical forms, anterior segment inflammation (i.e. of conjunctiva, cornea, and the anterior vascular tract) prevailed - 76%. In most patients, mycoplasmas and/or chlamydiae formed associations with herpesviruses (n=19; 56%). Bacterial DNA alone (mycoplasma and/or chlamydia) was detected in 12 cases (35%). In 4 cases, mycoplasma and/or chlamydia DNA was detected in tear fluid, in 19 patients - in urine, and in 10 patients - in both secreta. Local and systemic causal treatment enabled resolution of the complaints and symptoms and yielded negative results of follow-up laboratory tests. CONCLUSION: More than a half of the patients demonstrated concomitant viral-bacterial infection (22 cases). The presence of bacterial/viral DNA in biological secreta, as revealed by PCR, reflects the systemic nature of the infection process and, thus, necessitates engagement of related specialists (dermatologists, urologists, gynecologists).

[Clinical presentations of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (diagnosis and therapy)]. / Klinicheskie proyavleniya Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (diagnostika i terapiya).

Approximately a quarter of the world's population at some point in life is at risk of developing shingles (Herpes Zoster). In 10-20% of cases the first branch of the trigeminal nerve gets involved (Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus, HZO). Ophthalmic complications of HZO are able to cause a significant reduction in visual function. AIM: To study and summarize clinical features of HZO (including the rate of complications and their nature) and to determine the relationship between clinical and laboratory data from these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 133 patients with ophthalmic and neurological complications of HZO (group 1 (n=28) - retrospective analysis of outpatient records for the period 1995-2005; group 2 (n=95) - a prospective study for the period 2005-2015), who received a course of conservative treatment in either the Botkin City Hospital, branch № 1, or in the ophthalmic department of the Moscow herpes centre (Gerpeticheskiy Tsentr Ltd.). Laboratory tests were performed only in patients from group 2 and included: examination of biological fluids for six types of herpes viruses by polymerase chain reaction, examination of tears and urine for DNA of Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma, and serological blood testing for markers of herpes virus infection. Patients from group 1 were prescribed topical antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory therapy, in rare cases - acyclovir per os. In group 2, the treatment included systemic antiviral medications and immune correction therapy. Anti-inflammatory therapy consisted of local and systemic non-steroidal agents (NSAIDs). RESULTS: The most common ophthalmic complications of HZO in both groups were stromal keratitis and keratoiridocyclitis, neurological - III and VI cranial nerves palsies. The duration of the disease in the first group ranged from 2 months to 3 years; in the second group, patients were divided into two subgroups: subgroup A with the disease duration of no more than one month (n=81) and subgroup B with the disease duration from 1.5 to 9 months (n=14). Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA was present in tears and/or other biological fluids of patients from group 2 in more than 70% of cases (n=67). Particularly, in 27.4% of cases the virus was isolated in two fluids and in 7.4% of cases - in three fluids. The duration of virus production in tears and other biological fluids (saliva, blood, and urine) ranged from 10 days to 4 months. CONCLUSION: Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and systemic etiological treatment in case of intraocular inflammation in HZO patients may reduce the risk of severe consequences of VZV reactivation and help avoid recurrences later in life.

[EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR THE LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION OF THE PATHOGENS OF PARASITIC DISEASES AS AN ELEMENT FOR IMPROVING THE POSTGRADUATE TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS].

Within the framework of the Federal External Quality Assessment (EQA) System and in the context of postgraduate training improvement for health workers in 2010-2014, specialists from the laboratories of the therapeutic-prophylactic organizations and institutions of the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare were examined for their professional competence in microscopically identifying the pathogens of parasitic diseases in feces. The virtual remote educational computer technology tools that included different combinations of 16 helminthic species, 5 intestinal protozoan species, and a number of artefacts, were used. The specialists from 984 laboratories of multidisciplinary therapeutic-prophylactic organizations and hygiene and epidemiology centers in all Federal Districts of the Russian Federation were covered. A total of 8245 replies were analyzed. The detection rate for helminths was 64.0%, including those by a taxonomic group (nematodes, 65.0%; cestodes, 72.0%; trematodes, 55.1%). There was a dynamic decrease in the above indicators. There were low detection rates for trematodes parasitizing the small intestine (Metagonimus, 10.2%; Nanophyetus, 26.2%) and hepatobiliary organs (Fasciola, 59.6%; Clonorchis, 34.9%). The similar trend was seen in the detection rates for the pathogens of geohelminthisms (ascariasis, trichocephaliasis, etc.) and contagious helminthisms (enterobiasis, hymenolepiasis). The level of competence in detecting and identifying intestinal protozoa was much lower than the similar rates for helminthism pathogens. EQA for the laboratory diagnosis of the pathogens of parasitic diseases, by using the virtual tools is a leading element of the postgraduate training system for laboratory specialists. The results of EQA for the laboratory diagnosis of the pathogens of parasitic diseases are a basic material for the development, and improvement of training modernization programs, by applying a modular approach.

Some properties and possible biological role of peptidase inhibitors from the entomopathogenic fungus Tolypocladium cylindrosporum.

The activities of secreted and mycelial inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes from fungi of the order Hypocreales have been investigated. Inhibitors of bromelain, papain, and trypsin of low molecular mass (about 1 kDa) and a subtilisin proteinaceous inhibitor with molecular mass of 45 kDa were revealed in the culture liquid of the fungus Tolypocladium cylindrosporum. The subtilisin inhibitor from T. cylindrosporum has antibiotic properties, significantly decreased the activity of purified bacterial enzymes, and prevented the growth of the bacterium Pseudomonas sp. Data suggesting the existence in fungi of the Hypocreales order of two pools of peptidase inhibitors have been obtained.

[Expression of plasminogen activator system components in the gastric mucosa in portal hypertensive gastropathy].

OBJECTIVE: to study the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in the gastric mucosal (GM) vascular endothelium and epithelial cells of patients with portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and those with portal hypertension (PH) without signs of PHG as compared to a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: GM biopsy specimens from patients with PHG, those with PH without signs of PHG, and controls with the normal gastric mucosa were immunohistochemically examined. RESULTS: Comparison of the expression of uPA in the GM vascular endothelium and epithelial vessels revealed no significant differences in the patient groups. The level of PAI-1 in the GM vessels was statistically significantly higher in the control group than in the groups of patients with PHG and PH without PHG. PAI-1 expression in the GM epithelial cells was significantly more commonly absent in the PHG group than in the control group. An analysis of an uPA and PAI-1 expression ratio showed a statistically significant predominance of the expression of uPA over its inhibitor in the GM vascular endothelium of the patients with PHG and those with PH without PHG as compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: The predominance of uPA over PAI-1 in the GM vessels and epithelial cells can play a role in the development of GM bleeding.

[Portal hypertensive gastropathy].

In spite of a great number of publications, as yet there is no agreement that which of the detected morphological changes should be considered pathognomonic in portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG). The study of the pathogenesis of PHG suggested a diversity of mechanisms involved in varying degrees in the development of this abnormality. The paper summarizes the data available in the literature on the role of endothelial dysfunction, apoptosis, damaging factors, and H. pylori infection in the development of this abnormality. A differential diagnosis was made between PHG and GAVE syndrome and histological features in both groups were revealed.

[Herpesviruses in ophthalmology].

The article presents the current data on seven main human herpesviruses, capable of causing ocular inflammation. Features of intraocular production and anterior segment involvement associated with each of the viruses and modern aspects of antiviral therapy for herpetic keratitis are discussed.

[Portal gastropathy: diagnosis, classification].

Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is a complex of secondary macroscopic and microscopic changes in the mucous layer of the stomach, resulting from portal hypertension of any origin. The overall prevalence of PHG ranges from 9.1 to 80%. PHG is a potential cause of an acute or chronic gastric bleeding. The presence of PHG is associated with prognosis deterioration that dictates the need for improved diagnosis and treatment strategy. The article summarizes literature on the pathological changes, diagnosis and classification of portal hypertensive gastropathy.

[Heterogeneity of parasitic contamination of megalopolis soils].

A morphological group ofwhipworm (Trichuris trichiura) eggs, which is detectable in the soil samples from the city's different control lands, shows that their origin is heterogeneous and it is possible to differentiate them by morphometric signs. At the same time is necessary to consider the specific biological factors contributing to soil contamination. Priority in parasitic soil contamination should be given to animals, dogs in particular, which is supported by the fact that the dog walking grounds exhibit the highest contamination rates.

[The role of radiofrequency thermoablation in the treatment of primary and metastatic hepatic cancer].

The experience of the method of radiofrequency thermoablation in complex of treatment in 95 patients, suffering primary and metastatic hepatic cancer, was summarized. The lower complications rate, the shorter rehabilitation period in the patients in comparison with those indices after hepatic resection performance, the possibility to achieve the late results, comparable with those in surgical treatment, constitute the method advantages.

[Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, comorbid atrial fibrillation]. / Tserebral'naya amiloidnaya angiopatiya, komorbidnaya s fibrillyatsiei predserdii.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is caused by the deposition of ß-amyloid in small vessels in the cerebral cortex and leptomeninges. Nowadays, CAA is recognized more often due to the development of neuroimaging technologies. The frequency of CAA increases in old age that explains its frequent association with cardiovascular diseases. Combination of CAA with atrial fibrillation (AF) causes particular difficulties in managing of the patients, since antithrombotic drugs prescribed to patients with AF mostly contraindicated in CAA because of increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhages. The article presents a case report of the patient with AF who was admitted to the stroke center with acute ischemic stroke. According to MRI, the focus of acute ischemia was small and localized in the cerebellum. This stroke was regarded as having an undetermined etiology according TOAST classification. Small-vessel occlusion subtype was not diagnosed because the TOAST criteria do not attribute an ischemic focus in the cerebellum to a lacunar stroke, while cardioembolic subtype was rejected due to a small (less than 1.5 cm in diameter) size of the focus. Probable CAA in the patient was diagnosed on the basis of the following MRI data: multiple cortical-subcortical micro-hemorrhages (T2*GRE); a single cortical focus with features of the hemorrhage at the stage of intracellular methemoglobin deposition (T1- weighted MR images); bilateral enlargement of perivascular spaces in semioval centers (FLAIR); a negative fronto-occipital gradient (T2-weighted MR images). A diagnosis of CAA was made in accordance with the 2010 Boston criteria and 2019 recommendations of the International CAA Association. The article discusses the hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic MRI features of CAA. Frequency of occurrence of cortical microinfarcts in CAA is discussed as well as their differences from small cardioembolic infarcts in AF. Algorithms for antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with CAA and AF are considered.

Prognostic Value of Investigating Neuron-Specific Enolase in Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of the plasma neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level as a predictor of functional outcome and motor function recovery in the acute period of ischemic stroke (IS). Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with IS have been examined. On admission to the hospital and at 12-14 days after stroke onset, a clinical and neurological examination have been carried out with the supplementary quantitative assessment of neurological deficit severity according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), functional outcome according to the Modified Rankin Scale, and Rivermead Mobility Index. Enzyme immunoassay was used to determine NSE concentration in blood plasma in the acute period of the disease. Results: The NSE level in patients' blood plasma in the first 48 h after stroke onset positively correlates with the ischemic focus volume (r=0.49; p=0.003) and the severity of neurological symptoms (according to NIHSS) (r=0.33; p=0.02). NSE less than 2 ng/ml in the acute disease period is a predictor of good functional outcome 12-14 days after stroke onset (OR=12.4; р=0.006). The NSE level >2.6 ng/ml is associated with a high likelihood of lethal outcome.Neurological deficit below 15 according to NIHSS as well as the NSE level <2 ng/ml in the acute IS period are estimated as prognostic factors of significant recovery of motor function at 2 weeks after disease onset (OR=5.8; р=0.02). Conclusion: Determination of NSE in blood plasma makes it possible to predict functional outcome of the disease development and the recovery of motor function in patients with IS.

[Experimental optimization of learning and memory processes by selank].

The effect of selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), which is a synthetic derivative of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (stable with respect to tissue peptidases), on the learning and memory processes and metabolism of serotonin (5-HT) have been experimentally studied on Wistar rats. The animals were trained with food reward in 30 trials per day. Selank (300 microg/kg) or saline were injected after the 10th trial. Elaboration of conditioned reflex with food reward was continued 30 min later. Retention was tested 24 h, 7 and 30 days after treatment. A single injection of selank activated the metabolism of 5-HT in the hypothalamus and caudal brain stem for 30 min to 2 h. It was established that selank induces an increase in memory trace stability during 30 days. These findings provide direct evidence that selank, when injected during consolidation phase, can enhance memory storage processes. Nootrope activity of the selank is probably caused by its obvious effect on the level of serotonin and its metabolite in the brain.

[The prevalence of eating behavior disorders in patients with overweight and obesity].

The prevalence of food behavior abnormalities among people with overweight and obesity. The AIM OF INVESTIGATION: To estimate characteristics of food behaviour among people with overweight and obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 188 human of Chuvashia. Anthropometric data was estimated, bodyweight index and waist-hip index were calculated. Infringements of food behaviour were evaluated according to T.G. Voznesenskoj's recommendations. THE RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Food behavior abnormalities appeared more often among people with overweight and obesity than among people with normal weight. The prevalence of food behavior abnormalities depended on the presence of abdominal obesity. The frequency of all types of food behavior abnormalities rose among individuals with overweight and obesity. The groups with overweight and obesity turned out comparable in prevalence and structure of food behavior abnormalities.

[Comparison of the effects of selank and tuftsin on the metabolism of serotonin in the brain of rats pretreated with PCPA].

Effects of the peptide drugs selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) and tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) on the metabolism of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the brain of Wistar rats preliminarily treated with the 5-HT-synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 320 mg/kg, i.p., 4 days before experiment) have been studied on a group of 87 matured rats. It is established that selank enhances the 5-HT metabolism in the brain stem 30 min after injection to animals pretreated with PCPA. In contrast to selank, tuftsin induced no changes in the 5-HT metabolism in the brain stem and decreased it in the neocortex on the same time scale. The data obtained suggest that the peptide drug selank can be used for the correction of disturbances induced by a decrease in 5-HT metabolism.

Use of Selank to correct measures of integrative brain activity and biogenic amine levels in adult rats resulting from antenatal hypoxia.

The effects of Selank, the active component of which is the heptapeptide Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, which includes the tetrapeptide tuftsin and three natural levorotatory amino acids, on behavior and brain serotonin and noradrenaline levels were studied in adult rats subjected to antenatal hypoxia on days 14-16 of gestation. Administration of Selank (300 microg/kg, i.p.) improved sensory attention levels by factors of 2-3 (p < 0.01), facilitated the learning process by a factor of 1.5 (p < 0.01), normalized the level of investigative activity in the open field and hole board, and restored the balance of activity between the serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems of the brain. The data obtained here provide evidence that Selank can be used to compensate for the long-term negative effects of antenatal hypoxia on brain integrative activity and the activity of monoaminergic transmitter systems.

[Compensatory effect of selank on the mnestic functions disturbed by neurotoxic damage of the noradrenergic system of the rat brain].

It has been shown that the peptide anxiolytic drug Selank recovers learning and memory impaired by damage of the noradrenergic (NA) brain system in Wistar rats after injection of the NA-synthesis inhibitor disulfiram, administration of neurotoxic compound 6-OHDA, or a combined induction of hypoxic hypoxia and hypercapnia. The main component of the Selank action is the stimulation of the search reflex aimed to distinguish an adequate adaptive response in the first trials of the learning session. The enhancement of memory consolidation and retrieval shows evidence for stimulation of the brain motivation mechanisms impaired by the NA system damage.

[Indices of mental working ability in school students learning some subjects by advanced educational programs].

The study enrolled 390 schoolchildren attending classes of general, humanitarian, and mathematical education profiles. Mental working ability, memory, and speed and level of cognitive processes were examined. Lower indices were revealed in pupils attending mathematical classes which may be a manifestation of greater fatigue characteristic of this group of pupils. The education in classes of humanitarian profile was associated with significantly higher volume of the operative memory. This finding suggests that the advanced learning of humanities promotes the development of memory. Higher speed of cognitive processes and accuracy of solution of mental tasks were shown to be characteristic of the pupils of mathematical classes.