Molecular Genetic Characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes Strains Isolated from Patients with Various Manifestations of Streptococcal Infection.

In 82 clinical strains of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci) isolated from patients with various manifestations of streptococcal infection, emm-typing revealed 27 emm-types (n=77) with a predominance of emm-89 (n=15; 18%), emm-75 (n=9; 11%), and emm-1 (n=6; 7%); types emm-3, emm-12, and emm-58 (n=4; 5% each) were found with almost equal frequency; other types were less common. The superantigen genes speC, speG, speH, speI, speJ, speK, speL, speM, smeZ, and SSA were identified in S. pyogenes strains using multiprimer PCR; the genes of the superantigen SpeA and cysteine proteinase SpeB were detected using real-time PCR. All the studied S. pyogenes strains contained superantigen genes, and 98% of the strains had several (from 2 to 7) genes. The number of variants of these sets reached 37; 2% of the strains contained only one superantigen gene. The distribution frequencies of superantigen genes in the studied strains were: speA - 43%; speC - 38%; speG - 93%; speH - 13%; speI - 6%; speJ - 24%; speK - 13%; speL and speM - 11% each; smeZ - 98%; SSA - 15%. All studied S. pyogenes strains contained the speB gene. Our studies have demonstrated that the sets of superantigen genes of group A streptococci are characterized by pronounced diversity to some extent associated with emm-type.

[Molecular epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genovariants in Moscow and Moscow region].

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2, a severe acute respiratory illness virus that emerged in China in late 2019, continues to spread rapidly around the world, accumulating mutations and thus causing serious concern. Five virus variants of concern are currently known: Alpha (lineage B.1.1.7), Beta (lineage B.1.351), Gamma (lineage P.1), Delta (lineage B.1.617.2), and Omicron (lineage B.1.1.529). In this study, we conducted a molecular epidemiological analysis of the most prevalent genovariants in Moscow and the region. The aim of the study is to estimate the distribution of various variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Moscow city and the Moscow Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 227 SARS-CoV-2 sequences were used for analysis. Isolation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was performed on Vero E6 cell culture. Sequencing was performed by the Sanger method. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out using software packages: MAFFT, IQ-TREE v1.6.12, jModelTest 2.1.7, Nextstrain, Auspice v2.34. RESULTS: As a result of phylogenetic analysis, we have identified the main variants of the virus circulating in Russia that have been of concern throughout the existence of the pandemic, namely: variant B.1.1.7, which accounted for 30% (9/30), AY.122, which accounted for 16.7% (5/30), BA.1.1 with 20% (6/30) and B.1.1 with 33.3% (10/30). When examining Moscow samples for the presence of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins of different genovariants, a significant percentage of the most common substitutions was recorded: S protein D614G (86.7%), P681H/R (63.3%), E protein T9I (20.0%); M protein I82T (30.0%), D3G (20.0%), Q19E (20.0%) and finally N protein R203K/M (90.0%), G204R/P (73.3 %). CONCLUSION: The study of the frequency and impact of mutations, as well as the analysis of the predominant variants of the virus are important for the development and improvement of vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19. Therefore, ongoing molecular epidemiological studies are needed, as these data provide important information about changes in the genome of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.

[Tissue culture inactivated vaccine for the prevention of Japanese encephalitis: experimental and laboratory process and control layout].

A process flow diagram was elaborated for production and control of tissue culture inactivated vaccine (TCIV) against Japanese encephalitis (JE). The vaccine was prepared on the basis of the earlier patented JE virus strain (K3). Experimental laboratory JE TCIV series were obtained; their safety and high immunogenicity were tested on animals. Regulations (an instruction) for preparing and controlling JE TCIV have been worked out, which have been approved by the Academic Council of the D. I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology.

[Radiation protective quality of spacesuit "Orlan-M" during extravehicular activities on the International Space Station].

Sampling irradiation of spacesuit "Orlan-M" allowed construction of a simulation model of the spacesuit shielding function for critical body organs. The critical organs self-shielding model is a Russian standard anthropomorphic phantom. Radiation protective quality of the spacesuit was assessed by calculating the dose attenuation rates for several critical body organs of an ISS crewmember implementing EVA. These calculations are intended for more accurate assessment of radiation risk to the ISS crews donning "Orlan-M" in near-Earth orbits.

[Detection of meningococcal meningitis epidemics in Africa: a new recommendation]. / Mieux détecter les épidémies de méningite à méningocoque en Afrique: une nouvelle recommandation.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the control of meningococcal meningitis epidemics relies on early epidemic detection and mass vaccination. However, experience shows that interventions are often initiated too late to have a significant impact on the epidemic. A new recommendation drafted by participants of a consensus meeting proposes an alert threshold and an epidemic threshold based on the weekly number or incidence of meningitis cases, according to the population size and the epidemic risk, resulting in indicators with high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of an emerging epidemic. Meningitis outbreak investigations must include an assessment of the quality of epidemiologic surveillance. The new recommendation is published in English and French in the Weekly Epidemiologic Record [12]. The success of this consensus meeting shows the value of integrating results from surveillance, field experience and operational research for designing new health strategies.

[Effect of loading suit "Penguin" on human metabolism during movements]. / Vliianie profilakticheskogo nagruzochnogo kostiuma "Pingvin" na metabolizm cheloveka pri dvizheniiakh.

Additional energy expenses due to stretching of the elastic elements of anti-loading suit (ALS) "Penguin" as a whole (shoulders-feet) or only its lower part (waist-feet) in the course of cyclic leg movements were measured in five female and five male volunteers. ALS design enabled tensometric monitoring of efforts applied to specific elastic elements, and total efforts applied to the shoulder or pelvic girdles separately. Energy spend were determined with the indirect calorimetric techniques from the data of the expired air analysis. Registered were electromyograms of m. longus spinae, femoral extensor (m. biceps femoris) and femoral flexor (m. rectus femoris), and m. gastrocnemius. On the first stage, bicycle ergometer was pedaled w/o loading with a frequency of 60 cycles/min. The next stage included testing by incremental loading in which pedaling ceased at the pulse rate of 150/min. Results of the experiments that did not require stretching elastic parts of the suit and in which the total strain effort made up 20 to 25 kg and 15 to 16 kg by males and females, respectively, were compared. It was ascertained that ALS enhanced metabolism during motion by 20 to 30%; however, there was no significant difference in energy expenses when loaded by the whole suit or only its lower part.

Immunogenicity of two efficacious outer membrane protein-based serogroup B meningococcal vaccines among young adults in Iceland.

Serum bactericidal activity (SBA) and ELISA antibody levels elicited by two efficacious serogroup B meningococcal vaccines were measured in a controlled trial involving 408 15- to 20-year-olds. Subjects were given two doses at a 6-week interval of a serogroup B or control vaccine. Response was defined as > or = 4-fold rise in antibody level. After two doses of the Finlay Institute (Havana) vaccine at 12 months, the proportions of SBA and ELISA responders were not different from those of the control group (15% and 17% [vaccine] vs. 13% and 9% [control], P > .05). After two doses of the National Institute of Public Health (Oslo) vaccine, there were more SBA and ELISA responders than in the control group (47% and 34% [vaccine] vs. 10% and 1% [control]) or the Finlay Institute vaccine group (P < .05 for both). SBA and ELISA may be insensitive correlates for protective efficacy for some outer membrane protein-based serogroup B meningococcal vaccines.

[Prevention of respiratory muscles deconditioning and deterioration of aerobic working capacity in prolonged weightlessness and hypokinesia]. / Profilaktika detrenirovannosti dykhatel'nykh myshts i snizhenie aérobnoi rabotosposobnosti v usloviiakh dlitel'noi nevesomosti i gipokinezii.

According to the previous study [2], simulation of the physiological effects of weightlessness leads to deconditioning of the respiratory muscles which, in its turn, may be a factor impacting the aerobic working capacity. In the present work the experimental findings laid the basis for a physiological concept for medical/engineering requirements to countermeasures against deconditioning of the respiratory muscles, designing and laboratory and physiological testing of a prototype of training loading vest Elastik-R. The vest was shown to enhance speed and force qualities of the respiratory muscles in training athletes, to improve ventilation and gas-exchange functions of the lung, and to increase physical performance and aerobic capacity. Recommendations on utilization of the Elastik-R vest during space flight have been issued.

[Early transcription of FAV-1 (CELO) avian adenovirus genome]. / Ranniaia transkriptsiia genoma adenovirusa ptits FAV-1 (CELO).

The patterns of RNA from cells infected with avian adenovirus chicken embryo lethal orphan (CELO) virus were analyzed by Northern hybridization method. Early RNAs are specifically hybridized with several fragments of the Eco-RI restriction map: A (49-81%), B (0.2-20.3%), D (81-92.5%), and E fragments of the Bam-HI CELO DNA restriction map. Early RNAs were not hybridized with C (37.8-49%), G (31-37.8%), and E (20.3-31%) fragments of the Eco-RI DNA CELO restriction map. At least 19 types of virus-specific RNA molecules homologous to 4 different regions of the virus genome are produced in CELO-infected permissive cells. Several classes of virus-specific RNAs were identified in CELO virus-transformed cell strains.

Meningococcal disease: public health burden and control.

Meningococcal disease which is increasing globally is still associated with a high mortality and persistent neurological defects, particularly among infants and young children. Sporadic meningococcal meningitis occurs throughout the world, with seasonal variations, and accounts for 10-40% of endemic bacterial meningitis. Epidemic meningitis occurs in any part of the world but the largest and most frequently recurring epidemics have been in the semi-arid area of sub-Saharan Africa where the current pandemic is associated with attack rates exceeding 500 per 100,000 population and thousands of deaths. In the Americas and Europe serogroup B is the predominant agent causing systemic disease, followed in frequency by serogroup C. Serogroup A meningococcus was historically the main cause of epidemic meningococcal disease globally and still predominates in Africa and Asia. A range of internal and external factors predispose for epidemics such as strain virulence, carriers, humoral immunity, co-infections, low humidity and drought, population movements and crowding. To respond to the current situation and the expected spread of the disease, WHO, in collaboration with its Member States and various governmental and non-governmental agencies, has developed a sustainable plan of action for preparedness and control of meningitis.

Genes for fowl adenovirus CELO penton base and core polypeptides.

A 3.5-kilobase DNA fragment of the fowl adenovirus type 1 (CELO), located between map units 31.1 and 39.4 has been determined. The sequence contains the probable CELO equivalents of the IIIa protein, penton base, pVII and pV core protein genes of human adenovirus (HAV). The CELO penton base and major core protein (analog HAV pVII) were found to consist of 514 (56.8 kDa) and 72 amino acids (8.4 kDa), respectively.

[Chronic pneumonia and cancer: changes in beta-adrenergic receptors in human lung parenchyma]. / Khonicheskaia pnevmoniia i rak: izmeneniia beta-adrenergicheskikh retseptorov v parenkhime legkikh cheloveka.

beta-Adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors have been investigated in human lung parenchyma during cancer and chronic pneumonia as compared with normal tissue, obtained after segmental resection of tuberculoma from surrounding normal tissues. Binding of beta-adrenergic radioligand 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) and muscarinic antagonist 3H-quinuclidinyl benzylate (3H-QNB) was saturating with high rate of affinity in lung parenchyma membranes of both controls and patients with cancer and chronic pneumonia. Amount of binding sites of 3H-QNB was significantly increased in cancer (Bmax = 377.5 +/- 65.5 fmole/mg) and did not change in chronic pneumonia (Bmax = 97.7 +/- 14.7 fmole/mg) as compared with normal tissues (Bmax = 108.9 +/- 12.1 fmole/mg); a number of binding sites of 3H-DHA was significantly decreased both in lung parenchyma under conditions of cancer (Bmax = 84.1 +/- 14.5 fmole/mg) and chronic pneumonia (Bmax = 113.8 +/- 10.3 fmole/mg) as compared with normal tissue (Bmax = 456.7 +/- 73.7 fmole/mg). The affinity of 3H-DHA and 3H-QNB binding was practically unaltered. The results obtained suggest the important role of beta-adrenergic receptors in formation of lung cancer in the patients with pneumonia.

[Influence of actinomycin D on the effectiveness of producing ts mutants of the Japanese encephalitis virus]. / Vliianie aktinomitsina D na éffektivnost' polucheniia ts-mutantov virusa iaponskogo éntsefalita.

Reciprocal competition of viral and cellular matrices of RNA synthesis was demonstrated, as well as a 10-13-fold increase of 3H-uridine incorporation into viral RNAs in the presence of actinomycin D, the inhibiting effect of actinomycin D on virus replication, the dependence of the late stage of Japanese encephalitis virus reproduction upon the host cell, and no positive effect of actinomycin D on generation of Japanese encephalitis virus ts mutants.

WHO programme for the control of hospital infections.

The results of the WHO cooperative study show that hospital-acquired infections (HAI) should be considered as an important problem in both developed and developing countries. The Hospital Infection Prevalence Survey carried out in 14 countries representing four regions revealed the mean prevalence rate of 8.7% HAI with the highest frequency in intensive care, acute surgical and orthopedic units. The most common HAI were of surgical wounds (25.1% of all infections), followed by urinary tract infections (22.0%) and lower respiratory infection (20.5%). Predominant organisms causing the infection were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

Multicentre evaluation of a direct coagglutination test for group A streptococci.

A coagglutination test for detection of group A streptococci in throat samples was evaluated in a multicentre study and found to be about 95% sensitive when applied to swabs taken from symptomatic patients which yielded more than 100 colonies per plate on culture. The sensitivity of the test dropped significantly when it was applied to swabs giving fewer than 100 colonies on culture. The specificity of the test was high regardless of colony count on conventional media.