Aim. To study the effect of neuroinflammation inducers of viral and bacterial origin on the reception and transport of lactate in endothelial cells of the brain in vitro.

Materials and Methods. In the study, we incubated endothelial cells with bacterial inducers (lipopolysaccharide, E. coli) of various concentrations and inducer of viral inflammation (Poly I:C). After the exposure, we evaluated the proliferative activity of endothelial cells, change in transendothelial electrical resistance, and the concentration of extracellular lactate. We then performed an im-munocytochemistry investigation to record changes in the number of endothelial cells expressing the target molecules GPR81, MCT-1, IL-1_β, TLR3 and ZO1.

Conclusions. Disturbance of the transport and reception of lactate can contribute to the changes in structural and functional integrity of the blood-brain barrier caused by bacterial and viral inflammation.

Aim. To study the microbial diversity and dust organic component in surgical healthcare settings and to assess the risk of dust-mediated transmission of healthcare-associated infections.

Materials and Methods. Dust sampling (n = 41) was carried out using sterile gloves and containers from ventilation grilles and adjacent air ducts of the exhaust ventilation systems in various healthcare settings. Size and shape of dust particles were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Elemental analysis (CHNSO) was conducted employing high temperature catalytic oxidation. Bacterial composition of the dust was investigated using a VITEK 2 Compact biochemical analyzer while viral diversity was screened by polymerase chain reaction.

Results. Dust in healthcare units consisted of globular particles and/or microsized fibers. Regardless of the healthcare setting, globular particles prevailed in the dust structure. Dust nanoparticles was characterised by an average first size peak of 85.6 ± 12.6 nm and an average second peak of 307.1 ± 76.2 nm. Dust collected in non-surgical units contained a higher nitrogen content than surgical settings (p < 0.001). Proportions of hydrogen, carbon, and sulfur did not differ between non-surgical and surgical units. The dust collected from healthcare settings in different cities also varied in nitrogen content (p = 0.033). A wide microbial diversity was detected in dust samples and a high frequency (46.34%) of its contamination was found. In surgical departments, dust contamination was notable for multidrug-resistant bacteria (28.57%), while viruses prevailed in non-surgical departments (23.3%).

Conclusions. Dust generated in surgical departments contains nanosized particulate matter, multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and a prominent organic component all defining it as a possible reservoir of multidrug-resistant microorganisms which may potentially cause healthcare-associated infections via airborne transmission.

Aim. To determine the level of IgA and IgG to estradiol, progesterone, and benzo[a]pyrene in women with or without preterm labor and to assess whether the administration of progestagens affect these parameters.

Aim. To assess the immunological parameters in severe bronchial asthma in relation to the phenotype and endotype of inflammation.

Materials and Methods. We examined 40 patients with severe bronchial asthma, further stratified by phenotype (allergic asthma and fixed airflow obstruction asthma) and 17 healthy volunteers. Bronchial obstruction was clinically estimated by the day/night asthma attack count or number of β₂-agonists inhalations per day. The number of CD4⁺, CD3⁺, CD19⁺, CD8⁺, CD3⁺, HLADR⁺, CD45RA⁺, CD4⁺, CD3⁺, CD16⁺, and CD56⁺ lymphocytes was determined using flow cytometry. Measurement of serum IL-4 and IL-5 was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results. Patients with severe bronchial asthma showed an increase in naive T-lymphocytes and HLA-DR⁺ lymphocytes in comparison with healthy blood donors. In addition, an increase in serum of IL-4 and total IgE was found in patients with asthma. Patients with severe bronchial asthma and > 300 eosinophils/pL were characterised by an increase in CD4⁺ lymphocytes, NK (CD16⁺CD56⁺) cells, and higher ratio of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ T-lympho-cytes.

Conclusion. Further research on asthma development should be focused on the role of NK cells in the inflammation and their association with eosinophils.

Aim. To develop the software for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in women of early reproductive age.

Material and Methods. We consecutively recruited 200 women of early reproductive age (18-35 years) with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (100 women per group) and performed standard clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound examination. In particular, we evaluated the duration of the menstrual cycle (oligo/ amenorrhea), ovarian reserve, and ultrasound parameters of the uterus and appendages (antiMullerian hormone level, ovarian volume, and antral follicle count). Anti-Mullerian hormone level was measured by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while ovarian volume and antral follicle count were examined on the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle using a transvaginal ultrasound examination.

Results. We found statistically significant differences in the indicators of ovarian reserve in women of early reproductive age between the patients with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. Employing a logistic regression analysis, we developed a software for the automated diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Sensitivity and specificity of this software were 70.9% and 75.7%, respectively.

The «Clinical, Laboratory, and Ultrasound Diagnostics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (CLOUDPOS)» software was developed and registered by Federal Intellectual Property Service (certificate No. 2019662249, date of registration 09/19/2019).

Conclusion. Our software can be recommended as an accessory tool for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Aim. Comprehensive epidemiological assessment of factors affecting the effectiveness of the infertility treatment in medical organizations of St. Petersburg.

Materials and Methods. The effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology programs in St. Petersburg reproductive centers was evaluated by analyzing the respective database for infertility treatment in 2013-2017. We retrospectively examined 843 patient records that were submitted to one of the St. Petersburg reproductive centers in 2014-2017 with the following survey and in-depth clinical examination of 129 couples before in vitro fertilisation.

Results. Risk factors of infertility included vaginal dysbiosis (OR = 7.5 (95% CI 1.04-54.1)), Trichomonas vaginalis infection (OR= 2.6 (95% CI 1.12 - 6.4)), and smoking (OR = 2.6 (95% CI 1.0 - 6.5)).

Conclusion. Optimised screening of couples before in vitro fertilisation may increase the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology programs. Stimulation of the population's commitment to a healthy lifestyle including non-smoking policy should be one of the main directions to prevent infertility.

Aim. To study pregnancy and the outcomes of labor in women with oligohydramnios and flattened fetal bladder.

Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analysed childbirth histories of 100 women admitted to Belyaev Kemerovo Regional Clinical Hospital either diagnosed with oligohydramnios combined with a flattened fetal bladder or having normal pregnancy course (n = 50 per group).

Results. Patients with oligohydramnios and a flattened fetal bladder more frequently had past medical history of pelvic inflammatory disease (60% versus 30% in healthy women, p = 0.001) as well as dilation and curettage (32% versus 10% in healthy women, p = 0.003). Such patients had higher rate of a urinary tract infections during pregnancy (26.0% versus 4.0% in healthy women, p = 0.001). Childbirth in this patient group was more frequently complicated by a discoordinated labor (40.0% versus 0% in healthy women, p = 0.001). Pathology examination of the placenta confirmed the high frequency of chronic inflammatory process and chorioamnionitis in patients with oligohydramnios and a flattened fetal bladder.

Conclusion. Patients with oligohydramnios and a flattened fetal bladder are a risk group of urinary tract infections during pregnancy and chorioamnionitis.

Aim. Atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) is a strong predictor of endometrial cancer, which is responsible for 80% of endometrial malignancies; out of all patients AEH, 10-50% are further diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Here we developed an algorithm for calculating the risk of AEH ma-lignisation in women of reproductive age.

Materials and Methods. Our study included 143 women of reproductive age with a histologically confirmed endometrial hyperplasia. Patients were further divided into those having AEH and non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia. Control group included 56 women with abnormal uterine bleeding without endometrial hyperplasia, adeno-myosis, uterine fibroids, and cancer. We then performed binary logistic regression model for the identification of significant risk factors of AEH malignisation.

Results. Among the significant risk factors were miRNA levels (miR-210, miR-18a, miR-221, miR-222), pyruvate kinase M2, pelvic inflammatory disease (OR = 7.73), adenomyosis (OR = 3.34), benign mammary dysplasia (OR = 3.21), and uterine fibroids in conjunction with adenomyosis (OR = 8.34).

Conclusion. Our results show that every third patient with AEH has a risk of its malignisation to endometrial cancer. We also developed an algorithm for calculating the individual risk of such event.

Aim. To justify the proposals for improving the surveillance for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers at the regional level.

Materials and Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence of known risk factors for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. In total, 1269 residents of the Altai Krai ≥ 18 years were the study participants; the response rate was 84.6% (1269/1500). Logistic regression was used to test the relationship between the age of the respondents (independent variable) and their visits to the tanning salons (dependent variable). The population attributable risk was used to measure the epidemiological significance of the risk factors in a specific study population.

Results. The current system of epidemiological surveillance for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers needs to be supplemented with a routine data collection on the prevalence of known risk factors, among which visiting of the tanning salons has particular importance as a controllable factor which was present in 7.6% (97/1269) respondents. Identification rate regarding this risk factor was higher among the young people (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.93 ÷ 0.97 per an additional year, p <0.0001). Up to 6.2% of melanoma cases and 2.95-7.19% of non-melanoma skin cancers among the population of Altai Krai could be prevented annually by the exclusion of non-medical visits to the tanning salons. The most ultraviolet-susceptible phototypes of the skin (Fitzpatrick I and II) were present in 11.5% (146/1266) and 29.8% (377/1266) of respondents, respectively.

Conclusion. Routine assessment of the risk factors of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers can contribute to the efficient surveillance and prevention. Total prevalence of skin phototypes most associated with the risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (Fitzpatrick I and II) was about 40%. The most significant controllable risk factor, i.e. visiting tanning salons, was noted only by 7.6% of respondents. The population attributable risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers associated with visiting tanning salons was 6.2% and 2.95-7.19% for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers respectively.

Aim. Analysis of the epidemiological and epi-zootological situation in the Omsk region over the past 12 years (2008-2019) and identification of factors affecting the epidemic manifestations of brucellosis in modern conditions on the territory of the Omsk region.

Material and methods. The data of the official registration of infectious diseases in the Russian Federation, accounting documents of the Office of Rospotrebnadzor, Rosselkhoznadzor, the Main Veterinary Directorate of the Omsk Region for 2008-2019 are analyzed. A retrospective epidemiological analysis was carried out over a 12 year period. Graphic data was obtained using Microsoft Excel 2007.

An analysis of 91 stationary maps of patients with newly diagnosed brucellosis was carried out.

Results. Total for 2008-2019 95 cases of newly diagnosed brucellosis in humans were reported. In the study period, registration of chronic brucellosis with a gradual onset (44 cases) and residual brucellosis (13 cases) prevailed in people. Acute brucellosis was recorded in 22 cases, subacute in 8 cases. Examination of contacts in dysfunctional foci of brucellosis revealed 8 cases of latent brucellosis. Among the cases of brucellosis, residents

of the region prevailed - 84.2% (80 cases). Brucellosis in humans was recorded in 20 of 32 rural areas of the region and in the city of Omsk. In 46.3% of all newly diagnosed cases of brucellosis (44 out of 95), the professional nature of the disease was established.

Conclusion. In the Omsk region in the period 2008-2019 An unfavorable situation for brucellosis remains, for many years the incidence rates have exceeded the national ones. Cases of newly diagnosed chronic and outbreaks of acute brucellosis among people continue to be recorded. Taking into account the clinical and epidemiological features and tendencies to chronicity of brucellosis infection, an increase in the number of patients requiring health and preventive measures should be expected. An objective assessment of the epidemiological situation requires a revision of the statistical forms of registration of cases of brucellosis with an indication of the clinical variants of the disease.

Supersaturation of blood with calcium and phosphate is associated with higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events; however, pathophysiological basis of such association remains unclear. Upon an excess of serum calcium and phosphate, mineral chaperone fetuin-A aggregates mineral ions into calcium phosphate bions (CPB, alternatively termed calciprotein particles), which are irreversibly internalised by endothelial cells causing lysosome membrane permeabilisation, non-specific inflammatory response and cell death. Altogether, these processes contribute to pathological microenvironment potentiating endothelial dysfunction, osteochondrogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and adventitial inflammation which in turn culminate into intimal hyperplasia and medial arterial calcification. Albeit the correlation between increased CPB count in the blood and higher risk of cardiovascular events/cardiovascular death has initially been found in patients with chronic kidney disease, recent investigations suggest similar scenario in patients with arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease without renal dysfunction testifying to the general pathophysiological mechanism. Here we discuss the existing data on how CPB do form and how they affect the development of cardiovascular disease. We further consider advantages and shortcomings of the relevant experimental models as well as diagnostic significance of measuring CPB in the serum and clinical potential of anti-CPP therapies for the patients with chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

Aim. To develop the methodology to assess the standards of physical development of children and adolescents.

Materials and Methods. We have analyzed the available literature and our previous results to identify current problems in evaluating physical development of children with the focus on regional standards.

Results. Current methodology in the field clearly needs standardization. We propose that “Standards of physical development of children and adolescents” software enables the objective evaluation of physical development in relation to children and adolescents and therefore can be suggested as a golden standard. Comparative analysis of the anthropometric data using this program and standard descriptive statistics (SPSS 21) showed the similarity of the results.

Conclusions. Contemporary problems in the study of physical development of children and adolescents include the lack of standardized methods, standards, and official documents. We suggest our novel approach as a promising solution.

Chromosomal abnormalities are a leading cause of early embryonic arrest Identification of genetic abnormalities incompatible with embryonic development significantly contributes to the understanding of early embryonic arrest causes and to the development of prevention strategies. Here we describe a case of hypertriploid abortus with 70, XXY,+16 karyotype. This chromosomal abnormality led to the early embryonic arrest at 4 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy.

The clinical report emphasizes the necessity for the cytogenetic analysis of abortion material in the patients who underwent a reproductive failure.