Conditions for the Dye Sensitization of Photoprocesses in Semiconductors

The necessary requirements for the photoeffect sensitization are the existence of electron states in the semiconductors capable of accepting energy from the dye and subsurface band bending. Methods for control of the sensitization efficiency are discussed. Keywords: Internal Photo Effect, Semiconductors, Dye Sensitization

Structure and Functional Role of Bacterial CRISPR System

Presented is the review of literature data on the recently discovered system of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), which takes part in the defense against penetration of alien genetic information in prokaryotes. CRISPR structural peculiarities and functions, and putative mechanism of action are described. Also presented are data on the availability of this system in particularly dangerous infections agents and on the possibility of its application for molecular typing

Studies of Immunobiological Properties in <i>Francisella tularensis</i> Vaccine Strain 15 NIIEG under Extended Storage Conditions

Investigated have been 8 cultures of Francisella tularensis strain 15 NIIEG (lyophilized in 1953, 1966, 1969, 1987, 1990, 2003, 2012, and 2013, respectively) stored at the State Collection of Microorganisms of the Scientific Center on Expertise of Medical Application Products. It is established that the majority of cultures has maintained their immunobiological properties. However, it is of note that liophilization does not prevent F. tularensis strain 15 NIIEG from changes in its residual virulence under extended storage. Revealed is the fact that LD50 for 7 cultures of tularemia microbe strain is within the limits of 100-250 microbial cells (m.c.). At the same time, residual virulence for the strain which dates back 1966 is 7.3·105 m.c. Immunogenic activity rates in F. tularensis 15 NIIEG strain cultures range within specified limits. Apart from this, F. tularensis 1987 strain does not comply with the established requirements to the “specific safety”, as subcutaneous inoculation with 5·109 m.c./ml caused death of Guinea pigs within the scheduled observation time. Demonstrated is the necessity in maintaining constant stability of the original immunobiological properties in Francisella tularensis strain 15 NIIEG under extended storage conditions

The Current Use of Biomedical Cell Products for Cancer Treatment

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death. Conventional treatment methods, including radiation and chemotherapy, have limited effectiveness. Therefore, the development of novel approaches to cancer treatment is an urgent challenge. Biomedical cell products (BMCPs) which include adoptive cell therapy (ACT) and dendritic cells vaccines (DCVs) are considered a promising area of research. The aim of the study was to review current ideas about the principles of BMCP therapy, as well as clinical experience with cell-based products used for cancer treatment. The paper summarises the results of clinical use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL-therapy), genetically modified T-cells that express tumour antigen-specific receptors (TCR/CAR T-therapy), as well as DCVs. The use of human immune cells genetically modified ex vivo is a novel and promising approach to cancer treatment. The main analysed ACT approaches which are based on the use of genetically modified T-lymphocytes have some benefits and drawbacks. The paper discusses the methods of BMCP production, provides data on the effectiveness of ACT and DCVs. It pays special attention to safety concerns associated with each treatment method, as well as to other factors limiting their clinical use. It is expected that the main areas of further research will be aimed at increasing BMCP efficacy and reducing adverse reactions

Nucleotide Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Glycoprotein-G of the Russian Fixed Rabies Virus Strain “Moscow 3253”

Fully sequenced have been glycoprotein-G, sha-psi region, as well as H-end site of the L-gene in the rabies virus strain “Moscow 3253”. Compared are amino acid sequences of proteins of “Moscow 3253” strain and other fixed strains of the virus. Established is 98 % DNA homology with RV-97, and 91% homology with PV (Pasteur virus) strain. Constructed has been phylogenetic tree of the strain under study alongside with various groups of fixed rabies virus. It is revealed that “Moscow 3253” strain has closer genetic relations with Japanese group of strains, than with PV strain. Put forward is an assumption that PV strain does not derive from the virus isolated by Pasteur, but relates to the American group of strains

Assessment of Residual Virulence of Francisella tularensis 15 NIIEG Vaccine Strain Based on Long-term Observations

Objective of the study is to assess and analyze the long-term data on annual control of residual virulence of Francisella tularensis 15 NIIEG vaccine strain for clarifying the value of the parameter and amending the regulatory documentation. Materials and methods. Utilized were 8 vials containing lyophilized cultures of vaccine strain F. tularensis 15 NIIEG dated 1953, 1966, 1969, 1987, 1990, 2003, 2012, and 2013, manufactured at different industrial sites. To gather additional information on residual virulence of F. tularensis 15 NIIEG strain, evaluation of quality control files of 76 lyophilized cultures in vials was performed, out of which 48 strains manufactured at the premises of Odessa Bacterial Products Enterprise in 1980, 1987, and 1990, and 28 – at Joint Stock Company Scientific Production Association on Medical Immunobiological Preparations “Microgen”, Omsk Bacterial Products Enterprise, in 2003–2013. Results and discussion. Assessment of the parameter has revealed that out of 8 tested cultures of F. tularensis 15 NIIEG strain of various date of lyophilization 7 cultures have virulence rate ranging within 1·102 – 2.5·102 mc, LD50 of the strain dated 1966 is 7.3·105 mc (the standard range 1·102 – 2·106 mc). Obtained in the course of analysis of quality control files on F. tularensis 15 NIIEG strain, stored in lyophilized form at (19±1) °C, data demonstrate that residual virulence stays within the specified limits. Amendments regarding the value of “Residual virulence” parameter have been introduced into the regulatory documentation, the level ranging within 1·102 – 5·103 mc

Эффективность и безопасность вакцин для профилактики холеры

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by toxigenic strains of Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups. It still remains a major  global healthcare problem. According to WHO, about 100,000 people die from cholera every year, despite the modern methods of  treatment, improvement in the quality of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. In recent years, oral cholera vaccines have proved an  effective tool for preventing and curbing cholera epidemics.  According to the WHO Ending Cholera — A Global Roadmap, mass  vaccination should help reduce the mortality resulting from cholera  by 90 % worldwide by 2030 and eliminate the disease in 20  countries. The review outlines the main historical stages in the  development of cholera vaccines: parenteral, chemical, inactivated and live oral vaccines. The paper compares active  ingredients and excipients used in Dukoral®, mORC-VAX®, Shanchol®, Euvichol®, Vaxchora®, Oravacs® and the cholera bivalent chemical vaccine. The results of international multicenter clinical trials of oral inactivated, live and  chemical cholera vaccines are analysed. Issues related to efficacy and safety studies of cholera vaccines are considered.Холера — острое диарейное заболевание, вызываемое токсигенными штаммами Vibrio cholerae О1 и О139 серогрупп, по-прежнему остается одной из основных проблем мирового  здравоохранения. Несмотря на существующие методы лечения и улучшение качества  питьевой воды, санитарии и гигиены, ежегодно от холеры, по оценкам ВОЗ, умирают около  100000 человек. В последние годы одним из эффективных способов предупреждения и  ликвидации эпидемий холеры является применение оральных холерных вакцин. Согласно  Глобальной дорожной карте ВОЗ, массовая вакцинация должна помочь к 2030 г. добиться  снижения смертности от холеры на 90 % в мире и элиминирования заболевания в 20  странах. В обзоре изложены основные исторические этапы создания холерных вакцин:  парентеральных, химических, инактивированных и живых оральных вакцин. Представлено  сравнительное описание состава действующих и вспомогательных веществ вакцин  Dukoral®, mORC-VAX®, Shanchol®, Euvichol®, Vaxchora®, Oravacs® и вакцины холерной  бивалентной химической. Проанализированы результаты международных многоцентровых клинических исследований оральных инактивированных, живой и химической холерных  вакцин. Рассмотрены вопросы, касающиеся изучения эффективности и безопасности вакцин, используемых для профилактики холеры