ACADEMIC PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The paper considers approaches to assessment of engineering programme objectives and learning outcomes achievement for accreditation. Accreditation criteria of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technologies (USA) and the Association for Engineering Education of Russia are discussed. The bachelor degree programme in Power and Electrical Engineering at Tomsk Polytechnic University is used as an example. The approaches are recommended for implementation in Russian University Academic Standards and a new version of the Federal State Education Standards

On Burkholderiales order microorganisms and cystic fibrosis in Russia

Abstract Background Microbes infecting cystic fibrosis patients’ respiratory tract are important in determining patients’ functional status. Representatives of Burkholderiales order are the most dangerous. The goal of our investigation was to reveal the diversity of Burkholderiales, define of their proportion in the microbiome of various parts of respiratory tract and determine the pathogenicity of the main representatives. Results In more than 500 cystic fibrosis patients, representing all Federal Regions of Russia, 34.0% were infected by Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), 21.0% by Achromobacter spp. and 12.0% by Lautropia mirabilis. B. cenocepacia was the most numerous species among the Bcc (93.0%), and A. ruhlandii was the most numerous among Achromobacter spp. (58.0%). The most abundant genotype in Bcc was sequence type (ST) 709, and in Achromobacter spp. it was ST36. These STs constitute Russian epidemic strains. Whole genome sequencing of strains A. ruhlandii SCCH3:Ach33–1365 ST36 and B. cenocepacia GIMC4560:Bcn122 ST709 revealed huge resistomes and many virulence factors, which may explain the difficulties in eradicating these strains. An experience of less dangerous B. cenocepcia ST710 elimination was described. Massively parallel sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons, including V1-V4 hypervariable regions, was used to definite “healthy” microbiome characteristics. Analysis of maxillary sinus lavage of 7 patients revealed infection with Proteobacteria of the same ST as pathogens from sputum, suggesting that the maxillary sinus is a source of infection in cystic fibrosis patients. Conclusions Characterization of the Russian epidemic bacterial strains in the sputum and sinuses of cystic fibrosis patients have better defined the importance of Burkholderiales bacteria. This information may aid in the development of effective approaches for treatment of this disease

Additional file 3: Table S2. of On Burkholderiales order microorganisms and cystic fibrosis in Russia

Genome features and virulence factors of B. cenocepacia ST709. (XLSX 61 kb

The Variability of the Order Burkholderiales Representatives in the Healthcare Units

Background and Aim. The order Burkholderiales became more abundant in the healthcare units since the late 1970s; it is especially dangerous for intensive care unit patients and patients with chronic lung diseases. The goal of this investigation was to reveal the real variability of the order Burkholderiales representatives and to estimate their phylogenetic relationships. Methods. 16S rDNA and genes of the Burkholderia cenocepacia complex (Bcc) Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) scheme were used for the bacteria detection. Results. A huge diversity of genome size and organization was revealed in the order Burkholderiales that may prove the adaptability of this taxon’s representatives. The following variability of the Burkholderiales in Russian healthcare units has been revealed: Burkholderiaceae (Burkholderia, Pandoraea, and Lautropia), Alcaligenaceae (Achromobacter), and Comamonadaceae (Variovorax). The Burkholderia genus was the most diverse and was represented by 5 species and 16 sequence types (ST). ST709 and 728 were transmissible and often encountered in cystic fibrosis patients and in hospitals. A. xylosoxidans was estimated by 15 genotypes. The strains of first and second ones were the most numerous. Conclusions. Phylogenetic position of the genus Lautropia with smaller genome is ambiguous. The Bcc MLST scheme is applicable for all Burkholderiales representatives for resolving the epidemiological problems

Additional file 1: Table S4. of On Burkholderiales order microorganisms and cystic fibrosis in Russia

Characteristics of the patients, included in the microbiome analysis. FEV1,% - percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s; SD - substantial decline; S – stable. (XLSX 13 kb