Method of Myelogram Analysis in Leukocyte Recognition Systems

An approach for the formation of a myelogram was proposed. It is based on digital image processing and pattern recognition. It is used in automated analysis of blood smears and bone marrow. The proposed approach is implemented in an automated recognition system of blood cells. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was evaluated. Keywords: Computer microscopy, image processing, segmentation, blood cells recognition, acute leukemi

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF INFLUENZA A VIRUSES AMONG WILD BIRDS IN EASTERN SIBERIA

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a worldwide pathogen of humans and animals. In nature IAV is associated with aquatic birds. The regular survey of natural populations of aquatic birds is important to describe the diversity of IAV, evaluate pathogenic potential of circulating strains for human and domestic animals and reveal possible routes of virus spread during seasonal migrations of wild birds. In this paper the results of annual ecological and viroiogicai survey among wild birds of Eastern Siberia performed between 2005 and 2012 are presented. The cloacal swabs and tissue samples from 901 wild birds were analyzed for presence of IAV using virus isolation in chicken embryos and/or PCR assay. The subtype of IAV was established using haemaggiutintion inhibition assay and genome sequencing. Seventeen subtypes of IAV were discovered including H1N1, H5N1, HswNl, H0N1, H1N4, HlNlsw, H2N2, H3N2, H3N5, H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H7N1, H7N8, H10N7, H13N6, H13N8. Highest prevalence of infection was detected among wild ducks Anas crecca (18.3 %), A. platyrhynchos (13.8 %) and herring gull Larus argentatus (6.5 %). The most diverse virus population was revealed in Irkutsk Region among L. argentatus that hosted subtypes H3, H6N1 and H9. In the Republic of Tuva and Krasnoyarsk territory H3N8, H5N1 and H7 subtypes were detected. The wild birds from Republic of Khakassia were shown to hostH4 subtype, whereas in Republic of Buryatia subtypes H3 and H4 were detected in wild ducks and herring gulls. Possible routes of IAV spread and epidemiological implications are discussed

CLINICAL AND VIROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE KAPOSI SARCOMA VIRUS

Abstract. The paper presents literature data and results of own studies on the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and its association with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Kastleman disease (MCD). The obtained data show that all 3 main clinical forms of KS, diagnosed in Russia, are significantly associated with KSHV, though not always in 100% of cases. Distinct groups of persons with high prevalence of virus infection have been detected among patients with other forms of cancer and non-cancer diseases that may represent a risk factor for development of KS. It was found that the prostate, especially in patients with carcinoma of the prostate and KS could be an important localization of virus and intimate contact with these patients should be limited. For the first time in Russia HIV-negative case of PEL associated with KSHV had been diagnosed and studied in details. It was also demonstrated that isolates of KSHV, circulating in the country, belong to the two major genetic subgroups of the virus (A and C), a widely represented in the European countries and in the United States, which indicates a common origin of the virus in these countries. The current methodologies of KS’ treatment are also presented

Results of external quality control study in flow cytometric acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnostics

Comparison of interpretation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) flow cytometric diagnostics data was the aim of the study. Immunophenotyping data obtained from 10 patients with ALL were analysed separately in 26 laboratories from Russian Federation and Kazahstan. Results comparison showed four main type of discordance: B-lineage ALL diagnostics during heavy bone marrow regeneration, great variability of T-ALL interpretation, complexity of ambiguous lineage acute leukemia and, finally, very different report types, unique for each laboratory. All these problems are the serious obstacles for standardization of flow cytometric ALL diagnostics in multicenter setting. Continuation of similar QC rounds following by consecutive discussions with further development of consensus diagnostic algorithm could be the first step for standardization of ALL immunophenotyping in Russian Federation and CIS countries

International register “Dynamics analysis of comorbidities in SARS-CoV-2 survivors” (AKTIV SARS-CoV-2): analysis of predictors of short-term adverse outcomes in COVID-19

The international AKTIV register presents a detailed description of out- and inpatients with COVID-19 in the Eurasian region. It was found that hospitalized patients had more comorbidities. In addition, these patients were older and there were more men than among outpatients. Among the traditional risk factors, obesity and hypertension had a significant negative effect on prognosis, which was more significant for patients 60 years of age and older. Among comorbidities, CVDs had the maximum negative effect on prognosis, and this effect was more significant for patients 60 years of age and older. Among other comorbidities, type 2 and 1 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and anemia had a negative impact on the prognosis. This effect was also more significant (with the exception of type 1 diabetes) for patients 60 years and older. The death risk in patients with COVID-19 depended on the severity and type of multimorbidity. Clusters of diseases typical for deceased patients were identified and their impact on prognosis was determined. The most unfavorable was a cluster of 4 diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. The data obtained should be taken into account when planning measures for prevention (vaccination priority groups), treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19 survivors

International register “Dynamics analysis of comorbidities in SARS-CoV-2 survivors” (AKTIV) and the register “Analysis of hospitalizations of comorbid patients infected during the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak” (AKTIV 2)

The organizer of the registers “Dynamics analysis of comorbidities in SARSCoV-2 survivors” (AKTIV) and “Analysis of hospitalizations of comorbid patients infected during the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak” (AKTIV 2) is the Eurasian Association of Therapists (EAT). Currently, there are no clinical registries in the Eurasian region designed to collect and analyze information on long-term outcomes of COVID-19 survivors with comorbid conditions. The aim of the register is to assess the impact of a novel coronavirus infection on long-term course of chronic non-communicable diseases 3, 6, 12 months after recovery, as well as to obtain information on the effect of comorbidity on the severity of COVID-19. Analysis of hospitalized patients of a possible second wave is planned for register “AKTIV 2”. To achieve this goal, the register will include men and women over 18 years of age diagnosed with COVID-19 who are treated in a hospital or in outpatient basis. The register includes 25 centers in 5 federal districts of the Russian Federation, centers in the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The estimated capacity of the register is 5400 patients