Assessment of heavy metal contamination of soils in the Republic of Tatarstan using complex pollution indices NPI, RI, BGI

In this study, in most cases in soils susceptible to the accumulation of heavy metals, the highest content of heavy metals was observed in the surface layers of the soil profile. We calculated the values of three pollution indices based on the determination of individual heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Pb, Sr) and pollutants (Cu, Co, Cr, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mo, Ni) in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan. The overall degree of pollution and environmental risk assessment were carried out using complex indices NPI and RI. The possibility of accumulation of individual elements in soil horizons was determined using the iogeochemical index BGI. The content of heavy metals in the soils of the Republic of Tatarstan, such as As, Pb, Co, Cu, Fe in the soil horizons was several times higher than the natural content of these metals, which is confirmed by three calculated indicators, taking into account that the values obtained for the O horizon using NPI indices and RI are consistent with each other, and BGI is consistent for individual elements (As, Pb, Co, Cu, Fe, Cd, Cr, Mn and Mo)

Effect of abiotic stressors on T-2-producing environmental isolates of Fusarium sporotrichioides

During mycological monitoring studies, it is necessary to take into account the climatogeographic features of the region that affect the growth and development of microscopic fungi and the processes of toxin formation, and the stressors can have a provoking effect on the formation of mycotoxins by fungi of the genus Fusarium

Comparison of acute and fractionated irradiation of viral cell culture

The aim of this study was to research the optimal modes of decontamination of cell culture media used for virus reproduction by the method of fractionated irradiation

Diagnostic methods and kits - The identification of tuberculosis infection in animals such as badgers, cervids and wild boar

Provided are methods of and kits for diagnosis of tuberculosis in an animal comprising determining the presence or absence of an Rv3616 antigen, an MPB70 antigen, an MPB70 linear epitope, an MPB83 antigen, and at least one of (a) a CFP10 antigen and (b) an ESAT 6 antigen. The animal may be a bovid. Also provided are methods and kits which may be used to identify tuberculosis infection in animals such as badgers, cervids and wild boar.7

Performance of the Enferplex TB assay with cattle in Great Britain and assessment of its suitability as a test to distinguish infected and vaccinated animals

Our results indicate that the test has a relative sensitivity range of 77.0% to 86.5% at corresponding specificity levels of 100.0% to 77.6%. Comparison with the Bovigam gamma interferon antemortem test revealed that this serology test was significantly more sensitive at specificities above 97.9%, while the Bovigam test was, on average, about 10% more sensitive when the test specificity was set below 97%. Importantly, this serological multiplex assay does not react with sera from BCG-vaccinated calves and is therefore suitable as a DIVA test alongside BCG-based vaccine strategies

Use of a multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect a subpopulation of Mycobacterium bovis-infected animals deemed negative or inconclusive by the single intradermal comparative tuberculin skin test

The present study was undertaken to determine if a multiplex assay can improve the level of detection of infected animals when used in combination with the SICTT. The Enferplex TB assay is a multi-antigen ELISA designed for the detection of antibody in animals at different stages of infection and disease. Sixty cattle that were confirmed by histopathology and/or culture to be infected with M. bovis and that were SICTT negative (43.3%) or difficult to evaluate (56.7% inconclusive) were used in the study. Fifty-three (88.3%) of the animals were positive in multiplex ELISA. The results show that the level of detection of M. bovis-infected animals can be improved by the combined use of the SICTT and the multiplex ELISA

Preparation and use of transplantable cell line of newborn rabbits for reproduction of viruses

The purpose of the study was development of a way of receiving culture of cells from bodies of newborn rabbits for a reproduction of production strains of viruses

Novel drug targets in cell wall biosynthesis exploited by gene disruption in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

This study demonstrates that cell wall targets contribute significantly to intracellular survival, in vivo growth, and pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, these findings establish a link between cell wall targets and virulence of P. aeruginosa and thus may lead to development of novel drugs for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection

LIOFeron®TB/LTBI: A novel and reliable test for LTBI and tuberculosis

Objectives: High accuracy diagnostic screening tests for tuberculosis (TB) are required to improve the diagnosis of both active TB and latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection (LTBI). The novel IGRA LIOFeron®TB/LTBI assay was tested and its accuracy was compared to the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus assay. Methods: A total of 389 subjects were enrolled in two cohorts and classified as healthy, active TB or LTBI persons. The blood of all the patients was tested with LIOFeron®TB/LTBI assay, containing MTB alanine dehydrogenase, able to differentiate active TB from LTBI diagnosis. The results obtained with both IGRAs, performed on the same 250 samples, were finally compared. Results: The two assays demonstrated an excellent concordance of their results with patients' diagnosis of MTB infection. ROC analysis for QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus showed sensitivity and specificity respectively of 98% and 97% in diagnosing active TB patients and 85% and 94% in diagnosing LTBI subjects. LIOFeron®TB/LTBI assay showed sensitivity and specificity respectively of 90% and 98% in diagnosing active TB patients and 94% and 97% in diagnosing LTBI subjects. Conclusions: The two IGRAs displayed the same high accuracy in diagnosing MTB infection/TB disease, and LIOFeron®TB/LTBI assay demonstrated higher sensitivity than QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus test in LTBI detection. Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Tuberculosis diagnosis, IGRA, Alanine dehydrogenas

Viral Vector Vaccines Against ASF: Problems and Prospectives

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, with mortality rates a primary focus as they can reach up to 100%. The widespread and colossal economic losses from ASF have impacts on the development of animal husbandry practices in most countries within Africa, Asia, and Europe. Currently, a variety of approaches toward the development of vaccines against ASF are being employed. A promising new concept centered around more economical and time-consuming vaccine production is based on the use of viral vectors to deliver selected immunogens. This review discusses the results obtained from testing various viral vectors as carriers of targeted ASF virus genes. The safety and prospects of viral vectors, the possibilities around modulating cellular and humoral immune responses by choosing genes expressing immunodominant antigens, and the degree of protection in experimental animals from infection with a lethal dose of virulent ASF virus strains have been shown and discussed