Anthrax: Epidemiological and Epizootiological Situation in 2015, Prognosis for 2016

Outlined are the results of assessment of epidemiological and epizootiological situation on anthrax across the globe in 2015. Three human cases of cutaneous anthrax were registered in the Russian Federation. Detected were two epizootic foci with three cases of live-stock animal disease. 1-20 cases of anthrax in humans are forecasted in the Russian Federation in 2016. Adverse as regards anthrax situation is created in a number of near and far abroad counties. The highest morbidity rates among animals and humans are reported from Asian and African countries. Discussed are the results of investigation into the blunder of the US Department of Defense laboratory system, resulted in distribution of ineffectively decontaminated samples of anthrax agent to the US laboratories, as well as of other states within the past twenty years

Epidemiological and Epizootiological Situation on Anthrax in 2014, and Prognosis for 2015

Presented are the results of analysis of epidemiological and epizootiological situation on anthrax across the Russian Federation and around the world in 2014. Anthrax morbidity rates in Russia have increased as compared to the previous year, but have not exceeded the range of annual variations within the past decade. Three foci of animal infection have been detected here. Unfavorable, as regards anthrax, situation has developed in the CIS countries and the territories beyond. In Europe the cases of deliveries of meat and meat products contaminated with anthrax agent to retail store network have taken place. 1 to 20 cases of anthrax among the population are forecasted in Russia for 2015

Peculiar Aspects of Epidemiological Situation on Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever in the Russian Federation in 2011

Outlined is the analysis of epidemiological and epizootiological situation on Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) in the south of the Russian Federation in 2011. Discussed are the causes of nosocomial outbreak of CHF at the Salsk district central hospital, the Rostov Region. Prognostication on CHF situation for 2012 is made based on the epizootiological monitoring

New Genetic Markers for Molecular Typing of Bacillus anthracis Strains

Objective: Identification of new markers for the molecular typing of Bacillus anthracis. Materials and methods. The genomes of 16 B. anthracis strains from the collection of the Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 11 B. anthracis strains and 5 strains of Bacillus cereus from GenBank were investigated. The methods of in vitro and in silico analysis of canonical and whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), genome regions with variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) were used for the analysis. Results and discussion. It has been established that there are deletions and (or) SNPs in some of B. anthracis strains of the main genetic lineage B, within the homologous genes of the tri-cistronic operon gerH, which encodes spore germination proteins. gerA genes contain the Bams34 VNTR locus, the sizes of genes in different strains vary due to the different number of tandem repeats and the presence of indels, which suggests the variability of GerA spore germination proteins. In the area of reverse primer annealing, some of them have several SNPs or deletions, which makes impossible PCR amplification of the Bams34 locus. Previously not described VNTR locus, SNPs and indels in sequences of plasmids pXO1 and pXO2, as well as SNP in chromosomal gene of glycerol-3-phosphate transporter were identified. Two pairs of PCR primers for the variable regions of the plasmids were designed. VNTR-locus, SNP and indels in sequences of plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 are suitable genetic markers for the differentiation of typical virulent diplasmid strains belonging to the main genetic lineages of B. anthracis A, B and C. The allele T of SNP within chromosomal glpT gene is specific for one of two strains isolated during the outbreak of anthrax and distinguishes it from all other strains of B. anthracis

ПРОБЛЕМЫ РИСК – КОММУНИКАЦИИ: ОБЩЕСТВЕННЫЕ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ И ИХ РОЛЬ В ФОРМИРОВАНИИ ОБЩЕСТВЕННОГО МНЕНИЯ ПО ВОПРОСАМ РАДИАЦИОННОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ

Events connected with the development and improvement of the nuclear industry are usually ambiguously perceived by the public. Mass-media and Internet play a leading role in the development of the public opinion on the most relevant public life issues, ecology and radiation safety in particular. Non-governmental organizations can impact the adequate perception of the issues of the radiation safety in the region by the public. Materials and methods: this study is focused on the primary evaluation of the data on the results of the sociological survey of three regions of the North-West of the Russian Federation: St-Petersburg, Leningrad and Murmansk regions; and the assessment of the websites of the non-governmental organizations, activities of the non-governmental organizations in the Internet and social networks. Results: the study indicated that non-governmental organizations actively use Internet and social networks in their practice. All the relevant non-governmental organizations have websites and social network accounts. Based on the number of the subscribers in social networks, it was possible to mark two non-governmental organizations: Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with more than 400000 subscribers each. VKontakte social network was assessed as the most effective mean of communicating with the public; a total number of subscribers on the groups of major non-governmental organizations exceeds 500000 persons. These two organizations are the most popular and trusted by the public. Greenpeace is known to 26% of respondents; WWF – to 11%. The population of the Murmansk region is more informed about the actions of the non-governmental organizations. 48% of the respondents in the Murmansk region named at least one non-governmental organization answering the question “What non-governmental organizations active in the field of radiation protection do you know?” with the corresponding 18% and 29% in St-Petersburg and Leningrad region respectively. Nongovernmental organizations have a sufficient potential of influence on the adequate perception of the issues of the radiation protection by the public in the region; however, that potential is not fully implemented. Despite that, activities of the non-governmental organizations should be considered while developing the adequate perception of the radiation factors by the public.Мероприятия, связанные с развитием и совершенствованием атомной отрасли, как правило, воспринимаются населением неоднозначно. Ведущую роль в формировании общественного мнения по наиболее актуальным вопросам жизни общества, в частности, по вопросам экологии и радиационной безопасности играют средства массовой информации и Интернет. Общественные организации также могут оказывать влияние на адекватное восприятие населением вопросов радиационной безопасности в регионе. Материалы и методы: в ходе исследования выполнен первичный анализ данных социологического исследования в трех регионах Северо-Запада Российской Федерации: Санкт-Петербурге, Ленинградской и Мурманской областях, проведена оценка сайтов общественных организаций, активности общественных организаций в Интернете, социальных сетях. Результаты: исследование показало, что общественные организации активно используют в своей практике Интернет и социальные сети. У всех значимых общественных организаций имеются сайты и официальные аккаунты в социальных сетях. По количеству подписчиков в социальных сетях выделяются две общественные организации – «Гринпис» и Всемирный фонд дикой природы, имеющие более 400 000 подписчиков каждая. Социальная сеть «ВКонтакте» является наиболее эффективным способом коммуникации с населением, суммарное количество подписчиков на группы ключевых общественных организаций «Вконтакте» составляет более 500 тысяч человек. Эти же две организации являются как наиболее известными, так и пользующимися наибольшим доверием у населения. «Гринпис» знают 26% респондентов, Всемирный фонд дикой природы знаком 11%. На вопрос «О деятельности каких общественных организаций, занимающихся вопросами радиационной безопасности, Вы слышали?» в Мурманской области 48% респондентов назвали хотя бы одну общественную организацию, в то время как в Санкт-Петербурге и Ленинградской области 18% и 29% соответственно. Общественные организации имеют достаточный потенциал влияния на адекватное восприятие населением вопросов радиационной безопасности в регионе, однако в настоящее время данный потенциал не реализуется в полной мере. Вследствие этого активность общественных организаций должна быть объектом исследования при планировании работы по формированию адекватного восприятия радиационного фактора населением

Проблемы риск-коммуникаций по вопросам радиационной безопасности: оценка информированности населения Санкт-Петербурга и Ленинградской области о деятельности атомной отрасли и его представления о факторах опасности

In 2016, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene named after Professor P.V. Ramzaev developed a Program for the radiation risk communication management for the adequate perception risks associated with the use of various technologies in the nuclear industry by the public. Carrying out sociological research is one of the stages of this program. The aim of the analysis presented in the article is to study the population’s awareness of radiation safety issues and its attitude to further development of the nuclear industry. The data used in this analysis is a part of a large sociological survey conducted in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region The sociological research was conducted by the method of a selective questionnaire survey among the adult population permanently residing in the territory of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The volume of the sample studied was 2369 respondents: 1006 in St. Petersburg and 1363 in the Leningrad Region, including Sosnovy Bor – 401. The analysis showed that the population of all the studied territories estimates the environmental situation as being mainly favorable. The residents consider the main environmental problems in all areas studied to be a collection, removal, storage, disposal of garbage, as well as air and water pollution. The population of the region is relatively poorly informed about the current projects in the nuclear industry. One-third of the inhabitants of the region perceives the Leningrad nuclear power plant as a source of danger. Respondents see the main danger in the possibility of an accident on it. There is a sharply negative attitude of the population towards the construction of radioactive waste disposal sites anywhere in the region. According to the results of the study, it can be concluded that the population of the studied region is poorly informed about the existing radiation situation and the nuclear industry projects. It requires an optimization of the choice of methods for risk communication. В 2016 г. в Санкт-Петербургском научно-исследовательском институте радиационной гигиены имени профессора П.В. Рамзаева была разработана Программа организации информационной работы с населением по вопросам радиационной безопасности для адекватного восприятия населением риска, связанного с применением в атомной отрасли различных технологий. Одним из этапов этой Программы является проведение социологических исследований. Целью представленного в статье анализа части большого социологического исследования, проведенного в г. Санкт-Петербурге и Ленинградской области, является изучение информированности населения по вопросам радиационной безопасности и его отношение к деятельности по дальнейшему развитию атомной отрасли. Социологическое исследование проведено методом выборочного анкетного опроса среди взрослого населения, постоянно проживающего на территории г. СанктПетербурга и Ленинградской области. Объем исследованной выборки составил 2369 респондентов: в г. Санкт-Петербурге – 1006, в Ленинградской области – 1363, в том числе в г. Сосновый Бор – 401. Анализ полученных результатов показал, что население всех исследованных территорий оценивает экологическую обстановку как преимущественно благоприятную. Основными экологическими проблемами на всех изученных территориях жители считают сбор, вывоз, складирование, утилизацию мусора, а также загрязнение воздуха и воды. Население региона относительно слабо информировано об актуальных проектах атомной отрасли. Треть жителей региона воспринимает Ленинградскую атомную электростанцию как источник опасности. Основную опасность респонденты видят в возможности аварии на ней. Отмечается резко негативное отношение населения к строительству пунктов захоронения радиоактивных отходов в любом месте региона. По результатам исследования можно сделать вывод, что требует оптимизации выбора методов информационной работы с населением.

ОБЪЕКТИВНОЕ И СУБЪЕКТИВНОЕ В ОЦЕНКЕ ОПАСНОСТИ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЙ МИРНЫХ ЯДЕРНЫХ ВЗРЫВОВ НА ПРИМЕРЕ ОБЪЕКТА «ДНЕПР»

The purpose of research was to assess the dynamics of the changes during the five-year period (from 2008 to 2013) of the radiation situation in the territory adjacent to the places of the peaceful nuclear explosions of the “Dnepr” series in the Murmansk region, the analysis of information environment of the subject in the Internet and the study of the population public opinion.Gamma-radiation dose rate registered in the investigated territory in 2013 (140 – 180 nSv/h) corresponded to the natural radiation background, characteristic for the Khibiny. The average content of 137Cs in soil is comparable to the level of the global fallout contamination. Levels of the artificial radionuclides concentration in the samples of natural foodstuffs (mushrooms and berries) were found in 2013 to be much lower than corresponded permissible levels. Values of the 3H specific activity for the water samples from the surface and underground sources sampled in 2013 decreased more than in 1,5 times in comparing with 2008 and have not exceeded the interventional level – 7600 Bq/kg. Exposure doses estimated for the critical group of population Exposure doses estimated in 2013 for the critical groups of population have not exceeded the dose limit adopted in RSS-99/2009. The interest of population to the mentioned problem has not been pointed out on the basic of the analysis of publications electronic versions in mass media for 2013. The comparative analysis of the results of the survey showed that level of public concern over the radiation environment in their places of residence has been low in 2008 and even lower in 2013. With a low level of the knowledge concerning radiation respondents found their significant interest for the issues relating radiation, its effects on the health and radiation protection measures.Along with the radiation-hygienic monitoring, it is necessary to conduct regular activities aimed on the population informing about the radiation situation on the basic of the significant data obtained from the responsible agencies specialists.Цель исследований состояла в оценке динамики изменений за пятилетний период (с 2008 по2013 г.) радиационной обстановки на территории, прилегающей к местам проведения мирных ядерных взрывов серии «Днепр» в Мурманской области, анализе информационной среды по данной проблеме в Интернете и изучении общественного мнения населения.Регистрируемые в 2013 г. мощности дозы гамма-излучения на обследуемой территории (140–180 нЗв/ч) соответствовали естественному радиационному фону, характерному для Хибин. Средний запас 137Cs в почве сопоставим с уровнем глобальных выпадений. Уровни загрязнения техногенными радионуклидами проб природных пищевых продуктов (грибов и ягод) в2013 г. оказались намного ниже допустимых уровней. Значения удельной активности 3H в пробах воды поверхностных и подземных источников в2013 г. снизились более чем в 1,5 раза по сравнению с2008 г. и не превышали уровень вмешательства – 7600 Бк/кг. Оцениваемые дозы облучения критических групп населения в2013 г. не превышали предела доз для населения, определенных НРБ-99/2009. На основании анализа электронных версий публикаций за2013 г. в средствах массовой информации не отмечено интереса населения к данной проблеме. Сравнительный анализ результатов анкетирования показал, что уровень беспокойства населения по поводу радиационной обстановки в местах их проживания был низким в2008 г. и еще ниже в2013 г. При низком уровне знаний о радиации респондентов обнаружен их значительный интерес к вопросам, касающимся радиации, влияния ее на здоровье и мер защиты от нее.Наряду с радиационно-гигиеническим мониторингом, необходимо проведение мероприятий, направленных на регулярное информирование населения о радиационной обстановке на основании достоверных сведений, полученных от специалистов ответственных ведомств

BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND MOLECULAR-GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS STRAINS, ISOLATED DURING THE OUTBREAK OF ANTHRAX IN THE YAMALO-NENETS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT IN 2016

Objective of the study was to identify phenotypic properties and genetic peculiarities of Bacillus anthracis strains, isolated during the outbreak of anthrax in the territory of Yamal in 2016. Materials and methods. Investigated were the strains of anthrax agent, applying basic and subsequent identification tests and canSNP-, MLVA-genotyping methods and whole genome sequencing. Results and conclusions. The results showed the identity of the phenotypic properties, canSNPand MLVA25-genotypes, and profiles of whole genome-sequencing, regardless of the source of the strains isolation. Confirmed was a common source of human infection. Defined were phylogenetic interrelations of the tested strains and their position in global B. anthracis population. For the first time ever explored was variability of the gene pattern, associated with pathogenicity, and demonstrated – the efficiency of the proposed algorithm for genetic typing

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND LABOUR PROTECTION IN AGRICULTURE WITH THE ORGANIC FARMING DEVELOPMENT: A MODEL OF INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The aim of the research is the assessment of environmental hazards and occupational safety to implement the most effective ways to protect workers, the environment from the effects of hazardous and harmful factors when using chemicals in agriculture.Research methods: monographic, abstract‐logical, mathematical and logical‐linguistic modeling, computational‐ constructive, probability theory, expert estimates, etc.Results: a model of integrated assessment of environmental hazards and labor protection in agriculture, including nine assessment blocks: 1) soil contamination by pesticides, agrochemicals and heavy metals; 2) the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, ensuring environmental protection; 3) the load of livestock on pastures; 4) the ratio of stabilizing and destabilizing factors; 5) the risk of waste and by‐products; 6) the production of environmentally safe products; 7) working conditions in the workplace; 8) the level of investment in labor protection, environment and environmentally safe products; 9) the level of environmental culture and culture of labor protection of workers and the population.Conclusion: the Model is tested in the working conditions of LLC  ʺMalinischiʺ of the Pronsky district of the Ryazan region in manual mode and can be the basis for the implementation of information and computer technology assessment

Risk-communication issues in radiation safety: еvaluation of public awareness in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region on the activities of the nuclear industry and public understanding of the hazards

In 2016, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene named after Professor P.V. Ramzaev developed a Program for the radiation risk communication management for the adequate perception risks associated with the use of various technologies in the nuclear industry by the public. Carrying out sociological research is one of the stages of this program. The aim of the analysis presented in the article is to study the population’s awareness of radiation safety issues and its attitude to further development of the nuclear industry. The data used in this analysis is a part of a large sociological survey conducted in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region The sociological research was conducted by the method of a selective questionnaire survey among the adult population permanently residing in the territory of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The volume of the sample studied was 2369 respondents: 1006 in St. Petersburg and 1363 in the Leningrad Region, including Sosnovy Bor – 401. The analysis showed that the population of all the studied territories estimates the environmental situation as being mainly favorable. The residents consider the main environmental problems in all areas studied to be a collection, removal, storage, disposal of garbage, as well as air and water pollution. The population of the region is relatively poorly informed about the current projects in the nuclear industry. One-third of the inhabitants of the region perceives the Leningrad nuclear power plant as a source of danger. Respondents see the main danger in the possibility of an accident on it. There is a sharply negative attitude of the population towards the construction of radioactive waste disposal sites anywhere in the region. According to the results of the study, it can be concluded that the population of the studied region is poorly informed about the existing radiation situation and the nuclear industry projects. It requires an optimization of the choice of methods for risk communication