Evaluation of the efficiency of external assessment of the quality of determining antibodies to hepatitis C virus in the network of screening laboratories

A regional external quality assessment (EQA) system for determining anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) was developed and introduced. For this, a control panel comprising 14 samples with anti-HCV and 6 samples without anti-HCV was tested in the reference laboratory of Moscow Infectious Hospital One. A total of 6 sessions were conducted with the participation of 8 laboratories. The regional EQA system covering a limited number of laboratories was shown to significantly improve the quality of detection of hepatitis C virus antibodies. The optimal multiplicity of sessions for the developed EQA system was ascertained to be once fortnight. It is possible to define the current rating of screening laboratories in the sensitivity criterion and to elaborate address organizational-and-methodic measures according to the results of control tests.     

A comparative evaluation of detection of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in different immunoassay test system and verification tests

Control tests and subsequent comparative analysis of their results related with the detection of anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) by different ELISA systems were made at a laboratory of the "Vector-Best" Company, Novosibirsk (A), a clinical diagnostic laboratory of Infection Clinical Hospital No. 1, No. 1 (B), and at a laboratory of chronic viral infections of Andjaparidze Institute of Viral Drugs of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (C). Two thousand three hundred and fifty blood sera of donors and 236 blood sera of patients with acute and chronic renal pathology were examined. The comparative research made at the above facilities by different ELISA systems produced diversified results. An analysis of 2350 blood samples from donors made in 3 ELISA systems at laboratory A showed divergence in 19 (0.8%) cases. At laboratories B and C, 5 ELISA systems (a set of 236 samples) denoted differences in 28 (11.9%) cases. Significant variances were registered in confirmation of disputable results of ELISA with immunoblot, which is apparently related with differing criteria applicable to confirming the positive results from using the confirmative tests. A possibility is discussed of using different ELISA systems in screening examination.     

Use of ultrasonic standing wave in biological studies and cell technologies

In experiments on rat erythrocytes and yeast cells, we studied processes of concentration, separation, and isolation of native cells in suspensions by using standing ultrasonic wave field. Fifteen parameters essential for these processes were determined, and the applications of ultrasonic stratification, concentration, and cell separation methods under experimental conditions were determined. __________ Translated from Kletochnye Tehnologii v Biologii i Medicine, No. 3, pp. 133–138, March, 2007     

Effect of typical and atypical anxiolytics on the behavior and electrophysiological parameters of rats with model cerebrovascular pathology

The influence a series of anxiolytics (tranquilizers) on behavioral disturbances was studied in outbread white male rats with cerebrovascular pathology modeled by ligation of common carotid arteries. All studied anxiolytics (diazepam, buspirone, mexidol) exhibited more of less pronounced protective action with respect to the pathology studied. The most significant protective effect was produced by the atypical anxiolytic mexidol. Special features of the effect of mexidol are probably explained by combination of several effects (anxiolytic, nootrope, antioxidant, and antihypoxant). in the pharmacological activity spectrum of this drug.     

The spread of hepatitis B and C viruses and the structure of HBsAg subtypes in Kabardino-Balkaria

A seroepidemiological study of the spread of hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) was conducted among some population groups in Kabardino-Balkaria. The structure of HBsAg subtypes was also studied in the residents of the republic. The presence of viral hepatitis B markers among the test groups of the healthy population corresponds to the parameters of moderate activity of an epidemic process. The analysis of the immunological structure of the population leads the author to assign Kabardino-Balkaria to highly HBC endemic areas. The occupational factor is demonstrated to be actively involved in the spread of HBC and it is practically of no significance for HCV. An examination could reveal the HBsAg subtype adrq+ that is uncharacteristic of this area.     

Indicators of iron metabolism and cellular immunity in healthy children and in those with iron deficiency anemia in relation to ecological conditions

The authors provide statistical data attesting to the fact that during the development of iron deficiency anemia in schoolchildren, the hematological, biochemical indicators characterizing iron metabolism in the body and phagocytic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes, one of the parameters of cellular immunity, undergo noticeable changes. It has been noted that in the regions where toxic chemicals are intensely used, both children with iron deficiency and normal ones demonstrate a significant decrease of phagocytic activity of leukocytes in spite of the fact that no quantitative alterations in iron metabolism are detectable in such a case.     

Evaluation of morbidity and etiological structure of acute and chronic viral hepatitis in the Sakha Republic (Yakutiia)

The morbidity of viral hepatitis was epidemiologically analyzed and the etiological structure of severe and chronic viral hepatitis was studied in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Acute viral hepatitis B, whose portion is 43.5%, was found to be of the key significance within the structure of acute viral hepatitis (AVH). Acute viral hepatitis C (with 4.7% in the AVH structure) is by far more rare. The latter is close to the value registered in other Russia's regions. Apart from the prevalence of viral hepatitis B (32.4%) an exceptionally high share of chronic hepatitis delta (24.5%) was established for the etiological structure of chronic viral hepatitis, which is a specificity of the discussed region. The epidemic situation in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) was stated to be linked with the mentioned extra dangerous diseases, which requires appropriate emergency measures with the prevention vaccination program against hepatitis B being a priority.     

Transgender Youth Executive Functioning: Relationships with Anxiety Symptoms,Autism Spectrum Disorder,and Gender-Affirming Medical Treatment Status

Child Psychiatry & Human Development - Executive function (EF) underlies broad health and adaptive outcomes. For transgender youth, navigating gender discernment and gender affirmation demand...