Hygienic Characteristics of the Digital Information and Educational Environment and the Risk of Its Mental Health Impacts in Students with Different Degrees of Myopia

Introduction: Today, educational conditions and the lifestyle of students of medical universities, coupled with active introduction of electronic educational resources, information and communication technologies and development of a digital environment, pose a challenge of maintaining psycho-emotional wellbeing of students. This problem is especially relevant among students with myopia since, inter alia, the increasing visual load has a potential adverse effect on their mental and emotional health. Objective: to give a hygienic characteristic of electronic information and educational environment and to assess its risk on students’ mental health with myopia of varying degrees. Materials and methods: We assessed intensity of the educational process of 1,100 first to third-year students (aged 17 to 25 years) of the Orenburg State Medical University and analyzed data on the type, frequency and purpose of their using information and communication tools for study and leisure. We also conducted a questionnaire-based survey of 168 healthy students and 138 students with myopia to assess their mental health and determine the type of character accentuation, the anxiety level, and negative emotional experiences in educational and everyday life. Results: We observed very intensive educational activities of the medical students against the background of the use of electronic gadgets by every second student for educational purposes lasting up to 4.8 hours a day and additional visual load due to the use of a mobile phone by 93.6 % of students to visit social network sites more than five times a day with the total duration for every third person ranging from 25 to 50 minutes a day. We established that the presence and degree of myopia determined the anxious-pedantic type of character accentuation and a 1.3-fold increase in the anxiety level in everyday activities. In educational activities, it resulted in a 1.7-fold decrease in the level of anxiety and a 1.3-fold increase in the level of negative emotional experiences. Conclusion: We established mental health risk factors of intense educational activities and an extensive use of information and communication tools by the students, including those with myopia, for study and leisure. Our findings prove the necessity of a differentiated approach to hygienic examination and regulation of various types of activities of the educational process in order to prevent the development and progression of myopia in medical university students.

Environmental and Epidemiological Aspects of V. cholerae O1 Contamination of Water Bodies in the Republic of Kalmykia

Background: Within the framework of cholera surveillance in the Russian Federation, annual isolation of nontoxigenic V. cholerae O1 strains from water bodies is registered in the Republic of Kalmykia. This fact is the rationale for the present study and analysis of data on contamination of water bodies with V. cholerae O1 with account for some environmental and quality indicators of water bodies used for recreational purposes. Objective: To study contamination of water bodies with V. cholerae O1 as a component of cholera control surveillance in the Republic of Kalmykia. Materials and methods: We used notifications issued by Offices of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, passports for V. cholerae O1 strains, and information from “Cholera vibrios. Russia” database for 1991–2019. Results: In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, several outbreaks, sporadic and single imported cases of cholera were registered in the republic. The total of 446 strains of V. cholerae O1 El Tor were isolated during the analyzed period. The PCR analysis identified them as V. cholerae O1 ctxA–tcpA– and V. cholerae O1 ctxA– tcpA+. We observed an increasing trend in the number of isolated strains with the approximation coefficient of 0.374 against its general decrease in the country in 1991–2019. Strains were isolated annually, mainly from the Elista River, Zayachy Pond and other water bodies with poor microbiological and chemical water quality parameters. V. cholerae O1 ctxA– tcpA+ were isolated mainly at the wastewater discharge sites, which indicated their imported origin, along with V. cholerae O1 ctxA– tcpA– with InDel and PCR genotypes not previously found in this region. We consider the contamination of water bodies with V. cholerae O1 ctxA– tcpA– and V. cholerae O1 ctxA– tcpA+ as prerequisites for possible deterioration of the local epidemiological situation due to cholera importation from endemic areas. Conclusion: When analyzing the pollution of water bodies in the Republic of Kalmykia with V. cholerae O1, we established a long-term annual isolation of cholera vibrios from some water bodies in the city of Elista, including Elistinka river, Zayachy and Kolonsky ponds, notorious for poor microbiological and chemical water quality indicators. The contamination was mainly attributed to domestic wastewater discharge and poorly treated effluents of sewage treatment plants into the Elistinka river within the city boundaries, as well as watercourses from hollows. This proves the imported origin of the bacterium confirmed by isolation of V. cholerae O1 ctxA– tcpA– with InDel- and PCR-genotypes not previously found in this region.

Vibration Disease: Exposure Level and Duration-Dependent Characteristics and Features of the Clinical Picture Following Local and Combined Local and Whole Body Vibration

Introduction: Vibration disease is induced by a long-term occupational exposure to vibration above the maximum permissible level and is manifested by damage to the peripheral vascular and nervous systems and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Objective: To study the exposure level and duration dependency and features of the clinical picture of vibration disease in workers exposed to local and combined local and whole body vibration. Materials and methods: The study included 136 male workers. Cohort I consisted of 60 patients (mean age: 49.5 ± 7.4 years) with vibration disease related to the local vibration exposure; cohort II included 76 patients (mean age: 55.7 ± 4.8 years) with vibration disease induced by the combined exposure to hand-arm and whole body vibration. Results: The examined subjects worked in harmful working conditions of classes 3.1–3.4. Measured vibration exceeded maximum permissible values at most workplaces. Levels of local vibration did not differ significantly between the cohorts and amounted to 115.0 and 118.0 dB; the level of whole body vibration in cohort II was 116.0 dB. Shorter work experience and younger age at the time of diagnosing the occupational disease were registered in people exposed to local vibration only compared to those with a combined exposure. The angiodystonic syndrome was twice as frequent in cohort I, while cohort II had a larger proportion of patients with concomitant diseases (low back pain, periarthrosis, etc.). Conclusion: Our findings indicate the necessity to reduce occupational exposures to vibration and take appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures in order to maintain health and work ability of employees.

Assessment of Health Risks Posed by Water Quality in the Centralized Supply Network of Private Sector Housing in Ufa

Background: At present, high-quality drinking water supply is challenging due to natural and anthropogenic pollution of the environment and remains a priority. The Federal Clean Water Project is aimed at improving the communal infrastructure in order to ensure chemical and microbiological safety of supplied water and to inform the public. Objective: To assess priority health risk factors for the population of Ufa associated with tap water quality within the implementation of the Federal Clean Water Project in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Materials and methods: We used data of the regional information fund of public health monitoring on eight street water pumps located in six administrative districts of the city for 2016–2018. The organoleptic risk associated with drinking water quality was assessed according to Method Recommendations MR 2.1.4.0032–11. Population health risk assessment was carried out in compliance with conditions and requirements of Guidelines R 2.1.10.1920–04. Results: We established that chemical and microbiological quality indices of drinking water in street water pumps in 2016–2018 were below the permissible limits for all samples. Both organoleptic and non-carcinogenic risk estimates were within the acceptable range. The carcinogenic risk for the population was less than a case. Yet, the presence of trihalomethanes and herbicides in tap water sampled in Olimpiyskaya Street posed unacceptable total carcinogenic health risk. Conclusion: The study results were used to develop recommendations for appropriate preventive measures aimed to reduce chemical exposure of the population of Ufa through drinking water.

Current Status of the Natural Foci of Tick-Borne Diseases in the Stavropol Region

Background: Tick-borne diseases are a serious threat to the epidemiological safety of the population of the Stavropol Region, making up more than 70 per cent of all natural focal infectious diseases registered in this territory annually. A wide range of hosts contributes to high tick abundance, diversity of tick-borne pathogens, and maintenance of the natural foci. Objective: To assess the activity of natural foci of tick-borne infections in the Stavropol Region in 2016–2020. Materials and methods: We used notifications submitted by the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Stavropol Region to the Scientific and Methodological Center for Monitoring the Pathogens of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Pathogenicity Groups II–IV for the subjects of the North Caucasian and Southern Federal Districts and the results of an epizootological survey of the Stavropol territory by specialists of the Stavropol Plague Control Research Institute. Markers of the causative agents of tick-borne diseases were detected by ELISA and PCR methods. Data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Active natural foci of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Q fever, a group of tick-borne spotted fevers, Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and human monocytic ehrlichiosis were established in the region in 2016–2020. Human cases of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lyme borreliosis and Q fever were also registered annually. The abundance of infected ticks in resort towns of the Caucasian Mineral Waters is of particular concern. Conclusion: We established up-to-date epizootic and epidemic manifestations of tick-borne infections in the Stavropol Region in the modern period, which are an important link in epidemiological surveillance and the basis for improving preventive measures

Development of Telemedicine in Russia: A Consumer View

Introduction: One of the most significant trends in the global and Russian healthcare system is its digitalization. The COVID-19 pandemic has only given more importance and accelerated this process. The worldwide demand for telemedicine services has grown considerably. Yet, among Russian citizens e-health is not very popular. Besides, the use of telehealth gives rise to controversial issues as to the boundaries of its application. Objective: To analyze the attitude of various socio-demographic groups of Russian people to telemedicine and perspectives on its use. Methods: The article is based on the results of a sociological study aimed to establish the attitude of citizens to telemedicine. In order to obtain empirical information, an all-Russian sociological survey of the population representing various socio-demographic groups was carried out in April 2021. The survey method was a formalized personal interview at the place of residence of the respondents. Results: The study showed that few respondents had ever made use of telemedicine opportunities so far. At the same time, the low level of e-health use was accompanied by a very restrained attitude of the respondents to practicing it in the future. Conclusion: According to the data obtained, having a higher level of education allows citizens to integrate much more easily into innovative projects, including those in the digital space. Personal experience of using digital (e-health) technologies determines a more loyal attitude and greater interest of consumers to its potential use. The attractiveness of telemedicine opportunities is mostly attributed to complicated formal administrative procedures of obtaining medical certificates, referrals, and sick leaves offline. However, Russians are still wary of the possibilities of having the first consultation or monitoring their well-being and condition during the online treatment process. The majority of the respondents did not accept the diagnosis and the choice of treatment by means of telecommunications

Assessment of the Development of Fine Motor Skills, Balance Function and Static Kinetic Stability in Elementary Schoolchildren

Background: Assessment of the development of fine motor skills (FMS), static balance (SB), and static kinetic stability (SKS) in elementary schoolchildren reflects the extent of their school readiness. Objective: To evaluate the development of children at the initial stage of systematic learning. Materials and methods: Fine motor skill tests were conducted in 117 children using a modified “Little House” technique; static balance was tested in 150 children using the stork pose balance test, and static kinetic stability was tested in 147 children by analyzing stability of the body standing while rotating around the vertical axis. Results: We established that fine motor skills were age appropriate in only 19.0 % (95 % CI: 8.9–29.1 %) of first and 17.0 % (95 % CI: 7.4–26.5 %) of second-year pupils. Low static kinetic stability was observed in 37.5 % (95 % CI: 25.6–49.4 %) of first graders and 38.8 % (95 % CI: 30.9–46.7 %) of second graders. The level of static balance was below the average in 65.7 % (95 % CI: 54.3–77.0 %) of first graders and 37.3 % (95 % CI: 26.9–47.8 %) of second graders. Developmental delays in FMS, SB and SKS were 1.2–3.9 times more frequent in boys than in girls. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the development of FMS, SKS and SB in contemporary elementary schoolchildren is below the average level. The results may become the basis for elaboration of appropriate preventive programs and technologies in order to improve school readiness in children.

Molecular Genetic Analysis of the Causative Agents of COVID-19–Associated Bacterial Pneumonia in Hospitals of Rostov-on-Don

Introduction: Hospital-acquired bacterial superinfections in COVID-19 patients are one of the main reasons of a severer course of the disease, a higher risk of adverse outcomes, and, consequently, a longer hospital stay. Much attention is, therefore, paid to the study of genetic markers enabling identification of clonal relationships between different isolates of the causative agents of bacterial co-infections, which, in their turn, help distinguish between hospital- and community-acquired cases of infectious diseases. Objective: To study the genetic diversity and clonal relationships of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolated from patients with a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Rostov-on-Don. Materials and methods: We tested biological specimens from 217 in- and outpatients with community-acquired pneumonia in the city of Rostov-on-Don. Whole-genome sequencing of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa strains was performed using a MiSeq sequencer (Illumina, USA). SNP markers were selected using proprietary software written in Java and Python. Cluster analysis and dendrogram construction were performed using the author's software using the UPGMA method. The MEGA 5 software was used to build the dendrogram. Results: We established the spectrum of bacteria causing the development of secondary infection associated with COVID-19. Results of the whole-genome sequencing of 10 pneumonia pathogens isolated from patients with the novel coronavirus disease revealed clonality of individual strains. The nosocomial origin of two isolates of P. aeruginosa and two of A. baumannii was demonstrated and confirmed by the analysis of their plasmid composition. Secondary bacterial infection in COVID-19 patients may be attributed to the pathological development of the dominant microflora of the upper respiratory tract mucosa, which provides normal biocenosis in healthy people, or non-compliance with basic principles of hospital hygiene and infection control precautions. Conclusion: The research helped determine the etiological structure of pneumonia in patients with COVID-19. Whole-genome sequencing and the following bioinformatic analysis revealed the nosocomial origin of a number of strains of P. aeruginosa and A. baumanii.

Technical and Design Features of Laboratories Suitable for Work Involving Infected Animals

Introduction: The state biological safety system is an important component of the national security system. Handling of biological agents is always potentially hazardous. One of the types of work that poses the risk of developing laboratory-acquired infections includes studies of infected biological models used for experimental, production and diagnostic purposes in the laboratory facilities of various agencies authorized to deal with biological agents of pathogenicity groups I to IV. Objective: The study aimed to analyze the up-to-date regulatory, methodological and legislative framework setting requirements for technical and design features of special purpose laboratories suitable for work involving infected animals in order to minimize health risks. Methods: We analyzed regulatory documents and scientific publications found in bibliographic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and eLIBRARY) using keyword searches and selected 35 sources for the present review. Results: Special attention is paid to the design of laboratories intended for experimental and diagnostic work with biological models infected with biological agents of pathogenicity groups I and II. Both construction and reconstruction of existing premises are carried out in accordance with the design documentation and have a number of specific features. The combination of facilities depends on the goals and objectives of the laboratory. The laboratory premises shall be provided with water supply, special sewerage, power supply, heating, exhaust ventilation, telephone communications, as well as security and fire alarms and fire extinguishing equipment in accordance with fire safety requirements. Conclusions: The results of analyzing the current regulatory, methodological and legislative framework governing technical and design characteristics of special purpose laboratories suitable for work with infected animals confirm that strict compliance with the appropriate requirements enables their effective performance and guarantees safety for human health and the environment by eliminating biological risks.

Workplace Interventions Aimed to Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the workplace can have a considerable effect on reducing human and labor losses. Objective: To summarize and to systematize the results of academic studies on workplace interventions to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review of academic studies published in English and Russian and uploaded to PubMed и Web of Science. We selected 41 studies containing empirical assessments of the effectiveness of both short-term and long-term prevention programmes in the workplace and grouped them by intervention types. Results: Education programmes have controversial signs of a cardiovascular risk preventive effect associated with blood and weight parameters. Comprehensive programmes aimed to form a healthy lifestyle show similar results, whereas the programmes aimed to increase physical activity of employees proved their effectiveness in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases through normalizing the body weight, blood pressure, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels; yet, these results had only a short-term effect. Ergonomics-related interventions and shift rotation failed to demonstrate strong evidence of the potential to lower the risk of heart diseases. Conclusion: Understanding the effectiveness of prevention programs will help employers and governments to identify necessary interventions to reduce losses related to cardiovascular diseases and to make the right health and social protection decisions.