[Recombinant fragments of conservative proteins of group B streptococci as a basis of specific vaccine].

AIM: The study devoted to problem of using of recombinant fragments of group B streptococci (GBS) conservative proteins for induction of immune response against streptococcal infections. Two recombinant polypeptides (ScaAB and-ScpB1) corresponding to immunogenic epitopes of two surface GBS proteins ScaAB and C5a-peptidase, which are presented in other streptococcal species, were studied. The objective of the study was to assess specificity and protective activity of mentioned polypeptides against homologous and heterologous strains of pathogenic streptococci from different groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae were used in the study. Array of used methods included opsonophagocytic test as well as active and passive protection of experimental animals against streptococcal infection. RESULTS: It was shown that antibodies specific to studied polypeptides opsonized several strains of group A and B streptococci as well as pneumococci. Immunization of mice with ScpB1 polypeptide resulted in more rapid recovery of animals from challenge systemic group B streptococcal infection. Antisera specific to both polypeptides provided passive protection of animals from infection caused either GBS or GAS. CONCLUSION: Obtained data confirm the feasibility to use recombinant fragments of several GBS conservative proteins in vaccine for induction of protection against infections caused by different species of pathogenic streptococci.

Ecosystem and human health assessment to define environmental management strategies: The case of long-term human impacts on an Arctic lake.

There are rich deposits of mineral and fossil natural resources in the Arctic, which make this region very attractive for extracting industries. Their operations have immediate and vast consequences for ecological systems, which are particularly vulnerable in this region. We are developing a management strategy for Arctic watersheds impacted by industrial production. The case study is Lake Imandra watershed (Murmansk oblast, Russia) that has exceptionally high levels of economic development and large numbers of people living there. We track the impacts of toxic pollution on ecosystem health and then--human health. Three periods are identified: (a) natural, pre-industrial state; (b) disturbed, under rapid economic development; and (c) partial recovery, during recent economic meltdown. The ecosystem is shown to transform into a qualitatively new state, which is still different from the original natural state, even after toxic loadings have substantially decreased. Fish disease where analyzed to produce and integral evaluation of ecosystem health. Accumulation of heavy metals in fish is correlated with etiology of many diseases. Dose-effect relationships are between integral water quality indices and ecosystem health indicators clearly demonstrates that existing water quality standards adopted in Russia are inadequate for Arctic regions. Health was also poor for people drinking water from the Lake. Transport of heavy metals from drinking water, into human organs, and their effect on liver and kidney diseases shows the close connection between ecosystem and human health. A management system is outlined that is based on feedback from indices of ecosystem and human health and control over economic production and/or the amount of toxic loading produced. We argue that prospects for implementation of such a system are quite bleak at this time, and that more likely we will see a continued depopulation of these Northern regions.

[Effect of linear, impact and vibration accelerations on the accuracy of performance of force load programs by an operator]. / Vliianie lineinykh, udarnykh i vibratsionnykh uskorenii na tochnost' realizatsii operatorom programm silovykh nagruzok.

The factors that influence the accuracy with which motor commands are actualized were investigated. The study concentrated on linear acceleration of different sign (produced by rocking a heavy metal platform), vibration at a frequency of about 23 Hz, and impact acceleration resulting from the platform or the rotating chair being suddenly stopped. The force applied to hand sticks or foot levers was recorded by means of electromechanical sensors. It was demonstrated that smoothly varying and in particular impact acceleration caused normal men to subjectively underestimate their own muscle efforts. As a rule, this led to a greater than prescribed strength applied. It is very important to note that acceleration acting from right to left or from left to right (in the frontal plane) produced nonsymmetric pressure by the right and left limbs.