The Omicron Variant of the Sars-Cov-2 Virus As the Dominant Agent of a New Risk of Disease amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Over the two years that have passed since the WHO announced on March 11, 2020, a pandemic of the new coronavirus disease COVID-19, more than 460 million cases of the disease have been detected in the world, of which more than five million have been fatal. During the natural evolution of the COVID-19 pathogen, dominant variants emerge that account for most new infections. The WHO constantly monitors coronavirus mutations that potentially pose an epidemiological danger. Currently, the WHO divides modified variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI). The WHO-designated group of variants of concern includes potentially the most dangerous lines, which are characterized by a complex of new properties. This group also includes the Omicron variant, which has become the dominant agent of the new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this work is to analyze the characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, the dominant agent of the new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed mechanism of origin of the Omicron variant, its geographical distribution, the features of the disease caused by it, and the distinguishing features from diseases caused by the Delta variant and the original Wuhan strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, mutations of the Omicron variant compared to the parent strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the genetic variability of the Omicron variant, and the epidemiological characteristics of the disease it causes are considered. Particular attention is paid to evaluation of the preventive and therapeutic effectiveness of the existing medical means of protection against COVID-19 in relation to the Omicron strain.

[STUDY OF THE POSITION TOWARDS HEALTH AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE OF RAILWAY WORKERS].

PURPOSE: determination of the risk factors increasing the probability of development of non-communicable diseases at employees of the railway industry and also value of a condition of conditions for maintaining the healthy lifestyle by employees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 13,595 people were interviewed (1.5% of the staff). The questionnaire contained 49 questions on the main components of healthy lifestyle, compiled on the basis of the STEPS toolkit. RESULTS: More than 93% of respondents agree that the person himself is responsible for his health, while only 11% of respondents correspond to the full extent of healthy lifestyle. The price factor when choosing products is decisive for 54% of respondents. 80% of the company's employees feed on what they brought from home. Less than half of the company's employees are engaged in physical education, sports, recreational gymnastics; would like to do, but now 40% do not do it. The proportion of persons involved in physical activity is slightly higher among young employees (54% versus 44% among workers aged 36 years and over). More than 2/3 of the survey participants do not smoke (while 30% smoked earlier, but were able to quit). Among women, the proportion of non-smokers is higher (86%) compared to men (64%). CONCLUSION: Based on the data obtained, it is possible to conclude that the company employees responsible attitude towards their health prevails. At the same time, a number of negative practices are quite widespread. These results point to the need to advance the values and practices of healthy lifestyle.

[The use of transgenic mosquitoes for prevention of spread of arboviral diseases.]

The mosquitoes of Aedes genus are the most important vector such arboviral diseases as dengue, yellow, Chikungunya, West Nile and Zika fevers. Work is currently in progress to control the transmission of agents of these diseases by forming of transgenic mosquitoes in order to altering the capacity of wild mosquitoes to support of virus replication. There are two main strategies of genetic control of mosquitoes population. Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), that mainly uses population suppression methods for making self-sustaining genetic systems and Release of insects carrying of a Dominant Lethal (RIDL) that uses mainly gene transfer methods for making of self-limiting genetic systems. The RIDL is more expensive, but it has some significant preferences, according compares with SIT. The field trials of genetic control methods are conducted in several countries from 2009 to present time. Genetic control, transgenic technologies to induce sterility, genetic elimination and stable transformation of Aedes mosquitoes are viewed in this review.

[Study of lutein and zeaxanthin content in the diet with the assessment of the relationship between the level of alimentary intake of non-vitamin carotenoids and the density of the macular region of the retina at a young age].

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that affect the function of the visual analyzer. They selectively accumulate in the yellow spot of the retina, form macular pigment and determine the density of the retina macula. Lutein and zeaxanthin slow down the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of senior-age blindness. The main food sources of non-vitamin carotenoids are green leafy vegetables, zucchini, pumpkin, green peas, broccoli. The aim of the study is a retrospective assessment of the levels and sources of alimentary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin in young people and research of the effect of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet on macula density. A specially designed questionnaire was used to quantify the content of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet, reflecting the amount of consumption of the main sources of these carotenoids on the day preceding the survey. A non-invasive non-contact method of optical coherence tomography of the retina was used to determine the density of the macula. The study involved 96 students of Sechenov University at the age of 21-27 years. The study found that only 6.25% of the respondents had daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin of 6 mg or more, 8.33% had 4.6-5.9 mg, 8.33% had 3.0-4.5 mg, in 18.75% - 1.5-2.9 mg, in 45.83% <1.4 mg. 12.5% of respondents didn't include sources of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet. The more common sources of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet were eggs and fresh tomatoes. Retinal density indices corresponded to the age standards in the majority of the examined. In 8.3% surveyed the thickness of the retina was decreased, and 4.2% had higher thickness of the retina in comparison with the standards. Significant differences in the Central subfield thickness in men and women were revealed. There was no dependence of the levels of lutein and zeaxanthin coming from food sources on the retina thickness indicators.

[Hygienic assessment of indoles in the diet of medical students].

A number of studies have shown the relationship between the regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables and the risk of malignant tumors in certain localizations, the activation of mechanisms of alimentary adaptation of the organism under conditions of alien loads, by inducing enzymes of the biotransformation system of xenobiotics. The cruciferous vegetables are distinguished by the presence of minor components, such as indole-3-carbinol, formed during the hydrolysis of glucosinolates. The aim of the investigation was a retrospective study of the content of indoles in students' diet with subsequent quantitative analysis in different comparison groups. The study involved 250 students from a medical university aged 21 to 27 years. To assess the actual nutrition, the developed questionnaires were used, which included the most common products in the Moscow region, sources of indole glucosinolates. It was found that 44% of the respondents didn't include cruciferous vegetables in the diet, and of those who consumed sources of indoles (56% of respondents), only about half received them in the recommended amount. It should also be noted that as in men, in women the most commonly used in the diet product as a source of indoles was cabbage, it was included in the diet of 68% of the respondents who used cruciferous vegetables, rarely pekin cabbage was used (16.3%) and broccoli (16.3%). Cauliflower, radishes, Kale and horseradish was included in the diet of 7.8-14.9% of the students. Less often turnip was consumed - only by 2.1% of the students. No significant differences in the consumption of indoles in the student with deficient, normal or overweight was revealed. Also, there was no correlation between excess weight and the consumption of various indoles sources. The obtained results testify to the extremely low level of alimentary intake of indole-3-carbinol.

[Pneumonia: Regional experience with prevention programs]. / Pnevmoniya: regional'nyi opyt organizatsii profilakticheskikh programm.

AIM: to generalize the regional experience in implementing a package of organizational and methodical and antiepidemic measures for preventing pneumococcal infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: How the prevention programs were implemented using the materials and methods of the epidemiological and statistical monitoring of the incidence of pneumonia in the Amur Region was analyzed. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar-13) and influenza vaccines were used for immunoprophylaxis against acute respiratory viral and pneumococcal infections. Information on the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and pneumonia over time in the period 2010 to 2015 must be taken into account. Indicators and special criteria are used to evaluate the efficiency of vaccination. RESULTS: The comparative statistical analysis revealed the high efficiency of regional programs using the methods for immunoprophylaxis against pneumococcal infections: the vaccination prophylactic efficiency index in terms of the incidence of pneumonia might be as high as 75-100%. Pneumonia morbidity rates became 2.3 times lower in the vaccinated population of the region. CONCLUSION: The results of the investigation suggest that the Program for the clinical and epidemiological monitoring and prevention of community-acquired pneumonias, by using the vaccine against pneumococcal infection in the Amur Region, has a high medical and socioeconomic efficiency.

[ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF HYGIENE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE IN THE PRESERVATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH].

In the article there are designated the state and actual hygiene tasks on the issue of environmental pollution and its effects on health of the population. There was emphasized the growing importance of chemical contamination of various objects of environment--air water, soil, and living environment. There is presented the analysis of data on different types of treatment of municipal waste in selected countries. There were shown the significance of the developed Guidance on risk assessmentfor public health as a toolfor making sound management decisions, prospects of using of the methodology of epidemiological mapping based on geoinformational technology (GIS technology). There was marked an important role of the younger generation of hygienists and health officers in further work on both preservation and improvement the health of the population in their countries, harmonization of scientific and practical solutions of actual problems of hygiene.

[FEATURES OF THE ORGANIZATION OF SANITARY-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE DURING THE PERIOD OF PREPARATION AND HOSTING OF THE XXII OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES AND XI PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES IN THE RESORT CITY OF SOCHI IN 2014].

In the paper there are presented the basic principles of the organization of activities for the assurance ofthe sanitary- epidemiological welfare in the period ofpreparation and hosting of the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games of 2014 in the Resort City of Sochi. There are considered features of the organization ofepidemiological surveillance in the pre-Olympic period, the period of the games and the state of the morbidity rate in the region after the Olympics. There are presented data on certain directions of the work of organs and institutions of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare on the disease control of the event.

[Molecular-genetic characterization of shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli isolated during a food-borne outbreak in St. Petersburg in 2013].

UNLABELLED: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) food-borne infections are reported worldwide and represent a serious problem for public healthcare. In the Russian Federation there is little information on epidemiology and etiology of STEC-infections as well as on molecular-genetic peculiarities of STEC pathogens. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe a food-borne outbreak as hemorrhagic colitis (HC) along with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), enterocolitis, and acute gastroenteritis in children in St. Petersburg in 2013. METHODS: Epidemiological, microbiological, molecular-genetic and bioinformatic methods were applied. RESULTS: Objects to study were clinical specimens, milk and food samples, as well as STEC strains isolated during the outbreak. The outbreak of food-borne infection was found to be caused by STEC-contaminated raw milk as confirmed by epidemiological analysis, detection of STEC DNA and isolation of relevant pathogens in milk and sick children fecal specimens. The whole-genome sequencing revealed two groups ofpathogens, E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O101:H33 among collected strains. Group I strains were attributed to the previously known sequence type ST24, while group II strains belonged to the previously non-described sequence type ST145. In strain genomes of both groups there were identified nucleotide sequences of VT2-like prophage carrying stx2c gene, plasmid enterohemolysin gene, and gene of the STEC main adhesion factor intimin. Gene of intimin gamma was identified in E. coli O157:H7 strains and intimin iota 2 in E. coli O101:H33 strains. The latter previously was identified only in enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains. CONCLUSION: The additional knowledge of epidemiology and biology of STEC pathogens would assist clinicians and epidemiologists in diagnosing, treating and preventing hemorrhagic colitis.

[Improving prevention activities of infectious diseases during preparation and holding of the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi].

The article presents data on the implementation of a set of preventive activities to ensure sanitation and epidemiological welfare during the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi. The importance of monitoring and evaluation of epidemiological risk, as the basis of formation of preventive measures is noticed. The questions of specific, and nonspecific prevention of infectious diseases, especially the work done during the pre-Olympic period are considered. The importance of specifically developed regulatory basis, and health education are emphasized. The conclusion about the effectiveness of the measures taken, which led to a significant reduction of infectious diseases in the region is made.

[Principle directions for the creation and organization of the system of sanitary-epidemiological safety during the preparations for the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi].

The paper generalizes the experience of formation of protection system against biological threats and ensuring sanitary and epidemiological welfare during preparation for the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games of 2014 in Sochi. The basic steps for creating this system, since 2007, participation and role of Rospotrebnadzor in this process are shown. The paper deals with such questions as the governmental and administrative structures with federal agencies interaction, development of a regulatory framework governing the safety system of the Olympic Games, development of algorithms of information exchange and management decisions, biological safety in developing infrastructure in Sochi.

[Actual problems of vaccine prophylaxis in the Russian Federation].

The WHO within the framework of extended immunization program assumes a significant increase of the number of vaccine controlled infections by 2020 - 2025 to 27 - 37 including protection from diseases of parasitic etiology. Russia contributes to the international efforts of the WHO to control infections with vaccine prophylaxis. The national calendar of prophylaxis vaccinations currently provides vaccination against 11 infections--tuberculosis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, rubella, epidemic parotitis, influenza, haemophilus type B infection. Significant progress in reduction of infectious morbidity controlled by means of specific prophylaxis has been made in the country.

[Topical issues of biological safety under current conditions. Part 3. Scientific provision for the national regulation of the biological safety framework in its broad interpretation].

Consequent of investigation concerned with biological safety (BS) framework development in its broad interpretation, reflected in the Russian Federation State Acts, identified have been conceptual entity parameters of the up-to-date broad interpretation of BS, which have formed a part of the developed by the authors system for surveillance (prophylaxis, localization, indication, identification, and diagnostics) and control (prophylaxis, localization, and response/elimination) over the emergency situations of biological (sanitary-epidemiological) character. The System functionality is activated through supplying the content with information data which are concerned with monitoring and control of specific internal and external threats in the sphere of BS provision fixed in the Supplement 2 of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), and with the previously characterized nomenclature of hazardous biological factors. The system is designed as a network-based research-and-practice tool for evaluation of the situation in the sphere of BS provision, as well as assessment of efficacy of management decision making as regards BS control and proper State policy implementation. Most of the system elements either directly or indirectly relate to the scope of activities conducted by Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Welfare, being substantial argument for allocating coordination functions in the sphere of BS provision to this government agency and consistent with its function as the State Coordinator on IHR (2005). The data collected serve as materials to Draft Federal Law "Concerning biological safety provision of the population".

[Molecular genetic identification of Staphylococcus aureus strain, caused a foodborne illness outbreak in St. Petersburg in 2013].

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important human pathogens and causes over 100 nosologicalforms of diseases. The lack of data on the spread of S. aureus genetic types specific for different forms of staphylococcal infections in Russia makes it difficult to timely identify and control strains of this epidemiologically dangerous bacterial pathogen. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to carry out a molecular genetic research of S. aureus isolates obtained during a widespread foodborne illness outbreak among builders at the Pulkovo airport in St. Petersburg in 2013. METHODS: The ability of the isolates to produce staphylococcal enterotoxins was studied by immunoenzyme techniques. Gene typing was carried out by sequence-specific primer-based PCR, as well as by sequencing genomic nucleotide sequences of two independent isolates of the pathogen. RESULTS: An enterotoxin A gene in genomes of S. aureus isolates etiologically associated with the outbreak was identified. The production of enterotoxin A by the isolates was shown. According to the complex analysis all isolates producing staphylococcal enterotoxins were identical and constituted the S. aureus strain, sequence-type ST30 and spa-type t2509. The genome of the identified S. aureus strain carried a set of various staphylococcal toxins. The full genome sequence among other techniques revealed high levels of similarity between genomes of the strain under study and well-known reference strain S aureus MRSA 252. CONCLUSION: The complete molecular genetic study of the S. aureus strain involved into the widespread foodborne illness outbreak was first carried out in Russia, allowing of further using the strain as a Russian reference strain to study potential epidemic outbreaks in the Russian Federation.

[The molecular genetic characteristic of RNA of human enterovirus detected in bio-test from child with serous meningitis].

The article considers molecular genetic characteristic of RNA of human enterovirus detected in bio-test from child with serous meningitis. The nucleotide sequence of genome DNA is analyzed. In 98% it is identical to corresponding nucleotide sequences of strains of human enterovirus A serotype 71 detected in China.

[The separation, identification and molecular biologic analysis of isolates of pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09].

The article presents data concerning analysis of bioassays under suspicion of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. The technique of back transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing was applied. The separation of native influenza virus A was implemented using passaging through developing chick embryos.

[On the implementation by Rospotrebnadzor (Federal service for the oversight of consumer protection and welfare) common principles and rules of technical regulation within the agreement of the Customs Union].

In accordance with the Agreement of the Customs Union on sanitary measures between the Government of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the customs territory of the Customs Union the Uniform sanitary and epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary-epidemiological control are applied. Common sanitary requirements are binding for executive authorities of the Member States of the Customs union, local authorities, legal persons, whatever legalform, individual entrepreneurs, individuals. Currently, out of 47 planned to take priority technical regulations of the Customs Union 31 regulation, including the safety of railway rolling stock, production of perfumery and cosmetics, toys and products for children and teenagers, food products, grain, and other furniture products was adopted.

[Analysis of radiation-hygienic and medical consequences of the Chernobyl accident].

Since the day of "the Chernobyl accident" in 1986 more than 25 years have been past. Radioactively contaminated areas 14 subjects of the Russian Federation with a total area of more than 50 thousand km2, where 1.5 million people now reside were exposed to radioactive contamination. Currently, a system of comprehensive evaluation of radiation doses of the population affected by the "Chernobyl accidents", including 11 guidance documents has been created. There are methodically provided works on the assessment of average annual, accumulated and predicted radiation doses of population and its critical groups, as well as doses to the thyroid gland The relevance of the analysis of the consequences of the "Chernobyl accident" is demonstrated by the events in Japan, at nuclear power Fukusima-1. In 2011 - 20/2 there were carried out comprehensive maritime expeditions under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society with the participation of relevant ministries and agencies, leading academic institutions in Russia. In 2012, work was carried out on radiation protection of the population from the potential transboundary impact of the accident at the Japanese nuclear power plant Fukushima-l. The results provide a basis for the favorable outlook for the radiation environment in our Far East and the Pacific coast of Russia.

[About the human health safety estimation of ractopamine intake together with the food].

The analysis of scientific data including American and European scientific communities concerning use of ractopamine as a growth factor in food animal production and the argumentation of the maximum permitted levels of ractopamine and levels of ractopamine in meat and byproducts (offal) is carried out. The position of the Russian side stated at the Codex Alimentarius commission 35th session that acceptable ractopamine daily intake is insufficiently validated and cannot be used for the determination of maximum permitted levels of ractopamine in meat and byproducts (offal) is confirmed. It is represented that residual ractopamine intake together with food on the levels which are recommended by the Codex Alimentarius commission and by taking into account the levels of animal products consumption in Russian Federation will lead to unacceptable human health risk level that will promote increasing heart diseases and life expectancy reduction. In this connection Russia states against of acceptance of maximum permitted levels of ractopamine in food.