Confronting Views of Companies and Authorities on Food Safety Issues-A Cross-Country Survey

This study investigated food safety issues as perceived by food companies and food safety authorities in six countries in Europe and Central Asia. A total of 66 companies and 16 authorities participated in the survey. The results provide important insights related to what the main food safety priorities are, how they are addressed in the countries that participated in the survey, and what the role of the main stakeholders is in the food value chain. Almost 50% of food companies identified 'food fraud' as the most influential food safety attribute. One-third of food safety authorities recognized 'food safety management system' as the most influential food safety attribute. Principal component analysis separated food safety statements into two dimensions named 'food safety hazards and risks' and 'food safety system'. Although there are slight differences in food safety statements between the two stakeholders, i.e., food companies and food safety authorities, it is the country of origin that plays a more important role in understanding their views. Food companies will need to implement a systemic approach and transform the entire food value chain continuum while considering new food safety challenges. It is expected that food safety authorities will have to play a more proactive role in the future.

[Comparative immunohistochemistry study of different antibodies clones for detection of breast cancer markers (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2/neu, Ki-67)]

OBJECTIVE

A comparative study of detection of breast cancer markers (estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, HER2/neu, Ki-67) by immunohistochemical method with antibodies produced by PrimeBioMed (Russia) and antibodies produced by Roche Ventana (USA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Surgical specimens and biopsies from 37 patients with invasive breast cancer were used. Sections were stained with antibodies of clones ER SP1 and GM030, PR 1E2 and PBM-5B8, HER2/neu 4B5 and PBM-46A6, Ki-67 30-9 and GM010.

RESULTS

There was a high positive and significant correlation between the immunohistochemistry results and antibodies of the clones ER-SP1 and GM030, PR1E2 and PBM-5B8, HER2/neu4B5 and PBM-46A6, Ki-67 30-9 and GM010.

CONCLUSION

The study showed the possibility of using antibodies of clones GM030, HER2/neu 4B5, PBM-46A6, GM010 (PrimeBioMed) on the Ventana Bench Marck Ultra automatic immunostainer using the detection system UltraView Universal DAB Detection Kit.

Eurasian consumers' food safety beliefs and trust issues in the age of COVID-19: evidence from an online survey in 15 countries

BACKGROUND

This investigation provides an important insight into Eurasian consumers' food safety beliefs and trust issues influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted in 15 European and Asian countries involving more than 4000 consumers.

RESULTS

It has confirmed that different socioeconomic characteristics, cultural aspects and education levels shape food safety perceptions within Eurasian countries. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced their beliefs and trust in food safety, which is relatively low on average. However, it is significantly higher for European consumers (especially European Union ones) compared to their Asian counterparts. Both Asian and European respondents agreed that food fraud and climate changes represent a food safety issue. However, European consumers were less concerned regarding the food safety of genetically modified foods and meat and dairy analogs/hybrids. Asian consumers were, to a greater extent, worried about the risk of getting COVID-19 from food, restaurants, food retail establishments and home food deliveries.

CONCLUSION

Eurasian consumers have put their greatest extent of trust, when food safety assurance is concerned, into food scientists and food producers holding a food safety certificate. Broadly, they are uncertain to what extent their federal governments and food inspectors are competent, able and efficient in ensuring food safety. Higher education of Eurasian consumers was followed by increased food safety confidence in all parts of the food chain. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

[Updated CAP guidelines for determining molecular biological subtypes of breast cancer]

Updated 2023 guidelines from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) on immunohistochemical detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), receptors of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR), and the cell proliferation marker Ki-67 in breast cancer are presented. Attention is drawn to the emergence of two new terms «ER Low Positive» and «HER2 Low» to characterize tumors with low expression of estrogen receptors and HER2.

[Assessment of HER2 status of carcinomas of various localizations]

A detailed description of the methodological aspects of the evaluation of HER2-status in carcinomas of such localizations as the mammary gland, pancreas, salivary glands, stomach, colon, endometrium, bladder, lungs is presented. Approaches and criteria for assessing HER2 status from methodological and clinical points of view are analyzed. The data are systematized in tables for use in practical diagnostic work.

[Investigation of the mutational status of the FGFR3 gene in urothelial bladder carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the somatic mutational status of the FGFR3 gene in urothelial bladder cancer (BC) and evaluate its relationship with the clinical and morphological characteristics of the tumor, deficiency of the DNA mismatch repair (dMMR), PD-L1 tumor status, and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of the p16 protein.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Surgical material of 40 patients with BC, on which the mutational status of the FGFR3 gene was studied using the molecular genetic method, as well as the MMR status, PD-L1 and p16 expression by the IHC method.

RESULTS

FGFR3 mutations, such as G370C, S249C, S371C/Y373C, R248C, were detected in 35.0% of the studied BC samples. FGFR3 status did not depend on the gender and age of patients, as well as on the degree of tumor lymphoid infiltration (TILs). Statistically significant differences were found in the analysis of FGFR3 status depending on the histological structure and degree of tumor differentiation, as well as on the pT stage. The FGFR3 status of BC was not associated with the IHC expression of the studied proteins of the MMR system, as well as with the PD-L1 status. Higher levels of PD-L1 expression were demonstrated by BC tumor cells, in which no aberrations in FGFR3 were detected. There was no significant association between p16 status and the presence of FGFR3 mutations, but for FGFR3-positive carcinomas, the basal pattern of p16 staining by IHC was noted.

CONCLUSION

A positive somatic mutational status of the FGFR3 gene was statistically significantly more common in the group of papillary low-grade non-muscle-invasive BC, demonstrating basal p16 IHC staining. In the study sample, there was no statistically significant relationship between the FGFR3 status of BC and gender and age differences, TILs, MMR status, PD-L1 status (SP142 and 22C3), and p16 status. The results of the study indicate the need to determine the FGFR3 status in patients with BC for further prescription of personalized therapy.

[Predictive markers of immunotherapy in cervical cancer]

OBJECTIVE

Study of PD-L1 expression in squamous and adenosquamous cell cervical cancer (CC) by immunohistochemical (IHC) method, assessment of the relationship between PD-L1 tumor status and its clinical and morphological characteristics, TILs, MSI/dMMR, and HPV tumor status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Surgical material was obtained from 41 patients with CC, on which the expression of PD-L1, proteins of the MMR system and p16 was studied by the IHC method, the TILs index was determined.

RESULTS

Positive PD-L1 status was found in 51.2% of the studied CC samples. In the study sample, the level of PD-L1 expression depended on the severity of lymphoid infiltration of the tumor (p=0.038), it was shown that a positive PD-L1 status of CC can be expected with a TILs value greater than or equal to 50%. The age of the patients, the histological variant of the tumor, the pT and pN stage, the presence of lymphovascular invasion, and the HPV status did not statistically significantly affect the level of PD-L1 expression, however, there was an association between the PD-L1 status and the grade of CC malignancy (p=0.027). The presence of the MSI/dMMR phenomenon was detected in a small percentage of carcinomas (4.9%), the PD-L1 status of these tumors was determined as positive.

CONCLUSION

A positive PD-L1 status is determined in a significant number of cases of CC, regardless of most of the studied clinical and morphological characteristics; there is a statistically significant relationship between PD-L1 expression and the degree of tumor differentiation and TILs. It has been shown that CC with the MSI/dMMR phenomenon is characterized by a positive PD-L1 status. The authors consider it necessary to study the expression of PD-L1 in patients with cervical carcinomas in order to determine the possibility of prescribing personalized therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

[External quality control of immunohistochemical studies in pathomorphology: tasks, problems, solutions, development prospects]

In 2022, the Quality Control Center for Immunohistochemical Studies of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education conducted 12 rounds of markers for breast, lung, prostate, bladder cancer with the participation of 83 laboratories. For the first time, a round was held to control the method of in situ hybridization in the diagnosis of breast cancer, and a digital round. Typical problems in carrying out immunohistochemical studies in oncomorphology have been identified and the importance of participation of laboratories in external control has been shown.

Preparation of Biocidal Nanocomposites in X-ray Irradiated Interpolyelectolyte Complexes of Polyacrylic Acid and Polyethylenimine with Ag-Ions

Due to the presence of cationic units interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) can be used as a universal basis for preparation of biocidal coatings on different surfaces. Metallopolymer nanocomposites were successfully synthesized in irradiated solutions of polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyethylenimine (PEI), and dispersions of non-stoichiometric IPECs of PAA–PEI containing silver ions. The data from turbidimetric titration and dynamic light scattering showed that pH 6 is the optimal value for obtaining IPECs. Metal polymer complexes based on IPEC with a PAA/PEI ratio equal to 3/1 and 1/3 were selected for synthesis of nanocomposites due to their aggregative stability. Studies using methods of UV–VIS spectroscopy and TEM have demonstrated that the size and spatial organization of silver nanoparticles depend on the composition of polymer systems. The average sizes of nanoparticles are 5 nm and 20 nm for complexes with a molar ratio of PAA/PEI units equal to 3/1 and 1/3, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposites were applied to the glass surface and exhibited high antibacterial activity against both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella). It is shown that IPEC-Ag coatings demonstrate significantly more pronounced biocidal activity not only in comparison with macromolecular complexes of PAA–PEI, but also coatings of PEI and PEI based nanocomposites.

[Results of the work of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education Center for quality control of immunohistochemical studies for 2019-2021]

In 2019-2021 the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education Center for quality control of immunohistochemical studies conducted rounds on the most used tumour markers of various localizations. The deficiencies in the conduct of immunohistochemical studies were identified and the importance of the participation of medical organizations in measures to improve the quality control of immunohistochemical studies in oncomorphology was shown.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella Serotypes and Whole-Genome Sequencing of Multiresistant Strains Isolated from Food Products in Russia

Food products may be a source of Salmonella, one of the main causal agents of food poisoning, especially after the emergence of strains resistant to antimicrobial preparations. The present work dealt with investigation of the occurrence of resistance to antimicrobial preparations among S. enterica strains isolated from food. The isolates belonged to 11 serovars, among which Infantis (28%), Enteritidis (19%), and Typhimurium (13.4%) predominated. The isolates were most commonly resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 19, 59.38%), cefazolin (n = 15, 46.86%), tetracycline (n = 13, 40.63%), and amikacin (n = 9, 28.13%). Most of the strains (68.75%) exhibited multiple resistance to commonly used antibiotics. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyse three multidrug-resistant strains (resistant to six or more antibiotics). Two of them (SZL 30 and SZL 31) belonged to S. Infantis, while one strain belonged to S. Typhimurium (SZL 38). Analysis of the genomes of the sequenced strains revealed the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance. In the genomes of strains SZL 30 and SZL 31 the genes of antibiotic resistance were shown to be localized mostly in integrons within plasmids, while most of the antibiotic resistance genes of strain SZL 38 were localized in a chromosomal island (17,949 nt). Genomes of the Salmonella strains SZL 30, SZL 31, and SZL 38 were shown to contain full-size pathogenicity islands: SPI-1, SPI-2, SPI-4, SPI-5, SPI-9, SPI-11, SPI-13, SPI-14, and CS54. Moreover, the genome of strain SZL 38 was also found to contain the full-size pathogenicity islands SPI-3, SPI-6, SPI-12, and SPI-16. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of various Salmonella serovars indicates that further research on the transmission pathways for these genetic determinants and monitoring of the distribution of these microorganisms are necessary.

[Reed nevus and cutaneous melanoma in children: an immunohistochemical study]

Certain difficulties arise in the differential diagnosis between Reed nevus that is common in children and adolescents and cutaneous melanoma that is extremely rare in patients of this age group. In addition to the classical histological examination, an immunohistochemical test for marker proteins is carried out to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of pigmented skin neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the suitability of a set of proteins (cyclin D1, p16^INK4a, and HLA class I antigens) in the differential diagnosis of Reed nevus and cutaneous melanoma in children and adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three samples of pigmented skin neoplasms were taken during surgical treatment in patients at the Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology: two samples of Reed nevus (from a 9-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy) and a sample of cutaneous melanoma that had developed in an 8-year-old boy. The materials were presented by paraffin blocks. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies against cyclin D1, p16^INK4a, and HLA class I antigens.

RESULTS

Differences were found between nevus and melanoma in the expression of all three markers. Thus, the nuclear expression of cyclin D1, a proliferation activator, occurred in some cells in the nevus samples and in the vast majority of cells in the melanoma samples. The nuclear expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p16^INK4a was dramatically reduced in melanoma compared to nevus. HLA class I antigens were detected on the surface of individual nevus cells, but were completely absent on the membranes and in the cytoplasm of melanoma cells, which could promote the evasion of this tumor from the body's immunological supervision.

CONCLUSION

Immunohistochemical test for the proteins cyclin D1, p16^INK4a, and HLA class 1 antigens is a promising approach to differentially diagnosing between Reed nevus and cutaneous melanoma in children and adolescents.

[Immunohistochemical study of MSI markers in breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of microsatellite instability (MSI) markers, which is detected by an immunohistochemical technique, and to compare the expression with the PD-L1 status in luminal B, HER2-negative and triple-negative breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The investigation included tumors from 40 patients with triple-negative and luminal B, HER2-negative subtypes. Immunohistochemical study was performed using Ventana antibodies: anti-MLH1 (clone M1), anti-MSH2 (clone G219-1129), anti-PMS2 (clone A16-4), and anti-MSH6 (clone SP93). MSI was assessed according to the standard criteria.

RESULTS

The PD-L1-positive status was present in 14 (35%) of the 40 patients. Moreover, MSI-H was detected in only 1 (2.50%) case. The two-year survival rate was 87.5%; it should be noted that the median survival rate was not reached either in the study sample or in the groups divided according to PD-L1 and MSI statuses. The overall survival rate for patients with MSI was 75% (3/4).

CONCLUSION

The first comparative study of the expression of PD-L1 and immunohistochemical MSI markers, which has been conducted on a small sample, fails to draw unambiguous conclusions, but shows the need to investigate this phenomenon on large samples and by using genetic methods.

Covid-19 pandemic effects on food safety - Multi-country survey study

This study provides an important insight into the response of food safety systems during the first months of the pandemic, elevating the perspective of preventing Covid-19 within conventional food safety management systems. A multi-country survey was conducted in 16 countries involving 825 food companies. Based on the results of the survey, it is obvious that the level of maturity of a food safety system in place is the main trigger in classifying companies and their responses to the pandemic challenge. Staff awareness and hygiene are the two most important attributes in combating Covid-19, opposed to temperature checking of workers in food establishment and health protocols from the World Health Organization, recognized as attributes with limited salience and importance. Companies confirmed implementation of more restrictive hygiene procedures during the pandemic and the need for purchasing more additional personal protective equipment. Retailers were identified as the food supply chain link mostly affected by the pandemic opposed to food storage facilities ranked as least affected. During this challenging period, all companies declared that food safety has not been compromised at any moment. It is important to note that less than a half of the food companies had documented any emergency plans associated with pandemics and health issues in place.

[The first experience of PD-L1 testing of triple negative breast cancer with marker SP142 in Russia]

AIM OF STUDY

To evaluate the pecularities of PD-L1 expression in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the Russian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For 7 months, within a scientific study of the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO), we determined the PD-L1 status of 58 patients with TNBC. In each case, an immunohistochemical study was performed in a closed Ventana Bench Mark Ultra automatic stainer using a closed protocol with rabbit monoclonal antibodies Ventana PD-L1 SP142 and Opti View DAB IHC Detection Kit with Opti View Amplification Kit.

RESULTS

Positive PD-L1 status in TNBC was detected in 37.93% of cases. Almost all tumors had an expression level of up to 10%. Only 5.17% of cases showed ligand expression on tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of the first experience of testing PD-L1 in TNLM in Russia, it was possible to obtain data comparable to the same data of large international studies. RUSSCO's information and logistic support allows making this analysis available to all citizens of the country.

[Immunohistochemical study of the MSI phenotype of urothelial bladder cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the MSI phenotype of urothelial bladder cancer (BC) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to assess its relationship to the prognostic factors of the disease and PD-L1 status of BC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using the surgical and biopsy materials obtained from 50 patients with BC during examination and treatment, the investigators studied the MSI phenotype by IHC. A system was proposed to assess the IHC expression of MSI proteins, by taking into account the intensity of nuclear staining and the area occupied by tumor cells with stained nuclei.

RESULTS

An analysis of the results of an IHG study of MSI protein expression revealed a high direct correlation between the nuclear staining intensity of tumor cells and the percentage of tumor area occupied by the latter. The lack/decrease of the expression of the studied proteins was associated with the stage (T) and the presence of a high-grade tumor. The heterogeneous expression of the studied proteins (PMS2, MLH1, and MSH6) was noted to be 10, 30, and 40%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A high direct correlation was observed between the nuclear staining intensity of tumor cells and the percentage of the area occupied by the latter. There was a relationship between the lack and/or decrease of the expression of MSI proteins (mainly PMS2 and MLH1 and to a lesser extent MSH6) and the grade of BC, as well as stage T; there was a tendency to decrease the expression of the studied proteins in the area of invasive tumor growth, which confirms the prognostic role of MSI proteins. The most pronounced heterogeneity of IHC expression was noted with MSH6; the least one was seen with PMS2. There was a predominance of high-grade surface carcinomas (T1) among the heterogeneously stained tumors. In the case of positive PD-L1 status, there was decreased PMS2 and MLH1 expression and pronounced MSH6 expression; no significant relationship was found due to the small number of these cases. The authors consider it necessary to conduct further studies of the relationship between the MSI phenotype and the PD-L1 status of BC.

[Study of the PD-L1 status in breast cancer, by using the SP142 monoclonal antibody, and the prospects for determining treatment policy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in triple-negative and luminal B, HER2-negative breast cancer, by using the SP142 antibody and to assess the association of the PD-L1 status with prognosis for patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted using surgical materials (full sections) obtained from 72 patients. The sections were stained with the SP142 PD-L1 antibody.

RESULTS

Differences were found in the detection rates of the PD-L1-positive status in the primary tumor and regional metastasis (primary tumor in 26 (36.1%) cases and metastasis in 18 (47.4%) of the 38 cases). By and large, the PD-L1-positive status was less common in the patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (25.8% versus 53.7%); however, it should be noted that the PD-L1-positive status was more often detected in those who had a higher residual cancer burden (RCB) (RCB-III versus RCB-II).

CONCLUSION

Considering the findings, it is necessary to clarify the status of not only a primary focus, but also clinically significant metastases, especially if the primary tumor has yielded a negative result. The patients with disease progression who receive standard therapy regimens may have a chance for a good result when using PD-1/PD-L1 blockers. At the same time, the association of the PD-L1 status with RCB may affect the choice of adjuvant treatment policy.

[PD-L1 status in breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of PD-L1 in triple-negative and luminal B, HER2-negative breast carcinoma and to assess the association of the tumor PD-L1 status with the prognosis of the disease.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

The PD-L1-status of primary tumor was studied in 72 patients with breast cancer, by using an immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

Differences were found in the incidence of carcinomas with PD-L1 expression in tumor cells depending on the molecular genetic type: there was a positive PD-L1 status in luminal B, HER2-negative tumors in 4 (14.81%) of 27 cases and in triple-negative tumors in 17 (37.78%) of 45 cases. An analysis of tumors after neoadjuvant therapy revealed a positive PD-L1-status in tumor cells in 1 of 18 patients with a moderate residual tumor load and in 6 of 13 with a high residual tumor load (5.56 and 46.15%, respectively), as estimated by the RCB system.

CONCLUSION

The positive PD-L1 status in triple-negative breast cancer was determined more than 2 times as frequently as in luminal B, HER2-negative breast cancer (37.78 and 14.81%). There was a considerable correlation between the high residual tumor load and the positive tumor PD-L1 status.

Multiplex Real-Time PCR with HRM for Detection of Lactobacillus sakei and Lactobacillus curvatus in Food Samples

Optimization of fermentation processes requires monitoring the species composition of starter cultures and their growth during fermentation. Most starter cultures contain closely related species. Nowadays, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is extensively used for multiplex identification of closely related species. In the present paper, we applied real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with HRM analysis for the detection and differentiation of Lactobacillus sakei and L. curvatus. A primer pair was selected for the site of the rpoA gene of Lactobacillus spp. Eleven starter cultures and fifteen fermented sausages with a known bacterial composition were successfully tested using real-time PCR with HRM analysis with the developed primer pair.

[Comprehensive assessment of the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dependence of their accumulation in meat products]

Dependences of the quantity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on the conditions for the formation of components of smoke compositions, the type of wood, the formulation, the technology of production, and the type of packaging material have been studied. An increase in temperature from 450 to 700 °C lead to a 2-3-fold increase in the amount of PAH in meat products. It has been established that the use of a polyamide coating reduced the total carcinogenicity of sausages by 2.0-3.7 fold compared with protein and natural shells, which in terms of PAH accumulation were the most dangerous. Fibrous shell was able to provide a reduction in PAH level in the product up to 40% compared to natural one. The permeability of the fat fraction of the product for PAH was up to 10 fold higher than that of proteins and carbohydrates. The data obtained made it possible to determine the safety criteria for smoked meat products, taking into account the potential carcinogenic hazard of each PAH. The optimal indicators of the presence of PAH in the product are 8 PAH (benz[a]pyrene, chrysene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d] pyrene). The PAH exposure on the human body has been determined under the constant consumption of smoked meat products. The prospective use of barrier protection technologies, substances possessing antiradical activity, and protective films to reduce residual PAH content has been proved. The results of the studies showed a 5-fold decrease in the total amount of PAH when using films impregnated with fat-containing micro anemulsion of vegetable or animal fat. The effect increased when meat was marinateв in a 9% solution of acetic acid or 3% solution of ascorbic acid.

[CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONDITION OF FULL-TERM NEWBORNS FROM THE GROUP OF HIGH PERINATAL RISK DURING VACCINATION PERIOD IN THE MATERNITY HOSPITAL]

AIM

Evaluation of the volume of immune prophylaxis work at the stage of administering aid to newborns at the early neonatal period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Case-control type cohort retro- spective study was carried out, 160 medical reports of deliveries and histories of development of illness of newborns during the period of March-October 2014 were analyzed. Statistical treatment of data was carried out using Statistica 7.0 package.

RESULTS

Principal nosologic units in pregnant women and their newborn children, volumes of primary vaccination (against viral hepatitis B, tuberculosis) in maternity hospitals in children with perinatal pathology and healthy newborns, reasons for medical counterindications,were determined.

CONCLUSION

The process of vaccination in perinatal center has its own features: a high amount of medical counterindications and thus a low coverage of primary vaccination of newborns, not exceeding 40%. Each child requires indi- vidual approach, the question of sequence and calendar of vaccination is solved taking into con- sideration the health condition. Healthy newborns are vaccinated according to the national vac- cination calendar except those children whose parents reject vaccination.

[Method of determination organic iodine (iodotyrosines) in food]

It is important to control the substances of the synthesis of biologically active supplements, based on organic forms of iodine (iodotyrosines). But it is no less important to control the content of iodotyrosines in foods. The developed method is sensitive and selective and can determine iodotyrosines with a lower limit of detection (1 ppb). Iodotyrosines have been determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The article contains parameters for chromatographic separation of 3-iodo-L-tyrosine and 3.5-diiodo-L-tyrosine and parameters of the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry, describes the methodology of sample preparation and solid phase extraction. The article substantiates the use of mass spectrometry as the most sensitive and selective method for determining the organic iodine as compared to HPLC with UV detection. The enzymatic hydrolysis with proteolytic enzymes has been used for sample preparation in iodothyronine analyses. Solid phase extraction was performed using C18 cartridge. For HPLC-MS/MS analysis iodothyronine derivatives were obtained with a mixture of butanol-acetyl chloride. Degree of iodotyrosine extraction from the matrix of the foodstuffs was not less than 85%, the correlation coefficient of the calibration curve in the concentration range of 1-2000 ng/mL was 0.999, reliable determination of iodine content in foods in the range from 10 to 20 000 mcg/kg.

[Comparative study of the determination of the HER2 status in gastric cancer in the biopsy and intraoperative specimens]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the HER2 status of gastric adenocarcinomas, by using biopsy and intraoperative specimens.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to examine the HER2 status of 346 gastric cancer biopsy and intraoperative specimens.

RESULTS

The study conducted on a large Russian sample of 346 patients showed a positive HER2 status in 10.7% of the examined specimens. Intestinal-type adenocarcinomas exhibited a positive HER2 status in 21.4% of the cases. Comparative analysis of the HER2 status in the biopsy and intraoperative specimens indicated that there were differences in the determination of the tumor HER2 status in less than 1% of the examined specimens. The remaining found differences (14.7%) failed to change the tumor HER2 status and to affect the choice of a treatment regimen.

CONCLUSION

The performed investigation has demonstrated that the tumor HER2 status determined in the biopsy specimen significantly reflects the molecular biological properties of gastric cancer and may be clinically used to determine indications for the use of targeted drugs.

[The comparative analysis of changes of short pieces of EEG at perception of music on the basis of the event-related synchronization/desynchronization and wavelet-synchrony]

The going of present pilot study is an analysis of features changes of EEG short pieces registered from 32 sites, at perception of musical melodies healthy examinees depending on logic (cognizance) and emotional (it was pleasant it was not pleasant) melody estimations. For this purpose changes of event-related synchronization/desynchronization, and also wavelet-synchrony of EEG-responses at 31 healthy examinees at the age from 18 till 60 years were compared. It is shown that at a logic estimation of music the melody cognizance is accompanied the event-related desynchronization in the left fronto-parietal-temporal area. At an emotional estimation of a melody the event-related synchronization in left fronto - temporal area for the pleasant melodies, desynchronization in temporal area for not pleasant and desynchronization in occipital area for the melodies which are not causing the emotional response is typical. At the analysis of wavelet-synchrony of EEG characterizing jet changes of interaction of cortical zones, it is revealed that the most distinct topographical distinctions concern type of processing of the heard music: logic (has learned-hasn't learned) or emotional (it was pleasant-it was not pleasant). If at an emotional estimation changes interhemispheric communications between associative cortical zones (central, frontal, temporal), are more expressed at logic - between inter - and intrahemispheric communications of projective zones of the acoustic analyzer (temporal area). It is supposed that the revealed event-related synchronization/desynhronization reflects, most likely, an activation component of an estimation of musical fragments whereas the wavelet-analysis provides guidance on character of processing of musical stimulus.

[Amplitude-time parameters of long-latency components (N1, N2 and P300) of acoustic evoked potential of healthy examinees of young and mature age]

The aim of study was to track a cumulative changes of amplitude-time parametres of components N1, N2 and P300 of acoustic evoked potential in experimental situations different in complexity (at the account and listening of sounds) and to compare the received distinctions at examinees of young and mature age. ERP were recorded at 12 healthy subjects from 18 to 22 ages and 12 subjects from 32 to 59 ages. The two-stimuli oddball paradigm was used. It is revealed that components N1, N2 and P300 recorded in the situation of the listenings of sounds without any preliminary instruction do not differ at persons of young and mature age. At examinees of younger age the biger amplitude of component N1 is noted at the account of sounds in comparison with listening whereas the latency of the one do not change depending on complexity of the task. It is shown that component N2 has stability of latency in relation to age and an experimental situation. The amplitude of component N2 is above at the account of sounds in both age groups. The amplitude-time parametres of component P300 do not differ at examinees of different age in a problem of listening of sounds. The revealed features of components N1, N2 and P300 at examinees of young and mature age in experimental situations different in complexity, allow to assume that with the years at the person adaptive mechanisms which allow carrying out successfully of the task.

[Possibilities of wavelet-syncronization method for estimation of the spatial distribution of components of auditory evoked potentials in healthy subjects]

Event-related potentials (ERP) are informative indicators of higher nervous activity of healthy people and patients in pathological states. Traditionally, methods of ERP processing include peak-time characteristics, topographical mapping and localization of equivalent dipole sources. At the same time, estimation of ERP synchronization is complicated by a short duration of the process. The wavelet analysis makes it possible to overcome the disadvantages of the traditional Furrier analysis and to calculate characteristics of ERP synchronization, in particular, phase synchronization. A new approach to estimation of the auditory ERP in healthy persons is proposed in the article. The method is based on the analysis of phase wavelet-synchronization of ERP individual components under conditions of differentiation of different degrees of attention concentration in healthy persons.

[Professional selection and successful residency training in anesthesiology-resuscitation]

The professional carrier of 356 residents, the 1960-2007 graduates of the Saint Petersburg Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, was studied to specify approaches to professional selection of anesthesiologists. Thirty (8.4%) graduates did not work as anesthesiologists at all. It should be noted that most (n = 24) of the 30 graduates had successfully completed the residency. The anesthetic activities were generally altered under the influence of factors that are not related to successful education, namely financial, social, familial, etc. In this connection, long-term forecasting underlying professional selection appears to be of doubtful feasibility. The selection made within the first year of training (a follow-up by teachers) is valid. However, it is impossible to consider each residency graduate to be a well-trained anesthesiologist. An intermediate decision to solve this problem is to establish the new nationally accepted order: a graduate may start his/her professional career only at a university clinic or other large hospital especially licensed for this purpose, by being supervised by senior colleagues. Permission for fully independent practice should be given not earlier than after 2-3-year work at the above mentioned clinics.

[Anesthesiologist-resuscitator: problems of training and maintenance of professional work]

The problems of psychological disturbances and insufficient profeccional skills amongst anaesthesiologists and intensive care specialists are discussed. The authors emphasized the need for special psychological education during refreshing courses and training period in residency. The official education in clinical residency should be updated in accordance with current view of speciality. It is necessary to use special simulators for better training of manual skill's and evaluation of knowledge more widely. The proper organization of the workplace is very important for successful performance and psychological condition of the personnel. The lack of profeccional Russian-language journals makes necessity for creation of a new textbook and periodical issue in paper and electronic format.

[Dependence of the antioxidant effect of imidazole derivatives on concentration and a method of administration]

An experimental model study of the antioxidant properties of imidazole derivatives showed evidence of a nonlinear dose-effect relationship as manifested by hemiluminescence in liposomes. In the in vivo experiments on a thiophenol intoxication model, the antioxidant effect observed for a "large dose-short time" scheme was more favorable than that for a "small dose-long time" administration schedule.

In vivo measurement of hemodialyzer fiber bundle volume: theory and validation

BACKGROUND

Fiber bundle volume (FBV), the space within the blood compartment of hollow fiber dialyzers, may decrease during treatment due to clotting. The clots may be flushed out of the dialyzer prior to measurements of FBV by dialyzer reprocessing equipment and a significant drop in FBV during the session may go unrecognized.

METHODS

FBV was measured (1) from the transit time of a saline bolus passing through the dialyzer as recorded by ultrasound dilution sensors placed on the arterial and venous blood lines; (2) from the change in blood concentration induced by a step change in the rate of ultrafiltration as recorded by the venous sensor.

RESULTS

In vitro FBV ranged from 47 to 121 ml. Paired absolute differences between the ultrasound and volumetric measurements (flushing saline out of the dialyzer into a graduated cylinder) were 0.16 +/- 4.23% (N = 42) and 2.10 +/- 7.26% (N = 13) for the bolus and ultrafiltration methods, respectively. In vivo reproducibility of the bolus and ultrafiltration methods were 2.65 +/- 2.11% (N = 122) and 3.79 +/- 3.93% (N = 32), respectively. During 31 treatments the FBV by dilution showed an average decrease of 4.17 +/- 8.60%, and in 6 cases FBV fell more than 10%, while measurements of the same FBV by reuse equipment showed an increase of 0.99 +/- 5.82%, P < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

FBV measured by the dilution methods was accurate and reproducible. Preliminary results suggest that in vivo FBV may differ significantly from results reported by reprocessing machines.

[Neurohumoral regulation of the secretory function of the pancreas during adaptation to protein-enriched food]

It is established in the experiments on rats that the sensitivity of pancreas acinar cells to carbacholine and pentagastrin change under conditions of "protein" diet (40% of protein) if compared to the balanced diet (18% of protein).