Arkhangelsk Region Research Articles

Opisthorchiasis-related topical issues

The article analyzes statistical data on the 2020 vs 2019 opisthorchiasis incidence rate on the territory of the Russian Federation and in foreign countries, provides absolute and intensive morbidity indicators across entire the Russian Federation and specifically in its subjects — republics and regions, general prevalence of helminthiasis, and opisthorchiasis particularly overall pattern of parasitic diseases, as well as contribution of opisthorchiasis to general pattern of biohelminthiasis, its dynamics, and prevalence of relevant causative agent. A comparative analysis for incidence rates in the regions where opisthorchiasis was recorded and mean country-wide statistical parameters was carried out. As a result, it was concluded that despite a decline in the Russia-wide overall parasitic morbidity, an excess of mean indicators, sometimes significant, was noted in some regions. Thus, compared to Russia-wide magnitude of intensive indicator, it was higher by 4-fold in the Komi Republic, whereas in the Kurgan, Vologda, Arkhangelsk Regions and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug — by 3-fold. The article provides an analysis of the population age groups as well as percentage of opisthorchis-affected urban and rural populations. In addition, the special clinical and epidemiological significance of opisthorchiasis remains urgent due to severity of its course, affected various body systems and organs, emergence of serious complications leading to disability, and in some cases to fatal outcomes, the presence of natural foci, most of which are located in the Russian Federation. Almost all territories adjacent to the basins of the Ob, Irtysh, Tom rivers and their tributaries pose special concern regarding opisthorchiasis. The data related to prevalence of helminthiasis larvae detected in fish in 2020 and 2019 since 2010 are presented. Based on the data shown above, strict adherence to preventive measures plays an important role in reducing opisthorchiasis incidence rate and preventing its spread.

Первые данные об афиллофоровых грибах государственного природного заказника «Мудьюгский» (Архангельская область, европейская часть России)

The data on 79 species of aphyllophoroid fungi of the Mudyugsky Reserve, which is located near the mouth of the Northern Dvina River in the Primorsky District of the Arkhangelsk Region, are reported. Three species are new to the Arkhangelsk Region (Lindtneria leucobryophila, Peniophora piceae and Phlebia albomellea), all of them and Jaapia argillacea are known for the Arkhangelsk Region only from this area. Within the territory, there are three species listed in the Red Book of the Arkhangelsk Region and nine indicator species, of which seven are indicators of oldgrowth and two of virgin spruce and pine forests.

Soil reclamation of cranberry plantations on reclaimed lands in Arkhangelsk region

In the production conditions of the "Arkhangelsk cranberry" in the Arkhangelsk region, the land use analysis was carried out as a part of land use monitoring in this agricultural production. In 2015, the first cranberry plantations were planted, and in April 2023 about 40 hectares of peatlands were already in land use of the factory including 8 fields (checks) with an average area of 1 hectare. An assessment of the dynamics of change on the area of the created plantation was carried out for all indicators such as the length of roads, developed area and some separately designed structures (except of drained bogs). It was found that the soil indicators of peatlands are normal for this type of lands, and provide favorable conditions for growing cranberries. The analysis of the dynamics of land use in the period from 2015 to 2023 revealed the following dynamic indicators: an increase in the area of active land use by 418.97%, an increase in the area of drained swamps by 310.68%, 5.5 hectares were withdrawn from the forest fund, 42.31 hectares are under development (complex works), the total number of checks for planting increased by 23 parcels, an increase in the length of roads, including dirt roads, by 8.6 km, an increase in the number of fire ponds by 3 pieces, an increase in the number of sludge ponds by 3 pieces, and, finally, 1 recreational site was commissioned. The research has also shown that drainage does not lead to a significant change in the chemical composition of the organic part of peat and its agrochemical properties, so using drainage is not rational. In this case, a slight change in the water-air regime was observed together with the changes in the soil-forming process, and some activities of microorganisms, which was a prerequisite for an increase in the level of mineralization of the organic part of peat. Despite the gradual commissioning of peatlands, environmental sustainability has a trend towards an increase, which should be taken into account in the further development of the enterprise.

Новые находки видов лишайников для Архангельской области из Государственного природного заповедника «Пинежский» (Северо-Запад России)

The study presents information about 28 new findings of lichen species from the territory of the Pinezhsky Nature Reserve. Arthopyrenia cerasi, Verrucaria elaeomelaena, and V. murina are new for Northwest Russia, other 14 species are new for the Arkhangelsk Region, 11 — new for its mainland part. The findings were confirmed by specimens stored in the herbaria of Petrozavodsk State University (PZV) and the University of Helsinki (H).

Ecological and epidemiological characteristics of tick-borne encephalitis and ixodic tick-borne borreliosis incidence according to the data of the Arkhangelsk region for 2012–2022

BACKGROUND: The increase of ticks infected with borrelia and tick-borne encephalitis virus, as well as the impact of anthropogenic factor on the ecosystem of the northern region determines the need to study possible risk factors and epidemiological trends in the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis and ixoid tick-borreliosis. AIM: To conduct a retrospective ecological and epidemiological analysis of regional peculiarities of the epidemic process of tick-borne encephalitis and ixoid tick-borreliosis in the Arkhangelsk region in comparison with similar indicators in the North-West Federal District and Russia for 2012–2022. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work was carried out in accordance with the ecological research design. Statistical data of the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System, as well as statistical annual forms of the Department of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare in Russia and the Arkhangelsk region were used as the information base. The registered cases of tick-borne encephalitis and ixoid tick-borreliosis morbidity in the Arkhangelsk region, as well as in Russia and the Northwestern Federal District as a whole for 2012–2022 were evaluated. Time series analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019. The study also analyzes the dynamics of climatic factors in the Arkhangelsk region and its possible impact on the distribution and migration of ixodid ticks across the territory of the European North of Russia. Correlations were assessed by evaluating Pearson’s correlation criterion using the Google Collaboratory interface. RESULTS: The number of tick bites in the Arkhangelsk region throughout the entire study period significantly exceeds the similar indicator (per 100 thousand population) in Russia. The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis in the Arkhangelsk region significantly exceeds that in both the Russian Federation and the Northwestern Federal District, and exceeded the average annual rate in Russia more than 3 times, although it had a faster rate of decline (5.7% vs. 3.7% annually). The incidence of ixoid tick-borreliosis has a paradoxical character due to the fact that throughout almost the whole period it is below the all-Russian level (3.19 per 100,000 population in Arkhangelsk region against 4.41 in the Russian Federation), while the incidence in the Northwestern Federal District is 1.3 times higher on average. CONCLUSIONS: During the last decade the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis in the Arkhangelsk region remains stably high in comparison with both the Russian Federation and the Northwestern Federal District. The incidence of ixoid tick-borreliosis corresponds to the long-term average for Russia, with a more pronounced downward trend (4.7% vs. 1.7%). The territory of the Arkhangelsk region is subject to the trend of increasing average annual temperatures, and anthropogenic interventions, in particular, abundant deforestation, lead to the destruction of established ecosystems and open new opportunities and territories for ticks, which in the future may negatively affect the established trends of morbidity. The analysis confirms the need to develop and adopt organizational measures aimed at the development of epidemiological and epizootological monitoring.

Composition and structure of under-ice zooplankton of diverse lakes in Kenozersky National Park (Arkhangelsk Region)

Composition and structure of under-ice zooplankton of diverse lakes in Kenozersky National Park (Arkhangelsk Region)

Особенности алкоголь-ассоциированной шокогенной травмы, полученной в Арктической зоне Архангельской области

Summary. The purpose of the study is to analyze alcohol-associated shock injuries in the Arctic zone of the Arkhangelsk region to establish epidemiological features. Materials and methods of research. Medical documents of 140 patients who received a shock injury and were taken for treatment to the Arkhangelsk Regional Clinical Hospital (level I trauma center) were analyzed. SPSS 22.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis. Research results and their analysis. Among persons with shockogenic trauma 36.4% were in a state of moderate alcohol intoxication, among them 94% were men. The distribution of shockogenic injuries in a state of alcoholic intoxication is presented according to the nature of the injury, the age of the injured and the time of injury.

Оказание хирургической помощи пострадавшим от применения огнестрельного оружия ограниченного поражения в Арктической зоне Архангельской области

Summary. The aim of the study was to estimate the surgical care provided to the victims of traumatic weapons in the Arctic zone of the Arkhangelsk region. Materials and methods of research. We conducted a document-based statistical study using the records from 248 case histories (statistical form # 003/u) filled in for the victims of traumatic weapons, who received medical care in medical facilities of Arkhangelsk and Severodvinsk cities, located the Arctic Zone of Russia in 2005-2022. The research methods are analytical and mathematical-statistical. Categorical variables presented as percentages and frequencies were used for the analysis. The values of all relative quantities were calculated using the WinPepi program. The severity of the injuries was assessed using the VPKh-P(OR) scale, developed under the supervision of Major General of the Medical Service, Professor E.K.Gumanenko (1990) at the S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy. The results of the study and their analysis. Every third victim of limited-damage firearms in the Arctic zone of the Arkhangelsk region required inpatient surgical care with the involvement of surgeons of various specialties. In case of multiple and combined wounds, it was necessary to involve two or more surgeons of various profiles. In case of minor wounds from limited-damage firearms during primary surgical treatment, the severity of the wound is underestimated by surgeons and, as a result, the bullet is not initially detected and remains in the wound, which, in turn, complicates the condition of the victim and requires repeated surgical intervention. In 39% of cases of wounds from limited-damage firearms to the head, every fifth case (21.9%) of wounds to the chest, every tenth case of wounds to the abdomen – specialized surgical care is required, the availability of which in the Arctic zone can be very problematic.

Systemic meningococcal infection in children of the Arkhangelsk region: predictors of unfavorable course and outcome during different periods of observation

Invasive meningococcal infection remains a leading cause of death among infectious diseases in children.Aim. to investigate predictors of death in patients with invasive meningococcal infection during two periods of observation: 1991–2011 and 2012–2022.Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 143 children aged 1,5 months to 17 years old, living in the Arkhangelsk region and having had invasive meningococcal infection. The study included two periods: 1991–2011 (N=93) and 2012–2022 (N=50). Groups of recovered and deceased patients were compared.Results. When admitted to the hospital meningococcal infection or bacterial meningitis was diagnosed in 25,5% of cases among deceased patients, and in 57,3% among survivors. More than half of the patients with an fatal outcome were not referred to the hospital after the first examination by a medical professional, unlike the recovered patients, of whom 68,8% were immediately referred to the hospital after examination. The majority of the recovered patients (82.3%) were transported to medical facilities providing specialized medical care. In the deceased group, treatment was initiated in non-specialized medical facilities in 74,5% of cases due to the distance from the regional center, where specialized care is provided. Throughout the observation period, the probability of death was higher in infants, patients with of septic shock, leukopenia, in cases requiring repeated visits by medical professional, and during initial therapy in nonspecialized medical organizations. Conclusion. The need to repeatedly seek healthcare, a different referral diagnosis, delays in receiving specialized medical care and the necessity for evacuation to the regional center for specialized care, all increase the probability of death and justify the advisability of specific prevention of meningococcal infection.

Winter atmospheric deposition of trace elements in the Arkhangelsk region (NW Russia): Insights into environmental effects

Atmospheric precipitation is an important indicator of ecological status. Snow cover accumulates all atmospheric precipitation that occurs during the cold season and releases large amounts of matter into surface water streams during spring snowmelt. We measured chemical composition of suspended solids (>0.45 μm) and dissolved matter (<0.45 μm) of atmospheric precipitation sampled on a monthly basis in 4 stations of Arkhangelsk region in cold seasons of 2018–2021. The fluxes of insoluble particles increase consistently in the spring months. In winter, the largest fluxes of suspended solids from the atmosphere were observed in the urbanized areas (in Severodvinsk and Onega). Snow in Onega showed a significant enrichment in Mn as well as Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba and Pb, which is related to boiler house emissions. Severodvinsk snow is enriched in V, Ni in dissolved fraction and Al, V, Cu, Sr, Pb in suspended solids. The environmental risk assessment shows that Onega station is affected to high and extremely polluted conditions for Mn concentration and Severodvinsk station is affected to multi-element pollution from moderate to significant levels. Comparison with the composition of the river runoff of the Northern Dvina showed that the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the snow are equal to or even higher than the river concentrations, indicating that atmospheric precipitation accumulated during winter can significantly affect the geochemistry of river runoff with respect to these elements.

“Step into Medicine” — a pilot project of the Program “Education by Service”

In the period from February to June 2024, on the basis of the Institute of Accreditation and Simulation Technologies of the Northern State Medical University of Arkhangelsk, a pilot project was implemented within the framework of the "Ministry Training" program, which was called the "Step into Medicine Excursion Program". The social partner of the project was the Ministry of Education of the Arkhangelsk region. The social task set by the partner is to involve schoolchildren in the world of medicine, popularize medical professions among schoolchildren, and increase the level of literacy in the field of health protection.

Качество атмосферного воздуха и риск развития болезней системы кровообращения у населения крупного города европейского севера

Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent causes of premature mortality associated with ambient air quality. In the Arkhangelsk region, population mortality caused by diseases of the circulatory system is higher than the national average. The aim of this study was to assess ambient air quality in Arkhangelsk and associated health harm in adult population. The study relied on using data of ambient air monitoring in Arkhangelsk collected over 2011–2022. We analyzed average annual levels of 23 pollutants and primary incidence of diseases of the circulatory system (CVD) and calculated hazard quotients under chronic inhalation exposure (HQ), hazard index (HI) for the cardiovascular system, and the number of attributable deaths associated with exposure to PM10 and PM2.5. Over the analyzed period, the average long-term concentrations of most pollutants met hygienic standards. Average levels of formaldehyde, chromium, copper and benzene were found to exceed the MPL by 1.5–2.3 times. Hazard coefficients for formaldehyde (HQ = 2.3), copper (HQ = 1.8) and PM2.5 (HQ = 1.7) were established to be above their permissible value. The risk of developing general toxic effects is determined to be high (HI = 6.6) for the cardiovascular system. The main contribution to the risk level is made by copper and PM2.5. Attributable outcomes of primary cardiovascular incidence among the adult population of Arkhangelsk associated with exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 equaled 10.7 and 2.9 ‰ cases per year. The greatest harm under exposure to PM2.5 is due to the development of coronary artery disease and amounts to 1.9 ‰ cases per year.

Ambient air quality and risk of circulatory diseases for population of a large city in the European north of Russia

Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent causes of premature mortality associated with ambient air quality. In the Arkhangelsk region, population mortality caused by diseases of the circulatory system is higher than the national average. The aim of this study was to assess ambient air quality in Arkhangelsk and associated health harm in adult population. The study relied on using data of ambient air monitoring in Arkhangelsk collected over 2011–2022. We analyzed average annual levels of 23 pollutants and primary incidence of diseases of the circulatory system (CVD) and calculated hazard quotients under chronic inhalation exposure (HQ), hazard index (HI) for the cardiovascular system, and the number of attributable deaths associated with exposure to PM10 and PM2.5. Over the analyzed period, the average long-term concentrations of most pollutants met hygienic standards. Average levels of formaldehyde, chromium, copper and benzene were found to exceed the MPL by 1.5–2.3 times. Hazard coefficients for formaldehyde (HQ = 2.3), copper (HQ = 1.8) and PM2.5 (HQ = 1.7) were established to be above their permissible value. The risk of developing general toxic effects is determined to be high (HI = 6.6) for the cardiovascular system. The main contribution to the risk level is made by copper and PM2.5. Attributable outcomes of primary cardiovascular incidence among the adult population of Arkhangelsk associated with exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 equaled 10.7 and 2.9 ‰ cases per year. The greatest harm under exposure to PM2.5 is due to the development of coronary artery disease and amounts to 1.9 ‰ cases per year.

Thermal State and Thickness of the Lithospheric Mantle Beneath the Northern East-European Platform: Evidence from Clinopyroxene Xenocrysts in Kimberlite Pipes from the Arkhangelsk Region (NW Russia) and Its Applications in Diamond Exploration

This paper presents the reconstruction of the architecture of the lithospheric mantle, including its thermal state and thickness, as well as the scale and efficiency of its sampling by four kimberlites from the Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province: Arkhangelskaya, Lomonosovskaya, V. Grib, and TSNIGRI-Arkhangelskaya. These kimberlites differ in terms of their composition, diamond content, and location. Data presented include the major-element composition of clinopyroxene xenocrysts (&gt;2000 grains), P–T calculations from compositionally filtered Cr-diopside grains, and the reconstruction of local paleogeotherms. Additionally, we used available data on Ni content in peridotitic garnet xenocrysts to calculate their T values and project them onto local Cr-diopside-derived geotherms to reconstruct the vertical distribution of mantle xenocrysts and assess the efficiency of lithospheric mantle sampling by different kimberlites. We identified the presence of a &gt;200 km-thick lithospheric mantle beneath the region at the time of kimberlite emplacement. We also found that the diamond content of the studied pipes was, to some extent, dependent on the following set of factors: (1) the thermal state of the lithospheric mantle; (2) the width of the real “diamond window” marked by mantle xenocrysts, especially by diamond-associated garnets; and (3) the efficiency of lithospheric mantle sampling by kimberlite. The results of this study can be used to inform diamond exploration programs within the region.

Formation of the machine-building zone of the Arkhangelsk Region forest complex as a response to sanctions

Formation of the machine-building zone of the Arkhangelsk Region forest complex as a response to sanctions

Epidemiology of allelic gene variants of hereditary thrombophilic condition in the population of the Arkhangelsk region

Single-nucleatide substitutions in genes encoding proteins of the hemostasis system and platelet receptors are one of the causes of hereditary predisposition to hypercoagulation and increased thrombosis. The aim is to assess the prevalence of individual allelic variants of hemostasis genes in the population of the Arkhangelsk region. Materials and methods: The study included two groups of participants from the Arkhangelsk region: patients of the Regional Center for Antithrombotic Therapy (RCATT) (n = 2354) and healthy volunteers (n = 195). The molecular genetic study of the polymorphism of the genes of the hemostasis system was carried out by PCR. The results of the study: According to the results of the study, there was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of unfavorable allelic variants of \hemostasis genes between the two groups of participants. Probably, in order to realize the hereditary tendency to increased thrombosis, it is necessary to combine the polymorphism of the studied genes with other

Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants in High-Moor Peats of the Arkhangelsk Region

The results of a study of the contamination of a peat deposit of a representative oligotrophic bog complex (Primorsky district of the Arkhangelsk region) with persistent organic pollutants of polychlorobenzenes and pentachlorophenol are presented. Data on the quantitative content, composition and depth distribution of organochlorine pollutants have been obtained. The maximum amounts of polychlorobenzenes, pentachlorophenol and other chlorinated phenols in the upper 40-centimeter aerated layer of the peat deposit, the formation of which coincides with the period of “chlorine chemistry”, have been established. In addition, the presence of polychlorobenzenes and pentachlorophenol was revealed in all horizons of the upper meter layer of the peat deposit, which indicates their vertical migration in the peat body.

Effects of training load on heart rate variability and blood pressure in track and field athletes and skiers

BACKGROUND: Adaptation of human body to the harsh conditions of the European North remains a topic of ongoing interest, despite numerous studies on the subject. There is a need to study population groups whose daily activities involve physical activity in extreme northern conditions. One such group includes athletes who participate in endurance sports. For athletes engaged in cyclical sports, competitive activities becomes can be particularly demanding, requiring sustained physical exertion and maximum power generation. Training and competing in harsh conditions place significant strain on the body’s cardiovascular regulation mechanisms. Over time, this may result in detrimental structural and biochemical changes in the cardiovascular system. AIM: To identify the patterns of changes in heart rate regulation among track and field athletes and skiers after a training load. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Athletes from the Arkhangelsk region, including skiers and track and field athletes in the mass sports categories, who regularly compete in regional events, took part in the study. The studies took place in the medical offices of sports complexes, where the UPFT-1/30“Psychophysiologist” device was used to record and analyze cardiointervalograms. Blood pressure was recorded before and after training sessions using the Criticare System 8100H monitor. RESULTS: The initial variational span (VR) values of the duration of cardio intervals before exercise were slightly lower than the reference values in both the group of skiers and the group of athletes. At the same time, the mean square deviation (SD) values initially fell within normal range. Following the training load, both groups experienced a statistically significant decrease in SD and VR values, falling below the lower limit of the permissible range. Furthermore, spectral analysis of the cardiac intervals before exercise indicated a high level of neurohumoral regulation. After exercise, there was a statistically significant decrease in the initial values of TP in both groups, aligning with the average level of neurohumoral regulation. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in track and field athletes with a predominant anaerobic training load and skiers with a predominant aerobic load suggest that the training load of a predominantly aerobic nature may lead to less pronounced stress on the regulatory systems. This hypothesis was further supported by the results of the changes in blood pressure.

Clinical Assessment of Injuries Inflicted with the Use of Firearms of Limited Destruction to Residents of the Arctic Zone of the Arkhangelsk region, 2006–2022

Clinical Assessment of Injuries Inflicted with the Use of Firearms of Limited Destruction to Residents of the Arctic Zone of the Arkhangelsk region, 2006–2022

“The Tragedy of Truth” in the Geography of Mikhail Prishvin’s Grove

This article examines the theme of the forest (“grove”) in the works and diaries of Mikhail Prishvin, which for him is inextricably linked not only to environmental problems, but also to the Russian people’s awareness of their historical path and destiny, to the understanding of the concept of “truth” and its semantic content in the minds of different people. The author compares Prishvin’s book of essays Berendey’s Grove (1935–1936), the fairytale Shiptimber Grove (1953) and the writer’s diaries, which reflect his impressions of his trip to Arkhangelsk region in 1935. On his journey to the north, Prishvin was not only carrying out the duties of the People’s Commissariat of the Timber Industry (supervising logging), but also trying to reach the precious and protected forest region – the “inviolable grove”, about which he heard many stories on his way. For Prishvin, the grove is an ideal place, untouched by the “axe of the Antichrist”. And this ideal mythological topos is all the more clearly contrasted with the terrible reality of deforestation that the writer saw and reflected on in his essays and diary. Even the virgin grove that the travellers reach near the Komi border turns out to be doomed. In Prishvin’s texts, conflicting ideas about the forest are not reconciled; he writes about poetic wood and round wood that should be felled. His last book, Shiptimber Grove, is dedicated to the Dream Grove, in which the author tries to save “his” fabulous grove. The article considers various options for the title of Prishvin’s final work, reflecting the movement of his creative consciousness. One of them is The Story of Truth or The Genuine Truth. The theme of truth, or the ‘tragedy’ of truth, is perhaps the central theme in Prishvin’s thought in later years, as well as in the works of a few of his contemporary writers; in the story, he entrusts the search for ‘truth’ to his characters. The shiptimber grove, protected by the Komi people and invaded by war, becomes a multiple image and symbol in the book, including a symbol of truth, uniting the general and the personal, the natural and the human, the past and the future.