Vol 31, No 6 (2024)

Understanding the aerosol transmission mechanism of respiratory infectious diseases is crucial for predicting indoor air circulation and optimizing ventilation system design. A literature search was conducted using various keyword combinations in the PubMed database. The selection included studies examining the impact of indoor microclimate parameters and ventilation system performance on the risk of viral transmission. Since 2020, there has been increasing interest in studying how viral infections spread via aerosols within buildings and transportation infrastructure, considering the operational conditions of engineering systems. Currently, substantial evidence supports the dependence of viral aerosol viability on indoor temperature and humidity levels. Maintaining an optimal relative humidity of 40–60% at standard room temperature is essential not only for aerosol stability but also for virus neutralization. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the effects of air mobility and indoor pollution on the stability of viral pathogens. A significant body of literature confirms the influence of ventilation system efficiency on infection risk in buildings. To reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, an air exchange rate of at least 30 m³/h per person is recommended. Based on the findings, a set of practical recommendations for ventilation system operation amidst increased disease incidence has been developed. Discrepancies between international and Russian regulatory requirements regarding indoor climate parameters and air quality standards have been identified, emphasizing the need for improved measures to mitigate the spread of respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND: In the northern regions, exposure to harsh climatic and ecological conditions alters immune status, resulting in decreased resistance to microorganisms, development of various types of hypersensitivity, and auto-sensitization. During formation and maturation of the immune system, these changes contribute to growth retardation in children, while in adults, they accelerate aging.

AIM: To assess the distribution of lymphocyte phenotypes and the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in women residing in the Far North.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed the immune status of 60 conditionally healthy women living in the Far North of the Russian Federation (Pinega, Arkhangelsk Region). The mean age of the participants was 47.76±0.94 years. Blood concentrations of lymphocyte phenotypes (CD3⁺, CD5⁺, CD8⁺, CD10⁺, CD16⁺, CD71⁺, HLA-DR⁺) were measured using an indirect immunoperoxidase reaction with monoclonal antibodies. Granulocyte phagocytic activity was assessed using latex particles, with phagocytic activity expressed as a percentage and phagocytic intensity determined by the phagocytic index (the number of latex particles engulfed per 100 neutrophils). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard error of the mean) were calculated for each immunological parameter. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The percentage of immune parameter imbalances was determined based on the frequency of high and low concentrations relative to physiological reference ranges. Data analysis was conducted using Statistica 10.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010.

RESULTS: Cellular immunity strain was identified, characterized by reduced activity of T-lymphocytes expressing CD3⁺ and CD5⁺ receptors (95.00±1.61% and 96.66±1.63% of women, respectively). This was accompanied by increased cytotoxic CD8⁺ cells and natural killer CD16⁺ cells (53.33±1.20% and 48.33±1.14%, respectively). This pattern suggests a reduced reserve capacity of the immune system. A decrease in phagocytic activity was observed in 20.00±0.73% of participants, while an increase in CD10⁺ cells was noted in 21.66±0.77%.

CONCLUSION: The insufficient activity of T-lymphocytes, coupled with an increase in cytotoxic and natural killer cells, reflects a state of immune system strain. Additionally, reduced phagocytic activity and elevated CD10⁺ lymphoproliferation contributes to a reduced reserve capacity of immune homeostasis.

AIM: To examine the dynamics of morphophysiological and biochemical indicators, stress levels, and the intake of different classes of fatty acids in the human body, identifying essential fatty acid deficiencies before omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive morphophysiological and biochemical study was conducted, analyzing 35 parameters before and after 1.5 months of omega-3 PUFA supplementation.

RESULTS: At baseline, the men in both the experimental and control groups demonstrated similar profiles across all analyzed parameters. After 1.5 months of omega-3 PUFA supplementation (Stage 2), the experimental group exhibited optimization-driven adjustments in several physiological systems. These changes included improvements in cardiovascular function, which facilitated a more optimal metabolic profile, normalization of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, a significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and a concurrent decrease in overall systemic inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in the tension matrix of functional reserves. In contrast, the control group, which did not receive docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation, did not experience similar adaptations. Instead, maladaptive responses in carbohydrate metabolism, capillary blood flow, and cardiovascular function were observed, which were likely exacerbated by the critical seasonal transition, as ambient temperatures fluctuated around freezing.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study support the recommendation of omega-3 PUFA supplementation for northern residents as a mitigating factor against the adverse effects of seasonal climatic fluctuations.