Pskov State University (Pskov SU) is a public university in the Pskov Region of Russia. It is one of the 33 flagship universities in Russia. Pskov SU was established in 2010 by several other educational institutions in the region.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat, with antiprotozoal resistance receiving less scrutiny, particularly in vulnerable populations. Patients with mental disorders, often on long-term psychotropic therapy, may have altered gut microbiomes that could predispose them to parasitic infections and drug resistance. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and characterize Blastocystis hominis resistance to the antiprotozoal drugs metronidazole and trimethoprim in patients with mental disorders. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by analyzing medical records of 40 patients from a psychiatric center. Intestinal parasitocenosis was assessed using bacterioscopic and culture methods on Jones' medium. The susceptibility of isolated Blastocystis hominis strains was determined by the standard disk diffusion method and by assessing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: Protozoal infections were detected in 27.5% (11/40) of patients, with Blastocystis hominis being the most prevalent (53.8% of positive cases). Among the isolated strains, 42.9% were sensitive to metronidazole and 57.1% to trimethoprim; the remaining strains were resistant. The MIC for metronidazole was 10-3 mg/m L, and for trimethoprim, 10-4 mg/mL. Conclusions: A high rate of antiprotozoal drug resistance in Blastocystis hominis was identified in this vulnerable population, potentially linked to antipsychotic-induced gut dysbiosis. The findings underscore the need for parasitic monitoring and susceptibility testing prior to empirical therapy in this group.
Background: Intestinal parasitic diseases, particularly blastocystosis caused by Blastocystis spp., represent a global health concern, affecting up to 80% of populations in developing countries. Understanding the functional digestive disturbances associated with this infection is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the structural and chemical changes in the gastrointestinal tract during Blastocystis spp. infection using comprehensive coprogram characteristics and to evaluate the diagnostic value of its indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 503 individuals with gastrointestinal diseases and confirmed Blastocystis spp. infection, compared with 150 healthy controls matched by sex and age. Fecal samples were analyzed without prior dietary standardization, using four preparations: native, Lugol's solution, Sudan solution, and glycerin. Analysis included evaluation of detritus, muscle and plant fibers, starch, and protozoa identification. Results: Infected individuals showed significant digestive disturbances compared to controls. Reduced detritus content was observed in over 50% of infected individuals, indicating impaired digestion. Over 80% exhibited poorly digested cylindrical muscle fibers. Digestible plant fiber was significantly elevated, varying with stool consistency (p < 0.05). Complete absence of starch digestion was observed in 100% of infected individuals, with 56.85% showing significant amounts (++) and 43.15% very large amounts (+++), contrasting with 98% of controls with no detectable starch (p < 0.001). Discussion: The findings indicate that Blastocystis spp. infection causes profound alterations in digestive processes, characterized by fermentation and incomplete digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. Coprological examination proved to be a simple, highly valuable diagnostic tool for detecting these functional disorders. Conclusions: Coprogram indicators serve as effective laboratory instruments for diagnosing parasitic diseases like blastocystosis and can guide therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.
IntroductionThis study compares two asymmetrical security models in Eurasia: Europe’s NATO-centered security architecture, which relies on extended nuclear deterrence, and Kazakhstan’s institutionalized strategy of denuclearization.MethodsThe theoretical framework is grounded primarily in classical realism, especially Morgenthau’s state-centric understanding of power and national interest, while Aron’s work is used to clarify the relationship between military force and diplomacy. The study uses structured qualitative comparative case study supported by descriptive quantitative indicators for the period 1991–2025. The empirical basis includes indicators of global nuclear arsenals, defense expenditure, and institutional security assessments drawn from standardized international datasets.ResultsThis article argues that nuclear deterrence and denuclearization represent structurally distinct security logics rather than comparable variants. While European security remains embedded in extended deterrence structures mediated through NATO and key nuclear states, Kazakhstan’s security model is based on strategic denuclearization and multilateral non-proliferation commitments.DiscussionThe comparison demonstrates that these models reflect different positions within the global nuclear order rather than alternative implementations of a single deterrence framework. The article contributes by reframing the comparison as one between Europe’s NATO-centered security architecture and Kazakhstan’s denuclearized security model. Rather than comparing equivalent political actors, the study compares two distinct forms of institutional embeddedness within the global nuclear order.
The article discusses the pedagogical conditions for developing the subjectivity of primary school students during their involvement in the learning process, which is based on personalized learning techniques. The article also provides a description of the systematic content and results of the experimental learning of primary school students.
