In 2023, two Correspondence published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlighted the growing apprehension regarding extensively drug-resistant bacteria originating from Ukraine, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.1,2 However, there is a paucity of large granular and localised datasets to substantiate and guide international response efforts.
We report on this crucial gap by presenting findings from over 6800 diagnostic isolates obtained from the largest health-care union in Western Ukraine collated as part of development of a yearly cumulative antibiogram (CuAbgm) to track antibiotic-resistant bacteria in our region; the study period took place between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024. Hospitals within the First Lviv Territorial Medical Union (1TMO) contain over 2400 beds and provide treatment for more than 100 000 patients annually. 1TMO is an essential hospital union in the trauma evacuation pathway, receiving war-wounded casualties for definitive reconstruction surgery and burns treatment from other Ukrainian hospitals.

 УДК:339.726.3:327.7:070.484(410) 

У статті проаналізовано фактологічний матеріал щодо процесу прийняття рішень і надання військової допомоги Україні міжнародними партнерами та союзниками в ході російсько-Української війни впродовж 2023 року. Метою пропонованої статті є подальша активізація військово-історичних досліджень в контексті сучасної російсько-Української війни на тій джерельній базі, яка представлена у друкованих зарубіжних засобах масової інформації. Дослідницьку увагу акцентовано на хронології, послі­довності та узгодженості в плануванні і наданні військової допомоги Україні. Аналізуючи публікації британської газети «Ґа́рдіан», робиться висновок про можливість проведення глибокого дослідження всіх складових процесу надання військової допомоги Україні, її наповнення та передачі нашій країні.

   Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted much attention in nanomedicine due to their ability to upconvert photons. However, their adverse effects hinder the biomedical applications. In this paper, bisphosphonate-modified poly(isobutylene-alt-maleicacid)-graft-poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-coated NaYF4:Yb,Er,Pr UCNPs (UCNP@PIMAPDMA) nanoparticles were designed, which exhibited luminescence emission simultaneously in the visible and NIR-II regions. The developed UCNPs were characterized by a range of physicochemical methods, including transmission electron and energy dispersive microscopy (TEM and EDAX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), spectrofluorometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and so forth. The UCNP@PIMAPDMA nanoparticles were also evaluated in cell cultures and experimental animals. The particles showed good biocompatibility with cultured human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells commonly used in toxicological studies. Neat UCNPs were cytotoxic towards these cells, which was confirmed by measuring their viability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Blood serum proteins adhered to the surface of UCNP@PIMAPDMA particles, forming a protein corona that may contribute to particle biosafety. After intravenous injection of these particles into laboratory mice, there were no statistically significant changes in body mass of the treated animals. Also, no big adverse effects on blood cell profile, enzymatic and metabolic markers of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were observed. Finally, the application potential of UCNP@PIMAPDMA nanoparticles was confirmed by successfully imaging the cytoplasm of rat mesenchymal stem cells and rat C6 glioblastoma cells using laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Keywords: cytotoxicity | hematology parameters | polymer coating | protein corona | upconverting nanoparticles

UDC: 616.94:576.8.06:616.155.34:616.155.321]-002.828-092.9

   Background. Sepsis is a major global health problem, with fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans emerging as a significant cause of invasive infection. Fungal sepsis has a higher mortality rate than bacterial sepsis and is complicated by antifungal resistance. Although neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) help to contain fungi, excessive NETs can contribute to inflammation and tissue injury. Understanding these mechanisms could reveal markers of disease activity and new therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods. Fungal sepsis was induced in twelve male BALB/c mice via an intraperitoneal injection of Meyerozyma guilliermondii (107 cells per mouse). Blood was collected at the beginning of the study and then on days 1–3, 7–9, and 13–15. Serum was analyzed for IgG, IgM, circulating immune complexes (ELISA), and extracellular DNA (fluorescence assay). 
   Results and Discussion. In mice with fungal sepsis, IgG levels remained stable while IgM levels increased significantly between days 7 and 9, before declining from day 13. IgG–IgM immune complexes peaked around days 8–9, reflecting active antigenantibody responses. Free DNA levels, which indicate NETs formation, increased by day 7 and then declined, showing early neutrophil activation followed by humoral control. Together, these findings suggest a coordinated immune response in which NETs and immune complexes contribute to both pathogen control and inflammation.
   Conclusion. Fungal sepsis induced by Meyerozyma guilliermondii resulted in early NETosis and an increase in IgM and immune complexes. IgM levels peaked on days 7–9 before declining. Unlike Candida albicans, this strain does not cause rapid lethality, enabling detailed tracking of disease progression over time. After day 9, immune parameters began to normalize, indicating the resolution of the acute phase and supporting the usefulness of this model for studying host immune dynamics in fungal sepsis.
   Keywords: fungal sepsis, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, acute inflammation, immune defense, circulating immune complexes, neutrophil extracellular traps
(NETs)

Echinococcosis is an interdisciplinary medical and veterinary problem, highlighting the interconnected nature of human and animal health, particularly in the context of zoonotic disease transmission and control, currently considered within the framework of the “One Health” approach. Among the nine species of helminths belonging to the genus Echinococcus, two are most relevant for Ukraine and Poland: Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) and E. multilocularis. The former causes cystic (hydatid) echinococcosis in humans, while the latter causes alveolar echinococcosis. These dangerous biohelminthoses form parasitic systems involving definitive hosts (carnivorous mammals of the order Carnivora, families Canidae and Felidae) and intermediate hosts (cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, rodents, humans, etc.).

The aim of this study was to determine the main characteristics of the development of epizootic and epidemic processes of echinococcosis at the present stage, considering the impact of the active phase of the Russo-Ukrainian war on the dynamics of the spread of this biohelminthosis. Descriptive techniques of the comprehensive epidemiological method were used to achieve the goal.

Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are defined as endemic hazardous parasitic diseases under epizootic and epidemiological surveillance in Ukraine. Cystic echinococcosis is widespread nationwide, while alveolar echinococcosis has a more pronounced zonal distribution. Cases of echinococcosis in humans and animals are recorded annually in Ukraine. The epizootic situation has worsened due to the inability to implement anti-epizootic measures for dogs and livestock in active combat zones and frontline areas. In humans, the chronic parasitic disease manifests with multi-organ damage, most commonly affecting the liver and lungs, though other organs such as the spleen, kidneys, and brain may be involved, too. After a long incubation period, it is usually detected in advanced stages through instrumental diagnostic methods. Surgical removal of larvocysts is performed using the PAIR technique (Puncture-Aspiration-Instillation-Reaspiration). In cases of multiple organ involvement, the prognosis may be unfavorable.

The lack of effective preventive measures and the limited efficacy of anthelmintic treatments complicates efforts to combat human echinococcosis. The optimal approach involves adherence to core strategies of the “One Health” program: deworming dogs as definitive hosts of Echinococcus granulosus s.l., improving environmental health, and raising public awareness.